Author: Tad Craig

Best Things to Do With Kids in Murfreesboro Tennessee

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Murfreesboro, Tennessee—affectionately known as “The Boro”—has evolved from a quiet college town into one of the most vibrant family destinations in the Southeast.

While it’s just a short drive south of Nashville, this city offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern excitement. For parents looking to burn off kid energy or find where education meets entertainment, Murfreesboro provides an impressive array of parks, museums, and play centers. Last Updated: May 10, 2026.

📅 2026 Season & Status Updates

  • Boro Beach: Opens for the season on May 23, 2026 (Memorial Day Weekend).
  • LTA Depot Update: Lanes, Trains, and Automobiles officially closed on April 4, 2026.
  • Discovery Center: The “Town Square” has been reimagined as the “Farm to Table” exhibit.

Discover the Best Outdoor Family Fun

Kids Castle at Old Fort Park MurfreesboroThe legendary Kids Castle at Old Fort Park.

Old Fort Park & “Kids Castle”

One of the crown jewels of the city is Old Fort Park, home to the legendary “Kids Castle.” This massive, fortress-like wooden playground is a dream come true for children with big imaginations, offering countless nooks, crannies, slides, and climbing walls. While the kids are busy defending their castle, parents can enjoy the surrounding walking trails or set up a lunch at one of the many shaded picnic pavilions.

Stones River National Battlefield

For a mix of fresh air and history, the Stones River National Battlefield is an essential visit. While “battlefield” might sound serious for toddlers, the site features miles of paved and unpaved trails perfect for strollers or young hikers. Don’t miss the Junior Ranger programs at the visitor center, designed to help older children engage with history in an interactive way.

Barfield Crescent Park

Located on the southern edge of town, this park features the Wilderness Station, an educational facility that often hosts animal encounters, guided night hikes, and campfire stories. Beyond the organized programs, the park offers several playgrounds and a world-class disc golf course.

Splash into Summer: Water Parks

When the Tennessee heat kicks in, families have two fantastic options depending on the weather:

🏖️ Boro Beach (Outdoor)

The summer social hub at Sports*Com. Features giant slides, a splash pad, and a floating bridge. Opens May 23, 2026.

🏊 Patterson Park (Indoor)

A budget-friendly indoor water park with a triple-loop slide and zero-depth entry for toddlers. Perfect for rainy days!

Indoor Play Centers & Museums

Discovery Center at Murfree Spring

Discovery Center at Murfree Spring

This is the ultimate indoor refuge. It’s a hands-on exploration station where kids can learn about everything from physics to local wildlife. Be sure to check out the new “Farm to Table” exhibit, which has replaced the old Town Square, allowing kids to role-play the journey of local Tennessee produce.

High-Energy Adventure Hubs

  • Urban Air Trampoline Park: Now a primary destination for “all-in-one” indoor fun. Beyond jumping, it includes a “Sky Rider” zip-line and ropes courses.
  • Sky Zone Murfreesboro: A classic favorite for freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, and their popular “Glow” nights.

Classic Local Favorites

For a bit of nostalgic fun, these local staples remain the heart of the community:

Venue Best For…
Strike & Spare Bowling, arcades, and family bonding.
SkateCenter West Roller skating and themed family nights.
GO USA Fun Park High-speed go-karts and miniature golf.

Ready to Discover The Boro?

No matter what the Tennessee weather throws at you, Murfreesboro offers a balanced mix of activities to keep the kids engaged. Pack a picnic, grab the strollers, and start making memories!

Bedford County’s Outdoor Lifestyle in 2026

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We remind our clients that land value is dictated by more than just square footage—it is driven by utility, access, and integration with the local ecosystem. Our 50-year legacy at Craig & Wheeler has taught us that protecting your investment means understanding exactly how you will live on it. Today, we are focusing on the tangible outdoor utilities of our region and why the specific geology and waterways of Bedford County offer both a technical and lifestyle advantage.

Duck river property – A GUIDE FOR THOSE NEW TO THIS AREA . .

As we see more families relocating to Bedford and surrounding counties for regional affordability in 2026, many are encountering the Duck River for the first time. We view this waterway not just as a recreational feature, but as a defining asset of our local geography.

