This could be you or your teenager’s future home! While you’re here, let us help you learn your way around. Get familiar with all of the places you or your college student will visit, the local favorites, and everything else that Rutherford County has to offer.
Culture Centers + Locals' Favorites
College decision time is approaching fast. If MTSU, TCAT Murfreesboro, TCAT Smyrna or Motlow State Community College has made your student’s shortlist, it’s time to take a look around and see what’s happening here. Whether you call us Rutherford County, the Middle, Nashville’s Backyard, Murfreesboro, Mboro or just the Boro, you’ll find plenty of fun for everyone, from students to grandparents.
Let’s start with a few places that are authentically Rutherford County, from restaurants to outdoor recreation spots.
RuCo has 475+ places to eat, from quick and easy to fine dining. Right next to the MTSU campus, you’ll find delicious Chinese and Thai food at Far East. Boro Kabob has Mediterranean flavors “with a Twist of Persian.” For Mexican favorites, check out Camino Real, which has 4 locations.
If you’re looking for American and Southern fare, start with Slick Pig, a local favorite since 1995, housed in a quirky historic building that once served as a corner market. You can’t go wrong with any of the Slick Pig’s menu options, but you definitely don’t want to miss out on the smoked chicken wings and potato salad. Busters Burgers, here since 1973, is consistently voted in the top ten in the state. Be sure to try the pimento cheese and bacon burger! The Boulevard is another great, locally owned option for American style food, always made with fresh ingredients.
Kleer Vu Lunchroom is an old-school cafeteria serving up hearty, homestyle Southern classics. This family-owned business has been a staple in the Murfreesboro community for two generations, serving up soul food since 1976. Donut Country, another 40-year favorite, is a great spot for breakfast, lunch and handmade donuts daily. Unlike other donut shops, Donut Country is open 24 hours and is a great late night spot!
RuCo is also a great place for getting outside and enjoying the natural beauty all around. Gregory Mills in Smyrna is one of the terrific local parks, perfect for a quiet escape, with a walking trail, grills and picnic shelters, splash pad and more. Also in Smyrna, you’ll find Jefferson Springs, with canoeing and other water activities on Percy Priest Lake.
For both outdoor activities and fascinating history, get out and explore Stones River National Battlefield. This Civil War site has paths for walking and jogging, as well as interpretive programs and other events.
The Murfreesboro Greenway system, with more than 17 miles of trails, bridge and boardwalks is perfect for enjoying nature. Sixteen trailheads in seven greenway sections provide access for hiking, running, cycling, skating, nature photography, picnicking, birdwatching, wading, fishing, and many other outdoor activities. Start with Barfield Crescent Park Trailhead or hike from Central Valley to Walter Trailhead. There is disc golf at the Central Valley Trailhead and it's a nice incline to/from the Central Valley to Walter Hill.
College Hubs
In any college town, there are places that students and faculty just love to visit. In Ruco, MTSU and Motlow State Community College students have several popular hubs perfect for kicking back with friends.
Hop Springs, the largest brewhouse and venue in Middle Tennessee, has a great music line-up, a free open jam every Sunday, and 83 acres of beautiful Tennessee landscape. The grounds include a disc golf course, dog park, walking trails and a beautiful creek. Two outdoor stages and a permanent indoor stage inside the taproom mean great music all year round.
Mayday Brewery has a friendly, funky vibe, with live music Tuesday through Sunday and both indoor and outdoor seating.
Carpe Cafe in Smyrna is popular with Motlow students (and art lovers). Come hang out or study Thursday through Saturday for great coffee and sweet treats.
Also in Smyrna, you’ll find a couple of local favorites like Sub Station II. Karin's Kustard and Hamburgers has outdoor seating or pick-up. Check out the strawberry shortcake custard or the Peanut Butter Bombdiggity. Breaking Bread in Smyrna serves up home-cooked meals with daily, specials.
After your meal, spend some time at Game Galaxy Arcade in Smyrna. You’ll find 400 new and vintage pinball games and game machines; play all day for only $15. Check out their posts for tournaments, special events and new games.
In Murfreesboro, Sir Pizza’s campus location is a student favorite for pizza and subs. Jack Brown's is the spot for Wagyu beef burgers and special twists on the classics. The Boulevard Bar and Grille (right next to campus) is a neighborhood spot to chow down on delicious food and catch your favorite game.
Whiskey Dix in Murfreesboro is an 18-and-over spot for dancing and watching sports on more than 20 TVs.
In addition to popular chain restaurants like CookOut, you’ll want to visit Toots, a fun place for all ages, with four locations in the county. Koji Express is a popular place for quick hibachi grilled meals made with fresh ingredients. And if Jamaican is your jam, try Kool Runnings in LaVergne for jerk and curry meals.
Educational Spaces
Since the point of going to college is, after all, an education, you’ll find plenty of great study spots. At the MTSU Library, you can reserve study rooms, presentation rooms, a podcast or recording studio, and even a green screen room. The staff is there to help you find all kinds of resources in various collections, as well as in-person and virtual instruction and guidance.
The Student Union has more than 211,000 square feet of community space for events and studying, meeting and seminar rooms, and a campus life desk for information. You’ll find the campus bookstore, food from various familiar chains, a game room, multiple hang-out spots, wifi and technology for all your study needs.
Caffeine and studying seem to go together, and RuCo has plenty of spots for coffee, snacks and serious study time. Some, like Starbucks and Just Love Coffee, have multiple locations. The Dapper Owl, near MTSU, is a British style coffee pub with coffee, tea, beer and baked goods, as well as comfortable spots for reading. Brunch & Brew is a full breakfast and lunch spot with locally roasted coffee beans and house-made pastries.
Shelli’s Coffee + Social is built for fun with a game library and weekly game and trivia nights. You can study, socialize, eat or do all three.
As you enter a brand new stage of life, we want to make sure you’re familiar with all the best spots before embarking on this new adventure! If you follow this guide, you’ll surely know as much as you can about your future home. We can’t wait to host you!