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Planning a Tennis Trip to Melbourne for the Australian Open
If you’re a long-time reader, you’ll know that my mom and I are on a mission to attend all four tennis majors—the Grand Slam events in England, New York, Paris and Melbourne—as well as the other 1000 and 500 WTA and ATP tournaments. This year’s big event for us was the Australian Open, and tickets for the 2026 AO (Jan. 12-Feb. 1) are officially on sale.

If you’re finding this post via Google, I’ll cut to the chase: I spent a ridiculous amount of time taking notes and making spreadsheets for the Australian Open and am sharing everything I learned while planning our trip to Melbourne.

Before you read any further, you may be wondering: Is the Australian Open worth attending? Simply put, YES. Is it also the best Grand Slam I’ve attended? Yes yes yes.

My mom and I loved this tournament and how approachable it is. Here’s why.

What is the Australian Open?

The first of the four annual Grand Slams, the Australian Open takes place each January during the peak of the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, which means plenty of heat, sunshine and a city positively buzzing with international visitors who are just as tennis-obsessed as I am. It’s warm on some days, sneakily chilly on others, so you best go prepared.

The Australian Open is one of two hard court Slams and is in the middle of the Aussie swing, which means you can catch some smaller tournaments like Hobart, Brisbane and Adelaide if you want to extend your trip Down Under—or even pair it with a week in New Zealand as there’s an Auckland 250 event before the AO that serves as a warm-up for players. Following the Australian Open, there’s the Middle East swing (also hard court), then we go into clay season in Europe capped off with Roland Garros in Paris in May and June.

From there, it’s grass season with the majority of tournaments in the UK and Germany leading up to Wimbledon in late-June and July. Then, back to hard court season and North America with the U.S. Open taking place in New York over two weeks in August and September, followed by the Asia swing and the WTA and ATP finals. After attending multiple U.S. Opens and the French Open just last year, planning a trip to the Aussie Open was our next big feat.

How to get tickets for the Australian Open

Tickets to the Australian Open go on pre-sale in September with the general sale going on now in October; exact date varies year to year. The official ticketing partner is Ticketmaster Australia, and we had no problem going on the app and getting tickets, versus Roland-Garros where it felt akin to getting Taylor Swift Eras tour tickets and we resorted to a lot of expensive resale tickets.

Day session tickets allow you into Melbourne Park beginning at 10am, while all night session tickets allow you into the grounds at 5pm. If you have day session passes, you can stay on the grounds until they close and enjoy the matches on the outdoor courts, you just won’t be able to access night matches in the two ticketed arenas if you don’t have a night session pass.

Which tickets should I get for the Australian Open?

The park has multiple venues where the Australian Open matches take place. Rod Laver Arena is the largest venue with a capacity of 15,000, while John Cain Arena seats 10,500 and Margaret Court Arena seats 7,500. Like Roland-Garros and other tennis majors, there are two main types of tickets.

Ground passes

Ground passes are available for every day session from qualies throughout the entire tournament; there’s even a seven-day grounds pass available for $99, an excellent deal. Prices for single-day grounds passes start at $10 per person and give you access to the outer courts and all the atmosphere of Melbourne Park from 10am until the grounds close.

Grounds passes will not get you into the main stadiums, Rod Laver or Margaret Court, or the reserved section at John Cain Area. But if you’re going during the opening week, there are plenty of matches—including popular players like Ben Shelton, Emma Raducanu and Frances Tiafoe—held on the outside courts all day every day.

Ground passes give you the freedom to wander, sample the food and drinks, and see a mix of big names and rising stars on the side courts. But if you’re hoping to see Coco Gauff, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz or any of the other tennis greats, spring for a stadium ticket instead.

Stadium tickets

Stadium tickets mean you have a dedicated seat to one of the three main arenas: Rod Laver, Margaret Court or John Cain for the marquee matches. Buying tickets this far out, you’re kind of gambling on the arena since you won’t know the schedule until day of, which is why I bought a mix of tickets and visited all of them throughout our four days at the Australian Open.

Rod Laver Arena

The largest stadium of the AO, Rod Laver Arena is truly electric. We saw several matches in Rod Laver, including night matches featuring fan favorite (and our favorite!) Coco and home country hero Alex de Minaur, as well as the annual Evonne Goolagong Cawley Day. Because the stadium is small by U.S. standards–for perspective, my college football stadium is seven times the size of Rod Laver Arena–there truly is no bad seat in the house. We went YOLO and got fourth and fifth row for night sessions because they were surprisingly affordable.

Prices for seats in Rod Laver Arena start at $75 a ticket for day sessions and $89 for night sessions. Rod Laver is covered by a retractable roof, so matches take place even when it’s raining. A ticket to Rod Laver Arena will not get you into Margaret Court Arena. It will get you into all outside courts and the non-reserved seats at John Cain Arena assuming they aren’t operating under a “one-in, one-out” approach as they did for some of the bigger matches while we were there.

Margaret Court Arena

Margaret Court Arena is the third largest tennis stadium in Melbourne Park, but second to Rod Laver in terms of getting the big-name matches. It’s attached to Rod Laver via covered concourse.

Prices for seats in Margaret Court Arena start at $79 a ticket for day sessions and $69 for night sessions. Margaret Court has a retractable roof, so match play can continue during rain and extreme heat. A ticket to Margaret Court Arena will not get you into Rod Laver. It will get you into all outside courts and the non-reserved seats at John Cain Arena.

John Cain Arena

John Cain Arena is half-reserved seating, half-unreserved seating. Depending on the match, especially in the earlier rounds, your other stadium tickets or grounds passes will get you into the reserved side.

Prices for reserved seats in John Cain Arena start at $79 a ticket for day sessions and $65 for night sessions.

The AO Hilltop

More casual fans or budget travelers can still enjoy the fun via the big screens at the AO Hilltop, a non-ticketed area that is open the entirety of the two-week main draw. It’s free to visit, and there are brands and activations on site, as well as great views of the Melbourne skyline.

Getting to the Australian Open

The hardest part of getting to the Australian Open from America was obviously the flight, though we flew into Melbourne Airport and found it a very seamless travel experience. As the second largest airport in Australia, Melbourne Airport (MEL) is serviced by many nonstop flights daily from major international hubs; we arrived direct from Singapore.

We cashed in points from this credit card to fly business class on Singapore Airlines there and in QSuites on Qatar Airways on the way back, paying just the cost of taxes. If you’re based in the US and have not started playing the credit card points game, let me convince you it’s worth it to fund your tennis trips along. I’ve got a full post on how to get started with credit card points here.

From Melbourne Airport to our vacation rental was just 20 minutes by Uber.Once you’re in Melbourne, it is extremely easy to get to the Australian Open. We took Ubers everywhere and never paid more than $10 a trip, even during surge pricing times. The location of the Australian Open is so convenient that you can also walk if you’re staying centrally, or alternately, take an Uber to the central core and walk the rest of the way.

But there’s also a free tram in Melbourne to the Australian Open. From Flinders Street Station, you can hop on a tram straight to Melbourne Park or walk across the Tanderrum Bridge through Birrarung Marr to reach the Garden Square entrance. Richmond Station also offers an easy walk along Olympic Boulevard to the Grand Slam entrance, while Jolimont Station provides another convenient option just a short stroll through Yarra Park.

Where to stay in Melbourne for the Australian Open

You can stay anywhere in Melbourne and easily reach the Australian Open grounds. Since there were six of us traveling, we opted for a four-bedroom vacation rental in South Melbourne, which was such a fun location to be in both for exploring the city and getting to and from the tennis.

If you’re looking for a hotel in Melbourne instead, Melbourne Park is sandwiched among the Central Business District (CBD), East Melbourne, Southbank and Richmond. All of these hotels are close to the tennis:

What it cost us to go to the Australian Open in 2025

Cost is obviously going to vary based on where you’re coming from and also your exchange rate. In 2025, the U.S. dollar was strong compared to the AUD, so we came out on top. We also used points for flights, so just paid $100 or so in taxes and fees. Here’s what everything else cost us (in USD):
- Grounds passes to the AO: $32 per person
- Margaret Court day session: $159 per person for seventh row
- Rod Laver arena night session: $206 per person for fifth row
- Vacation rental in South Melbourne: $78 per person per night
- Uber to the tennis: $8-12 each way
If you’re using credit cards abroad, make sure you use a card without foreign transaction fees (most of the big travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, the CapitalOne Venture X and the AmEx Platinum do not have FTCs). Of all the Grand Slam and ATP/WTA 1000 events I’ve attended, this was by far the most afforable.

The AO experience

The tagline is “the AO hits different,” and they’re not wrong: Everything about “the tennis” (what Aussies call the Australian Open) was just plain fun. It truly felt like summer Down Under, and from the Bondi Sands sunscreen stations to the various brand activations, I was in love with this tournament from the second we stepped foot onto the grounds.

The food and drink at Melbourne Park were great, with plenty of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan dining options. Because Melbourne is such an international city, a lot of the vendor booths are eclectic in food offerings. One of my favorite bites were the Bao buns inside the food concourse at the arenas, and I also had my share of Aperol Spritzes, as Aperol is one of the tournament’s big sponsors.

I think the grounds were the most fun part for our non-tennis fan travel buddies, so be sure and take time to explore Melbourne Park.

What can you bring into the Australian Open?

In terms of what you can bring into a Grand Slam event, the Australian Open was the most lax. There is no clear bag policy, so I took a small backpack from Lululemon that held my hat, sunscreen, refillable water bottle, wallet with my government ID and other necessities.

If you’re new to tennis tournaments, I recommend always carrying these items no matter where you’re traveling:
- Meds — I love this supplement case for storing my Tylenol, allergy medicine, etc.
- Eyedrops and chapstick — it can get dusty no matter the court
- Battery charger for my phone — I prefer this power bank for my iPhone
- Visor for blocking the sun — I have several of these for both tennis and spectating
- Sunscreen stick for reapplication — this is my ride or die as it doesn’t melt in my bag
- Long-sleeve T-shirt or light jacket — because even in Australia in the summer, it can get cool at night
The rain did come out to play one afternoon, and so did our Roland-Garros ponchos. You can get a small, reusable one like this poncho to throw in your back if getting wet is a concern and you don’t want to take up valuable space with a rain jacket.

Because this is Australia and they’re serious about conservation, there were water refill stations everywhere, so pack your reusable water bottle and take advantage of them.

FAQs about the Australian Open

Here are some of the top questions I was asked about planning a trip to the Australian Open. Feel free to add anymore in the comments, and I’ll answer as I read them.

If I have a ticket to Rod Laver, can I get into Margaret Court Arena?

No. Each pass is a separate ticket. There are 33 hard courts in use during the Australian Open. Any of the arena tickets will get you into all the outdoor courts, including Show Courts 2 and 3, each of which hold 3,000 fans, but not to the other arena (the exception being the non-reserved section in John Cain Arena).

How reliable is the Australian Open app?

While my data service worked fine during day hours at the AO, the app was not great for keeping up with matches in real time, which could have been due the data lag with so many cell phones pinging the same towers. I kept up with other matches via Google’s homepage instead as the game scores update in real time.

How can I stream the Australian Open in Australia?

If you’re from the U.S. and want to watch the AO when you’re not on site, you’ll need a VPN to log into your streaming service back home. I use NordVPN when traveling, and I’ve had no issues accessing Tennis Channel Plus or ESPN+ when abroad.

If you have a TV in your hotel or vacation rental, 9News and 9Now both broadcast the Australian Open, but I found they did not have all matches, so the VPN avenue was the best route for me as a super fan who wanted to catch up on every match I missed.

Getting between stadiums at Australian Open

Margaret Court and Rod Laver arenas are attached by a covered concourse, so if you happen to have tickets to both, it’s easy to bop between them. John Cain Arena is a bit further away, but not too far, and the outer courts are pretty spread out so study the map and allot ample time if you’re trying to make a specific match.

That said, we found the flow of the Australian Open a lot easier to navigate than Roland-Garros with a lot more room to move around between courts.

Buying merch at Australian Open

The Australian Open had some great merch. My favorite store was the main AO store next to Court 3 at the base of Margaret Court Arena, and we loaded up on T-shirts and AO hoodies, as well as gifts for the kids. All the other brands like Ralph Lauren had their own pop-up stores, but we mostly found them overprice and the merch not as cute as the main store.

There are also merch stands in the concourse of the main arenas that sell some of the primary AO designs and other accessories like visors and stuffed animals.

Queuing to get into the courts

The only time we ran into an issue in getting into an outside court with the general ticket (i.e. not an assigned stadium seat) was when Emma Raducanu played Ekaterina Alexandrova in a lengthy first-round match on Court 3 just before Gael Monfils went up against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. It was a double whammy of big names, and many fans arrived early for Monfils, thus taking up seats for the Raducanu match.

Because this court is one of the larger non-arena courts just outside of Rod Laver and Margaret Court, it was packed. My mom and I arrived during the women’s match so we easily got seats, but the rest of our crew arrived mid-match and waited an hour to be seated since it was one in, one out. So if you don’t have an assigned seat and really want to see a big name on an outside court like this one, plan to arrive before the match starts (or even during the match prior).
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07/10/2025
How to Plan a Trip to Ridgeland, Mississippi for Couples

When Scott and I travel, we’re always on the lookout for places that strike a balance with outdoor adventure and plenty of good food and cocktails—if there’s an arts scene, that’s a huge bonus. Ridgeland, Mississippi offers of all that. From paddling the Barnett Reservoir to wandering the boutiques of Renaissance at Colony Park, there are so many things to do in Ridgeland as a couple that we had no problem filling our days on our recent weekend in Mississippi.

This project is in partnership with Explore Ridgeland. All opinions are our own.

Why you should go to Ridgeland, Mississippi

Home to roughly 25,000 people, Ridgeland is just 20 minutes north of Jackson and located at the crossroads of the Natchez Trace Parkway. Anchored by the 33,000-acre Barnett Reservoir, or “The Rez” to locals, it’s got 16 parks, 22 boat launches and 18 miles of paved walkways. In other words? It’s an outdoor lover’s playground and also a great fit for a couples weekend in Mississippi.

Outside of the Reservoir, one of the other main things to do in Ridgeland is visit the Old Town Railroad District, a mixed-use neighborhood comprising restaurants, fitness studios and other small businesses like a plant store. The newer part of Ridgeland is the ever-expanding Renaissance at Colony Park, a high-end pedestrian mall that’s a mix of national retail chains (e.g. Anthropologie, Apple, Athleta) and local boutiques.

Bars and restaurants in Ridgeland, Mississippi

Where to eat in the Railroad District

Undoubtedly the most unique place to eat in Ridgeland is the Lily Pad Café in the Railroad District. Open for lunch Tuesday through Friday—plus one Saturday a month—the nonprofit’s mission extends beyond serving meals: It also provides meaningful employment and hands-on training in the hospitality industry for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a way to help their employees gain skills and confidence for future opportunities, the Lily Pad is one of only two restaurants in the nation that follows this model (the other being Hugs Café in Texas).

By dining here, you won’t just enjoy good food—I loved the flatbread while Scott devoured the chicken salad sandwich—but also support a community effort to create inclusion and independence. While walk-ins are welcome, reservations are encouraged, especially for parties larger than four.

For dinner in the Railroad District, Ely’s Restaurant & Bar serves six cuts of aged steaks with add-on options like blue cheese, crab or shrimp. Seafood highlights include tuna, chili-glazed salmon and Gulf redfish, complemented by an extensive wine cellar and a robust bourbon, rye and scotch selection—all the makings of a perfect date night in Ridgeland.

Where to eat in Renaissance at Colony Park

Renaissance at Colony Park has no shortage of lunch spots, but Aplos tops the list. The Jackson-born Mediterranean restaurant serves wraps like chicken shawarma, ribeye steak and gyros, along with larger plates that come with pita, hummus, rice and a Greek salad. The menu has inventive pizzas, sides like roasted veggies and Greek fries, plus beer, wine, cocktails, mocktails and frozen drinks.

Another favorite lunch spot in Ridgeland is Zea Rotisserie & Bar. With locations across Mississippi and Louisiana, Zea’s sandwiches feature fun combinations like the pepper jelly chicken salad and my go-to, the Sedona chicken panini loaded with rotisserie chicken, caramelized onion, roasted garlic, cheeses and chipotle aioli. To top it off, Zea pours craft beers and premium spirits.

For dinner, there are plenty of options like the brand-new Taste Italian Kitchen, which has a surprisingly diverse selection of vegetarian and vegan options, including a vegan meatball that Scott can vouch for personally, arancini, vegan steak and a collection of salads. Expect Italian classics like steak, chicken and fish while their pasta menu runs the show from gnocchi to ravioli to lasagna to eggplant parmigiana among the options available.

Local 463, a Ridgeland staple from Chef Derek Emerson, highlights local and regional ingredients in a blend of Southern, Gulf Coast and Cajun flavors. Standouts include Florida rock shrimp and fried green tomato flatbread, lump crabmeat dishes, Kung Pao popcorn shrimp, and tamales topped with sweet corn sauce, pico de gallo and chipotle-lime sour cream.

Another Emerson restaurant, Caet brings a classic seafood and oyster bar to Ridgeland with blue crab bruschetta, shrimp cocktail, scallops, tuna, catfish and raw oyster samplers. The menu also extends to steak, pork chops, a wagyu burger and elevated sides. For steak, Koestler Prime at Renaissance at Colony Park has been a local favorite for more than 25 years.

One thing to note is that the restaurants were hopping while we we visited, so for dinner in particular, we highly recommend making reservations in advance.

Ridgeland also offers fast-casual spots like Soulshine Pizza Factory and Another Broken Egg, ideal for travelers who prefer a spontaneous, quick bite over advance reservations.

Where to eat near Barnett Reservoir

On the way to Barnett Reservoir is the coolest restaurant in Ridgeland: Dogmud Tavern. This whimsical pub is a little bit Harry Potter, a little bit Hobbit and a whole lot of fun. Custom-made for fantasy fan and gamers alike, the shelves are stocked with everything from Monopoly and Scrabble to more strategy-centric favorites—all of which pair well with a pint or cocktail with hours of entertainment.

The menu spans New York–style hot dogs, taco trios, wings, burgers, and pizza (with cauliflower crust available for gluten-free diners). Cocktails include playful, game-inspired options like an adult version of Butterbeer, and there’s even a dice game where guests roll for shots. Regular trivia nights, themed events and fundraisers make the tavern a lively spot to meet friends or add something fun to a couples’ trip to Ridgeland.

There are also a few casual, boat-up spots like Shaggy’s On the Rez the at overlook Barrett’s Reservoir, perfect for buckets of beer with plenty of patio seating. Pelican Cove Grill is another favorite Ridgeland restaurant for waterfront views and a stop along Explore Ridgeland’s Cocktail Trail.

