Shelbyville and Wartrace give Bedford County, Tenn., a host of attractions that draw visitors from across the nation and world. From horse lovers to music or MoonPie fans, there's something for everyone.
-- Compiled by staff writer Todd South
BEST THING TO DO
For Those With 2 Legs and 4 -- Shelbyville holds the annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration each summer during the 11 days and nights leading up to Labor Day.
• This is the premiere competition for the breed.
• Thousands attend and compete from across the globe for the title of World Champion and more than $650,000 in prizes.
Source: Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration
BEST PLACE TO EAT AND WHY
Meat and Three -- Have an old-fashioned homemade meal at Pope's Cafe at 120 Public Square East in Shelbyville.
• At this well-known meat-and-three-style restaurant, diners like to try the hand-patted hamburger and finish off a visit with the chocolate chess pie.
• Walking horse enthusiasts say it's a must-stop tradition when they come for the show.
BEST KEPT SECRET
A Local Legend -- Strolling Jim, the first world champion Tennessee walking horse, is buried in a pasture directly behind the Walking Horse Hotel, at 101 Spring St., Wartrace, and is accessible seven days a week.
• The horse was ridden by trainer Floyd Carothers at the first Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration in 1939. • Strolling Jim died in 1957.
Source: Wartrace Chamber of Commerce
SOUNDS OF SUMMER
Wartrace MusicFest -- On the first Friday and Saturday in June, music and food lovers have a two-in-one treat of bluegrass and barbecue at the popular event.
• Kids 12 and under get in free.
• Camp sites have no hookups and ground fires are not allowed.
Source: Wartrace Chamber of Commerce
WELCOME TO PENCIL CITY
Shelbyville is the Bedford County seat and has a population of more than 20,000 as of the most recent U.S. census.
• Sometimes called the Pencil City for its industrial contribution to pencil manufacturing.
• The town also boasts that it is the home of the Golden Eaglettes, a girls high school basketball program that has brought home a dozen state championships.
Source: Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce
LOCAL ATTRACTION
Storm and fire and war, oh my
•The county's first courthouse was built in 1810 in Shelbyville's public square. A small wooden structure, it was replaced with a brick courthouse shortly afterward by the first permanent building in the middle of the square.
•The great storm of 1830 destroyed the building and residents erected its replacement a year later. It stood until burned by Union soldiers during the Civil War.
•The fourth courthouse was under construction from 1869 until 1873 at a cost of $1,500. A mob burned it in 1934.
•The current Bedford County Courthouse was built in the Greek Revival style in 1935.
Source: Bedford County Courts
LIST OF FESTIVALS
Box tease: Wartrace MusicFest
•On the first Friday and Saturday in June music and food lovers have a two-in-one treat of bluegrass and barbecue at the popular Wartrace MusicFest.
•Kids 12 and under get in free.
•Camp sites have no hookups and ground fires are not allowed.
Source: Wartrace Chamber of Commerce