Southern culture and corn go hand-in-hand. Ground into skillet cornbread, eaten straight off the cob in summer, bundled into porch décor come October, or distilled into the state’s drink of choice, these golden kernels are as good as actual gold down here.
By fall, buttery cobs give way to dried stalks that rise into winding mazes and crown front porches around the South. And in Shelby County, Kentucky, corn is a secret ingredient to fall fun in more ways than one.
The town is basically a choose-your-own (or choose-them-all) fall adventure. Spend your morning picking apples, get a little lost in a country music-inspired corn maze in the afternoon, then retreat to a state-of-the-art distillery for a sipper to wind down your day.
Here’s how to keep things corny in Shelby County.
Planning your visit? Here’s everything you need to know.
Gallrein Farms
Back in 1929, Edward Gallrein, Sr., purchased a dairy farm in rural Kentucky, a decision that would sow the seeds for generations of farmers. Nearly a century later, the family business has expanded into Shelby County and beyond dairy, now harvesting vegetables, grain, and tobacco in addition to dairy.
While folks are invited to shop at Gallrein Farm’s onsite market for fresh produce, preserves, and merch from April through October, fall is among the best time of year to visit. The grounds transform into a delightful fall festival, complete with hayrides, a Lainey Wilson-inspired corn maze, slides, a ropes course, a petting zoo, a corn pit, and even a haunted house if you dare enter.
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Mulberry Orchard
Mulberry Orchard is a love story between two farmers – Amanda, who comes from an agricultural lineage, and Matt, a first-generation grower, together operate a thriving orchard in Shelby County. What started as raising cattle has evolved into crops like corn, peaches, and soybeans, but the “ber” months invite the public to roll up their sleeves and pick some produce of their own.
Fall U-pick options include 23 varieties of apples and plump pumpkins, and while you’re visiting, stick around for some seasonal fun. Admission includes a playground for kids, backyard games, a petting zoo, a four-acre corn maze, a soybean maze, and hayrides.
When Corn Turns to Cocktails
We all know that rain makes corn – and in Kentucky, corn makes bourbon. By law, bourbon must be made from a mash bill that’s at least 51% corn, but most distillers in the state lean even heavier on the golden grain to give it a sweet, smooth finish. Shelby County sits in the heart of Bourbon Country and is home to two beloved brands, each prominent in its own right.
Jeptha Creed Distillery
Jeptha Creed Distillery is one of the few women-led distilleries in existence. Mother/daughter duo Joyce and Autumn Nethery work together to blend and market their collection of spirits, including classic Kentucky bourbon, Kentucky moonshine, and award-winning vodka. The best part? Nearly all Jeptha Creed bourbons are made with heirloom corn grown right on the family farm, tended by patriarch Bruce Nethery himself.
Bulleit Distillery
Down the road sits Bulleit Distillery, a fast-growing brand that’s racked up a number of awards and accolades since launching in 1987. The Shelbyville distillery opened in 2017, timed with the brand’s 30th anniversary. Today, visitors can take tours, book guided tastings, and participate in classes like infusions and candlemaking.
This article is presented in partnership with Visit ShelbyKY, a Modern South Founding Partner.
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