I move tonight (or tomorrow… maybe), so I’ve been trying to plan a productive and fun week before school starts with as many museum/site explorations as possible. My wish list of places to cram in to this fun time is as follows:
Sam Davis Home in Smyrna – not only for the awesome plantation and historic house, but also to see the wonderful staff!
Oaklands Historic House in Murfreesboro – I never managed to make it there in my last 4 years in the Boro, so there are no excuses this time!
Stones River Battlefield and Museum – a nice place to revisit, as long as the weather cooperates.
Tennessee State Museum – again, never made it there last time I lived in the area, and it’s free, so why not?? Additionally, I have a friend who works there who may be able to hook me up with a “behind the scenes” tour (fingers crossed!)
Murfreesboro Discovery Center – supposed to be an excellent example of participatory learning and education!
The Hermitage – Home of Andrew Jackson – a giant plantation with plenty of exhibit, and guides in period clothing.
Cannonsburgh, the Pioneer Village of Murfreesboro – I once wrote a scathing review of this site for Museum Practices class at the University of Memphis… we’ll see if it’s improved any. Perhaps this time I’ll spring the $2.50 for a guided tour. Look for a re-review in the coming weeks!
Murfreesboro’s Heritage Center – hadn’t heard about it until today! Seems to be a nice local history museum.
Traveler’s Rest in Nashville – TN’s oldest open historic home.
Adventure Science Center in Nashville – an interactive science museum for kids (of all ages!)
There are also countless plantations throughout middle Tennessee, particularly in Franklin. If there is time, I’d like to try to visit Carnton or the Carter House.
Also – Has anyone out there heard of flood damage at the Fort Nashboro site? I have always wanted to visit, and I hope it’s not too late now!
If anyone has any other ideas of “must see” places, please feel free to comment and let me know! Hopefully I will have some reviews up on here after my visits.
Katie Stringer Clary, PhD 
I looked at Traveler’s Rest as a possibility for our wedding reception. We didn’t get the full tour, but the grounds were beautiful in the late spring.