Hey Y'all's 3 Stops in Bell Buckle, TN!

BLUEBIRD ANTIQUES & ICE CREAM PARLOR

Located at 15 Webb Rd in Bell Buckle, TN, Bluebird Antiques & Ice Cream Parlor is an essential stop for a scrumptious treat. Owner Ken Phillips has lovingly tended to this beautiful shop and its rich history for many years. 

Ken’s father served Purity ice cream for the longest time, and once, the shop had a freezer full of Purity ice cream go out. Mr. Ezell, the owner of Purity Dairy, personally sent a new freezer full of product. He also made a personal visit to check that everything was set right. Ken continues that loyalty today due to this incredible kindness that was shown to them 27 years ago.

The storefront is beautiful and offers a perfect welcome for the unique experience of the shop. The building was originally home to a hardware store in the 1860s and then became the City Grocery in 1871. Many fixtures inside the shop are original to the building, and Ken is happy to share the history of items like the coffee grinder and ledger register. In 1886 (the year Webb School opened) they added hand-scooped ice cream. The shop is still a favorite of Webb School students today!

Ken proudly pointed out to us that the fudge is all entirely handmade, as are their fried pies. His mother, affectionately known as Momma Phillips, is 98 years young and still making the fried pies fresh each day using a Civil War-era family recipe. They have become quite famous in town and sell out quickly!

Be sure to visit Bluebird in Bell Buckle for some sweet treats and beautiful antiques. 

PHILLIPS GENERAL STORE

Phillips General Store sits at 4 Railroad Sq, where Billy Phillips and family have been caretakers of an old dry goods store for 54 years. This impressive building is over 100 years old, with original fixtures and millinery items on display. 

Beginning on the sidewalk, you are drawn in by the extravagant window displays featuring antiques chosen by hand. Once inside, you begin a truly amazing trip back in time. We made several laps around the store, each time discovering more items we had previously missed. There were so many treasures from bygone eras- from marbles to sock monkeys and beyond. 

The Phillips Family has an extensive history in Bell Buckle and are very involved in their community. They lovingly collect and sell many interesting antiques and love to share the history of each item. 

Go visit Phillips General Store for a striking step back in time!

BELL BUCKLE COFFEE SHOP & BOOK SWAP

On a rainy day, we really enjoyed visiting the cozy Bell Buckle Coffee Shop & Book Swap. Owner Lisa and her sweet staff make it a must-stop on your visit to Bell Buckle. 

Lisa relocated to town and her life was changed with a visit to the local coffee shop. She began her journey in 2008 when she purchased the shop and made it the wonderful community gathering space that it is today. 

The coffee shop’s menu features specialty coffees, frozen drinks, baked goods, and a delicious breakfast and lunch menu. On the day we visited, The Reuben seemed to be the most popular lunch choice. 

Make sure to bring an old book with you and leave it on their amply stocked Book Swap shelf so that another can enjoy it as much as you did. Grab your next read and cozy up with a coffee on their comfy couch- it's the perfect respite from a busy day of exploring Bell Buckle!

Lisa also runs The Welcome Corner, which makes up the front half of the shop. The Welcome Corner is stocked with gifts and local artisan products, and has beautiful window displays, tempting anyone to stop and shop. This railroad town is known for their local artists, and many are featured in Lisa’s shop.