Kentucky
Trip Ideas

It’s Worth It To Drive Across Kentucky Just For The Fry Pies At Schlabach’s Bakery

Schlabach’s Amish Bakery in Kentucky offers irresistible fried pies that are worth a road trip.

Updated May 20, 2024

Written by 

Sarah McCosham

Have you ever gotten a craving for something that’s so fierce, nothing — nothing — in the whole world will suffice? You simply must follow your heart (and stomach) and take a little road trip to get the object of your affection. Well, once you try the fried pies at Schlabach’s Amish Bakery in Kentucky, you’ll understand what we mean. These flaky, bursting-with-fruit, sticky-sweet Amish fried pies are the stuff of foodie fantasies, and with one bite, you will be ruined for life. In fact, you might find yourself happily driving clear across Kentucky just to satisfy your fry pie cravings! So, are you ready to embark on this journey to get the best fried pies in Kentucky? If so, let’s go to this amazing Amish store in Guthrie KY!

Do you know what makes people happy? Pies. Even better? Fry pies. Specifically, the fry pies from Schlabach's Amish Bakery in Kentucky.

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M Chu/Google Local

In the heart of Kentucky Amish Country, Schlabach's has been baking fresh breads and pastries daily since 1970, making it quite possibly the oldest Amish bakery in the Bluegrass.

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toshi bo/Google Local

Some might say Schlabach's location in Guthrie, a tiny town near the Tennessee border, is in the middle of nowhere. We say it's perfectly located as a simple, made-from-scratch bakery that is worth the drive, no matter the distance...

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Rosalee Lugo/Google Local

...especially for the fry pies.

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Schlabach's Amish Bakery/Facebook

There is nothing on the planet more delicious than the fry pies from this Kentucky bakery.

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Rosalee Lugo/Google Local

For those who've never had a fried hand pie -- or "fry pie" -- you're in for a treat. Picture your favorite pie, but in a delightfully miniature, hand-held version that's been lovingly filled and deep fried, then tossed in powdered sugar and/or coated with sticky-sweet glaze. Is your mouth watering yet?

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Matthew Smith/Google Local

The result is something so undeniably, wholly delicious that you'll have gobbled it up before even realizing what just happened. You'll be in total dessert bliss, and you might actually cry when you're finished. Tears of joy, and tears of longing -- for another fry pie, of course!

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Jasmin Wade/Google Local

Our advice? When you make the trek out to Guthrie, Kentucky, for the legendary fry pies from Schlabach's, do yourself a favor and buy extras. Just know that no matter how many you buy, you will undoubtedly run out too quickly, and be all too happy to plan your next pie pilgrimage!

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natakatt4u2006/TripAdvisor

Discover more about Schlabach’s Amish Bakery by watching this short YouTube video by Good Stuff.

https://youtu.be/itfd3P35fps?si=SjDVy08dKnNQYY9M

Have you tried the fry pies from this Kentucky bakery before? Schlabach's Amish Bakery is a must-visit spot for anyone with a fierce sweet tooth in the Bluegrass State.

Of course, if you’re a pie aficionado, there’s no better state than ours. Did you know that each fall, the world’s largest apple pie is baked right here in Kentucky? We recommend taking a road trip in Kentucky to experience this festival for yourself. And don't forget to check out our road trip essentials packing list!

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Trip Ideas|Day Trips

If You Only Have One Day to Visit This Small Town in Kentucky, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss

Published Sep 23, 2024

Written by 

Kelly Carroll

A small town of about 18,000 people in southwestern Kentucky, Murray is the ideal place to spend a day. Case in point: Murray has been voted the "friendliest small town in America" by Rand McNally and USA Today five times! There's much to love about Murray beyond its friendly people. But what if you only have one day to spend in this treasured small town? We've compiled a list of four must-see attractions for a day trip to Murray, Kentucky:

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1. Murray's Historic Town Square

The first thing visitors must see is Murray's historic town square. The square is a great place to walk around, shop, and grab a bite to eat. Murray City Hall is on the corner of 5th and Main Street. Nearby are three bookstores: Bolin's Books, Newlife Christian Bookstore, and Bookmark. The Main Street Market, a boutique grocery store, is also on Main Street. Hungry day trippers can eat at Mugsy's Hideout, which serves Italian food, or Rudy's on the Square, which serves classic Southern food. If you love visiting local coffee shops, as I do, 5th & Main Coffees is near City Hall. If you visit on a Saturday morning, look out for the popular Downtown Farmer's Market, where local vendors sell crafts and produce.

