Looking for a quirky, culture-rich getaway just an hour south of Nashville? This short video captures the charm of Bell Buckle, TN—a small town known for its antique shops, down-home dining at Bell Buckle Café, and lively local festivals. The second half of the video takes viewers to the Nearest Green Distillery, where Tennessee whiskey history meets modern storytelling in a beautifully crafted setting. It’s a relaxed and engaging look at two Middle Tennessee gems.

Q: What major river runs through Middle Tennessee?

A: The Cumberland River runs through Middle Tennessee.

Q: What is the nickname for Middle Tennessee University?

A: Middle Tennessee State University is often referred to as MTSU.

Local Events

Here are the upcoming events in Middle Tenneesse May 13 to May 27, 2025:

• Event Title: Alice in Chains Concert
• Date & Time: May 13, 2025, 7:00 PM
• Venue/Location: The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN
• Description: Rock band Alice in Chains performs live in concert.
• URL: bandsintown.com

• Event Title: Grand Ole Opry: Tribute to Loretta Lynn
• Date & Time: May 13, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Venue/Location: Grand Ole Opry House, 2804 Opryland Dr., Nashville, TN
• Description: A special tribute show honoring Loretta Lynn, featuring performances by Ashley McBryde, Crystal Gayle, Carly Pearce, Twitty & Lynn, Martina McBride, Emmy Russell, and more.
• URL: nashville.com/events​

• Event Title: Tennessee Trails Association Meeting
• Date & Time: May 13, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Venue/Location: Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park, 401 Volunteer Road, Murfreesboro, TN
• Description: Monthly meeting featuring a presentation on Acadia National Park by TTA member Lynn Rosser.
• URL: boropulse.com

• Event Title: Coffee Marathon
• Date & Time: May 13–27, 2025, 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
• Venue/Location: Various coffee shops around Murfreesboro, TN
• Description: Visit nine participating coffee shops, complete walking or running routes, and collect signatures to earn a commemorative mug.
• URL: murfreesborotn.gov

• Event Title: Evening BINGO in the Village
• Date & Time: May 24, 2025, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Venue/Location: Cannonsburgh Village, 312 S. Front Street, Murfreesboro, TN
• Description: Enjoy an evening of bingo games in a historic village setting.
• URL: murfreesborotn.gov

• Event Title: Healing Field Memorial Day Tribute
• Date & Time: May 24–27, 2025
• Venue/Location: First United Methodist Church, Murfreesboro, TN
• Description: A display of U.S. flags in a solemn formation to honor heroes during Memorial Day weekend.
• URL: healingfield.org

• Event Title: Grand Ole Opry: OPRY 100
• Date & Time: May 13, 16, 17, 20, 23, 24, 27, 2025, 7:00 PM
• Venue/Location: Grand Ole Opry House, 2804 Opryland Drive, Nashville, TN
• Description: A series of performances celebrating the Opry's 100th anniversary, featuring various country music artists.
• URL: opry.com

• Event Title: The Queens Tour
• Date & Time: May 18, 2025
• Venue/Location: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN
• Description: Live performances by Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, and Stephanie Mills.
• URL: people.comMurfreesboro TN+8

Please verify the event details through the provided URLs, as they are subject to change.

Murfreesboro Business Owners

Listen to our BizBoro podcast, your resource for mastering digital marketing across Murfreesboro, TN!  Join host Troy Walker, an advocate for helping local brick-and-mortar businesses grow and succeed.  This show delivers hands-on strategies and inventive tips to help you reach new customers and skyrocket your sales. 

Enjoy a mix of lighthearted energy and expert insights, making even the most complex marketing ideas easy to understand. With a balance of fun and professionalism, we make marketing simple and engaging.

Tune in for true success stories, insightful conversations and expert tips, all focused on building a thriving small business scene in Murfreesboro.  Together, let’s bring a fresh, innovative approach to local marketing!

BizBoro on Apple Podcasts

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Quote Of The Week

"Think big, believe big, act big and the results will be big."

Featured Restaurant

Banh Appetit: Murfreesboro’s Vietnamese-French Fusion Gem

Overview:

Blending vibrant Vietnamese flavors with classic French inspiration, Banh Appetit is a standout eatery in Murfreesboro. Opened in 2023, this family-owned spot quickly gained a following thanks to its creative menu, clean design, and commitment to freshness. The name is a playful fusion of "Banh" (Vietnamese for bread or pastry) and the French phrase “Bon Appétit”—an apt nod to its East-meets-West flavor philosophy.

Cuisine and Menu Highlights:

Banh Appetit offers a thoughtful mix of Vietnamese street food and French café-style treats. Menu favorites include:

• Bánh Mì Sandwiches – Served on crusty baguettes with options like grilled pork, meatballs, chicken, steak, or a mix. Their Combo sandwich (pork + steak) is a local favorite for its savory-sweet flavor contrast.

