A Shaker Village Christmas is Exactly What You Need This Holiday.
I can't believe that Christmas is next week; where did fall go? I love the holiday season for many reasons: comfort food, holiday decor, and spending time with friends and family. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a cozy winter getaway to celebrate Christmas, Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill is the place to go. Deep in the hills of the Bluegrass State and just outside Lexington, Kentucky, I experienced all of these (and then some) with one of my dearest friends and I’m sharing all of the festive details with you!
Spend the Holidays at Shaker Village
What is Shaker Village?
The Shakers were the most well known communal society in the 19th century and in 1805 a group of Shakers came to central Kentucky and established a new community that they named Pleasant Hill. Although the Shakers are no longer here their legacy lives on in the expansive grounds, classic Federal-Style architecture, and simple pleasures like a sweet slice of lemon sugar pie.
Today, Shaker Village is a non profit organization dedicated to preserving the Shaker heritage by offering different experiences for visitors to enjoy. You can even stay overnight at the inn; more on that later. Even though the chill is in the air, it's a beautiful time to visit the village and get into the holiday spirit.
Dining at the Trustee's Table
After we checked in, we headed straight for the dining room to warm up and get ready for a busy afternoon. The dining rooms are flooded with sunlight with simple and comfortable table settings and decorated with artwork inspired by the village.
I had to have the comfort food combo, grilled cheese with bacon with a cup of tomato and celery soup, and Celia enjoyed one of the South's famous casseroles, Hot Chicken Salad complete with a potato chip crust. We hadn't seen each other in months so we took our time catching up and savoring every bite.
After a bite to eat, make sure you enjoy some of the holiday fun happening in the village. Activities go on throughout the day so before you visit visit the front desk for a rundown of the day’s events or check out the event calendar online.
Holiday Horse Drawn Carriage Rides
If you arrive at the village during the day, travel around the grounds shaker style in a horse drawn carriage.
It couldn't have been a better weekend to be outside enjoying the fresh air. The carriage ride was a great way to see more of the grounds and thanks to our guides, we learned more about the history of Pleasant Hill.
Please note these tours usually operate April-October check on availability prior to your visit. 1.800.734.5611
Illuminated Evenings at Shaker Village
During the holidays, Shaker Village twinkles at night during Illuminated Evenings with extended hours for the gift shops, hayrides, holiday caroling, hot toddys and bonfires.
Booze by a bonfire? Yes, please. As the sun went down we sat right here by the fire sipping our cocktails while listening to joyous carols coming from the Meeting House next door. If you're traveling with children, make sure you take a Jingle Bell Hayride or a long stroll through the grounds before or after dinner to see all of the beautiful decorations.
Shop For Holiday Gifts
There are several gift shops in the village so get all of your holiday shopping done in one weekend! Handmade soaps, nesting boxes, beautiful scarves, books, and gourmet goodies abound. P.S. these shops stay open late during Illuminated Evenings.
Don’t miss the incredible staircase view from the top floor in the Trustee House. Climb up the stairs after dinner to see the Christmas tree from a whole new perspective.
Shaker Village is the perfect place to get away, slow down, and enjoy the little things especially during the holiday season. Safe travels and happy holidays!
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Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill
3501 Lexington Rd, Harrodsburg, KY 40330
(800) 734-5611
http://shakervillageky.org/
