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Come find winter fun this season in Rutherford County. Whether you want to take in the cool temperatures or stay warm inside, we’ve got you covered.

Fun Outdoors

During the winter, a whole new side to Rutherford County emerges, offering new and exciting opportunities for outdoor entertainment! Our mild winters provide visitors with the perfect atmosphere to spend time outside without enduring intense temperatures.

For an outdoor experience that gives you all of the benefits of Middle Tennessee nature, check out Outdoor Murfreesboro at The Wilderness Station! Charles Hall-Walker, the Wilderness Station Facility Coordinator, told us that at Outdoor Murfreesboro, you’ll find “5 miles of hiking trails that feature native flora and fauna, a nature-play area designed to get kids engaged with the outdoors through play, and a native outdoor turtle pond with live animals.” The facility is completely free to explore, and there are 15 native species of animals that are on exhibit at the facility.

two cute dogs on a trail by a river

The Wilderness Station also hosts events, like wildlife scavenger hunts, trivia nights, owl classes, terrarium building activities, campfire cooking classes, composting and early seed planting classes, lichen hunts and more. If you’re feeling even more adventurous, Outdoor Murfreesboro also offers beginning archery classes, cave exploring and survival skill workshops!

The Wilderness Station is the perfect place to bundle up with the family and explore the winter wonderland, as there is a special activity for every kind of explorer.

After you put on your puffy jacket and your warmest fuzzy socks, you can also head over to Stones River National Battlefield. On this Civil War battlefield, you’ll encounter nearly 7 miles of ​​hiking, walking and jogging surrounded by important historical sites. Some trails, such as the half-mile Cotton Field trail, are paved and accessible. Others like the 3.2-mile boundary trail offer a more challenging hiking experience through the woods. Learn more about essential middle Tennessee history while keeping your blood flowing!

At the edge of Rutherford County is another gorgeous state park, Cedars of Lebanon, home to beautiful, year-round experiences in nature. The park has ten miles of hiking trails, and on these paths, visitors frequently catch sight of foxes, deer, and turkeys throughout the park. Cedars of Lebanon also has disc golf courses and guided horse and pony rides available through The Stables at Cedars of Lebanon. The Stables offer a variety of trail rides for beginners and experienced riders, as well as lessons and training programs.

Warm Up Inside

After your outdoor adventures, you’ll surely be ready to get warm in a cozy restaurant and refuel!

For something warm to hold in your hands and to give you an extra boost of energy, visit Brass Horn Coffee Roasters for a delicious cup of joe. If you’re on the Smyrna side of Rutherford County and need some hot coffee to keep you going, check out Carpe Cafe, a creative coffee shop and nonprofit focused on supporting the local artistic community. Carpe Cafe is only open a few days per week, so make sure to check their calendar before visiting. Also in Smyrna is the Red Bicycle Depot District, which offers delicious coffee, crepes, mimosas & more!

Another exciting and unique option for a coffee pick-me-up is the Catfeine Cat Cafe in Murfreesboro! Co-owner of Catfeine Cat Cafe, Taura Byrd, explained that the cafe “is the ultimate escape for the winter blues!” They offer a cozy and relaxing environment where you can cuddle up with 20 cats while enjoying a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate. All of the cats are from local non-profit rescues and are also available to adopt. Byrd described it best: “not only can you have a wonderful time while you’re there, you can leave feeling warm and fuzzy about supporting a good cause, and possibly with a new furever friend!”

After warming up with a hot drink, you can head over to Demos’ Restaurant to try out their fan favorite, “The Soup,” a famous baked chicken and rice soup. “The Soup” will leave you feeling warm from the inside out and satisfied!

Family eating at Coach T's

If the coffee, hot chocolate and soup options are simply not heating you up after your outdoor escapades, head over to Coach T’s All American Grill. At Coach T’s, you can warm your heart with the traditional American cuisine that we all love, or warm up in a different way with a draft or two.

Regardless of the route you choose, Rutherford County has a myriad of options to get warm during a cold, winter day.

Winter Shopping and Activities

After spending your time outside and then warming up inside, you’ll probably be ready for some shopping and fun activities to fill the rest of your day.

store with outdoor gear, bikes, and kayaks

To do some good winter shopping, especially for those of you who love the outdoors, Mountain High Outfitters is a great option. You’ll find some of the finest brands for cold weather, the latest styles for women, men and children, and gear for all kinds of activities, as well.

Another great option for outdoor apparel shopping is Bink’s Outfitters in the Stones River Mall. With a wide variety of apparel and gear, you’ll be sure to find what you need at Bink’s, or just have a great time browsing.

After your shopping escapades, you’ll probably be ready for a fun family, group or solo activity! At Murfreesboro Axe, owned by three-time world champion ax thrower Lucas Johnson, you’ll learn to throw axes like a professional. If you’ve never thrown an ax at a target before, or even if you have, this is the perfect indoor activity for the cool winter months. This sport’s popularity is skyrocketing around the nation and we think everyone should try it!

Winter Wonderland Awaits

Rutherford County is the perfect place to plan a winter weekend getaway or adventure and enjoy the cooler temperatures. Enjoy the outdoors, cuddle up with warm food and drink, shop winter apparel and more! Visit any or all of these places for guaranteed fun this February.

Join us on our journey into the past as we celebrate the rich African American history that shaped the Rutherford County we know today. Take a tour of essential African American sites and exhibits and attend special Black History Month programming.

African American History in Rutherford County

As in much of the South, African American history in Rutherford County spans all the way back to the earliest eras of colonization and expansion in the United States. With the involvement in the slave trade, the Civil War, and the Civil Rights Movement, there are many historical markers and stories that are unique to Rutherford County.

Group standing at a monument for The Cemetery School

Before you visit these sites and exhibits, check out the section of our Visitors Guide titled “The Whole Story,” beginning on page 18, which examines some of the more complicated histories of Rutherford County historical sites. From plantations to Civil War battlefields, many are making a conscious effort to tell more complete stories of African American history that reflect the truths of the entire county, not just a select few.

To experience a historical site that spans many historical eras of the county, pay a visit to the Benevolent Cemetery in Murfreesboro. The Benevolent Cemetery was established in 1897 to serve Murfreesboro’s African American community. Now, the cemetery is the final resting place for formerly enslaved community members, Black Civil War veterans, Civil Rights activists and other professionals in the area. The Benevolent Cemetery, with a recently erected plaque honoring its history, offers its visitors an opportunity to educate themselves on the many livelihoods of Black Rutherford County residents throughout the years.

Times of Enslavement in Rutherford County

Oaklands Mansion, a former plantation in Murfreesboro that housed about three generations of enslaved people, would be a notable place to start your exploration of Black History.

