ExperienceTN.com

If you're searching for a small town getaway near Nashville that feels genuine, relaxed, and rooted in history, Wartrace, Tennessee deserves a spot on your list. Located in Bedford County, a 10-minute drive from Interstate 24, heading SW on Highway 64, Wartrace offers visitors a chance to slow down.

One of the best parts of traveling through Tennessee is discovering the small towns that still feel authentic, welcoming, and full of character. Middle Tennessee is packed with communities where historic downtowns, local restaurants, antique shops, and front-porch hospitality are all part of the experience. Whether you’re headed to Bonnaroo or simply exploring the region, these small towns are worth taking the scenic route for.

Over the past decade, Tennessee has experienced an incredible public art movement. Artists and communities have come together to paint colorful murals across the region, turning small towns and downtown districts into open-air galleries. Many of those projects were led through our friends at DMA-events, an organization founded by Coffee Countians whose very first mural project was painted right here in Manchester.

Doors are opening on once dormant buildings, live music is playing in the evenings, and shopkeepers are arranging vibrant displays for each season. Under the surface of this transformation is something pretty interesting: Right now, every business on the Wartrace Square is run by women.

Many first time visitors step into The Wartrace Emporium expecting a shop, and leave realizing they’ve experienced something much more personal. The magic, my friend, lives in the layers.

It’s part gallery, part boutique, and part hands-on creative space, all housed in a bright and welcoming storefront on the square in Wartrace.

I created this space because I love art—and even more, I love genuine connections with local creatives and the community that surrounds us. Artists from all over Middle Tennessee lead workshops here, offering a wide range of experiences from painting and sculpture to mixed media.

We highly recommend you take the drive to Wartrace, TN, also known as: “the friendliest little town you’ve never heard of!” Wartrace is roughly 10 miles from downtown Shelbyville, and the drive out is incredibly picturesque. The town itself is just as quaint and charming as the drive, with a sidewalk running alongside all the shops and restaurants. Don’t forget your camera- you’ll need it for all the sweet memories you’ll be making!

A Taste of Equestrian Elegance: Big Creek Winery's Tribute to Horses

Embarking on a wine tasting adventure at a winery is not just about sipping various wines but also immersing yourself in the flavors, aromas

Few towns hold the charm of Bell Buckle, Tenn., especially at Christmas. Each weekend in December Bell Buckle...

Heading to Tennessee for distilleries? Here's your ultimate whiskey itinerary for South Central Tennessee. Day 1 Morning: Arrive at the...

Shelia LeDere, owner of Old Petticoat Trading Company, located at 7 Main Street E., in Wartrace, Tennessee, invites you to browse the store

“Come visit us for laughter and fellowship,” Weakland said. “We offer children’s clothing, ladies’ apparel, and we have a lot of handmade gi

Rolling hills will take you to Wartrace, Tennessee, where you will discover delightful food, friendly atmosphere and inspiring art. Enter th

The Blue Victorian offers respite and creates memorable experiences for guests. It’s a place inviting visitors to unwind.

Nathan ‘Nearest’ Green was born in 1820, approximately 45 years before the end of the Civil War. He was an enslaved man who was known...

Pull up a chair and join family and friends, chatting, enjoying delicious food, and listening to music at Wartrace MusicFest.