When: December 3rd, 2010 to December 18th, 2010

Where: Downtown Square

Time: 6:00 pm

The Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is Friday, Dec. 3 on the east side of the Courthouse. Ceremony begins at 6pm. There will be musical performances by local schools and churches. Santa and Mrs. Clause will arrive to hear children's wishes in the Courthouse. There will be food vendors offering hot chocolate and cider, as well as other treats. Shops and restaurants will have extended hours.

Santa's Hours in the Courthouse 2010

Also, make sure you don't miss out on the free horse and carriage rides on the square every Friday night sponsored by the Only Downtown Business Alliance (ODBA).

The Main Street Market is quickly becoming the place to be on Saturday mornings! Here's a sampling of what people are saying about the Main Street Market:

From a Vendor:

"We think Main Street Rocks! You folks are well organized and the customers we have spoken to LOVE the location, the atmosphere, the selection, the cleanliness, etc.  It's always a pleasure to be a part of a Class A Operation...which is the way we see the Main Street Market.  We tell everyone we know about it!"

"Loved the Saturday Market. Went for the first time today! It is soooo cute!! Got some good veggies and hot chow-chow! Keep it up! Love it! Love it!"

"Fantastic Saturday Market at the square! Be there or Be Square!"

What to expect at the market: watermelons, beautiful sunflowers for your sweetie, tomatoes, delicious baked goods, fresh bread, fresh eggs, herbs, cucumbers, peppers, beefalo, blueberries, apples, fresh pasta, vegan chocolate and much much more!

The market will continue to be every Saturday morning for 8 till noon through the last Saturday in September. Many families have made it their Saturday morning tradition. You should too!!

Main Street Murfreesboro / Rutherford County
225 West College Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
615-895-1887

While having some trouble thinking of what piece to choose this week, my thoughts slowly turned to my visit this past Saturday to Murfreesboro's Main Street Saturday Market. The hardest part now is choosing what to feature.

This is the first year for Murfreesboro to have a Saturday Farmers' Market on the Square, and I think it has been a huge success. From fresh flowers to veggies to breads and jams, everything you need to liven up your kitchen can be found at the market. This week, I particularly loved the fresh sunflowers, jalapeños and banana bread. Everything is so affordable, and best of all, locally grown. The market will be open on the square every Saturday until noon throughout September (As I understand it).

I love making an entire afternoon of the Main Street Market. While I'm already at the Square, I have to stop in at a few of my favorite stores, including Sugaree's, the Write Impression and Fun Tiques. Next thing you know it's time for lunch, so you might as well grab a bite at Maple Street Grill or Marina's. I really feel that the Downtown Square is the heart of Murfreesboro.

Want us to check out your store or have an idea of where we could find our next piece of the week? Email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Food - 10
Service - 8.5
Cleanliness - 8
Ambiance - 9.5
Price - 9
Overall - 9

This week, regular review writer, Jeff, and I decided to switch up our newsletter articles. So, you HobNob readers are going to get a different kind of review.

I hadn’t been to Marina’s on the Square in quite some time, and it is by far one of my favorite restaurants in Murfreesboro. This locally owned Italian restaurant could not be in a better location. Right downtown (on the square no less),  it is in immediate walking distance to some of the best shopping in Murfreesboro and great bars for anyone looking for some nighttime entertainment. I love the privately owned atmosphere, free of corporate clutter on the walls that try so hard to identify with the locals. Marina’s is its own establishment with its own décor. Charming and simple.

We went on a Monday afternoon, and sadly there were only 7 tables occupied at 12:30. Needless to say, we were immediately seated and greeted by our server. Like most servers at Marina’s, she was a fashionable college aged girl. Although a little awkward and soft spoken, her service was great and she was extremely friendly. I like that the staff of Marina’s is not required to wear a specific uniform. I think it adds to the privately owned feeling and gives everyone their own presence.

Managing a family on a budget can be quite difficult if you want to go out to a nice dinner. Marina’s on the Square has prices that can please everyone’s wallet. With most dinner entrees costing around $12, dining guests have plenty to choose from. They also have a great lunch menu where most items are around $7.

On my most recent trip, I chose to order the lunch combo of a caser salad and 6 inch Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich. Priced at only $6.99, I decided to add the other 6 inches of the sub for $3, so I could have a meal later at home. I do this a lot. Hand breaded, dripping in sauce and mozzarella cheese and placed upon the bun of crispy perfection, this is one of the BEST SUBS in Murfreesboro! Needless to say, I love this sandwich.

My husband ordered the largest salad I have ever seen in my life, and I am not exaggerating. The Anti Pasto Salad is only $8.99 and piled high with pepperoni, ham, olives, mushrooms, peppers and much more. Some might think $9 is a lot for a salad, but seriously, this thing was huge. He took half home and the togo box was overflowing. Next time, I think he will opt for the half size portion.

The only downside to our experience was the food took a little long to get out to the table. It was not extreme or anything, just with so few people in the restaurant I would think their lunch service would be a little speedier.

Marina’s on the Square will always be one of my favorite restaurants in Murfreesboro. I love its character and more importantly the food. If you have not been before, do yourself a favor and go. In my opinion, you cannot find a better value for your dollar.