Kentucky Hidden Wonders

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 he worked under great mentors and started cooking food that was made with care, not shortcuts. If you love Kentucky food culture, chef stories, or the craft behind hospitality, this one goes straight to the heart of it.  We also dig into what makes the Bell House such a special historic restaurant on Main Street. The building dates back to 1902, while an 1800s firehouse bell made in Louisville sits out front — inspiring the restaurant's name and identity. Local history isn't just decor here, it’s part of the experience.  Then we get deliciously specific about the menu. Chef Brent explains how he thinks about balance in every dish, why he avoids fussy garnish, and how he keeps quality high at both lunch and dinner. We talk about the Bell House's Hot Brown and the small ingredient choices that change everything. We also cover their fun and very popular events like seasonal teas, murder mystery dinners, and four-course holiday menus. Lastly, we touch on what it takes to run a mostly scratch kitchen with a dedicated pastry team.  If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to Kentucky Hidden Wonders, share the episode with a friend who loves great restaurants, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What’s the one Kentucky dish you think every visitor should try? Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432366/fan_mail/new] 🎙️ Kentucky Hidden Wonders is presented by ShelbyKY Tourism. 🥃 Plan a visit to Your Bourbon Destination® at www.visitshelbyky.com [https://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 [https://www.visitshelbyky.com/things-to-do/distilleries-wineries-and-breweries/], action-packed outdoor adventures [https://www.visitshelbyky.com/things-to-do/outdoors-and-recreation/], and the best vacation rentals near Louisville, put ShelbyKY at the top of your list when planning a Kentucky Bourbon Trail® [https://www.visitshelbyky.com/bourbon-destination/] 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.  📲 Follow Kentucky Hidden Wonders: * facebook.com/kentuckyhiddenwonders [https://www.facebook.com/kentuckyhiddenwonders] * instagram.com/kentuckyhiddenwonders/ [https://www.instagram.com/kentuckyhiddenwonders/] * youtube.com/@KentuckyHiddenWonders [https://www.youtube.com/@KentuckyHiddenWonders] © ShelbyKY Tourism, All Rights Reserved.

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 hear how a community of about 3,500 pulls off youth sports leagues, special events, and the streetscapes people rave about. We map out what to expect for Simpsonville’s July 4th “Boom,” including the expanded schedule for America’s 250th celebration. Chris shares the behind-the-scenes logistics plus the fun stuff that'll have people from all over descending upon Simpsonville. If you're searching for July 4th activities for the family, this conversation gives you practical details and a clearer sense of what makes the day work. Then we zoom out to the biggest story: a 125-acre land donation that will become Simpsonville’s next park. Chris explains how the city gathered resident input with a mailed survey that earned an incredible response rate, and what the community asked for most: trails, pathways, nature, scenery, playgrounds, pools, spray pads, and space to walk and run while keeping the land as natural as possible. We also talk timeline, funding, and why the city plans to build in phases, plus how the Simpsonville Farmers Market and Bobcat Farms connect kids, local food, and community gardens to the future park. If you like local government stories with real impact, hit play, share this with a friend who loves parks and small towns, and subscribe. After listening, leave a review and tell us: what would you want in a new community park? Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432366/fan_mail/new] 🎙️ Kentucky Hidden Wonders is presented by ShelbyKY Tourism. 🥃 Plan a visit to Your Bourbon Destination® at www.visitshelbyky.com [https://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 [https://www.visitshelbyky.com/things-to-do/distilleries-wineries-and-breweries/], action-packed outdoor adventures [https://www.visitshelbyky.com/things-to-do/outdoors-and-recreation/], and the best vacation rentals near Louisville, put ShelbyKY at the top of your list when planning a Kentucky Bourbon Trail® [https://www.visitshelbyky.com/bourbon-destination/] 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.  📲 Follow Kentucky Hidden Wonders: * facebook.com/kentuckyhiddenwonders [https://www.facebook.com/kentuckyhiddenwonders] * instagram.com/kentuckyhiddenwonders/ [https://www.instagram.com/kentuckyhiddenwonders/] * youtube.com/@KentuckyHiddenWonders [https://www.youtube.com/@KentuckyHiddenWonders] © ShelbyKY Tourism, All Rights Reserved.

