The Alive & Free — Volunteer Regional Convention 44 comes to Murfreesboro, Tennessee, November 27–29, 2026, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville SE Murfreesboro, 1200 Conference Center Boulevard. The official VRC 44 website confirms the Thanksgiving-weekend dates and Murfreesboro location for the Volunteer Region’s 44th convention. VRC 44
Murfreesboro gives the weekend a different feel from a Nashville convention. You are still close enough to reach Nashville if you extend the trip, but the immediate area has its own history, greenways, restaurants and attractions without needing to spend much of the weekend driving.
Keep Things Easy Around the Convention Hotel
The Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville SE Murfreesboro sits just off Interstate 24 near Medical Center Parkway.
The hotel is next to shopping and restaurants at The Avenue Murfreesboro, while downtown Murfreesboro is about five miles away. Stones River National Battlefield is roughly three miles from the hotel. Hilton
That makes it easy to keep the convention weekend focused.
Spend time with the fellowship.
Get something to eat nearby.
Then explore when you actually have a few hours available.
Visit Stones River National Battlefield
One of Murfreesboro’s most significant historic sites is Stones River National Battlefield.
The park preserves the site of the Battle of Stones River, fought from December 31, 1862, through January 2, 1863. More than 80,000 Union and Confederate soldiers were involved in one of the Civil War’s bloodiest major battles. National Park Service
The National Park Service visitor center includes museum exhibits, a film and information for exploring the battlefield.
The park also has trails and open spaces, making it possible to combine history with a quiet walk.
Remember the Winter Hours
Because the convention happens in late November, Stones River operates on its shorter winter schedule.
The visitor center is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., while the park tour-road gates close at 4:30 p.m. during this season. The park is closed on Thanksgiving Day itself, November 26, but reopens for the convention weekend. National Park Service
That matters if you plan to visit Friday or Sunday.
Do not wait until late afternoon and assume everything will still be open.
Walk Around Downtown Murfreesboro
Downtown Murfreesboro gives you a straightforward place to explore without making the trip into a Nashville excursion.
The courthouse square is surrounded by local restaurants, shops and historic buildings, while several nearby attractions connect with the city’s history.
A downtown visit can be simple.
Get some food.
Walk around the square.
Spend an hour away from the convention hotel.
Then head back.
Explore Cannonsburgh Village
Cannonsburgh Village is another nearby history stop and is about four and a half miles from the convention hotel. Hilton
The reconstructed village reflects Tennessee life from the 1800s into the early 20th century, with historic-style buildings and exhibits.
It can work well as a shorter outing if you want something local but do not have enough time for a larger trip.
Get Outside on the Greenway
Murfreesboro’s greenway system connects parks, neighborhoods and sections of the Stones River corridor.
The National Park Service notes that Murfreesboro’s Greenway system connects visitors with portions of Stones River National Battlefield by foot or bicycle. National Park Service
For a convention weekend, you do not need a long trail day.
Take a walk.
Get outside.
Clear your head for a little while.
Then head back to the convention.
Consider Nashville Only If You Have the Time
Downtown Nashville is about a 30-minute drive from the convention hotel under normal conditions. Hilton
That makes Nashville completely realistic as a pre- or post-convention extension.
It is less attractive as something to squeeze into a two-hour opening between convention sessions.
If you add another day, Nashville gives you museums, music history, parks and neighborhoods to explore.
If you do not, Murfreesboro has enough to keep the weekend interesting on its own.
Getting to Murfreesboro
For travelers flying in, Nashville International Airport is the main airport serving the area.
Hilton lists the airport about 29 miles from the convention hotel. The hotel does not currently offer an airport shuttle, so plan on a rental car, rideshare or another ground-transportation arrangement. Hilton
A car is useful in Murfreesboro, particularly if you want to visit the battlefield, downtown or Nashville.
The hotel is conveniently located near both Interstate 24 and State Route 840, making road access straightforward. Hilton
Remember That This Is Thanksgiving Weekend
VRC 44 begins the Friday after Thanksgiving.
That can mean heavier highway traffic, busier airports and more crowded travel days than an ordinary November weekend.
Build extra time into Friday arrival and Sunday departure.
Thanksgiving-weekend traffic around Nashville can also affect travel times even if your destination is Murfreesboro.
The easiest trip is the one that does not depend on everything running exactly on schedule.
Expect Late-November Tennessee Weather
Late November in Middle Tennessee can vary quite a bit.
You might get a mild afternoon, or you might get cold rain and much cooler conditions.
Bring layers.
Bring a jacket.
Bring something waterproof.
Comfortable walking shoes will also make it much easier to enjoy the battlefield, downtown or a section of the greenway.
Let Alive & Free Be the Reason for the Trip
Murfreesboro gives you plenty to do.
There is history.
There are parks.
There is downtown.
Nashville is nearby.
But Volunteer Regional Convention 44 is the reason for the weekend.
Spend time with the fellowship.
Go to meetings.
Listen to speakers.
Reconnect with people.
Then, if you have some open time, explore Murfreesboro or walk through Stones River.
You do not need to turn the weekend into a Tennessee sightseeing marathon.
Find the Event and Plan Your Visit
See Alive & Free — Volunteer Regional Convention 44 in the Dans' Custom Gifts NA Event Directory.
Official convention information is available from the Volunteer Regional Convention 44 website.
Photo credit: Jessa Leigh / Pexels