Whether coming to Shelbyville for a bachelorette party, college roommate reunion, gathering of far-flung cousins or lifelong friends, we make it easy to plan a girlfriends’ getaway.

Consider these compelling ideas an invitation to come have some fun.

Girlfriend Getaway

What to Do

Every girlfriends’ getaway starts with a bit of shopping and Shelbyville has you covered. The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass is the only designer outlet shopping center in the state of Kentucky. Enjoy discounts up to 70 percent at retailers like Gucci, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Tory Burch, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Vera Bradley, and more. Explore Shelby Main Street’s eclectic mix of one-of-a-kind boutiques like Little Mount Lavender (which sells products made using organic lavender grown on the owners’ farm alongside other local items), Eight Twenty 8 Boutique (that offers trendy clothing, jewelry, purses, and more), I Do…A Bridal Boutique (a full-service wedding dress salon), and Polka Dotted Pineapple (where you can find some of the showy hats popular at the Kentucky Derby). Don’t miss Wakefield-Scearce Galleries that houses one of the world’s largest antique silver collections as well as one of the nation’s largest collections of antique English furniture and antique home décor including paintings, chandeliers, architectural elements, and more eye-pleasing accessories.

Shelbyville is known as the “American Saddlebred Capital of the World” and is where many of the nation’s most famous and accomplished show horses are bred and trained—over 90 stables bustle with activity all year long! Among them, Kismet Farm trains show horses plus offers progressive riding lessons for riders of all ages and ability levels. If riding sounds like your definition of fun, you can also saddle up at Shelby Trails Park. Bring your own horse or borrow one: guided rides and lessons are available. Explore miles of trails that weave through 462 forested acres on foot or horseback.

 

Where to Eat

Downtown Shelbyville is ready to satisfy hunger with its diverse restaurant options. Among them, cozy pub The Red Lion offers a menu of familiar favorites like spinach artichoke dip, smoked salmon, and prime tenderloin filet alongside mouthwatering creations like lamb and curried noodles, fried green tomato lasagna, and house-made black bean burger with avocado sour cream sauce and cilantro-lime drizzle. Bell House Restaurant, tucked inside a renovated home that offers several different Tuscan- and French-themed dining rooms, serves upscale preparations of classics including Kentucky Hot Brown, seafood cakes, Caesar salad, crispy rosemary chicken, cedar plank salmon, and prime rib. La Cocina de Mama will transport your taste buds to Mexico with its high-quality ingredients, skilled preparations, and amazing flavor combinations.

The Urban Loft

Where to Stay 

Downtown Shelbyville boasts several distinctive Airbnbs to accommodate groups of any size. Whether you and your friends want to share space or spread out across multiple properties, you can enjoy the conveniences of home within walking distance of boutique shops, spas, galleries, and restaurants. Superhosts Ben and Melinda Hardin own three of the city’s most luxurious Airbnbs. Urban Loft Downtown, which has been featured on TV and in magazines, is a breathtaking high-end loft that comfortably sleeps up to 17 without relegating anyone to the couch. It boasts a theater room, game room, dream kitchen, and even a rooftop deck with a fireplace plus a Big Green Egg.