Friday, February 27, 2015

Top 10 FREE Family Activities in Shelby County

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We've searched Shelby County for some free family fun! Check out what we found!


1. GALLREIN FARMS PETTING ZOO
Gallrein Farms is a fun place to take the children on a nice day. They have a newly renovated petting zoo that is completely free. They have pigs, rabbits, goats, chickens, sheep, and a camel. They are working on an educational center to go along with the petting zoo. In the Spring, they have a wonderful green house full of beautiful flowers that my daughters and I enjoy walking through.

*Gallrein has other fun activities like pick your own strawberries in the Spring and fun Fall activities in October. These will be highlighted at a later date because they may have a fee attached.


 photo 20140315_115041_zpsw7qkgjtq.jpg2. LIBRARY FUN
There is so much to do at the Shelby County Public Library that we made a special tab just for it. Children from birth through 5 can enjoy books, crafts, music and movement during story hour. There are several story hours offered throughout the week. Older children may enjoy the Lego Club or the American Girl Club. And don't worry parents, there's activities just for you too. Adults 18 and over can enjoy free zumba twice a week or give line dancing a try. The library also has Family Movie Days the first Saturday of each month, and Family Fun Days the third Saturday. Check the calendar or visit the library fun tab to see dates and times.




3. HEARTLAND MUSIC TOGETHER
Did you know Shelbyville offers a music class for children birth through four years old? Heartland Music Together has been in Louisville for a long time, but recently expanded to include a Shelbyville class. This class meets on Fridays at 10:30 at St. James Episcopal Church. The class runs for 10 weeks and is $165 (discounts for other children and members of St. James). The reason it is included on this list of free activities is because they welcome you to come give them a try at a demo class for free! They do ask that you RSVP online or by calling 502-491-3131. Not only do you get to enjoy a free class, but you leave with a free CD! Spring registration is going on now!

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4. LOWE'S BUILD AND GROW
Put your hammer to work as you and your child create a fun, wooden project together through Lowe's Build and Grow program. The event takes place one Saturday a month (sometimes twice a month) at 10 am. It is free, but they like for you to register online beforehand. When you get there you will be given your project, an apron (which you get to keep), goggles, and a hammer. Most projects take about 20 minutes to complete. When you are done they will give you a patch for your apron. Check online to see what Lowe's is building next!



5. HORSE FARM TOUR
Free American Saddlebred Horse Farm Tour! Shelby County is considered the American Saddlebred Capital of the World because of the many American Saddlebred breeding and training facilities. If you are staying in a Shelby County lodging accommodation you can schedule a tour for FREE (donation suggested).

All other tours are $10 for adults and $6 for children 12-17. Tours will not resume until March 30th.

6. RED ORCHARD PARK/MILLER OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTER
Red Orchard Park is a 131 acre park in Shelbyville. They have mowed trails for hiking or horse back riding. They also have a fitness adventure trail that includes adult equipment as well as kids play pods. My daughters love the barn themed playground. Red Orchard also has a gazebo, picnic tables, and barn that can be rented for special occasions. What makes this park stand out among the others is the Miller Outdoor Education Center. The center is open on Saturdays from 10-2 and has many wildlife exhibits and demonstrations.

Red Orchard is also home to Michael Kay's Bark Park for dogs, but that does required a yearly permit.

7. FISHING
There are several mini parks throughout Shelbyville that allow you to fish close to home. Elmo Head, Stratton Bottom, and Greenway Park have fishing access, as well as a canoe launch. Lake Shelby or Guist Creek, the largest lake in Shelby County, also have fishing access (bring your fishing licence).

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www.shelbycountyparks.com
8. SKATE PARK
Shelbyville has a skate park that spans over 10,000 square feet. Rollerbladers and skateboarders of all abilities are welcome to try their hand at the street oriented layout that includes a 4 foot half pipe and quarter pipe picnic tables, among others. This park is not supervised, so skaters must skate at their own risk.





9. LEGO FUN
Sweet Avisha has a free Lego Club that meets once a month! Children ages 5-12 are encouraged to meet at Sweet Avisha for lego fun. Legos are placed on the tables and children are free to build whatever they choose, or they can attempt to build that month's challenge. Their creation is then put on display for everyone to see. There is only space for 20 children, so register early. When children are finished with their lego creation they are given a 20% off coupon for frozen yogurt! Lego Club meets again March 24th from 6:00-7:00 pm.

10. HIKING AND HORSE BACK RIDING
There are several parks around Shelby County that offer hiking  and horse trails. Red Orchard Park in Shelbyville has free hiking and horse back riding trails. Clear Creek Park and Lake Shelby also have nice hiking trails. Finchville Park has a walking trail along the perimeter of the entire park.

