Tucked just off Interstate 64 in Simpsonville, Kentucky, sits one of the state’s largest shopping destinations — and most people have no idea it’s there.
The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass stretches across more than 400,000 square feet of open-air retail space, packed with major brand names at seriously discounted prices.
It sits almost perfectly between Louisville and Lexington, making it a convenient stop for shoppers across the region.
Whether you’re hunting for a great deal on sneakers or just want a fun day out, this place might surprise you.
A Massive Shopping Destination Most People Drive Right Past
Picture driving down Interstate 64 and passing what looks like a cluster of buildings — not realizing you just flew past one of Kentucky’s largest shopping centers. That’s exactly what happens to thousands of drivers every week near Simpsonville.
The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass spans more than 428,000 square feet, putting it firmly in the same size category as major regional destination malls.
To put that in perspective, 428,000 square feet is roughly the size of seven football fields laid side by side. This isn’t a small strip of outlet stores with a handful of brands — it’s a full-scale retail complex with dozens of shops spread across a beautifully designed outdoor layout.
Many shoppers who finally visit for the first time are genuinely stunned by how large it is.
Part of why it stays under the radar is its location. Simpsonville doesn’t carry the same shopping reputation as Louisville or Lexington, so the mall doesn’t always come up in casual conversation.
But for anyone willing to take the exit, what waits on the other side is well worth the detour. Word is slowly spreading, but for now, it remains one of Kentucky’s best-kept retail secrets.
Just 30 Minutes from Louisville — But Easy to Miss
Thirty minutes. That’s all it takes to get from downtown Louisville to one of the biggest outlet malls in the state.
The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass sits right along I-64, roughly halfway between Louisville and Lexington — a spot that sounds incredibly convenient until you realize most people still don’t know it’s there. Geography doesn’t always equal awareness.
The Simpsonville exit doesn’t scream “major shopping destination.” Travelers zipping between the two cities are usually focused on their destination, not the exits in between. Add in the fact that the mall’s signage isn’t overwhelming from the highway, and it’s easy to understand why so many drivers blow right past it without a second thought.
For Louisville residents especially, this is almost a neighborhood-level secret. A quick 30-minute drive east on I-64 puts you at a shopping complex that rivals anything inside the city — with the added bonus of outlet-level pricing.
Lexington shoppers have the same advantage heading west. Once you make the trip even once, it tends to become a regular stop.
The drive is short, the parking is easy, and the savings are real. That combination is hard to beat.
Designed as an Open-Air Retail Village
Forget the image of a dark, echoing indoor mall with fluorescent lighting and food court smells. The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass was designed to feel like something entirely different — a walkable outdoor village where shopping feels relaxed, almost leisurely.
Wide open corridors stretch between storefronts, giving shoppers room to breathe and browse without feeling rushed or cramped.
Outdoor seating areas are scattered throughout the complex, making it easy to take a break, check your bags, or just people-watch for a few minutes. The layout flows naturally from one section to the next, which means you can work your way through the mall at your own pace without doubling back constantly.
That kind of thoughtful design makes a real difference on a long shopping day.
The open-air setup also means you get fresh air and natural light while you shop — something no enclosed mall can offer. On a nice Kentucky afternoon, the atmosphere feels closer to a town square than a typical retail strip.
Families with strollers, couples window-shopping, and solo bargain hunters all seem equally comfortable here. It’s the kind of environment that encourages you to slow down, look around, and actually enjoy the experience rather than just rushing through it.
Major Brand Names at Outlet Prices
One of the biggest draws at the Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass is the lineup of nationally recognized brand names — all selling at outlet pricing. Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, American Eagle, and many more have locations here, offering merchandise at prices noticeably lower than what you’d find at full-price retail stores.
For shoppers who care about quality brands, that gap in price really adds up.
Outlet pricing works because these stores sell a mix of last season’s inventory, overstock items, and products made specifically for the outlet channel. That means you’re not always getting the exact same items you’d see at a regular mall, but the quality and brand standards remain consistent.
Many shoppers actually prefer the outlet assortment because it surfaces older styles or unique colorways that aren’t available anywhere else.
Brand loyalty runs deep in Kentucky, and this mall taps right into that. Whether you’re a Nike devotee, a Ralph Lauren fan, or someone who always checks Tommy Hilfiger for deals, the variety here is genuinely impressive.
Shoppers often come in targeting one store and leave with bags from five. With so many recognizable names under one roof at reduced prices, the temptation to keep browsing is very real — and very understandable.
A True Destination for Sportswear and Outdoor Gear
Athletes, gym-goers, hikers, and weekend warriors take note — the Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass has quietly become one of the better spots in Kentucky for scoring deals on activewear and sports apparel. With multiple athletic and outdoor-focused retailers clustered together, the mall makes it easy to compare brands, styles, and prices without jumping between different shopping centers across town.
Finding a good deal on quality athletic gear normally takes real effort. You either pay full price at a specialty store, wait for a sale, or gamble on sizing with online orders.
At an outlet mall, the discounts are built in from the start, and you can actually try things on before buying. That combination of savings and convenience is especially appealing for families outfitting kids for sports seasons or adults updating a workout wardrobe.
The concentration of sportswear options here also makes comparison shopping genuinely fun. You can check out running shoes at one store, compare fit at another, and then circle back without losing much time.