Oaklands Mansion has recently unveiled a memorial to those who were enslaved on the property and buried in Evergreen Cemetery. The cemetery was established in 1872 when enslaver James Maney sold acres of his land. Through both oral tradition and scientific methods, we now know that Evergreen Cemetery holds many unmarked graves of the enslaved on Oaklands Mansion. For this reason, the African American Heritage Society of Rutherford County and Oaklands Mansion have erected a memorial to honor those buried there, and to ensure that, though their graves are unmarked, they’re never forgotten.

Group posing around the trail marker at Evergreen Cemetery

Another invaluable piece of the enslaved community’s history is a new monument honoring them on the Civil-War era County Courthouse grounds in downtown Murfreesboro. The African American Heritage Society of Rutherford County proposed this monument “in remembrance of the African American men, women and children who were auctioned as slaves at the Market House and on the Rutherford County Courthouse steps.” Here, you’ll be confronted with the complexity of African American history, as you encounter the very site of local slave trading and the Black resilience that ensures that this history is never forgotten.

Crowd standing in front of the courthouse monument honoring the people who were auctioned as slaves

Education and the Civil Rights Movement In Rutherford County

Alongside Rutherford County’s history of enslavement, it is also essential to learn about the rich culture of activism and resistance demonstrated by the Black community.

Green sign showing Bradley Academy established in 1917

One of the foremost spaces of commitment to Black education and African American leadership in the Civil Rights Movement is the Bradley Academy Museum & Cultural Center. As detailed in our History Comes Alive blog, the Bradley Academy Museum provides visitors with the opportunity to explore the first school in Rutherford County that accepted African American students in 1884. The museum houses five different sections of essential history, including the Underground Railroad Section, the Century of Change Room, the Bradley/Holloway High School Room, the United States Colored Troops/Civil War Room, and the Heritage Classroom.

Woman teaching a in the Bradley Museum

The Heritage Room is an exhibit named in the honor of Myrtle G. Lord, a former student of Bradley Academy. After teaching in the county for 42 years, Lord was so well respected and involved in her community that she earned the Lifetime Achievement Award, just one of a long list of honors. Her legacy, and the legacies of so many other Black leaders, live on here in the Bradley Academy Museum. This is an unmissable opportunity to educate yourself on the experiences and triumphs of African Americans in Rutherford County for hundreds of years.

Another space of African American educational and Civil Rights advocacy is the Hilltop-Rosenwald Park in Smyrna. In the early 1900s, Black thought leader, educator and author Booker T. Washington worked with Julius Rosenwald to improve education for African Americans across 15 states. As a result, the Smyrna Rosenwald School was opened and went on to serve as the largest school for African Americans in the county.

The current Hilltop-Rosenwald Park is home to its very own Historical Committee, formed by a group of former Rosenwald School students and community members. In the early 2000s, this committee came together to create a community center as a memorial to the legacy of the Rosenwald School. This community center still stands in a beautiful park open to the public.

Upcoming Black History Month Celebrations

Katie Wilson, activist and Secretary of the Murfreesboro Branch of NAACP, tells us that in honor of Black History month, there will soon be a number of community events open to the public.

On February 24, the NAACP is sponsoring a Black Gospel Program at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church (214 N. Maple Street, Murfreesboro, TN). This program will be completely free and open to the public, and the NAACP will be accepting donations to support the critical work they do in the Rutherford County community.

Group standing in front of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church

Finally, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm on the 29th of February, Murfreesboro City Schools are sponsoring a Black History program at Patterson Park Community Center. This, too, will be free and open to the public, and it’s sure to be an event you won’t want to miss.

Dr. James Patterson marker

Visit to Learn About and Celebrate African American History

Now, during Black History Month, is the perfect time to visit and get in touch with the rich African American history and culture in Rutherford County. Don’t miss the historical sites that you won’t find anywhere else and the one-of-a-kind events arranged by the county’s Black leaders.

It’s time for a self-care getaway to rejuvenate for the new year! Come unwind on your own, with your closest friends or as a romantic escape with your partner.

Spas & Relaxation

One of the quickest routes to relaxation is a spa day. Here in Rutherford County, there are countless spas to visit for services such as massages, saunas, waxes, manicures, pedicures, skincare and so much more. It’s time to pamper yourself, and you don’t even have to plan the outing – we’ve got it!

In Murfreesboro, Boro Health & Wellness Spa offers services including infrared sauna, cryotherapy, float therapy, NormaTec, massage therapy, an oxygen bar, facials and waxing. In the words of co-owner, Melissa DelGrosso-Schmitt, “health and wellness is a journey and not a destination… Whether [the journey] means helping you detoxify and glow, find relief from pain, or simply escape the stress of daily life,” Boro Health & Wellness Spa is there to help you find your ideal treatment.

person getting a massage with black rocks lined up on their back

The BBeautiful Salt Rooms + Sauna also offer a range of services that meet you where you are to melt away stress. At BBeautiful Injectables, you can step into an Infrared Sauna and experience the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities of dry salt therapy. Owner Trinae Lashley encourages you to “relax in 15,000 lbs of dead sea salt & escape from the hustle.” Also, BBeautiful Injectables is offering “15% off all merchandise from Black Friday [un]til Christmas.”

For a spa experience with a focus on overall wellness and a really unique energy, check out Speakeasy Aesthetics in Murfreesboro. The owner of Speakeasy Aesthetics, Joe Ornelas, explained that they always “strive to provide the highest quality aesthetic procedures including botox, fillers, Platelet-Rich Plasma, lasers, and skin treatments to help with your appearance.” Whether you’re interested in “weight loss programs, IV infusion therapy” or “hormone replacement therapy so that your appearance matches your health for overall health and wellness,” Joe and the team at Speakeasy Aesthetics will give you a personable and enjoyable experience to bring you closer to the life you want to live.

Here’s a spa experience dedicated specifically to men. Uptown Male Spa & Skincare Center in Murfreesboro offers hair, skin and nail care for men, as well as waxing and massages. Health and wellness is a genderless concept and, thanks to Uptown, men will never go without self-care in Rutherford County.

There is no shortage of Spas and Relaxation Centers in Rutherford County. Check out any and all of the spas below to find the perfect fit for you.

Other options:

Shop with salt lamps

Health & Fitness

Exercise and physical activity, especially outside, are also great for stress relief! Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll around a park or a structured fitness class, Rutherford County has options for you.

Parks & Gardens

A large part of Rutherford County’s allure is the never-ending natural beauty! We have many parks and gardens to choose from. Oaklands Park & Arboretum in the heart of Murfreesboro is a 31-acre historic site with a nature trail, picnic shelter, playground and an indigenous Tennessee tree arboretum. Whether you’re walking or running, alone or with loved ones, for your first time or your hundredth time, Oaklands Park always brings peace and wellness.

If you’re willing to travel slightly outside of Rutherford County to Wilson County, the Cedars of Lebanon State Park is a beautiful spot in which to connect with nature, hike, camp, participate in park events, or all of the above. With so many trails to choose from throughout the 1,139-acre park, you’ll never be bored exploring the Middle Tennessee terrain.