Exploring the Mississippi arts scene

One of our favorite things to do in Ridgeland is visit the 20,000-square-foot Bill Waller Craft Center, home to the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi. For more than 15 years, this nonprofit has showcased regional folk, traditional and contemporary crafts inside a sleek midcentury modern building—named for former governor and guild president Bill Waller—that’s a work of art in itself.

The guild includes more than 400 artists from Mississippi and neighboring states, many of whom sell their work in the gift shop, open daily. Admission is free, making it a worthwhile stop anytime you’re in Ridgeland.

An added bonus: The Craft Center sits just off the Natchez Trace, with a boardwalk through shady woods leading to its back entrance. Those same woods are also home to thousands of synchronous fireflies, whose rare, twinkling display lasts only a couple of weeks each year.

For a creative date night in Ridgeland, the Craft Center offers seasonal workshops and classes—think Valentine’s or Christmas—taught by guild members skilled in everything from woodworking and weaving to stained glass and beadwork.

Other things to do as a couple in Ridgeland, Mississippi

But Ridgeland has plenty of things for couples to do beyond food, drinks and the arts. Whether you prefer the outdoors or a cozy indoor escape, here are additional ways Scott and I like to spend an afternoon together in Ridgeland.

Biking around Ridgeland

I love riding bikes and being outside, but I also like having a destination in mind. The Ridgeland bike share program was an amalgamation of our interests as we could borrow bikes for free with the use of the Koloni app then bike from coffee shop to boutiques, then onto lunch and the wildflower fields.

You can pick up bikes at two locations in Ridgeland: Old Town Crossing and the Ridgeland Visitors Center at Renaissance at Colony Park.

Serious cyclists can tackle sections of the Natchez Trace Parkway or the 10-mile Chisha Foka Trail, a paved path through historic Choctaw homelands lined with trees, wildflowers and wildlife.

A head spa treatment at Patina Hair Studio

As a long-haired girl, I love a good head massage—but I’d never had a true scalp treatment until discovering Patina Hair Studio. The service begins with a stylist using a camera wand to examine and analyze your scalp, then moves into a series of exfoliating and detoxifying cleanses to remove buildup. The best part? It all ends with a blissful head massage.

To top it off, the head spa treatment ends with a blowout, so my hair felt cleaner than ever and I walked out with bouncy waves. Scott loved his treatment, too—but if your partner isn’t into the idea, Ridgeland has plenty of day spas offering massages and other ways to unwind.

Afternoon tea at CW Organics Tea Room

I can never resist an afternoon tea—the pomp, the ritual, the snacks. So when we discovered a tea room just minutes from the head spa, it was the perfect way to continue our relaxing afternoon in Ridgeland.

CW Organics Tea Room is more than just an afternoon tea service; it’s a full-on tea emporium. The menu features loose-leaf teas brewed to showcase their natural flavors, warm scones with clotted cream and seasonal preserves, and rotating sandwiches and pastries.

I ordered the Tea Tier for One and Scott chose his own tea brew, and after chatting with owner Caroline Warner, I also picked up a custom blend for gut health—her Stomach Aid remedy—along with marshmallow root to add to my fall and winter tea routine.

Date night at TopGolf Ridgeland

For a fun date night in Ridgeland, we met friends at Mississippi’s first Topgolf just 15 minutes from Jackson.. Even if you’ve never swung a club, it’s more about the experience than the game: climate-controlled bays with TVs, high-tech targets that track your shots and plenty of laughs over each other’s swings.

If you want to mix things up, there’s also a 9-hole mini golf course, plus a full restaurant and bar downstairs—or you can order food and drinks right from your bay so you never have to take a break from your game.

For other ideas for travel to Mississippi, check out our guide to the outdoors in Ridgeland and adventures along the Natchez Trace Parkway.

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02/10/2025
Choose Your Own Adventure in Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Growing up in a small town south of Nashville, we ventured out to Murfreesboro regularly: for summer camps, doctor appointments, shopping, you name it. What felt like a small town then, the home to Middle Tennessee State University now boasts 165,000 residents and has expanded at a rapid race, thanks to its central location. It’s also the state’s largest hub for youth sports. So if you’re headed our way for a soccer game, tennis tournament or just to see what Rutherford County is all about, here’s how to spend a weekend in Murfreesboro: with your family, with a loved one or even by yourself.

This post is in partnership with Visit Rutherford. All opinions are our own.

A family’s guide to Murfreesboro

Countless families find themselves on a weekend in Rutherford County for sports—among other major tournaments, the city hosts the majority of TSSAA state championships, earning it the nickname of “Sports Capital of Tennessee”—but there’s plenty to do in Murfreesboro with kids off the field.

Families can start their trip at General Bragg Trailhead, where open space offers ample opportunity for littles to run around. There’s fishing, a playground, a dog park, paved paths for running and biking, and even a 1.5-mile spur trail to the Stones River National Battlefield.

Murfreesboro’s greenway system is one of its attributes that makes the city so livable and enjoyable as a visitor—you’re never far from a trailhead. Stretching more than 17 miles, the greenway winds along the Stones River, its 16 trailheads connecting parks with neighborhoods and historic sites. The Manson Pike Trailhead is a popular area for families in Murfreesboro thanks to facilities made for hiking, running, biking, skating, birdwatching, fishing, kayaking—you name it.

If you’re looking for more leisurely play, there are plenty of other family-friendly spots around Rutherford County like McKnight Park, Barfield Crescent Park and Old Fort Park, which has a Kids’ Castle Playground, skate park and pump track.

From Manson Pike Trailhead, it’s less than two miles to Cannonsburgh Village, a must for all families visiting Rutherford County. This recreated 19th-century pioneer village is free to visit and aims to showcase what life here might have looked like from the 1830s to the 1930s. With more than 20 structures—ranging from a gristmill and blacksmith’s shop to a schoolhouse and a chapel—strewn throughout the grounds, families can wander the grounds, watch demonstrations and mentally teleport to another era. Fun fact: Cannonsburgh Village is also home to the world’s largest cedar bucket.

For hands-on learning and discovery, the Discovery Center at Murfreesboro is three minutes down the road and provides engaging exhibits that encourage curiosity and creativity, making it a perfect stop for children of all ages. My nephew, Mac (5), wanted to interact with every single station within the two-floor complex, while my niece Charlotte (7) got to work building things in the STEM corner.

The center attaches to the Murfree Spring Wetlands, a 25-acre park with boardwalks that wind through native habitat, putting the spotlight on birds, turtles and other native species. Beyond being a pleasant park to explore on a pretty day, Murfree Spring is a restored ecosystem that protects local species while teaching visitors why wetlands matter.

For kids who are more active and have energy to burn, Murfreesboro’s trampoline parks are the perfect place to head from Murfree Spring. We love Sky Zone for the many slides, obstacle courses and areas to bounce around, but Urban Air Adventure Park also gets two thumbs up from the kids in our life.

For dinner, BoomBozz Craft Pizza & Taphouse is extremely kid-friendly with its outdoor playground and regular happenings like an on-site balloon artist. And then there’s, of course, the favorite activity of most kids (and this adult): a sweet treat at the end of the day. Murfreesboro has the Soda Bar by Van Horns Cookies, the brick-and-mortar stop of the food truck behind the gooey cookie ice cream sandwiches, while the downtown square is home to both Hattie Jane’s Creamery and the decadent creations of Simply Pure Sweets, whose menu ranges from homemade oatmeal cream pies to French macarons.

Where to stay in Murfreesboro as a family

Right off the Murfreesboro square, Carriage Lane Inn is family-friendly with spacious suites and historic guesthouses that offer a variety of guest configurations. The inn features shared courtyards, porches, and easy access to local restaurants and shops, and its central location makes it a convenient base for exploring Stones River National Battlefield, Discovery Center and other nearby attractions.

A couple’s guide to Murfreesboro

A weekend in Murfreesboro is great for the couple who wants diversity: You can spend a morning outdoors, an afternoon at a brewery, and an evening hopping between cocktail lounges and live music venues—all within a compact, easy-to-navigate area. My husband and I, a childless married couple, love a night out in Murfreesboro bopping around the speakeasies and wine bars on the courthouse square.

While you could easily spend an entire evening at Hop Springs, which holds regular live music and festivals on its sprawling campus, we’re fans of the intimacy of Cedar Glade Brews, which makes delicious craft beer and also features rotating taps from other breweries. Open every day but Mondays, Cedar Glade Brews has weekday hoppy hours and nightly gatherings like Singo or trivia.

If you’re looking for something new and trendy, head to the Velvet Room, the sexy speakeasy lounge dripping in red accents that mixes up the best cocktails in town, or One of 19, a which blends high-end drinks with modern bar bites (think: tuna tartare, oysters, whipped feta, crab cocktail). For a more low-key afternoon bite, the restaurants scattered around the square like Jack Brown’s and Puckett’s are perfect for a casual meal.

Main Street Murfreesboro has events throughout the year that make for great date nights like the annual Taste of Rutherford at Oaklands Mansion every July and the annual Christmas celebration and lighting of the tree on the first Friday of December.

In the warmer months, we love to do our weekly shopping at the Saturday morning farmers’ market, as well as Friday Night Live once a month from June through September. The square is closed off for pedestrians, live music and a whole lot of dancing. It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s a great way to get a feel for the community as a whole.

