Our tours to Mill Ridge Farm will take you on a short but scenic drive on the outskirts of Lexington.  Only about 40 minutes from the host hotel your will be enjoying a working Thoroughbred Horse Farm.

Founded in 1962 by Alice Chandler, Mill Ridge has a rich history of raising and selling Thoroughbred racehorses.  Still run by her son and grandson the farm has bred, raised, and/or sold 41 Grade 1 Winners since 2000.  These include 3 Horse of the Year recipients, 1 Ky Derby winner, 2 Preakness Stakes winners, 1 Belmont Stakes winner and 9 Breeders’ Cup winners. In 1968 Alice Chandler had success with a horse she foaled and raised at Mill Ridge named Sir Ivor.  Sir Ivor won the Epsom Derby and became the British Horse Of the Year. 

Of course at this time it was unheard of for and American woman to breed an American thoroughbred to achieve such accolades.  This helped to open up international trade as Europeans started sending their mares to Mill Ridge to breed with American Stallions.  

During your 1hr 15 minute tour you will learn about the operations of the farm.  You will go as a group driving you cars to stops around the farm where you’ll be able to see the stallions, and meet many of the mares while feeding them carrots.  This is a great opportunity to see and learn about the inner workings of the Thoroughbred Industry.

The drive to Shaker Village is about 65 minutes.  A fun section, weaving through palisades as you drop down to the KY river. The route meanders through Fayette and Woodford counties to keep us out of Lexington traffic.

The Shakers chose a peaceful way of life. They were celibate, believed in equality of race and sex, and freedom from prejudice. A quest for simplicity and perfection is reflected in their fine designs and craftsmanship, and today the term Shaker-made is synonymous with excellence around the world. Although the population peaked at almost 500 in the 1820s, the community thrived well past the mid-19th century, acquiring more than 4,000 acres of farmland. However, after the 1860s, changing social attitudes and the Industrial Revolution signaled the community’s decline. Kentucky Shakers no longer exist and only one community is active in New England, yet their lasting influence is a legacy to all who visit Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill.

THE PLEASANT HILL SHAKERS
Discover Connections to the Past

Shaker Village is home to an impressive collection of Shaker architecture, furniture, artifacts and archives. It is a place of preservation and conservation, where those interested in history can learn about the past and be inspired for the future. With 34 Shaker structures, built from 1809 to 1875, the site is home to Kentucky’s largest National Historic Landmark and the country’s largest private collection of original 19th century buildings.

The site of Woodford Reserve has been used for making fine bourbon since 1812.  As a National Historic Landmark the distillery keeps the charm and feel of days gone by.

Come and learn about their history and the distillery of fine bourbons.  You’ll get up close and personal with the distilling process while learning about the grain recipe of some wonderful libations.  Learn about the unique geologic features that make Central KY in our opinion the best location for distilling award winning bourbons.

During the 70 minute tour you will get an in depth look at the process, the history and maybe learn why we call it Bourbon.  (At least how and why we Kentuckians say this drink was named bourbon.).

Their Master Distillers. Chris Morris and Elizabeth McCall may be on hand to answer questions.

The drive is along a beautiful road through horse country and will take about 40 to 45 minutes.

A group of Kentucky’s early settlers built Cane Ridge Meeting House in 1791. Nestled among Kentucky’s rolling hills and gracious horse farms, Cane Ridge Meeting House is located on State Highway 537 in Bourbon County, Kentucky. It is believed to be the largest one-room log structure standing in North America. It is the symbol of the late 18th and early 19th Century Western Great Revival. The Cane Ridge Presbyterian congregation with its pastor Barton Warren Stone were hosts for the event that took place here in August 1801.

 The Revival of August 1801 at Cane Ridge was the climactic event of the Western Great Revival. It was estimated by military personnel that some 20,000 to 30,000 persons of all ages, representing various cultures and economic levels traveled on foot and on horseback, many bringing wagons with tents and camping provisions. Because of the numbers of people attending and the length of the meeting, Cane Ridge has become the metaphor of the Great Revival.

Get up close and personal with our whisky’s home place. Whether you’re here to learn more about our history and heritage, or eager to raise a glass, there’s
something for every bourbon enthusiast at Star Hill Farm.

It has taken nature millions of years to form the natural sandstone arch from which this park takes its name. Located adjacent to the Daniel Boone National Forest, near the Red River Gorge Geological Area, the bridge spans 78 feet and is 65 feet high.

Learn the family history of the Samuels family. Bill Sr. who elevated bourbon with his flavor vision, Margie Samuels the creative business woman behind the marketing and growth of the brand to Bill Jr. who has been innovating his wood stave finishing process that adds character to the whisky’s.

Red Winter Wheat; This one changed the way we think of bourbon, all because one man changed the way he thought about making it. Bill Samuels, Sr. simply wanted a whisky he would enjoy drinking. Never bitter or sharp, Maker’s Mark® is made with soft red winter wheat (instead of the usual rye) for a one-of-a-kind, full-flavored bourbon that’s smooth and balanced.

We have a scenic drive route to Loretto, KY home of Maker’s Mark Distillery. This tour is about 1hr and 50 minutes covering 73 miles of varying KY landscapes.

The Red River Gorge is a uniquely scenic area in the Daniel Boone National Forest. The area is known for its abundant natural stone arches, unusual rock formations, and spectacular sandstone cliffs. The Red River Gorge is designated as a national geological area by the U.S. Forest Service.

Natural Bridge State Park

From tastings to table-side conversations, each moment at our distillery has its own flavor. If you’re hungry for something more, Star Hill Provisions is where Kentucky’s finest traditions
meet the Maker’s touch- bold, honest, and downright delicious.

At Natural Bridge, each season has a unique charm. Hikers are drawn to this rugged, scenic area of high stone cliffs and stone arches, but tenderfoots can also enjoy the scenic, ridge-top views from the park’s sky lift.

For our outdoor enthusiasts we have a drive route to the foothills of the Appalachians.  You will circle the Red River Gorge Area, passing through Nada Tunnel and then head to Natural Bridge State Park a short drive away.  This area is known as a climbing paradise and draws visitors from all over the world.  You can hike one of the many trails or take the sky lift at the park to get a view of Natural Bridge.  Lunch plans are being worked on but may be “on your own” at one of the areas restaurants.  The drive will be about 1hr 45 min one way, the return trip will be shorter via the 4 lanes that make access to the area quicker.