• Pho – Traditional rice noodle soup with richly spiced broth and your choice of protein. Brisket and grilled beef are among the top choices.

• Vermicelli Bowls – Light, fresh, and ideal for warm days—served with greens, pickled veggies, and your protein of choice.

• Egg Rolls & Spring Rolls – Made fresh and served with house-made dipping sauces.

• Vietnamese Coffee – Especially popular is the Egg Foam Coffee, a rich blend of strong coffee with a fluffy, sweet foam topping.

• Pastries – Almond croissants and rotating French-style baked goods round out the menu.

You can browse the full menu at: banhappetit.net/menu

Ambiance and Décor:

The café boasts a spacious, open dining area with ample seating, making it an ideal spot for both quick lunches and relaxed gatherings. The clean, modern design creates a welcoming atmosphere, while the friendly staff ensures a pleasant dining experience. Ample parking adds to the convenience for visitors.

Location and Contact Information:

• Address: 2892 S Church St E, Murfreesboro, TN​
• Phone: (615) 624-6501
• Website: banhappetit.net/menu

Operating Hours:

• Wednesday – Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Tuesday: Closed

Note: Hours may vary on holidays; it's recommended to check their website or call ahead for the most current information.

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Special Events and Promotions:

While Banh Appetit doesn’t regularly host events, they frequently roll out limited-time specials and seasonal menu items. 

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Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Local foodies are enthusiastic:

• “The marinated pork and steak banh mi is fantastic—the sweetness of the pork and savoriness of the beef is perfect.”

• “The brisket pho was super comforting on a cold day—worth the trip.”

• “Love their egg foam coffee! It’s become my go-to treat after work.”

Banh Appetit offers Murfreesboro diners a refreshing break from the ordinary. Whether you’re craving a crispy bánh mì, soothing pho, or a new favorite coffee, this hidden gem delivers flavor, freshness, and friendly service every time. Give it a try—you just might banh yourself a new favorite.

Tip of The Week

Check out local farmers markets in Middle Tennessee for fresh produce and unique handmade goods!

Joke Of The Week

Why did the Middle Tennessee chicken join a band?

Because it had the best drumsticks in town!

Featured Artist/Band

In the heart of Nashville's dynamic music scene, Free Throw stands as a testament to the city's rich tapestry of genres. While Nashville is often synonymous with country music, Free Throw brings a refreshing blend of emo, punk rock, and indie influences, carving out a unique space in Middle Tennessee's musical landscape. Their emotionally charged performances and authentic storytelling have garnered a dedicated fanbase, both locally and nationally.

Band Details

• Cory Castro – Lead vocals, guitar

• Lawrence Warner – Guitar

• Jake Hughes – Guitar, backing vocals

• Justin Castro – Bass

• Zach Hall – Drums, backing vocalsWikipedia

Free Throw's sound is a fusion of emo, punk rock, pop punk, post-hardcore, and indie rock. Drawing inspiration from bands like Snowing, Algernon Cadwallader, Fall Out Boy, and My Chemical Romance, they craft songs that delve into themes of personal struggle, addiction, and self-discovery. Their music is characterized by energetic riffs, heartfelt lyrics, and a raw, unfiltered delivery.

Origin Story

Formed in April 2012, Free Throw emerged from Nashville's vibrant underground music scene. The members, having connected through previous bands and shared musical interests, decided to collaborate, leading to the creation of Free Throw. Their debut album, Those Days Are Gone, released in 2014, set the tone for their emotionally resonant style. Over the years, they've released several albums, including Bear Your Mind (2017), What's Past is Prologue (2019), Piecing It Together (2021), and Lessons That We Swear to Keep (2023). Their consistent output and relentless touring have solidified their place in the emo and punk rock scenes.

Current Projects

As of 2025, Free Throw continues to captivate audiences with their latest album, Lessons That We Swear to Keep. The album showcases their growth as musicians and songwriters, delving deeper into introspective themes while maintaining their signature sound. They remain active in the music scene, performing at various venues and festivals, and engaging with their fanbase through social media and live shows.​

Personal Touch

A distinctive aspect of Free Throw is their incorporation of Pokémon references into their song titles, reflecting lead vocalist Cory Castro's fondness for the franchise. Titles like "Lavender Town," "Pallet Town," and "Better Have Burn Heal" add a playful layer to their otherwise emotionally intense discography. This blend of personal interests and musical expression endears them to fans who appreciate both their authenticity and creativity.

How to Get More

To explore Free Throw's music and stay updated on their latest releases and tour dates, visit their official website: freethrowband.com. Their discography is available on major streaming platforms, and attending one of their live performances offers an immersive experience into their emotive and energetic world.Wikipedia

Free Throw exemplifies the diversity and depth of Nashville's music scene, offering a compelling alternative to the city's country roots. Their journey from local gigs to national tours underscores their dedication and passion, making them a band worth following for any music enthusiast.

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Visit the hidden gem of Rutledge Falls for a peaceful and beautiful nature escape.