Family on park trail next to a huge oak tree with a sign reading "Quercus Alba White Oak "The History Oak"

If you’d like to read more about the beautiful parks and gardens in Rutherford County, check out our previous blog: “In Town, On the Trail.

Fitness Classes

Are you looking for something a little more intense? We’ve got options to make you sweat. Visitors are always welcome!

Club Pilates in Murfreesboro hosts Pilates classes for people of all experience and skill levels. On the Club Pilates website, they say that they use exercise as a “path to a fuller, more satisfying physical existence.” They approach their classes with a holistic mindset, ensuring that their clients move better, feel better and live better, all at the same time. To take an active, comprehensive approach to your wellness and fitness, visit Club Pilates!

Another fitness class option is Murfreesboro Hot Yoga, whose slogan is “Moving Mind,
Body, & Sweat.” At Murfreesboro Hot Yoga, there are different classes for their respective fitness goals. If you’d like to approach your physical and emotional wellness at the same time, no matter the level, you might want to try out their Hot Yoga!

Royal Massage and Yoga Lounge in Murfreesboro also offers yoga classes, just in standard temperatures. According to their website, your instructors will “emphasize proper alignment in the poses” across all levels and make sure you are “using your breath to find a balance between effort and ease.” These classes, too, combine mental and physical fitness to ensure that you are approaching greater overall wellness!

For a sweat session in a completely judgment-free zone, check out Garage Barre + Bike in Murfreesboro. Owners Kirby Dudley and Lacey Garrett offer three types of classes: Barre, Bike and Bounce, giving each fitness lover a variety of options for every session. With a focus on fun and community, you’ll be sure to have a blast in this one-of-a-kind fitness center.

Exercise, no matter what that looks like for you, is a great way to release stress and relax! These classes can be done on your own, with family, friends or partners. Join us in Rutherford County to sweat out the stress and commit to self-care.

Food & Drink

You’ll feel your best when you pair your day of wellness with nutritious, hearty food. Luckily, there are many such options in Rutherford County!

Play of food with green beans and crispy onions

What screams healthy louder than a smoothie and juice shop? According to owner Susan Waggoner, Main Squeeze Juice Co. “is a natural, vegan, and gluten-free restaurant” that aspires “to be a healthier option to our community.” Each of their juices contains 2-4 pounds of high-quality, natural produce. Main Squeeze makes it easy to commit to wellness, with healthy options at your fingertips!

Core Life Eatery is another delicious and healthy restaurant in Rutherford County.

Food is also essential to overall wellness, so during your relaxing getaway full of self-care, pampering and physical activity, don’t forget to take a stop at some of these mouthwatering and healthy restaurants.

notecard reading "75 everyday practices for finding balance"

There are many ways to expel stress and welcome peace and wellness! Thankfully, Rutherford County offers everything you could need to unwind and rejuvenate yourself for the new year to come! Whether you want to try one, two or all of these wellness activities, we encourage you to take one step closer to holistic health (and get pampered). See you soon!

Whether you’re shopping for the perfect holiday gift or just love browsing the local treasures, we’ve got you covered. Local shops, Main Street vibes, handmade items and festive events—relax. We’ve got it!

Make Holiday Magic in Murfreesboro

Kick off your holiday shopping in Murfreesboro, where one-of-a-kind Main Street businesses are filled with unique gifts. This historic downtown area includes boutiques, like Bella’s Boutique on the Square, upscale consignment and thrift stores, bridal, home and garden stores—even gourmet goodies.

Trendy Pieces storefront

“The downtown is the heartbeat of Murfreesboro. It’s a great place to find independently owned stores and restaurants,” says Judy Goldie, who co-owns four businesses in downtown Murfreesboro (including Bella’s).

The musician on your list will love a gift from Forrest York Guitars, a family-run shop staffed by people who love music. Quinn’s Mercantile has gifts, home goods, fashion, men’s products, baby and pet items. As they say at Quinn’s, “If you can’t find it here, you don’t need it!”

At The Country Gourmet, you’ll find ornaments that represent local sites, including a historic church series. Pick up a pre-made gift basket or create your own with locally inspired products and tasty treats. And speaking of great food, stop by The Hamery for a delicious smoked ham for your holiday meal. Add an order of ham biscuits and a few condiments, or send a gift basket.

Get ready for your own holiday parties by shopping for paper products and home goods at The Write Impression. You can design your invitations or spruce up your holiday table here.

Be sure to spend some time at The Avenue, where a wide selection of favorite chain stores and local boutiques can put your shopping over the top. The colorful tree is already decorated, calling everyone to enjoy the holiday events on the schedule. Check out the many promotions and sales before you go, and be sure to stop for something good to eat at one of the restaurants. You’ll find a variety of flavors from Tex-Mex to Mongolian, as well as Bar Louie, the original gastrobar.

Woman shopping for clothes in small boutique

Get in a visit with Santa at Stones River Town Centre, where you’ll find stores of all sizes, with everything from sportswear and shoes to native Ecuadorian clothing. Be sure to check out their deals and events so you don’t miss out on any of the fun.

Fountains at Gateway is the perfect place for a girlfriend’s getaway day. Paint and sip, hit the salon or spa and shop at unique jewelry and clothing stores. Have a fabulous lunch of reimagined Southern classics at Goodness Gracious, traditional Italian with a farm-to-table flair at Penne Pazze or a delicious, build-your-own burger at Burger Republic. You can even share a laugh trying your skills on the Winterfest ice rink, open now through late January. Keep an eye out for other events to brighten the holidays.

For something a little different, Painted Tree Boutiques is an Etsy marketplace and Pinterest catalog come to life. This shopping experience is hundreds of shops under one roof, with gifts, home decor, and boutique clothing. Voted Best of the Best since 2016, it’s a great way to shop small and make a big impact.

Shop Big or Small in Smyrna

Man looking at bottle of wine in shop

Start your Smyrna small business shopping experience at Heavenly Treats4U at The Market at Victory House. Choose from an array of holiday gift baskets and charcuterie boards to suit sweet or savory taste buds. For a nod to our area’s music heritage, give the gift of local goodies, packed in a signature guitar case. Check out Crossroads Women’s Boutique for trendy clothing to outfit you from top to bottom. Visitors from around the nation come to Buckle & Hide Leather for clothing, accessories (for people and pets) and music gear.

You’ll also find unique shopping at Trellis & Vine on Lowry Street, with gifts handcrafted by local artisans. Avid readers of all ages will fall in love with The Spine, a nearby haven where shoppers can get lost in another world.

Shopping center with Dillard's and Forever 21

For lots of bargain shopping in one place, Marketplace at Smyrna is a good bet. Smyrna’s largest retail development features 24 stores, including household names like Super Target, Kohl’s, PetSmart, GameStop, Ulta, Mere and Pere Jewelers and more.

