A 40-minute drive south of Nashville brings you to Murfreesboro, a growing city of its own that boasts shopping, award-winning restaurants and hotels. While the city is accommodating more and more visitors and locals, it also remembers its roots. Here's what to do and where to go in Murfreesboro:
Where to stay
Carriage Lane Bed and Breakfast
(Photo Credit: Carriage Lane Bed & Breakfast)
Step back in time and be enraptured with this charming Bed & Breakfast. The Main Inn sleeps 15 in country-chic rooms each with a private bath. The home includes the dining room, kitchen, den, living room and upstairs sitting area along with swings and a verdant garden.
(Photo Credit: Carriage Lane Bed & Breakfast)
Rent out The Cottage, an historic house with a full kitchen, three large guestrooms with two rooms housing walk-in showers and Jacuzzi tubs. The Cottage sleeps 8-10 people, perfect for a family getaway.
(Photo Credit: Carriage Lane Bed & Breakfast)
Finally, lay your head in The Treetop Apartments and VIP Suite. The Apartment has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a kitchenette. The VIP Suite is home to a canopied, king-sized bed, kitchenette and full sitting room all with lavish decorations that are ideal for a romantic hideaway.
Where to eat
Peter D's
Head here for dessert, specifically banana pudding as this restaurant took the win for America's Best Banana Pudding at the National Banana Pudding Festival. Aged steaks and hand-cut grilled to guest perfection are the norm around the family-friendly restaurant. For example, order sirloin steak or baby back ribs, salads or Portobello chicken with cheesy quinoa and green beans.
The City Cafe
(Credit: City Cafe)
The oldest restaurant in Murfreesboro opened in 1900 and continues its tradition of serving delicious food to hungry locals and guests. Serving breakfast and lunch, pop in beginning at 6 a.m. for The Hoppa's Special: three-egg Western omelet, hash browns, fried apples and two fluffy biscuits smothered in gravy. Or, have a lunch of meat-and-three plates, burgers, salads and sandwiches.
The Chop House
(Credit: The Chop House)
U.S.D.A. prime and choice beef are up for the asking along with homemade, colossal onion rings, sweet potatoes covered in brown sugar, cinnamon and butter, lean prime rib, teriyaki-glazed grilled chicken, and seafood fettuccine alfredo. Hungry, yet? Order all of this and more along with desserts like triple berry shortcake, chocolate mousse cake, and caramel fudge cake.
What to do
Cannonsburgh Village
Home to the world's largest cedar bucket, the reconstructed southern village has a gristmill, town hall, log home, church, one-room schoolhouse, general store and a working blacksmith's shop. The village awakens life in pioneer times May 2 to November year-round.
Uncle Dave Macon Days
The festival honors Dave Macon, a charter member and the first legend of the Grand Ole Opry in 1925. Through banjo-pickin' sessions, live entertainment, and, new this year – the World's Largest Square Dance attempt, it's a festival that should be experienced by everyone. Enjoy music from Flatt Lonesome, Robyn Taylor, People on the Porch, The Boxcars, and Doyle Lawson among others.
World's Largest Square Dance
An attempt of setting the Guinness Book of World Record for the World's Largest Square Dance is set to take place 6 p.m. July 7 on the Public Square in Murfreesboro.
The square dance is the official dance of Tennessee and organizers of the event hope to bring the world record to its home state. Illinois currently holds the record for the largest square dance. The high-energy, rollicking sounds of the Hog Slop String Band will lead the attempt.
Shopping
While on the historic square downtown, find great boutiques and shops with one-of-a-kind fashion finds. Antiques abound and can be found at HylaBrook Antique Mall. Head to The Avenue or The Oaks Shopping Mall. For those traveling home, head to the Rutherford County Keepsakes Gift Kiosk located inside the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce.
