Sample Itinerary
Day One: History on the Square & Murder in the Air
Arrive in Murfreesboro, TN
- Lunch at The Front Porch Café
- The Front Porch Café is a beautifully decorated historic house with a warm and friendly atmosphere. Taste some of Murfreesboro’s best homemade dishes and desserts at this popular restaurant located in historic downtown Murfreesboro.
Cost: $18.50 per person, inclusive
(1 1/2 hours for lunch).
- The Front Porch Café is a beautifully decorated historic house with a warm and friendly atmosphere. Taste some of Murfreesboro’s best homemade dishes and desserts at this popular restaurant located in historic downtown Murfreesboro.
- The Heritage Center
- The history of Rutherford County and Murfreesboro’s historic square comes to life at the new Heritage Center. Exhibits at the Heritage Center explore people, places and events of Rutherford County’s past with a special focus on the county’s Civil War history. Complimentary guided tours of the square are offered daily on the hour.
Cost: No admittance fee and complimentary tour of the square
(1 hour for tour)
- The history of Rutherford County and Murfreesboro’s historic square comes to life at the new Heritage Center. Exhibits at the Heritage Center explore people, places and events of Rutherford County’s past with a special focus on the county’s Civil War history. Complimentary guided tours of the square are offered daily on the hour.
- Oaklands Historic House Museum
- Experience the gracious living of the Old South as you visit an elegant mansion that was caught in the crossfire of the Civil War. Oaklands, located in Murfreesboro, was the largest plantation in the county at the time of the Civil War and served as headquarters for Confederate President Jefferson Davis while he visited Murfreesboro.
Cost: $5.00 per person
(1 1/2 hours for tour)
- Experience the gracious living of the Old South as you visit an elegant mansion that was caught in the crossfire of the Civil War. Oaklands, located in Murfreesboro, was the largest plantation in the county at the time of the Civil War and served as headquarters for Confederate President Jefferson Davis while he visited Murfreesboro.
- Check in Hotel
- Murder Mystery Dinner and Tour at Historic Falcon Rest
- End the day with an elegant Murder Mystery Dinner at Historic Falcon Rest, located in McMinnville. Group members attend a sumptuous 1897 banquet at Falcon Rest, original home of Clay Faulkner, and assume the character of a Faulkner relative, neighbor or famous person of the era. Based on actual history, the outing includes rollicking fun, a delicious meal, mansion tour and shopping.
Cost: $30.00 per person, inclusive
(2 1/2 hours for dinner, tour and shopping)
- End the day with an elegant Murder Mystery Dinner at Historic Falcon Rest, located in McMinnville. Group members attend a sumptuous 1897 banquet at Falcon Rest, original home of Clay Faulkner, and assume the character of a Faulkner relative, neighbor or famous person of the era. Based on actual history, the outing includes rollicking fun, a delicious meal, mansion tour and shopping.
Day Two: Heroes, Hometowns and Horses
TOUR OPTION: Sam Davis Home & Museum or Nissan North America, Inc. Tour
- Tour Sam Davis Home and Museum in Smyrna
- Follow the cedar-lined lane back to the early 1800s, where you will hear the story of Civil War legend Sam Davis and visit his family’s home. Located in historic Smyrna, the Sam Davis Home and Museum stands as a monument to the unselfish courage of a young Confederate soldier. Special hands-on sessions can be added for a small fee to enhance the experience.
Cost: $7.50 Adults/$5.50 Seniors
(1 1/2 hours for tour)
- Follow the cedar-lined lane back to the early 1800s, where you will hear the story of Civil War legend Sam Davis and visit his family’s home. Located in historic Smyrna, the Sam Davis Home and Museum stands as a monument to the unselfish courage of a young Confederate soldier. Special hands-on sessions can be added for a small fee to enhance the experience.
- Nissan North America, Inc.
