Wartrace, TN

Wartrace grew up around a mid-1800s railroad depot, taking its name from an old Indigenous trail through Bedford County. Today, that railroad heritage is everywhere you look. The quiet downtown and surrounding streets make up a sizable historic district filled with Victorian homes, brick storefronts, and deep roots in Middle Tennessee history. It has the relaxed, scenic feel of a classic small town that stayed true to its origins.

ATTRBrian Stansberry / CC BY 3.0

Horses are a big part of local tradition here, anchored by the Tennessee Walking Horse National Museum and a summer horse show running since 1906. Main Street is also famous for its acoustic music scene around Gallagher Guitars, where locals regularly gather to pick and play. Between neighborhood diners, rolling farm roads, and easy trips to nearby Shelbyville for major shopping, Wartrace offers a peaceful country setting with a strong sense of community.