CITY SPOTLIGHT:

Your Guide to Smyrna, Tennessee

boy in a pumpkin patch

Know Before You Go: About Smyrna

Find yourself surrounded by a lush, quiet landscape and hundreds of years of American history in Smyrna.

Come to Smyrna, a city situated in Tennessee’s Rutherford County, and you'll find yourself surrounded by a lush, quiet landscape and hundreds of years of American history. The first settlers arrived here after the Revolutionary War, many of them veterans of that conflict. Sam Davis put the place on the map during the Civil War after being honored for his work as a Confederate spy. Visit his restored plantation, or take the family to more serene places like Walden Farm and Rock Spring Park.

Sun, Rain and Apple Cider Weather

Smyrna is fairly comfortable most of the year, with summer temperatures averaging in the high 70s (though July and August sometimes experience spikes into the 90s). Smyrna may see temps down into the 20s between December and March, and nearly 4 inches of snow can accumulate in January and February. It rains quite a bit in Smyrna, with March sometimes seeing more than 5 inches of precipitation. Just as the air turns crisp in the fall, you'll be treated to a show of colorful leaves. Apple cinnamon cider, anyone?

History, Pumpkins and Outdoor Fun

Check out the Sam Davis Home and Plantation, once the house of the Confederate Army's most celebrated spy. Gather up the kids and head for Walden Farm during fall’s harvest season for pumpkins, farm animals and more. If you want to get off your feet, catch a film at the Smyrna Cinema, featuring a 1950s facade with modern movies. Rock Springs Park offers the perfect setting for family time with play areas, picnic tables and lots of space for running around.

From the Military to Private Industry

Sewart Air Force Base supported much of Smyrna’s economy until the 1970s, but after a few quiet years, the town began reclaiming that government land for industrial use. Nissan North America moved in and became a major employer, the first Japanese plant founded in the United States. Another part of the land was converted into an airport for private and executive aircrafts. Tourism is another large contribution to the economy—either from people seeking Smyrna's historic sites or just travelers from nearby Nashville stopping in for a night or two. Smyrna gets you close enough to take in the big city, but still keeps you far enough away to enjoy some peace and quiet.

See Smyrna by Car

You'll need a car to get around Smyrna. The town is about 15 miles south of Nashville via Interstate 4 or State Route 708. If you're flying in, the Nashville International Airport is the closest airport, which provides flights to approximately 70 destinations worldwide. Pick up your car at the rental car facility and make the 30-minute drive into town. The RTA regional bus service runs between Smyrna and surrounding communities, but public transportation in town is limited to private taxis.

Ready to travel? Find hotels in Smyrna.

Things to Do in Smyrna

From Walden Farm to the Depot Days Festival, Smyrna offers endless vacation fun, including parks, theaters, restaurants and more!