Each year the fall semester brings in a few thousand newcomers to the Murfreesboro area. And while MTSU offers many programs and facilities aside from classroom functions, the community has much to explore beyond the boundaries of the university campus itself. Murfreesboro has also attracted many new families over recent years. Welcoming the incoming class to MTSU as well as all of the new out-of-state transplants to the community, the following is a guide for discovering some things about our town.
Outdoor Life
The Murfreesboro Greenway includes over 15 miles of paved trail, much of it running along—and at times, over—the Stones River. The trail offers a variety of plant and animal life as well as scenery to view. Enter the system at Barfield Park, Cason Trailhead, Manson Pike, Old Fort Park, Thompson Lane and other access points throughout Murfreesboro.
Click here for a full Greenway map.
Barfield Crescent Park (697 Veterans Pkwy.) also offers a great 18-hole disc golf course.
On the Square
In addition to being the home of the historic Rutherford County Courthouse, visitors to downtown Murfreesboro can find all sorts of food—Italian at Marina’s, burgers at Jack Brown’s, meat-and-three, cinnamon rolls, catfish and more at City Cafe, barbecue at Puckett’s, coffee and crepes at Red Bicycle, beer at Liquid Smoke, steaks and pasta at The Alley on Main (223 W Main St.) and subs at Domenico’s Italian Deli—as well as many boutiques, barbershops (one with a pool hall in the back) a vintage collectible shop and a bustling farmers’ market held each Saturday morning (running through Oct. 29 this year).
Attend and mingle at other downtown Murfreesboro activities such as the free outdoor Friday Night Live concert series and the Boro Art Crawl events, both occurring next on Friday, Sept. 16.
Back in Time
Area historic points of interest include Oaklands Mansion, the Stones River National Battlefield, and Fortress Rosecrans, all with stories from the Civil War era.
History and geology fans can also view archeological relics, gems and fossils at Earth Experience – Middle Tennessee Museum of Natural History in Murfreesboro
Did You Know: A monument marks the geographic center of the state of Tennessee, located less than a mile from the MTSU campus on Old Lascassas Pike.
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Have Fun Tonight! Things to Do:
Murfreesboro entertainment options include two bowling alleys—Lanes, Trains and Automobiles, and Strike & Spare—multiple movie theaters, indoor rock climbing at Climb Murfreesboro, and Go USA Fun Park—which has miniature golf, an arcade, a driving range, batting cages and go-karts.
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Go Blue Raiders!
Take advantage of the chance to experience NCAA action and support the MTSU football, basketball and other sports teams at home games in Floyd Stadium and Murphy Center. Students get a free ticket to football and basketball games and the option to purchase discounted guest tickets.
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Hop on Over to Hop Springs
This local brewery, situated on over 80 acres, sits about six miles east of the MTSU campus (6790 John Bragg Hwy.) and hosts the MTSU fermentation science labs. Check it out for music, disc golf, a walking trail, beer, and plenty of room outside for dogs to run around.
Murfreesboro now contains three other local independent brewing companies in the area: Panther Creek Brews, Mayday Brewery and Cedar Glade, all with brewing facilities and taprooms.
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Music and More
To peruse new and used music on vinyl or CD, as well as books, video games, movies, artwork, clothing and other fun items, check out local music stores Century 21 Music and More (125 Lasseter Dr.), Crying Cat Books and Records (504 N. Maney Ave.) and The Great Escape (810 NW Broad St.).
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Live Local Music
Hank’s Honky Tonk (2341 Memorial Blvd.) hosts live country music seven nights a week. In addition to all of the local breweries, local music fans can also catch live music at The Boro Bar & Grill just across from campus, at Puckett’s Grocery on the Square, or at the The Abbey Public House.
For an up-to-date list of live shows in Murfreesboro visit boropulse.com/calendar.
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Cuisine of the ’Boro
One thing to know about Murfreesboro food is that the area has a legit Southeast Asian dining scene. Explore Taste of Thai, Pad Thai, Ginger, Thai Spice, Thai Pattaya, Yummy Asian Hut, Far East, Cathay and other spots.
For traditional Southern cooking and soul food try Sylvan Park, Jeff’s, Campus Subs or Kleer-Vu.
The area is loaded with taquerias, Hispanic markets and food trucks—try Carmen’s Taqueria (206 W Northfield Blvd.), Mexico Tipico and MexiVen (1706 Bradyville Pike).
One recent newcomer said the quality of the food at some of the local gas stations and convenience stores pleasantly surprised him. Fat Guy Barbecue & Kwik Sak (904 NW Broad St.), Taqueria Lupita, Flying Chicken Station, Mercados Marias and Kwik Mart may not impress with their atmosphere, but try the food.
Primrose Table (1650 Memorial Blvd.), Five Senses, Steakhouse Five or Parthenon Grille may provide an even higher degree of cuisine, ambiance and elegance for those looking for a more upscale dining experience.
And Murfreesboro has multiple Indian restaurants with Clay Pit, Tandoor and Ugadi Indian Grill.
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Sweet Treats
Between Marble Slab, Baskin Robbins, Hattie Jane’s, Andy’s Frozen Custard, Culver’s, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice and other spots, the town has plenty of frozen treats.
For baked goods, check out Simply Pure Sweets, Nonie’s or Julia’s Homestyle Bakery.
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FOR MORE TO DO:
Find listings of local ice cream shops, happy hour specials, Mexican restaurants and date night ideas, along with all sorts of other local points of interest, events and things to do, at boropulse.com.
