Upon our arrival, we were given very little direction when purchasing our tickets and checking in for our two night stay. This was our first visit and we were handed the daily schedule and given the keys to our room without any additional information. If I had not read about the activities offered online, I would not have known to ask pertinent questions nor would I have been given any direction. We stayed in the Trustees Office in a Shaker style decorated room, but the plumbing in the bathroom was a challenge during our entire stay. We immediately called about the toilet not flushing properly and they sent someone while we were at dinner, however, we continued to have problems along with the sink and tub not draining properly during use. There was very low water pressure while taking a shower on both mornings. Also, because we were one floor above the restaurant, we could constantly smell the food in our room, hear the guests talking, and dishes clamoring. We could also smell fresh paint that was being applied for our two day visit in the new shop at the front of the building. When eating at the restaurant our 2 dinners and lunch were very good with generous portions, however we had a negative experience for breakfast at 9 AM. They were serving a buffet style, but we were told to choose the items we wanted & it would be brought to us by the server from the kitchen. It was obvious that the food had been cooked hours earlier. Nothing was hot or fresh. We were highly unsatisfied and the manager did not require us to pay since we ate very little. When touring the buildings that were open to the public, we saw few artifacts because the Main building had been emptied for the renovation that would begin soon. Viewing the interior architecture was very interesting, but it was disappointing to have driven all the way from Wisconsin see a limited exhibit. We had a excellent experience with the two music programs and I would have to say that this was the highlight of the visit. It would have been wonderful to have had other well informed guides throughout the village to provide more structured tours for the guests. There are so many missed opportunities at this museum for first time guests who are unfamiliar with the Shakers. Most people do not take the time to read but do enjoy guided tours. There were no interactive activities or demonstrations other than the music program where history came to life. We enjoyed our short wagon ride but it was not worth $20.00 for 30 minutes. The Dixie Belle was enjoyable, but it was very difficult to hear the tour guide over the noise of the boat unless you sat directly under a speaker. The Village has extended hours on Friday night, with live music outside the Trustees Office and drinks from an outside bar. There was a fire in the fire pit and marshmallows were supplied for roasting. This was enjoyable but ground maintenance began mowing around the patio area as guests began to assemble before the music began which was not very conducive to a relaxing mood. We hope to revisit Pleasant Hill once the exhibit is restored.
Upon our arrival, we were given very little direction when purchasing our tickets and checking in for our two night stay. This was our first visit and we were handed the daily schedule and given the keys to our room without any additional information. If I had not read about the activities offered online, I would not have known to ask pertinent questions nor would I have been given any direction. We stayed in the Trustees Office in a Shaker style decorated room, but the plumbing in the bathroom was a challenge during our entire stay. We immediately called about the toilet not flushing properly and they sent someone while we were at dinner, however, we continued to have problems along with the sink and tub not draining properly during use. There was very low water pressure while taking a shower on both mornings. Also, because we were one floor above the restaurant, we could constantly smell the food in our room, hear the guests talking, and dishes clamoring. We could also smell fresh paint that was being applied for our two day visit in the new shop at the front of the building. When eating at the restaurant our 2 dinners and lunch were very good with generous portions, however we had a negative experience for breakfast at 9 AM. They were serving a buffet style, but we were told to choose the items we wanted & it would be brought to us by the server from the kitchen. It was obvious that the food had been cooked hours earlier. Nothing was hot or fresh. We were highly unsatisfied and the manager did not require us to pay since we ate very little. When touring the buildings that were open to the public, we saw few artifacts because the Main building had been emptied for the renovation that would begin soon. Viewing the interior architecture was very interesting, but it was disappointing to have driven all the way from Wisconsin see a limited exhibit. We had a excellent experience with the two music programs and I would have to say that this was the highlight of the visit. It would have been wonderful to have had other well informed guides throughout the village to provide more structured tours for the guests. There are so many missed opportunities at this museum for first time guests who are unfamiliar with the Shakers. Most people do not take the time to read but do enjoy guided tours. There were no interactive activities or demonstrations other than the music program where history came to life. We enjoyed our short wagon ride but it was not worth $20.00 for 30 minutes. The Dixie Belle was enjoyable, but it was very difficult to hear the tour guide over the noise of the boat unless you sat directly under a speaker. The Village has extended hours on Friday night, with live music outside the Trustees Office and drinks from an outside bar. There was a fire in the fire pit and marshmallows were supplied for roasting. This was enjoyable but ground maintenance began mowing around the patio area as guests began to assemble before the music began which was not very conducive to a relaxing mood. We hope to revisit Pleasant Hill once the exhibit is restored.
