Travel
Celebrate
Shelbyville A VISIT TO THE WALKING HORSE CAPITAL IS BIG ON SMALL-TOWN CHARM
STORY BY KAREN SCHWARTZMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFFREY S. OTTO
L
ooking for a way to harness those winter blues? Ride on down to Shelbyville, a friendly town filled with plenty of fun activities, historical gems and, like any quintessential Tennessee town, good eats. Located just over 50 miles southeast of Nashville, Shelbyville offers vacationers engaging entertainment in a scenic country setting. Known as the Walking Horse Capital of the World, Shelbyville plays host to the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, where the World Grand Champion is crowned. But even during the equine off-season, Shelbyville’s quaint businesses, home cooking and local landmarks keep visitors coming back for more.
1/ HORSING AROUND There’s plenty of things to do in Shelbyville for everyone to enjoy. Chief among them is to take a look at the animal that made the city famous – the Tennessee Walking Horse. The breed, known for its unusual gait, is showcased at the annual
Celebration, which draws a quarter of a million people to Calsonic Arena each August, but the city’s equestrian influence is evident no matter the time of year. The arena itself attracts visitors for other horse events as well as the annual A Celebration Christmas, during which the grounds are aglow with holiday lights displays. Another option for horse lovers this time of year is Heritage Jewelers, a jewelry shop on the public square in Shelbyville with an entire Walking Horse collection featuring items from necklaces and bracelets to watches and knives. Equine enthusiasts can also stock up on cowboy hats and boots, saddles, bridles and other supplies at Bedford Tack in nearby Bell Buckle. Many farms also double as bed and breakfasts. Clearview Horse Farm B&B boards horses and features equine-inspired rooms for people. Surrounding communities such as Wartrace and Normandy are home to the Walking Horse Hotel and Parish Patch Farm and Inn, respectively. Parish Patch is a
SEE VIDEO
ONLINE
Take a tour of historic downtown Shelbyville in the Video section of tnhomeandfarm.com.
Clockwise from top: Horses at Waterfall Farms; downtown Shelbyville; Cortner Mill in Normandy. tnhomeandfarm.com
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