Shelby County is where Kentucky charm meets adventure, flavor, and a little surprise around every corner. From bourbon tastings and craft brews to horseback rides, lake days, and local shopping, this is your go-to list for the best of the county.
Let the exploring begin!
Bourbon & Beverage Stops
Tour & Taste at Jeptha Creed Distillery
Farm-to-glass bourbon done right. Jeptha Creed is a Shelby County gem where you can sip handcrafted spirits, tour the distillery, and enjoy barrel tastings straight from the source. It’s an authentic Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experience with a local twist, and a must for whiskey lovers. Stop by the bar and cafe for a Bluegrass Bonanza (wheated bourbon with banana and pecan liqueurs) and a plate of their garlic cheese bread.
Explore Bulleit Distilling Co. Visitor Experience
Step into the sleek, modern world of Bulleit bourbon. This immersive visitor experience pairs fascinating behind-the-scenes tours with tastings of their impeccable Frontier whiskey. You can also take cocktail-making classes, visit the production site or simply relax with a flight on the outdoor patio. Reservations are recommended.
Coffee Break at Sixth and Main Coffeehouse
Need a pick-me-up? Sixth and Main is downtown Shelbyville’s cozy coffee go-to. Grab a locally roasted latte, enjoy a warm pastry, and soak in the charm of this historic setting. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to linger, sip, and people-watch awhile.
Enjoy Craft Beer at Last Stop Brewing Co.
For a laid-back local hangout, make your way to Last Stop Brewing. This Shelbyville microbrewery serves up creative small-batch beers (12 on tap), tasting flights, and plenty of hometown hospitality. Sip a Boysen Blue, a hard apple cider with boysenberry and blueberry. Or, grab a bite! The burgers are juicy, the beer-battered onion rings legendary, and you can’t go wrong with a basket of fried pickles.
Horse Country Highlights
Visit a Horse Farm
You can’t come to Shelby County without meeting the horses. Book a visit to HorseSensing Saddlebred Farm or nearby Icelandic and Thoroughbred farms for an unforgettable look at Kentucky’s equestrian heritage. Appointments are required, but the experience is pure Bluegrass magic.
Ride at Shelby Trails Park & Red Fern Riding Center
Ready to saddle up? Red Fern Riding Center offers scenic rides and lessons through the beautiful wooded trails of Shelby Trails Park. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, this is Kentucky horse country at its finest.
Outdoors & Recreation
Explore Guist Creek Lake & Parks
Outdoor adventure awaits at Guist Creek Lake. Spend the day kayaking, fishing, biking, or enjoying a peaceful picnic by the water. Or, stay overnight at the campground. Nothing beats a night under the stars around a fire pit. With nearby parks in Shelbyville and Simpsonville, there’s plenty to explore for outdoor enthusiasts.
Golf at Weissinger Hills
Golfers, take note. Weissinger Hills in Shelbyville offers rolling landscapes, well-kept greens, and a fun challenge for every skill level. Whether you’re playing 18 holes or just enjoying the views, it’s the place to be to tee off in style.
Walk the Greenway Trails
Stretch your legs and take in Shelby County’s natural beauty along the Greenway Trails. These scenic paths are great for walking, running, or biking, with peaceful countryside views mixed with easy access around town.
Shopping & Local Culture
Shop The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass
Looking for big-name deals? The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass is Kentucky’s only designer outlet mall, featuring 80+ stores. It’s a must-stop for bargain hunters, fashion lovers, and anyone who enjoys a good shopping spree.
Browse Local Boutiques (Don’t Miss Pineapple Paisley!)
Beyond the outlets, Shelby County is home to a charming boutique scene with shops offering gifts, home décor, antiques, and one-of-a-kind finds you won’t see anywhere else. Pop into Pineapple Paisley, a vibrant women’s boutique bursting with colorful, on-trend styles and bold fashion finds.
Catch a Show at Shelby County Community Theatre
Add a little arts and culture to your trip with a live performance at Shelby County Community Theatre. From comedies to classics, this historic venue brings big heart and local talent to the stage year-round. We’re talking Broadway-style productions like Fiddler on the Roof, to intimate experiences in the upstairs 801 space.
