Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill in Kentucky

Travel to a time and place where simplicity and charm is your host. Envision a peaceful, relaxing environment where the only sounds you hear are the birds singing and the clip clop of horses' hooves.

Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill is such a place. Situated among the gently rolling hills of central Kentucky, this restored community consists of 34 buildings and 2,800 acres of graceful farmland.

The village buildings were restored to their 19th century appearance and Shaker design. Furniture and decorations are very simple and functional. Included in the self-guided tour are 14 of the original structures, including the Centre Family Dwelling, the East Family Dwelling and the Meeting House.

Volunteers dressed in Shaker style clothing give skilled demonstrations of crafts throughout the village. Broom making, candle making, weaving, spinning and woodworking are just a few of the crafts demonstrated throughout the day.

Shaker music is presented several times a day at the Meeting House. The Shakers were known for their spiritual hymns and wrote over 20,000 pieces, including the well-known hymn, "Simple Gifts". You will definitely enjoy this musical interpretation!

Traditional Shaker dining is available at the Shaker Village Trustees' Office. A large, country style breakfast is served every morning. A mid-day lunch and evening dinner are also served. Reservations are recommended. Check the website for times through the week or on weekends. I have had the pleasure of eating both breakfast and lunch in the village. I heartily recommend the experience! The dining room is known for its traditional Shaker lemon pie. You'll definitely want to try that when you go. Don't be in a hurry. Relax. Soak in the peaceful environment. Enjoy the experience!

Two craft stores/gift shops are situated within the village. Hand crafted gifts and Shaker reproductions are available at the village shops as well as through their online store.

Lodging is available throughout the Shaker village in original, restored dwellings. 81 rooms are provided with heat and air conditioning, and telephone service. More information on lodging and reservation information is available through their website.

HISTORICAL FACTS:

*The first Kentucky Shakers originated from three members of the Lebanon, New York community of believers who migrated to Paint Lick, Kentucky in 1805.

*Pleasant Hill was established in 1806.

*491 members joined the community by 1823.

*Due to the community's extensive agricultural skills and conservation techniques, Pleasant Hill became a leading agricultural experimental station. Members also judged cattle shows in Kentucky's first state fair.

*The Shakers were originally called "Shaking Quakers" due to their charismatic and animated worship.

*Early Shaker communities in New England were beaten, jailed and highly ridiculed for their style of worship.

*Restoration of Pleasant Hill began in 1966 and was completed in 1992. The village became a National Historical Landmark in 1972.

For more information, call Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill at 859-734-5411. If you are traveling through, make sure to stop by! You'll be glad you did.

Lucy Cain