Shelby County is teeming with adventure! From horseback riding and kayaking to wildlife viewing and hunting down the perfect deal, there are any number of outdoor (and indoor) escapades just waiting for you in Shelbyville and Simpsonville.

 

Hike on Horseback

If you’re looking for a little adventure and a good way to reconnect with nature, there’s no better way to do that than on a horse. Gallop on over to the Shelby Horse Trails Parkto enjoy a trail ride in the heart of Simpsonville. You can bring your own horse or use one of the trail horses at the park. The park also offers riding lessons if you’re a novice. With 25 scenic wooded trails covering 462 acres, this equestrian’s sanctuary features unsurpassed views of Kentucky Horse Country. One-hour family-friendly rides include a short introductory riding lesson to help guests get comfortable in the saddle before hitting the dusty trail. Guided rides can accommodate groups of up to five riders. Along the trail, riders will get to know the land, from Kentucky’s diverse flora and fauna to the creatures that inhabit the park.

 

Kick Back in a Kayak

If a gentle glide across the lake is just the kind of relaxation you’re looking for, make a beeline to Guist Creek Lake, one of the area’s best-kept secrets. Bring your own kayak or rent a canoe from the Guist Creek Marina and Campground if you want to explore the lake at your leisure. From the lake, paddlers can experience the area’s beautiful scenery from a new vantage point, taking in the rural countryside and glimpsing the deer, turkey and other wildlife that tend to creep up to water’s edge. The calm waters of this 317-acre lake make it a prime choice for paddlers who don’t want to worry about speed boats causing too much wake for them as they enjoy the natural beauty on display.

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Let’s Make a Deal

Who says shopping isn’t an adventure? It’s practically its own sport. From hunting down good deals to staking out the prime shops, you can break a sweat visiting the 100-plus designer stores at the Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass. With more than 366,000 square feet of outlet space to peruse, the Shoppes features stores like Tory Burch, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Old Navy, American Eagle Outfitters, Polo Ralph Lauren, and many more.  For the more active shopper, the Eddie Bauer outlet might be your shop of choice. The active outdoor brand has been outfitting America for nearly 100 years with premium-quality outerwear, apparel, footwear, accessories and gear – everything needed for outfitting your next quest. Another great brand for the avid adventurer is Columbia. They’ve been designing innovative apparel for outdoor enthusiasts for 80 years, since 1938. Featuring apparel, footwear, accessories and even outdoor equipment, Columbia is a leading global brand in innovative outdoor technologies and products. The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass has everything you need to prepare for your next great adventure.

 

Swim the Night Away

A good night’s sleep is a must before and after any adventure. The family- and pet-friendly Ramada Shelbyville/Louisville Eastis an ideal place to unwind for a spell and relax, plus there’s ample parking for your truck or RV. The indoor pool and hot tub area are great for those trying to stay out of the sun or just get out of the hotel room for a while. It’s also the perfect place to let the kids splash around and swim off their excess energy so they can get a good night’s sleep – meaning Mom and Dad will be able to catch some zzz’s, too. The Ramada offers ensuite Jacuzzi rooms, oversized rooms for large families, rooms with kitchenettes for those planning a longer stay and pet-friendly rooms so you don’t have to leave your furry family member at home.