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Modern Innkeepers in Lexington and Nearby Cities Add to Hospitable Tradition
“When the weary and hungry to Lexington trip,
Let them stop and regale at the Sign of the Ship,
Where I promise to treat them as well as I’m able,
With a larder well stored, and good liquors and stable.”
Although written in the early 1800’s to advertise Luke Usher’s inn in Lexington, this rhyme might just as well be about Bluegrass Bed & Breakfasts of the 1990’s. At rustic cabins, elegant antebellum mansions, cozy farmhouses and city homes in Lexington and the surrounding area, Bluegrass hosts still treat guests “as well as they are able” with delicious food and drink, and in some cases even horse accommodations.
There have been a few changes, of course. Today’s guests no longer sleep on the floor on buffalo robes if all the beds are taken, and strangers aren’t expected to share a room (in most cases, not even a bath). The well-stored larder tends toward country ham and gourmet breads instead of barbecue bear and johnnycake. And along with the stable, there are Jacuzzis, hot tubs, private lakes or swimming pools, cable television, conference rooms, airport pickup and a host of other amenities. Bed & Breakfast & Bluegrass is a combination of charming tradition, historic atmosphere and modern conveniences that most guests find downright poetic.
| Blue Note: "Bed & Breakfasts" have been a Bluegrass tradition since the earliest settlers arrived. In the late 1700’s, there were so few towns and villages that every station, cabin or house was an inn, every settler a part-time innkeeper. The arrival of a traveler was a welcome social event in the secluded life of the Kentucky wilderness. |
Here are some of the places to “stop and regale.”
In Lexington
Lyndon House
507 North Broadway, Lexington, KY 40508. (859) 225-3631; toll free (800) 494-9597.
The Lyndon House is a remarkable combination of meticulous renovation and state-of-the-art amenities. Located in the heart of the historic district, this 1880’s mansion has two suites and three bedrooms, each with their own bath and equipped with DSL and wireless internet access and cable TV. If you don’t want to negotiate the splendid Victorian staircase, there is a full-sized elevator. The walls in the common areas feature outstanding art, including large format paintings by Lexington artist Frederico Pizzuro. Your host Anton Giovanetto appreciates fine food and will prepare a hot breakfast for you with his signature homemade breads. Many of the city’s finest restaurants, shops and theatres are within easy walking distance. Children and pets are welcome with prior arrangement.
Swann’s Nest at Cygnet Farm
3463 Rosalie Lane, Lexington, KY 40510. (859) 226-0095.
Located on a prominent Thoroughbred horse farm just minutes from Keeneland Race Course and Blue Grass Airport, Swann’s Nest boasts two spacious suites in the farm’s guest quarters overlooking the broodmare paddocks and three distinctively appointed single rooms in the Southern Colonial main home, all with private baths. The warm atmosphere at Swann’s Nest is due in no small part to innkeeper Rosalie Swann . All guests have access to the living room for music and reading, or the den with a fireplace. There is also a comfortable screened porch and a bricked courtyard featuring a bridged pond. No pets. Not appropriate for guests with children under age 16.
| Blue Note: By the early 1800s, as Lexington grew into the "Athens of the West," the city boasted numerous taverns and inns, many in private residences. Some of them were Postlewait’s Tavern, Sign of Cross-Keys, The Fried Meat Tavern, Travellers Hall and the Indian Queen. The term "hotel" did not come into use until after 1825. |
Bed & Breakfasts in the Region
Berea
The Doctor’s Inn, 617 Chestnut, 40403. (859) 986-3042. Indeed, he is: This elegant Southern mansion is owned by Dr. Bill Baker and his wife BiJi. Two rooms with private baths and handcrafted furnishings. Full hearty or healthy breakfast. No pets. Not appropriate for children.
Cynthiana
Seldon Renaker Inn, 113 S. Walnut Street, 41031. (859)
234-3752. Named for the man who had it built as his residence in 1885, this graceful Victorian has been used as a boarding house, dress shop, physician’s office and tea room. Current owners are Juanita and Jim Ingram. Four guest rooms, three with private bath and cable TV. Children welcome. No pets.
Danville
The Empty Nest, 111 E. Lexington Avenue, 40422. (859) 236-3339. Peace and quiet and a screened-in porch are yours to enjoy in this turn-of-the-century house in one of Danville’s historic neighborhoods. Two guest rooms. Deluxe continental breakfast. No pets. Children 12 and older.