*Shelby Trails Park has great hiking trails as well. Their horse back riding trails requires a yearly permit or daily pass. They also offer guided trail rides for $25. Check out some other options for horseback riding here.



Nothing beats free family fun!



By: Kimberly


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Thursday, February 26, 2015

Shelby County Public Library Programs and Activities

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The Shelby County Public Library offers so many fun and educational programs and activities for everyone in the family.

STORY TIME is a wonderful time for younger children to listen to stories, do a craft, and enjoy some music and dancing.


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Working on a craft during story time
Tuesdays at 10:00 for children ages 2 & 3
Tuesdays at 11:00 for children ages 4 & 5

Wednesdays at 10:00 for children 2-5
Wednesdays at 11:00 for children 2-5

Thursdays at 9:30 for children birth-2
Thursdays at 10:30 for children birth-2




LEGO CLUB meets the last Thursday of each month from 4:30-5:30. This is for kids K-5th grade. The library asks that you bring a small bag of legos as your "ticket" to participate.

AMERICAN GIRL CLUB meets the second Monday of each month from 4:00-5:00. This is a program for elementary age girls. They can bring their doll if they want, but it is not required. Each time the club meets they talk about a different American Girl and create a fun craft.

FAMILY MOVIE DAY is the first Saturday of every month. The library shows a kid friendly movie and offers free popcorn.

FAMILY FUN DAY is the third Saturday of every month from 11:00-12:00. There are fun activities that the whole family can enjoy. Examples of past Family Fun Days include Make a Robot, Fun with Paint, and Kids in the Kitchen.

The next one is scheduled for March 21st and is titled, "Be a Sculptor".

ZUMBA meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00-7:00 pm. This program is for adults 18 and over. Classes are free, but you must register first. Contact Linda at 633-3803 extension 11. Children are not allowed to attend classes.

LINE DANCING meets on Wednesdays from 5:50-6:50 pm. Classes are free. No registration required.

BOOK MOBILE travels through Shelby County to allow families to check out new books without having to travel to the library. It makes stops in Simpsonville, Bagdad, Waddy, and Cropper. There is a schedule in the library, and we will try to keep up to date with these stops in the Library Fun tab. The book mobile is now a WiFi hot spot.

The library offers other helpful programs such as Teen Advisory Board (TAB), GED classes, Yoga for Seniors, and a Brown Bag Book Club.


Keep up to date with programs by checking their calendar regularly and by checking the Library Fun tab.



By: Kimberly



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Wednesday, February 25, 2015

2015 Shelby County Bucket List

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Shelby County has so much to offer all year long! Check out some of these fun activities we decided to include in our 2015 Shelby County bucket list!


January

Stay warm as you visit the Wakefield Scearce Galleries and browse their unique treasures. Finish your shopping experience by eating at The Science Hill Inn. Wonderful shopping, delicious food, and rich history.

Keep warm by playing indoor at Kaleidopscopes Indoor Playground, Inc. 

February

Watch a show at the Shelby County Community Theater.  Check their website for show information, times and prices.

Participate in the Shelby County Public Library adult winter reading program. Participants will have numerous ways to earn tickets for weekly prize drawings. Participants who read 5 books will be entered into the grand prize drawing. This program is for adults 18 and over, and you must have a library card (signing up for one will earn you a 'weekly prize drawing' ticket). If you plan on participating for the 2015 program you better hurry!

March

Eat at the Claudia Sanders Dinner House. Don’t forget to check out the ‘Claudia Sanders Dinner House Cookbook’ so you can try your hand at some famous recipes.

Go horse back riding. There are several areas around Shelby County that offer horse back riding trails. Red Orchard Park in Shelbyville has free hiking and horse back riding trails. Shelby Trails Park has several horse trails to choose from, as well as pedestrian trails. You must purchase a $50 yearly permit or a $10 daily riding pass. Guided trail rides are also available for $25 for a 50 minute ride (call 232-2110). Check out some other options for horseback riding here.

Prepare for Spring Break!

April

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www.shelbycountyparks.com
Rent a paddleboat, canoe, or rowboat at Lake Shelby. If you want to experience more of what Lake Shelby has to offer, you can pitch a tent and stay the night. This 20 acre lake is also fully stocked, so don't forget your fishing gear. I hear they have a boat playhouse too. Sounds awesome!






Earth Day is April 22! Come celebrate with Shelby County at the Red Orchard Park Earth Day Celebration on April 18 from 10am to 2 pm. Last year was so much fun! They had kid crafts, food, pony rides, bugs & critters, info on recycling, and more!

Attend one of the Spring Festivals or Easter Egg Hunts in the area!