- Tour Nissan North America Inc., manufacturing plant in Smyrna where five Nissan brand cars and trucks roll off the lines. The massive $2.1 billion facility covers 5.4 million square feet on 884 acres. Tours are offered Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Cost: No charge for admission
(1 1/2 hours for tour)
- Tour Nissan North America Inc., manufacturing plant in Smyrna where five Nissan brand cars and trucks roll off the lines. The massive $2.1 billion facility covers 5.4 million square feet on 884 acres. Tours are offered Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
- Stones River National Battlefield
- Stand in the “Slaughter Pen,” where Confederates captured Union artillery at the Stones River National Battlefield, located on the outskirts of Murfreesboro. This 650-acre Civil War battlefield was the site of a fierce battle in 1863. Explore one of the oldest national cemeteries in the country, tour the visitor center and view a video telling the story of the battle where 81,000 soldiers fought.
Cost: No charge for admission
(1 1/2 hours for tour)
- Stand in the “Slaughter Pen,” where Confederates captured Union artillery at the Stones River National Battlefield, located on the outskirts of Murfreesboro. This 650-acre Civil War battlefield was the site of a fierce battle in 1863. Explore one of the oldest national cemeteries in the country, tour the visitor center and view a video telling the story of the battle where 81,000 soldiers fought.
- Miller’s Grocery
- Get ready to enjoy lunch at the eclectically decorated Miller’s Grocery, located just minutes away from Murfreesboro in Christiana. Delight in tasting some of the best homemade entrees and desserts— just like Grandma used to make. Miller’s Grocery is an antique- filled, country café, featuring Southern cooking at its finest.
Cost: $15.00 per person, inclusive
(1 1/2 hours for lunch)
- Get ready to enjoy lunch at the eclectically decorated Miller’s Grocery, located just minutes away from Murfreesboro in Christiana. Delight in tasting some of the best homemade entrees and desserts— just like Grandma used to make. Miller’s Grocery is an antique- filled, country café, featuring Southern cooking at its finest.
- Womack Stables Horse Breeding Farm
- It is not every day that you can see some of the top grand champion Tennessee Walking Horses up close. You will when you visit Womack Stables, one of the top breeding stables for the walking horse industry. This premier horse farm is nestled on 200 acres of walking horse country located in Murfreesboro.
Cost: $2.00 per person
(1 hour & 15 minutes for tour)
- It is not every day that you can see some of the top grand champion Tennessee Walking Horses up close. You will when you visit Womack Stables, one of the top breeding stables for the walking horse industry. This premier horse farm is nestled on 200 acres of walking horse country located in Murfreesboro.
- Cannonsburgh Village
- Take a tour through 125 years of Southern rural life at Cannonsburgh Village, located in Murfreesboro. A gristmill, one-room schoolhouse, town hall, log home and church are all reminders of life in pioneer times. This village houses a large collection of antique farm equipment as
well as the general store, museum and blacksmith’s shop.
Cost: Free self-guided tour or $2.50 per person for guided tour
(1 hour for tour)
- Take a tour through 125 years of Southern rural life at Cannonsburgh Village, located in Murfreesboro. A gristmill, one-room schoolhouse, town hall, log home and church are all reminders of life in pioneer times. This village houses a large collection of antique farm equipment as
well as the general store, museum and blacksmith’s shop.
- Back to hotel
- Dinner and Dancing at Carriage Lane Inn & Reception House
- Get ready for a night filled with great food, fun and entertainment at the historic Carriage Lane Inn. Guests will enjoy a tasty family-style dinner in this beautiful reception house. The highlight of the evening is a square dance or swing dance performance by local dancers. Audience participation is encouraged as the dancers bring guests to the floor.
Price: $23.00 per person, inclusive
(2 hours for dinner and entertainment)
- Get ready for a night filled with great food, fun and entertainment at the historic Carriage Lane Inn. Guests will enjoy a tasty family-style dinner in this beautiful reception house. The highlight of the evening is a square dance or swing dance performance by local dancers. Audience participation is encouraged as the dancers bring guests to the floor.
