Itching to get out of town, Louisvillians? Skip those pesky airport security lines and jump in your car for a road trip to Shelby County — home to Shelbyville + Simpsonville — instead. We’re spilling all the details on how to have an unforgettable time in the Saddlebred Capital of the World.

Essential info

Drive time: ~30 minutes
Year the county was established: 1792
Est. population: 51,243

Experience

Red Fern Riding, 5063 Aiken Rd., Simpsonville
If you’re in the heart of Kentucky horse country, you might as well saddle up and take a ride. This equestrian center, located within the 462 acres of Shelby Trails Park, offers scenic + adventure guided horseback riding for riders of all experience levels.

Red Fern Riding's stables and riding area — Red Fern Riding offers guided horseback riding through the scenic Shelby Trails Park. | Photo by LOUtoday

Jeptha Creed Distillery, 500 Gordon Ln., Shelbyville
This family owned + operated spirits company specializes in bourbon made with Bloody Butcher Corn, but they dabble in moonshine, brandy, and vodka, too. Take the barrel tasting tour where you’ll hear the story of Jeptha Creed, taste its products, and finish with a taste directly from a barrel, all in the setting of one of its barrel barns. Did we mention you sit in leather recliners?

Two people over a barrel at Jeptha Creed — Sarah got to help pull a taste of Jeptha Creed bourbon from the barrel. | Photo by LOUtoday

Wakefield-Scearce Galleries, 525 Washington St., Shelbyville
Browse and shop one of the largest collections of British antiques in the US in a former 19th-century all-girls preparatory school — listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Bonus: Don’t miss the annual Christmas Open House which typically starts in early November, and showcases holiday decorations throughout the building.

Eat

Little Mount Lavender Co., 6906 Shelbyville Rd., Simpsonville
This lavender farm store is your destination for lunch and a shopping spree — with a menu featuring ratatouille, charcuterie for two, and a fully-stocked pastry counter + multiple rooms of lavender-based products and gifts.

The Bell House, 721 Main St., Shelbyville
Situated in a circa-1902 Victorian home in downtown Shelbyville, you’ll be tempted to stay all day with a menu spanning from breakfast to dinner. Pro tip: Get the Hot Brown.

A hot brown in a hot plate with tomato and bacon on top — The Bell House's hot brown is a must-try. | Photo by LOUtoday

Stay

Saddlebred Suites, 700 Main St., Shelbyville
Stay in one of four suites in this circa-1890 building that’s been renovated into a loft boutique hotel experience. In the morning, get a java from the attached coffee shop, The Paddock Coffee.

A modern farmhouse with brick walls and white sofas and a painting of a horse on the wall — This modern Vrbo can sleep up to five adults. | Photo by Vrbo

Le Coop Ultra, Shelbyville
Overlooking Main Street, this urban loft features an open concept floor plan, a modern kitchen, and a screened-in rooftop deck + sleeps five adults.

Heritage House 1900’s home, Shelbyville
Filled with antique flair and character, this residential home can sleep up to 10 guests + is located conveniently between Louisville and Lexington — and right in proximity of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Wait a minute, Louisvillians. Before you head out the door, find the cheapest places to fill up your gas tank and stock up on road trip snacks from Full Stop Station. Also, bookmark this map so you have no trouble finding all of our recommendations while visiting Shelby County.