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.
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!
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.
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.