Day Three: The Widow and the Wine
Arrive in Franklin, TN
- Historic Carnton Plantation Tour
- Guests will tour the Historic Carnton Plantation and hear intriguing stories about Carrie McGavock, the mistress of Carnton before, during and after the Civil War. On November 30, 1864, the McGavock’s home was taken over by Confederate soldiers during five of the bloodiest hours of the Civil War. Carnton provides the setting for The Widow of the South, written by Robert Hicks. After the hardcover release in September 2005, the book rose to No. 5 and spent eight weeks on the New York Times Best Seller List. The Widow of the South tells the story of a woman who gave her heart first to a stranger, then to a tract of hallowed ground – and became a
symbol of a nation’s soul.
Cost: $10.00 per person, tour escort admitted free
(1 1/2 hours for tour)
- Guests will tour the Historic Carnton Plantation and hear intriguing stories about Carrie McGavock, the mistress of Carnton before, during and after the Civil War. On November 30, 1864, the McGavock’s home was taken over by Confederate soldiers during five of the bloodiest hours of the Civil War. Carnton provides the setting for The Widow of the South, written by Robert Hicks. After the hardcover release in September 2005, the book rose to No. 5 and spent eight weeks on the New York Times Best Seller List. The Widow of the South tells the story of a woman who gave her heart first to a stranger, then to a tract of hallowed ground – and became a
- Lunch and Shopping at The Factory
- The smoky smell of slow-cooking meat pulls you right into this old factory space, where huge velvet-draped windows and high ceilings add a trendy twist to the Saffire Restaurant. After a delicious lunch at this unique restaurant, there will be free time for exploring the many trendy shops at The Factory, which includes art galleries, antique shops, specialty boutiques and much more.
Price: $14.00 per person, inclusive
(2 1/2 hours for lunch and shopping)
- The smoky smell of slow-cooking meat pulls you right into this old factory space, where huge velvet-draped windows and high ceilings add a trendy twist to the Saffire Restaurant. After a delicious lunch at this unique restaurant, there will be free time for exploring the many trendy shops at The Factory, which includes art galleries, antique shops, specialty boutiques and much more.
- Tour the Carter House
- See the Civil War’s most battle-damaged building that is still standing today and hear the tales of generals who lost their lives. The Carter House, built in 1830,witnessed one of the bloodiest battles during the Battle of Franklin. The tour includes a video presentation and guided tour of the house, museum and grounds. This historic house is recognized as one of the South’s most noted historic landmarks.
Price: $9.00 adult / $8.00 seniors, tour escort and bus driver admitted free
(1 1/2 hours for tour)
- See the Civil War’s most battle-damaged building that is still standing today and hear the tales of generals who lost their lives. The Carter House, built in 1830,witnessed one of the bloodiest battles during the Battle of Franklin. The tour includes a video presentation and guided tour of the house, museum and grounds. This historic house is recognized as one of the South’s most noted historic landmarks.
- Arrington Vineyards
- Taste the award-winning wine of Arrington Vineyards, owned by Kix Brooks of Brooks and Dunn, the highest-selling duo in country music history. The rolling Tennessee hills provide the perfect backdrop to the vineyard. A rustic log cabin serves as the vineyard’s unique Tasting Lodge. Arrington Vineyards offers a complimentary tasting of every wine to all guests over the age of twenty-one.
Cost: Complimentary tour
(1 1/2 hours for tour)
- Taste the award-winning wine of Arrington Vineyards, owned by Kix Brooks of Brooks and Dunn, the highest-selling duo in country music history. The rolling Tennessee hills provide the perfect backdrop to the vineyard. A rustic log cabin serves as the vineyard’s unique Tasting Lodge. Arrington Vineyards offers a complimentary tasting of every wine to all guests over the age of twenty-one.
- Back to Hotel
- Dinner at Maple Street Grill
- Enjoy dinner at one of the finest restaurants in town, nestled on the historic downtown square in Murfreesboro. Maple Street Grill offers Southern-style cooking with a twist and a warm ambiance. This restaurant offers more than just a meal, so be prepared to enjoy the charming atmosphere as well as their delicious entrees.
Cost: $23.95 per person, inclusive
(1 1/2 hours for dinner)
- Enjoy dinner at one of the finest restaurants in town, nestled on the historic downtown square in Murfreesboro. Maple Street Grill offers Southern-style cooking with a twist and a warm ambiance. This restaurant offers more than just a meal, so be prepared to enjoy the charming atmosphere as well as their delicious entrees.
