Every great road trip has to start somewhere, and for me, this one began with a flight into Nashville, the keys to a bright red Jeep Wrangler, and absolutely no plans beyond pointing the hood south toward Murfreesboro. My Tennessee adventure had officially begun.
Coming from Southern California, I had mentally prepared myself for the famous Southern humidity.
I was not prepared enough.
Humidity in Tennessee isn’t something you simply experience—it embraces you. It’s like being wrapped in the world’s warmest weighted blanket. At first, it feels kind of cozy, like you’ve been tucked into a burrito. Five minutes later you’re questioning every life decision that brought you there because that burrito has become a steaming tamale. California girls, you’ve been warned.
Fortunately, my first day was intentionally light. I wanted to ease into Tennessee life, explore at a leisurely pace, and let my body adjust before the bigger adventures ahead.
A Step Back in Time at Cannonsburgh Village
My first stop was Cannonsburgh Village, a recreated Southern pioneer village that has become something of a rite of passage for local schoolchildren. Generations of Murfreesboro kids have wandered these grounds on field trips, learning what everyday Tennessee life looked like from the 1830s through the early 1900s.
The village is made up of carefully preserved and relocated historic buildings, including a schoolhouse, gristmill, church, blacksmith shop, doctor’s office, caboose, and one of the oldest homes in Rutherford County.
But my favorite discovery wasn’t inside any of the buildings.
It was the dogtrot.
If you’ve never heard of one, a dogtrot house is built with an open breezeway running right through the middle of the home. I settled into one of the rocking chairs and finally understood why these architectural gems became so common throughout the South. As the breeze drifted through the opening, carrying just enough relief from the July heat, I could have sat there for hours. No air conditioning. No distractions. Just a rocking chair, a gentle breeze, and the sound of summer.
Sometimes old ideas really are the best ideas.
Standing in the Middle of Tennessee
Next, I made a quick stop at the Geographic Center of Tennessee.
Now, I’ll be honest…
There’s not exactly an amusement park built around it.
The geographic center is marked by a beautiful stone obelisk surrounded by brand-new condos. You pull up, admire the monument, snap your obligatory photo proving you stood in the exact middle of the Volunteer State, and then you’re pretty much on your way.
It’s simple.
It’s peaceful.
And it’s one of those wonderfully quirky roadside stops that road trips are made for.
Burgers Worth the Mess
By now, the humidity and sightseeing had worked up an appetite, so I headed into Murfreesboro’s charming historic downtown and found Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint.
What a fun place.
Jack Brown’s has built a loyal following across the Southeast for doing one thing exceptionally well: burgers. Their menu features 100% American Wagyu beef burgers, creative toppings, and one of the largest beer selections you’ll find anywhere.
I ordered the Dr. Gonzo, piled high with bacon, BBQ sauce, fried onions, cheddar cheese, and jalapeños.
It was gloriously greasy.
Absolutely delicious.
Exactly what vacation calories are supposed to taste like.
The staff treated everyone like regulars, and the people sitting around the bar were laughing, swapping stories, and clearly living their best lives. It felt less like eating at a restaurant and more like accidentally becoming part of a neighborhood gathering.
Coffee…and the Sweetest Surprise
Then I remembered something important.
I had somehow made it all day without coffee.
Clearly, an emergency.
That emergency led me to Oflow Coffee & Bakery, where I stumbled into one of the most charming surprises of the entire day.
The café was hosting one of their themed High Tea experiences.
Little girls dressed in layers of ruffles.
Little boys wearing ties.
Parents dressed beautifully.
Everyone seemed genuinely excited to be there, and every child I saw was on their absolute best behavior. It felt like stepping into the world’s cutest tea party.
I had the opportunity to chat with the owner, who explained that every month’s High Tea has a different theme. February celebrates Lunar New Year, March embraces St. Patrick’s Day, and each new theme challenges the chefs to create fresh menus and experiences for the community.
I absolutely loved that idea.
It keeps the experience exciting for returning guests while giving the culinary team room to be creative. That’s a win-win in my book.
After my coffee, I wandered around downtown, popped into a few local shops, and somehow found a pair of shoes that clearly belonged in my suitcase.
You know how that happens.
Vacation Mode Activated
Eventually it was time to check into my hotel.
Holiday Inn has yet to let me down, and after unloading the Jeep, I rewarded myself with a relaxing dip in the pool.
Sometimes the best sightseeing attraction is simply floating in cool water after spending the afternoon melting in Tennessee sunshine.
Dessert for Dinner? Don’t Judge Me.
By evening, I wasn’t craving a full meal.
I wanted dessert.
And because vacation is the one time adulthood completely loses its rules, I headed to The Soda Bar.
I ordered the Buckeye Sundae, and let me tell you…
No regrets.
Rich chocolate.
Creamy peanut butter.
Cold ice cream.
It was exactly the kind of indulgence that belongs on vacation.
As I sat enjoying every last bite, I noticed families gathering nearby for a Movie in the Park event at The Fountains at Gateway. Under strings of glowing lights, children laughed while parents unfolded lawn chairs and blankets as Disney’s Up played on the giant screen.
The fountains sparkled.
The evening air had finally cooled.
Families lingered without looking at the clock.
It felt like the kind of summer night you hope never ends.
That magical feeling—that sense that time slows down just enough to let you appreciate where you are—is exactly why I travel.
A Perfect Tennessee Welcome
Murfreesboro wasn’t trying to impress me with flashy attractions or over-the-top entertainment.
Instead, it welcomed me with history, friendly conversations, incredible food, creative local businesses, peaceful moments, and the unmistakable feeling of community.
It was the perfect place to ease into Tennessee life before continuing my journey across the state.
Thank you, Murfreesboro, for such a warm welcome.
Even if your humidity tried its very best to hug me just a little too tightly.
Felicity Arvizu takes on... 