Excellence in Eagleville

For unique, locally owned stores, don’t overlook nearby Eagleville. Visit the “Brotique” section at All Things Home if you’re shopping for the guy who has everything. There’s also chic furniture, fun tableware and familiar favorites like Simply Southern and Brümate. Show your team spirit with graphic tees and sweatshirts from Aislinge Boutique. It’s the place to find fashionable denim and tops as well as personalized items.

Woman entering Eagleville Mercantile

Find gourmet goodies, like steaks from TN Craft Butcher, housewares, baby gifts and more at local favorite Eagleville Mercantile and Restoration. You might even be able to get in on a paint class. Ralston Antiques is the spot for one-of-a-kind antiques, farm-house finds, vintage clothing and more.

Happy Holiday Events

Rutherford County has several holiday events to help you get into a festive shopping mood. Start off at the Williamson Family Farm Holiday Market on Saturday, Nov. 25. Get a photo with Santa, sip holiday cocktails and explore the handcrafted treasures made by local artists and crafters.

Since Nov. 25 is Small Business Saturday, that’s a great time to explore the sales, special events and holiday products on Main Street Murfreesboro, as well as other areas. Judy Goldie looks forward to introducing new customers to the small business shopping experience.

Couple walking down sidewalk with shopping bags

“The misconception is that shopping small means more expensive, but that’s not the case. You also get personal service, but it’s more than that,” she says. “It can also help the consumer. Our customers know that they can get some incredible buys during those times. You can find good products and brands all in one place, with good price points. We also do coupons in the stores, and discounts. It makes it a lot of fun shopping.”

On the following Saturday, Dec. 2, the Kris Kringle Market at Lascassas Farmers Market is the place to be. The market features local artisan crafts, meats, and more! Get in on the fun from 4-6:30 p.m. at the Lascassas Feed Supply.

The holidays can be hectic, so be sure to build in a little fun. Get away to Middle Tennessee for shopping and, while you’re here, explore our historic sites, family attractions and more than 400 great restaurants.

Middle Tennessee is full of artful and cultural experiences that you can experience this fall. We’ve rounded up the best spots to immerse yourself in Rutherford County, so don’t worry about finding the perfect galleries, theaters and classes. They’re all right here.

Visual Arts

Rutherford County is a growing destination for the arts, just a short drive from Nashville. We spoke with Susan Gulley, our Director of Cultural & Heritage Tourism in Rutherford County, to learn more about what makes Middle Tennessee such a hub for artists and art lovers. Susan explained that the area has always had “a plethora of talent and involvement, but in the last five years, the promotion of this talent has exploded into the public’s view.”

One major aspect of the cultural scene is visual arts, showcased in galleries, sculptures, murals and more. There are more visual arts experiences in Rutherford County than you can count. Below is a guide to the most current galleries and exhibitions available this fall.

Galleries

The Washington Theatre has a Community Gallery in Patterson Park Community Center. This gallery, featuring the contemporary work of local artists, exists in a space where the community gathers and exemplifies that communal feel of local, Middle Tennessee artwork.

Another gallery with a focus on local artists is ​​Trellis & Vine Studio & Gallery in Smyrna, Tennessee. From paintings to books to crafts, Trellis & Vine will connect you with a wide range of art mediums that you could browse from 10 a.m to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday.

Family looking at art in gallery

The versatile space of the Art Gallery at the Center for the Arts in Murfreesboro serves many purposes for the creative community in Middle Tennessee, with a rotating selection of curated art from local artists.

Church Street Gallery, open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, also features the work of local artists. At Church Street Gallery, you’ll find a range of art types, including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, blown glass and more. Browse beautiful art or pick up a piece to take home.

Artist posing in studio with paintings

For a hidden gem with a particularly Tennessean feel, visit Murfreesboro Art League Gallery at Cannonsburgh Village. This gallery showcases the talent of its members and is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and 1 – 4 p.m. on Sundays. Artwork, prints, cards and other items are for sale to support the artists. The entryway showcase also spotlights the work of a different member each month. Look online to find 2023 showcase artists, upcoming events, and classes.

For a more global reach, explore the Center for Chinese Music and Culture, which promotes cultural diversity and mutual understanding. The CCMC has a large space at Middle Tennessee State University’s Miller Education Center, with a gallery of Chinese musical instruments, a library, as well as archives.

Other art galleries in Middle Tennessee include:

In case you’d like to connect directly with the creators in Middle Tennessee, we’ve curated an extensive list of local artists in our area. If you haven’t yet found the studio you’d like to visit, browse these artist profiles at our website to learn more about their craft and possible opportunities to visit their studio spaces.

Sculptures

One of the most exciting sculpture exhibits currently in Rutherford County comes from the prestigious Seward Johnson Atelier Foundation of New Jersey. Main Street Murfreesboro has five of their sculptures on loan through January, with the theme of “Celebrating the Familiar.” Through grants from the Tennessee Arts Commission and Redstone Federal Credit Union, Susan Gulley tells us, Main Street Murfreesboro brought “these lifesize, interactive sculptures” to Middle Tennessee. As you walk around downtown Murfreesboro, use the foundation’s “Explorer’s Guide” to observe, reflect and create a moment or your own piece of art to celebrate the beauty in everyday life.

Classes

In Rutherford County, we have four great options for painting classes, no matter your level of experience.

Arts Center building

Carpe Artista is a local organization that provides both children and adults with artistic training, leadership development and community engagement opportunities. Carpe Artista provides various art classes, including visual arts and photography lessons. Go on your own, bring your family, or both to acquire new artistic skills and get involved with the community in Middle Tennessee.

Plan a date night out at Painting With a Twist, where you can enjoy a bottle of wine, the teachings of a painting instructor and your own canvas! View their calendar and reserve a seat. Board & Brush also offers an exciting “paint and sip” experience in which you can relax with friends while learning new, artistic skills. Visit the Board & Brush calendar to check out the workshops open to the public, or consider booking a private party or corporate event.

For other painting classes with a family feel, check out Color Me Mine in Murfreesboro. Here, instead of working with a canvas, you’ll be painting a ceramic piece of your choosing. You can make it completely your own, or use their projects and technique pages to get inspired.

Performing Arts

The Center for the Arts also has amazing live theater with seasonal productions. In December, the theater will show the holiday classic “White Christmas.” After December, the upcoming 2024 show lineup is sure to please, with shows including “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Bring It On,” “Big Fish,” and more. They also offer vocal lessons—if you’re inspired to practice your own performance arts, visit the center today!

Group of actors singing on stage

In November, the Mills-Pate Arts Center will stage The Code Breaker from Murfreesboro Little Theatre. They also have routine Improv Nights with Ghost Lights Studio if you’re ready to play some games, learn new improv skills and have a ton of fun!