Upon our arrival, we were given very little direction when purchasing our tickets and checking in for our two night stay. This was our first visit and we were handed the daily schedule and given the keys to our room without any additional information. If I had not read about the activities offered online, I would not have known to ask pertinent questions nor would I have been given any direction. We stayed in the Trustees Office in a Shaker style decorated room, but the plumbing in the bathroom was a challenge during our entire stay. We immediately called about the toilet not flushing properly and they sent someone while we were at dinner, however, we continued to have problems along with the sink and tub not draining properly during use. There was very low water pressure while taking a shower on both mornings. Also, because we were one floor above the restaurant, we could constantly smell the food in our room, hear the guests talking, and dishes clamoring. We could also smell fresh paint that was being applied for our two day visit in the new shop at the front of the building. When eating at the restaurant our 2 dinners and lunch were very good with generous portions, however we had a negative experience for breakfast at 9 AM. They were serving a buffet style, but we were told to choose the items we wanted & it would be brought to us by the server from the kitchen. It was obvious that the food had been cooked hours earlier. Nothing was hot or fresh. We were highly unsatisfied and the manager did not require us to pay since we ate very little. When touring the buildings that were open to the public, we saw few artifacts because the Main building had been emptied for the renovation that would begin soon. Viewing the interior architecture was very interesting, but it was disappointing to have driven all the way from Wisconsin see a limited exhibit. We had a excellent experience with the two music programs and I would have to say that this was the highlight of the visit. It would have been wonderful to have had other well informed guides throughout the village to provide more structured tours for the guests. There are so many missed opportunities at this museum for first time guests who are unfamiliar with the Shakers. Most people do not take the time to read but do enjoy guided tours. There were no interactive activities or demonstrations other than the music program where history came to life. We enjoyed our short wagon ride but it was not worth $20.00 for 30 minutes. The Dixie Belle was enjoyable, but it was very difficult to hear the tour guide over the noise of the boat unless you sat directly under a speaker. The Village has extended hours on Friday night, with live music outside the Trustees Office and drinks from an outside bar. There was a fire in the fire pit and marshmallows were supplied for roasting. This was enjoyable but ground maintenance began mowing around the patio area as guests began to assemble before the music began which was not very conducive to a relaxing mood. We hope to revisit Pleasant Hill once the exhibit is restored.
Upon our arrival, we were given very little direction when purchasing our tickets and checking in for our two night stay. This was our first visit and we were handed the daily schedule and given the keys to our room without any additional information. If I had not read about the activities offered online, I would not have known to ask pertinent questions nor would I have been given any direction. We stayed in the Trustees Office in a Shaker style decorated room, but the plumbing in the bathroom was a challenge during our entire stay. We immediately called about the toilet not flushing properly and they sent someone while we were at dinner, however, we continued to have problems along with the sink and tub not draining properly during use. There was very low water pressure while taking a shower on both mornings. Also, because we were one floor above the restaurant, we could constantly smell the food in our room, hear the guests talking, and dishes clamoring. We could also smell fresh paint that was being applied for our two day visit in the new shop at the front of the building. When eating at the restaurant our 2 dinners and lunch were very good with generous portions, however we had a negative experience for breakfast at 9 AM. They were serving a buffet style, but we were told to choose the items we wanted & it would be brought to us by the server from the kitchen. It was obvious that the food had been cooked hours earlier. Nothing was hot or fresh. We were highly unsatisfied and the manager did not require us to pay since we ate very little. When touring the buildings that were open to the public, we saw few artifacts because the Main building had been emptied for the renovation that would begin soon. Viewing the interior architecture was very interesting, but it was disappointing to have driven all the way from Wisconsin see a limited exhibit. We had a excellent experience with the two music programs and I would have to say that this was the highlight of the visit. It would have been wonderful to have had other well informed guides throughout the village to provide more structured tours for the guests. There are so many missed opportunities at this museum for first time guests who are unfamiliar with the Shakers. Most people do not take the time to read but do enjoy guided tours. There were no interactive activities or demonstrations other than the music program where history came to life. We enjoyed our short wagon ride but it was not worth $20.00 for 30 minutes. The Dixie Belle was enjoyable, but it was very difficult to hear the tour guide over the noise of the boat unless you sat directly under a speaker. The Village has extended hours on Friday night, with live music outside the Trustees Office and drinks from an outside bar. There was a fire in the fire pit and marshmallows were supplied for roasting. This was enjoyable but ground maintenance began mowing around the patio area as guests began to assemble before the music began which was not very conducive to a relaxing mood. We hope to revisit Pleasant Hill once the exhibit is restored.
