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If you were asked to come up with two words that would distinguish Kentucky from other states in the United States, your answer would likely be: Horse When bourbonLexington (the horse capital of the world), Bardstown (the bourbon capital of the world) or Louisville (home of the Kentucky Derby) might come to mind as places to experience the true Bluegrass State. But while Shelby County, just 40 minutes from Louisville, boasts small-town charm, Kentucky has all the horses, bourbon, fine dining, and shopping you need to make a day of it.
For horse lovers
Go on a guided horseback ride through Shelby Trails Park, which covers 462 acres and has 21 dedicated hiking and riding trails. Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, the experienced Red Fern Riding Center staff emphasize safety first. Every rider watches a safety video and is provided with a helmet and detailed instructions before heading off to his 1 of 2 rides. The first is the Scenic Ride. The trail he runs slowly for about an hour. For thrill-seekers, there is a 1.5-hour adventure ride. This long trek takes riders through more challenging terrain, up and down hills and over streams, offering guests the chance to encounter wildlife while traversing forests.
If you live in the area and are craving a little more horse time, Redfern also offers riding lessons. Includes time to learn proper horse care and horse psychology before riding. Emphasizing dressage and his three-day eventing discipline, Red His Fern welcomes riders of all skill levels and to grow and learn with them.
The Red Fern Riding Center offers riding lessons, guided rides, boarding and training.Image: Shelby KY Tourism
Shelby Trails Park spans 462 acres with 21 well-maintained dedicated trails, hiking trails, riding trails, 32 stall barns, and an indoor and outdoor arena for year-round horseback riding.Image: Shelby KY Tourism
For a one-of-a-kind horse experience, head to Letreki Icelandicus, where you can get up close and personal with Icelandic horses. One of the purest breeds in the world, known as the Viking horse, the Icelander has a unique gait, can withstand harsh weather conditions, and has a friendly and inquisitive disposition. . Private his lessons on these rare horses are available for children and adults and usually last about 45 minutes.
As the only Icelandic horse farm in the county and one of the few in Kentucky, Letreki is a nationally recognized hub for Icelandic horses. It’s also home to America’s only world-ranked Icelandic horse show. Before your excursion to Shelby County, check the calendar of events to see current progress. Oh, and mark your calendars for the upcoming Annual Triple His Ice His Championship scheduled for May 26-28, 2023.
Icelandic horses at Lettleiki Icelandics in Shelbyville.Image: Shelby KY Tourism
Owner Maggie Brandt has been in the Icelandic horse world for over 15 years.Image: Shelby KY Tourism
For bourbon lovers
For less animals and more whiskey, head to Creed Café at Jepsa Creed Distillery. After snacking on pickle fries, a pretzel plate and a few slices of pizza (with an optional chili vodka crust!), get ready for a bourbon experience like no other.
A tasting guide takes you from the distillery to the barrel barn. The barrel barn sits right next to a crop field that produces all the grain, corn, and fruit used directly in the distillery’s bourbon, vodka, moonshine, and brandy. Equipped with comfortable recliners, the one-hour intimate tasting introduces guests to the story of a mother-daughter owned Jepsak Reed, ending with a tasting of bourbon straight from the barrel.
A 30-minute spirit tasting is also available for those who want a quicker experience. Guests will learn about the Jepsa Creed family while enjoying Straight 4 Grain Bourbon, Bottled Bond Hi-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 the mixology class. Attendees will learn all about Jepsa Creed’s Bloody Butcher Corn before crafting two cocktails with the help of a professional mixologist.
Jepsa Creed is owned and operated by the mother-daughter duo of Joyce and Autumn Netherly.Image: Jepsa Creed
The tasting experience at Jepsa Creed takes place in a cozy barrel barn.Image: Jepsa Creed
Continue your bourbon bash with a visit to Bulleit Distilling Co., another Shelby County Bourbon Trail destination. The site’s cocktail bar, outdoor patio, and retail store are open to the public, but be sure to book your unique Bullet Experience as well.
The full property tour includes a shuttle stop at the Visitor Experience Ground and Distillery and a short tasting. If you’re pressed for time, Brett offers his fully immersive 30-minute sensory experience, in which guests taste Brett his whiskey while using light, sound, and scent bulbs to discover which flavor is right for them. You can explore how it changes.
From bourbon-infusing classes to paint-and-ship workshops, a wide variety of experiences and events are available on select days, so check the website ahead of time.
The Bullet retail store, cocktail bar, and outdoor patio are all open to the public.Image: Shelby KY Tourism
Bright was founded in 1987 and is one of the fastest growing whiskeys in the country.Image: Shelby KY Tourism
retail therapy
Find tons of shopping options all in one place (and great deals!) at The Outlet Shops of the Bluegrass, Simpsonville, Kentucky’s only designer outlet shopping center. Located on I-64, just 10 minutes from Louisville, the mall has over 80 stores including Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, The North Face, Under Armor, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, and American Eagle Outfitters. ____ is inside. In addition to already lower-than-average prices, the center also offers discounts for military personnel, senior citizens, teachers and nurses.
The Outlet Shoppes of The Bluegrass is Kentucky’s only outlet shopping center.Image: Shelby KY Tourism
Interested in something a little more local? Little Mount Lavender Company products are made from organically grown lavender in the Commonwealth. In addition to sourcing and supporting local and state raw material suppliers, container companies, artisans and artists, Little Mount Lavender Company also uses recyclable and sustainable packaging throughout its stores and farms to reduce carbon dioxide. We continuously strive to reduce our carbon footprint. From soaps and lotions to olive oil and pet products, there’s something for everyone, all free of perfumes, parabens, paraffins, chemical dyes and harsh detergents.
For foodies
For good old American cuisine, check out the Bell House Restaurant, built in 1902 as the residence of Dr. and Mrs. EB Smith. The structure went through a few more hands before being purchased and restored by Robert J. Andriot in 2007, transforming it into the American restaurant it is today. Named after the historic bell in the forecourt built in Louisville in the 1800s, the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and afternoon his tea Tuesday through Saturday. Popular menu items at Bell House include traditional meat lasagne, hot browns, and garden quiches. Don’t forget the homemade desserts! The restaurant’s pastry chefs whip up everything from chocolate amaretto cake and coconut cream pie to creme brulee and praline cheesecake.
Bell House Restaurant offers a delicious take on the classic Kentucky Hot Brown.Image: Lenny Omarza
Want some Asian food? Shelby County has you covered! Café 7021 Vietnam Bar & Grill serves authentic Vietnamese dinner Tuesday through Saturday for both eat-in and takeout. Fried rice, pad thai, pho, etc. are often ordered. But to experience a truly authentic Vietnamese meal, bún thit nửởngIt features vermicelli, lettuce, bean sprouts, mint, basil, julienned carrots, radish, cucumber, roasted garlic, shallots and crushed peanuts. The dish is served with homemade chilli sauce and chicken, beef, tofu, pork, or shrimp, with your choice of spice level.
Enjoy your adventure in Shelby County!
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Lenny Omarza
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