5 Reasons You’ll Love Living in Rutherford County
From festivals to divine dining, there's plenty to do; there's even a degree that you can only get at Middle Tennessee.
If you’re looking for a new place to call home, you may want to put Rutherford County, TN near the top of your consideration list. In addition to a booming economy, stellar growth and outstanding education, this gem in Middle Tennessee offers a mix of fun, food and festivities that will make weekends worthwhile. And there’s one field of study that you can only learn here. Ready to explore?
In This Article
1. Get festive year-round.
Ask any resident about the events that take place around the community during the calendar year, and they’ll say, “You don’t want to miss them!” Why? Well, each parade, festival or get-together exudes the “Rutherford County flair” – warm welcomes combined with creativity, uniqueness and, most of all, fun.
Here’s a look at just a few the community holds each year:
WATERMELON FESTIVAL: Held each June is the Watermelon Festival at Lucky Ladd Farms in Eagleville, Tennessee’s largest petting farm and fun park. Attendees can enjoy a free slice of watermelon, pony rides, nature trails, and inflatable rides as well as take part in a watermelon crawl.
SIMPLY SMYRNA CELEBRATION: The annual Simply Smyrna Celebration features five live music stages, wine tasting, a craft beer garden, food trucks and over 50 artisan vendors.
JAZZ FEST: Held in Murfreesboro’s Historic Downtown Square each May, JazzFest features fun, contemporary jazz played by both local artists, including students, and professional musicians. Along with music, attendees can feast on delicious grub from food trucks.
Click here for more information on community events.
2. Eat. Then eat some more!
It’s options galore when it comes to dining in Rutherford County, with more than 300 restaurants available throughout the region.
Some local favorites include Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant, Demos’ Restaurant, Toot’s Restaurant, Miller’s Grocery, Kleer-Vu Lunchroom and Parthenon Grille.
A few trendy dining destinations in this area include CoreLife Eatery, The Alley on Main and Five Senses Restaurant & Catering. And for those looking for dinner and a drink, give Party Fowl and Mayday Brewery a try.
3. When you’re done eating, toss an axe.
Lucas Johnson, a resident of Rutherford County, started throwing axes competitively in August 2019. A short time later, he opened Murfreesboro Axe so others could join in on the fun. The venue has become a popular place for date night, corporate events and birthday parties.
As axe throwing has grown in popularity around the country, leagues have started to form. Johnson decided to form a team called Crocks with Socks with his employee Hayden Brown. In December 2020, they won the World Axe Throwing League Championship for duals in Atlanta, taking home $3,500 in prize money and two trophy axes.
4. If you’re a history buff, you’ll feel right at home.
History comes alive in Rutherford County. In fact, many pieces of the area’s past have been preserved and are celebrated. Here are 3 must-sees:
Oaklands Mansion in Murfreesboro, which was caught in the crossfire of the Civil War, is available for tours and hosts events such as a Christmas Gala, Oktoberfest and weddings.
Stones River National Battlefield, a 650-acre national park and cemetery, commemorates a fierce Civil War battle where 81,000 soldiers fought.
The Historic Sam Davis Home & Plantation in Smyrna, a Greek Revival home that gives guests a sense of 19th century life, is considered one of the top cultural and historic attractions in Middle Tennessee.
5. Put your education on a firm foundation.
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) now offers an online master’s degree program in concrete industry management – the only one of its kind in the U.S.
The 15-month program allows students to take courses in seven-week blocks via distance learning and webinars.
Students learn about concrete and construction subjects in relation to quality control, safety, logistics, R&D, advanced business management, communication skills and precast engineering. Click here for more information on the program.
Now that you’ve received a glimpse of what makes Rutherford County a great place to live, keep reading for more about what makes this region special.
The 4-1-1 on Rutherford County
EXPLORE & LEARN: Families with young kids can have buckets of fun at the Discovery Center at Murfree Springs, a hands-on children’s museum that attracts about 120,000 children and families annually. Permanent exhibits include 5 Senses, which allows kids to learn about sensory data, the Creation Station, the Farmers Market, a Fire Truck, the Shadow Room and Tiny Town.
IN THE MIDDLE OF EVERYTHING: Whether you’re a visitor or resident, you will benefit from Rutherford County’s location. The region is within 600 miles of 50% of the country, meaning a spontaneous weekend trip here – or elsewhere, if you are a local – is just a few hours away. Plus, the county boasts three interstates, Class I rail service and two general aviation airports.
MARVELOUS MAIN STREET: Murfreesboro’s downtown Main Street has more than 100 buildings dating back to the 19th century that have been restored and are now being used for commercial purposes.
TURN A NEW LEAF: Nissan North America opened its manufacturing plant in Smyrna in 1983. Its U.S. facilities are able to produce a total of over 1 million vehicles annually. Right now, it produces the Nissan LEAF, Maxima and Altima, among others.
Rutherford County
This digital edition of the Rutherford County is sponsored by Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