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, Brady Wright from Fire Mission Veteran Services, Aaron Garofola, and Justin Gallrein to share how Shelby County pulls together to create a veteran benefit concert at Gallrein Farm where the mission stays front and center. We walk through the full plan for June 13, including the VIP lunch, the meet and greet with J.D., and the outdoor live music experience. You’ll also hear how partners like Goodwood Restaurant and other local sponsors help make the event possible, plus what to expect on-site with food, parking, and opportunities to connect with veteran organizations. J.D. also opens up about his path from Taylorsville to a life in country music: discovering his grandmother’s guitar, building momentum through early gigs, and reaching career milestones like playing the Grand Ole Opry and playing on the Las Vegas Strip. That personal thread ties back to the bigger takeaway: communities change lives when they combine music, generosity, and consistent action. For tickets to this awesome event, head to https://gallreinfarms1.ticketspice.com/jd-shelburne-benefit-concert-at-gallrein-farms If you're interested in becoming a sponsor, please visit https://firemissions.org/contact/ Subscribe for more Kentucky stories, share this with someone who loves live music, and leave a review if you want more episodes that spotlight local people doing real work. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432366/fan_mail/new] 🎙️ Kentucky Hidden Wonders is presented by ShelbyKY Tourism. 🥃 Plan a visit to Your Bourbon Destination® at www.visitshelbyky.com [https://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 [https://www.visitshelbyky.com/things-to-do/distilleries-wineries-and-breweries/], action-packed outdoor adventures [https://www.visitshelbyky.com/things-to-do/outdoors-and-recreation/], and the best vacation rentals near Louisville, put ShelbyKY at the top of your list when planning a Kentucky Bourbon Trail® [https://www.visitshelbyky.com/bourbon-destination/] 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.  📲 Follow Kentucky Hidden Wonders: * facebook.com/kentuckyhiddenwonders [https://www.facebook.com/kentuckyhiddenwonders] * instagram.com/kentuckyhiddenwonders/ [https://www.instagram.com/kentuckyhiddenwonders/] * youtube.com/@KentuckyHiddenWonders [https://www.youtube.com/@KentuckyHiddenWonders] © ShelbyKY Tourism, All Rights Reserved.

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 Louisville and beyond.  The most meaningful aspect centers on PGA HOPE, a free six-week program for veterans built around instruction, support, and camaraderie, plus how listeners can help fund it through sponsorship.  Bryan shares his own path from learning the game at age four to becoming a PGA Professional, then gets practical about what visitors actually want to know: where the course is, what it costs, and why so much of the play comes from out of town. If you’re searching for a public golf course near Louisville, or a Shelby County getaway that pairs well with touring the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, this one fits.  If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe, share it with a golf buddy or a veteran in your life, and leave us a review so more people can find Kentucky Hidden Wonders. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432366/fan_mail/new] 🎙️ Kentucky Hidden Wonders is presented by ShelbyKY Tourism. 🥃 Plan a visit to Your Bourbon Destination® at www.visitshelbyky.com [https://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 [https://www.visitshelbyky.com/things-to-do/distilleries-wineries-and-breweries/], action-packed outdoor adventures [https://www.visitshelbyky.com/things-to-do/outdoors-and-recreation/], and the best vacation rentals near Louisville, put ShelbyKY at the top of your list when planning a Kentucky Bourbon Trail® [https://www.visitshelbyky.com/bourbon-destination/] 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.  📲 Follow Kentucky Hidden Wonders: * facebook.com/kentuckyhiddenwonders [https://www.facebook.com/kentuckyhiddenwonders] * instagram.com/kentuckyhiddenwonders/ [https://www.instagram.com/kentuckyhiddenwonders/] * youtube.com/@KentuckyHiddenWonders [https://www.youtube.com/@KentuckyHiddenWonders] © ShelbyKY Tourism, All Rights Reserved.

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 communities' economies. From the Amber Triangle of Louisville, Lexington, and Bardstown to small-town gems like Shelby County, the trail’s variety now spans ultra-modern sustainability showcases and family-run farm-to-glass distilleries. We dig into what modern visitors actually want: hands-on cocktail classes, chef-led dinners, meet-the-maker sessions, and tasting rooms where stories are as rich as the pours. Mandy shares why the audience is widening—more women, more mixed friend groups—and how simple, bartender-led guidance helps first-timers ease into tasting with confidence. Along the way, we talk real impact: a $9.2B industry driving jobs, payroll, and a ripple effect for hotels, restaurants, and downtown businesses. Shelby County’s numbers illustrate how distilling fuels local growth, with even more distilleries on the horizon. Planning just got smarter, too. After a major rebrand, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is rolling out a new itinerary builder where you can favorite distilleries, drag-and-drop plans, plus a pocket-friendly Z-fold map that puts every region in your hand. We also tackle headwinds—tariffs, wellness shifts, GLP-1 medications, cannabis competition—and why authentic hospitality and premium experiences keep demand strong, even when foot traffic softens. If you’re ready to design a meaningful bourbon journey—one that pairs rickhouses with great food, art, and Kentucky’s signature hospitality—this conversation is your roadmap. Enjoy the episode? Follow the show, share it with a friend who loves bourbon travel, and leave a quick review to help others discover us. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432366/fan_mail/new] 🎙️ Kentucky Hidden Wonders is presented by ShelbyKY Tourism. 🥃 Plan a visit to Your Bourbon Destination® at www.visitshelbyky.com [https://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 [https://www.visitshelbyky.com/things-to-do/distilleries-wineries-and-breweries/], action-packed outdoor adventures [https://www.visitshelbyky.com/things-to-do/outdoors-and-recreation/], and the best vacation rentals near Louisville, put ShelbyKY at the top of your list when planning a Kentucky Bourbon Trail® [https://www.visitshelbyky.com/bourbon-destination/] 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.  📲 Follow Kentucky Hidden Wonders: * facebook.com/kentuckyhiddenwonders [https://www.facebook.com/kentuckyhiddenwonders] * instagram.com/kentuckyhiddenwonders/ [https://www.instagram.com/kentuckyhiddenwonders/] * youtube.com/@KentuckyHiddenWonders [https://www.youtube.com/@KentuckyHiddenWonders] © ShelbyKY Tourism, All Rights Reserved.