If you were asked to come up with two words to differentiate Kentucky from other states in the U.S., there’s a good chance your answer would be horses and bourbon. You might think of Lexington (the horse capital of the world), Bardstown (the bourbon capital of the world), or Louisville (home of the Kentucky Derby) as go-to places for an authentic Bluegrass State experience. But Shelby County, a mere 40 minutes from Louisville, boasts the charm of a small town yet has all the horses, bourbon, good eats, and shopping you need for a full day of good Kentucky fun.
For Horse Enthusiasts
Hop on horseback for a guided ride through Shelby Trails Park, which covers 462 acres and includes 21 dedicated hiking and horseback riding trails. Whether you’re a regular rider or it’s your first time, the experienced Red Fern Riding Center staff stresses safety first. All riders watch a safety video and are provided with a helmet and detailed instructions before heading out on one of two rides. The first is the Scenic Ride: a relaxing, hour-long trot through the trails. For thrill-seekers, there’s the hour-and-a-half Adventure Ride. This longer trek takes riders through more challenging terrain, up and down hills and over creeks, and offers guests the opportunity to encounter wildlife while traversing the woods.
If you live in the area and crave a little more equine time, Red Fern offers riding lessons, too. Available for kids and adults, private and group lessons include time on the ground to learn safe handling, proper horse care, and horse psychology before riding begins. Emphasizing the disciplines of dressage and three-day eventing, Red Fern welcomes riders of all skill levels to grow and learn with them.
For a truly one-of-a-kind equine experience, head to Lettleiki Icelandics, where you can cozy up to an Icelandic horse. One of the purest breeds in the world, known as the horse of the Vikings, Icelandics have unique gaits, are resilient to harsh weather conditions, and have a friendly and curious temperament. Private lessons with these uncommon horses are available for children and adults and typically last about 45 minutes.
The only Icelandic horse farm in the county — and one of only a few in Kentucky — Lettleiki is a nationally recognized center for Icelandic horses. It is also home to the only world-ranking Icelandic horse show in the U.S. Be sure to check their calendar of events before your Shelby County excursion to see the current goings-on. Oh, and mark your calendar for the next annual Triple Ice Championships, which are slated for May 26 to 28, 2023.
For Bourbon Lovers
If your idea of fun involves fewer animals and more whiskey, head to Creed Café at Jeptha Creed Distillery. After small bites like pickle fries or a pretzel plate and a few slices of pizza (with an optional hot-pepper-flavored vodka crust!), get ready for a one-of-a-kind bourbon experience.
Your tasting guide will drive you from the distillery to a barrel barn, which happens to be located right next to the field of crops that produces all the grain, corn, and fruit that goes straight into the distillery’s bourbon, vodka, moonshine, and brandy. The hour-long intimate tasting, complete with comfy reclining chairs, takes guests through the story of mother-and-daughter-owned Jeptha Creed and finishes with a bourbon tasting straight from the barrel.
For a quicker experience, a 30-minute spirit tasting is also available. Guests will learn about the Jeptha Creed family while enjoying pours of the Straight 4-Grain Bourbon, Bottled-In-Bond High-Rye Bourbon, 90% Bloody Butcher Corn Bourbon, and Original Moonshine. If you’re interested in something a little more hands-on, book a spot in a mixology class, where attendees learn all about Jeptha Creed’s Bloody Butcher Corn before making two cocktails with the help of a professional mixologist.
Keep the bourbon bash going with a visit to Bulleit Distilling Co., Shelby County’s other Bourbon Trail destination. The site’s cocktail bar, outdoor patio, and retail store are open to the public, but be sure to book a unique Bulleit experience, too.
A complete property tour includes a shuttle ride with stops at the Visitor Experience Grounds and Distillery and a short sensory tasting. If you’re pressed for time, Bulleit also offers a fully immersive, 30-minute sensory experience that allows guests to taste Bulleit whiskeys while exploring how flavors change with the use of lights, sound, and scent bulbs.
There are also additional types of experiences and events — including everything from bourbon-infusing classes to paint-n-sip workshops — available on select dates, so be sure to check their website ahead of time.
Retail Therapy
Find a plethora of shopping options all in one place (and great deals, too!) at Kentucky’s only designer outlet shopping center, The Outlet Shoppes of The Bluegrass in Simpsonville. Located on I-64 just 10 minutes from Louisville, the mall boasts more than 80 stores, including Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, The North Face, Under Armour, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, and American Eagle Outfitters. In addition to the already lower-than-average prices, the center also offers discounts for military members, seniors, teachers, and nurses.
Interested in something a little more local? The goods at Little Mount Lavender Company are made from lavender organically grown right in the Commonwealth. And in addition to sourcing and supporting local and state ingredient suppliers, container companies, artisans, and artists, Little Mount Lavender Company continually strives to lower its carbon footprint with recyclable and sustainable packaging throughout the store and farm. From soaps and lotions to olive oil and pet products, there’s something for everyone, and it’s all free of perfumes, parabens, paraffin, chemical dyes, and harsh detergents.
For Foodies
For a good ol’ American meal, check out Bell House Restaurant, initially constructed in 1902 as the abode of Dr. and Mrs. E.B. Smith. The structure passed through a few more hands before it was purchased and restored in 2007 by Robert J. Andriot, who transformed the space into the American-fare eatery that it is today. Named for the historic bell in the front yard, which was crafted in Louisville in the 1800s, the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner from Tuesday through Saturday, as well as afternoon tea. Bell House favorites include the traditional meat lasagna, hot brown, and garden quiche. And don’t forget to order a homemade dessert! The restaurant’s pastry chef whips up everything from chocolate amaretto cake and coconut cream pie to crème brulée and praline cheesecake.
Craving Asian food? Shelby County has you covered! Café 7021 Vietnamese Bar & Grill serves authentic Vietnamese dinners for both dine-in and carryout from Tuesday through Saturday. Commonly ordered items include fried rice, pad Thai, and phõ. But for a truly authentic Vietnamese cuisine experience, try the bún thit ná»á»Ÿng, which features Vermicelli noodles, lettuce, bean sprouts, mint, basil, pickled julienne carrots, radish, cucumber, roasted garlic, shallots, and crushed peanuts. The dish is served with house chili sauce and chicken, beef, tofu, pork, or shrimp — and you can choose your own spice level.
Enjoy your adventures in Shelby County!
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