Speaking of Murfreesboro Little Theater, this community organization will be performing An Evening with Abraham Lincoln in the historic Oaklands Mansion. This one man show, from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. November 12, is an experience you won’t want to miss. Actor Jacob Truax will deliver an original performance and transport you back in time to Lincoln’s heyday, the 19th century.

The Springhouse Theatre Company has also been busy this fall season, as they are putting on “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” in December, and “Jayne Eyre” in February of next year. Buy your season tickets to make sure you won’t miss any of the 2023-2024 productions, also including She Loves Me next April. Ticket prices range based for seniors, children, students and active and retired military reserves.

A woman in a white dress holding a man's hand and dunning across the grass

Another well known hub of performing arts talent, MTSU’s Tucker Theatre will host their Fall Dance Concert from November 16 to 18. To see all of their events, visit the Tucker Theatre calendar on their website.

Musical Arts

Piano in gallery

On December 1, The Tennessee Philharmonic will welcome us into the holiday season with their Christmas Spectacular at Belle Aire Baptist Church.

MTSU’s premiere ensemble, the Symphony Orchestra, will host their Symphony Concert at 8 p.m. Saturday, December 2. These amazing musical talents will feature both masterpieces of standard orchestral literature and outstanding contemporary compositions.

Rutherford County is also the proud home of Middle Tennessee Choral Society. On Sunday, December 3, the Choral Society will perform a show featuring Gloria Fanfare by Jeffery Ames, Nativity Suite by Dale Warland, and Christmas Cantata by Daniel Pinkham. Head over to Hinton Hall on MTSU Campus to catch this special performance.

Events

If you haven’t already found enough to do in Rutherford County, there are more events planned that you’ll want to be a part of.

People walking down sidewalk at Art Fest

Susan Gulley tells us that, on December 1, “Downtown Murfreesboro comes alive with art and shopping during the quarterly Sip, Shop and Stroll event hosted by Main Street Murfreesboro and the BORO Art Crawl.” Showcasing artists selected from among the community’s amazing Arts and Entertainment resources, Main Street Murfreesboro created a list of businesses participating in the crawl. Once you’re there, you can choose to visit as many galleries as you’d like.

Can’t wait for December? Don’t worry! From November 17-19, local artists will open up their own studios for public tours as part of the Art Studio Tour.

Thomas Eakins painting of a man on a horse

An Ever-Changing Arts Scene

Rutherford County has proven itself to be not “just a copy of the downtown Nashville Broadway vibe,” but an entirely independent art scene with “so many varied opportunities to experience and explore.” We can’t wait to see you at the numerous shows, performances, art crawls, classes and more that we’re offering this season.

To stay up to date on our ever-changing arts scene, visit The CVB Tourism page, the Rutherford Arts Alliance, The Murfreesboro Pulse newspaper and the City of Murfreesboro Cultural Arts page.

With spooky season in full swing, we know you’re in need of some eerie October activities. We’ve selected the best ghostly encounters, haunted historical tours, and Halloween themed events from around Rutherford County.

Haunted Historic Sites

In Rutherford County, there are more sites with recorded hauntings than we can count. Here are a few of the most predominant spooky sites across the county that you and your family can enjoy together, or you can enjoy with your friends for a weekend of fright.

inside a historic house

Oaklands Mansion

While in Rutherford, make your way to Oaklands Mansion to learn about its haunted history. The mansion has a long history of Civil War involvement and enslavement. Because of this history of strife, and the many conflicts that took place in and around the mansion, visitors have reported a myriad of ghosts roaming its halls. Visitors have reported seeing the ghosts of children, while others have seen “women widowed to the war weep as they walk in the night.”

In order to give visitors a chance to experience this eerie history themselves, Oaklands Mansion will be hosting “Night Tours,” on Friday, October 27. During these Night Tours the lights will be dimmed, mirrors will be covered with black drapes and coffins will be set up for viewing.

If you want to experience this one-of-a-kind ghostly encounter, you can visit the Night Tour Facebook Page to learn more. Tours will begin on the hour at 7:00 p.m,, 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., and admission will cost $25.00. Each tour is limited to 20 people and tickets are available for purchase in advance, so don’t miss your opportunity to explore one of Tennessee’s most haunted mansions this Halloween season!

Sam Davis Home

Another well-known attraction in Rutherford County with a lesser-known haunted history is the Sam Davis Home. The site keeps alive the stories of confederate soldier Sam Davis and of the communities that were enslaved on the plantation. Like the Oakland Mansion, the Sam Davis Home has a similarly complex history of conflict during the Civil War era, and many guess that the reported ghostly encounters relate to this history. Both visitors and employees of the home have witnessed spirits wandering the premises, including a woman in green watching from a window, a man with a long beard wandering the halls, and even supernatural forces affecting the trees and tombstones around the site.

Throughout it all, the house will be set as it would’ve been during a Victorian funeral, so you’ll get to not only experience a haunting, but also learn about social practices surrounding death during the Victorian era. The home will also host the annual Toddler Tuesday Pumpkin Patch on October 31. With games, crafts and a pumpkin patch ripe for the picking, you and your toddlers will have endless opportunities for Halloween fun at the Sam Davis Home.

Stones River Battlefield and Tucker Theater

Other historic sites such as Stones River National Battlefield and Tucker Theater on the MTSU campus provide excellent ghost watching opportunities throughout the month of October.

Between 1862 and 1863, the Stones River battlefield witnessed long and bloody battles between the Union and Confederate troops. It is said that the spirits of thousands of soldiers who were killed there still wander the battle grounds. Even more, visitors have spotted a headless horseman and ghostly horses roaming the grounds.

Another spot that is reported to be crawling with spirits is the Tucker Theater of MTSU. With the haunted history accumulating for over 100 years, you might just get an eerie encounter in the theater. Hear the sounds of phantom horse hooves, smell the cigarette smoke of a MTSU professor who passed away many years ago, or feel the poke of a young woman who roams the theater after passing away there. You can visit these spots during the day, after sunset, or both to meet some of Rutherford County’s longest standing ghosts!

Sugaree’s Boutique

A more contemporary spot with ghostly inhabitants is Sugaree’s Boutique in Murfreesboro. At Sugaree’s you can shop for trendy, fashionable pieces to add to your wardrobe while also bearing witness to some of the county’s most active spirits. We spoke with Staci Higdon, the owner of the boutique, who told us that, since she moved into the building, she and her employees have encountered “many mysterious phenomena in the shop.” She went on to explain that occasionally they “smell cigars, witness hats flying off the shelves, clothing racks moving and many more unexplainable occurrences.”

Sugaree’s Boutique has even had over 10 paranormal investigations conducted in the space, and they are now proud to have actual certificates proving their haunted status. Visit Sugaree’s with the family for an unforgettable experience, not only because of their excellent inventory but also because of their hyperactive supernatural guests!

