Kentucky Hidden Wonders
Uncover the best-kept secrets of the Bluegrass State with Kentucky Hidden Wonders, the podcast that takes you beyond the usual tourist attractions and into the heart of Kentucky’s hidden gems. From historic small towns and scenic backroads to underrated attractions and local legends, we shine a light on the unique places and experiences that make Kentucky truly unforgettable.
Each episode explores off-the-beaten-path destinations, secret hiking trails, charming local businesses, fascinating history, and must-visit spots in Shelby County and beyond. Whether you're a Kentucky native, a curious traveler, or someone looking for your next road trip idea, Kentucky Hidden Wonders will inspire you to explore the rich culture, outdoor adventures, and undiscovered beauty of the Bluegrass State.
Join us as we share insider tips, intriguing stories, and travel inspiration to help you experience Kentucky like never before. Subscribe now and start planning your next adventure!
Episodes
24 episodes
Chef Brent Evans: Superb Food & Genuine Hospitality
You can learn technique in culinary school, but you learn judgment in a real kitchen. We’re joined by Chef Brent Evans, executive chef of the Bell House in Shelbyville, Kentucky, for a candid conversation about how his career truly clicked once...
Inside Simpsonville's Bustling Parks Scene with Chris Truelock
Fireworks on the Fourth of July, kids racing on Simpsonville's "Motor Speedway," and a town small enough that the Parks and Recreation Director also hops on the DJ mic. We sit down with Chris Truelock from Simpsonville Parks and Recreation to h...
.png)
J.D. Shelburne's Veteran Benefit Concert at Gallrein Farms
A concert on a Kentucky farm sounds like a perfect summer night, but the real story is what the night is built to do: raise money to house homeless veterans and support veterans across the state. We sit down with country artist J.D. Shelburne, ...
Discovering HOPE and Great Golf at Weissinger Hills
We’re joined by Bryan Slone, PGA, the general manager of Weissinger Hills Golf Course in Shelbyville, Kentucky to unpack how history, location, and day-to-day hospitality turn a local course into a true travel stop for golfers coming from Louis...
Inside the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® with Mandy Ryan
We sit down with Mandy Ryan, Director of Kentucky Bourbon Trail® Experiences, to unpack how a six-stop trail from 1999 has grown into a powerhouse composed of 58 destinations that’s reshaping Kentucky tourism, extending stays, and driving local...
Inside Little Mount Lavender: From Field To Storefront
Most people think lavender is just a pretty scent. We open the door to a much bigger story: a Kentucky team who planted 5,000 starts, signed a lease before they had products, and built a year-round destination inside a historic stone building w...
From Family Grocer To Legendary Grill At B&N Food Market
A granddad with a butcher’s hand, a grocery from 1970, and a burger that made a town famous—this is the flavor map behind B&N Food Market in Bagdad, Kentucky. We sit down with Buckshot and Ashley Warren to trace how a family store turned in...
How A Shelby County Ministry is Reshaping Veterans' Lives
Some gaps are obvious once you’ve lived through them. Brady Wright, a combat Veteran turned ministry leader, describes the moment he realized why so many vets were cycling from hospital detox back to the street; there was no immediate bridge in...
Getting Lost On Purpose: The Art, Science, And Soul of Surrounding
A flat map can’t explain why a roadside rock wall feels like a time machine. That’s where Ronald R. (Reggie) Van Stockum Jr. comes in. He’s a lawyer who practices environmental law, a biologist with a PhD, an author who writes like a traveler-p...
Inside The Backwards Backpack: How Sensory Tools Help Autistic Kids In Crisis
A roadside crash. A child on the spectrum overwhelmed by noise and confusion. One pair of headphones, a set of picture cards, and a dinosaur-weighted plush turn panic into calm. That pivot—from chaos to connection—is the heart of our conversati...
