Amanda Smith, Manager & Coordinator, Buggy Barn Museum and Pine Moore Old West Town
Jul 25, 2024
In this episode of Penny for Your Shots, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Amanda Smith, the manager and coordinator of the Buggy Barn Museum and Pine Moore Old West Studio in Blanco, Texas. From antique carriages to action-packed stunt work, Amanda shared her family’s passion for preserving history and creating a space where visitors can immerse themselves in the charm of the Old West.
The Buggy Barn Museum: A Family Legacy
The Buggy Barn Museum is a testament to Amanda’s family’s dedication to history and community. What began as a small collection of carriages owned by her father, Dennis Moore, has grown into a sprawling museum featuring over 270 antique carriages and wagons, with some dating back to 1840.
"My dad started with just a few carriages for weddings and parties, and it’s grown into this incredible collection that people from all over the world come to see," Amanda shared.
From doctor’s buggies to royal carriages, every piece has a story, and no two are the same.
Pine Moore Old West Studio: Where History Comes Alive
Adjacent to the museum is Pine Moore Old West Studio, a fully functional Old West town used for filming, events, and immersive tours. The town features a saloon, jail, post office, church, and even a gallows, all authentically designed to transport visitors back in time.
"When you walk into the town, you can feel yourself slow down—it’s like stepping into another era," Amanda said.
The studio has hosted everything from weddings to movies and commercials, including work on films like True Grit and Killers of the Flower Moon.
A Passion for Preservation
Amanda’s family is deeply rooted in Blanco’s history, being one of the town’s founding families. This sense of legacy fuels their commitment to preserving the past.
"We want to keep this history alive—not just for our family, but for everyone who visits," Amanda explained.
Even during challenging times like the pandemic, Amanda and her family used the downtime to expand and improve the museum and studio, ensuring its legacy for future generations.
Wine Camp 2024: A Hoedown in the Old West
This September, the Buggy Barn Museum and Pine Moore Old West Studio will host the closing night of Wine Camp 2024. Attendees can look forward to a hoedown in the event center, complete with Texas-sized fun and plenty of photo opportunities around the Old West town.
"We’re excited to welcome the Wine Camp group and share our passion for history and community," Amanda said.
Amanda’s Multifaceted Life
In addition to her work at the museum and studio, Amanda is an accomplished stuntwoman and actress, often working alongside her father on film sets. She’s performed stunts like horseback riding and rearing for films, and her whole family—including her children—has been involved in acting.
"Working with my dad on films has been an incredible experience. It’s something I’ll always cherish," Amanda shared.
Closing Thoughts: Preserving the Past, Building the Future
Amanda’s dedication to her family’s legacy and her passion for the Old West shine through in everything she does. Whether you’re visiting for the history, the community events, or just a fun day out, the Buggy Barn Museum and Pine Moore Old West Studio offer an unforgettable experience.
Plan Your Visit:
To learn more, follow the Buggy Barn Museum on Facebook and Instagram or visit their website.
UVC Bad Boy Tractor commercial featuring Mickey Gilley (and Amanda and her dad, Dennis Moore): https://youtu.be/7eh6BlknJds?si=eJayAgGacwWVS4g5
https://www.facebook.com/buggybarnmuseum
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