Spooky Special Events

In addition to the spooky places across Rutherford County, there are even more seasonal events to honor its haunted histories.

Corn maze at The Farm at Route 8 Shady Lane

Throughout the season, The Farm at Route 8 Shady Lane will have haunted woods explorations, a maze (one for adults and one for toddlers), a flashlight maze (bring your flashlight), and even pumpkins for sale. Open from 2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., entrance is completely free for kids under the age of 5 years old, and $5 for everyone else. For more information, call the Farm at (615) 300-7599.

In Murfreesboro, take a tour of the haunted square with Haunted Murfreesboro. In this square, director Jen Freeman explains, “there has been a lot of tragedy,” and that “since there is so much limestone in our area, it tends to absorb [the] energy” of its haunted past. You can get your tickets online for a variety of days and times.

For a break from the ghoulish, visit Cannonsburgh Village, also in Murfreesboro, for its free annual Harvest Days on Saturday, October 28, 2023. This fun-filled October harvest day at Cannonsburgh features crafters, vendors, blacksmithing and other vintage demonstrations, Murfreesboro Art League exhibit, clogging, music, the Murfreesboro Antique Auto show, hayrides and more. Special entertainers include Jake Let Stompers, Mid-State Cloggers, and Stones River Bluegreass.

For a family-oriented Halloween event, you, your kids AND your pets are invited to the second annual Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest on Halloween Day at Quinn’s Mercantile, a one-of-a-kind gift shop in Murfreesboro. Tracy Toy from Quinn’s Mercantile told us that the event “is an opportunity for our customers to dress their dogs in their best Halloween costumes and bring them into the store for a special treat and a photo.” On Halloween night, specifically, they’ll be sharing the pups’ photos on Instagram Stories and the photo with the most likes wins!

Get Spooky in Rutherford County!

Kid in corn maze

With a history full of haunted encounters and so many opportunities to explore them, you’re sure to have an October jam packed with spooky community events in Rutherford County. You can now relax because we’ve got everything planned out for you, your family and your friends. For more information about the famous historical sites across the county, check out our “History Comes Alive” blog and the “Play” section of our website. Grab your flashlights and put on your bravest faces; we’ll see you soon to meet the spirits of our county!

Fall is the perfect time for laid back outdoor dining, fun festivals and savory tastes. Come with us on a tour of some of the food and drink spots that make Rutherford County the dining center of Tennessee. Great food? Relax, we’ve got it.

Wineries

Beans Creek Valley Home Sparkling Strawberry Wine bottle with roses

With cooler weather coming and some of the best seasonal flavors back on menus, don’t miss the chance to try out the new beers and wines offered here in Middle Tennessee. We’ve got a long list of options for you, so no matter what your tastes are, you’ll find something that you love.

If you love wine and beautiful spaces, Arrington Vineyards should be at the top of your list of places to visit. At Arrington, you can also enjoy live music. Between their Food Truck Fridays (May to October) and their Music in the Vines (October and part of November), you’ve got many options to attend a show with the family. This is the perfect place to sit back and relax, as their main goal is to create an inviting atmosphere for wine connoisseurs in the hills of Middle Tennessee. They’re open from 11am to 8pm Monday through Friday, and varying hours on the weekends.

Another spot nearby Rutherford County for wine lovers is Beans Creek Winery. Run by nine local families, Beans Creek embodies the authentic, Middle Tennessee feel.

Breweries

Three people enjoying craft beers in the fall

For those of you who enjoy beers and breweries more than wine, we’ve got you covered, too!

A local favorite for Rutherford County is Cedar Glade Brews. If you’re looking for new seasonal options, try the Pony Up Pilsner, Darker Shade of Ale, a black witbier that is “roasty and malty and full bodied,” Bianca’s Helles Lager for Oktoberfest (“an easy drinker”), and even the upcoming imperial Double IPA and Barrel Aged Imperial stout in bottles. Additionally, Cedar Glade Brews has a line of canned beers that will arrive in November as they “release [their] first canned flagship beers.” Plan your trip to Cedar Glade Brews to experience a fall season jam-packed with new flavors and menu options.

There’s always something going on at Cedar Glade Brewing, so check out their event calendar to learn more about events like the Low Country Boil with music from Roland Justice on October 21, Halloween in the Glade on October 27, and the first CGB Beer Cheese Contest on November 4.

At BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, the team loves to teach their customers how to pair their award winning beers and ales with the wide variety of foods served. With their experimental brewing, BJ’s offers both classics and a wide selection of new beers to try, and makes it easy to sit back and enjoy a perfect evening of flavors.

The founder and president of Mayday Brewery, Ozzy Nelson, told us they take this time to celebrate with lots of new options for beer connoisseurs. This season, they’re offering a brand-new seasonal Amber Lager that will be on tap and in cans, as well as lots of pumpkin beers. They will even be “introducing two new beers every Thursday for Small Batch Thursday, when friends can enjoy a beer and play bingo.”

Other fall brewery options include:

Seasonal Food

Spinach salad from The Goat

We’ve picked out a few places to grab some fall-flavored food, and gotten personal order recommendations from local chefs.

On your family culinary tour of Rutherford County, you can experience fall flavors from the start to finish of your meal at the Primrose Table. Primrose Table’s chef, Jason Matheson, detailed the many seasonal dishes they’ve been working on, including deep fried deviled eggs with a cucumber-tarragon shrimp and lobster filling, a spinach dip with Benton’s bacon and calabrian chile peppers and a pumpkin spice cheesecake. To pair with these phenomenal dishes, Primrose Table will also be offering an apple spice martini, along with a few other drink options that are in the works.

You can also enjoy a seasonal menu at The Tasting Room. In addition to special dishes almost every week, they will offer a Pumpkin Frangelico Cheesecake and Tasting Room bread pudding. They also host regular events, including a magic show every second Wednesday and a wine tasting every third Wednesday. Whether you plan to attend an event or just stop in to try out their seasonal menu, The Tasting Room is a great place to spend an evening.

We have a seemingly endless list of restaurants in Rutherford County that offer exciting, new fall flavors. Other enticing spots include:

With the wide variety of cuisines and additional fall flavors at your fingertips, there’s enough to keep you happy and full for the whole season.

Delectable Desserts

A coffee and stack of donuts from Donut Country in front of pumpkins

For anyone who loves both sweet treats and seasonal flavors, be sure to visit Donut Country. Kristy Davis, a member of the Donut Country team, told us that “fall time brings everyone one’s favorite, pumpkin spice cake donuts” either traditionally glazed or, “for the month of October, you can have them cream cheese iced.” They will also have pumpkin iced glazed donuts, pumpkin iced, cream cheese-filled donuts and caramel apple filled donuts.

