A Visit To This Historic Village In Kentucky Will Transport You Back To A Simpler Time
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Rachel Shulhafer
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Not far from downtown Harrodsburg in central Kentucky is Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. This 3,000-acre historical site with take you back to a simpler time. There is plenty to do, see, and learn at Shaker Village, so consider spending a whole day, or even multiple days, exploring what it has to offer.
Pleasant Hill was established in 1805, and was the third largest Shaker community in America. There were 491 members living on 4,500 acres at Pleasant Hill in 1823. Kentucky Shakers no longer exist, but during the 105 years that they flourished at Pleasant Hill, they built more than 260 structures. They also had a municipal water system, which was one of the earliest in Kentucky. The last Kentucky Shaker died in 1923, and the land and structures were sold. For a few decades after that, Pleasant Hill was known as a small town called Shakertown.
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Out of the 260 structures that once stood at Pleasant Hill, only 34 remain. They have been restored and give you a glimpse into what life what like for the Shakers in the 19th-century.
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The Shakers deeply appreciated fertile land with natural resources. The area around Pleasant Hill has fertile soil, plenty of water sources, and limestone, making for an ideal place to settle. Luckily, the area is still natural, so go out and appreciate the serenity.
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The Kentucky River was very significant to the Shakers. Sometimes they would even take trading expeditions down the Kentucky River, the Ohio River, and the Mississippi River to as far away as New Orleans.
One of the points of interest along the river is High Bridge, which is the first cantilever bridge in North America.
The Inn at Shaker Village is a unique and cozy place to stay the night. Sleep in a restored Shaker room and enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside. The Inn has been named a top hidden travel destination by BBC News.
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The restaurant at Shaker Village has traditional Kentucky favorites and fresh seasonal dishes. Many of the ingredients came from the farm at Shaker Village or other local farmers.
For more things to do and see around the Shaker Village area, check out our article on the oldest town in Kentucky, Harrodsburg. Shaker Village is located at 3501 Lexington Road, Harrodsburg, KY 40330. For more information, visit their website.
Has anyone been to Shaker Village before? What did you think?
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