Bedford County: Whiskey, MoonPies, & Walking Horses
About as Tennessee as you can get.
In each issue of State & Beale we will profile one of Tennessee’s 95 counties, going alphabetically. Our math department said such a project will take years. I hope we get to complete it.
Bedford County
Grand Division: Middle Tennessee
County Seat: Shelbyville
Population (2023 estimate): 53,055
Credit: Tennessee Walking Horse Association
Bedford County is Tennessee Walking Horse country.
Those who know horses, call Wartrace the “cradle of the Tennessee Walking Horse” (or so the town says on its website). The city was the home to the first National Grand Champion walking horse, Strolling Jim (buried behind the old Walking Horse Hotel). If you’re there, soak up walking horse history at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Museum. Then, stop in at the Iron Horse on Main Street for pizza or a burger.
If you’re still hungry, drive to nearby Bell Buckle for classic Tennessee dining (and antiquing) at the Bell Buckle Cafe. Make plans to head back to Bell Buckle in June for the annual, one-of-a-kind R.C. Cola-MoonPie Festival. There’s a parade, crowning of a king and queen, games, and the annual cutting of the world’s largest MoonPie, which they make just a bit bigger each year.
Ever heard Shelbyville called “Pencil City?” Well, it is. And for good reason. In the 1950s, a number of pencil-makers called the city home. Now, only Musgrave Pencil Company remains and its quality explains why (especially their classic Tennessee Reds!). Musgrave does not offer tours (thanks, OSHA) but you can check their website for a great video on how they make pencils.
Shelbyville (pronounced SHEB-vul by the initiated) is also home to Nearest Green Distillery, make of Uncle Nearest whiskey. It sits on a 323-acre campus dubbed “Malt Disney World.” the distillery is named for Nathan “Nearest” Green, an enslaved man who taught Jack Daniel how to make whiskey. Book a tour and a tasting ($35-75), then have a bite on site at Chuck’s Barrel House BBQ, especially the ribs.
Bedford County’s banner event, though, is, without a doubt the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. Held for 11 days ending on on the Saturday night before Labor Day, the event sells nearly 250,000 tickets to fans from 40 states.
The Walking Horse is a composition of Narragansett and Canadian Pacer, Standardbred, Thoroughbred, Morgan, and American Saddlebred stock, according to the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association. The horses are known for a high-stepping style in three distinct gaits: the flat foot walk, running walk and canter, giving its rider a smooth and easy ride.
The Celebration is a Tennessee tradition going back to 1939 and has been held without interruption ever since. More than 2,000 horses compete in the 10-day event with only one being crowned World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse.