Other places to stop include:

  • Just Love Coffee’s REAL Pumpkin Spice Lattes and waffle-ironed food creations
  • Janarty’s small batch, homemade ice cream with scratch-made waffle cones (gluten-free options available)
  • Hattie Jane’s serving modern takes on Southern ice cream traditions
  • Brass Horn Coffee Roasters, offering orange-infused honey latte with a kick of cayenne to warm up a cold day, and a wide variety of tea and lunch food
  • Simply Pure Sweets with a weekly menu of French-inspired pastries, Southern classics, and fresh beverages

The day is never really complete until you’ve had both your coffee and your dessert, and the fall is never really complete until you’ve tried all the new seasonal flavors available to you! Don’t miss out on so many delicious options offered only in Rutherford County, Tennessee.

Tasty desserts in the case at Grindstone Cowboy Coffee

Explore Fall Flavors in Rutherford County

Start your cuisine tour now in Rutherford County! Explore our Eat & Drink section to learn everything you could want to know about us before you visit. The bartenders, chefs and bakers here can’t wait to give you a taste of fall in Middle Tennessee. We’ll see you soon!

Because Rutherford County’s history is so rich, complex and exciting, we have worked hard to provide visitors of the county with many opportunities to explore it. By learning more about each historical space, detailed below, visitors of Rutherford County can begin to make sense of a history that spans across hundreds of years, many different eras, and across many diverse cultural groups. Do it all while having fun with family and friends!

Stones River National Battlefield

Stones River Battlefield cemetery

In Rutherford County, we provide all of our visitors with the opportunity to not only learn about our history, but also to live it! Our Living History interpretive events give participants the chance to feel as though they’ve been transported back in time, whether to watch a Civil War weapons and equipment demonstration, or get an inside view into the livelihoods of inhabitants of Rutherford County during the Civil War era.

These tours and immersive events bring Tennessee’s rich history to life. At Stones River National Battlefield, you’ll get to witness a recreation of the infamous Battle of Stones River as if 160 years had not passed. Find specific opportunities to watch this recreation, including at the end of December and on January 2nd of next year, on the Stones River official calendar. Check out the Stones River Facebook page for other program times and detailed descriptions of these interpretive events.

Another exciting learning experience at Stones River National Battlefield is the Museum and Archives and Collections where you can observe authentic relics of the Battle of Stones River. Visitors will get to browse the collections of nearly 100,000 objects and written pages used to uncover the true story of this historic battle. Park Rangers and Battlefield volunteers use these very artifacts to prepare the Living History experiences and museum exhibits, neither of which you will want to miss.

Bradley Academy Museum & Cultural Center

Bradley Museum

Another important space where you can jump into a different time period of our county’s history is the Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center. The Bradley Academy Museum explores a critical piece of history as the first school to open in the county and also the first school in Rutherford County to accept African American students in 1884. The Bradley Academy Museum is proud to tell such a crucial story in Rutherford County’s history and also to provide visitors with the opportunity to explore a time capsule from such an important era. If you’re interested in visiting, we suggest giving the center a call to confirm their hours and availability.

At the Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center there are various different exhibits to visit. Each and every one of these exhibits is important in a visitor’s learning experience, but there is one in particular that stands out when getting in touch with our history.

The Heritage Room is an exhibit named in the honor of Myrtle G. Lord, a former student of Bradley Academy who went on to accomplish amazing things worth honoring. After teaching in the county for 42 years, Lord was so well respected and involved in her community that she earned the Lifetime Achievement Award, which is just one of a long list of her awards.

Her legacy lives on in the Heritage Room of the Museum, educating visitors like you on the experiences and triumphs of African Americans in Rutherford County for hundreds of years. Along your journey into our “Living History,” this is an unforgettable experience that you won’t want to skip.

History of Oaklands Mansion

Historic photos

The next time-altering stop on the Living History tour of Rutherford County is the Oaklands Mansion, a present day picture of what was the peak of elegance in the 19th century.

In order to understand the history of the Oaklands Mansion, it’s important to learn about its many different structural and societal changes throughout the years. The mansion continuously expanded to encompass more land, more rooms, and large agricultural farms. As the property grew, so did the wealth and status of the family residing there. Across all of these changes, the Oaklands Mansion explores the interesting complexities of the visual beauty of the historical mansion, alongside the knowledge that it was built with extensive labor from the plantation’s enslaved population.

The family reached the height of their wealth, prosperity, and slave owning in 1861 as the Civil War broke out. With important battle sites surrounding it, the Oaklands Mansion played an active role in Civil War history, even serving as the location for the Confederate surrender of Murfreesboro. Additionally, the mansion also carefully details the lives of the enslaved communities that lived on the property, ensuring that the story of every past resident is told with accuracy and respect.

As you explore Rutherford County, you come in contact with countless pieces of Civil War history, and this mansion is yet another spot in which you can immerse yourself in the 1860s version of Middle Tennessee. At the Oaklands Mansion, Rutherford County takes advantage of this priceless historical value by offering a variety of programming for families, couples, and travelers alike, including the upcoming Oktoberfest, a Clue board game-themed party, and more. Whether you’re exploring on your own or with your family, the Oaklands Mansion has an event for you. Join us to learn more about the mansion’s Civil War history or simply to bask in the beauty of the residence. We’ll be waiting for you!

Historic Sam Davis Home and Museum

Sam Davis Home in the fall

If you want to solidify your expert status on Rutherford County history, you’ll definitely need to spend a day at the Historic Sam Davis Home, an attraction that serves to “keep alive the story of Sam Davis, his family, and the people who labored on this Middle Tennessee farm before, during, and after the Civil War.”

When visiting the Historic Sam Davis Home, you’ll find yourself immersed in two simultaneous stories of Rutherford County livelihoods in the 1860s. On one hand, you’ll learn about the life of “boy hero” Sam Davis, a young man who served as a Confederate spy before the capture which led to his eventual execution. On the other, you’ll be engrossed in the history of the enslaved African Americans that worked on the Sam Davis plantation along the same timeline. At the outbreak of the Civil War, there were 51 enslaved people living and working on the plantation, most of which moved out of the area after emancipation. However, the Historic Sam Davis Home and Museum has preserved detailed stories of three formerly enslaved people that remained near the plantation.

We offer many different programs and events on the former plantation, including Family Nights geared toward parents and their little ones, Community Events to bring together those that live in Rutherford County and those that visit, workshops for adults, Tea Parties for children, and History After Dark productions for the adults.

Sam Davis Museum

If you want to learn about Sam Davis and his plantation in the Civil War era while also involving yourself in the local community and entertaining your kids, keep the Historic Sam Davis Home in mind. In just one location, you will explore the plantation owned and run by the Davis family, as well as many exhibits dedicated to the enslaved people that were forced to live and labor there. There is no better place to submerge yourself in the complexities of our history in Rutherford County than Historic Sam Davis Home.