Upon our arrival, we were given very little direction when purchasing our tickets and checking in for our two night stay. This was our first visit and we were handed the daily schedule and given the keys to our room without any additional information. If I had not read about the activities offered online, I would not have known to ask pertinent questions nor would I have been given any direction. We stayed in the Trustees Office in a Shaker style decorated room, but the plumbing in the bathroom was a challenge during our entire stay. We immediately called about the toilet not flushing properly and they sent someone while we were at dinner, however, we continued to have problems along with the sink and tub not draining properly during use. There was very low water pressure while taking a shower on both mornings. Also, because we were one floor above the restaurant, we could constantly smell the food in our room, hear the guests talking, and dishes clamoring. We could also smell fresh paint that was being applied for our two day visit in the new shop at the front of the building. When eating at the restaurant our 2 dinners and lunch were very good with generous portions, however we had a negative experience for breakfast at 9 AM. They were serving a buffet style, but we were told to choose the items we wanted & it would be brought to us by the server from the kitchen. It was obvious that the food had been cooked hours earlier. Nothing was hot or fresh. We were highly unsatisfied and the manager did not require us to pay since we ate very little. When touring the buildings that were open to the public, we saw few artifacts because the Main building had been emptied for the renovation that would begin soon. Viewing the interior architecture was very interesting, but it was disappointing to have driven all the way from Wisconsin see a limited exhibit. We had a excellent experience with the two music programs and I would have to say that this was the highlight of the visit. It would have been wonderful to have had other well informed guides throughout the village to provide more structured tours for the guests. There are so many missed opportunities at this museum for first time guests who are unfamiliar with the Shakers. Most people do not take the time to read but do enjoy guided tours. There were no interactive activities or demonstrations other than the music program where history came to life. We enjoyed our short wagon ride but it was not worth $20.00 for 30 minutes. The Dixie Belle was enjoyable, but it was very difficult to hear the tour guide over the noise of the boat unless you sat directly under a speaker. The Village has extended hours on Friday night, with live music outside the Trustees Office and drinks from an outside bar. There was a fire in the fire pit and marshmallows were supplied for roasting. This was enjoyable but ground maintenance began mowing around the patio area as guests began to assemble before the music began which was not very conducive to a relaxing mood. We hope to revisit Pleasant Hill once the exhibit is restored.
