Visit Taylorsville in Spencer County, KY: Real Country, Real Escape

Enjoy authentic Kentucky hospitality in Taylorsville & Spencer County, Kentucky.

Photo credit: Matthew Hagan
ITINERARIES
by Kat

Why Film Here?

Spencer County offers authentic Kentucky charm with scenic landscapes, historic sites, and a welcoming small-town atmosphere. From rolling farmland to Taylorsville Lake’s serene waters, this region provides diverse backdrops for period pieces, nature documentaries, and modern dramas.

Top Filming Locations

  • Taylorsville Lake State Park – 3,050-acre lake with wooded trails, open fields, and panoramic water views.
  • Tree lined river tributaries with free public access.
  • Historic Taylorsville Main Street – Quaint storefronts and vintage architecture.
  • Felix Grundy Stidger Cabin – Civil War-era site under restoration.
  • Van Buren (Lost Town Beneath Taylorsville Lake) – Story-rich location for historical narratives.
  • Event Venues with Scenic Views – The View at Plum Creek, Overlook Event Center, The Barn at Magnolia Farm.

Private Estates & Historic Homes

  • Beechland, Bourne-Anderson House, All Saints Church, Spencer House, Vaucluse Historic House.
  • Driscoll Estate, The Barn at Magnolia Farm, and numerous restored or weathered barns.
  • Large acreage estates available via local real estate listings.

Amenities & Resources for Film Crews

  • Tourism – Film Concierge – Taylorsville-Spencer County Tourism: (502) 902-7039 | https://visittaylorsville.com
  • Lodging – Edgewater Resort, Taylorsville RV Park, VRBO listings.
  • Dining & Catering – Local eateries and seasonal food festivals.
  • Equipment & Supplies – General stores, artisan shops, Heirloom Paints.

Crew Lodging & Mobile Units

For productions requiring on-site accommodations, RV rentals are a convenient option for Taylorsville RV Park or Taylorsville Lake State Park.

RV Rental Contacts

Free & Scenic Extras

  • Waterford Community Park, nature classes, and Gourd Festival for cultural B-roll.

Permits & Local Contacts

  • Tourism Office: director@visittaylorsville.com
  • Chamber of Commerce: (502) 477-8369
taylorsville spencer county ky fun for families
ITINERARIES
by Kat

Looking for budget-friendly adventures the whole family can enjoy? Spencer County, KY is packed with free outdoor fun, hands-on experiences, and seasonal events that make memories without breaking the bank.

Waterford Community Park
Just five miles west of Taylorsville on Hwy 44, this gem is open from sunrise to sunset and features a playground, picnic shelter, restrooms, a 0.45-mile walking track, fitness stations, and fields for basketball, soccer, and softball. It’s perfect for a day of play and fresh air!

Taylorsville Lake Adventures
From scenic swimming trails off Overlook Road to boat-accessible swimming spots, Taylorsville Lake is a splash-worthy destination. Three public boat ramps offer free access for fishing, swimming, and boating—plus restrooms and parking!

Kitty Café at Spencer County Humane Society
Kids and cat lovers alike will adore this cozy lounge on Main Street, where you can cuddle adoptable kitties and maybe even find a furry friend to take home.

Seasonal Events & Festivals
Don’t miss Octoberfest Kids Zone, Trick or Treat on Main, and Christmas on Main—all free and full of games, crafts, parades, and holiday cheer. Foodyfest Kids Zone in September adds bounce houses, cooking classes, and kitty petting to the mix!

Creative & Educational Fun
Enjoy free nature classes at Taylorsville Lake State Park, gourd crafting at the Gourd Festival, and hands-on learning through Spencer County’s 4-H programs. There’s even a Digital History Project online for curious minds!

Spencer County is your go-to for free family adventures that blend nature, creativity, and community spirit. Pack a picnic, grab the kids, and come explore!

Here’s your guide to all the fun!

Photo credit: Matthew Hagan
ITINERARIES
by Kat

Spencer County, Kentucky offers a variety of free, family-friendly outdoor activities that make it easy to enjoy nature and community without spending a dime. From scenic trails to playgrounds and seasonal events, there’s something for every age group.

Taylorsville Lake State Park

This local gem provides free access to hiking trails, fishing piers, and two playgrounds near the campground. The park includes ADA-accessible trails and restrooms, making it a welcoming space for families with mobility needs. Bathhouses near the campground may include changing areas, though availability of baby changing pads is not guaranteed.

Waterford Community Park & Ray Jewell Memorial Park

These two parks are ideal for families with toddlers and young children. Both feature playgrounds, walking tracks, and sports fields. Public restrooms are available at each location, though changing pad availability may vary.

Spencer County Fairgrounds

Hosting seasonal festivals and community events, the fairgrounds often offer free admission. Events typically include access to portable restrooms or indoor facilities depending on the setup.

Downtown Taylorsville Walks

Families can enjoy self-guided walking tours, historic buildings, and small green spaces perfect for stroller breaks or a quick snack. While public restrooms are limited downtown, some local businesses and community buildings may offer facilities during events.

Whether you’re planning a weekend outing or looking for everyday options, Spencer County provides a welcoming and accessible environment for families to enjoy the outdoors together.

Public Parks

1. Waterford Community Park

  • Location: Hwy 44, five miles west of Taylorsville
  • Hours: Sunrise to sunset
  • Great for: Toddlers to teens
  • Features:
    • Playground
    • Picnic shelter
    • Restrooms
    • 0.45-mile walking track
    • Fitness stations
    • Basketball court
    • Soccer & softball fields

2. Ray Jewell Memorial Park

  • Location: Ray Road off Hwy 44 East, across from Spencer County High School
  • Hours: Sunrise to sunset
  • Great for: Toddlers to teens
  • Features:
    • Playground
    • 0.55-mile walking track
    • Fitness stations
    • Basketball court
    • Baseball & soccer fields
    • Restrooms & concession stand

3. Spencer County Fairgrounds

  • Location: 895 Fairgrounds Road, Taylorsville, KY 40071
  • Hours: Event-based (free to enter during many community events)
  • Great for: All ages
  • Features:
    • Seasonal festivals
    • Community events
    • Family-friendly gatherings

Taylorsville Lake State Park

  • Location: 1320 Park Road, Taylorsville, KY
  • Hours: Sunrise to sunset
  • Cost: Free for day use
  • Great for: All ages
  • Features:
    • 2 playgrounds (near campground)
    • 24 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback trails
    • Fishing pier and boat ramps (free access)
    • Wildlife viewing and picnic shelters
    • ADA-accessible trails and restrooms

Downtown Taylorsville Walks

  • Location: Main Street and surrounding blocks
  • Cost: Free
  • Great for: Babies in strollers, kids, and teens
  • Features:
    • Seasonal decorations
    • Historic buildings
    • Pocket rest areas and benches
    • Local shops and murals
horse spencer county equestrian travel
ITINERARIES
by Kat

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

mexican food spencer county taylorsville kentucky
DINE
by Kat

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.
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