Murfreesboro
Introduction
Located in Middle Tennessee within the Nashville metropolitan area, you will find Murfreesboro situated in Rutherford County. As the county seat, this city offers a convenient location for your travels just southeast of downtown Nashville.
Before you go
Prepare for your visit by understanding the historical significance of this location, which serves as both the population center and geographic center of Tennessee. You can explore a landscape shaped by its role as a former state capital and its history as a site of intense conflict during the American Civil War. The nearby Stones River National Battlefield preserves the site of one of the war's bloodiest engagements, while Fortress Rosecrans stands as a testament to the massive logistical operations that occurred in the region.
You should prepare for a humid subtropical climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Be aware that the region is situated in an area prone to tornados.
Getting thereYou can reach Murfreesboro by flying into Nashville International Airport, Smyrna Airport, or Murfreesboro Municipal Airport. The city is located southeast of downtown Nashville.
If you are traveling by car, several highways serve the area, including Interstates 24 and 840, U.S. Routes 41, 70S, and 231, as well as State Routes 1, 2, 10, 96, 99, and 268.
Getting around
You can navigate the city using the Rover public transportation system, which features a fleet of bright green buses decorated with a cartoon dog. These buses travel along seven major corridors, including Memorial Boulevard, Gateway, Old Fort Parkway, South Church Street, Mercury Boulevard, Highland Avenue, and Westside Loop.
Where to stay
You can choose from several accommodations to suit your needs while visiting Murfreesboro. Your options include the Ramada Limited, Wingate by Wyndham Murfreesboro, Select Inn, and Embassy Suites.
Food & drink
You can enjoy a variety of local flavors throughout the city, ranging from hearty meals to casual treats. Visit The Chop House for steaks and chops served in a warm, friendly environment, or head to Donut Country for a selection of doughnuts.
For those seeking meat-centric dishes, The Slick Pig offers an old-time barbecue experience. Nearby, you can visit Gentlemen Jim's to enjoy a drink after your meal.
What to see and do
Explore the historic heart of the city at the town square, where you can visit the old courthouse, one of only six pre-Civil War government buildings still in use. History enthusiasts can step back in time at Cannonsburgh Village to see a gristmill, school house, and blacksmith shop representing early Tennessee life, or visit the Oaklands Historic House Museum, a 19th-century mansion involved in the Civil War. For those interested in local heritage, the Bradley Academy Museum showcases the history of the first school in Rutherford County, while the Stones River National Battlefield preserves the site of a significant Civil War battle with its museum, national cemetery, and fortifications.
Experience the local culture through various performances and festivals:
- Attend the International FolkFest to see global traditional songs and dances or enjoy the Main Street Jazzfest.
- Visit the Murfreesboro Center for the Arts for theater and concerts, or see alternative performances at the Murfreesboro Little Theatre.
- Explore nature at the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, which features wetlands and an interactive museum for families.
- View natural history exhibits, including a replica Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, at the Middle Tennessee Museum of Natural History.
Three days in Murfreesboro
Day one, you can begin your journey by exploring the historic landscape of the Stones River National Battlefield. You can walk through the grounds of Fortress Rosecrans to immerse yourself in the history of the American Civil War.
Day two, you can travel toward the local dining scene. You can visit The Chop House or stop at Donut Country for your morning treats, and later enjoy a meal at The Slick Pig.
Day three, you can spend your final day navigating the local roads like Memorial Boulevard, Old Fort Parkway, or South Church Street as you explore the surrounding area of Rutherford County.