1. WELCOME TO MURFREESBORO
Murfrees what?, Yes it’s a mouthful but the locals just refer to it as “THE BORO”. Founded in 1817, it was originally named “Cannonsburgh” in honor of Newton Cannon who was at the time a member of the state legislature. The city was shortly thereafter renamed to Murfreesboro honoring Revolutionary War Hero and close friend to Cannon Colonel Hardy Murfree.
2. TRUE BLUE RAIDERS
Get used to seeing BLUE. Murfreesboro is home to Middle Tennessee State University the second largest producer of graduates in the state. The University currently has 140 undergraduate degree programs and 100 graduate degree programs which have earned them regional, national, and international acclaim.
3. ALL ABOUT THE SCHOOLS
Murfreesboro City Schools along with Rutherford County Schools have been ranked 23rd best in the country according to the research website Niche.com.
4. THEY DON’T CALL IT MIDDLE TENNESSEE FOR NOTHING
Murfreesboro is in the geographic center of Tennessee with the marker being located at the intersection of Greenland Drive and Lascassas Avenue.
5 . THE CITY’S GROWTH
Murfreesboro had an estimated population of 130,000 in 2017 and is estimated to double the size within the next 20 years. Murfreesboro is ranked in the top 10 in the country for fastest growing cities and the #1 fastest growing city in Tennessee.
6. HOME TO HISTORIC BATTLEGROUNDS
In 1862 Union and Confederate forces fought in what was called the Battle of Stones River during the American Civil War. The 570 acre Stones River National Battlefield is open to the public and currently operated by U.S. National Park Service.
7. ENJOY A DAY OF GOLF
Murfreesboro is home to 6 golf courses which include Old Fort Golf Course, Indian Hills, Stones River, Cedar Crest, VA golf course and Champions Run in nearby Rockvale. Old Fort was formerly used as a PGA qualifying school and some PGA events.
8. A CITY SQUARE WITH A SMALL TOWN FEEL
Although you’re in a big city you wouldn’t know it when you enter the charming city square. During the summer months you can enjoy the Farmer’s Market on Saturdays and the Friday Night Live music from June to September. Main Street Murfreesboro kicks off spring with Jazzfest the first weekend in May.
9. LIKE TO EAT? SO DO THE RESIDENTS OF MURFREESBORO
Within the 39 square miles of Murfreesboro there are 100’s of restaurants to choose from. Looking for a great steak? Try Peter D’s or The Alley on Main. A great burger can be had from Burger Republic, Jack Brown’s and long time Murfreesboro favorite Buster’s. Breakfast more your thing, try Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant or City Café both located on the square.
10. GOTTA HAVE COFFEE
There is an abundance of local coffee shops to visit within Murfreesboro that will offer you a quality cup of coffee and a friendly atmosphere. Some of the local favorites are Just Love Coffee, simply pure sweets, coffee fusion and Starbucks of course.
11. IS CRAFT BEER WHAT YOU’RE CRAVING
Murfreesboro is home to its first craft brewery called Mayday Brewery. The brewery was opened in 2012 by Ozzy Nelson a wacky owner with a passion for great beer. They feature a rotation of great food trucks, live music and brewery tours throughout the week. You can check out Deep South Growlers, Green Dragon Public House and Dog Haus Beirgarten.
12. HITTING THE TRAILS
If you love nature you can explore some of the most popular trails in the city. Some of the local favorites are the Barfield Wilderness Loop, Stones River Battlefield Loop, Murfreesboro Greenway System, Flat Rock Cedar Glades, Barrens Nature Preserve and Marshall Knobs River Loop at Barfield.
Whatever it is that makes you happy, you are sure to find it in Murfreesboro.