Outdoor enthusiasts hunting for performance gear, base layers, or trail shoes will find solid options as well. For anyone who takes their athletic gear seriously but doesn’t want to pay premium retail prices, this mall deserves a spot on the regular shopping rotation.
More Than Just Clothing
Fashion gets most of the attention at outlet malls, but the Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass has a lot more going on beyond clothing racks. Home goods stores, kitchenware shops, fragrance retailers, and specialty gift stores fill out the tenant mix in a way that makes the mall genuinely useful for a wider range of shoppers.
You can walk in looking for a new jacket and walk out with a new set of pots and pans.
Kitchenware outlets are particularly popular here. Brands that normally carry premium price tags at department stores show up at the outlet with meaningful discounts on cookware, bakeware, and kitchen tools.
For anyone setting up a new home, redecorating, or shopping for gifts, this section of the mall is worth extra browsing time. The selection changes regularly, so repeat visitors often find new things each trip.
Fragrance and beauty shops add another layer to the mix, offering a pleasant detour between clothing stores. The variety of retail categories means a group of friends or family members with very different shopping interests can all find something worth checking out.
Nobody has to stand around waiting while someone else browses. That kind of broad appeal is one reason the mall works well for group outings and family shopping days alike.
A Regional Shopping Hub Since 2014
When the Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass opened its doors in 2014, it filled a genuine gap in Kentucky’s retail landscape. Before its arrival, shoppers between Louisville and Lexington had limited options for outlet-style shopping without making a longer drive.
The new complex changed that almost immediately, drawing regional visitors and establishing Simpsonville as a legitimate shopping destination in its own right.
The opening year brought significant buzz, and the tenant lineup — stacked with recognizable national brands from day one — helped anchor the mall’s reputation quickly. Within its first few years of operation, it became one of the more notable retail developments in the state, drawing shoppers from surrounding counties who previously had to travel much farther for comparable options.
That kind of regional impact doesn’t happen with every new retail project.
A decade in, the mall has had time to settle into its role as a go-to stop for bargain shoppers across central Kentucky. Tenants have come and gone, as they do at any retail center, but the core appeal remains strong.
The combination of size, brand variety, and outlet pricing has kept it relevant in a retail environment where many shopping centers have struggled. For a mall that opened in 2014, its staying power says a lot about what it actually offers shoppers.
Built for Long, Comfortable Shopping Days
Some shopping centers feel like they were designed to get you in and out as fast as possible. The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass takes the opposite approach.
The layout is roomy, the parking is plentiful, and the overall atmosphere encourages visitors to slow down and actually enjoy the experience. Many people who come expecting a quick hour of browsing end up spending half the day without noticing the time.
Wide walkways between stores mean you’re never fighting through crowds to get from one shop to the next. Benches and seating areas appear throughout the complex, which is a small but meaningful detail that makes a big difference for families with young kids or anyone who needs a quick rest mid-trip.
The whole place is designed with the long-haul shopper in mind, not just the person grabbing one item and leaving.
Parking adds to the comfort level in a real way. Large surface lots surround the complex, and even on busier weekends, finding a spot doesn’t turn into a frustrating ordeal.
That might sound like a low bar, but anyone who’s circled a crowded mall parking deck for 20 minutes knows how much it matters. Starting and ending your shopping trip without parking stress sets a better tone for the whole experience.
A Surprisingly Relaxed Shopping Experience
Here’s something most shoppers don’t expect: for a complex this large, the Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass tends to feel remarkably uncrowded. Because it flies under the radar compared to larger metro malls, the foot traffic stays manageable most of the time.
That lower profile translates directly into a more pleasant visit — shorter checkout lines, easier navigation, and none of the shoulder-to-shoulder chaos that can make big malls feel exhausting.
Weekday visits are especially calm. If your schedule allows a midweek trip, you might practically have entire sections of the mall to yourself.
Even weekend visits tend to stay reasonable compared to what you’d experience at a large enclosed mall during peak shopping season. The open-air design also helps spread visitors out naturally, so the complex never feels as packed as the parking lot might suggest.
There’s something genuinely refreshing about shopping without the usual crowd-related stress. You can take your time at a display, ask a sales associate a question without feeling rushed, or circle back to a store you already visited without fighting through traffic.
For shoppers who love good deals but hate the sensory overload of busy malls, this place hits a sweet spot that’s surprisingly hard to find. Low profile, high value — that’s the quiet appeal of this Simpsonville gem.
Essential Visitor Information for Planning Your Trip
Planning a visit to the Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass is straightforward, but a few key details are worth knowing before you go. The mall is located at 1155 Buck Creek Rd, Simpsonville, KY 40067, just off Interstate 64 between Louisville and Lexington.
The phone number is +1 502-722-5558 if you need to confirm anything before making the drive. Hours generally run around 10 AM to 9 PM on weekdays and Saturdays, with shorter hours on Sundays — always worth a quick check before heading out.
Parking is free and plentiful across large on-site surface lots surrounding the complex. Leashed dogs are welcome in the common outdoor areas, though individual store policies on pets will vary, so it’s smart to check with specific shops if you plan to bring your pup along.
The open-air layout makes the mall very stroller-friendly and accessible for visitors with mobility needs.
The overall experience here is hard to replicate elsewhere in the state. Over 428,000 square feet of outlet retail, major brand names at discounted prices, easy parking, and crowds that stay manageable — all within a 30-minute drive of Louisville.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning regular, this mall consistently delivers value that justifies the trip. Mark it on your map now before your next drive down I-64.