Hey, y'all! It would prove insurmountable if one were to make a definitive list of summer bucket list destinations in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. While there are many worthy destinations to visit, I recommend that you put experiencing summer at Gallrein Farms at the top of the list. If you haven't been, you're in for a treat - and if you have been, you know that each return trip is as much of a treat as the previous trip!
Thank you to ShelbyKY Tourism for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions expressed are my own. Thank you to my readers for supporting those that make JCP Eats possible.
Summer at Gallrein Farms
Greenhouses
The (spring and) summer months at Gallrein Farms bring one of my favorite activities: shopping for plants. Gallrein Farms offers beautiful and unique annuals, perennials, tropical plants, and more. Most of their plants are grown and cared for on the farm in Shelby County.
You'll find the greenhouse to be well-stocked and stunning. I recommend having plenty of room in your vehicle when you visit!
Fresh Produce
My favorite part of Gallrein Farms - specifically, summer at Gallrein Farms - is shopping their market. In the summer, the market is full of fresh vegetables picked straight from the garden on the farm. It's not uncommon to see farmers bringing in the day's harvest directly to the market. Gallrein Farms lives and breathes by the farm-to-table mentality -- and in doing so, they inspire Kentucky excellence.
The signature offering of summer at Gallrein is their deliciously sweet corn. It is the best corn that money can buy. Throw some on the grill, pair it with with garden veggies for a summertime feast, and/or - if you're like my family - put up freezer corn that'll last you for the year!
Apart from produce and vegetables, the market is chock-full of other Kentucky-proud goodies. I love the salad dressings, jams + jellies, honey, jarred goods, and the meat (country ham, always and forever).
Pro tip: while in the market, don't forget to purchase produce to take to the petting zoo, a favorite activity for families!
Dining
You'd think the experience would be all-inclusive with the greenhouses + market. However, they also offer an on-site cafe, which serves lunch from 11-2 (Monday - Saturday). Guests have the opportunity to choose from classics such as chicken salad, wraps, and a plethora of other panini-pressed sandwiches.
My favorite is the Joe Clark, which features old-fashioned fried beef bologna, grilled sweet onions, mayo, tomato, lettuce, and sourdough bread.
The bakery also makes homemade fudge, doughnuts, cookies, and candies. My favorite - and a crowd-favorite - are the apple cider doughnuts. Grab a container (or two) and thank me later.
Gallrein Farms Schedule
Gallrein Farms is open April 1st through October 31st. Their growing season is very weather-dependent; thus, be sure to check as to when different crops are ready, as it might change from year to year. A typical schedule follows:
- Strawberries: Mid May to Early June
- Beans: Early July to Early October
- Summer Squash: June 30 to November
- Apples: June 30 to November
- Corn: July 1 to September 15
- Tomatoes: July 3 to October 23
- Pumpkins & Gourds: September 15 – Oct. 31
Visit Gallrein Farms
1029 Vigo Rd, Shelbyville, KY 40065
(502) 633-4849
About Shelby County
Shelby County, a community of small-town charm and world-class equestrian events, is the American Saddlebred Capital of the World. Home to 90-plus Saddlebred horse farms and breeding and training facilities, ShelbyKY gives visitors a rare peek into the world of the Saddlebred show horse. Attractions include Kentucky’s only designer outlet mall, The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass; the antique, home accessory and furniture shops comprising “Design Destination”; Jeptha Creed Distillery; Bulleit Distillery; Talon Winery; and the Shelby County Community Theatre. ShelbyKY’s dining landscape includes culinary icons Science Hill Inn and Claudia Sanders Dinner House; overnight choices range from brand-name chain hotels to downtown lofts; and there are ample outdoor adventures to enjoy.
Y’all come back now, ya hear?
My best,
JC
Keep Up With JCP Eats
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