Shelby County Month in Preview- May

This post is sponsored by:

Family Adventure Day at Churchill Downs

Presented by Kroger

May 17 and June 21. Advance tickets just $8

Red Orchard Park Mounted Games
May 3, 10am-4pm
Sweet & Savory food trucks

Family Fun Night- Dabbling in Art
Shelby County Extension Office
May 8, 6-8pm

Lowe's Build and Grow
May 9, 10am
Project: Mother's Day Planter

Waddy Mud Bog
May 9, 1pm
Admission $7, truck entry $20

Texas BBQ & Auction
Finchville Ruritan Club
May 9
Food service begins at 4:00
Auction begins at 6:30

Sweet Avisha Mother's Day Celebration
May 10
FREE frozen yogurt for mothers! 

Grandparent Night at the libary
May 12, 5:30-6:30
Story, music, movement, and crafts

Lego Club at Sweet Avisha
May 12, 6-7pm
Ages 5-12 can come explore with legos

Pie Auction
Kentuckians for the Commonwealth
May 14, 6-8pm
Talon Winery
Free, but bringing pies would be appreciated
(one for sampling, one for auction)

Lake Shelby Fish Fry
May 15, 5-7:30 pm
Fish dinner $9

Pirate and Princess Tea Party
Shelby County Public Library
Reservations Required
May 15 & 16, 11-Noon
Dress in costume or 'Sunday Best'

Barn & Basement Sale
May 16, 9am-1pm
Metzger's Country Store

Bagdad Day 2015
May 16 at Bagdad Baptist Church
7am- Pancake breakfast
8am- 5K run
10am- parade
4:30- fish fry
Kids inflatables, auction, community showcase, music, bingo

Lake Shelby Guided Hike
May 17, 2-4pm
Hike along Diane's Trail, a 4.5 mile loop
Email trailblazers@shelbycountyparks.com for more info

Nature Craft at Red Orchard Park
May 23, 2-3pm
Natural tie dyed shirts using fruits, vegetable peels, and spices
Register via email at trailblazers@shelbycountyparks.com
$10 per t-shirt (can be paid on the day of event)

Lego Club
Shelby County Public Library
May 28, 4:30-6:00
Preschool-5th Grade

Community Wide Cook-Out
Cropper Baptist Chruch
May 30, 4-7pm

Shelby County Farmer's Market
Every Saturday, 8-Noon
Shelby County Fairgrounds

Talon Winery
Live music
Fridays, 6-9pm
Saturdays, 4-7pm


Have a wonderful May!


*We will continuously add to this list throughout the month. Be sure to check back often!

If you know of any other fun events, please email Kimberly@louisvillefamilyfun.net and we will gladly add them to our list. Thanks!

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Perect Timing Alpaca Tour in Shelby County

 

I recently heard about an alpaca farm in Shelbyville and immediately put it on my list of places to go. I emailed Perfect Timing Alpacas to set up a day for my family's tour. I was surprised at how quickly they responded, and how easy it was to settle on a date/time. We went on a Wednesday evening.

Perfect Timing Alpacas is located about 25 minutes from Louisville in Shelbyville, Kentucky. It's a beautiful 7 acre farm owned by Steve and Karen Kennedy and is a business that breeds and sells alpacas. They also sell beautiful scarves, hats, gloves, socks and other products made out of alpaca fleece.

When we arrived we were greeted by Karen and her daughter. They took us into the barn and gave us some background information on the alpacas, the shearing process, the farm, and answered any questions we had.
The alpacas had just gone through their annual shearing a few days before our tour so we were able to see and feel some of their bagged fleece. Karen also gave each of my daughters a small bag of fleece, which they have been carrying around ever since! We then walked through the barn to the fields. We first visited with the female alpacas. There were about 15 of them, varying in color and size. Many of them were hesitant to be touched by us since we were strangers to them, but there were a few females who allowed us to touch, pet, and even hug them! Karen's daughter was really helpful in talking to the alpacas and keeping them still so my young daughters could get close to them. My 2 year old LOVED them! Karen shared stories and information about the alpacas, and answered any other questions we had while out in the field. We then moved over to the field with about seven male alpacas and observed and interacted with some of them.

