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!

A big event is such a joyful but STRESSFUL time! Let us help you keep it all focused on the joy. We maintain a directory of creative professionals in Spencer County so you don’t have to worry about traffic holding up your videographer! We all love to “shop local”, so why not “plan local” too? Need any additional help, email us!

Here you go!

Congratulations on your celebration!

A Forgotten Landmark with a Lasting Legacy

Tucked into the rolling hills and river bends of Spencer County, Kentucky, the Van Dycke Mill once stood as a vital part of Taylorsville’s agricultural heartbeat.

Just imagine…

Nestled in a lush, green valley, the historic Van Dycke Mill stands proudly with its weathered wooden exterior, the "Van Dycke Mill" sign weathered but legible above the entrance. A large waterwheel turns steadily, powered by a clear stream that cascades over a small stone bridge, its gentle splash echoing through the serene landscape. Rolling hills stretch into the distance, framed by dense trees, while a wooden fence encloses the scene, dotted with barrels and a horse-drawn cart waiting patiently nearby. Farmers and women, their barrels and grain bags in tow, gather in small groups, socializing and sharing laughter as they await their turn to have their grain milled. Bathed in soft, warm sunlight, the mill exudes a timeless charm, whispering stories of a bygone era.

Though the mill itself has vanished from the landscape, its name and legacy continue to echo through local lore and geography.

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🕰️ A Glimpse into the Past

Established in the 19th century, the Van Dyke Mill—sometimes spelled Van Dycke—likely served as a grist mill, grinding grain for local farmers in a region deeply rooted in agriculture. Mills like this were essential to rural communities, acting as both economic engines and social gathering points.

Today, the mill’s memory lives on in Van Dyke Mill Road, a quiet rural lane that hints at the site’s former importance. Though the famous drawings of the mill live on, we wanted to reimagine what it may have looked like in its prime. We took the liberty of asking AI what the mill might have looked like and had some fun with the results…

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🔍 So What Happened to the Mill?

The exact fate of the Van Dyke Mill remains a mystery. The home of the Van Dyke family remains but how could such an important piece of history just disappear? Like many early mills, it may have succumbed to:

• Technological changes in milling
• Shifting trade routes and transportation patterns
• Recurring floods, which plagued the area until the construction of a flood wall in 1948

No physical structure remains, and few records detail its closure—making it a tantalizing subject for local historians and curious visitors alike. Rumor has it that its fabled mill-stone lives at another historic property in Spencer County.

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🗂️ Preserving the Past

Fortunately, the story doesn’t end there. The Filson Historical Society has cataloged the Van Dyke Mill in its digital archives, offering a potential treasure trove of photographs, maps, and documents for those eager to learn more.

🔗 Explore the Filson Historical Society’s entry on Van Dyke Mill

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🧭 Why It Matters

The Van Dyke Mill is more than a lost building—it’s a symbol of the county’s resilience and rural heritage. Preserving its story helps us understand the rhythms of life in 19th-century Kentucky and the forces that shaped small-town America.

Keep in touch for more history!

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!