Upon our arrival, we were given very little direction when purchasing our tickets and checking in for our two night stay. This was our first visit and we were handed the daily schedule and given the keys to our room without any additional information. If I had not read about the activities offered online, I would not have known to ask pertinent questions nor would I have been given any direction. We stayed in the Trustees Office in a Shaker style decorated room, but the plumbing in the bathroom was a challenge during our entire stay. We immediately called about the toilet not flushing properly and they sent someone while we were at dinner, however, we continued to have problems along with the sink and tub not draining properly during use. There was very low water pressure while taking a shower on both mornings. Also, because we were one floor above the restaurant, we could constantly smell the food in our room, hear the guests talking, and dishes clamoring. We could also smell fresh paint that was being applied for our two day visit in the new shop at the front of the building. When eating at the restaurant our 2 dinners and lunch were very good with generous portions, however we had a negative experience for breakfast at 9 AM. They were serving a buffet style, but we were told to choose the items we wanted & it would be brought to us by the server from the kitchen. It was obvious that the food had been cooked hours earlier. Nothing was hot or fresh. We were highly unsatisfied and the manager did not require us to pay since we ate very little. When touring the buildings that were open to the public, we saw few artifacts because the Main building had been emptied for the renovation that would begin soon. Viewing the interior architecture was very interesting, but it was disappointing to have driven all the way from Wisconsin see a limited exhibit. We had a excellent experience with the two music programs and I would have to say that this was the highlight of the visit. It would have been wonderful to have had other well informed guides throughout the village to provide more structured tours for the guests. There are so many missed opportunities at this museum for first time guests who are unfamiliar with the Shakers. Most people do not take the time to read but do enjoy guided tours. There were no interactive activities or demonstrations other than the music program where history came to life. We enjoyed our short wagon ride but it was not worth $20.00 for 30 minutes. The Dixie Belle was enjoyable, but it was very difficult to hear the tour guide over the noise of the boat unless you sat directly under a speaker. The Village has extended hours on Friday night, with live music outside the Trustees Office and drinks from an outside bar. There was a fire in the fire pit and marshmallows were supplied for roasting. This was enjoyable but ground maintenance began mowing around the patio area as guests began to assemble before the music began which was not very conducive to a relaxing mood. We hope to revisit Pleasant Hill once the exhibit is restored.
Upon our arrival, we were given very little direction when purchasing our tickets and checking in for our two night stay. This was our first visit and we were handed the daily schedule and given the keys to our room without any additional information. If I had not read about the activities offered online, I would not have known to ask pertinent questions nor would I have been given any direction. We stayed in the Trustees Office in a Shaker style decorated room, but the plumbing in the bathroom was a challenge during our entire stay. We immediately called about the toilet not flushing properly and they sent someone while we were at dinner, however, we continued to have problems along with the sink and tub not draining properly during use. There was very low water pressure while taking a shower on both mornings. Also, because we were one floor above the restaurant, we could constantly smell the food in our room, hear the guests talking, and dishes clamoring. We could also smell fresh paint that was being applied for our two day visit in the new shop at the front of the building. When eating at the restaurant our 2 dinners and lunch were very good with generous portions, however we had a negative experience for breakfast at 9 AM. They were serving a buffet style, but we were told to choose the items we wanted & it would be brought to us by the server from the kitchen. It was obvious that the food had been cooked hours earlier. Nothing was hot or fresh. We were highly unsatisfied and the manager did not require us to pay since we ate very little. When touring the buildings that were open to the public, we saw few artifacts because the Main building had been emptied for the renovation that would begin soon. Viewing the interior architecture was very interesting, but it was disappointing to have driven all the way from Wisconsin see a limited exhibit. We had a excellent experience with the two music programs and I would have to say that this was the highlight of the visit. It would have been wonderful to have had other well informed guides throughout the village to provide more structured tours for the guests. There are so many missed opportunities at this museum for first time guests who are unfamiliar with the Shakers. Most people do not take the time to read but do enjoy guided tours. There were no interactive activities or demonstrations other than the music program where history came to life. We enjoyed our short wagon ride but it was not worth $20.00 for 30 minutes. The Dixie Belle was enjoyable, but it was very difficult to hear the tour guide over the noise of the boat unless you sat directly under a speaker. The Village has extended hours on Friday night, with live music outside the Trustees Office and drinks from an outside bar. There was a fire in the fire pit and marshmallows were supplied for roasting. This was enjoyable but ground maintenance began mowing around the patio area as guests began to assemble before the music began which was not very conducive to a relaxing mood. We hope to revisit Pleasant Hill once the exhibit is restored.