Day 4: Jack, Miss Mary, and Elvis Tour
- Jack Daniel’s Old Time Distillery
- Tour the oldest registered distillery in the United States. The distillery is located in Lynchburg, where each drop of Jack Daniel’s Whiskey is still made today. This exciting tour will cover everything from the birth of Jack Daniel’s Whiskey to the creation of the square-shaped whiskey bottle. The magic of the distilling process will also be unveiled to gueststhe same process that Jack Daniel perfected in 1866.
Cost: No charge for admission
(1 1/2 hours for tour)
- Tour the oldest registered distillery in the United States. The distillery is located in Lynchburg, where each drop of Jack Daniel’s Whiskey is still made today. This exciting tour will cover everything from the birth of Jack Daniel’s Whiskey to the creation of the square-shaped whiskey bottle. The magic of the distilling process will also be unveiled to gueststhe same process that Jack Daniel perfected in 1866.
- Shopping in Historic Lynchburg
- Get ready to step back in time as you shop the local stores of Lynchburg. The charming town square surrounds the town’s 100 year-old courthouse. Antiques and local crafts fill the unique shops. You will be sure to find a special memento from your trip to the past.
(1 hour for shopping)
- Get ready to step back in time as you shop the local stores of Lynchburg. The charming town square surrounds the town’s 100 year-old courthouse. Antiques and local crafts fill the unique shops. You will be sure to find a special memento from your trip to the past.
- Lunch at Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House
- Experience great food with a side of history at Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House Restaurant. Founded in 1867 as a traveler’s hotel, the restaurant still serves the same down-home cooking that Mr. Jack Daniel enjoyed at this same restaurant over a century ago. Lunch is served family-style with two meats, six vegetables, homemade bread, dessert and beverage.
Cost: $19.00 per person, includes tax, does not include gratuity
(1 hour and 15 minutes for lunch)
- Experience great food with a side of history at Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House Restaurant. Founded in 1867 as a traveler’s hotel, the restaurant still serves the same down-home cooking that Mr. Jack Daniel enjoyed at this same restaurant over a century ago. Lunch is served family-style with two meats, six vegetables, homemade bread, dessert and beverage.
- Back to hotel
- Dinner at Cock of the Walk
- Enjoy tasty food and a festive atmosphere at Cock of the Walk Restaurant in Nashville. The restaurant is known all around for their famous catfish and chicken served family-style. Step back in time, when Nashville’s waterways were filled with ships carrying bandits and traders. Dinner includes your choice of fried catfish dinner or fried chicken dinner served with creamy cole slaw, hush puppies, marinated onions, french fries, skillet cornbread and beverage.
Cost: $18.90 per person, inclusive , tour escort complimentary
(1 hour and 15 minutes for dinner)
- Enjoy tasty food and a festive atmosphere at Cock of the Walk Restaurant in Nashville. The restaurant is known all around for their famous catfish and chicken served family-style. Step back in time, when Nashville’s waterways were filled with ships carrying bandits and traders. Dinner includes your choice of fried catfish dinner or fried chicken dinner served with creamy cole slaw, hush puppies, marinated onions, french fries, skillet cornbread and beverage.
- John Beardsley's "A Tribute to the King Through The Years
1953 - 1977"- The legend of Elvis lives on in Nashville’s first and only continuously running show paying tribute to Elvis. The show takes place in Music City, where Elvis recorded over 300 songs. This high energy, live musical biography starring John Beardsley transports the audience through six phases of the King’s career. Beardsley’s world-renowned performance with over 30 songs and 5 costumes is exciting and fun for audiences of all ages.
Cost: $21 per person, tour escort and bus driver complimentary
(2 hours for show)
- The legend of Elvis lives on in Nashville’s first and only continuously running show paying tribute to Elvis. The show takes place in Music City, where Elvis recorded over 300 songs. This high energy, live musical biography starring John Beardsley transports the audience through six phases of the King’s career. Beardsley’s world-renowned performance with over 30 songs and 5 costumes is exciting and fun for audiences of all ages.