Where to stay in Murfreesboro as a couple

The Loft at Bloomsbury Farm puts guests right in the middle of a working organic farm, with a private cottage that blends modern comfort and pastoral views. Guests have access to walking trails, seasonal produce, and a quiet patio overlooking the fields. Just 10 minutes from downtown Smyrna, this retreat balances seclusion with easy urban access.

An outdoor lover’s guide to Murfreesboro

One of the most impressive things about Murfreesboro is its expansive greenway system and park space. No matter where you are in the city, you can access one of the seven segments of greenway or find somewhere to stretch your legs or take a quick bike ride. The Overall Street Trailhead is a convenient jumping-off point to explore more of the greenway system. From there, you can walk, run or ride for miles without ever needing to get off and dodge cars.

If you’re traveling with bikes, the Manson Pike Trailhead is ideal for scenic rides with its wide, tree-lined trails, while the nearby Greenway Bridge and waterfalls offer a peaceful spot to enjoy nature and snap memorable family photos. Down the way, the Greenway Bridge and the small waterfalls below it are a great place to cool off in warmer months.

Murfreesboro has easy access to the Stones River with three public launches along the Greenway, perfect for kayaks, canoes or paddleboards. The calm waters are primed for scenic floats through thick groves of trees and limestone bluffs, with flyfishing another popular pursuit thanks to the shallows banks and thriving fish population.

Nearby, Old Fort Golf Club is a city-owned, 18-hole public course along the Stones River, next to historic Fortress Rosecrans and the Adams Tennis Complex. At 7,086 yards from the tips, it’s one of Tennessee’s top public courses and a frequent host of championship events, including Korn Ferry Tour qualifiers. Murfreesboro has several other top golf courses like Indian Hills Golf Course and Cedar Crest Golf Club that are open to public play.

If racquet sports are more your forte, Rutherford County has plenty of tennis and pickleball facilities. Host of the TSSAA high school tennis championships, Adams Tennis Complex has both indoor and outdoor facilities that anyone can book for a small fee—not to mention, regular mixers and rec league play—while the town of Smyrna has more than a dozen tennis courts and pickleball facilities scattered throughout the city.

History buffs will appreciate the battlefield trails at Stones River National Battlefield; not everywhere seamlessly pairs history with the outdoors. The park has roughly seven miles of walking and biking trails that weave through open fields, cedar glades and forested stretches where the bloody Civil War battle unfolded. Some paths are short loops that make for quick strolls; others feed into longer routes like the Stones River Greenway should you want to extend your walk. It’s flat and easy terrain making it a great option regardless of age or mobility.

Where to stay in Murfreesboro as an outdoors lover

On the southern shores of Percy Priest Lake just past La Vergne, Four Corners Marina is a dream for outdoors lovers who want to make the most of their weekend in Rutherford County. Located 25 minutes from the Nashville airport (BNA), it’s an ideal base for both water recreation and access to all of Murfreesboro’s top attractions. A convenient spot on Percy Priest Lake, Four Corners Resort & Marina offers RV sites, cabin rentals, and full marina services, including boat slips and fuel. Visitors can rent pontoons, paddleboards or fishing boats directly from the dock, and the on-site restaurant delivers with casual dining and lake views.

A foodie’s guide to Murfreesboro

As Nashville’s radius expands, Murfreesboro’s dining scene becomes more and more impressive, the further south the chefs go. You can start your day in Murfreesboro is at Brass Horn Coffee, a roastery that serves hearty brunch items like avocado toast, breakfast burritos, bagels and Nutella banana toast. Moving onto mid-morning breakfast or brunch, Joanie’s never disappoints: I take visiting friends there for a big brunch spread as they serve their full menu (crepes, waffles, pancakes) all day long.

For lunch, Murfreesboro Kabob is our choice 10 times out of 10. We love Mediterranean and Persian food, and the kabob plates are simply unbeatable. For a more sit-down meal in downtown Murfreesboro, Five on Black Kitchen and Spirit House pairs elevated gastropub cuisine—house eggrolls, a deep well of burgers, the best Brussels sprouts in town—with spirit-forward cocktails and extensive selection of bourbons, whiskeys and tequilas. Other fine-dining options include long-time Murfreesboro icon, the Alley on Main, and perhaps my favorite date night in Murfreesboro: Five Senses.

On any weekend in Murfreesboro from May through the end of October, the Saturday Market on the courthouse square is a must. Every Saturday from late-spring through mid-fall, the square brims with farm-fresh produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, and artisan crafts from 8am to noon. Off Medical Center Parkway, Williamson Family Farm‘s 240 acres comprise apple trees, you-pick berry bushes, sunflower fields and much more; the family-run farm is open regularly to the public, plus hosts seasonal food-focused events like its annual strawberry festival every May.

If you want to spend an evening out in Eagleville instead, the Grindstone Cowboy is a restaurant, bar, coffee shop and music venue rolled into one with live entertainment nearly every Friday and Saturday evening and some weeknights, too.

Rutherford County has so many restaurants, it would be physically impossible to cram them into a single weekend. So if you’re traveling like we do and planning a full-on progressive dinner tour of restaurants in Murfreesboro—after all, you do want to taste as much as possible!—it may be wise to break up your days by area. Here are some of our favorite places to eat by neighborhood:

Downtown Murfreesboro / Memorial Boulevard:
- Alley on Main
- Boro Bowls
- Brass Horn Coffee Roasters
- The Clay Pit
- Five on Black Kitchen and Spirit House
- Jack Brown’s
- Joanie’s
- Marina’s on the Square
- Murfreesboro Kabob
- Primrose Table
Old Fort Parkway:
- Sandwich Factory
- Maru Sushi & Grill
- TailGate Brewery Murfreesboro
Medical Center Parkway / Thompson Lane:
- Cava
- Drake’s
- The Goat Murfreesboro
- Jonathan’s
- Maple Street Biscuit Company
- PennePazze
- Tandoor
- West 22 Tacos
Where to stay in Murfreesboro as a foodies

Rutherford County is home to more than 50 hotels. If you’re visiting Murfreesboro to take advantage of the food scene, make your base at a Rutherford County hotel that’s most central to the places you plan to visit.

A history enthusiast’s guide to Murfreesboro

Rutherford County’s Civil War history runs deep: The Battle of Stones River was one of the bloodiest conflicts of the war and a turning point for Union control in Middle Tennessee. Today, you can walk those same fields at Stones River National Battlefield, where monuments, trails, and a well-done visitor center tell the story of the soldiers who fought and the civilians who endured.

Right outside of town in Smyrna, the Sam Davis Home & Plantation shares the story of a Confederate soldier, offering both a glimpse into 19th-century plantation life and a sobering reminder of the era’s complexities. From February through December, you can tour the Greek Revival home and the grounds. The Sam Davis Home also hosts annual holiday events like a Christmas after dark tour and Nutcracker afternoon tea.

In downtown Murfreesboro, landmarks like the Oaklands Mansion and the Bradley Academy Museum add more context to the city’s complicated wartime past, making Murfreesboro one of the most compelling places in Tennessee to connect with Civil War history. For something a little different by way of history, head into downtown Murfreesboro and spend an afternoon at Cannonsburgh Village, a collection of recreated 19th-century buildings that give you a peek into Tennessee’s past. Strolling the grounds almost feels like stepping into a quieter time—without ever leaving the middle of town.

For aviation buffs, there’s no better time to spend a weekend in Murfreesboro than during the annual Great Tennessee Air Show in Smyrna. For one weekend in June, the Great Tennessee Air Show lands at the Smyrna Airport, giving all in attendance a front-row seat to some of the best pilots in the country. The lineup often highlights the U.S. Navy Blue Angels alongside solo pilots and aerobatic teams, giving spectators a close-up look at some of the coolest aircraft and aerial performances in the country.

Where to stay in Murfreesboro as a history lover

If you’re visiting Murfreesboro to see the historic sites, you’ll likely be spending much of your time near Stones River Battlefield or Smyrna. Pick a Rutherford County hotel off of Medical Center Parkway like the Hyatt Place, Courtyard Marriott, Embassy Suites or Hilton Garden Inn as a home base for your weekend of history in Tennessee.

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17/09/2025
How to Make the Most of the Outdoors in Ridgeland, Mississippi

If you’ve ever road-tripped the Natchez Trace Parkway, you’ve likely breezed right past Ridgeland, Mississippi without realizing this vibrant city is one of the Trace’s best-kept secrets. Situated just north of Jackson along I-55, Ridgeland really leans into its outdoors scene: kayaking on the Barnett Reservoir, biking the local multi-use trail, picking flowers in the community wildflower fields. So if you’re visiting Mississippi, here’s how to experience the outdoors in Ridgeland so you don’t waste a single moment.

This project is in partnership with Explore Ridgeland. All opinions are our own.

Getting outdoors in Ridgeland

Over the past few years, we’ve visited Ridgeland a handful of times en route to or from other Mississippi cities like Tupelo, Jackson, Natchez. We’ve come to find that Ridgeland is more than just a stop along the Trace—it’s a stand-alone destination in its own right. The first time we ever visited during the South’s dreamy, temperate fall weather, we were immediately smitten with all the green space Ridgeland offered, not to mention the fact that everyone seemed to move around by bike.

Cycling in Ridgeland

Ridgeland, which has long been designated an official Tree City, is an ideal weekend getaway for anyone looking to get around by two wheels, whether to hit the Retail Trail, skirt the edge of Mississippi’s largest reservoir, observe the region’s many wildlife habitats or simply log a bit of exercise.

