Murfreesboro, Tennessee, is a quickly growing town 45 minutes from Nashville. It is home to Middle Tennessee State University, many bed and breakfast locations and spas, and located near the great Smoky Mountains. After you have finished shopping and visiting museums, you can get a view of Murfreesboro from the air through the use of one of four major air tour services.
Just more than a half an hour from Murfreesboro, Nashville Helicopter Tours offer scenic tours reaching speeds of up to 130 miles per hour on the R-44. Prices vary between the Classic Charter, which accommodates one passenger, and the Imperial Charter on the Bell 206 Long Ranger, which can hold up to five. An hour-long flight is about $659 for a group of six, as of January 2010. Sightseeing spots include the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, Belle Meade Plantation and The Parthenon.
Balloon Rides Across America, which has been open for more than 25 years, has locations in Franklin and Hermitage, both less than 45 minutes from the Murfreesboro. Flights leave at sunrise and sunset, and cost $204 per person, as of January 2011. You'll be able to take in views of the Smoky Mountains and surrounding countryside and forests with an uninterrupted view. Flights are about three hours and can be booked as soon as a week in advance. Children under the age of 6 are not recommended. Up to six people may ride at a time, and private flights are available.
Scenic Helicoptor Tours in Pigeon Forge offer tours over Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, and many lakes. There are 10 tours available, ranging in price from $30 to almost $400, as of January 2011. The knowledgeable tour guides provide educational information while flying over each destination. No reservations are necessary, but you can save 15 percent by booking your trip online. Helicopters hold three to four passengers.
Murfreesboro Aviation is a flight training school located on Memorial Boulevard that also offers customized plane tours. Four-seater planes of varying styles are available. Flights can go over locations as diverse as the Parthenon, Titans Field and Fall Creek Falls. Flights are available between 8 and 3 Monday through Saturday, and from 9 to 3 on Sundays.
