Shelby County Month in Preview- July

There's so much to do in Shelby County in July! Check out our list of fun, family friendly activities!

4th of July Events

Summer Music Concerts!

The new playground at Clear Creek Park opens this month!


$1 Summer Movies
Tuesdays & Wednesdays in July at 10am

Regal Shelbyville Stadium 8

Summer Reading Program
Shelby County Public Library
Registration June 1-July 13
Schedule of events

Finchville Daylily Daze
Finchville Daylily Garden
July 3 & 4, 10am-5pm

Spark for the Park
Stone's Throw Farm (Shelbyville)
July 11, 3pm
Petting zoo, inflatables, games, food, auction, outdoor movie/popcorn
*Help raise money for the new playground at Clear Creek Park!

Lowe's Build and Grow
July 11, 10am
Black Widow's Sky Cycle

Lake Shelby Fish Fry
July 17, 5-7:30

Gallrein Farm Sweet Corn Festival
July 18, 11am-5pm
Corn, music, games, Mighty Titans obstacle course, & more!

Car Show (to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters)
Arby's (Shelbyville)
July 18, 11am-5pm
$5 registration (pay on site)
50/50, door prizes, corn hole, bake sale, & more!

Mounted Games
Red Orchard Park
July 19

Mini Links for Little
The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass
July 23, 4-9pm

Shelbyville Horse Show Jubilee
Main Street, Shelbyville
July 25, 5-10pm
Car Cruise (5pm), Ice cream eating contest (6pm), JD Shelburne concert (7pm)

Lowe's Build and Grow
July 25, 10am

Back to School, Back to Work (Sponsored by Kelly Services)
Serenity Center (98 7th Street, Shelbyville)
July 26, 3-5pm
Free school supplies for kids K-5, activities, snacks, Froggy Radio, job opportunity info

Shelby County Horse Show
Shelby County Fairgrounds
July 29, 30, 31, and August 1

Shelby County Farmer's Market
Shelby County Fairgrounds
Saturday 8-12, Wednesday 3-6pm

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

Shop, Bop, and Island Hop!
The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass
Tuesdays in July, 6-9pm
(July 7-August 4)

Check out Mulberry Orchard this month!
Let the kids play on their FREE playground!
They are opened Wed-Sat 9-6, Sun 1-5.

8 Great Weeks of Summer! Don't forget to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana by eating at Arby's this summer! Help them fund matches right here in Shelby County through this fundraiser. Donate $1 and get $1 off coupon!


*This list will be updated regularly. If you know of any events please email Kimberly@louisvillefamilyfun.net.

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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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Top 10 FREE Family Activities in Shelby County

                                           


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.


2. 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!



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).

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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2015 Shelby County Bucket List

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

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


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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