The Technical Data: Stretching 284 miles, the Duck River is the longest river located entirely within Tennessee. It operates as a highly productive biological system, supporting over 151 documented species of fish and 60 species of freshwater mussels. The same hard limestone bedrock that dictates our regional soil composition also forms the structural base of the river. This results in stable banks and manageable currents, rather than volatile, unpredictable rapids.

Why Our Region is Popular: Completed in 1976 by the TVA, Normandy Lake is a substantial 3,048-acre impoundment situated primarily in neighboring Coffee County, though heavily utilized by our Bedford County residents. The reservoir reaches a maximum depth of 70 feet. Because our local terrain acts as a highly effective natural watershed, the lake remains continuously fed and its water temperatures remain highly moderated. This provides an optimal, year-round habitat for 17 documented fish species, including largemouth bass, black crappie, and walleye.

 

How to Start: If you are initiating your first excursion, strategic entry is critical. We recommend starting with the established access points below Milltown Dam or within the Yanahli Wildlife Management Area. These zones offer predictable flow rates suitable for a 1.5 to 3-hour kayak or canoe route, allowing you to test your equipment safely.

The Builder’s Perspective: When our clients look at purchasing riverfront acreage, my General Contractor background takes over. We immediately begin  process of making sure to analyze FEMA floodplain data, bank erosion, and the load-bearing capacity before you even consider drawing up house plans. We want you to enjoy the water, but a waterfront asset only retains its value if the foundation remains secure against seasonal water table fluctuations.

 

Strategic Angling at Normandy Lake

How to Start: Technical due diligence applies to fishing just as it does to real estate; you cannot cast blindly and expect a return. Utilize the lake’s established infrastructure, which includes 5 boat ramps and 10 public access points (such as Barton Springs or Cedar Point). If you are targeting crappie or walleye in the warmer months, current data suggests transitioning away from the shallow banks and trolling medium-diving crankbaits at 1.5mph in the deeper, open-water channels where the larger females migrate.

Equestrian Pursuits & Hobby Farming

Why Our Region is Conducive: Shelbyville and Bedford County remain the undeniable epicenter of the Tennessee Walking Horse industry in 2026. Our region’s unique soil composition—hard rock layers like shale, chert, and limestone situated beneath rich topsoil—provides unmatched pasture stability and high-quality forage grass. This firm ground prevents the muddy, structural degradation often seen in softer geographic regions, offering a distinct advantage for those building heavy barns, fencing, and permanent riding arenas.

How to Start: Before purchasing horses or livestock, you must evaluate a property’s carrying capacity. We always advise our buyers to conduct a soil test and a technical pasture assessment to verify that the tract can physically support their agricultural vision. If you are new to the equestrian community, begin your education by attending the Spring Fun Show or the annual Celebration at the Cooper Steel Arena right here in Shelbyville. Networking with established breeders and trainers is a critical first step before making a capital investment in livestock.

Verifying Your Next Move

Whether you are seeking riverfront acreage with direct access to the Duck River or looking for a stable 20-acre pasture for an equestrian facility, our leadership team evaluates every property with a General Contractor’s perspective and a neighbor’s care. I tackle real estate the same way I tackle my love for the Tennessee outdoors: 110% and full speed ahead. We don’t just sign papers; we verify the stability of your investment and its connection to our region’s natural resources.

For a direct consultation on properties that support your specific outdoor utility needs, text Tad at (931) 639-0914 for a 99% faster response.

Soil and Perc Testing: An Important Part of Purchasing Property in Middle, TN

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The real estate market is booming across the country, in states with different kinds of environments and communities. Not the least of which is Tennessee, with thousands of people arriving monthly to find new homes. However, in the rush to buy a new house, these people may not conduct soil and perc testing.

This is an important part of the home buying process and can give you vital insight into the area. It can give you information about the home’s stability while also telling you if the land is good for growing. If it is, you may need to deal with roots invading your foundation or movement.

Keep reading below to learn more about perc testing and soil testing in Middle Tennessee!

Reach Out to Experts Before Buying — The Vols!

Tennessee is a unique state with many different amenities and regions. East Tennessee features mountains and lush landscapes, while West Tennessee is on the Mississippi River. And in Middle Tennessee regions like Shelbyville and Wartrace, there are flat landscapes filled with all kinds of beauty.

Before you buy a home here, you may want to reach out to experts about what that ground holds. Many people come to Tennessee for more than just a home. They may hope to start a farm or grow personal harvests on their own land.

