The Small Tennessee Town That Feels Straight Out of Schitt’s Creek

If you’ve ever wished you could pull up to the Rosebud Motel and become part of a community where everyone knows your name (and your business), you’ll find that small-town magic alive and well in Bell Buckle, Tennessee. In the heart of Bedford County, just about an hour from Nashville, Bell Buckle embodies the same lovable eccentricity and heartwarming spirit that made Schitt’s Creek such a hit.

First things first, it's been said that the town of Bell Buckle was named after a creek that was itself named after a cowbell and buckle found by early settlers, likely left by a pioneer. This is similar to the television show, where the fictional town was founded by the Schitt family, considered the town's first (and unofficial) "first family."

Bell Buckle may not have the Roses or Café Tropical, but it has something just as special, a close-knit community with a flair for the whimsical. With a population of just over 500, this is the kind of place where shop owners know their regulars, locals wave as you pass by, and the town’s quirky personality shines through every detail. Much like Schitt’s Creek, Bell Buckle’s charm isn’t about grandeur but authenticity, creativity, and connection.

Walk through downtown Bell Buckle, and you’ll find vintage storefronts, antique shops, and artsy boutiques that could easily belong to David Rose’s latest entrepreneurial venture. Every shop feels like a treasure hunt, full of eclectic finds, handmade goods, and friendly conversations that blur the line between customer and friend. The town’s love for the arts is evident everywhere, from colorful murals to the Webb School Arts & Crafts Fair, one of the South’s largest festivals celebrating local artisans.

Then there’s the Bell Buckle Café, a local institution that could give Café Tropical a run for its money. Known for its Southern comfort food, homemade desserts, and occasional live music, it’s the perfect spot to grab a slice of pie and people-watch. You might overhear locals swapping stories about town events or teasing each other in the same affectionate way Alexis might roll her eyes at David.

Bell Buckle also has a strong sense of community pride that mirrors the transformation of Schitt’s Creek itself—from small-town simplicity to a place that people fall in love with for its heart. The RC Cola & MoonPie Festival each June captures that joyful energy, bringing together thousands of visitors for a day of quirky fun, live music, and homemade treats. It’s the kind of event that Moira Rose herself might insist on emceeing (in an extravagant hat, of course).

And while Bell Buckle may be tiny, it’s brimming with big personality. Every corner is creative, kindness in every conversation, and a refreshing lack of pretense, exactly what fans of Schitt’s Creek adore. You can stroll down its storybook streets, meet its welcoming residents, and savor a slice of small-town life. Bell Buckle will remind you why places like this, much like the town of Schitt’s Creek, are impossible not to love.

Plan your own trip to this small town straight out of Schitt’s Creek or anywhere else in Tennessee with Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner.