Local History in Shelbyville: Find Hotels

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Editor's Choice

Pure Luxury

“Call me spoiled - but I love to be treated like a queen when traveling. Only the best is good enough for me. Hotels that make my vacation a dream of luxury and seduction are my choices. Pay attention to the (violet Medal) for luxury accommodation.”

Tatjana Herzegova, Kiew, Ukraine

Editor's Choice

Sustainable Travel

“There is only one earth and we should go out and see it. I like hotels, which look for sustainability. It is not only protecting the ecology, but also taking care for the local business and culture. I recommend the medal for eco accomodation. Let’s protect our earth. Sustainable travel is travelling with responsibility.”

Markus Lenk, Düsseldorf, Germany

When staying in Shelbyville, you can choose between two distinct planning anchors: the historic townscape and the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration®. The first focuses on the town square and architectural history; the second brings a recurring event date into the picture.

Town Square and Historic Buildings

Historic Uptown Shelbyville is a walkable district centered around the historic town square. For travelers who enjoy exploring on foot, it provides a specific focal point in the townscape. Explore the historic town square and the surrounding streets of Historic Uptown Shelbyville on foot. The architectural history can also be viewed on two levels. The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer is the oldest building in Shelbyville and was built in 1825. The East Shelbyville Historic District consists primarily of residential buildings dating from 1825 to 1940. The architectural history includes the 1825 church and the residential buildings in the East Shelbyville Historic District dating from 1825 to 1940. Those interested in architectural and local history can view the church and the district as different scales: one points to a specific year of construction, while the other encompasses a larger collection of residential buildings from several decades. As a complementary regional perspective, the Bedford County History Museum explores families, homes, commerce, and community traditions over the past 200 years. Its six exhibit themes range from The Fly and Founders to The Square and Industry, as well as Echoes of Valor and Equine Fame. In this way, family history, commerce, and horse-related topics add further facets of regional history to the story of the town square and residential architecture.

Tennessee Walking Horse and Celebration® Arena

The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration® has been held every year without interruption since 1939. It lasts 11 days and ends on the Saturday before Labor Day. The duration and end date answer different planning questions: the 11 days describe the event period, while the Saturday before Labor Day indicates its recurring place in the calendar year. The Celebration® Arena was built in 1946. Its stadium seats more than 30,000 people, including 2,183 box seats. These box seats are included in the stated stadium capacity. The track measures 150 × 300 feet and has a permanent center ring. The organizer also lists a campground with 270 RV sites. If you are traveling by RV, check current booking options directly with the operator.

Local History or Event Date?

Visitors who want to focus on the town's history can use the historic town square, Historic Uptown, and the dated buildings as points of interest. Those traveling for the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration® should check the specific event dates before booking.

Discover more destinations: Bell Buckle.

Go to the main travel overview: Bedford County.

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