We finished the tour by looking at some of the products Karen has had made with the alpaca fleece. She had lots of socks, hats, scarves, and the cutest teddy bears for sale. If you are interested in seeing some of the items for sale you can check out their online store or visit the Shelby County Farmers Market on Saturday mornings.

The tour lasted about an hour. Karen and her daughter were very friendly and informative. It was a great tour for a great price, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about alpacas or be able to interact with them.

Visit www.perfecttimingalpacas.com to view the herd and learn more about them. Call 502-633-6788 or 270-945-1818 (best number to call) or email ptalpacas@att.net for more information or to schedule your tour!











By: Kimberly

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Best Dessert Spots in Shelby County

Gallrein Farms- Mmmmm fudge! They have several different kinds of fudge, plus other assorted chocolate goodies. They also have yummy kettle corn. Can't wait for their cafe to open back up soon!

Mulberry Orchard- This place has all things apple....apple pies, apples with caramel, and apple cider doughnuts! Yummmmy! (Not open for the season just yet)

Source: Harvest Coffee & Cafe

Harvest Coffee & Cafe- Stop by to grab a piece of cake (I believe they have a different one every week), cookies, brownies, or other goodies!

Sixth & Main Coffee House-  Pecan Pie Mocha! Yes, it's a thing and this place has it!

Science Hill Inn- Their website says their desserts are A straight slice of Southern heaven  and they aren't joking!

Bell House Restaurant- Great place to enjoy a romantic dinner, followed up with delicious dessert.

Ghiradelli Chocolate & Ice Cream- Located at the Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass. You can purchase their famous chocolate by the bag or you can order from the ice cream counter. Better yet....combine the two (chocolate & ice cream) for something extra yummy!

Great American Cookie Company/32 Degrees- Also at the Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass. Two great stores in one so it's sure to please everyone in the family!

  

Warmer weather means ice cream time!

Sweet Avisha- Local frozen yogurt shop in Shelbyville. Max it out Monday- fill your cup as much as you can for just $5! Toppings Tuesday- pay for your yogurt and then load on as many toppings as you can for FREE!

Baskin Robins- Family Night on Tuesdays from 5-Close. Kid scoops are $1 and regular scoops are $1.50.

Homemade Ice Cream and Pie Kitchen- So many cakes, pies, and ice cream flavors! I've never had something here that I didn't like.



Donut Express- Located on Midland Trail in Shelbyville, this place is a must for any donut lover! My family gives this place a visit many Saturday mornings. We love the creme filled Long Johns and the apple fritters, which are huge! Donut Express closes at 2pm.

Hilltop Produce and Garden Center- Check out their selection of cakes and other pastries in their deli section.



You didn't think we were just going to talk  about dessert, did you?

WIN a FREE 4 inch frozen yogurt cake from our friends at Sweet Avisha! There will be 3 winners!

Congratulations
Kelly M.
Janis R.
Jennifer R.

To enter: Email kimberly@louisvillefamilyfun.net and put the word 'DESSERT' in the subject line. One entry per email address. 

You must be 18 years or older to enter and by entering you agree to these terms. Submit your email entry by the end of the day 4/22/15. Winners will be selected at random and emailed on 4/23/15.

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Tax Day Freebies in Shelby County & Louisville

Celebrate the end of tax season with some of these awesome freebies and deals!

Source: Great American Cookie Co.

Freebies:

Great American Cookie Company- Free regular sugar cookie on April 15, 2015. No purchase necessary. One per customer.

Burger King- Use this coupon for a buy one Whooper, get one free Whooper.

Qdoba- Buy one Bacon Jalapeno Queso Burrito, get one Bacon Jalapeno Queso Burrito free.  Say "Mid Week Buddy Pass" at the register.

Schlotzsky's- Free small original sandwich with purchase of 32 ounce drink and a bag of chips.

