This Small Stretch Of Shops In Tennessee Offers The Perfect Way To Spend An Afternoon
By Meghan Kraft|Published February 04, 2022
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
The town of Bell Buckle, Tennessee is what is known as a “railroad village,” located in the rural hills of the Volunteer State. Also known as a “railway town,” Bell Buckle earned its moniker honestly as a settlement that was originated due to the railway junction on-site. The small-town was settled in 1852 and has become a beacon for tourists in the Bedford County area due to its darling downtown strip of shops and the annual RC Cola & Moon Pie Festival. Learn more about this darling small town below!
You’ll be greeted by this cheery sign as you enter the Bell Buckle downtown area, and the town’s inherent hospitality doesn’t stop there. In fact, Bell Buckle was honored by Southern Living as the #1 Best Small Town in 2021 so expect scads of Southern friendliness and kind, thoughtful treatment.
This colorful downtown mural is one of the most photographed sites in town, but you can expect quite a bit of art throughout town. In fact, Bell Buckle is known as an "arts and crafts community" for the number of local artisans and locally-owned shops throughout town.
Bell Buckle’s downtown area is one of the most charming in Tennessee, and it boasts live music venues, restaurants, and small shops that are all locally owned. The town is known for its local artistry, so make sure you capitalize on the opportunity to purchase a locally made quilt or artsy souvenir for your trip home.
The town is perhaps best known for the RC Cola & Moon Pie Festival, an event that has been held the third Saturday in June since the early 1990s. The festivities include everything from a fun run to a craft fair and live music. The parade is a must-see, and yes, you’ll have the chance to enjoy both sweet snacks free of charge. Both the sweet sandwiches and colas are handed out in spades!
Sure, Bell Buckle is one of the best spots to stop for the sweet-toothed Southerner, but it’s also a good spot for families seeking a low-key Saturday out on the town. The Phillips General Store is a great antique spot, and Bluebird Antiques is also fun to peruse. The Doodle Bug on the Square is a cute little gift shop, and if you’re looking to extend the day make sure you stop by the Southern Charm Gift Shop and Hearth Room. Each of these shops is located within walking distance of downtown Bell Buckle.
Looking for a place to eat? Head to the Bell Buckle Coffee Shop & Book Swap for a caffeinated pick-me-up, and the Bell Buckle Café is an old-fashioned diner that boasts a menu full of lunchtime platters as well as burgers, pizza, and dessert.
Bell Buckle, Tennessee may only be home to 500 folks per the 2010 census, but it’s bursting with personality! The fun downtown strip of shops is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and since it’s known as the "Bell Buckle Historic District" you’ll have the chance to shop the day away and learn a bit more about the town.
We love the town of Bell Buckle! Have you been there yourself? You can learn more about the town of Bell Buckle at its official website here or here.
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