Walking Horse Country: Our Brand Story

In the heart of Middle Tennessee lives a region long known for a thriving agriculture scene and several iconic small towns. In Bedford County, the towns of Shelbyville, Bell Buckle, Wartrace, and Normandy come together as a destination for adventurers, history buffs, arts enthusiasts, culinary connoisseurs, and of course, Walking Horse champions. The shared identity of Walking Horse Country is one of rich historical experiences paired with contemporary must-visits and down-home Southern roots, making it a unique destination for solo travelers, couples, and families alike.

Shelbyville, the largest of the network of towns, sits on the intersection of Highways 41A and 231 N. The 1930s Courthouse shines at the heart of historic uptown Shelbyville, a hub of treasure-filled shops and emerging culinary standouts. Start your exploration with coffee and breakfast at Grindstone Cowboy, a brand new hotspot combining big-city appeal with down-home Southern hospitality. A stroll through the uptown streets reveals a collection of antique stores containing decades of treasures and souvenirs waiting to catch the right eye. A sunny afternoon is best spent basking in the mighty Duck River from a perch on the pebbled shore at Fisherman Park Dam. Tuck into Bocelli on the square for authentic Italian dishes served warm from the oven, or grab a reservation at Glass Hollow Table & Tavern for a world-class meal and cocktails infused with Southern charm and set against a backdrop of Walking Horse-inspired decor and local history. In late August each year, The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration takes place at The Celebration grounds in Shelbyville, marking a week of historically significant shows and competitions.

A short drive by way of scenic backroads takes you to the town of Bell Buckle, a spot that shapes these same notes into a story entirely their own. Known globally for their annual events, the tiny town is an epicenter for arts and culture. An easily walkable strip of historic buildings contains a surplus of iconic Southern staples. Curated antiques and primitives line the shelves of Phillips General Store, while local artisan goods get the spotlight at The Welcome Corner. Art lines the sidewalk, and open doors offer a warm welcome to each passerby. The Bell Buckle Cafe serves up old-fashioned Meat-and-Three plates, doing justice to the classic Tennessee invention. Make the trip in March for a Spring kick-off with Daffodil Day, in June for quirky, moonpie-filled family fun at the RC Cola Moonpie Festival, or in October for thousands of artisan vendors lining the streets for the Webb School Arts & Craft Fair.

Wartrace, another historic railroad town, emerges with its own prominent identity in Walking Horse Country. The town has long been known as the Cradle of the Tennessee Walking Horse, and is home to the Tennessee Walking Horse National Museum. Recently revitalized downtown buildings are now home to unique shopping opportunities and unforgettable dining options. Step into the Wartrace Emporium to browse collections of local art and uniquely Wartrace goods, and head to the Shoppes at 31 Main to explore curated vintage selections and Southern boutique classics. Grab a handcrafted sandwich from Rock House Deli and watch a train go by, or sit down for dinner at Delmonico’s, Wartrace’s newest spot for hearty Southern favorites with meat sourced from local farmers.

The town of Normandy is a quiet escape for outdoor lovers; the idyllic setting is perfect for an afternoon of fishing on Normandy Lake or floating the Duck River with Lucky Duck River Rentals.

A visit to Bedford County promises a wide variety of gems to discover, from homestyle cooking and homemade treats, to shelves full of history and local art made for browsing. The unique small towns stand as destinations each in their own right, with a common thread running between them that creates the identity of Walking Horse Country. The esteemed legacy of the Tennessee Walking Horse invokes the feeling of elevated experience and strong Southern roots that blend to create the one-of-a-kind destination of Walking Horse Country in Bedford County, Tennessee.