Start Your Journey

We’re so excited to walk alongside you as you explore the rich history of Rutherford County, learning about distinct stories and blending them together to reach the complicated truth of Rutherford County. Join us for guided tours, community events, museum exhibitions, and so much more to experience our Living History. We can’t wait to travel back in time with you.

Fall break is just around the corner, with schools hitting pause for a few days in October. How are you going to entertain the kids—and yourselves? Take a much-deserved break in Rutherford County, TN, where there’s so much to do. Whatever your interests, you’ll find it here. Relax, we’ve got it.

girls in sunflower field

Places to Play

Rutherford County is filled with places to run, climb, paddle and explore. After a few weeks of school, your kids may be eager to get outside and let off some steam. If you and your family members are outdoor lovers, you can start on the water. The Stones River provides plenty of outlets for a fall paddle; stop by Stones River Kayak to enjoy a water adventure at your own pace. You can rent a kayak, paddle board or fishing gear and spend a laid-back day on the river.

If you have smaller children, Blue Water Catfish Farm may be more their speed. This catch-and-release pay lake has fishing for all ages, tournaments, a pavilion and picnic tables, and big TVs for relaxing.

For land-based fun, check out all that the county’s parks, trails and greenways have to offer. Hurricane Creek Greenway offers boat access as well as great options for trail running and just a nice fall walk.

Barfield Crescent Park in Murfreesboro has almost everything you could ask for in family fun. With a disc golf course, volleyball, horseshoes and trails for walkers, joggers and mountain bikers, you can spend the day playing here. There are playgrounds, campsites, restrooms and a Wilderness Station with family events and classes throughout the year.

Miracle Field and Freedom Playground provide options for children and adults with physical restrictions.

Fall Trail through the woods

Sharp Springs Park in Smyrna is 360 acres of fun, with ponds, disc golf and beautiful views of Percy Priest Lake. Historical signage from Sharp Springs to Lee Victory Park adds an educational element. Disc golf fans can also spend some time on the Central Valley Disc Golf Course, a mix of open and wooded sections. To learn more about trails and greenways in the county, check out our previous blog.

Fall is a great time to be out on the water. Get into a boat and leave the rest of the world behind. Percy Priest Lake is both scenic and serene, with places like Fate Sanders Marina to stop along the way for food and even more fun. Get the guide to water fun here, and get started on your lazy lake day.

Entertainment centers, adventure parks and escape rooms are another option for entertaining the kids. Stars and Strikes Family Entertainment Center offers bowling, arcade games, virtual reality games, bumper cars and more. Go USA Fun Park has arcade games, mini golf, batting cages and go karts.

Sixty Minute Escapes is an escape room with award-winning games designed in-house.

Climb Murfreesboro is the largest indoor climbing center in the state, with more than 20 climbing stations, kids’ area and fitness and yoga classes.

Historic Adventures

Bradley Museum

Life in Cannonsburgh Village is always entertaining for children. Little ones will love a new take on food at Cannonsburgh Toddler Adventures: Fall Vegetables Show & Tell with Storytime Wednesday, September 27, 2023. Learn all about fall vegetables of different shapes, sizes and colors. Stories will introduce cooking implements and techniques used while living in the log cabins. Make your reservation by September 19.

cannon at sunset

Older students and history buffs can explore the area’s past at Stones River National Battlefield. Guided caravan tours led by park rangers happen every Saturday. You can combine history and the outdoors on the first Saturdays of October and November with Riding Through History: A Bicycle Tour of Stones River. This ranger-led tour through the park and along the greenway includes stops at critical battle sites. It’s a ride of more than five miles, so please come prepared with water, sunscreen and snacks. Although the ride is at a moderate pace, it is not recommended for children under 10. Reservations are required.

Farm Fun

Fall is the perfect time to explore Rutherford County’s agricultural roots. Start your farm tour with a trail ride at Fancy Forest Farm in Eagleville. You’ll find well-trained, gentle horses to take you on miles of trails on this 90-acre farm (ages 7 and up only).

Visit the Triple A Farms monthly craft fairs on Sept. 30 and Oct. 28. Shop for local, handmade jewelry, crafts and other products, snack your way through food truck options, and let the kids play in the Kid Zone. Best of all, it’s free.

pumpkin patch

Fall means lots of pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hay rides and more family fun. Explore all the things to do at Lucky Ladd Farms and others in our farm fun blog.

Picturesque Walden Pumpkin Farm in Smyrna has plenty of family and children’s activities, including hay rides, corn maze, pumpkin patch, petting zoo, pumpkin train, Food Depot and more.

The Farm at Route 8 Shady Lane has evening activities including a flashlight maze (bring your own flashlight) and Haunted Woods. Let the little ones explore the toddler maze, and buy a pumpkin to take home.

Science and Nature

Discovery Center at Murfree Spring has hands-on exhibits that connect science to everyday life, as well as programs in the arts, science and culture. This center offers both special and ongoing events. Events include weekly events and fall break camp. Be sure to make reservations for the free, spooky-themed all-access night on Oct. 12.

This year, the Discovery Center is sponsoring a Lantern Parade to light up the night at Gateway Island on October 19. Come for the complimentary grilled cheese sandwiches provided by Electric Griddle, stay to make a paper lantern (or bring one you made at home) and enjoy the live music before the parade begins at 6:30 p.m.

The Earth Experience is the first Museum of Natural History in Middle Tennessee. It’s a dynamic, interactive museum, a working paleontology lab and dinosaur bones and fossils you can touch! Dig into Dino Days 2023 on Oct. 21-22, part of the TN STEAM Festival; there’s a fossil dig for small children, rock sale, crafts and the Jurassic Park Jeep.

New and Upcoming Events

There’s always something happening in Rutherford County, and fall is no exception.

Unleash your love for pups at the Cynosport® Dog Agility World Games. Presented by Purina Pro Plan. The games return Oct. 18-22 to the Tennessee Miller Coliseum, with competitions in multiple events and a vendor fair.

Check out special events at The Fountains, a shopping and entertainment venue with multiple restaurants and boutiques. Bring blankets or chairs and enjoy Movies Under The Stars at 7 p.m. every Saturday night at The Fountains, Sept. 23 through Oct. 28.

Be part of the festive atmosphere at the Friday Night Market in the Boro/Food Truck Fest. Shop, play and eat at the last event of the season on Sept. 29 at Patterson Park. There are kids’ activities for the times when the grownups want to shop for local merchandise and indulge in delicious food truck fare.

If football fires up your family, get in on the excitement of an MTSU home game. Gather your tailgate gear and come cheer the Blue Raiders on Sept. 23, Oct. 4 or Oct. 10.

Martin’s Home and Garden Fall Festival, Oct. 14, has a little something for everyone. All ages will enjoy the food trucks, vendors, games and live music.

Fall is all about family fun. And these are just a few of the many Rutherford County places to go for your Fall Break escape. We can’t wait to see you here.

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