Last Updated on August 27, 2026
The entrance to our vacation rental didn’t look like a hotel lobby or typical vacation rental. My husband and I stepped into an inviting, equestrian-themed, shared workspace filled with reminders that we were in Kentucky horse country. Then we climbed the stairs to The Stables Suite, where a comfortable apartment waited.
It was an appropriate beginning to two nights in Shelbyville, a town where horses, bourbon, history, and small-town hospitality come together.
We stayed at The Stables Suite in June 2026 while exploring Shelbyville and the surrounding area. From the suite, we could walk downtown for dinner, then drive to distilleries, horse farms, and other Shelbyville-area attractions. After a full day of exploring, I especially appreciated having a couch where we could put our feet up instead of spending the evening sitting on a hotel bed.
Overview of The Stables Suite
Shelby County between Louisville and Lexington is known as the American Saddlebred Capital of the World with more than 100 horse farms, breeding centers, and training facilities. Visitors feel that connection to Shelbyville’s horse culture upon stepping into the Stables Suite’s shared workspace.
Guests enter through the equestrian-themed ground floor of The Stables Shared Workspace where a large drawing of a horse hangs over the fireplace. The setup seemed unusual at first, but I loved the equestrian atmosphere. Stairs to the apartment are just around the corner. The stairs are wide and a fairly easy climb to the one-bedroom vacation rental in downtown Shelbyville.
Check-in was easy, which we appreciated after traveling. Finding the parking area took a little longer because it is behind the building. Once we located it, parking was convenient. Future guests should study their arrival instructions before pulling up, particularly if arriving after dark. I recommend unloading in front – if you can find a parking spot – and then heading to the parking area.
For us, the location was the suite’s biggest advantage. We could leave the car parked behind the building and walk to dinner or browse the downtown shops. When we wanted to venture farther, we could drive out for a horseback ride at Red Fern Riding Center or tour one of the area’s distilleries, before returning downtown for the evening.
A Quiet One Bedroom Suite for Two
Once we reached the second floor, I was pleased by how much space we had. With a separate bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living room, we didn’t feel confined to one room like in a hotel.
The bedroom had a comfortable queen-size bed. After full days of touring, we were ready for restful nights. A closet held our suitcases. Although we were staying downtown and above a shared workspace, the apartment was quiet during our visit. We could hear some passing cars from the living room, but the area went silent around 11 p.m.
Having a separate living room made a noticeable difference. The comfy couch became our place to unwind after sightseeing. Instead of sitting on the edge of a bed as we might in a hotel room, we could stretch out, talk about our day, and decide on our plan for the next day.
Amenities That Made Our Stay Comfortable
The full kitchen was one of the suite’s most useful amenities. We kept drinks and easy breakfast items in the refrigerator, then used the kitchen for snacks between outings. We never cooked a full meal. There were too many local restaurants we wanted to try, but I liked knowing we could if we wanted to.
One thing to note is that the kitchen does not have a dining table. Guests who cook will need to eat in the living room, but since we were only having breakfast items and snacks, it did not matter to us.
I liked that the owners had left books and games for guests. We did not have much downtime during our two-night stay, but those touches made the apartment feel more welcoming.
Things to Do Near The Stables Suite in Shelbyville
We had no trouble filling our two days in the Shelbyville area. Our itinerary included horses, bourbon, shopping, local wine, and a memorable Kentucky meal.
Places we visited and recommend:
- Wakefield-Scearce Galleries and the Shops of Science Hill
- Jeptha Creed Distillery
- Talon Winery
- Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass
- Red Fern Riding Center
- Frontier Whiskey Experience at Bulleit Distilling Co.
- Lettleiki Icelandics
- The Bell House Restaurant (Be sure to ring the bell as you leave.)
What Travelers Should Know Before Booking
The stairs are the most important thing to consider before booking. Every guest must climb them to reach the suite, and carrying luggage upstairs could be difficult for someone with mobility issues.
The shared-workspace entrance surprised us at first, but once we understood the arrangement, it did not bother us.
Parking is available behind the building. It took us a while to find it on arrival, although it was convenient once we knew where to go. Reading the parking directions carefully beforehand would make check-in smoother.
At the time of writing, the VRBO listing allows two guests and prohibits pets, smoking, and events. Check-in begins after 3 p.m., and checkout is before 10 a.m.; verify these details when booking.
Our Final Verdict
I would recommend The Stables Suite to couples who want more room than a traditional hotel room and appreciate being able to walk downtown. It may not work for travelers who have difficulty climbing stairs, but for our two-night visit, it gave us the space and location we needed. Most of all, I remember how good that couch felt when we returned after a busy day in Shelbyville.
If You Go: The Stables Suite
- Location: Downtown Shelbyville, Kentucky (706 Main Street, Shelbyville, KY 40065)
- Best for: Couples, bourbon travelers, horse enthusiasts, and visitors who enjoy walkable downtown stays
- Accommodations: One bedroom with one queen bed; sleeps two
- Notable features: Full kitchen, separate living room, full bathroom, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and rear parking
- Accessibility: Second-floor suite reached by stairs through The Stables Shared Workspace
- Booking: Check current rates, policies, and availability on the VRBO listing.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Stables Suite
Where is The Stables Suite located?
It is in downtown Shelbyville, Kentucky, convenient to local restaurants and shops and well positioned for exploring bourbon, equestrian, and historic attractions.
How many people can stay at The Stables Suite?
The one-bedroom suite accommodates two guests and has one queen-size bed.
Does the suite have a kitchen?
Yes. It has a full kitchen where guests can prepare food and drinks, refrigerate purchases, and store leftovers, although it does not have a dining table or chairs.
Is parking available?
Yes. Free parking is behind the building. Review the arrival instructions carefully because the lot was not immediately obvious to us.
Is the suite accessible without stairs?
No. Guests enter through the shared workspace and climb stairs to the second floor. This may be challenging for travelers with mobility limitations.
Is this a good base for Kentucky bourbon and horse country?
Yes. Its downtown location provides easy access to restaurants and shops, while area distilleries and horse attractions are within driving distance.