With eight different access points spread throughout the city, the Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail is one of the best ways to experience the outdoors in Ridgeland. You can start near the Natchez Trace Parkway and pedal past the wildflower fields, grab a cold drink or seafood platter at one of the waterfront restaurants like Pelican Cove Grill, then take a break to browse Mississippi-made art at the Bill Waller Craft Center.

The trail winds along the Barnett Reservoir, where overlooks and parks offer plenty of stops for resting, picnicking or a round of disc golf. In Ridgeland proper, the Railroad District is a more urban biking destination where you can grab lunch or shop local boutiques before hopping back on the path.

If you’re not traveling with your own bike, you can make use of Explore Ridgeland’s free bikeshare program. Simply download the Koloni app before you go, create a free account, then pick up a bike at either the Ridgeland Bikeshare at The Bike Crossing or the Ridgeland Visitors Center in the Renaissance at Colony Park. Helmets are required and included with the rentals.

Natchez Trace Parkway

Ridgeland has one of the most convenient and scenic access points to the Natchez Trace Parkway, making it a natural hub for travelers exploring the historic 444-mile route that launches in Nashville and terminates in Natchez, Mississippi. The Parkway literally runs through the city, so you can easily hop on and off whether you’re driving the whole byway or just enjoying a shorter day trip.

From Ridgeland, you can head north toward Tupelo and Nashville or south toward Natchez, and the stretch around town is especially appealing thanks to multi-use trails that parallel the Parkway. Cyclists, runners, and walkers love this section because of its paved paths, water views, and easy access to Barnett Reservoir (“The Rez”), which borders the Trace here.

In short: Ridgeland is both a practical and scenic gateway to the Parkway: It’s the only city in Mississippi where you’ll find direct access combined with a strong visitor infrastructure—lodging, dining, shopping, trailheads—directly off the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Ross Barnett Reservoir

Arriving from the north, your first glimpse of Ridgeland will be an expanse of mirror-blue water that stretches out over 33,000 acres. Not only is Barnett Reservoir a peaceful respite, but it’s popular for cardio enthusiasts who jog, walk or hike the trails, many with dog companion in tow.

You could easily rent a waterfront home and spend the entirety of your weekend in Ridgeland making use of Barnett Reservoir’s many facilities. The 33,000-acre Barnett Reservoir, known to locals as “The Rez,” boasts five campgrounds, 16 parks, 22 boat launches, handicapped accessible trails and 18 miles of paved walkways. In other words? It’s a water enthusiast’s playground.

One of our favorite places in Ridgeland is Pearl River State Wildlife Management Area, an area adjacent to the Natchez Trace Parkway that’s alive with native flora and fauna. Just past the Trace before you cross the bridge, there’s also a bird-viewing station where you can admire the various waterfowl that inhabit the marsh from close up.

On our weekends in Ridgeland, we have returned to this refuge on multiple occasions to enjoy the fresh air and get our bird-watching. Keep your eyes peeled for alligators, too: We spotted quite a few lurking just beneath the water’s surface!

Ridgeland Wildflower Fields

Closer to the heart of the city are the Ridgeland Wildflower Fields started many years ago by the Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce and Keep Ridgeland Beautiful as a local beautification effort and way to provide residents and visitors alike with a joyful experience. To find them, map to the Seabrook Paint Company right off Interstate 55 and park in the back parking spaces by the fields.

This time of year, you’ll catch the tail end of wildflower season before the zinnias and other multi-colored blooms start to materialize.

But even in the between seasons when the fields aren’t awash in color, they’re still fun and interesting to visit—and, did I mention, free?—as they feature walking paths adorned with whimsical sculptures created from recycled and upcycled metal. Every time we’ve visited, more 3D art has been added, and you know we love a good public art installation!

TopGolf

If you want to be outdoors in Ridgeland without expending too much energy, the city is home to Mississippi’s first Topgolf venue. If you’ve never played a round, you’re in for a treat. Topgolf Ridgeland isn’t your typical driving range—it’s an all-out experience where you can tee off from climate-controlled bays outfitted with TVs while aiming at colorful, high-tech targets that track your shots. Or mix it up with a round of 9-hole mini golf course that’s great for families and groups.

Add in a menu of food, beer and craft cocktails, and you’ve got the recipe for an easy night out in Ridgeland whether you’re working on your swing or just there for the social side of things.

Where to stay in Ridgeland, Mississippi

The area engulfing the Township at Colony Park is where the majority of hotels in Ridgeland are located. We have stayed at the Hampton Inn & Suites, as well as the SpringHill Suites, which has an outdoor pool that is very refreshing in the summer months. The nice thing about the Colony Park area of town is its walkability, as well as proximity to the bulk of Ridgeland’s restaurants and retail.

There are plenty of shops and eateries—like Taste Italian Kitchen, Local 463, Caet, Anjou—at Renaissance at Colony Park so you can easily navigate the neighborhood by foot or bicycles. If you aren’t traveling with your own set of two wheels, the free bikes available at the Ridgeland Visitors Center make it convenient for exploring if you want to ditch your car for the day.

One thing is for sure, no matter where you wind up for dinner, the after-party is at the Renaissance every night without fail: The fountain in front of the Malco Renaissance theatre lights up in a Vegas-style show marrying light and audio on the hour from 6 to 9pm nightly.

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10/09/2025
Understanding the Civil War in Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Over the past couple years, we’ve worked on tourism projects with cities large and small across Tennessee, unearthing just how pivotal a role places like Franklin played in the Civil War. We’ve already covered a bit of Civil War history in Franklin but thought the Battle of Stones River and some of the lesser-known Civil War sites in Middle Tennessee also deserved a deep dive.

This post was last updated in August 2025.

The Civil War in Murfreesboro and beyond

It’s impossible to understand the geography and psychology of the American Civil War without including Tennessee—Rutherford County, in particular, had a front-row seat to the most devastating war in the history of our country. Armies on both sides, hundreds of thousands of men, marched across the centerline of the Volunteer State in the early 1860s, setting up bulwarks and camps, conquering strategic locations and suffering crippling losses—until almost the bitter end.

Situated in the heartland of the United States and at the crossroads of civilization in North America, Tennessee was an epicenter and busy intersection of opposing forces during the conflict, with only the great state of Virginia taking the questionable lead in the number of individual battles fought throughout. A strategic prize that both sides valued because of its major rivers, abundant resources and crisscrossing rail lines and turnpikes, Middle Tennessee became a superhighway of marching troops and supplies for the entire four years of the war.

Artifacts of warfare are still buried across the region among the soybean, wheat and cornfield landscapes, which were transformed into an angry battle of ideals and property rights. The countryside is infused with the legacy of the War Between the States, and while it’s easy to breeze through the area on Interstate 24 in search of country music or a scenic waterfall, these monuments to the struggles of our ancestors are beautifully appropriate places to pay some respect.

The battles that raged across the flatlands of this area range from skirmishes to all-out war, and Rutherford County was no stranger to bloodshed and spent ammunition; the Battle of Stones River alone resulted in 24,000 casualties, one of the worst of the entire conflict.

Key Civil War sites in Middle Tennessee

If you’re wanting to understand more of Murfreesboro’s Civil War history, here are some of the sites of fights that happened more than 2,900 times on the soil of Tennessee throughout the span of a few years.

Battle of Milton / Vaught’s Hill

A small skirmish that, nevertheless, resulted in the deaths of hundreds, this battle was waged just north of Readyville and east of Murfreesboro. Besides being an attack by the Confederate army that failed to overrun the Union soldiers on Vaught’s Hill, it also solidified the strength of an organized cavalry, with Colonel John T. Wilder’s “Lightning Brigade” being among the defenders that repelled a larger force.

Battle of Hoover’s Gap

Once again employing Colonel Wilder’s fast-moving brigade with a high degree of effectiveness, General William Rosecrans sent these mounted troops, followed by the regular army, in a big push to control this critical section of the war zone in 1863. Soldiers from both sides of the conflict were spread out from Wartrace to McMinnville and across Rutherford County before converging on areas near Beechgrove, right on Interstate 24 where the road narrows. Spencer Repeating Rifles, a favored firearm for Wilder’s troops, were a fairly new introduction to the Union Army, and had devastating effect.

map by Hal Jespersen, www.cwmaps.com

This battle, and subsequent engagement in Tullahoma, forced the entire Confederate army to retreat to Chattanooga, setting the stage for the Battle of Chickamauga, Battles for Chattanooga, and eventually a clear path for General Sherman’s army to conquer Atlanta and the remainder of the deep South.

Battle of the Cedars / Third Battle of Murfreesboro

General John Bell Hood, in a desperate attempt to force the Union’s hand in the Southern Theater and halt Sherman’s march from Atlanta to Savannah, led a series of assaults up and down the Middle Tennessee corridor in late-1864. The Battle of Franklin was the most notorious of these engagements due to massive casualties, but the Third Battle of Murfreesboro, led by General Nathan Bedford Forrest, was a raid intended to reinforce the Franklin-Nashville campaign by cutting off rail service between Nashville and Murfreesboro.

map by Hal Jespersen, www.cwmaps.com

While Forrest had some success in destroying tracks and depots, the stage had inevitably been set for the end of the war, and his efforts were some of the last battles of the Confederates in Tennessee before the war concluded the following year.

Battle of Stones River

Mustering more than 76,000 troops on both sides, Union and Confederate armies closed ranks in late-1862 for this battle, viciously fighting for control of Middle Tennessee. The federal army, commanded by General William Rosecrans, was positioned along the banks of the Stones River near Murfreesboro on the eve of the year, awaiting an attack from the Army of Tennessee, commanded by the erratic general, Braxton Bragg.

