Something to Celebrate

The Renaissance of Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

Written by Jen Dotson / Photography by Andrew Kung

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, located in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, is a quintessential Kentucky postcard – rolling hills of Bluegrass pastures and miles of plank and stone fencing accented by restored horse and tobacco barns. Pleasant Hill is the largest restored Shaker community in the country and flocked to by visitors from all over the world from daylight till dusk, for a multitude of reasons. Of the 250 original structures, 34 buildings remain and have been restored and preserved successfully by the efforts of a friends-and-neighbors nonprofit organization formed 50 years ago. September 2011 marks the 50th anniversary of this amazing acquisition and preservation effort allowing Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill to enter into a slightly edgier renaissance that almost wasn’t.

Appealing to a broad spectrum of interests, Pleasant Hill exceeds travelers’ expectations. Weary visitors can rest at The Inn, offering the rare experience of sleeping in a restored Shaker building reminiscent of the original lifestyle. Shakers were master craftsmen and each bedroom, though minimalistic in décor, displays Shaker reproductions and handcrafted items. “People leave their worries out on highway 68,” stated David Larson, director of strategic development. Referring to the peaceful calming atmosphere Pleasant Hill embodies, he added, “We don’t force that. It’s just here.”

Quite possibly one of the main attractions to Pleasant Hill is The Trustees’ Office Dining Room, serving three meals a day and open since 1968, it has offered Shaker-inspired cuisine for roughly 41 years. The dining room, much like The Inn, is simple yet elegant. The foyer leads to a hallway flanked by two stunning stairwells and offers an intimate view into the main dining hall. Traditional Shaker peg railing lines the walls and the unique peg-candle holders are strategically placed along the railing. Sturdy white dishes and scrubbed wooden tables are the canvas for the traditional favorites and seasonal Kentucky dishes, inspired by locally available ingredients.

The kitchen is comprised of what is referred to as the “Shaker Village culinary team.” This team aspect falls in line with original Shaker principles: communitarian social organization and gender equality. Larson, also a retired chef from Woodford Reserve, assists with overseeing the chef staff. Known for its seasonal menu and uninterrupted-flavor-style cooking, Pleasant Hill recently decided to add garden-side suppers. These three-course meals with wine pairings include appetizers, a garden tour and a meet-and-greet with the gardeners. “We’ve had an amazing response to these dining experiences. This contemporary dining experience gives people an insight into the ‘seed-to-table’ process,” described publicist Aimee Reed Darnell. Contemporary as it may be, dining alfresco was a traditional part of this legendary community.

The food is truly succulent and bursting with fresh flavor. The current ‘Summer Midday Fare,’ as the menu is referred, starts with the signature Shaker Village Tomato Celery Soup, served daily sine 1968, and satisfies the palate to perfection. The next item I had to sample were the fried green tomatoes. These ‘seasonal delicacies’ surprise by both the sprinkling of pickled watermelon rind remoulade and the non-greasy cornmeal coating. A self-proclaimed goat cheese aficionado, it only seemed fitting for me to try the spinach salad topped significantly with goat cheese, toasted sunflower kernels, diced heirloom tomatoes and tossed in honey citrus vinaigrette. Satisfying? Absolutely, and the touch of diced watermelon added seasonal and Shaker flare defining its unique quality.

With a number of savory entrée selections, the culinary team decided we needed to experience the fresh herb marinated chicken and the moist pork medallions. The chicken, both tender and juicy, was served on a bed of freshly picked and delicately seasoned green beans, red peppers, corn, and onions. As for the pork, it did not disappoint with its garden-fresh baby squash, zucchini, and onion companions. Other entrees include the Kentucky ‘Cold Brown’ the summer version of the Kentucky classic ‘Hot Brown,’ Johnny cakes and country ham, lemon herb shrimp, and summer vegetable pasta.

Dessert?...well okay. Berries of course pair naturally and delightfully with cheesecake. Every bit of the Pleasant Hill cheesecake had a rich and creamy texture served with plump, brightly colored berries.

The Trustees’ Office Dining Room and garden-side suppers are not the only dining experiences offered at Pleasant Hill. Larson has worked diligently to incorporate bourbon-inspired suppers. Currently hosting two per season (fall/winter months), these soldout diners are proving Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill has more to offer than just tours. The bourbon dinner offers an intimate dining experience held in the Shaker Village cellar more appropriately referred to as the ‘Winter Kitchen.’ With its limestone walls and candle accents, it’s the perfect urbane setting. Prior to the dinner, serious bourbon devotes can attend the bourbon 101 experience led by Dave Scheurich, former plant and production manager for Woodford Reserve. “These dinners are very popular as well as the 101 sessions. We receive amazing feedback,” says Larson.

With its two-year-old unique liquor license, visitors can now order from an impressive wine, beer, and spirits list as well as choose from a variety of seasonal cocktails such as the Colonel’s Cocktail: a mix of Woodford Reserve with a splash of Cointreau and a fresh lemon (muddled) with freshly brewed ice tea served over limestone ice. You might want to try the Meadow View Refresher as well….yum!

With all the excitement leading to the celebration of its first 50 years as a nonprofit organization, Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill offers more than just fine and casual dining. A magical place and educational experience where you can ride a riverboat through the scenic Kentucky River palisades, pick apples, shop for antiques, listen to live jazz, and even board your horse during your stay at The Inn. The Shakers were an almost forgotten community; 50 years has later what once was crumbling now stands firm. That is certainly something to celebrate.