May

Shelby County is considered the American Saddlebred Capital of the World because of the many American Saddlebred breeding and training facilities. So one thing you must do is take an American Saddlebred Horse Farm Tour! If you are staying in a Shelby County lodging accommodation you can schedule a tour for FREE (donation suggested). All other tours are $10 for adults and $6 for children 12-17. Tours will not resume until March 30th.

Shelby County Farmer’s Market begins April 25 at the Shelby County Fairgrounds. Over 30 farmers from around the area bring fresh produce and handmade goods to sell. Check online to see a list of some of their farmers, as well as their produce calendar. Don't forget to look for the Rooted in Shelby logo!

*Make sure your children are registered for Summer Camps!

June

The Shelby County Fair is June 10-June 20 this year. They have something for everyone. Some favorites include a tractor pull, truck pull, beauty contests, agricultural exhibits, livestock, youth exhibits/contests, horse show, and carnival rides. Oh wait, don't forget the fair food!

The summer reading program at the Shelby County Public Library is fun for kids of all ages. This year's theme is Every Hero Has a Story. They have a kick-off day that is full of crafts, games, music and prizes that is June 6 from 11-1pm. The library has several special events each week during the program as well. Children who complete the reading requirements receive a book, certificate, and dining coupons. Check out the schedule here.

Go geocaching with your family!

July

Simpsonville Red, White, and Boom usually starts around noon. It's free admission and free parking. This event is full of music, food, bouncy houses, vendor booths, and of course fireworks! The event takes place at Simpsonville Park.

The Shelbyville Horse Show will be July 29, 30, 31 and August 1 this year at the Shelby County Fairgrounds. You haven't truly experienced what Shelby County is all about until you've attended a horse show. This is a great one!

Are your kids bored of summer yet? Enjoy some FREE family fun!

August

Cool off at the Family Activity Center in Shelbyville. They have an indoor and outdoor pool (with fun slides). They also have playground equipment, a golf course, and fitness equipment. Non-members can pay a daily fee to use the facilities. See info on the new playground that opened this summer!

Fishing at Guist Creek & Marina in Shelbyville. Guist Creek is the largest lake in the county at 317 acres. Word on the street is that it's one of the best bass fishing areas for its size in the state! Get your fishing licence and head on over. Camping is also available from March through November. They have a marina, supply shop, boat dock, and a special area for water skiing (end of May through the end of September)! How fun!


September

Take a self guided farm tour at the Shelby County Good Neighbors Farm Tour event on September 19. It's a one day event that allows you to see and touch various farm animals, farm equipment, crops, and farm products. It's also a great way to see what great farms there are in Shelby County.

Take an alpaca farm tour!

October

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Check out Gallrein Farms for a hayride to the pumpkin patch, corn maze, petting zoo, and even climb a hay pyramid. During weekends in October, Gallrein has other fun activities such as pony rides, painting pumpkins, and a really cool barrel train. They have a nice market and deli too (with delicious homemade fudge).



Visit Mulberry Orchard for a Light the Night corn maze and bonfire. Bring your flashlights and try to make your way through the dark corn maze. When you've made your way out you get to enjoy a bonfire. The Mulberry kitchen will be making tasty treats to enjoy as well. Sounds like a super fun night!

November

Get in the Holiday spirit by attending the Celebration of Lights in Shelbyville or Light Up Simpsonville. Both events offer food, vendors, crafts, games, music, Santa visits, and lot of family fun leading up to the lighting of the towns.

Shop Small on the Saturday after Thanksgiving (and throughout the year)! Walk down Main Street in Shelbyville and browse the unique shops. You could spend all day shopping at some one-of-a-kind stores such as Stacey's Simple Stuff, Paisley Pig Antique Mall, or the Polka Dotted Pineapple. Stop for lunch at McKinley's Bread Shop & Deli to refuel.

December

If the lights didn't get you in the Christmas spirit, the Shelbyville Christmas Parade will! It's an annual event sponsored by the Shelby County Fire & Rescue Department, and it's sure to please. Adorable floats, music, and, of course, Santa make this event a yearly tradition for many families.

Shop at The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass for some great deals. This great addition to Shelby County has 80 shops and restaurants in one area. With Christmas around the corner, this is a great one-stop shopping experience for sure. The new stores are open!


We hope you have a wonderful year making fun family memories!




By: Kimberly
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Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Best Deals in Shelby County

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If you're like me, you're always on the hunt for a good deal.
 I found some great deals in Shelby County that I just had to share.


1. 'Pay What You Can' for coffee on Wednesdays at Harvest Coffee & Cafe in Shelbyville! Seriously, there's a coffee shop that allows you to pay what you can. What you pay for your drink/food is at your discretion. You can tell them what to charge your card or just throw your money into the bucket on the counter. How cool is that?