Upon our arrival, we were given very little direction when purchasing our tickets and checking in for our two night stay. This was our first visit and we were handed the daily schedule and given the keys to our room without any additional information. If I had not read about the activities offered online, I would not have known to ask pertinent questions nor would I have been given any direction. We stayed in the Trustees Office in a Shaker style decorated room, but the plumbing in the bathroom was a challenge during our entire stay. We immediately called about the toilet not flushing properly and they sent someone while we were at dinner, however, we continued to have problems along with the sink and tub not draining properly during use. There was very low water pressure while taking a shower on both mornings. Also, because we were one floor above the restaurant, we could constantly smell the food in our room, hear the guests talking, and dishes clamoring. We could also smell fresh paint that was being applied for our two day visit in the new shop at the front of the building. When eating at the restaurant our 2 dinners and lunch were very good with generous portions, however we had a negative experience for breakfast at 9 AM. They were serving a buffet style, but we were told to choose the items we wanted & it would be brought to us by the server from the kitchen. It was obvious that the food had been cooked hours earlier. Nothing was hot or fresh. We were highly unsatisfied and the manager did not require us to pay since we ate very little. When touring the buildings that were open to the public, we saw few artifacts because the Main building had been emptied for the renovation that would begin soon. Viewing the interior architecture was very interesting, but it was disappointing to have driven all the way from Wisconsin see a limited exhibit. We had a excellent experience with the two music programs and I would have to say that this was the highlight of the visit. It would have been wonderful to have had other well informed guides throughout the village to provide more structured tours for the guests. There are so many missed opportunities at this museum for first time guests who are unfamiliar with the Shakers. Most people do not take the time to read but do enjoy guided tours. There were no interactive activities or demonstrations other than the music program where history came to life. We enjoyed our short wagon ride but it was not worth $20.00 for 30 minutes. The Dixie Belle was enjoyable, but it was very difficult to hear the tour guide over the noise of the boat unless you sat directly under a speaker. The Village has extended hours on Friday night, with live music outside the Trustees Office and drinks from an outside bar. There was a fire in the fire pit and marshmallows were supplied for roasting. This was enjoyable but ground maintenance began mowing around the patio area as guests began to assemble before the music began which was not very conducive to a relaxing mood. We hope to revisit Pleasant Hill once the exhibit is restored.
It's been a LONG time since I've been here! I mostly remembered this wonderful location when I was doing my Ride 'N' Roll contest and passing an area near the Ohio Renaissance Festival. One of the two things that I remember the most is the ice cream: Perfect orange sherbet and that in the houses, they insisted/suggested living like the Shakers....men on one side of the house, and women on the other...kinda weird! What I liked was that it seemed to be stepping back in time, seeing how our ancestors might have lived! There were tours of the buildings. This is a nonprofit corporation, who's goal is the preservation of the Shaker community as it once existed in Kentucky. Its amazing of how detailed everything is! Def. a must-see place/family destination to go to
Review Source:The food at the Inn at Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill, Kentucky is quite good and the servings are large. The meals are simple, fresh, basic, and very good though not outstanding. But isn't that what Shakers are all about?
The Inn is more than a restaurant. It's part of a Shaker Village preservation effort. If it was only a restaurant and I compared it to other restaurants in the same price range, I'd find it unimaginative and a bit pricey.
I ordered salmon on Mother's Day and received a large serving, but it had little texture (it was baked), little taste, and it was covered with a little too much mustard sauce that was also pretty bland. Good, but not great, simply prepared. Others at our table ordered country ham. They were served enormous portions. I tasted it and found it good, but it's salty and not the sugar-cured Kentucky ham I grew up with and prefer.
We were served an enormous bowl of crudités including olives and okra pickles, all fresh and wonderful. Several types of rolls and cornbread were also served and they were very good, as well.
My brown sugar chess pie was outstanding and I consider myself a chess pie aficionado -- my grandmother made the best in the galaxy. The chocolate tarts two of us ordered, on the other hand, tasted like instant pudding. Another ordered strawberry meringue and loved it.
Much to my surprise (and I'm guessing to the surprise of Shakers everywhere), The Inn at Shaker Village has added alcohol to the menu. Three of us ordered wine but found it expensive and the servings stingy. My glass of California chardonnay cost $9 and was slightly less than half full. The others complained about the size of the pour, as well.
In comparison, I had a meal a few days later at Panzanella here in Carrboro/Chapel Hill, NC. My wife and I consider Panzanella to be just below the top tier of restaurants in the area, like Lantern, Elaines and Acme. I ordered salmon that was served grilled over orzo and it was far better than what I got at Pleasant Hill.