To do that successfully, you need to know how rich the soil is. That’s what the University of Tennessee is here for! With a new campaign ensuring they have a presence in every county, you can connect with a soil expert easily to learn more about the ground.

What is Perc Testing? It Guarantees Your Safety

When experts start soil testing for real estate, they make many kinds of readings. If they dig up Middle Tennessee’s soil, they will find a lot of shale, chert, and limestone. This is unique for the region — surrounding areas of the state have clay or marble in their soil.

Perc testing is also meant to make sure that a home won’t move too much as time goes on. Among other things, it measures its water absorbency. The more water it takes in, the more the soil underneath your home may gradually move.

Middle Tennessee soil is not very absorbent, made up of mostly hard rocks. Compared to areas like East Tennessee, it’s one of the best places to build a new home!

Middle Tennessee Real Estate Is Booming, For Reasons Other Than Soil

Real estate markets in Murfreesboro, Lynchburg, Tullahoma are all seeing an influx of homebuyers. People from all across the country, including big cities like New York City and Chicago, are flocking to Tennessee. They want to experience the state’s natural beauty while enjoying the company of the state’s communities.

That means the time to buy a home in Middle Tennessee is now! Prices will only continue rising, and fewer homes will be available for purchase as time goes on. Just because you should act fast doesn’t mean you should overlook important home inspection steps, though.

Make sure to get your soil tested when buying a new home, to make sure it’s safe, and to make sure your home will be stable.

Soil Testing Is An Overlooked Part of Buying a Home

When most people start looking for a new home in a new state, they overlook some things. Most of the time, they focus on examining the foundation and the appliances. They may overlook the soil and perc testing, even though it can be so advantageous.

With this kind of testing, you can gain insight into the stability of your home. You can also learn about the viability of the land, in case you want to start a garden. That’s why you need an experienced REALTOR®, who knows not to overlook these parts of the process.

If you’re ready to settle down in Middle Tennessee, just reach out to me here!

 

The Perfect Guide to Prepping Your Home for Sale

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As buyers rush to Tennessee to make their next home purchase, more people are also putting their home for sale on a hot market. They are hoping to make a massive profit on a market that most sellers can only dream of. However, it doesn’t matter how hot the market is — buyers will always need to compete with other buyers.

To do that, they need to make their home look impressive while staying true to Tennessee culture. Keep reading below to learn more about how to successfully put your home up for sale!

To Prepare Your Home for Sale, Know What Buyers Are Looking For

The first step when selling your home is to do research about what buyers are looking for in your area. In Middle Tennessee, several buyers are in the process of a mid-west relocation. They are flocking to the state because of its low tax rates, vibrant locations, and wide-open ranges.

People coming to Middle Tennessee are looking for more than just open floor plans and hardwood floors. They want the natural beauty of Christiana while also enjoying being nearby big cities in Davidson County and Murfreesboro. Of course, there are other things people are looking for.

They want homes that appeal in the long-term, offering a place where they can settle down. They want space to grow a family, with several bedrooms. They also want the latest appliances, large kitchens, and smart-home additions.

Photogenic Homes Sell the Fastest

One of the most important things that people want is for their home to be photogenic. There is almost no point in buying a home if you can’t show it off to friends and family! So, the outside of your home needs to be spotless to attract buyers.

Plant a garden with some of Tennessee’s beautiful natural flowers like Irises or lavender. Repaint the front of your home to clear up any blemishes, and make sure the interior looks marvelous too. When people peek through the windows, they should see gorgeous and sleek living rooms and bedrooms.

They may even see a Power T, welcoming people to the state of Tennessee!

Hosting a Home Sale Means Inviting People Inside

A core part of selling your home is bringing people inside to show off what it’s like to live in the house. You take people through a tour of the space, speaking about all the ways they can change things. And that’s the other crucial factor of selling your home — engaging with potential buyers.

By bringing people inside a house, you’re not just showing off appliances and countertops. You are speaking with them about what they want out of the house, and the kind of life they want. It’s about inspiring them to live out the life they want in the home.

Talk with potential buyers while touring the home. It may be the extra push they need to make an offer on the house.

Middle Tennessee Real Estate is (Still) Booming

There are crowds of people eyeing areas like Unionville and Lynchburg, eager to move to Middle Tennessee. They are searching for homes where they can grow families and put down roots. And you can help them achieve their dreams while making a massive profit in the process.