Boston Market- Buy one meal, get one free on April 15, 2015.

Hooters- Take the IRS (I'm Really Starving) pledge and enjoy all-you-can eat wings all day on April 15, 2015. Prices vary by location. Dine in only.

Hard Rock Cafe- If you 'Sing for your Supper' with the Hard Rock band on April 15, 2015 you could earn a free meal.

Chilis- Free appitizer or dessert with coupon through April 16, 2015.

Office Depot- 2 free pounds of shredding with coupon.

Staples- 5 pounds of free shredding with coupon.

Mimi's Cafe- Free meal with purchase of meal and 2 drinks with coupon.

Discounts:

Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt- Fill your cup for $4.15 on April 15, 2015. Make sure to go to their Facebook page to get the offer. Must show proof through smart phone or printed confirmation.

White Castle- 15% off your total order April 13- April 15, 2015. Print coupon or show it on your phone.

Sonic- Half price cheeseburgers all day on April 15, 2015.

Papa Johns- Enter promocode taxcut to get 40% off one regular priced pizza through April 16, 2015. Or order a large 5 topping pizza for $10.40.

Beef O'Brady's- 15% off your purchase on April 15, 2015.

Bonefish Grill- Follow the link to get $10 off your visit through April 20, 2015.

Buca Di Beppo- 15% off with coupon through April 19, 2015.

Outback- 15% off with coupon through April 19, 2015.

Smokey Bones- $5 off your purchase with coupon on April 15, 2015.

Contests:

Pizza Hut- Enter their "National Pizza Return" contest from April 13-April 18 for a chance to win Pizza Hut gift cards.

Smokey Bones- Play the Tax Day scratch off game. Everyone wins!




By: Kimberly

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Swimming at Clear Creek Park's Family Activity Center In Shelbyville

Source: ShelbyCoParks

Clear Creek Park's Family Activity Center is the place to be this summer. They're adding on to their already wonderful new playground! They have summer camps going on during the week for the kids! And my family just love to use their indoor and outdoor pools!

Since my daughters are young we stay in the indoor children's pool. It's a nice size pool for children with depths no more than 3 1/2 feet. They have a fun frog slide for children 8 and younger! The pool is heated, which is very nice in the winter! There are lifeguards on duty to keep everyone safe, and they blow their whistle the last 10 minutes of every hour to break and give people time to rest or use the restroom. Helpful hint: Try to start swimming at the top of the hour, or soon after, so you don't have to get out soon after you start swimming. I didn't think about it the first few visits and had two wet, unhappy kids.

Next to the children's pool is a party room that you can rent for an additional fee (If you purchase an annual membership you get a one time use of the party room for free). You can also have a private swimming party and rent out the entire indoor or outdoor pool! How cool would that be? Most times we went swimming there was no one in the party room, especially during the week and earlier in the day. Saturday seems to be a popular day for renting the party room, and the pool can get a little crowded during those times. Most days we shared the pool with less than 10 other swimmers, which was really nice! 

The larger pool has several swimming lanes and an open area on the far side. There is a diving board in the deep end of this pool, and my daughter tells me one day she will be brave enough to go off of it, but for now she just enjoys watching others use it.  The FAC has several water aerobic classes that are free for members, but non-members can pay by the class. Be sure to check the schedule because part of the larger pool may be closed to swimmers during those class times.

Source: ShelbyCoParks

In the summer, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the outdoor Splash Pool is open! There is another frog slide in this pool, as well as a much larger twirly slide. There are also sprays throughout the outdoor pool. It's such a fun pool! They have free sunscreen at the outdoor entrance. They also have a snack bar where you can purchase drinks, candy, and more! The indoor pools are still open during the summer for those who want to get out of the sun. We weren't members last summer, but would pay the daily rate to swim. When you pay the daily rate you get access to the entire FAC, not just the pools. It's a great deal! You can also leave and return later that day, just make sure you keep your receipt and show it to them when you return.

