Shelbyville Kentucky

Petting a gentle American Saddlebred at a horse farm

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Learning about the distilling process on a tour at Jeptha Creed

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Touring the Whitney M. Young Jr. Birthplace and museum

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Horses and riders in action at the annual Shelbyville Horse Show

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A pastoral farm setting in the countryside

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Camping on a serene day at Lake Shelby

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Shrimp and grits served at the historic Science Hill Inn

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Sipping Kentucky bourbon where it's made

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Learning about American Saddlebreds on a tour of Kismet Farm

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Ready to find bargains at Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass

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Spring

9 - 24 ºC

Summer

14 - 30 ºC

Fall

-1 - 14 ºC

Winter

-5 - 9 ºC

January

-7 - 5 ºC

February

-6 - 8 ºC

March

-2 - 13 ºC

April

3 - 19 ºC

May

9 - 24 ºC

June

14 - 29 ºC

July

17 - 31 ºC

August

14 - 31 ºC

September

10 - 27 ºC

October

4 - 21 ºC

November

-2 - 13 ºC

December

-4 - 7 ºC

Major Airports:

Louisville (SDF)

Blue Grass/Lexington (LEX)
States:

Kentucky

Welcome to the heart of Bluegrass Horse Country

Ideally situated between Louisville and Lexington, the town of Shelbyville, Kentucky, is graced with pastoral beauty and an affinity for all things equine. This darling town is nicknamed the Saddlebred Capital of the World for its abundance of breeding and training facilities dedicated to the Saddlebred, a horse breed created right here in the USA. If you long for a day on horseback, you’ll find it in Shelbyville. Off the trails is a selection of indulgences done in true Kentucky style: locally crafted spirits, down-home eating and the on-trend styles of the state’s biggest outlet mall.

Shelbyville Culture: Horses and History

Dominated by more than 90 horse farms and loads of riding trails, Shelbyville is an equine enthusiast’s dream destination. Take a guided trail ride at Shelby Trails Park, which includes 21 groomed trails. If you’re just getting started with horseback riding, lessons are available at many local farms. Check out Kismet Farm to get close to the stately American Saddlebred horse or the sturdy Icelandic horse at Léttleiki Icelandics; both facilities offer riding lessons. Kentucky Backroad Tours caters to horse lovers with an itinerary that highlights the region’s famous thoroughbreds, Saddlebreds and Icelandics. For a look into the past, enjoy a historic horse farm tour with Kentucky Backroad Tours, or visit the Whitney Young Birthplace and Museum, dedicated to the life of the 20th-century civil rights leader.

Shopping and Dining

The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass includes nearly 100 retailers – Michael Kors, Gucci, Kate Spade and Tory Burch among them – to satisfy dapper dressers and fashionistas. After shopping, stroll down Shelbyville’s Main Street, lined with locally owned shops and restaurants housed in historic buildings. Grab a coffee at The Paddock or Sixth and Main Coffeehouse; enjoy a sweet treat at Serendipity Kandy Kitchen or McKinley’s Bread Shop & Deli; or stop for a sit-down meal at the Bell House Restaurant, named for the 160-year-old bell outside that used to serve as the town fire alarm. One of Shelbyville’s claims to dining fame is Claudia Sanders Dinner House. Founded by Colonel Harland Sanders, of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) fame, and his wife, the restaurant is beloved for its rich Southern food and, of course, special recipe fried chicken.

Distilleries and Wineries

True to Kentucky tradition, there are spirits and sweet wines to be sipped. Enjoy the rural scenery and sample the region’s award-winning, fruit-infused wines at Smith-Berry Winery or Talon Winery. Jeptha Creed Distillery specializes in vodka, bourbon and moonshine that incorporate ingredients grown on-site. Book a tour to sample some of the spirits and be sure to try the moonshine in flavors like apple pie, lemonade, cinnamon and blackberry. Bulleit Distillery uses a family recipe that dates to the 1830s for its spicy Kentucky bourbon.