And to help you put your home for sale on this hot market, just reach out to us.

 

Negotiations Today vs. 10 Years Ago

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In movies, contract negotiations can be full of tense dialogues and heart-pounding moments. With thousands of dollars on the table, people may refuse to budge when it comes to getting what they want. In real estate though, it’s not as dramatic as shown in the movies.

That’s because the way home purchase negotiations are done has changed. With new technology and a booming market, Middle Tennessee negotiations are less tense. Some may even call them fun.

Keep reading below to learn more about them!

Negotiations Are All About Who You Know

In real estate, negotiations are an important part of getting a deal both parties are okay with. It’s about describing what each person wants out of the deal, and making sure steps are taken to make sure it happens. A decade ago, and still today, negotiations boil down to who you know.

If you are undergoing a mid-west relocation, for example, you may not know many people in Middle Tennessee. The difference between Unionville and Union County could be lost on you. And that would put you at a disadvantage compared to people who have long histories in the area.

A Decade Ago, Personal Connections Were Everything

10 years ago, Middle Tennessee was still a growing community that did not have many eyes on it, unlike now. Real estate in Shelbyville was all about who you knew, and how well you knew them. Most of the time, contractors and real estate agents knew each other on a first-name basis.

This was part of what clients were buying when they hired a real estate agent. They were purchasing access to a well-developed network of professional colleagues. These colleagues would then help a home sale progress, crafting a deal that helped everyone.

Middle Tennessee Real Estate Is All About Community

Even today, Middle Tennessee is all about community. After you settle down in regions like Chapel Hill and Tullahoma, you will get to know more than just who your neighbors are. You’ll eventually learn about who your representatives are, who the sheriff is, and even spot local celebrities in the grocery store.

These communities are tight-knit, and buying a home in them makes you a part of them.

Now, Negotiations Can Be Done Virtually

The biggest difference now compared to 2011 is all the new technology available for home buyers and real estate agents. Large parts of negotiations can be done virtually, and contracts can be signed on the computer. You may never even need to see the owner of a home in person to buy a house.

This is part of why so many people from bigger cities are moving to Middle Tennessee. They don’t need to travel before physically moving to the area. The process is streamlined and easier, and people can negotiate terms from the comfort of their computer.

Plus, you can send awesome emojis while discussing terms!

Making a Home Sale Means Conducting Negotiations

No matter what kind of home you are hoping to buy, you will need to go through negotiations. The actual process can be challenging and complex, and first-time homebuyers may be confused by it. That’s why it helps to have an expert at your side.

Just reach out if you’re thinking about moving to Middle Tennessee! We’ll work with you and other homeowners to make sure you get what you want!

 

Your Guide to Home Inspections and How to Work Them In or Out of Your Deal

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It may seem like the Middle Tennessee real estate market has cooled down after recent floods, but it’s still hot as ever. The rain could not cool down how much people want to buy homes in Chapel Hill, Murfreesboro, and Shelbyville. They have made home inspections more important, though.

Recently, some new homeowners have chosen to forego getting a home inspection. Many believe it helps them close a deal on a home faster, beating out the competition. However, this can come at an incredible cost and they can end up regretting their decision.

Make sure you get a home inspection! Keep reading below to learn more about how to get it into the deal.

The Middle Tennessee Real Estate Market is Hot

As a result of federal subsidies for first-time homeowners, the housing market in Middle Tennessee is orange-hot. Homes are not staying on the market for long, and many people are buying them without even seeing them firsthand. It’s possibly the worst decision anyone could make as a homebuyer.

The state has recently experienced flooding in Humphrey County and beyond, affecting nearby areas like Wartrace and Lynchburg. The rains could have had a severe impact on homes. People could be buying homes with water damage just so they have a house.

That’s the importance of home inspections — they keep you from accidentally buying a damaged home. No matter how hot the market is, you’ll end up in more heat buying a damaged home.

Expect a Home Inspection From the Start

The best way to negotiate a home inspection when closing on a house is to expect it from the get-go. Right when you make an offer, it should include the expectation that the home will be inspected. If you’re smart, you can even ask the homeowner to pay for it.