They also have a board called "Pay It Forward" that is really cool. It is a way for people to buy a cup of coffee (or any other item on the menu) for someone specific, or even a complete stranger. After you pay for the item, you write down who it's for on a coffee sleeve and tape it to the board. Some examples I've read include a free cup of coffee for a father to be, a free brownie for a pregnant lady, and free lunch for someone in need. What a wonderful idea! Stop in and see if there's one waiting for you!


2. Toppings Tuesday at Sweet Avisha! Every Tuesday you get to fill your cup with delicious frozen yogurt, pay for it, and then load it with as many toppings as you want (or can fit in your cup) for FREE! They have great flavor choices, including seasonal flavors and no sugar added flavors. They offer a huge selection of toppings. I must admit, my family and I take advantage of this deal almost every week! My husband's cup usually looks like Mt. Everst when he's done loading on the toppings!


3. Family Night at Baskin Robbins! Every Tuesday from 5:00 to close is Family Night at Baskin Robbins. Kid's scoops are just $1 and regular scoops are $1.50. They have some really fun flavors, and the kids love being able to look down into the freezer to see them all! My current favorite is their Love Potion #31 flavor. Yummy!


4. Free Zumba! The Shelby County Public Library has free Zumba classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00-7:00 pm. Zumba is so much fun, and it's even better when it's free! These classes are for adults 18 and over. Make sure to check the calendar to keep up to date with other awesome programs the library offers and any schedule changes that may occur. 


 photo on_zpsixxiwmhy.jpg5. Shelby County is lucky to have a new outlet mall in the area. The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass opened last summer, and I, personally, love it! I've heard some mixed reviews about the deals, and I agree that sometimes it can be hit or miss with what you find. I will tell you that if you go at the end of a season and browse the clearance sections, you will probably find some amazing deals! I recently checked out Old Navy's clearance section and found my daughter two dresses for $0.47 each and two other dresses for $1.87. That's four dresses for under $5! Score!! 


If you know of any other amazing deals in the Shelby County area be sure to let us know.


By: Kimberly


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Monday, February 23, 2015

Kids Eat Free in Shelbyville and around Shelby County

Here is a list of Shelby County restaurants that offer FREE deals for kids! 


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Monday
Hometown Pizza All-You-Can-Eat buffet from 11-1:30 pm and kids 5 and under eat free.
For dinner, kids enjoy a free individual one-topping pizza or kid's spaghetti dinner with the purchase
of any medium or large pizza at regular menu price. Limit two children per pizza, please. Dine in Only.

Tuesday
Bob Evans Kids enjoy a free kids meal from 4-8 pm with purchase of adult entree. Kids can also enjoy crafts.
Fire Fresh Kids enjoy a free kids meal with purchase of adult entree.
Taqueria Tsunami It's Taqueria Tykes Tuesday! Kids enjoy a free kids meal with purchase of adult entree.
Hometown Pizza All-You-Can-Eat buffet from 11-1:30 pm and kids 5 and under eat free.
For dinner, kids enjoy a free individual one-topping pizza or kid's spaghetti dinner with the purchase
of any medium or large pizza at regular menu price. Limit two children per pizza, please. Dine in Only.
Denny’s (Waddy) Kids eat free from 4-10 pm with purchase of adult entree.

And for dessert....
Baskin Robins- Family Night from 5 to close! $1 kid scoops and $1.50 for regular scoops.

Wednesday
Bungalow Joe's Kids enjoy a free kids meal with purchase of adult entree.
Hometown Pizza All-You-Can-Eat buffet from 11-1:30 pm. Kids 5 and under eat free with paying adult.

Thursday
Hometown Pizza All-You-Can-Eat buffet from 11-1:30 pm. Kids 5 and under eat free with paying adult.

Friday
Hometown Pizza All-You-Can-Eat buffet from 11-1:30 pm. Kids 5 and under eat free with paying adult.

Saturday
Denny’s (Waddy) Kids eat free from 4-10 pm with purchase of adult entrée.

Sunday
Delfino's Italian Bistro- One free kids meal with purchase of adult entree.
Tumbleweed Kids enjoy a free kids meal with purchase of adult entrée.
Claudia Sanders Kids 4 and under eat free at the Sunday buffet
Hometown Pizza All-You-Can-Eat buffet from 11-2 pm. Kids 5 and under eat free with paying adult.


*Wendys (Shelbyville)- Kids meals are $1.99 after 4pm during the week!

*Note, most restaurants consider kids as 12 and under and offer deal when dining in. Please call ahead as some restaurants change their deal. 
Please let us know if there needs to be changes made or new deals added. Enjoy!



By: Kimberly
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Saturday, February 7, 2015

Coming soon!

This website is coming soon, stay tuned!

Good Land, 
Good Living, 
Good People 
- Shelby County!
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