When the snow and temperatures drop around Shelbyville and Simpsonville, the aromas of Kentucky horse country flavors heat up. It’s the ideal time to settle in for some tasty explorations. The rolling pastureland and home-town feel here makes it a great place to explore.
Kentucky’s history comes alive at the world-renowned Wakefield-Scearce Galleries at Science Hill. This early 19th century girls school now entices customers with polished fine British antiques that adorn dozens of curated rooms. The biggest crowds flock to the dining hall to settle into a heaping serving of Hot Browns at lunch. Served in cast-iron skillet, this legendary Kentucky dish tops juicy slices of roasted turkey on crusty toast and then adds the comforting touch of a smooth and cheesy Mornay sauce coupled with perfectly cooked bacon and sliced tomato. It’s the kind of meal that sticks to you all day—and to your memories forever.
Or, you may want to visit the white-pillared Claudia Sanders Dinner House. This down-home spot began in 1968 by Kentucky’s famous Colonel Harland Sanders (yes, that Colonel) and his wife, and named it the Colonel’s Lady. Of course, the fried chicken is remarkable.
Save time to sample the winter shopping at Kentucky’s only designer outlet mall, The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass. Explore Saks Fifth Avenue, North Face, and boutiques such as Coach, Gucci, and Tory Burch. You may just find something to remind you of your visit.
Shelbyville and Simpsonville are smack dab in the middle of Kentucky’s horse country. There are more than 90 Saddlebred farms in these parts, and is proclaimed the Saddlebred Capital of the World. Miles of painted fences embrace stately historic homes and elegant elaborate barns. When the fields are covered in white, when the horses are set outside, when the silvery branches of gnarled hickory trees extent their reach, it’s time to explore the sites of this rare spot.
Just like in the past, horses and whiskey go together, so head over to Jeptha Creed Distillery. This distinctive facility has something rare to Kentucky bourbon makers: a lady distiller. Run by a mother-daughter duo, Creed maintains a well-supplied gift shop for stocking up on spirits. You are welcome to take a distillery tour to learn how the clear Kentucky water transforms through pot stills into the golden elixir. Afterwards, belly up to the bar, or take your spirits out to the comfortable back porch simply to watch the sun settle into the hills of Kentucky horse country. It’s the perfect end to any day.
For more information go to www.visitshelbyky.com
Shelby County is proclaimed the Saddlebred Capital of the World.
Explore Saks Fifth Avenue, North Face, and boutiques such as Coach, Gucci, and Tory Burch at the Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass.
Shelby County’s Jeptha Creed Distillery is unique, being the only in Kentucky with a lady distiller.
The CLaudia Sanders Dinner House was begun in 1968 by Kentucky’s famous Colonel Harland Sanders and his wife.
