Murfreesboro

Murfreesboro, TN is a growing city just 30 minutes’ drive from downtown Nashville. While Murfreesboro is becoming more metropolitan, it is still a gateway to the farmlands of Middle Tennessee. It is conveniently located not only to Nashville, but it is within reasonable driving distance to Shelbyville, home of the Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration; Columbia, home of the Mule Day Celebration; Lynchburg, home of Jack Daniels whiskey; Franklin, site of a major Confederate loss during the Civil War; and more.

Murfreesboro itself is steeped in Civil War history and Old Fort Park/Stones River Battlefield preserves both a battlefield and earthen fortifications. There are Civil War re-enactments held at various times throughout the summer, and a cemetery and ghost walk at Halloween by costumed interpreters. There are many bike trails through the park, and bikes can be rented during the summer.

Cannonsburgh Village is a small, reconstructed pioneer settlement, which is now home to many craftsmen and artists. For the horse enthusiast, there are nearby stables which rent horses; why not try the smooth gait of a Tennessee Walker? Or perhaps you would prefer to take in a football game at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), home of the Blue Raiders?

Murfreesboro is generally easy to navigate and parking is curbside and free in the historic downtown square. Murfreesboro is situated on I-24 and is a few miles south of I-840, which connects I-40 to I-65; you can’t ask for a better base of operations for exploring Middle Tennessee.