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A stately red-brick city hall building stands prominently at the corner of an intersection, framed by the lush green leaves of an overhanging tree. The architecture conveys a sense of authority and classical design, with large white columns flanking the entrance and the words “CITY HALL” engraved above the doors.500 Main Street
Murray KentuckyPhoto taken on April 25, 2024

2. Wrather West Kentucky Museum

After getting acquainted with Murray's town square, the next place to visit is the Wrather West Kentucky Museum on Murray State University's campus. The museum is free and open to the public and shares historical information about West Kentucky and the Jackson Purchase through fixed and short-term exhibits. Interestingly, the museum is located in the university's first permanent building, which opened in 1924 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

3. The Doran Arboretum

The next stop is a 15-minute walk from the Wrather West Kentucky Museum: the Doran Arboretum at Murray State University. The arboretum is open every day from dawn to dusk and is the perfect place to take a walk on a pretty day. It has a 0.8-mile track for walking and running, a butterfly garden, a sensory garden, and much more.

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A quiet street is lined with a row of two-story brick buildings featuring various storefronts, including a law office and a cafe. Two large white arrows painted on the road indicate traffic direction in adjacent lanes under an overcast sky.Main Street
Murray KentuckyPhoto taken on April 25, 2024

4. Kentucky Lake

Incredibly, Murray is about 30 minutes from Kentucky Lake. This 160,000-acre lake is the last attraction we chose for our list of things to do on a one-day trip to Murray. Visitors can hike, bike, boat, horseback ride, golf, and hunt at Kentucky Lake. Of course, it is difficult, and likely impossible, to do all of these things at Kentucky Lake in one day. For a short visit, we recommend taking the Kentucky Lake Scenic Drive, a three-mile drive with several photo-worthy overlooks and places to picnic.

What do you think about this list of must-see attractions in Murray, Kentucky? Is there anything you would add?

There are many more things to do and places to eat in Murray than we could include in this list. Murray is home to the best Dairy Queen in the world. It also has the Calloway County Barn Quilt Trail, a collection of more than 60 colorful quilt patterns on barns scattered around the county. Each quilt has a special significance and is often associated with a family story or tragedy.

If you'd like to spend more than one day in Murray, Kentucky, this two-bedroom cabin Airbnb near Kentucky Lake may be the perfect place to stay!

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Trip Ideas

Get Off The Freeway And Onto This Scenic Back Road Between Arthur And Cave City, Kentucky

Published Jul 8, 2024

Written by 

Kelly Carroll

There aren’t many better ways to spend a beautiful day than by taking a scenic drive. I love the freedom of the open road on a clear morning. If I’m alone, it’s a great time to listen to my favorite music. If I’m with friends, it’s the perfect time for meaningful conversations. Many scenic back roads in Kentucky offer glorious views and unique stops.

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Scenic Route 70, also known as Highway 70, runs through central Kentucky.

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Google Maps

A 16-mile stretch down this scenic back road from Arthur to Cave City, Kentucky, takes travelers by the Green River, a trailhead, a stunning overlook, and even through a part of Mammoth Cave National Park.

After hopping on Scenic Route 70 East, travelers quickly come upon the Turnhole Bend Nature Trailhead.

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David Doyle/Google Reviews

This trail is a 0.5-mile loop rated as moderately challenging. Hikers can take in fantastic views and learn about the area through informational signs along the route.

The Mammoth Cave Visitor Center is also a short drive off Scenic Route 70.

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Mammoth Cave National Park/Facebook

The visitor center has lots to do, from talking to a park ranger to browsing in the gift shop. Several tours of the national park start at the visitor center. If you haven’t taken the time to get acquainted with Mammoth Cave National Park, this is a fantastic opportunity to do so.

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Travelers on Scenic Route 70 can also stop to see the Green River Ferry.

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V K/Trip Advisor

The ferry is the last of its kind in Mammoth Cave National Park and transports cars and people hiking and biking across the Green River further north into the park. To continue on Scenic Route 70, it is not necessary to use the ferry to cross the river. However, it is a unique part of the area’s transportation system worth seeing before heading back to the scenic road.

While heading back to Scenic Route 70 from the Green River Ferry, drivers will come up on the Doyel Valley Overlook.

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John Lamb/Google Reviews

The brief stop provides views of the area’s hills and valleys. Some informational signs provide details of the area’s history and land.

Diamond Caverns are just off of Scenic Route 70.

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Andrew Morris/Google Reviews

These caverns were discovered in 1859. Guided tours provide information about the history and geology of Diamond Caverns.

Scenic Route 70 is a fantastic scenic back road in Kentucky. There are numerous attractions along the route, as well as peaceful vistas of the Green River and nearby farms.

Have you driven down Scenic Route 70? What did you think?

The route heads toward Cave City, a place with much to see and do. Dinosaur World Kentucky is nearby, with many realistic and life-size dinosaurs to view.

If you want to stay in the area overnight, this two-bedroom Airbnb may be the perfect accommodation!

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