Smyrna, Tennessee: Parks, Family-friendly Activities and Dining

The Sam Davis House is a historic Greek Revival home in Smyrna, Tennessee. It is now a museum to the memory of Confederate soldier Sam Davis who grew up in the house. The house was originally built as a log house in 1810, and remodeled in 1847 by Charles Davis. His son, Sam Davis, was known as the "Boy Hero of the Confederacy." The house is located on the 168-acre property in downtown Smyrna and is one of the major historic and cultural features in Middle Tennessee. The house was purchased in 1927 by the State of Tennessee and turned into a house museum. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is open year around and is available for social events. The property includes two historic homes, various outbuildings, slave quarters and the family cemetery. There are more than 100 personal effects on display that belonged to the Davis family.

Address: 1399 Sam Davis Rd, Smyrna, TN 37167, Phone: 615-459-2341

The Town of Smyrna, Tennessee, has a long history of military aviation that started in World War II and continuing to this day with the Sewart Air Force base and the famous Tennessee Air Show. On June 2, 2016, United States Marine Corps Captain Jeff Kuss lost his life in a tragic accident while flying as Blue Angel #6 while practicing for the Great Tennessee Airshow. In memory to this event, the Capt. Jeff Kuss USMC Memorial was erected within Lee Victory Recreation Park, across from the Smyrna/Rutherford County airport. The main feature of the memorial is the F/A-18C Hornet, similar to that flown by Capt. Kuss. It is on permanent loan by the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida, to the Town of Smyrna.

Address: 102 Sam Ridley Pkwy E, Smyrna, TN 37167, Phone: 615-267-5005

Buckle and Hide Leather LLC is not only one of the Nashville Area's top leather shops, but a great fun to visit even if you are not looking for a new belt or wallet and are not a biker looking for a new outfit. It is chock-full of hand-made leather goods. There are hundreds of handmade leather belts, cuffs, wallets, leather apparel, jewelry, accessories, leather vests, riding chaps, riding boots, leather coats, saddle bags, leather hats, handmade leather holsters and much more. One of their most popular services is sewing patch – they have more than 500 different designs. The shop is owned and operated by Steve Johnson, who opened it in 2013 with his wife.

Address: 197 Enon Springs Rd W, Smyrna, TN 37167, Phone: 615-768-5041

Where to Eat:

Sub Station II is a popular chain of sandwich shops with more than 40 restaurants in five states in the Southeast. Folks in these parts really love their hoagies, grinders, subs, sandwiches or whatever they like to call them and at Sub Station II they make them really delicious. They use the best quality and freshest ingredients on their special NY style buns that are baked just for them. The menu includes more than a dozen cold or hot sandwiches, a variety of salads, sides, chips, seasonal soup and desserts. All sub sandwiches are dressed in their signature “all the way” style, loaded with lettuce, onions, tomatoes, oil, vinegar, salt, pepper and oregano. The Sub Station II in Smyrna, Tennessee, is a small no-nonsense counter-serve spot with a few tables, but most folks just order online or by phone. They also deliver.

Address: 384 S Lowry St, Smyrna, TN 37167, Phone: 615-355-6686

If you fell in love with Cousin’s food trucks, now you do not have to chase them all over Smyrna. This popular chain with shops all over the country opened a small counter-serve restaurant in downtown Smyrna, Tennessee, serving all the same goodies that made their food trucks popular: lobster rolls, of course, Lobster BLT, Maine Whole Belly Fried Clams and much more. Their Maine Lobster is sourced from the Downeast waters in the most easterly part of the country, the Mid Coast, and in Penobscot Bay near Vinalhaven in the Gulf of Maine. The menu features lobster in all shapes and forms: in tacos, quesadillas, bisque and tots. Besides lobster, Cousins Maine Lobster serves haddock, fish and chips, shrimps, clam chowder and much more.

Address: 1932 Almaville Rd #200, Smyrna, TN 37167, Phone: 615-930-1881

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

Nissan North America has been manufacturing motor vehicles at their Smyrna plant since 1983. Back in the day, Nissan was the first automotive company in Tennessee and the plant was responsible for establishing economic development in the town. Today the plant employs upwards of 7000 people. If you would like to find out what it is like to work on an automobile assembly line you can book a guided tour of the plant. These very popular tours need to be booked well in advance of your visit to avoid disappointment.

Address: 983 Nissan Drive, Smyrna, TN 37167, 615-459-1400

Conveniently located in Smyrna, in the heart of Tennessee, the Walden Pumpkin Farm is a seasonal free-to-visit attraction for families. Here you will find everything you need to deck out your home with fall décor in the form of pumpkins and gourds of all sizes and shapes. Younger children will love the chance to select their own pumpkin in the field and haul it away in a wagon (these are already cut and ready to go home with you). Other customers can select their pumpkins from the pre-picked pallets. The farm offers lots of fun activities for children including Hay Rides, a Pumpkin Train and an activity center with a Corn Maze, Hay Mountain, Duck Racing and more.

Address: 8653 Rocky Fork Rd, Smyrna, TN 37167, 615-220-2918

Lee Victory Recreation Park is one of Smyrna’s most popular outdoor recreational facilities. Here you will find just about everything you need to get in some exercise including the Greenway Trail for walking/running. In total there are 6 floodlit tennis courts, 2 basket ball courts, 2 football fields and 4 soft ball fields. Even if you are not planning to participate there is always some sporting action to watch. You are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy at one of the 4 picnic pavilions (booking required) which are ideal for an outdoor children’s birthday party. Younger visitors can have fun at the 2 on-site playgrounds.

Address: 110 Sam Ridley Parkway E, Smyrna, TN 37167, 615-459-9773

An excellent place to spend a sunny day, Gregory Mill Park covers 48 acres, which are connected to the town greenway system by sidewalks. At the heart of this popular park is a large splash pad which offers hours of family fun during the summer. There is also a large picnic shelter with grills and electricity which you can book for birthday parties and group events for up to 50 people. A short walking/running trail completes the picture.

Address: 390 Enon Springs Rd E, Smyrna, TN 37167, 615-459-9773

Covering 360 acres of land, Sharp Springs Park is the largest public recreation area within the Smyrna Park System. Due to its large size, there are still many undeveloped parts of the park which attract a wide range of birds and small animals – bird watchers can observe these from cleverly concealed bird hides. Sporting facilities include disc golf and baseball/football/soccer fields. Hikers and walkers can enjoy hiking trails while keen anglers can try their luck from the fishing piers on the 4 catch-and-release ponds. There are good restrooms, picnic pavilions and more. Last but not least, you can bring Fido to have a run around in the Bark Park.

Address: 311 Jefferson Pike, Smyrna, TN 37167, 615-459-9773