A day at the Shaker Village is a journey into the past. The 3000 acre complex is divided into five areas; the stable, the farm, the historic centre, the river and the preserve. Devoted to preserving the history of the Shakers, who established the village in 1805, Shaker Village also draws visitors who want to explore the present with festivals, like the Well Crafted- Brews + Bands Festival, programs, like the upcoming Urban Farming, or activities, like stand up paddle boarding or yoga.
Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill
We arrived in time to join in the Well Crafted Festival, which featured local bands, local food trucks and upcoming craft beers. We started our afternoon with a visit to the Crank and Boom food truck, where we purchased cups of ice cream. Naturally, we had to sample the two specialty Kentucky flavors, Kentucky Blackberry and Buttermilk and Kentucky Bourbon and Honey. Oh my goodness! If you want a melt in your mouth treat, this a must try. Locals at all the places I visited in Harrodsburg were quick to suggest a visit to the Crank and Boom ice cream parlor.
We strolled over to a bench in the village to enjoy our ice cream and discovered that several educational presentations were being held during the day. We were just in time to join the Herbal Class, which fascinated me as I grow my own herbs. We started with a walk around the Shaker herb garden, where our guide explained the various types of uses for the herbs.
The Shakers used herbs to make their own medicines and were a healthy people, living 30 years longer than their neighbors in the surrounding area. Herbs were also used for dying clothing and for seasoning. We were able to try a pleasant smelling antiseptic spray and a insect repellent the Shakers made. I was also pleased to find they would share the recipes. I quickly picked up my copy to try my hand at making these at home. Afterwards, we were allowed to make our own “Allergy bags.” These were thought to relieve allergies, but could also be used to freshen the air in closets or drawers.
A visit to the farm brought us up close and personal with “Abraham” the ram. We were warned that Abraham was friendly “as long as you stayed on your side of the fence.” While visiting the barn we learned that the Shakers had hired Irish workers to construct a stone wall on the property, much of which is still visible today.
Later in the afternoon we took a tour of the village. Provided every 30 minutes by knowledgeable guides, the tour explains the history of the Shakers and their progressive ways. In a time when men were dominant, the Shakers treated women equally. The only thing that confused some members of our group were the Shakers commitment to celibacy. This provided a lively discussion for several minutes.
Kentucky Fudge Company
After spending the day at Shaker Village, we headed to the Kentucky Fudge Company in downtown Harrodsburg for dinner. Saturday’s bring local talent to perform live music so we were treated to tunes as we dined. All of the desserts are homemade and sold out quickly, but we were still able to enjoy a piece of pie and a scone after dinner. Of course, the food is so filling, you might find you don’t have room for dessert. I ordered the Gourmet Grilled Cheese and Baked Potato Salad, while Ashton ordered the Harrod Burger. Although the food is delicious, it’s worth a visit for the atmosphere. Formerly a drug store, the restaurant has an 1800’s vibe, with glass cabinets lining the walls, a restored soda fountain and a tin ceiling.
Want to know more about Harrodsburg? Visit HarrodsburgKy.Com
Visiting Harrodsburg? You Might Like:
Old Fort Harrod, Harrodsburg, Kentucky
Old Fort Harrod State Park
Beaumont Inn and Old Owl Tavern
The Well Crafted Festival sounds like so much fun. These ice cream flavors would indeed be interesting to try. This burger looks so delicious and filling. I would love to visit there some day. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
This place looks awesome and historical. I feel refreshed whenever I go in an unusual place.
That is my idea of a super fun day! Ohh, I just wish kentcky is just a drive away from me so I can visit Shaker Village.
I actual never been to Kentucky. I love a good festival and glad it was acute one there for you to experience!
I would love to visit this part of the country! So beautiful! All of that food looks great.
I’ve been dying to go to Kentucky! Looks like such a fun time.. and the food looks incredible!!
The Well Crafted Festival looks like a ton of fun. I would love to go and try the food.
This looks like a marvelous place to visit. And the food–looks absolutely delicious. I love the pictures, such vivid images. Thanks so much for sharing your experience.
What a fun day. I love exploring historical sites. You will have to let us know if the herbal insect repellent really works. BTW your dinner looked amazing too.
First of all all of this food looks amazing!! That cheeseburger looks especially good!! YUM!!
Now that is a place I would love to visit and experience. I love places like that with history.
BB just ♥♥♥ towns that maintain and show off their heritage/history. What a wonderful town to visit, and with food that good Babushka’s sure it’ll be around for quite a while more!
There are so many unique places to visit. The Shaker Village in Harrodsburg, KY would be fun to tour. We’d definitely drop by the Kentucky Fudge Company for a delicious hamburger and a scone.
Looks like a wonderful place and that dinner of your looks sooo yummy!!! I would love to go there one day.
This is only a couple of hours from me, I love it there! It is amazing to see how they once lived, it blows my mind!
I would love to take my family here. It looks like a really fun day trip.
Oh the food! Ya’ll visit so many wonderful places with such amazing looking food! This looks like such a great place to visit!
What a simple yet adorable place to visit. Looks like a great time!
Looks like a fun place to explore. The herbs sounds amazing and the food looks delicious.
This is a nice place, I like a breather. We usually go to the mall every weekend, I think we need a new hangout.
I’ve never been to Harrodsburg before but it sounds like a fun place! I love visiting places that are like blast from the past, it’s like stepping in a time machine.
I like how they used herbs for a lot of things. Seems like such a better way to live instead of using icky chemicals that we have in a lot of products today. What an educational trip!
Looks like such a fun time, would love to visit some day!
My son really loves history and I know he would love to explore the historical sites. The food looks absolutely delicious too!
Would you believe I’ve never had a chance to visit Kentucky? It looks like such a gorgeous piece of the county. Plus, I think I’d be eating the entire visit. That Fudge Company place looks incredible.
We are just a few hours from Kentucky, but I have only been once. This would be such a fun family trip.
I love the old town feel of Shakers Village. It would really be relaxing staying in a town with such a rich heritage.
Oh I just love checking out historical sites. I like to imagine being from that time. So interesting!
I really would love to explore there. I agree with the other commenters saying that food makes me hungry just looking at it.
Those food photos are really making me hungry. I would love to spend the day at Shaker Village and learn all about the history of the shakers. It’s interesting that they lived 30 years longer than their neighbors.
We’re not far from Kentucky, but we’ve never made a trip there. You’ve posted so many great travel articles about Kentucky, we’re currently in the process of planning a trip!
That’s a good looking dinner. And you can bet there’d be no warning needed about staying on my side of the fence when a ram was involved. 😉
We raise sheep so we didn’t need the warning either. Those rams are sneaky! 🙂