Helpful Info:

• Daily fees and membership info.
• Times for FAC and outdoor pool.
• Information about swim lessons.

By: Kimberly

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50+ FREE things to do in Shelby County

PARKS
Play Captain Hook in the wooden boat at Lake Shelby.

Lake Shelby

Let your kids explore the play pods on the Adventure Trail at Red Orchard Park while you use the fitness equipment.
Visit the Miller Outdoor Education Center on a Saturday from 10-2.
Play a game of tennis or basketball at Clear Creek Park
Walk the trails at Shelby Trails Park.
Get a group together and play soccer at Finchville Park.
Ride the 4 foot half pipe at the skate park in Shelbyville.
Have a picnic at Greenway Park.
Skip some rocks at Elmo Head Park.
Go fishing or drop in your canoe at Stratton Bottom Park.
Sit and enjoy the scenery at the Shelbyville Fountain.
Enjoy Project Play at Simpsonville Park.

LIBRARY

Dress your child up like a princess or pirate and have a tea party at the library.
Attend Family Fun Day at the library one month.
Enjoy some popcorn and watch a movie the first Saturday of each month at the library.
Bring your child to story hour at the library. Listen to books, dance, and do a craft.
Build with legos during Lego Club at the library.
Bring your American Girl doll and listen to stories and do crafts at the library.
Participate in the summer reading program at the Shelby County Public Library.  This year's theme is "Every Hero Has a Story"
Keep in shape with zumba at the library.
Participate in the adult winter reading program at the Shelby County Public Library.

EDUCATIONAL FUN
Take an American Saddlebred Horse Farm tour. Free if staying in a Shelby County lodging accommodation.

Learn about the past at the Shelbyville History Museum.

FESTIVALS/EVENTS
Enjoy the Shelby County Good Neighbors Farm Tour! 7 hours, 10 farms, 80 miles of fun!
Enjoy the Shelbyville Horse Show jubilee!
Collect Easter Eggs and visit with the Easter Bunny at Red Orchard Park.
Find the golden egg at the Finchville Community Easter Egg Hunt.
Enjoy a potato sack race at the Spring Festival & Craft Show at Mulberry Orchard.
Learn about recycling and our environment at Red Orchard Park's Earth Day Celebration.
Celebrate America's birthday at Simpsonville's Red, White, and Boom celebration.
Enjoy the sights and sounds at the Simpsonville Fall Festival.
Help welcome Fall with the Finchville Festival.
Grab a chair and watch the Waddy Labor Day parade.
Watch Santa come down Main Street at the Christmas Parade in December.
Watch Simpsonville and Shelbyville light up for the holidays.
Check out the local produce and products at the Shelby County Farmer's Market.
Listen to some music during Simpsonville's Summer Performing Arts Series.
Take in the tunes at one of Shelbyville's downtown concerts this summer.
Watch a movie on a 220 foot screen with Simpsonville's Movie in the Park series.
Attend the US 60 yard sale.

ARTS
Build a wooden project with your child at Lowe's Build and Grow.
Build a lego masterpiece with Sweet Avisha's Lego Club.
Attend a demo class for Heartland Music Together on Friday mornings in Shelbyville.

Listen to music at Talon Winery on Saturday evenings.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Go geocaching throughout the county.
Pet the animals at Gallrein Farm's petting zoo.
Climb a pyramid made of hay at Gallrein Farms.
Make your way through the corn maze at Mulberry Orchard in October.
Grab your line and go fishing at one of the best Bass lakes for its size in Kentucky- Guist Creek.

SHOPPING
Shop, Bop, and Island Hop at the Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass during the summer.
Walk down Main Street and browse the unique shops.
See if there's something on the Pay it Forward board at Harvest Coffee & Cafe that you can enjoy.
Observe the chicks at Metzger's County Store or Rural King.
Browse the Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass. Don't forget to stop in Giradelli's for your free sample ;)
Let your children play on the play structure at the Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass.
Play some games with your family during Family Game Night at Sweet Avisha.

Enjoy Shelby County and all the FREE fun it has to offer!


