The Murfreesboro Buzz

Party at Castle Gwynn in Triune TN - Weekends In May

Every time my girls and I make the drive between Murfreesboro, Tn and Franklin along I840, they always point to the castle that is visible from the interstate.  When they were smaller they would fantasize about "Cinderella's Castle" and always wanted to know the name of the prince and princess who lived in the castle.  Well right now you have the opportunity to actually tour the first floor of this amazing castle and see for yourself who lives there!   The Tennessee Renaissance Festival will be held every weekend in May, plus Memorial Day, May 28 at the Castle Gwynn located in Triuine, Tennessee.  (Now THAT'S a piece of real estate I'd like to sell!)  The event is open rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.    Castle Gwynn is a full size replica of a twelfth century border castle. 

Touring the castle along is worth the trip to the festival, however, visitors have a huge selection of entertainment, shopping, and eating choices as well!  The Renaissance Marketplace features over sixty artisans from all over the country to showcase their wares and skills.  Vendors will display everything from beautiful gems and l uxurious silk to swords that would be appreciated by the finest knight.  Come hungry and be prepared to be tempted by the wonderful smell of specialty foods and drinks. The entire family with enjoy the music, bright colored costumes, exciting stage shows and jousting events.  The Tennessee Renaissance Festival has something to be enjoyed by everyone in the family. 

One day tickets for an adult is $17.  Children ages 6 - 12 are $6.  Seniors aged 62+ and Military Personnel are also $6. 

The festival is held in Triune Tennessee which is approximately 25 miles south of Nashville.  The castle is located on Hwy 96 almost half-way between Franklin and Murfreesboro.  You can access Hwy 96 via I65 South and taking the Franklin/Murfreesboro Hwy 96 exiti, or via I24 East and taking the Murfreesboro/Franklin Hwy 96 exit.   Once you are on Hwy 96, just follow the signs to the Renaissance Festival.   

Don't Miss FREE DAY in MAY!

Once again the Rutheford County Convention and Visitors Bureau will be sponsoring the annual Free Day in May!  This popular event will occur this year on Saturday, May 19, 2007.  Residents of Murfreesboro, or tourists to the area, will be able to visit our most popular attractions...absolutely FREE!  Take advantage of this opportunity to treat yourself, and your family to visit historic Cannonsburgh Village, the award winning Children's Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, tour the historic Oaklands Historic House Museum, Bradley Academy, Sam Davis Home and Museum and finally the Stones River National Battlefield.  All of these attractions will be open free of charge to visitors.  If you are a resident of Murfreesboro and have never taken the time to visit these attractions, I highly recommend that you take advantage of this opportunity!  Become a tourist in your own town next weekend!  For more informaiton, you may contact any location individually, or contact the Chamber of Commerce at (615) 893-6565.

Easter Egg Hunt at Historic Oaklands House

Nothing says spring has arrived more than an Easter Egg Hunt!   The historic Oaklands Mansion and Museum will be hosting a egg hunt for children ages 2 - 10, at 10 a.m. on March 31, 2007.  Youngsters will be able to search for colorful eggs filled with various prizes, and of course, candy! 

I still vividly remember the easter egg hunts of my childhood, and that was a few years ago!  If you have children, or grandchildren in the 2 - 10 age range, take advantage of this opportunity to make a memory that will last a lifetime.  In addition to hunting eggs, this event offers families the opportunity to spend time enjoying the buttercup covered grounds of the historic Oaklands Mansion and spend a few moments stepping back in history. 

The cost of the easter egg hunt is only $2 per child.  Inside tours of the home can be purchased for $7 for adults, children under 12 are admitted free.  Make sure that your little ones bring a basket or bag to collect their eggs in!   

For additional information you can contact 615-893-0022 or visit the Oaklands Museum website at www.oaklandsmuseum.org.  The Oaklands House is located at 900 North Maney Avenue. 

Good vs. Evil or Shakepeare - Watch a Local Play

  If you have trouble getting into the typical Shakespeare play, be sure to catch the live performance at the Murfreesboro Center for the Arts on W. College Street this weekend.  The actors have manged to turn the production of "Much Ado About Nothing" into a funny updated comedy that almost everyone can understand and appreciate.  The play takes place in New York in post World War II instead of the typical 16th century setting.  The performance is complete with witty dialog, 1940s big band music and swing dancing. 

Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, and $5 for children under 12.  Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday & Saturday, March 17 - 18, 2007, and 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 19, 2007. 

If you are looking for different type of play, be sure to check out The Lamplighter's Theater in Smyrna.  Actors will be presenting Wait Until Dark which tells the story of good triumphing over evil.  The play is centered around the story of drug smugglers who tries to exploit a young couple.  The Lamplighters are known for their production of plays that have a redemptive value.   

The play will be held Friday - Sunday, March 23 - 25 at Smyrna Assembly 14119 Old Nashville Hwy in Smyrna.  Show times will be 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 4:00 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.  Tickets are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $5 for students.  children under 4 will NOT be admitted.  The performance is recommended for children 10 or older. 

Boro Native Chris Young CMA Nominee

Murfreesboro Native, and Oakland High School graduate, Chris Young, has been nominated by the Academy  of County Music Association in the new male vocalist category.  The CMA awards will be broadcast live from Las Vegas on March 15 at 7:00.  The show will air on CBS so local fans can tune in.  Chris Young plans to attend the awards show in person.  Young was propelled into stardom after competing and winning the "Nashville Star" talent search television show in 2006.  Young's second single, "You're Gonna Love Me" is due to be released to radio stations on March 26.