What followed was wholesale slaughter—on both sides—that ended in a draw. Bragg later retreated and regrouped in Tullahoma while federal forces claimed victory, despite the staggering number of dead and injured, estimated to be more than 25,000 over the course of three days.

Tullahoma Campaign

When General Braxton Bragg made his headquarters in Tullahoma following a retreat from Rutherford County, he was actively fighting with his subordinate commanders; Nathan Bedford Forrest, a brigadier general under his command, in particular, had threatened to kill him. While the rain poured down, turning the area into a sludge pool, Rosencrans gathered his forces in Murfreesboro in preparation for an assault down the sharply-terraced and well-defended spline of Middle Tennessee.

In late June 1863 when the machinery of war started rumbling up again, nearly 100,000 men on both sides were stationed at various points across Columbia, Shelbyville, Tullahoma, Manchester and McMinnville. The Duck River Line, formed by the Confederates, couldn’t hold as the Union side made a series of feints and smashed through critical choke points, such as Hoover’s Gap and Liberty Gap, both times heavily armed with the Spencer rifle, which proved absolutely deadly against regimental charges. The Confederate Army of Tennessee—at that point diminished by infighting and miscommunications between commanders yet still lethal—attempted to set up a command in Decherd before retiring across the Tennessee River to the Chattanooga area, setting the stage for the next phase of the conflict.

This is just a sampler of the numerous battles that took place on Tennessee soil, and if you’re interested in reading further, I recommend starting your education with this three-volume set by late historian Shelby Foote.

If you’re planning to visit Middle Tennessee soon, here are a few sites that will start your deep-dive into the Civil War history of the region:
- Stones River National Battlefield
- Fortress Rosecrans
- McFadden Farm
- General Bragg Headquarters Monument
- Evergreen Cemetery
- Hazen Brigade Monument
- Artillery Monument
- Rutherford County’s Historic Cemeteries
- Sam Davis Home & Plantation
- Oaklands Mansion
- Maplewood Cemetery
- Bell Buckle
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20/08/2025
Where to Stay in Franklin, Tennessee: the Harpeth Hotel

One of my favorite weekends getaways is Franklin, Tennessee. It’s just an hour from where we live, but sometimes it feels necessary to break up your routine and reset your mental battery for a weekend—the closer, the better. And with the opening of the Harpeth Hotel a few years back, we love to stay in Franklin and ditch our cars for a weekend getaway that is walkable and brimming with good food and even better cocktails.

This post was last updated in August 2025.

So if you’re coming to Williamson County for a week, a weekend or just a night, here’s what to expect with a stay at the Harpeth Hotel.

Staying in Downtown Franklin

The Harpeth Hotel is the place to stay in downtown Franklin, and it’s also the city’s premier boutique hotel option. With 119 guest rooms spread throughout the four-story hotel, it embodies the look and feel of Williamson County, which is to say: upscale, yet approachable; historic in honoring Franklin’s roots while simultaneously contemporary in design and offerings.

Check rates for the Harpeth Hotel here

What I love the most about the location is how walkable it is. You can check your car into the valet and explore Franklin on foot for the majority of the weekend, no car needed. Everywhere on Main Street is walkable from the Harpeth, as is the Factory at Franklin, the Franklin Farmers Market, the Park at Harlinsdale Farm and so much more.

What to know about Franklin

But first, if you’re new to this area of the South, you need to know a bit about Franklin’s backstory. Fiercely fought over throughout its history as a Western settlement, Franklin and the surrounding counties suffered losses of American life that are gut-wrenching to contemplate. The steamrollers of war spared quite a few architectural treasures in this part of the world that you can tour and a network of interlinked cultural sites illustrate with excruciating detail how the thousands of acres of graveyards scattered on the countryside were populated with the bodies of men. Some of the most pivotal battles of the Civil War happened in this well-preserved Tennessee town, a fact that’s easy to forget unless you visit the battlefields and museums, which we must insist you do.

The hotel is part of a greater development project that fuses 150 residential spaces with commercial concepts; you’ll find everything from the Bakehouse to the NOW Massage day spa in Harpeth Square, just minutes outside of your door. The square also has its own restaurants like Culaccino and Culamar, plus an olive oil shop to boot.

Named after the river that snakes its way through town, the Harpeth Hotel is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, so it meets the brand’s standards while still being completely unique. This means that you can accrue Hilton Honors points if you’re a member and also use the Hilton Keyless App if you prefer.

The Harpeth has a couple of different lodging options, including standard and accessible rooms, as well as various suites: junior, king and presidential. Many rooms have balconies with seating areas, a definite plus in warmer months.

Oh, and did I mention that the Harpeth Hotel is pet-friendly, too? This seamlessly ties into Franklin’s pet-friendly approach to welcome dogs into the town’s various spaces: the shops, the cafes, the restaurant patios, the galleries.

The hotel also boasts some really gorgeous event spaces; if you have a group of 250 or less, the Harpeth is the perfect place in Franklin in which to host your meeting, conference or other event.

For more Franklin hotels, check availability here

Drinking and dining at the Harpeth Hotel

What I love the most about the Harpeth Hotel is that it truly lives up to its motto of being “Franklin’s living room.” When I’m staying in a plush boutique like this one, I prefer to spend time physically in the hotel, but not necessarily inside the confines of my room, which is why the Harpeth is the perfect place to stay in Franklin for me.

There are nooks and vignettes all over the hotel that lend themselves well to grabbing a cup of coffee (or if you’re us, a cocktail) and settling in for a long chat with a friend or an afternoon with your laptop if you’re always working on the road.

The Library also hosts a daily whiskey tasting for guests at 4:45pm, in which a skilled connoisseur will guide you through a sampling of a special whiskey, some from the area and others hand-picked from destinations across the world.

There’s a courtyard right smack in the middle of the hotel that connects to the lobby bar and the Riverside Ballroom with staircases leading up to the second level of the hotel, in addition to ample seating for those who prefer to lounge in the open air. In the summer, there’s live music in the courtyard several nights a week, but no matter the season, you’ll find someone taking the mic in the Harpeth’s 1799 bar on every weekend as the singer-songwriter industry is at the core of Franklin’s culture.

In fact, there are even Gibson guitars hanging in the lobby that guests can check out for free to play!

Eating and drinking at the Harpeth Hotel in Franklin

The centerpiece of the hotel’s lobby is the chef-driven 1799 Kitchen & Bar Room, which is as visually striking as it is delicious. Built around the abstract deconstruction of the inside of a whiskey barrel, with large, circular nook booths encased in the restaurant’s staves, this corner of the hotel is incredibly pleasing to the eye with all of its lines and symmetry.

The homage to the colors and texture of whiskey beer mash inside of the oak is stunning, and surprisingly the design limitations of working in the round appear to have only enhanced the experience of dining with companions because we could actually hear each other speak, an essential quality that unfortunately has been forgotten all too often if you’re breaking bread with others.

The menu trends to high-end French and Italian, with locally sourced ingredients for menu items like the trout, pork roast, leg of lamb and steak. Brunch is also spun up as an option and includes all the usual suspects like crab Benedict, chicken and waffles, and flank steak, among other choices for a lazy weekend meal.

There’s also a bar in the central lobby area that carries local spirits like Leiper’s Fork Distillery, as well as craft beer from Jackalope, Wiseacre and other Tennessee breweries. No big surprise that this is where we made our base during the length of our stay!

And if you’re looking for a more casual grab-and-go option, McGavock’s Coffee Bar & Provisions is the place for you. Tucked in the corner of the building right along Main Street, this bistro has specialty coffee drinks, beer, cocktails, fresh pastries, handmade ice cream and a selection of lunch items. We loved it so much, we’ve now been for lunch at McGavock’s three times in less than two weeks; SVV always gets the bahn mi, while the roast beef sandwich is my go-to.

Whether you are staying in downtown Franklin or are just passing through, lunch at McGavock’s and/or a meal at 1799 should definitely be on your to-eat list in a city crowded with culinary delights.

Around the Harpeth Hotel

Of course, the hotel is right on Main Street, meaning there’s plenty to do, see and eat beyond its walls. So many of my favorite shops in Franklin are located within blocks’ of the Harpeth, including Emmaline, Tin Cottage, Hester & Cook, White’s Mercantile and Rooted by Yarrow Acres, a plant store with the most gorgeous greenery.

If you’ve already eaten at 1799, there are plenty of whiskey stops—like Stable Reserve, OBJ and Leiper’s Fork Distillery’s House of Spirits—along Main Street, as well as plenty of places to eat within walking distance from the Harpeth Hotel. A few of my favorite downtown Franklin restaurants include: Gray’s on Main, Red Pony, Cork & Cow, 55 South and Biscuit Love.

And while McGavock’s is divine for a cup of joe, downtown Franklin also houses an outpost of one of my favorite regional coffee brands: Frothy Monkey. You can also walk to the Factory at Franklin, a beloved spot of both SVV’s and mine thanks to the artisan-backed shops and eateries that populate this old textile mill just outside of downtown.

I suggest staying in downtown Franklin a three-day weekend so you can make the most of the area’s Civil War history, as well as hitting up the Masters & Makers trail, Leiper’s Fork and the Tennessee Whiskey Trail. Franklin is also a great base for exploring the Natchez Trace Parkway, which travels right through the heart of the county.

