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One-Day Highlight Tour
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Begin the day with a self-guided tour of
The Shaker Village of
Pleasant Hill, America's largest restored Shaker community. This
National Historic Landmark features 34 restored buildings on 2800 acres
of preserved farmlands. Tour 15 original buildings and, along the way,
talk with costumed interpreters who give insight into 19th
century life at Pleasant Hill. |
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Watch artisans demonstrate broommaking,
woodworking, coopering, spinning and weaving. Attend a Shaker music
performance in the 1820 Meeting House, the Shakers' place of worship.
Shop for a variety of handmade items, Shaker reproductions and many
other fine Kentucky-made crafts. (2 1/2 hours)
For lunch, dine on hearty Kentucky foods and Shaker recipes served at
the Trustees' Office
Dining Room. Sample Shaker Lemon Pie, cakes, tarts
or special desserts made daily in the bakery. (1 hour)
Take a trip back in time on the Kentucky River aboard the
sternwheeler
Dixie Belle. You will marvel at the river's high
limestone cliffs and untouched natural surroundings as the excursion
takes you under High Bridge, an engineering wonder when it was built in
1807. (1 hour)
Once a frontier territory, Harrodsburg was founded in 1774 as the
first permanent English settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains. An
excellent way to begin your afternoon is to absorb the history of
Kentucky's oldest settlement, which is showcased at
Old Fort Harrod
State Park. Learn about fort life by exploring a live animal corral
or by visiting with costumed craftspeople as they carry out the chores
of the state's early pioneers. Observe blacksmithing, broommaking,
weaving, woodworking, tinsmithing and dollmaking demonstrations in the
fort blockhouses. Browse through the
Mansion Museum, which
displays an outstanding collection of Kentucky and Indian artifacts,
Civil War relics, music boxes and a Lincoln collection. (2 hours)
Savor a taste of history at Beaumont Inn, built in 1845 as a
prestigious girls' school. The fourth and fifth generation of the same family
operates the inn, which enjoys an international reputation for its
excellent service and Southern hospitality. After the ringing of the
dinner bell, feast on traditional Kentucky fare.
"Yellow-legged" fried chicken, corn pudding and two-year old
country ham are favorites on the menu. (1 hour)
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2nd Day Highlights or Options
Experience more than 200 years of history on the
Historic Walking / Driving Tour. Pass by stately pre-Civil War homes, churches,
and businesses -- all prime examples of the various styles of
architecture used in Kentucky. Most all of the 52 sites are listed in
the National Register of Historic Places. (1 hour)
One property, highlighted on the tour, is a monumental
1840 Greek Revival Bed & Breakfast. For a one-of-a-kind experience,
step inside Aspen
Hall Manor Tea Room, which boasts an elegant tea room offering a
menu of special teas and a host of family recipes to tempt your pallet.
(Reservations Required/2 hours).
Of interest to genealogy buffs, the
Harrodsburg Historical Society
is a worthwhile stop. The society's headquarters is located in Morgan
Row, believed to be the oldest row house standing west of the
Alleghenies. The genealogical and research library contains rare books,
documents, maps, family and subject files, census records and material
dealing with the early history of the area. (1 1/2 hours)
The Downtown Historic District, in the heart of Harrodsburg,
is a National Register Historic District with a streetscape reminiscent
of an earlier time. Most of the preserved buildings within this area
date back to the 1880s and 1890s. Allow plenty of time to explore over
thirty Antique and Craft Shops in the downtown area.
Stop in
Dedman Drugstore
(c.1860) a unique Main Street property that retains all of the original
cherry cabinetry. Admire the stained glass windows and cherry paneling,
which enclose the pharmacist’s station. The
Kentucky Fudge Company
invites you to sit a spell in the café or at the original soda fountain
and browse the early drug store memorabilia on display. (1/2 hour). Visit Olde
Towne Park, located on Main Street, which features a sculptured 14 x
32-foot cascading fountain. This unique creation of public art was
inspired by the scenic palisades found along the Kentucky River located
on the eastern border of Mercer County. (1-2 hours)
A variety of recreational opportunities can be enjoyed throughout the
year. Herrington Lake, a 3600-acre manmade lake is the perfect
spot to launch a boat and cast a fishing line. The lake is stocked with
a variety of bass, bluegill, catfish, and crappie. A trophy fish is
waiting to be caught! Also, the
Kentucky River is an
excellent location for camping, canoeing and fishing. This waterway is
accessible to the public and is home to the picturesque palisades.
Spend the day swinging your clubs at Bright Leaf Golf Resort.
A challenging course offers 36-holes of golf ranging from a 9-hole par
three executive course to a championship 18-hole layout.
While in horse country, saddle-up for a ride at Big Red Stables.
A picturesque 1500-acre farm provides plenty of space to enjoy horseback
riding.
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