Why Spencer County Should Be on Every Equestrian’s Radar

If you love horses and you’re anywhere near Spencer County, KY, you’re in for a treat. This area might not be as famous as Lexington, but it’s got plenty to offer for folks who want to ride, camp, or just enjoy the horse life.

Whether you’re a seasoned horse expert or just looking to reconnect with nature on horseback, Spencer County offers:

•  Beautiful trails and campsites
•  Legal road riding
•  Local charm and quiet surroundings
•  Easy access to Kentucky’s biggest horse events

Trail Riding at Taylorsville Lake

The big draw here is Taylorsville Lake State Park, which features a 24-mile trail system designed for horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking. Riders can explore loops like Legends Run and Piney Woods, all set in beautiful Kentucky countryside.

You can bring your own horse or check out local stables like Free Spirit Ranch and Foothills Equestrian Center, which offer guided rides and lessons.

Horse Camping

Traveling with your horse? No problem. The Taylorsville Lake Horse Campground has 10 equestrian sites with water and electric hookups, plus access to laundry and bathhouses. It’s a great spot to settle in after a long day on the trails.

Reservations are encouraged but not required, and well-behaved pets are welcome too.

Small-Town Charm

After your ride, head into Taylorsville for a bite or a browse. The town offers cozy diners, local shops, and a laid-back vibe that’s perfect for unwinding. It is also a charming base for exploring greater Kentucky’s equestrian scene.

Road Riding? Totally Legal!

Here’s something cool: in Kentucky, it’s legal to ride your horse on public roads, as long as you follow traffic laws. The only thing that’s specifically prohibited is racing your horse downhill on a highway. So yes—you can saddle up and take a scenic trot through town.

Scenic Drives Through Horse Country

Even if you’re not riding, Spencer County is surrounded by some of Kentucky’s most iconic horse country drives:

•  Old Frankfort Pike: Known as “Thoroughbred Alley,” this 16-mile stretch showcases champion farms like Lane’s End and Three Chimneys.

•  Bluegrass Parkway: A 70-mile corridor through Kentucky’s equestrian heartland, perfect for spotting breeding farms and rolling pastures.

These drives are ideal for soaking in the horse-loving spirit of the Bluegrass State.

The Perfect Base for Big Events

Want to attend a major horse show or equestrian event? Spencer County is a quiet, affordable place to stay while you explore nearby hotspots:

•  Louisville (about 45 minutes away) hosts the World’s Championship Horse Show and the Kentucky Derby.

•  Lexington (just over an hour away) is home to the Kentucky Horse Park, which features year-round events, clinics, and competitions.

You get the best of both worlds—peaceful trails and campgrounds in Spencer County, plus easy access to world-class horse events just down the road.

Resources

•  Kentucky State Parks – Taylorsville Lake

•  Taylorsville Lake Horse Campground Info

•  Kentucky Revised Statutes – Horse Road Use

•  Free Spirit Ranch – Taylorsville KY

•  Foothills Equestrian Center – Spencer County

•  Kentucky Horse Park Events Calendar

•  World’s Championship Horse Show – Louisville

•  Old Frankfort Pike Scenic Byway

•  Bluegrass Parkway Overview

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.

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.

The Taylorsville Marina is open! Usually open from May to October, we’ve had a LOT of time planning for boating excursions. And I mean A LOT! So of course we used our handy Pinterest board to get organized. Its the best way to make sure all mixers get packed! Right?

Enjoy our fun plans and join in! (Click image below.)

See you on the water!

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.

See you soon!