When to visit Franklin

Like most of Tennessee, Franklin’s most popular months are often April and May and September and October, though the height of summer promises greenery in spade. That said, it depends on the year, as our winters are getting shorter, meaning it’s warmer through late November and starts to thaw by March. That also means you shouldn’t discount the holiday season, though. In fact, at the moment, it’s mid-60s and prices are lower, but yuletide spirit is high!

Franklin has a few banner events, my go-tos being Pilgrimage Music Festival every September and Dickens of a Christmas in mid-December. Both are located in or adjacent to downtown Franklin and walkable from the hotel.

Looking for more Franklin travel tips? Start here:

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19/08/2025
Where to Take Your Pet in Franklin, Tennessee
Long-time readers know that no one loves a good road trip quite like our pup Ella If she could, she’d go with us everywhere. The problem? Not everywhere is pet-friendly—well, not everywhere is pet-friendly like Franklin, Tennessee, I should add.

This post was last updated in August 2025.

Sure, there are plenty of trips she can go on, but we’ve been down that road before: taken her to a city that on its surface appears to be pet-friendly (Denver, we’re looking at you), but really, truly is not, so we end up compromising our adventures to keep her safe and happy. There’s nothing more stressful for pet owners than to have to leave their pup behind in a hotel room for long days on end or, worse, a locked car with the motor and air-conditioning running. So more often than not, she stays home with my mom and we count down the days until we’re all reunited again.

Taking your dog to Franklin

Lucky for us, many of Tennessee’s cities have jumped on the pet-friendly bandwagon, and Franklin is at the forefront of that movement. Mars Petcare’s corporate campus and global innovation center are both in Williamson County, and in addition to creating a pet-friendly work environment, they’ve committed to teaching businesses like shops and restaurants with patios how to be more accommodating to animals like me, the company also is trying to encourage more offices across the country to implement a pet-friendly workplace policy.

In 2017, Franklin became the pilot city for Mars Petcare’s “Better Cities for Pets” initiative. But what does this mean exactly? While some local businesses like Gallery 202 have always allowed pets, the program has brought in more than 100 Franklin businesses in an effort to make that more ubiquitous by creating urban spaces where pets are welcomed and supported, contributing to the well-being of both pets and their owners.

Part of the program is providing businesses with a toolkit to better serve pets and their people by creating a stress-free environment for all. The result is dozens of dogs strolling Main Street on any given afternoon—and that we can take Ella along with us on a day in Franklin. The initiative also aspires to build true pet-friendly communities by supporting shelters, homes, businesses and parks, touching on four key cornerstones: shelters, parks, homes and businesses.

Pets can’t speak for themselves, so the mentality behind the program is that it’s up to people and communities to advocate for them and the many ways they make our lives better. For us, as Ella’s humans, it’s comforting that we can take her all over Franklin and aren’t going to run into “NO DOGS ALLOWED” signs around every turn.

The expansion of the program has meant signage directing you to businesses that allow your pets inside, water bowls stationed along Main Street, waste bag stations and other amenities.

And for the rare downtown business that doesn’t accept dogs–and for restaurants for whom it’s a health code violation—there’s polite signage alerting you when they are not allowed inside.

Ella gives Williamson County’s efforts two paws up and can’t wait till her next day trip to Franklin!

Where to stay in Franklin with pets

Our favorite place to stay in Franklin is the Harpeth Hotel, and lucky for you and your pup, they allow dogs. But there are dozens of Franklin hotels that accept dogs, many of them along the I-65 corridor. Pet-friendly hotels include:

Other pet-friendly places in Franklin

Franklin is more than just Main Street, so if you’re exploring beyond downtown, you may want to factor these pet-friendly stops—parks, restaurants, bars and shops that accept pets in Franklin—into your plans:
- K-9 Korral dog park at Harlinsdale Farm
- The outdoor spaces at the Factory at Franklin
- Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar
- Scout’s Pub in Westhaven
- Sarah Benson Park in Thompson’s Station
- McEwen Northside
- Neighbors Franklin
- Camden Commons
- Mill Creek Brewing Co. in Nolensville
- Triple Crown Bakery’s front lawn
- Timberland Park
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09/08/2025
Eating, Shopping + Civil War History

One of the best things about living in Tennessee is the number of day trips available to us on any given week. We live just an hour south of Nashville, which affords us regular outings like a quick trip to the Smokies, an afternoon of waterfall hopping or a day trip to Franklin.

Franklin factored into so many things I did as a kid: It’s where we played the bulk of my major soccer and tennis tournaments. It also boasted what was, at the time, the best mall in Middle Tennessee: Cool Springs Galleria. And many of our class field trips in elementary and middle school were to Franklin’s major Civil War sites like Carnton and Carter House.

As an adult, Williamson County is one of my favorite places to spend an afternoon, as well as take visiting friends. And while it’s a great option for a weekend getaway, it’s also an easy day trip from Nashville if you’re already in the area and want to see a different side of Tennessee. So if you’re considering a drive, here’s how I would spend a day in Franklin.

Take a stroll down Main Street

The best place to start any day trip to Franklin is in its cultural and geographic center: Main Street. The city has two free parking garages on 2nd Avenue South and 4th Avenue, and there’s free street parking on Main Street and all along its arteries.

Once you’re parked for the morning, the Franklin Visitor Center is always a necessary stop to pick up themed guides—Franklin has a trail for everything: sweets, murals, coffee—as well as shop the merch and use the public bathroom.

From there, you can explore downtown Franklin by foot. The city was founded in 1799, but the Downtown Franklin Association didn’t come along until 1984, spearheading the revitalization of the city’s historic downtown core, driving economic development and bringing in businesses by the dozens.

You could easily spend a weekend in Franklin perusing the shops—White’s Mercantile, DeAnn Art Gallery and Rooted are a few of my personal favorites—and dining your way around downtown from Red Pony to Cork & Cow or Grays on Main, which has one of the most photographed signs on Main Street.

On the other side of the street sits one of Franklin’s most iconic landmarks downtown, which has survived the test of time: the Franklin Theatre, Main Street’s beating heart since it was built in 1937. A massive renovation in 2007 shut the facility down for three years, but today, it hosts a variety of movies, live music, comedy, musicals and more.

Before you leave downtown, be sure and pay a visit to the March to Freedom statue. Installed a few years back, the statues and other markers in Public Square comprising the Fuller Story serve to tell a broader narrative about the area’s Civil War history that include the U.S. Colored Troops, nearly 24,000 of whom served in Tennessee and were pivotal to the war efforts.

If you prefer a guided tour to self-learning, Franklin Walking Tours offers a handful of history-focused itineraries like Franklin Charm, Franklin’s Fierce Females, and Grim and Ghostly for those who love a spooky outing.

Detour to the Factory

From downtown, it’s less than five minutes by car—or exactly mile on foot—to the Factory at Franklin, an old 1929 manufacturing warehouse that once was the headquarters for stove and bedding companies. In recent years, it’s morphed into the perfect example of a third place, a mixed-use mashup of dining, retail, office spaces and entertainment.

The brick-and-steel facility, which is ever-evolving, now houses dozens of bars and restaurants, too—including etch, Saffire, Two Hands, Mojo’s Tacos, Honest Coffee Roasters and Otaku Ramen—and is the home of Studio Tenn and special events like the Red Wheel singer-songwriter series.

It also has several kid-friendly activities, like a make-your-own pottery studio and a carousel, as well as a lively Saturday farmers market that’s one of the largest in Tennessee, boasting roughly 100 vendors selling produce, meats, cheese, herbs, flowers and crafts.

Explore the Civil War history in Franklin

No day trip to Franklin is complete without a history lesson: Now that you’ve seen the city’s present-day boom, it’s important to understand its past and how we got here. Franklin is home to one of Tennessee’s most-visited Civil War battlefields, plus personal homes like the Lotz House that played their own role in the wartime efforts. The Battle of Franklin in 1864 was one of the bloodiest of the Civil War, with 30,000 Confederates arriving to the outskirts of Franklin on the morning of Nov. 30.

The Lotz House, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, sits at what’s often called “ground zero” of the Battle of Franklin. Standing inside will give you a front-row feel as to how the family of German immigrants endured being directly in the line of fire—they hid across the street in the Carter House—and how they managed to rebuild their home in the aftermath. Visits are only offered through guided tours or as part of one of the local walking tours, and photography isn’t allowed inside.

Across the street, the Carter House is an eponymous memorial to the family and the many heroes that emerged from the battle. During the war, the brick edifice was used as the federal command post while the Carter family took refuge in the cellar; visible evidence still lingers, including 1,000 bullet holes errantly scattered about, making it the most bullet-riddled building still standing from the Civil War.

The next stop on your Civil War tour of Franklin is Carnton, a former plantation built in 1826 by the McGavock family. By the Civil War, the plantation enslaved 44 people who worked the 700 acres; today, the property spans more than 1,400 acres. The Confederate Army of Tennessee charged the Federal lines at Franklin in what became one of the war’s bloodiest battles, larger even than Pickett’s Charge at Gettysburg. In less than five hours beneath the veil of darkness, 9,500 soldiers were killed, wounded, captured or went missing. Nearly 7,000 of those were Confederate soldiers.

Carnton quickly became the area’s largest field hospital, brimming with wounded and dying soldiers, many buried at what was then the McGavock family cemetery. Every November 30, the Battle of Franklin Trust hosts the Annual Illumination honors the 10,000 killed in the battle with a luminary for each, plus a reading of all the names.

The house remained in the McGavock family’s possession until 1911, when it was sold. In 1977, the house and ten acres were donated to the Carnton Association, and over the years it’s seen plenty of renovation and is now on the National Register of Historic Places.

