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

3 comments:

  1. Haven't been horse back riding in years..... cannot wait for the weather to break.

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  2. Nothing better than reading a good book since you cannot get outside in the cold weather....Shelby County library give us the opportunity to enrich our minds with several wonders and may win a prize too!!

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  3. When the weather breaks and spring is upon us....imagine out walking the beautiful trails enjoying nature. What a wonderful way to spend a day. Pack a lunch from one of the wonderful restaurants, find a spot and have great picnic. Remember to dispose of all items appropriately to keep Shelby county clean. Can't wait to take my granddaughters.

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