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For a brief and beautiful time, around the turn of the last century, utopian societies were in full swing. The shining jewel of these enterprises is Shaker Village in Pleasant Hill, Kentucky.
The Shakers were renowned for their craftsmanship, sense of design and aesthetics, and their enduring legacy of simple living. All of which is on well-preserved display at Shaker Village. This village once housed several hundred devotees, but now is strictly a historical site.
You can enjoy a lovely day wandering the furnished buildings and groomed grounds of Shaker Village. Docents are stationed throughout to give a vibrant account of daily life in the commune. Several museums display artifacts from the period and provide details of the sect’s history.
In the center of the village stands the Shaker Inn. It’s a fully operational hotel and also boasts a wonderful restaurant which serves Shaker-style recipes and fresh vegetables harvested from the grounds.
We found ample parking for our RV at Shaker Village, and were even permitted to walk the dog around the grounds. When we toured the area the village had many visitors but did not feel crowded. There’s plenty of acreage to explore and a large gift shop where you can purchase Shaker-inspired items.
We camped at nearby Cummins Ferry Resort, which is situated on the banks of the Kentucky River. This private campground is well maintained by friendly, on-site owners. There’s a boat launch and a marina on property, and canoe rentals are available. Riverside walking trails provided us with a delightful afternoon of exercise.
Several campsites at Cummins Ferry Resort are occupied by seasonal renters. We were concerned we might feel like outsiders, but that was not the case. The Regulars were quite friendly, and we were graciously invited to join their annual Chili Part hosted at the pavilion. I can report that some mighty fine cooks make their summer home at this campground!
The entrance to Cummins Ferry Resort is down a fairly steep hill, but nothing our rig couldn’t handle. And the peace and quiet at the river’s edge was certainly welcome.
Step back into a time of serenity at Shaker Village, and enjoy a great camp at Cummins Ferry. You won’t be disappointed with either!
Websites:
http://www.shakervillageky.org/
July 4, 2023