As I mentioned, though, The Inn is not an isolated restaurant, but part of a restored Shaker Village that shows off Shaker architecture, large dining rooms with Shaker designs and spiral staircases, oxen, Shaker barns, horses and carriages and a host of other delightful things to see and do. On a previous trip, I enjoyed their riverboat tour in the Kentucky River down the hill.
It's a beautiful place to visit on a nice day with a lovely, simple dining room and very good, basic, farm fresh cooking. Just like the Shakers would want it.
This is a great place to tour and have lunch or dinner. Â I had the opportunity to visit the day after the Highland Cow had her baby - too cute, but don't get too close she will take the fence down to protect her baby. Â There is great history here, informative demonstrations, singing and more. Â This is a beautiful place to walk around and enjoy the sites. Â Their restaurant is a don't miss. Â This menu changes as to what is available so the food is always fresh and in season. Â The service is excellent. Â This is a great way to spend the day in Kentucky!
Review Source:The Village is simply wonderful, a real experience in the Simple Life. Staff everywhere is informed and welcoming. The food, however, we found lacking. Pricing not out of line but quality did not live up to expectations, with the exception of the corn pudding, great. The Fried (?) Chicken, Prime Rib and scrambled eggs were not at all what we expected from Pleasant Hill. All were a disappointment. Would we return? Yes, but not for a meal.
Review Source:Tomato soup was a good start to the meal. Â I do not however, recommend their turkey sandwich. Â Despite all the goodies it came with, the turkey was dry, which gives the sandwich no chance for success. Â Their pork however, was the complete opposite, exceedingly juicy and tender and alone worth the visit. Â One can also notice the food is definitely made from local ingredients. Â The atmosphere is also very nice, as the restaurant lies on a scenic historic landmark, with great looking houses that channel an old-time, warm feeling.
Review Source:Having worked here, I can say that it is a truly wonderful place. You can rest assured that your food is in good hands behind the scenes. The wait staff is friendly, helpful, and fast. The food is wonderful and fresh with many local ingredients. You won't find another dining experience quite like it.
Review Source:Second time here. I love this place. The guides are friendly and knowledgeable, especially at the farm, and it's quite fascinating to tour. This time we didn't stay there overnight, and for a meal, had lunch instead of dinner. The lunch was very good, especially their special tomato celery soup. The desserts looked great, but we just couldn't do it after our filling lunch. We again wish we had arranged to spend more time here. Plan on a whole day, really, especially if you're having lunch and going on the boat (which we missed doing once again because of time).
Review Source:Classic American comfort food. Fresh, delicious, like mother used to make. The setting makes this place really special. It's in a restored early American Shaker Village, the buildings ~200 years old. Charming, scenic, romantic, set in the beautiful Kentucky thoroughbred country. Rooms are available for overnight guests.
Review Source:My family and I actually went here on Thanksgiving Day, as my family had to have Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday due to other's schedules. Â I was completely impressed after hearing all the stories about how the place had "gone downhill". The service and the food were excellent. I'd actually love to go back on a non-special menu night.
Review Source:The 3-star rating comes from visiting the grounds (great), staying at the inn (pretty good), and eating at the restaurant (meh).
We'd been to a Shaker village in the northeast, so this wasn't completely new to us, but it was really great to get the opportunity to sleep overnight in the original buildings. Our room in the main building was huge, with extremely high ceilings. The furniture wasn't actually comfortable, but I guess that was a low-priority for the Shakers. The bathroom was clean and up-to-date.
The one downside was the inconvenience of having to park a few blocks away and drag our bags in the rain. If you were staying in one of the other buildings, you'd have quite a hike.
Our experience at the restaurant was so-so. We had made a reservation at 8, which meant that we were just about the only people in the restaurant for most of the meal. The servers were busily setting up for breakfast while we ate, which I understand, but it doesn't exactly make for a relaxing atmosphere. The cocktails we had were super sweet, like punch without alcohol.
The food was pretty good though. I had the chicken, which could have fed four people. My mom had the ham, which was the surprise of the meal. Neither of us really like ham, but we both really enjoyed the dish.
We decided to skip the breakfast buffet, based on the reviews on TripAdvisor.
