Why Rutherford County, Tennessee, Should Be Your Next Tour Destination

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.

Take a fun, motorized tour through the multi-billion-dollar manufacturing plant that produces several of the top Nissan vehicles, including the all-electric LEAF. See all the parts of the vehicle assembly process, from cutting large sheets of steel to painting the exteriors and installing carpet. Tours are offered Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

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 learn about one of the Civil War's bloodiest battles, where 81,000 soldiers fought.

Enjoy a casual dining experience in a stylish atmosphere. Serving oven-baked sandwiches, gourmet soups and delicious desserts, Newk's is a favorite dining spot for shoppers at the Avenue.

Tennessee's largest open-air retail and dining center features nationally-known brand stores as well as charming boutiques. Relax and enjoy your time browsing through this beautiful shopping mecca.

Your one-stop shop for rural Tennessee culture. Guests will enjoy an all-you-can-eat dinner, live theater, great music by a Grammy-winning performer, a folk art museum, country cooking and gift shop of work by local artisans. Performances are based on schedule and availability.

Guests will enjoy a tasty family-style dinner in this beautiful reception house, then watch a square dance or swing dance performance by local dancers. Audience participation is encouraged as the dancers bring guests to the floor.

Visit this beautiful stable and see some of Tennessee's finest Walking Horses. MacGregor Stables shows horses in several of the top equestrian events, including the National Grand Championships and the World Equestrian Games in 2010, an extremely prestigious event which is invitation only.

Take a tour through 125 years of Southern rural life at Cannonsburgh Village, located in Murfreesboro. Featuring a gristmill, one-room schoolhouse, town hall, log home, church, general store, museum, working blacksmith’s shop and a large collection of antique farm equipment.

Get ready to enjoy lunch at Miller's Grocery, an antique filled, country cafe located just minutes from Murfreesboro in Christiana. Delight in tasting some of the best homemade entrees and award-winning desserts. Miller's Grocery features Southern cooking at its finest.

Tour this historic plantation and hear the intriguing story of Carrie McGavock, the mistress of Carnton. 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, the New York Times Best Seller written by Robert Hicks.

Taste the award-winning wine of Arrington Vineyards, owned by Kix Brooks of Brooks and Dunn. The rolling Tennessee hills provide the perfect backdrop to the vineyard, where a rustic log cabin serves as a unique Tasting Lodge. Arrington offers a free tasting of every wine to all guests over the age of twenty-one.

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. Be ready to enjoy the charming atmosphere as well as their delicious entrees.

Tour the oldest registered distillery in the United States. The distillery is located in Lynchburg, and every drop of Jack Daniel's world-famous whiskey is made there. This intriguing tour covers 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 guests - the same process that Jack Daniel himself perfected in 1866.

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, so you will be sure to find a special memento from your trip to the past.

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 very eatery over a century ago. Lunch is served family-style with two meats, six vegetables, homemade bread, dessert and beverage.

Enjoy tasty food and a festive atmosphere at Cock of the Walk in Nashville. 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 with sides and their famous skillet cornbread.

The legend of Elvis lives on in Nashville's first and only continuously running show paying tribute to the King of Rock & Roll. This high-energy, live musical biography takes place in Music City, where Elvis recorded over 300 songs, and transports the audience through six phases of the King's career.