Dining al fresco in Kentucky can be hit-or-miss with the weather, but El Lago has mastered the art of patio comfort for three seasons straight. Their inviting outdoor space pairs perfectly with a full bar—think top-tier margaritas—and a vibrant menu featuring traditional Mexican fare with a modern twist. Whether you’re toasting a special occasion, grabbing a quick work lunch, or unwinding after a day on the lake, El Lago is a local go-to. Add in live music on the weekends, and it’s easy to see why. Don’t forget to join their mailing list to stay in the loop on events and upcoming online ordering.
Searching for an enjoyable and leisurely way to spend a day outside? Come and join us to pick fresh blackberries, savoring their sweet and tangy taste, and indulge in the rich flavors of farm fresh berries. A day of fresh air, vibrant tastes, and gathering enough berries to make your signature jam or fresh fruit tart!
Word of mouth still reigns as the most trustworthy recommendation for a movie, hair stylist, piano teacher etc, but organic reviews are a pretty close second. As a Tourism Director I am often combing through a mess of bot generated reviews to see if I can figure out whats going on with a locations wins or losses. Every once in a while I strike gold, and today, I did! I stumbled upon the Trip Advisor reviews of the sweet little Overlook Event Center at the Edgewater Resort. I know personally that Amy (the Edgewater Manager) is awesome. She is a great local advocate, super community oriented, organized, straight-forward and such a force for good, but you always wonder if it gets noticed. Well, girl, it does. Cheers to Amy and her events at the Overlook. I’m so proud to work with you in Spencer County and so proud to show off your reviews to anyone wanting to plan their special events here too.
Spencer County: The Gourd and Flower Capital of the Bluegrass Nestled in the heart of Kentucky’s rolling hills, Spencer County is where flowers bloom brighter, gourds grow bigger, and every visit feels like a homecoming. Known as the Gourd and Flower Capital of the Bluegrass, this charming county is a haven for gardeners, flower lovers, and anyone who appreciates the beauty of rural life.
I still remember my first visit to Bountiful Blooms Farm. It was a warm June morning, and the fields were alive with color—poppies stretching toward the sky, zinnias dancing in the breeze. I joined a bouquet-making class, and by the end of it, I was laughing with strangers-turned-friends, hands full of petals and heart full of joy. That bouquet sat on my table for 2 weeks, and the memory has lasted eve longer.
Must-Visit Floral & Garden Destinations
Bountiful Blooms Farm U-Pic Flowers and bouquet classes make this a hands-on floral paradise. 🌐 www.bountifulbloomsfarm.com 💬 “It’s more than a flower farm—it’s a place of peace, joy, and connection. Every visit feels like therapy.”
Chickapoo Farms A floral powerhouse offering U-Pic Flowers, wholesale bareroot plants, and event floristry. 🌐 www.chickapoofarm.com 💬 “Watching the sunset from the flower field was magical. The animals, the flowers, the peace—it’s a dream.”
Flowers der Bauernhof A unique CSA and florist offering seasonal, non-traditional arrangements. 📧 flowersderbauernhof@gmail.com 💬 “Their bouquet subscription is the highlight of my month—always fresh, always stunning.”
Lavender Pickle Farm LLC Located next to the Taylorsville Post Office, this local favorite offers a rotating selection of seasonal plants and flowers. 💬 “They always have something fresh and beautiful—perfect for sprucing up the porch or gifting a friend.”
Little Mount Lavender Rooted in the hills of Spencer County, this farm specializes in lavender cultivation and handcrafted wellness products. Their Simpsonville location features a boutique gift shop and a French-inspired café offering dishes like Poulet aux Herbes de Provence and Lavender Lemon Cake. 📍 Farm: Spencer County, KY 📍 Café & Boutique: 6905 Shelbyville Rd, Simpsonville, KY 🌐 littlemountlavender.com 💬 “We came for the lavender, stayed for the café, and left with gifts for everyone. It’s like a little piece of Provence in Kentucky.”