The Village: will you ever find a historical reenactment site whose actors work with more smiles, more talent, and more passion? If you do, let me know. The Village itself on the paid tour during the summer season (about $14 per adult from Apr.-Oct.) is just fascinating. Our favorite part, by far, are the talented singers in the restored meeting house. Their singing of old Shaker hymns sent chills up my spine - soaring, gorgeous, passionate: it was more than a reenactment, it was a pristine moment, enacted over and over for each group of guests - each time the same (you can hear the singer across the fields and inside other houses).
The restaurant: our dinner visit with a group of 7 people was quiet, elegant, simple and delicious. I enjoyed the sliced ham with delicately spiced applesauce. Our next visit was for lunch - the sun shone in through the open windows and it felt like we were sitting on a shaded porch. The Cole slaw was crisp and flavorful and the slivered ham on Johnny-cakes were perfectly salty but crisp. The sandwiches my husband and in-laws ordered were a perfect size and were simple, delicious variations on modern sandwiches. Nothing about the menu seemed gimmicky or touristy - and it was all genuinely delicious and worth the trip.
Outstanding, best of the best.
The drive there is scenic and picturesque, and the village itself is an almost perfectly preserved early 19th century religious community. Â It's like stepping back in time almost 200 years to walk around the Shaker Village. Â Not in a cheesy amusement-park sort of way, but in a more authentic, rustic sense. Â Take the tour, listen to a live performance of some historic music, and enjoy.
If it's in season, you can take a ride on the riverboat they operate that goes along the Kentucky River. Â It's a nice, relaxing ride through some beautiful countryside. Â The lodging is nice and comfortable, not luxurious (the Shakers were a modest and practical group), and for a quiet night it's good. Â
The dining room is the real star of the place. Â Truly outstanding food, it's not cheap, but the quality is amazing, and the service is always quite good. Â My personal suggestion is to get the relish bowl appetizer. Â This is where I take guests if I want them to have a memorable meal.
This is a place to go to get away from the 21st century and have a relaxing, quite enjoyable few hours or weekend.
I have been here to eat twice and stayed overnight once. If you want excellent food served in historical dress this is the place. The only way I can describe the atmosphere is if George Washington or Ben Franklin walked in from their carriage for dinner it would seem appropriate. Like going back in time a couple of centuries.
Review Source:I received a bit of history and discovered I was unaware of the surprising Shaker Village Story.  It goes beyond the making of superior furniture and speaks of a group of folks who were wiser and way ahead of their time.  I was fortunate enough to catch an actual performance of Shaker music , walk the country side and tour the historic buildings sites. I really enjoyed a trip down the Kentucky river on a very rustic riverboat and  ended the evening with a Shaker dinner at the Shaker inn . The dinner was good and I tasted an unusual delicious vegetable that I can not pronounce or spell but it begins with the letter S .
Review Source:Our company recently held an off-site retreat here, and it was fabulous.
- Working with the group services staff was a breeze. We booked about 5 months out, and then followed up about a month before. They were very on top of things, responded quickly, sent us contracts and maps, and had everything ready to go when we arrived. Our meeting area worked great and didn't feel too formal, since it had the Shaker's pegs and adjustable lamps. But we still had all the modern amenities we needed (projection screen, table and chairs, snack break!). The whole day was smooth -- and affordable!
- Shaker Village itself is beautiful, well-kept, and enchanting. I'm not going to run out and become a Shaker, but I definitely want to go back to visit and learn more. We did a 1-hour guided tour, which was very informative but definitely needed to be longer! (That was our fault, though, we needed time for the company meeting portion of our day.) My favorite of the buildings we went into was the sister's workshop.
- The food was delicious! I had a Triple Pork sandwich (which I turned into Double Pork by omitting bacon) and then our table shared several desserts. Supposedly the restaurant is known for its lemon pie, but I thought the peanut butter cookie w/ chocolate ice cream was the best. No one had a bad thing to say about their meals, and I really want to go back and try the croquettes.
All in all a wonderful, refreshing day. Everyone at our company really enjoyed themselves and the village.
