Things to Do in Murfreesboro TN: The MTSU Student's Bucket List

Murfreesboro might not be Nashville, but that's actually part of its charm. You get small-city affordability with big-city access (Nashville is just 35 miles up I-24). Here's your bucket list for making the most of student life here.

Food Worth Finding

• Slick Pig BBQ — Some of the best pulled pork in Middle Tennessee. Cash only, so hit the ATM first.
• The Boulevard Bar & Grille — Right off campus. Great burgers and a solid trivia night.
• La Siesta — Authentic Mexican food at student-friendly prices. Their lunch specials are a steal.
• Demo's Steak & Spaghetti — A Murfreesboro institution since 1989. The portions are enormous.
• Hattie Jane's Creamery — Artisan ice cream on the downtown square. Try the salted caramel.
• Donut Country — When you need a study break at 11pm. Open late and always worth the stop.

Outdoor Adventures

• Barfield Crescent Park — 275 acres with hiking trails, disc golf, mountain biking, and a wilderness station. It's free and stunning in the fall.
• Stones River Greenway — 17+ miles of paved trails connecting parks across the city. Perfect for running, biking, or just clearing your head.
• Percy Priest Lake — 20 minutes from campus. Bring a kayak, go swimming, or just hang out on the rocks.
• Stones River National Battlefield — A Civil War site with beautiful walking trails. Peaceful, free, and a good reminder that there's more to life than exams.

Entertainment and Nightlife

• Hop Springs — A brewery, distillery, and event venue with live music. Great for weekend hangouts.
• Lanes, Trains, and Automobiles — Bowling, arcade games, and laser tag. Group date night central.
• MTSU Campus Events — Free concerts, movie screenings, and events through SPARE (Student Programming and Raider Entertainment)
• Downtown Murfreesboro Square — Local shops, restaurants, and seasonal events. The Saturday farmers market is a gem.

Nashville Day Trips

Nashville is only 40 minutes up I-24. Here's what to do when you need a big-city fix:

• Broadway — The honky-tonk strip. Go at least once, even if country music isn't your thing.
• Nashville Hot Chicken — Prince's (the original), Hattie B's, or Bolton's. You'll need milk.
• Centennial Park — A full-scale replica of the Greek Parthenon. Yes, really. Free to walk around.
• East Nashville — Coffee shops, vintage stores, and some of the best restaurants in the city.

The Best of Both Worlds

That's the real selling point of living in Murfreesboro as an MTSU student — you get affordable rent, a tight-knit college-town feel, and Nashville is right there whenever you want it. It's the best of both worlds.