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Bluegrass + BBQ in Western Kentucky

A Weekend in Murray, Kentucky: Where it feels like Home

June 19, 2024Chelsea Gilson

This post is sponsored by Murray, KY TourismCraving a charming escape filled with small-town southern hospitality? Look no further than Murray, Kentucky! This vibrant college town offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and delicious eats, making it the perfect weekend getaway or day trip.Murray is a small town in Western Kentucky, not far from Paducah or the land between the lakes area of Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. It had been awhile since I had been to Murray. My twin sister went to college there so I would often visit and I was so happy to see some of the top spots we used to visit still around and thriving. I actually really wanted to go to Murray State University for college, but stubborn me did NOT want to go to the same college as my twin sister. I was ready to spread my wings, so while she opted for Murray I chose a school not too far away in Missouri. Although it had been several years since I last went to Murray, I had a perfect weekend with my family and want to share with you some of the great activities we did and places we ate so you can add them to your list as well!First up, let’s talk food. If you are a foodie, then you likely plan your trips and days around delicious food. And if you are not a foodie, well anyone can appreciate a delicious meal. Here are some of the top spots we checked out that are worth adding to your agenda on your Murray trip.Breakfast:Rudy’s on the Square: Rudy’s is an old-time diner that serves a very traditional down home breakfast. From biscuits, pancakes and french toast to bacon, eggs and sausage, you really can’t go wrong. My tip would be to go early though, it get’s pretty crowded so stop by early to avoid a wait.

Lunch:Dumplings: Dumplings is one of those spots that I checked out the very first time I went to Murray years ago, and I make it a point to go every single time I am in town. It’s the cutest Cafe that is famous for their delicious rolls. They serve classics like chicken salad, sandwiches, salads, burgers, dumplings and more. Their bakery case is to die for, you’ll definitely want to leave room for dessert.

Dinner:Stephano’s Trattoria: This amazing italian restaurant needs to be the top of your list. They source majority of their ingredients locally and freshly make their pasta. We enjoyed fresh Bruschetta, a Charcuterie board, pasta main entre’s and a brownie skillet.

The Keg: We didn’t make it to the Keg this time around, but it’s another favorite when we go into town. The Keg has more of a sports bar feel, but the food and atmosphere are top notch!

Jasmine: If you love Thai or Sushi, this spot is for you.

Drinks & Dessert:Hop Hound: The Hop Hound Brewery is another spot that has a really cool and fun atmosphere. Reid is a big brewery guy so he loved stopping in and checking out the local flavors. We didn’t grab a bite here but they had all the bar food classics available as well!

Dairy Queen: I know, really? Dairy Queen made the list? Well the Dairy Queen in Murray is different. Of course they have great ice cream, but this one is also an old school diner drive-in style dairy queen so they come to your car to take your order and serve you. They have picnic tables and a grassy area you can also enjoy your ice cream on if you want to stay awhile!

Along with the great food options in Murray, there are plenty of great activities to check out as well!Summer Farmers Market: Held every Saturday morning May through October from 7 a.m. to noon, this market is a treasure trove of local produce, handcrafted goods, and delectable treats. Stock up on fresh-picked strawberries, savor homemade jams, and browse unique pottery pieces – all while soaking in the friendly atmosphere. The market is officially certified as “Kentucky Proud” and provides the most authentic, local goods for customers.Playhouse in the Park: Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Central Park, this local theater presents a diverse range of productions, from classic comedies to contemporary dramas. The theater is very intimate, so every seat in the house is great and it’s even great for kids. We brought Baylor, which was his first play ever and he was captivated the whole time.Murray State University: Take a scenic stroll through the picturesque campus as you navigate the brick walkways and admire the historic architecture. Afterward, head over to Doran Arboretum. This sprawling 70-acre natural space boasts a network of walking trails, vibrant gardens bursting with colorful blooms, and a serene pond – the perfect setting for a peaceful evening escape. It also has multiple onsite greenhouses and playgrounds for the kids to play!Discover Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley: Just 20 minutes from Murray, disconnect and spend some time on the water. We played it pretty low key and drove over to Kentucky Dam Village state park and posted up on one of the beaches to swim but there are plenty of on-the-water activities like kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, and boating.Switch up your next weekend getaway or day trip and embark on a delightful adventure to Murray, Kentucky. With its friendly atmosphere, southern hospitality and diverse culinary scene, this hidden gem promises a fun weekend escape! Let me know your favorite Murray spots to visit in the comments and check out the Murray Tourism website for the latest events and hottest spots!

