Walking Horse Hotel

The historic Walking Horse Hotel was constructed in 1917 and is recognized as the birthplace of the famous Tennessee Walking Horse. The weathered three story brick icon is located in the picturesque town of Wartrace, Tennessee, less than one hour outside Nashville.

While the hotel has had many proprietors, the most recent shares a love story that is tugging at the heartstrings of romantics everywhere. Joe Peters moved from South Florida to Christiana, Tennessee in August 2004 with his wife, Chais, and youngest son. Peters and lifelong friend LeRoy Wells quickly formed the Midnight Special Band who made their Tennessee debut in what was then Wartace’s Whistle Stop Café. In time Chais became enamored with the old hotel and often expressed her desire to see beyond its locked doors. In September 2006 she was diagnosed with cancer and passed away six months later before having the opportunity. Four months later Peters purchased the hotel with a vision of bringing it back to life using Chais’s spirit as his guide. Renovations on the ground floor began in August 2007. In January 2008 Peters honored his wife by dedicating an intimate music venue appropriately named Chais Music Hall, which Peters describes as his proudest moment. “For 26 years Chais shared her life with me. Now I’ve been blessed with an opportunity to share a small part of hers with others for years to come.”

Chais Music Hall is a stunning 2,900 square foot entertainment venue with a rosewood floor and stage, world-class lighting, rich acoustics and an incomparable feeling of intimacy. Music is not heard within its walls, music is experienced! Chais Music Hall has featured artists such as Duffy Jackson, Barbara Morrison, Kate Paradise, Don Jones, Alice Vestal, John Jorgenson Quintet, Joe Davidian Trio, Annie Sellick, Thom Bresh, Claire Lynch, Jim Hurst, Richard Smith, Julie Adams, The Midnight Special Band, The Mystery Trip Band and more.

According to Joe Peters, Chais Music Hall possesses genuine healing qualities. Just close your eyes and let go; The music does the rest.