Image by Angel Pardue Photography 

Murfreesboro Mama: 10 reasons to attend Storybook Breakfast next week

Feb 20, 2020 at 08:00 am by Laura Beth Payne

It's interesting what parenthood does to you, and I'm not just talking about the weight gain or crow's feet. For me, becoming a mom put childhood needs at the top of my radar.... Read More
Much-needed advice from Murfreesboro Mama about rainy days

Murfreesboro Mama: 8 Curiously Cool Spots for Rainy Day Play

Feb 13, 2020 at 11:00 am by Laura Beth Payne

Most of us have had our fill of rain lately. I think that's called an understatement. As long as the temps stayed warm-ish I was fine to send the kids out to play in our mudd.... Read More
Slideshow
Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center

Murfreesboro Mama: 5 things you might have missed about Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center

Feb 06, 2020 at 09:30 am by Laura Beth Payne

Murfreesboro still surprises me. As I planned this article I felt it was only right to draw attention to a place helping us remember African-American history this month, but.... Read More
Rutherford Arts Alliance

Murfreesboro Mama: 7 reasons to get creative with Rutherford Arts Alliance this year

Jan 28, 2020 at 09:03 am by Laura Beth Payne

When I began writing this column last year one of the first people who reached out to me was Ginna Foster Cannon. She was the director of cultural and heritage tourism at the.... Read More
Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice in Smyrna

Murfreesboro Mama: 3 can't-miss exhibits opening this month

Jan 15, 2020 at 09:31 am by Laura Beth Payne

At this point in January I'm usually making my family's winter-survival plan, when the moody weather generates a constant low-grade cabin fever in our house. I've found it's a.... Read More
Murfreesboro Mama

Murfreesboro Mama: 6 ways kids can get in on giving

Jan 08, 2020 at 09:01 am by Laura Beth Payne

Every year I feel it. The holidays rush in (and out) and I feel a mixture of excitement and confusion as to what excactly to DO for others in the season. Many nonprofits actu.... Read More
Slideshow
Sam Davis Home

Murfreesboro Mama: 5 reasons to visit the Sam Davis Home this winter

Dec 20, 2019 at 08:00 am by Laura Beth Payne

Growing up in Rutherford County I visited the Sam Davis Home my fair share throughout my school years. I vividly remember my mom bundling up my brother and I in the fall, so w.... Read More

Murfreesboro Mama: 9 Rutherford County experiences to gift this year

Dec 11, 2019 at 09:05 am by Laura Beth Payne

OK, I'll admit it—despite the popularity of minimalist living I tend to be a "stuff" person when it comes to holiday gift-giving. Books? Yes, please. Crazy socks? Love.... Read More
Christmas tree

Murfreesboro Mama: 4 Magical Spots for Christmas Trees

Nov 26, 2019 at 10:45 am by Laura Beth Payne 2

Few memories are more magical than finding just the right Christmas tree for the season. While there's no wrong way to go about it (except maybe dragging the family out in fr.... Read More
28 Family Activities for Thanksgiving Week from Murfreesboro Mama

Murfreesboro Mama: 28 Family Activities for Thanksgiving Week

Nov 21, 2019 at 07:00 am by Laura Beth Payne

Maybe your family and friends are all planners and you've got your Thanksgiving week mapped out to rival most military operations. Maybe your tribe is more loose and you plan.... Read More
Kid-Friendly Cafes in Rutherford County

5 Awesome Kid-Friendly Cafes in Rutherford County

Nov 13, 2019 at 09:30 am by Laura Beth Payne

If you’ve ever tried to meet up with a friend or send some emails while juggling a toddler's attention and a hot drink in a narrow, busy cafe, you know the stress even s.... Read More
Slideshow
Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center

3 Ways to Take-in the Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center

Nov 06, 2019 at 10:00 am by Laura Beth Payne

With dropping temperatures and the end of that darned Daylight Savings this month, I definitely felt the need to start laying out my indoor recreation options for the kids. T.... Read More