Bourbon + Horses in Central Kentucky

A Picture-Perfect Kentucky Escape: Your Weekend Guide to Shelby County

August 2, 2024Chelsea Gilson

This post is Sponsored by Shelby County TourismCraving a charming weekend getaway filled with Southern hospitality, rolling bluegrass hills, and a touch of Kentucky magic? Shelby County, Kentucky, beckons you! Nestled between Louisville and Lexington, this picturesque region offers a perfect blend of small-town charm, outdoor adventure, and rich cultural experiences. I am giving you the top ideas to plan your getaway to Shelby County!Start your Shelby County adventure with a caffeine fix at one of the welcoming local coffee shop. The Paddock, a Shelbyville favorite, boasts a warm atmosphere and delicious coffee creations. For a quieter and more traditional coffee shop atmosphere, head over the 6th and Main and grab a drink while reading your favorite book!Learn about the Horses of Kentucky on a Kentucky Horse FarmFor those that want to truly take in the beauty and experience what Shelby County is known for, plan your visit to one of the many renowned horse farms. Shelby County is the American Saddlebred Horse capital of the world! Horsesensing offers tours showcasing the grace and beauty of these magnificent creatures, I truly admire their mission, where they help veterans transition back to civilian life more successfully through being with horses and provide people in recovery from addictions a solid path to staying clean and sober for the long haul through working with and being with horses. The owners are truly amazing and down the earth. They also provide equine therapy to all ages and need groups.

If you’d like to learn about a bit of a different horse breed, and for a truly unique encounter, Léttleiki Icelandics is a nationally recognized center for Icelandic Horses which are the horses of the Vikings! With 110 acres housing 84 horses, visit the farm and learn about this absolutely stunning breed and their different “gaits”, which is a fancy word for runs. They are extremely friendly and on tours you are able to interact with the horses and see the different gaits and how the training process works.Uncork Kentucky’s Finest through Distillery Tours & TastingsNo trip to Kentucky is complete without a distillery tour. Bulleit Distilling Co., a cornerstone of Shelby County’s bourbon heritage, offers an insightful look into the art of crafting this legendary spirit. Explore the history and process behind their award-winning bourbons, culminating in a delicious tasting experience. The tasting is a sensory experience that engages all your taste, sight and smell as different scents pull out different flavors of the bourbon you are tasting. Aside from the popular distillery tours and tastings, they also offer summer concerts, cocktail classes and other fun events. If you are looking for a more intimate experience, visit Jeptha Creed Distillery, a family-owned distillery crafting small-batch bourbons with a focus on quality and tradition. Book the “barrel tasting” for a unique experience where upon arrival, you will be guided to Jeptha Creed’s farmland and welcomed by a very intimate setting within one of their barrel barns. As you sit in large leather chairs tasting a number of their offerings, the bourbon host will take you through the story of Jeptha Creed, finishing with a personalized tasting straight from the barrel. When you depart, you will carry on the family’s motto ‘Ne Oublie’ by not forgetting where you came from. If you can’t book a tour, they have an absolutely amazing patio and back bar area where you can relax while grabbing drinks, bar bites and overlooking their distillery grounds.

