We love to celebrate our agricultural heritage by inviting visitors to explore farms and farmers markets. You can find locally grown produce, dig into hands-on experiences and even taste award-winning wines when you visit our local farms and markets.
Agritourism has deep roots in Rutherford County, with 30 century farms in the county. One of those featured here, Batey Farm, is the oldest in the county, established in 1807. Here’s a look at 11 spots for family fun, great tastes, and a chance to get outdoors and play.
Fun on the Farm
Several area farms bring entertainment (with education disguised as fun) for family adventures. Here’s a look at a few of them!
1. Lucky Ladd Farms, Eagleville
Part of the mission of Lucky Ladd Farms is to reconnect families with their agricultural roots. The kids will love the fun and educational experiences, from a free-flight aviary and charming petting zoo to a mega slide, rides and climbing wall. Pick-your-own events throughout the year bring locals and tourists together to enjoy beautiful scenery—and learn a bit about farming techniques, from old school to cutting edge.
There’s something happening at Lucky Ladd throughout the year, and it’s easy to spend the whole day there with the kids. The Pick-Your-Own Sunflower Farm, usually from late June through mid-July, offers 20 different varieties of flowers and spectacular photo ops. On June 4, kids will want to get their hard hats on for fun with oversized toys at the Construction Fun Festival. Kids can climb on excavators, a bulldozer and other farm and construction equipment in a special construction site, ready for exploration. Activity centers allow kids to practice skills, play life-size Jenga games and enjoy giant Lincoln log building sets. The July 1 Watermelon Festival and July 22 Splash Bash add to the fun in the sun.
While you’re there, tour the unique cedar glades, a desert-like Middle Tennessee habitat that is home to rare plant species, fossils and wildlife. Ladd’s Cedar Glade Trails feature interpretation signage and interactive activities.
2. Batey Farms, Murfreesboro
This eighth-generation, family-owned century farm dates back to a Revolutionary War land grant. Come pick at their four-acre strawberry patch from late April to early June. Before you come to pick your delicious berries, pack a hat and some sunscreen. Be sure to check their Facebook and Instagram pages for details. There are also plenty of berries already picked and ready to take home.
Batey Farms also partners with the Sam Davis Home and Second Harvest Food Bank for the August Sunflower Fields Event. Check the Sam Davis Home event listings for updates. It’s a charming, Instagram-perfect spot for photographs in the fields.
3. Bloomsbury Farms, Smyrna
Spend Friday afternoon picnicking at Bloomsbury Farms. Bloomsbury sells bread, organic produce, herbs and flowers. Taste the goodies available from a rotating selection of local food vendors. You can attend events there throughout the year, including experiences like mushroom hunts, foraging and bouquet-making. Bloomsbury is open to the public from 2:30 - 6:30 p.m. every Friday, March through December. The farm also offers classes, summer camps and even accommodations for a weekend getaway.
4. The Grove at Williamson Family Farm, Murfreesboro
This Murfreesboro attraction combines the charm of authentic, small-farm heritage with next-generation practices and popular events. They offer transformative experiences that celebrate the best of farm life. Depending on the season, you’ll find things like harvest activities, music, community festivals, corn mazes and family-friendly gatherings all bring agriculture to life in The Grove. Hayrides and fire-circle chats create fun teachable moments, and the beautiful setting makes lasting memories. Now in the home stretch of a major renovation, The Grove is planning lots of upcoming events to celebrate. Check The Grove website for updates as information becomes available.
5. Blue Water Catfish Farm, Eagleville
Not every farm is about plants. Blue Water Catfish Farm is a place for fun, family time and fishing. The family-owned paylake includes a children’s fishing pond, concessions for snacks, tv for sporting events and a pavilion for shady gatherings. Blue Water is open weekends for tournaments, catch-and-release fishing, and just hanging out. Fees include fishing license, equipment and entry into a tagged fish drawing. Take-home fish is available for sale as well. Check them out on Facebook!
6. Arrington Vineyards, Arrington
For a slightly more grownup farm experience in a beautiful setting, try wine country—Tennessee-style. Arrington Vineyards, just a short drive from Rutherford County, is a popular stop for both visitors and locals. Sample the award-winning wines, enjoy views of 16 acres of grapes and relax to live music beginning in April. Pack a picnic or try delicious treats from food trucks on site. Check the vineyard event calendar for details. And wear comfortable shoes for walking—the winery has lots of hills.
Taste the Freshness at Farmers Markets
Beginning in April and May and stretching all the way through October, local farmers markets are filling up baskets of fresh flavor just for you. There are also plenty of activities to keep the children entertained while the adults gather their take-home treats.
7. Saturday Market
“It’s a vibe.” That’s the consensus about this colorful, energetic market with dozens of full-season vendors and even more part-time sellers. The Saturday Market by Main Street Murfreesboro is an exciting mix of all things from the earth. In the food category, you’ll find locally raised beef, poultry and pork, fresh eggs, coffee and produce. Shop for ingredients for a farm-to-table meal, or get your produce for the whole week. There are also baked goods, herbal concoctions, nursery plants, bath products, wearable art and other fine crafts. Live music from local performers adds a little extra to your shopping fun. Even teenagers have been known to enjoy the eclectic mix of vendors, music and fun. The Saturday Market kicks off May 6 this year.
8. Smyrna Depot Farmers Market
Smyrna Depot Farmers Market (SDFM) provides a home-town feel and a fun experience for the whole family. On Saturday mornings from May 20 through September 16, you’ll find a variety of farm and food vendors, artisans, crafters, plus a full slate of special events and activities. In the Historic Depot District, SDFM has easy access to parking, vendors and live music. Recipient of a “Best Farmers Market” award, SDFM was created by Carpe Artista in partnership with the town of Smyrna as a community engagement event. A member of PickTN products, SDFM will also have farm-themed family entertainment, such as scavenger hunts, bingo and giveaways.
9. Lascassas Farmers Market
Lascassas Farmers Market, a producer-only market, kicks off April 22 and operates from 8 a.m. - noon every Saturday until Oct. 29. Fresh produce, dairy, baked goods, gluten-free goodies, flowers and handcrafted items from local farmers and artists are lined up and waiting for you. Vendors include: Mama Foster's Homemade Fudge; Triple LLL Farm; Calico Farms TN; Oakview Farm; Fablewood Farm; D. B. Collectibles; JW Farm; Servant Farms; Blue Heron Farmstead and others.
10. Rutherford County Farmers’ Market
The Rutherford County Farmers’ Market opens on May 12, 7 a.m. to noon every Tuesday & Friday through the end of October. The market, in the Community Center at Lane Agri-Park in Murfreesboro, brings together vendors from more than a dozen counties. This producer-only market sells a wide variety of seasonal produce, along with meats, eggs, baked and canned goods, flowers and plants.
11. La Vergne Farmers Market
Beginning June 6, La Vergne Farmers Market holds a convenient afternoon and evening market from 3 - 7 p.m. on Tuesdays. All homegrown, homemade products are from local producers and artisans. Located right off the walking trail at Bicentennial Park, you can get in a bit of exercise with your shopping, enjoy the food trucks and take home something wonderful. Not only does your business help support local farmers, vendor fees benefit the La Vergne Senior Citizens Center. Vendors may change weekly, so check the market’s Facebook page for updates.
Spring is blooming with flavor and entertainment in Rutherford County. Be sure to check out some of these farm-fresh ideas, and we’ll look forward to seeing you here on your day trip full of family fun.