I've traveled Highway 41A my entire life. I've passed the directional signs for Wartrace countless times, yet somehow, I'd never taken the time to visit this quaint little town. That's one of the things I love most about photography. It takes me to places I might otherwise never experience.
I finally made time to explore Wartrace, Tennessee and I quickly found the kind of peace I love about small-town America. There's something about these little towns that makes you feel as though time has slowed down. I enjoyed wandering through downtown, taking in the sights and discovering the stories behind the places and people along the way.
During my walk, I met Jesse. We struck up a conversation, and I learned he was out walking and picking up trash along the streets. Jesse grew up in Wartrace, and his pride in his hometown was immediately apparent. You don't always see that same sense of ownership in bigger cities, at least not in my experience. Before we parted ways, I had the pleasure of making his portrait.
I continued my photowalk and noticed that the Wartrace Emporium was open, so I stepped inside and met Julie, the owner. Much like Jesse, Julie spoke with pride about her town and the efforts being made over the past few years to make Wartrace an even more inviting destination. That pride was evident in both her store and her commitment to the community.
By the way, the Wartrace Emporium is a really cool shop! If you're ever in the area, I encourage you to stop by. Julie was kind enough to let me photograph the inside of her store and even stand for a portrait of her own.
I love Smalltown, USA, and the people I meet along the way. These little adventures remind me that sometimes the best photographs aren't just about the places we visit, but also about the people who make them special.
I hope you enjoy the photos!