.png)
How A Family Farm Became A Must-Visit Destination In Kentucky
Want the kind of day that smells like sweet corn, tastes like warm apple cider donuts, and ends with muddy boots and full hearts? We sit down with Gabriella Gallrein of Gallrein Farms to explore how a third-generation family operation became on...
Hoofprints on the Heart: A Couple's Path Through Kentucky Horse Country
Judge Dan Ison and Debbie Holloway Ison share their journey through Kentucky's horse country, from thoroughbred racing dreams to quarter horse breeding and equine therapy programs. Their 36-year marriage has united their complementary passions ...
How a Small School in Shelby County is Shaping Kentucky's Future Leaders
We explore Cornerstone Christian Academy with Advancement Director Annette Hill, discovering how this 42-year-old institution is shaping the future leaders of Shelby County through faith-based education and community involvement.Cor...
Juicy Secrets of Shelby County
Mulberry Orchard celebrates its 15th season as a Shelby County treasure with 8,000 fruit trees and a commitment to authentic farm experiences. Fifth-generation farmer Amanda Gajdzik shares how her family transformed traditional farming operatio...
Beyond the Greens: Exploring Shelby County Parks
Derrick Griffitts brings a fresh perspective to Shelby County Parks and Recreation, transforming Kentucky's hidden outdoor treasures into accessible adventures for everyone. As a 25-year PGA golf professional who now directs the entire 960-acre...
Tracing Roots: A Journey Through Shelby County's Genealogical Treasures
Sarahbeth Farabee, head genealogist at the Shelby County Public Library and vice president of the Shelby County Historical Society, shares her passion for genealogy and the extensive resources available at the library's Kentucky Room.
See Kentucky On Horseback
Justine Saudan and Lyndsey Estes from Red Fern Riding Center share how they're bringing authentic horseback experiences to visitors and locals alike at Shelby Trails Park in Simpsonville, Kentucky. Their riding center offers guided trail rides,...
Unearthing Shelby County's Past: Tunnels, Time Capsules, and Hidden Stories
Deputy Judge Jon Park takes us on a journey through Shelby County's hidden gems and historical treasures, revealing surprising discoveries and community stories along the way. He shares his path from Illinois to Kentucky and explains how his ba...
From Ground to Glass: Jeptha Creed Distillery
Joyce Nethery from Jeptha Creed Distillery shares her journey from chemical engineer to master distiller at her family's woman-owned, woman-run Kentucky bourbon operation. The distillery's signature Bloody Butcher corn creates distinctive flavo...
Celebrating Shelby County's Rich History with Helen McKinney
Helen McKinney, Executive Director of the Shelby County Historical Society, reveals the rich historical significance of Shelby County and the many programs preserving its heritage. As a descendant of Samuel Boone (brother to Daniel and Squire),...
Dogwoods Bloom and Spotlights Shine in Shelby County, KY
The episode delves into the vibrant community spirit of Shelby County, highlighted through the annual Dogwood Festival and the Shelby County Community Theater. Listeners gain insights into the festival's rich history, upcoming events, and the i...
Two Centuries in Shelby County, Kentucky: Science Hill & Wakefield-Scearce Galleries
Discover the fascinating history behind Wakefield-Scearce Galleries and its integral role in Shelby County's heritage. Explore how a family-run business evolved from a grocery store into a celebrated destination for antiques and craftsmanship w...
Celebrating Art and Culture on Shelbyville's Historic Main Street
Shelbyville, Kentucky, boasts a vibrant community spirit through Shelby Main Street, led by Darlene Snow. This episode explores the program's focus on design, promotion of local businesses, current beautification projects, and upcoming events w...
Healing Through Horses: The Transformative Power of Equine Therapy at HorseSensing
Discover the magic of equine therapy with Dr. Sally Broder, the visionary behind HorseSensing in Shelby County, Kentucky. With a heartfelt journey that took her from the sunny shores of California to the rolling hills of Kentucky, Dr. Broder ha...
