A New Chapter for Taylorsville’s Civil War Legacy: Felix Grundy Stidger Cabin Restoration Begins

This Friday, October 3rd at noon, downtown Taylorsville will witness the beginning of something truly historic—the groundbreaking for the restoration of the Felix Grundy Stidger Cabin. For years, locals have passed by what many called “that random pile of logs,” curious but unaware of the deep Civil War history embedded in those timbers. Now, the mystery is being replaced with meaning.

Felix Grundy Stidger, a Union spy whose daring work helped dismantle Confederate secret societies, played a pivotal role in the complex drama of the Civil War. His cabin, right in the heart of Taylorsville, is about to become a living monument to that legacy.

This restoration isn’t just about preserving a structure—it’s about reclaiming a story. Civil War enthusiasts will soon have a new must-visit destination, one that offers a rare glimpse into the covert operations and local contributions that shaped the war’s outcome. The cabin will serve as an educational resource, a tourism draw, and a point of pride for Spencer County.

The buzz around town has already started to shift. What was once a question—“What is that pile of logs?”—is becoming a conversation about heritage, history, and the hidden heroes of Taylorsville. Come Friday, the community will begin to uncover the real story behind Felix Grundy Stidger and the role this small Kentucky town played in one of America’s most defining conflicts.

Stay tuned as the restoration unfolds—and prepare to see Taylorsville through a whole new lens.

Learn more about the Foundation doing all this marvelous work and become a Friend of Felix!

This September, Spencer County is coming together in a powerful way with Dare to Care to celebrate Hunger Action Month—a nationwide campaign to raise awareness and take action against hunger.

Food Collection Campaign with Dare to Care

In partnership with Dare to Care, Spencer County is launching a food collection campaign to help families facing food insecurity, especially focusing on the 23% of Taylorsville’s population that lives beneath the poverty line.

Here’s how you can get involved:

• DONATE: Drop off non-perishable food items at locations around Spencer County, TBA soon!
• JOIN: Help the Spencer County FOODYFEST team to collect the most food by joining us on Dare to Care’s official webpage. Rally your friends, family, or organization to help us raise $5000 in food and funds this September!
• COMPETE: Level up the good works by creating your own team to compete for the most food and funds raised.
• Use this link to join us or create your own team!
  • https://secure.qgiv.com/event/2025fooddriveswithdaretocare/register/form/registration
    • Join the Spencer County Foodyfest Team with Katherine Scott
    • OR
    • Create and register your own team to compete with us and add to the fun and good works!

Every donation helps ensure that no family in our community goes without.

Why It Matters

All of these efforts are part of Spencer County’s commitment to Hunger Action Month—a time to reflect, give, and act. Whether you’re donating food or raising food and funds, you’re helping to build a stronger, more food-secure community.

How You Can Help Now

• Share the message using #SpencerFOODYFEST and #HungerActionMonth

Let’s make this September a month of action, compassion, and community—one meal, one family, and one act of kindness at a time.

Plan Your Perfect Food Adventure at Taylorsville Lake with “Spencer County Eats” on Google Maps

Whether you’re camping, boating, or just soaking up the scenic beauty of Taylorsville Lake, one thing’s for sure—you’re going to get hungry. And when that happens, you don’t want to waste time scrolling through endless reviews or driving around aimlessly. That’s where the “Spencer County Eats” Google Maps List comes in.

What Is “Spencer County Eats”?

It’s a curated Google Maps list featuring the best local restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and hidden gems in and around Taylorsville, KY. From down-home diners to authentic Mexican kitchens, this list is your go-to guide for discovering the tastiest spots in Spencer County.

Explore the list here: Spencer County Eats on Google Maps

Why Use It?

• Local Favorites Only: Every spot on the list is handpicked based on local love and flavor.
• Easy Navigation: Just open the list in Google Maps and get directions instantly.
• Perfect for Day Trips or Weekend Stays: Whether you’re staying at the lake or passing through, you’ll find something delicious nearby.

What Can You Expect to Find?

Here’s a preview of some of the local flavor:

• La Fogata Mexican Kitchen – Handmade tortillas and authentic street food.
• Lynda’s Grill – Classic American comfort food with a hometown vibe.
• Fresh Take Market – A bakery and deli with fresh, local ingredients.
• Revival Coffee Company – A cozy spot for coffee, pastries, and good vibes.
• Fiesta Mexicana – A vibrant spot for seafood and Mexican favorites.

Pair Your Meal with an Adventure

After a morning of kayaking or hiking, treat yourself to a hearty lunch. Or grab a coffee before heading out on the lake. With “Spencer County Eats,” you can plan your entire day around great food—no guesswork required.

How to Use the List

1. Open Google Maps on your phone.
2. Tap this link: Spencer County Eats
3. Tap “Follow” to save it to your account.
4. Start exploring.

visittaylorsville.com/digital-history

Taylorsville-Spencer County Tourism is thrilled to announce a significant milestone in our community’s journey to honor and celebrate our rich history. We are proud to share that the Spencer County America250KY Committee is now an official member of the Kentucky America250 initiative. This exciting development marks a new chapter in our efforts to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Joining the America250KY Initiative

Being part of the America250KY initiative allows Spencer County to play an essential role in a statewide celebration of our nation’s founding. The initiative aims to engage communities across Kentucky in a shared reflection on our past, present, and future as we approach this milestone anniversary. By joining this initiative, we are committing to celebrating the diverse narratives that make up our county’s history and culture.

The Spencer County America250KY Committee will focus on creating programs and events that highlight our unique local heritage while contributing to the larger narrative of our nation’s history. This is an exciting opportunity for us to showcase the stories and traditions that have shaped Spencer County and continue to define our community.

Introducing the Digital History Project

In conjunction with our involvement in the America250KY initiative, we are delighted to present the new and ongoing Digital History Project. This innovative project is designed to make Spencer County’s history more accessible and engaging for residents and visitors alike. By visiting visittaylorsville.com/digital-history, you can explore a wealth of historical resources, including photographs, documents, and personal stories that paint a vivid picture of our county’s past.

The Digital History Project is a dynamic and evolving resource, continuously updated with new content to ensure that our community’s rich history is preserved and shared with future generations. Whether you’re a lifelong resident, a newcomer, or a visitor, this project provides an opportunity to delve into the fascinating stories that have shaped Spencer County.

Looking Ahead

As we look forward to the 250th anniversary of the United States, Taylorsville-Spencer County Tourism is committed to fostering a deeper appreciation of our local history and its place in the broader American story. We invite everyone to join us in this celebration by exploring our Digital History Project and participating in upcoming events as part of the America250KY initiative.

Together, we can ensure that the vibrant history of Spencer County continues to inspire and inform. Stay tuned for more updates and events as we embark on this exciting journey to honor our past and envision our future.

El Lago Bar & Grill
(502)-354-9154
https://ellagobarandgrill.com
100 Tanglewood Drive, Taylorsville, KY, 40071

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.