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.

Hugs,

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!

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

Wedding & Event Venues with Heart

Whether you’re planning a rustic barn wedding, an elegant celebration, or a laid-back family reunion, Spencer County, KY offers a variety of venues that blend natural beauty with Southern hospitality. Here are some of the top spots to host your unforgettable day:

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🌾 The View at Plum Creek

📍 5105 Mount Washington Road, Taylorsville, KY
🌐 viewatplumcreek.com
📞 (502) 821-3856
📧 viewatplumcreek@gmail.com
⭐ 4.7 (17 reviews)
💬 “The name is appropriate for the stunning views all around this venue.”

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🕊️ The McKinley Wedding & Event Venue

📍 Taylorsville, KY
🌐 themckinleyevent.com
📞 (502) 859-0999
💬 “No hidden fees, no stress—just a beautiful space and total freedom to make it your own.”

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🏛️ Events on Main

📍 19 E Main Street, Taylorsville, KY
A charming downtown venue perfect for showers, receptions, reunions, and community events.
https://www.facebook.com/p/Events-On-Main-100071546474743/
💬 “It’s the perfect size for intimate gatherings, and the location couldn’t be more convenient.”

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🏢 Chamber of Commerce Hall

📍 19 E Main Street, Taylorsville, KY
Operated by the Spencer County-Taylorsville Chamber of Commerce, this hall is a popular venue for seasonal events and private rentals.
🌐 spencercountykychamber.com
📞 (502) 477-8369
💬 “We’ve hosted everything from baby showers to business mixers here—it’s a true community space.”

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🌿 The Barn at Magnolia Farm

📍 6701 Briar Ridge Road, Mount Eden, KY
🌐 thebarnatmagnoliafarm.com
📞 (502) 354-3778
💬 “The barn is beautifully decorated and full of charm. We barely had to add anything—it was already perfect.”

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🌸 Driscoll Estate Wedding and Event Venue

📍 Taylorsville, KY
⭐ 4.6 (98 reviews)
💬 “Beautiful place to have a wedding, everything was lovely.”

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🌿 Sage Wedding & Event Venue

📍 Taylorsville, KY
https://sageevents.co/
⭐ 4.7 (12 reviews)
💬 “The venue was beautiful and pricing was more than reasonable.”

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🌅 Overlook Event Center at Edgewater Resort

📍 Taylorsville, KY
⭐ 5.0 (4 reviews)
💬 “The view of the lake from the lawn is unmatched!”

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🏡 Other Local Options

• Spencer County Extension Office – Great for community events and receptions.
• Taylorsville Lake State Park – Ideal for outdoor ceremonies and scenic photo ops.
• Local churches and fellowship halls – Many offer rental options for weddings and reunions.

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💼 Need Help Planning?

Let Taylorsville-Spencer County Tourism be your local concierge! From vendor referrals to lodging recommendations, they’re your go-to team for making your event smooth and memorable.

Cheers!

Heading to Taylorsville Lake and our quaint Main Street is one of Kentucky’s most wallet-friendly family trips. Equestrian travelers are welcome at our State Park and RV Park, with trails and accommodations for both you and your horse. Enjoy free access to our rivers, streams, and stunning lake. The State Park has a fishing gear lending library for anglers big and small. Our local eateries are tasty, affordable, and loved by the locals. We’re thrilled to share our amazing landscapes, scenic drives, and serene farmlands. Taylorsville Lake and Spencer County offer the quiet charm only a small town can provide.

Feel the warmth and hospitality Taylorsville, KY, is famous for. Whether you’re exploring the charming shops on Main Street or having a lakeside picnic, there’s something for everyone. Our community events, held in our adorable town, bring locals and visitors together for a fun mix of culture, art, music, and excitement. Check out the local shops for unique handmade goods and souvenirs.

For adventure seekers, the area offers hiking, biking, and nature trails showcasing Kentucky’s stunning countryside. As the sun goes down, enjoy a campfire at one of our campgrounds, sharing stories and creating lasting memories. So pack your bags and head to Taylorsville, where a genuine small-town experience awaits. We can’t wait to welcome you!