P E T A L S on Plum A bouquet bar, event florist, and beloved vendor at the Taylorsville Farmers Market. 💬 “Their flowers are always the first to sell out at the market—fresh, fun, and full of personality!”
Taylorsville Farmers Market Held every Saturday from April 12 through October 26, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at 751 Taylorsville Road, next to Fresh Take Market in Taylorsville. 📱 Facebook: @TaylorsvilleFarmersMarket 💬 “It’s the heartbeat of the community—flowers, gourds, jams, and friendly faces every weekend.”
Twin M Nursery A go-to for landscaping inspiration and floral finds. 🔍 Yelp: Twin-M-Nursery 💬 “Great selection, great prices, and the staff really knows their stuff. My garden has never looked better!”
Gourd Culture in Spencer County No visit to Spencer County is complete without celebrating its gourd heritage! Stop by The Red Scooter in downtown Taylorsville, where dried gourds are always on sale—perfect for crafting, decorating, or gifting.
And don’t miss the annual Taylorsville Main Street – Gourd Festival, part of the Spring celebration. This beloved event honors traditional gourdcraft, nature, and gardening with local artisans, workshops, and family-friendly fun. It’s a true showcase of Spencer County’s creative spirit and agricultural pride.
Plan Your Visit Whether you’re picking your own bouquet, shopping for the perfect gourd, or simply soaking in the scenery, Spencer County offers a slice of Kentucky that’s as colorful as it is welcoming.
Beneath the tranquil surface of Taylorsville Lake lies the ghost of a once-thriving Kentucky
community—Van Buren, a small unincorporated town that now lives on only in memory, history books,
and the ripples of the Salt River.
A Town with Deep Roots
Located about 15 miles from Taylorsville, Van Buren was a quiet rural town with homes, a general
store, and a Church of Christ that served as the heart of the community. Though small, it was a place
where families farmed, worshipped, and gathered for generations.
The Flood That Changed Everything
In 1974, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began construction on what would become Taylorsville
Lake, a man-made reservoir designed for flood control, water supply, and recreation. As part of the
project, the entire town of Van Buren was dismantled and relocated to higher ground.
– Homes and the general store were moved.
– The Church of Christ, however, became stuck on a muddy hill and was ultimately abandoned.
– Graves from the town cemetery were respectfully relocated to Valley Cemetery on Mt. Washington
Road.
By 1983, the dam was completed, and the Salt River was flooded—submerging Van Buren forever
beneath the lake’s 3,050 acres of water.
Echoes of the Past
Though the town is gone, its legacy lives on. Some of the relocated families still reside in Spencer
County, and stories of Van Buren are passed down through generations. The lake itself has become a
vital part of the local economy, drawing anglers, boaters, and nature lovers from across the region.
A Tribute in Timber: Van Buren Village
Just a few miles away in Anderson County, a private historic site called Van Buren Village pays tribute
to Kentucky’s rural past. Created by Dr. Jerry Phelps, this recreated 1850s village features:
– Authentic log cabins rescued from across the state
– A country store and apothecary filled with period items
– A vision of what life in Van Buren might have looked like before the flood
Though not open to the public, Van Buren Village stands as a quiet homage to the lives once lived
along the Salt River.
WEKU Feature on Van Buren Village: https://www.weku.org/off-the-beaten-path-with-sam-dick/2022-1
0-27/van-buren-village-anderson-county-log-cabins-hidden-from-public-view-document-kentuckys-history Remembering Van Buren in Images
Though the town of Van Buren now rests beneath Taylorsville Lake, its memory lives on through
photos, reconstructions, and digital archives:
– Vintage Photos of Van Buren
– Van Buren Village (Recreated 1850s Settlement)
– Taylorsville Lake History See images of the lost town of Van Buren:
Pinterest Collection: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/366973069611607470/
TaylorsvilleCottage.com – Lake History: https://www.taylorsvillecottage.com/taylorsville-lake-kentucky.html
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