My Wonderful Morning Stroll was so Refreshing
How would you like to wake up early, walk out of the place you’re staying and the first thing you see is a tree-lined street like the one pictured above? That’s how my wonderful morning stroll began.
If you read our previous post about Shaker Village, you already know we arrived late—when it was too dark to see the property. Shortly after sunrise (I am an early morning riser), I decided to take a walk and explore the property.
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is roughly 25-miles southwest of Lexington. Set amid Kentucky’s rolling hills, the historic landmark district is a restored living history museum of Shaker lifestyle.
The old Turnpike that runs through the center of the Village is no longer used for vehicle traffic.
Our stay at the Inn on property included admission to The Historic Centre, The Farm, and The Preserve. My morning walk took me through the Historic Centre, down a road surrounded by pastoral views, past the farm, around to the barnyard, and ended with the ducks. Oh, the fun I had!
Location:
3501 Lexington Road
Harrodsburg, KY 40330
Contact:
(859) 5734-5411
Hours:
Exhibits / Tours
10 AM - 5 PM, Mon-Sun
Hiking / Walking
6 AM - 8:30 PM, Mon-Sun
Exhibits / Tours Fees:
$14 Age 13-61
$10 Age 61+
$7 Age 6-12
Free 5 & under
Website:
ShakerVillageKY.org
Click to download site map
Gravel paths wound through the wide-open spaces in the Village.
Paths and Pastoral Scenes
My stroll began on the old Turnpike that runs through the center of Shaker Village. The tree-lined gravel path sheltered me from the light mist falling as I walked along.
There are benches close by for resting plus information signs outside each building. One sign included a map that helped me get my bearings.
Pastoral scenes stretched as far as I could see. Also, paths lead away from the main road to other areas. One short path I saw led to The Farm.
Part of the 25-miles of dry stacked rock walls remaining of the original 40-miles built in the 1840’s to 1850’s.
Path from the old turnpike leads directly into The Farm where you see the vegetable garden plots.
Stroll Around the Farm
The Farm was my first actual stop. Here I saw garden plots in three different growing cycle stages—still producing, harvested, and ready to rest for winter. That’s because they plant crops that will harvest during three seasons—spring, summer, and fall.
Farming was the heart of Shaker lifestyle in the past. The community used efficient farming methods to produce the best possible crops. Believing their harvest to be blessings from God, they were careful to not waste any of the produce.
Two garden plots in different growing cycles.
Gardening at Shaker Village
Gardeners working The Farm today continue traditional cultivation practices. However, they also use modern sustainable methods. Both help the land regenerate itself over time.
The Farm was empty when I was there but I understand the gardeners are willing to share their organic gardening tips. Companion planting, how to naturally reduce pests, and crop rotation are just a few things they can teach you.
Did you know organic produce grown here goes straight from the garden to the Trustees’ Table? It’s the on-site restaurant where we had breakfast and will be writing about next.
The cutest little Pygmy Goat let me feed him a piece of celery.
The Barnyard Animals
My second stop was outside the door of a huge barn. Throughout my stroll, I heard all sorts of animal sounds. The sounds intensified as I approached the barn. Curiously, I peeked inside. Finding it empty, I moved on—but returned later with my photographer.
I’m a city girl. I know cats and dogs but have had little experience with farm animals. Luckily, the barnyard has a guide on hand. Ryan not only taught me lots about the animals, he explained care they receive at Shaker Village. He even made sure we fed some of the animals.
Visitors can walk the barnyard, getting close enough to the animals to pet and feed them.
Watching the different “personalities” of the animals was fun. It was actually a highlight of the day.
- One white plumed turkey spread his feathers for us, something Ryan said the turkey didn’t do often with visitors around.
- The rooster, named Kellogg (because he looks like the one on the Corn Flakes cereal box) was definitely in charge of the chickens.
- The donkey kept to himself but the goats were very social wanting attention. Pygmy goats were inside the barn with a different breed in a pen outside.
Just past The Farm and near the barn stands the Corn Crib, built in 1854.
Later in the day when the Indian Runner Ducks were out of their pen, Tom caught them as they ran, literally, across the lawn.
Watching the Ducks
My third stop was near the end of my wonderful morning stroll. The sound of ducks quacking caught my attention. I found them in a raised pen that resembled a covered wagon.
Ducks sleep above ground in a protected pen.
The ducks made me laugh as I watched them run back and forth in the pen. Each time I got close to the end where they were standing, they ran to the other end of the wagon. Check out the video.
Indian Runner Ducks are domestic, often laying 300-350 eggs per year. Their tall, upright body makes them quite a sight to see. The name comes from the East Indies where they were originally imported from. They were also once called "Penguin ducks." I can see why!
Every day at 4:30 PM, the ducks return to their pen. We missed it but be sure to plan on watching "Poultry Parade: Bedtime for the Ducks" when you're there.
Historic buildings set amid an expanse of lawn make for a relaxing view.
Visit Shaker Village and Stroll Around the Grounds
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is a peaceful place to stroll but did you know they have an extensive events calendar?
Daily events happen all over the property. Incredibly knowledgeable tour guides are on hand for some events. Other activities on the to-do list are self-guided. Seasonal exhibits and happenings keep things hopping year-round
Whether you are staying overnight at The Inn or dropping by for the day, a visit to Shaker Village is worth the detour.
No mortar in this stone wall arch. Amazing.
About Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
- 1774 – The United Society of Believers immigrated to America to avoid religious persecution. Commonly known as the Shakers.
- 1805 – Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill established and flourished for many years. Communal lifestyle and hard work produced high-quality livestock, crops, and hand-crafted items.
- 1850’s – One of the largest Shaker communities in the United States with more than 600 members and 260 buildings.
- 1870’s – Decline began after the Civil War as the Shakers did not join the Industrial Revolution. The manufacturing shift from handmade items to large-scale production caused loss of income.
- 1910 – The community dissolved and the property was sold under agreement that the 10 members could remain the rest of their lives.
- 1923 – Last member died and property fell into disrepair.
- 1961 – Local citizens group incorporated to begin restoration of the remaining buildings.
- 2021 – Celebrated their 40-year anniversary as a restored indoor and outdoor living history museum of Shaker lifestyle. The property is a National Historic Landmark District.
Wanting more ideas on relaxing, playing or learning?
Check out our "Things to Do" page for other Worthy Detour stops.
This reminds me of Nauvoo somewhat.
In many ways, it is like Nauvoo. Many of the buildings were build during the same period of time. Shaker Village does have many more events than Historic Nauvoo does and 72 guest rooms on the property.