Community & History
Community
Once a wilderness between Louisville and Frankfort, Shelbyville was founded in 1792 and had a population of 262 by 1800. By the time the Civil War arrived, Shelbyville had a few thousand residents-many of them fought valiantly when the town’s courthouse was attacked by confederate soldiers.
The turn-of-the-19th century saw a building boom, with an architecturally beautiful downtown, a legacy of the era. Through it all, Shelbyville retained its small-town atmosphere- a friendly place to get away from it all and a place to get anywhere you need to go. Now known as the American Saddlebred Capital of the World, due to its 90+ Saddlebred farms, Shelbyville is home to eclectic shops, destination dining and agritourism tours.
Information
There’s a little slice of Kentucky for everyone in Shelby County. Here in the “American Saddlebred Capital of the World” you’ll find authentic Kentucky: a pioneering spirit, rural character and a home-town feel. It’s small-town charm with grand scale shopping, rolling pastureland with plenty to do.
Go antiquing. Play golf. Visit the wineries or distillery. Dine at locally owned eateries – including one created by Colonel Sanders for his wife. Catch a play. Attend a festival. And do what you can only do in Shelby County: Tour an American Saddlebred Horse Farm in the place where the breed began.
ShelbyKY Tourism Commission & Visitors Bureau
219 7th Street
Shelbyville, KY 40065
502-633-6388
Community Partners
Shelby Main Street
City of Shelbyville
City of Simpsonville
Shelby County Government
Upcoming Events
Barrel Tasting Experience at Jeptha Creed Distillery
- Jeptha Creed Distillery
- every week on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
This bourbon experience is the most unique of its’ kind. Upon arrival, you will be guided to Jeptha...
Spirit Tasting at Jeptha Creed Distillery
- Jeptha Creed Distillery
- every week on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
A way to experience Jeptha Creed when you are short on time. Our free spirit tasting allows...
Bourbon Mixology Class | Jeptha Creed Distillery
- Jeptha Creed Distillery
- every week on Friday, Saturday until July 1, 2023
Our mixology class is an experience where one will learn about Jeptha Creed and our Bloody Butcher...
Mixed & Muddled Cocktail Series: Smoked Old Fashioned Class
A timeless cocktail turned up a notch. No longer just served at cocktail bars, the Smoked Old...
Vodka Mixology Class | Jeptha Creed Distillery
- Jeptha Creed Distillery
- every week on Friday, Saturday until July 1, 2023
The mixology class is an excellent experience where one will learn about Jeptha Creed and our Bloody...
Bunny & Egg Scavenger Hunt
Shelby Main Street is hosting Bunny & Egg Scavenger Hunt! For more information, please visit...
Creative Cocktailing - Infuse Your Own Bourbon
This is a fun, explorative class of flavors and creativity! After learning the cocktail flavor...
Easter Bunny
- Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass
- every week on Saturday until April 8, 2023
Have a hoppin' good time taking photos with the Easter Bunny! Don't pay a fortune for a picture you...
Live Music at Talon Winery
- Talon Winery
- every week on Saturday
Enjoy free live music at Talon Winery as you enjoy locally crafted wines, many featuring grapes...