We drove here from New Orleans for a wedding this past Labor Day weekend. Â It was well worth the drive but, I think I'll fly next time. Â We couldn't have asked for a more perfect weekend. Â The weather was more than amazing but the Village stands on it's own. Â
There is so much to describe! Â It's kind of like a college campus. Â Medium sized old buildings with shops and also sleeping quarters. Â Grass conservation areas, an apple orchard, trails, horse stables, gardens...and that is just what I could see. Â
We took a paddle boat ride on a river close to the Village that was put together by the wedding party. Â I recommend doing this, seems like there are several rides daily. Â
One complaint I do have is the Restaurant. Â We ate breakfast here several times and they require that you make reservations. Â No biggie, but when we got there a table was never ready and they were out food. Â Not pleasant when you are slightly hung over. Â
I can't wait to go back though. Â Great place for a family vacation.
Make sure you have plenty of time to spend when you come here. First, there is the historical and cultural side of the place. Not only can you visit a variety of buildings, but there are people working in each building who will tell you in detail about anything that was or is done there. Do you want to know how the Shaker's made their famous furniture? Or why they planted certain crops? Or why their buildings look the way they do? You can ask someone who'll explain it all to you.
But wait, there's more! The caretakers also know the entire grounds. So we were advised to drive to a hiking area where we could sit in a comfortable little cabin with a single wall of windows and watch an amazing assortment of birds flitting through the woods. And we were steps away from a lovely nature trail and horse paths. The roads leading to these areas have also recently been lined with a variety of native wildflowers, so they are spectacular in spring and summer.
If there are small children with you, they'll enjoy seeing the farm animals (very patient goats and even an elderly lamb who'll let you pet them, as well as geese, chickens, and picturesque cows) and romping in the grass.
And yes, you can be very un-Shaker-like and buy all sorts of beautiful things in the gift shop. Don't feel too bad. It's the Shakers' fault for making the rest of us greedy for their stuff.
Everything about the Shaker Village was a great experience. Â
We began our tour by eating at the Trustee's restaurant. Â An earlier reviewer noted that the "food was overpriced." Â That may be if you are expecting a quick bite to eat, but if you go knowing you are in store for a great dining experience, I'm sure you will not be disappointed by either the price or the quality of the food. Â Our lunch was simply phenomenal and the best dining experience of our vacation in KY!
The village itself is a restored "Shaker" community. Â Being a Presbyterian minister, I very much enjoyed learning about the faith and beliefs of this particular uniquely American religious community and how those beliefs informed their life together. Â Each portion of our tour was informative and well done.
The drive out here alone is almost worth the trip! Not being from Kentucky and being in Lexington for the first time we wanted to do some cultural things in the area, and everyone told us about the Shaker Village! For those of you that don't know, the Shakers were an old religious group from the area that colonized and lived their lives simply, but during their religious ceremonies when they worshiped their bodies shook during the services, hence the name "shakers."
Now that you have your history lesson, you drive here passing beautiful country side, rolling hills, horses, trees and grass, and it definitely gives you some time to escape to this preserved village outside of lexington. They even have their own horses and some yaks and goats! You pay your fee and then can explore at your free will and there are lots of volunteers that can lead you on a tour, and tell you all about the main house which has two halves to it, complete with two stairways because girls and boys never were on the same side of the house ever--genders were always separate....
So we wondering well how do they procreate? i guess it didn't happen that often and instead they actually took in orphans a lot into their community. But being here in person and seeing this whole village was really thought provoking but also kind of made me think of that movie "The Village" so I was kind of freaked out too at the same time!! So don't go here alone!
And go here with some extra time available because there are a lot of hiking trails connected to this park and we didn't have time, but it is supposed to be amazing! And the food at the restaurant on site at the inn is WAY overpriced, so come with food or be prepared to stop somewhere randomly in the middle of nowhere to eat! The vending machines at the shaker village ate our money, so Willmore was our next closest bet!
A must see in Kentucky. Â This place is a beautifully restored Shaker Village combining a museum of Shaker life with active demonstrations, a hotel/conference center where you can stay in authentically furnished Shaker dwellings, and a restaurant with excellent Shaker food. Â A bit expensive but worth every penny. Â The Shakers are fascinating and this is the best place to find out about them.
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