Bell Buckle

Cute and cozy have, over time, become the two adjectives that most define my style of preference. From inspiring the decorating motif in my little house, to characterizing the shops that manage to draw me inside and the small towns that keep calling me back for a visit—all my favorites can best be described as cute and cozy. So it probably comes as no surprise that the simplicity and quaint charm of historic downtown Bell Buckle, Tennessee, tempt me to exit every time I’m passing by on 1-24. Set just a few miles off the interstate, through picturesque countryside, (and less than an hour outside of Nashville), Bell Buckle draws in thousands of visitors yearly.

From its antique shops in vintage brick buildings to its popular café with a delightful array of fried and comfort foods, to an ice cream parlor with an old fashioned soda fountain, to the large quilt design painted on the main street, a day in the life of this revived railroad town feels like stepping back into olden days (one of their slogans reads: “We are 100 years behind the times and proud of it!”).  Known increasingly as a center for arts and crafts and even for live music, Bell Buckle is likely best known as the home of the RC-Moon Pie Festival held every June.

Although Moon Pies are made at the Chattanooga Bakery, back in the 1990’s Bell Buckle offered to host a party of sorts to celebrate the 75^th birthday of this traditional Southern dessert; and the result was a beloved annual festival honoring the famous pies and RC colas. While the historical union of this soda and sweet-treat duo is somewhat elusive, they have nonetheless been paired together for decades and were formerly referred to as “the working man’s lunch”, back even to the 1930’s (presumably because the combo was an affordable, filling snack at a nickel apiece!).

So whether it be the events of the festivals, the antique shopping, or just a day trip which includes a little bit of reminiscing and the chance to breathe in fresh air beyond the big-city limits, the friendly residents of Bell Buckle will always welcome you with a smile (and likely a Moon Pie :))