Shop ‘Til You Drop, From Main Street Charm to Brand-Name BlissTreat yourself to a shopping spree on Shelbyville’s vibrant Main Street. Here, you’ll find unique local boutiques, antique shops, and local shops brimming with treasures like custom printing and local apparel at Impress Boutique. Head down the Serendipity Kandy Kitchen for custom cakes and candies for a sweet treat! For a wider selection of brands, explore the expansive Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass, offering savings on your favorite designer labels from brands like Kate Spade, Coach and Tori Burch, to Nike, Columbia and adidas and literally everywhere in between. They have some southern favorites as well like Palmetto Moon, Vineyard Vines and Simply Southern. The mall has more than just shopping though, with 8 Galapalooza horses and the Louisville Slugger walk of fame there’s lot’s to look at!Dine Like a Local: From Casual to UpscaleAs you do all your day time activities, you will want to stop at some Shelby County staples for a delicious bite to eat. McKinley’s Cafe and Little Mount Lavender are popular cafe style diners for lunch offering delicious soups, sandwiches and salads with local fresh ingredients and the best baked goods. While at little mount lavender, walk through their shop where they have tons of different items made with their famous lavender plants that you can also see in the garden right outside. The Bell house is a popular spot for dinner offering more comfort style dishes, with one of my absolute favorites around, the Hot Brown….it’s Chefs KissPlan Your VisitThis is just a taste of what Shelby County has to offer….like you can also book a tour to cuddle with fluffy highland cows, check out the local brewery and more. Don’t miss catching a show at the Shelby County Community Theatre, hanging out at Guist Creek Lake, or spending a relaxing afternoon at Clear Creek Park.With its friendly atmosphere, rich history, and endless charm, Shelby County promises an unforgettable weekend getaway. Start planning your Kentucky adventure today and discover the magic of Shelby County! Check out the ShelbyKY website for a comprehensive event calendar and visitor resources to make the most of your Shelby County escape as well as a full list of top places to stay in Shelby County!

Things To Do

Explore Old Louisville’s Charm and History

May 2, 2024Chelsea Gilson

As someone who LOVES a beautiful home, and a charming neighborhood walk – I recently went on the Old Louisville history and architecture walking tour and I really enjoyed it. If are a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or just like looking at beautiful homes – this tour is for YOU! I guess that makes sense because it was recommended by the New York Times, read about it here.I’ve done a walking tour or two in my past, typically I love a good ghost tour/walk and food tours are really great as well. I can truly say, that the Historic Louisville Tours takes things up a notch and are not “dry” like you may expect when you hear “history tour”. Their guides are incredibly knowledgeable, but what truly elevates the experience is their focus on the work of architectural historian David Domine.If you’re not familiar with Domine, his book, “Old Louisville: Exuberant, Elegant, and Alive,” is pretty much the bible for understanding this neighborhood’s architectural significance. The guides, if not David himself, seamlessly weave Domine’s insights into the tour, making even the most intricate details of Victorian architecture fascinating and accessible. He once lived in the neighborhood and that is really what made him start the tours, he loved it so much and the stories and history his neighbors would share with each other.What is so special about Old Louisville? Well it’s the nation’s largest Victorian residential neighborhood, so rich with history this neighborhood has beautiful large Victorian homes with so much history (and maybe a few ghost stories) it’s fascinating to hear about while strolling and gazing at the Victorian mansions.

What to expect on the tourPrepare to be wowed by the sheer variety of architectural styles on display. From the imposing Second Empire mansions to the delicate Italianate details, each house whispers stories of a bygone era. The guides don’t just point out styles; they use Domine’s research to paint a picture of the families who built these architectural wonders. Imagine hobnobbing with bourbon barons and racetrack royalty as you stroll these historic streets dating back to the 1880’s and 90’s.The tour hits all the must-sees, like the jaw-dropping Conrad House, St. James Court and the beautiful Central Park, modeled after the one you can find in New York. But it also ventures beyond the well-trodden path, uncovering hidden architectural gems you might otherwise miss including the garden walk ways and the architecture of the working class homes during that time as well. Be prepared to be captivated by the meticulously landscaped gardens and the overall charm of the neighborhood. Book your Tour today!By the end of this captivating adventure, you’ll have a newfound appreciation for Old Louisville. David Domine’s insights will leave a lasting impression, allowing you to see these Victorian beauties with fresh eyes. If you are wanting more, David sells his books online including his new true-crime book about a murder that took place in the neighborhood, A Dark Room in Glitterball City.David also has a ghost tour which is also fabulous. He runs it every day so you can also get the dark side of the cities past. This is of course also great during the halloween time frame.All Tours last 90-120 minutes

Price ranges from $20-$30 depending on which tour

Tours run daily at multiple different times

Book your tickets hereAll in all, if you’re looking for a truly enriching experience in Louisville, look no further than Historic Louisville Tours. It’s the perfect blend of history, architecture, and storytelling, all delivered with a healthy dose of David Domine’s expertise. Do yourself a favor and book this tour – you won’t regret it!