Also part of Franklin’s Civil War story is Rippa Villa, which was built in 1855 just south in Spring Hill, and once considered one of the most prominent farms in Middle Tennessee. In 1864, the Greek Revival-style home was drawn into the Battle of Spring Hill, which came a day before the Battle of Franklin, as the strategic planning headquarters for Confederate generals. The Tennessee Campaign ticket gets you into the trio of Civil War sites—Carter House, Carnton and Rippa Villa—at a discounted rate.

What to know about visiting Franklin

Trying to decide the best time to visit Franklin is like choosing between bourbon and gin: an impossible task. Any month of the year will give you plenty to do, but I’m partial to the shoulder periods of August and May when crowds are low. If you love autumn, there’s no better place to soak up fall in Tennessee than in Franklin, and October and November, while busy, are undoubtedly lovely times to visit Franklin.

Then again, if you’re a Christmas fan, all of downtown Franklin transforms into a holiday wonderland from late-November through the new year.

Want to visit Franklin during a festival?

Here are a few of the city’s biggest annual events:

For even more Franklin travel tips, start here:

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09/08/2025
Why Madeira Should Be on Your List of Destinations to Visit

Are you looking to book a breakaway but are not sure where to go? We’ve got just the place, and that’s Madeira. Madeira is a stunning Portuguese island located in the Atlantic Ocean, known for its year-round mild climate, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant culture. It’s a destination where you can enjoy great food, stay in a luxurious hotel and not have to break the bank at the same time.

There is also a lot to do in Madeira, so depending on the type of holiday you would like, that will decide how you experience the island. If you’re after an adventure, you could book a walking holiday. If you would like to relax by the beach, there are plenty of hotels which offer sea views, or you could go inland and explore the unique landscape. There is something for everyone.

To give you some insight, we’ve put together a brief guide outlining three reasons why Madeira should be at the top of your list of must-visit destinations.

The food

A good place to start is the food. Madeira is known for its rich culinary scene, blending traditional Portuguese flavours with local island ingredients. From fresh seafood and grilled meats to tropical fruits and locally produced wines, the island offers something to satisfy every palate. If you’re a foodie, this is the place for you – you must try the espada com banana (scabbard fish with banana), bolo do caco (a traditional garlic flatbread), and a glass of sweet Madeira wine.

The many walking routes

We mentioned above that people visit Madeira and book a walking holiday. There is no surprise why, as when you visit, you’ll come across a plethora of hiking routes which you can enjoy. Each route has incredible views and will challenge you in various ways. If you are interested in hiking, a popular route is the one in the southwest of Madeira. Here you will discover Funchal, the capital of Madeira, and Ponta do Pargo, the westernmost point on the island. The best thing about going on a hike is that when you are finished, you’ve burnt plenty of calories, meaning you can eat guilt-free.

It’s a very safe destination

Feeling safe when going away on holiday is very important. The last thing you want is to be walking around your hotel, feeling uneasy or to explore the town and have to avoid unwanted attention. Madeira is known to be a very safe destination for tourists. The island has a low crime rate, and locals are welcoming and respectful toward visitors. The locals can really make a difference when going away, and that’s something Madeira excels at.

Madeira may not always be the first destination that comes to mind when planning a European getaway, but once you’ve been, you’ll be recommending it to everyone. Will you be booking a trip to Madeira, and if so, when are you planning on visiting? What are your reasons for booking a holiday in Madeira, and what type of holiday will you be booking? Let us know in the comment box below. We look forward to hearing from you.

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23/07/2025
Ankara with Kids: The Ultimate 2-Day Family Itinerary
When planning a family trip to Turkey, destinations like Istanbul or Cappadocia usually steal the spotlight. But if you’re looking for a unique, kid-friendly city full of culture, fun activities, and wide-open spaces, Ankara—Turkey’s capital—deserves a spot on your itinerary.

In just two days, Ankara offers a perfect blend of history, play, learning, and relaxation for families traveling with children. This complete 2-day itinerary will help you make the most of your time and create unforgettable family memories in Ankara, a city which, by the way, is HUGE!

Day 1: Discovering History and Exploring Ankara’s Outdoor Gems

Morning at Anıtkabir: A National Monument That Fascinates Kids

Start your Ankara adventure at Anıtkabir, the grand mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. While a mausoleum might not sound child-friendly at first, Anıtkabir is surprisingly engaging for kids. The massive open spaces allow children to roam freely, while the ceremonial guard changing often grabs their attention with its precise, synchronized movements.

Inside the museum, interactive displays and multimedia exhibits tell the story of Atatürk’s life and the formation of modern Turkey in a way that even younger visitors can appreciate. After the tour, stroll through Peace Park—a beautifully landscaped area surrounding the monument where kids can run and parents can relax.

Midday Stroll and Snack on Tunalı Hilmi Street

After exploring Anıtkabir, head over to Tunalı Hilmi Street, one of Ankara’s most vibrant avenues. Here, you’ll find cozy cafes and bakeries where your family can take a well-deserved snack break. Grab some freshly baked simit (a sesame-crusted Turkish bagel), fresh fruit juices, or sweet Turkish pastries that children will love.

The atmosphere is lively, safe, and very family-friendly, with plenty of small parks nearby where kids can play.

Visit Kocatepe Mosque: Awe-Inspiring Architecture

Next, take a short ride to Kocatepe Mosque, Ankara’s largest and most iconic mosque. Even if your children aren’t usually interested in architecture, the mosque’s towering minarets, massive domes, and intricate designs will likely leave them wide-eyed. The large courtyard allows for relaxed exploration, and the peaceful ambiance offers a perfect moment of quiet after the busy morning.

Afternoon of Art and Play

CerModern: Modern Art That Engages Young Minds

In the afternoon, shift gears and visit CerModern, Ankara’s leading contemporary art center. Unlike many art galleries, CerModern often features interactive exhibits that engage children and encourage creativity. Kids can walk through colorful installations, participate in workshops, or simply enjoy the playful atmosphere.

Parents will appreciate the fresh, modern art while children discover that museums can be fun and hands-on.

Evening at Gençlik Park: Family Fun in the Heart of Ankara

Finish your first day at Gençlik Park, an expansive urban park packed with kid-friendly activities. Multiple playgrounds, mini amusement rides, and green spaces create a relaxed environment where kids can let loose. Enjoy a family ride on the mini train or paddle boats, grab some cotton candy, and watch the sunset over the park’s peaceful lake.

For dinner, nearby neighborhoods like Kızılay or Kavaklidere offer countless family-friendly Turkish restaurants serving pide, köfte, and kebabs—dishes almost every child enjoys.

Day 2: Nature, Science, and Fairy Tales

Morning at Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo

Begin your second day at the Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo (Atatürk Orman Çiftliği). This large complex offers something for every age: farm animals for younger kids, exotic animals at the small zoo, and an aquarium that captivates with colorful marine life.

Parents can explore the replica of Atatürk’s childhood home while kids enjoy watching cows, goats, and monkeys. Don’t forget to visit the organic market to grab fresh local honey, cheese, or produce for a tasty snack.

The wide-open spaces, tree-lined paths, and relaxed atmosphere make it perfect for a family outing.

Midday Break at Armada Shopping Mall

By lunchtime, head to Armada Shopping Mall for a comfortable break. Turkish shopping centers are very family-friendly and usually feature indoor playgrounds or game centers where kids can recharge while parents enjoy coffee or a proper meal.

Armada offers a wide range of dining options—from traditional Turkish fare to international choices—making it easy to find something for every family member.

Afternoon at Harikalar Diyarı: Wonderland for Kids

The highlight of your second day will surely be Harikalar Diyarı (Wonderland Park), one of the largest theme parks in Ankara. Giant fairy tale statues like Snow White, Pinocchio, and the Seven Dwarfs greet visitors throughout the park, creating a magical atmosphere for children.

With large playgrounds, wide walking paths, boat rentals, mini golf, and endless green spaces, this park offers hours of entertainment for kids of all ages. Parents can relax under shady trees while kids explore the themed zones, climb, ride, and play freely.

If you packed a picnic, this is the perfect place to spread out a blanket and enjoy a relaxing outdoor meal together.
End with Science at Feza Gürsey Science Center

Before wrapping up your Ankara trip, make one final stop at the Feza Gürsey Science Center, located close to Wonderland Park. This interactive science museum allows kids to get hands-on with fun scientific experiments and educational exhibits. From physics to optical illusions, children of all ages will enjoy learning while playing.

If you’re lucky, you may catch one of the science shows, where experiments are demonstrated live in a way that captures both children’s and adults’ imaginations.

Family Travel Tips for Ankara

Best times to visit: Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities.

Getting around: Taxis, metro, and buses are efficient, but renting a car can be more convenient with kids. We did not rent one though.

Where to stay: Central areas like Çankaya, Kızılay, and Kavaklidere offer excellent family hotels.

Where to Stay in Ankara with Kids

Hilton Garden Inn: Comfortable, central, and good value for families.
Ankara: A Family-Friendly Destination Full of Surprises

Ankara might not be the first city that comes to mind for a family trip, but after two full days of fun, learning, and exploration, you’ll realize it’s a hidden gem. With its balance of culture, education, wide-open parks, and child-friendly attractions, Ankara offers an unforgettable experience for families visiting Turkey.

So pack your bags, grab the kids, and get ready for a surprisingly fun family adventure in Turkey’s capital city!
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18/06/2025