How A Family Farm Became A Must-Visit Destination In Kentucky Artwork

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!

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Kentucky Hidden Wonders

How A Family Farm Became A Must-Visit Destination In Kentucky

October 23, 2025 • Kentucky Hidden Wonders • Episode 14

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 one of Kentucky’s most beloved agritourism destinations without losing its roots.

The story starts decades ago, with a move from Louisville to Shelbyville, when dairy days gave way to greenhouses, u-pick strawberries, and a market famous for peaches-and-cream sweet corn. Gabriella walks us through the seasonal rhythm: spring blooms and starter plants, summer’s overflowing produce stands, and a sunflower and corn festival designed to get families outdoors among acres of color. Then comes fall—the big one—with hayrides to the pumpkin patch, a corn maze, jump pillows, barrel trains, a haunted house, and those donuts people line up for. We talk practical tips too: weekend vs. weekday timing, what’s open when, and how the cafe turns farm-fresh tomatoes and lettuce into pressed paninis and homemade sides worth the trip.

Beyond the fun, there’s real scale and innovation. Gallrein farms 1,200 acres, supplies local restaurants and select farmers markets, and recently installed solar panels with help from the USDA REAP program to cut costs and reduce energy use. Gabriella also shares her path from Navy aviator to farm leader, why community tables beat standard seating, and how the event pavilion hosts company picnics and large gatherings with ease. If you’re looking for Shelby County attractions, Kentucky agritourism, sunflower fields, pumpkin patches, or the best sweet corn around, this conversation maps your perfect visit.

Subscribe, share with a friend who loves a good farm day, and leave a review to help more people find Kentucky’s hidden wonders.

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🎙️ Kentucky Hidden Wonders is presented by ShelbyKY Tourism.

🥃 Plan a visit to Your Bourbon Destination® at www.visitshelbyky.com. Located in the heart of central Kentucky and less than an hour from Louisville and Lexington, ShelbyKY is the perfect Kentucky getaway. Complete with two great distilleries, action-packed outdoor adventures, and the best vacation rentals near Louisville, put ShelbyKY at the top of your list when planning a Kentucky Bourbon Trail® trip, romantic couples retreat, or a whole-family vacation.

🎙️ Kentucky Hidden Wonders is hosted by Janette Marson and Mason Warren and edited by Ethan Fisher.

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