If you have a mortgage, your bank may even require you to get a home inspection. Luckily, many provide services to connect you with inspectors who will ensure the house is in good shape. And by telling sellers that the bank requires the home to be inspected, you can guarantee one will be done.

living room with modern white kitchen and foyer

Discuss Repairing Issues Found in Inspections

After getting your new home inspected, you may want to discuss how to repair issues they find in it. Sometimes, owners may expect the buyer to repair it themselves. If this is the case, you can always negotiate a lower selling price to help cover the cost.

It’s much better to get the home repaired before moving in, though. If you negotiate with the owner to repair it, you will save yourself a whole lot of stress. Nobody wants to move in as contractors demolish walls and crawl through your new rooms.

After repairs are done, it’s best to get the home inspected again too. That way, you can make sure they were done right!

Never Skip Out On Home Inspections in Middle Tennessee

Home inspections usually are not even negotiable when closing on a home. However, the intensity of the Middle Tennessee real estate market has called even the most basic parts of the home-buying process into question.

It’s best to have a realtor at your side who can navigate all the complexities with you. Realtors will work to get you the home of your dreams, going brick-by-brick to get you what you deserve. And to connect with an experienced Middle Tennessee realtor, just reach out here.

 

How to Navigate Appraisals During a Home Transaction

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This Middle TN Home Appraisal came out Higher than Asking!

Whether you’re buying a house outright or you’re getting a mortgage, home appraisals are an important part of the process. They provide important information about the home value. They help make sure houses are closed with everyone satisfied.

They also make sure buyers don’t spend too much on a house. If an appraisal is much lower than a bid, lenders may even decrease the amount they’re willing to give buyers.

Keep reading below to learn more about how important appraisals are, and how they can help you bid smartly on a home. Continue reading →

California & West Coast Migration to Middle TN

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How Do People Moving From California and Other States to Tennessee Affect the Local Real Estate Market?

With a moderate climate, low cost of living, and natural beauty, Tennessee Real Estate is some of the most coveted in the United States. Whether you are making a home purchase or a home sale, it is important to know how this relocation will affect your TN property values.

Keep reading below to take a deep dive into the great migration from California to Tennessee and how it affects our Middle TN Real Estate Market.
Continue reading →

Now Selling Middle Tennessee…

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Tennessee has been discovered by the world..

From the birthplace of Country Music, to the Tennessee Titans and Nashville Predators barely missing out of their first NHL Stanley Cup Title and being the only state in our great nation that touches 9 other states and we are so centrally located within the United States.. Nashville has been exploding with growth at rate of 100 people per day for a year or so now.. That’s over 36,000 new inhabitants per year and Nashville, Davidson county doesn’t have room for all of them!

What does all this mean for Shelbyville,TN?

It means get ready for more people and home prices to continue to rise. Our inventory is at an all time low and that means prices are going to go up. Our new construction is very limited right now so anything new is absorbed as soon as it’s built and ready to go. This growth is from all angles with commercial property having activity as well as , new business moving into our small town. Realtors are hoppin’ these days because there’s no time to waste and the market will not always be like it is right now.

I’m enjoying this as long as i can..

It’s Auction Time in Middle Tennessee!!!

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Auctions are something that we offer our clients and we have since the beginning of Craig and Wheeler. Since 1973 one of the options we’ve given our clients was the auction method to sell their real estate and personal property too if they wanted. Auctions are such a regional thing, in some parts of the US they don’t even have auctions and over time it’s becoming more and more accepted as a fantastic way to sell property at a very fast pace, easy transaction and market or above market values. In the spring we typically start booking auctions every weekend and it’s does not typically slow down until late fall.

Auctions are normally 20% down the day of the sale and closing will occur within 30 days of the sale.. Inspections are allowed prior to the sale however we sell them all AS-IS. We do auctions for many different situations and not all properties are auction ready.. We help families settle estates, liquidations, foreclosures for banks, divorce situations and just when someone has tried selling with general brokerage and is ready to put it on the block. More times than not, we’ve seen properties bring more at a public absolute auction than it ever would selling on the MLS via general brokerage.. There’s urgency to buy at an auction, Auctions draw so much more attention, the property sells faster, and you negotiate up, not down and there’s very little holding costs and liability is less because once it’s sold it will close within 30 days or before.Appraisals are not an issue nor is financing because all of that will be done prior to the buyers even bidding.

Auctions are fun and exciting and we hope to see you soon at one of ours.. Sold Sold Sold….