What makes Simpsonville sights so special is the almost ridiculous mix of historical silence and the quiet drones of modern road that catapults you in the heart of Shelby County. The first time I lost myself here, because I thought the little village was just another point on the map, which one can ignore when passing through – and then I suddenly stood in front of the old cemetery, which was founded in 1790 and is still guarded by the descendants of the founders. The story of Simpsonville, the 19th A century as part of the township of the same name is a patchy carpet of cotton plantations, railways and the occasional shouting of the local church when the Sunday bell game halls over the flat country.
The town is best reached via the Interstate 64, then a short trip to the U.S. route 60, which runs like a red thread through the rural Kentucky. I have to admit that I don’t understand the hype about the “rustic authenticity”, but the small café on the main street, which has been run by the same family since 1923, is really great – her coffee has more character than some hipster barista in Louisville. And while I sit here, I notice that the only “Simpsonville sights” that really count people are: an older gentleman who proudly tells of his hunting, and a young couple dancing in the field after sunset. No joke, this is the real flair of this place.
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The first stop I put to every visitor is that Big Bone Lick State Park – a piece of prehistoric wilderness that hardly knows anyone from the area, although it is only about 30 miles northeast of Simpsonville. Here you can marvel at old mammoth bones that were discovered in the 1800s, and at the same time enjoy the feeling of wandering in a time when dinosaurs had not yet completely disappeared from the memory of the earth. I remember the day I drove along the dusty main road with my old off-road car, the radio sounded quietly and suddenly a tractor driver took me as if he wanted to say: “Welcome in real Kentucky.” Parking is usually a Klacks, as long as you don't come at the weekend with a school class – then the field quickly becomes a car park chaos.
A short trip to the south leads directly to Shelby County Museum in Shelbyville, which offers more than just dusty exhibits. The old barns, in which the first settlers put their harvest, were transformed into a kind of living history book. I once tried an old farm coffee there, which is supposed to be a recipe from the 19th century. The century is brewed – no joke, the stuff was stronger than my morning espresso. The museum is practically in the city centre, so you can easily find parking when you use the small but fine parking behind the town hall.
If you have enough of dusty museums, that is Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest a real rescue anchor. Only about 45 miles west, but the ride is worth it: a network of hiking trails, art installations and a huge tree house that feels like a modern tree house hotel. I once made a picnic there, while a squirrel boldly inspected my sandwiches – a moment I will never forget. The entrance is free, parking is always sufficient at the main parking lot at the entrance, as long as you do not come to the main event “Bernheim Summer Concert”, then it can become narrow.
A bit further east, almost on the border to Lexington, this is Kentucky Horse Park. I don't quite understand the hype about horses, but the opportunity to see a real dressage show while strolling over the pastures is quite impressive. I once met a young quarter-horse who was so curious that he almost stole my shoes. Parking is a bit of a labyrinth from several levels, but the signage is clear enough that you don't drive too long in circles.
For those who really want to experience the taste of Kentucky is a detour to Lexington Distillery District indispensable. There are several distilleries that open their doors as part of the Bourbon Trail route. I visited a small, family-run burner there, who explained to me why his bourbon is “not too sweet but not too dry” – a sentence that expresses more about his personality than any marketing campaign. The area is well on foot to explore, and parking is easily possible in most cases on the surrounding public parking.
A little further south, almost on the border to Louisville, this is Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. This is not only a museum, but a living village that the Shaker community of the 19th century It's a century. I took part in a handwork workshop where I tried to sew a pillow – the result was more of an artwork than a pillow, but the experience was unpaid. Parking is directly at the main entrance, and the village is designed so that you can easily walk from one building to the next.
Whether you’re on prehistoric bones, historical museums, majestic horses, aromatic bourbon or quiet forest trails – the area around Simpsonville offers a colorful range of experiences that can surprise and delight every traveler. And that's exactly what makes Simpsonville Attractions to an indispensable part of any Kentucky tour.
Whether adventurers, connoisseurs or cultural lovers – in Simpsonville everyone finds something that tears him out of everyday life, and without the crowded tourist crowds that you can find only in the big cities.
I have to start with my favorite attraction: Simpsonville City Park. Who comes here immediately realizes that the green is not just a piece of lawn, but a real refugium. I made a picnic with friends there on a lukewarm Saturday afternoon, while the children died on the old but well-preserved playground. The car park is practical – a small car park directly at the main entrance, and parking is usually a klack, except when the annual Simpsonville Days Festival Let's go, then the field in front of the car park becomes a battlefield.
A short walk further Simpsonville Historical MuseumHoused in the former Simpsonville School. I don't understand the hype about old school buildings, but here the story is tangible: old classrooms, original panels and a few dusty school books from the 30s. I found an old photograph where a boy with too big a hat is depicted – a real snapshot from the time when life went even slower. The museum is free, and the sign “Please be quiet” almost looks like a joke, because the visitors here whisper rather than scream.
If you have enough of history, the path leads to Simpsonville Community Center. This is my personal favorite place for spontaneous concerts and local art. I was there at an Open-Mic evening where an old man from the neighborhood unpacked his guitar and sang a song from the 60s – no joke, the audience was thrilled. The center has a small parking space behind the building, which is usually free as long as you are not there at the same time as the weekly yoga class.
Another must is the Old Mill Coffee on Main Street. I drank my first cappuccino in Simpsonville and was immediately addicted to the homemade pastry. Barista knows every customer by name – this is not just a saying, that is reality. The café has a few outdoor spaces that are perfect in summer to watch the city's drive. And yes, Wi-Fi is faster than what you find in some big cities.
For those who like to buy fresh products, there are Simpsonville Farmers Market, which takes place every second Saturday in summer. I tried the best peaches of my life there – sweet, juicy and without the usual supermarket taste. The market is right next to the park, so you can take a short walk after strolling. Parking is a bit tricky here because the stalls take the whole road edge, but a short walk from the main road is not a problem.
A little away from the center lies Simpsonville Baptist Church, an impressive brick building from the 19th century. I was there at a choir tasting evening and was surprised how good the acoustics are – almost like in a cathedral, only without the tourist crowds. The courtyard is a quiet place to meditate a few minutes, and parking is easy thanks to a small side street.
When you put all this together, you get a picture of the Simpsonville Attractions, which consist not only of buildings, but of stories, people and small moments, which you only really understand when you stand there. I have the feeling that everyone who comes here takes a piece of his own history – and that is, in my opinion, the most beautiful souvenir you can find.
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