By: Kimberly

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NEW Stores Coming to the Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass

New stores and restaurants! Woot! Woot!

Source: Land Design & Development INC

The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass announced Thursday that 8 new stores are expected to open in November when Phase II of a 54,000 square feet expansion is expected to be opened. Four of the eight stores were announced:

Abercrombie & Fitch
The Limited Outlet
H & M
Johnny Rockets

These new stores join 90 other stores and restaurants that are already open at the mall located in Simpsonville. The mall opened in July 2014, and an expansion of this size is unusual for a business that hasn't even been open for a year yet.

What can we say? Shelby County was a great choice! Can't wait to see what else is in store for the area. We will add the other 4 stores when they are announced.

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Shelby County Month in Preview- April

 

What's happening in Shelby County this month?

April 2, 2015 1:00- Ground Breaking Phase II at The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass!  Announcement of new stores! See list here.

LOTS of Easter Egg Hunts and Spring Festivals in April! Check out our Spring Festival post for all the details!

A new semester (10 weeks) of Heartland Music Together classes for kids (0-4) starts the first week in April. Classes will be Friday mornings at 10:30 at St. James Episcopal Church in Shelbyville. See our review here.

Library Family Movie Day is April 4th at 11 am. They will be showing Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day!

Lowe's Build & Grow is April 11 at 10am. The project is called "See It Grow".

3rd Annual Make a Blanket Day by Project Linus is April 11 from 10-5 at the Shelby County Ext. Office. Quilt exhibit, live music, blanket making, lunch, kids activity, silent auction, raffles and more. Donations of fleece, batting, fabric, yarn, flannel are appreciated. Monetary donations greatly appreciated as well.
More info at 502-727-4116.

Kindergarten Readiness Workshop at the Shelby County Public Library
Thursdays April 16, 23, 30 from 5:30-7:00 
The library will have a workshop for parents/children ages 3-5 to help prepare them for kindergarten. Parents and children will participate in fun, hands-on, educational activities for 45 minutes and then have a nutritional, catered family dinner! Sign-ups are required for food purposes (Sarabeth @ 633-3803).
Week 1: Language & Literacy
Week 2: Everyday Life Skills
Week 3: Math & Science

Murder Mystery at the library
Middle/high school students
April 17, 2015 5:30-7:30
Free pizza, drinks, and snacks

The City Harmonic Concert
Cornerstone Christian Academy
April 17, 2015 at 7:00pm
Tickets $10 in advance/$15 at the door

Library Family Fun Day is April 18th at 11 am. The topic is "Be a Sculptor".

The Miracle worker
Shelby County Community Theater
April 17, 18, 24, 25 - 7:30
April 19 & 26- 2:30

Harvest Coffee & Cafe Farm-to-Table Dinner Event
April 18, 2015 at 7:00 pm
Call 502-633-8090 for reservations

Fun events at Sweet Avisha:
Family Game Night- April 18 from 5-8
Lego Club- April 21 from 6-7
Geocaching Night- April 28 from 6-7

Collins High School presents Young Frankenstein
April 22 at 7:00

Comedian Tony Wolf- Charity event
Benefits Mentor Shelby Kids
Shelby Christian Church
April 24, 2015 at 6:00 pm
Pre-order tickets for $20, children under 12 are $10
Food from Chick-fil-a included in price

The Shelby County Farmer's Market starts April 25! The farmer's market will be every Saturday from 8am-noon at the Shelby County Fairgrounds.

Gallrein Farms will have their offical re-opening April 25.

Spring Blast Arabian Horse Show will be April 26 at the Shelby County Fairgrounds.

Allure's annual Earth month event: Drink Wine, Save Water
Talon Winery, Shelbyville
April 28, 2015 7-9 pm
Tickets- $40 donation to Ky Waterway Alliance
Call 502-633-2727



Have a wonderful April!



If you know of any other fun events going on in April, you can email kimberly@louisvillefamilyfun.net and we will gladly add them to the list!


By: Kimberly

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