When I realized that my young son and daughter were train fanatics (thanks to heavy doses of Thomas the Train and Chuggington), I rued the fact that the romantic era of train travel is largely gone. Then I remembered that I was next door to one of the best spots for train adventures: Smyrna! Okay, so while we may not get to ride the trains, we enjoy watching them and imagining what it was like. That’s why Smyrna’s historic Depot District is one of our favorite places to go—for the trains, yes—and also for the growing community around it.
A Tie to the Past
Smyrna’s ties to the railroad are significant. In the 1845 the State of Tennessee granted a charter to the area to connect this part of Tennessee with the seaports of Charleston and New Orleans, and the depot was constructed. In 2014, the town made a commitment to honor that era by refinishing the historic depot. Now a an event center (and hub of numerous events from the farmers market in summer, to the annual Simply Smyrna Celebration, to Christmas festivities), it also boasts the addition of a walking path and stage for music and theater performances. Bronze plaques hung on the depot remind visitors of the roots of the spot and also casts a vision for where the little big town is headed, even as a CSX trains still thunder along on the tracks beside it.
Dining with a View
After a walk and photos around the depot, the kids and I head for lunch at Carpe Café, an artsy hub for caffeine and homemade meals. Crafted coffees brewed from beans grown in Coffee County are both delicious and pretty, while meal options are fresh and hearty, from thick stacked sandwiches to homemade soups and salads (to be balanced, of course, with a slice of homemade pie or cinnamon roll). The café’s wares benefit Carpe Artista, a center for arts education just down the street for children 5 to 18. You’ll do well to plan your Smyrna visit when you can catch a performance of these talented creatives, and you can always pick one of their creations in the café—mugs, art pieces, photography, and pottery.
For Southern favorites made right, stop in Breaking Bread, where daily specials come with daily encouragement and Bible verses from owner Andrea Corke. The buffet-style lunch room features secret-recipe hot water bread, homestyle meats and scratch-made sides. Another long-time staple La Tavola, serves us fresh calzones, pastas and salads.
Next door head to Janarty’s Ice Cream, a homemade ice cream shop owned by Janelle Alice and Arty Schiff. Find gluten-free cones and baked goods for those with sensitivities, and light, silky ice cream for all (and sorbets for the dairy-sensitive). Snap a pic at the adorable mural and settle in—indoors or out—to finish your treat and watch for a train.
A Picture of History
No Depot-district visit is complete without a stop at the “Thanks for Visiting Smyrna” postcard mural, or the “Smyrna” mural across the street at the Porter Paint Store. A history-themed mural on the old theater depicts the people and industries that have made Smyrna what it is today.
Learn more about new businesses and upcoming events in the Depot District by visiting townofsmyrna.org
Laura Beth Payne is a writer and homeschooling mama living in Murfreesboro with her husband, two children, and adorable cat. A native of the city, she spends her time exploring local spots and writing about where families can go for their next adventure. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram at Murfreesboro Mama.