Old Crowe Inn, 471 Stanford Avenue, 40422. (859) 236-1808. Occupying one wing of the Crow-Barbee House (c. 1776), there are three guest rooms each with private bath and a private entrance. The grounds encompass both an organic farm and a winery. No pets. No children under 12.
The Golden Lion, 243 North 3rd Street, 40422. (859)583-1895; toll free (866) 453-5466. Housed in the beautiful Proctor-Rowland House (c. 1840), this B&B also serves as a genealogical resource center for those who research difficult surnames. There are three guest bedrooms, each with a fireplace and private bath. No pets. Children 12 and older.
Frankfort
Meek House, 119 E. Third Street, 40601 (502) 227-2566 or (866) 646-7650. Close to the state capitol building, this gothic revival home has spacious rooms and quiet surroundings. Two guest rooms, private baths. Children six and up are welcome. No pets.
Meeting House, 519 Ann Street, 40601. (502)226-3226. The home belongs to the Civil War Era and is in the heart of the Historic District. Innkeepers Gary and Rose Burke are eager to share the history and folklore of this charming 160-year-old home. Four bedrooms; four private baths. Children welcome; no pets.
Georgetown
Blackridge Hall Bed & Breakfast, 4055 Paris Pike, 40324. (502) 863-2069. This new Georgian-style home with elegant entry hall with a massive chandelier overlooks a horse farm. Queen-size beds, Jacuzzis, kitchenette, and full gourmet breakfast. Six guest rooms with private baths. Convenient to I-75 and I-64. No children or pets.
Bryan House Bed & Breakfast, 401 W. Main Street, 40324. (502)863-6289; toll free (877) 296-3051. Newly renovated, this Victorian home maintains its charm while embracing modern amenities. Three spacious suites with private baths, two with whirlpool tubs. Full gourmet breakfast. Children 12 and older; no pets.
Gayla Bed & Breakfast, 3329 Cynthiana Road, 40324 (502) 863-5113; toll free (800) 360-5774.
Located at an equestrian training center specializing in carriage driving, guests may stay in a comfortable one-story guest house with twin beds, sitting area and kitchen. Continental breakfast is served.
The Inn at Old Friends. 1841 Paynes Depot Road, 40324. (502) 863-1775. This unique property is located on a 52 acre farm for retired Thoroughbred Champions. Two guest rooms, each with private bath, offer stunning views of the farm. You’ll also get a guided tour of the farm.
Jordan Farm Bed and Breakfast, 4091 Newtown Pike, 40324. (502) 868-9002 or (502) 863-1944. Stay in a charming carriage house located on a 100-acre working Thoroughbred farm. Three spacious suites with private entrances, marble baths, Jacuzzis, color TVs and decks. Private fishing lake. Children 10 and older; no pets.
Pineapple Inn, 645 S Broadway, 40324. (502) 868-5453. Named for its color, this 1876 city home of many gables features poplar floors and oodles of antiques. Four large guest rooms with private baths. Formal breakfast. No pets. Children welcome.
Harrodsburg
Aspen Hall Manor and Tea Room, 558 Aspen Hall Drive, 40330. (859) 734-5050 or (888) 485-8870. This 1840 Greek Revival 9,000 square foot mansion nestled in the hills of Central Kentucky is within walking distance of downtown Harrodsburg. Sleeping accommodations feature king size beds with luxurious linens, private baths and televisions with DVD.
Baxter House, 1677 Lexington Road, 40330. (859) 734-4877; toll free (888) 809-4457. Four guest rooms, each with private bath, are found in this turn-of-the-century country home surrounded by 500 acres of horse country. Full country breakfast. Children, and horses, are welcome.
Lawrenceburg
Kavanaugh House Bed & Breakfast and Tea Room, 241 East Woodford Street, 40342. (502) 839-9880. This 1880’s historic home was once renowned as a Naval Prep school, boasting 15 West Point appointees and is on the National Historic Register. Guests enter to an expansive foyer with fireplace and massive oak staircase. Two guest bedrooms with private baths. Full breakfast.
Midway
Scottwood Bed & Breakfast, HWY 421, 40347, (859) 846-5037 or (877)477-0778. Two guest suites and a guest cottage await you at this 1795 Federal home located on South Elkhorn Creek. All rooms are furnished with queen beds and TV/VCR and have private baths. Children and pets welcome with prior notice.
Nicholasville
The Corner House, 228 Richmond Avenue, 40356. (859)881-5229 or (877)571-5777. Convenient to antique stores, golf courses and many fine restaurants, you can enjoy a game of pool or darts in the billiard room or try your hand at the antique organ in the parlor. The Corner House has four guest rooms with private baths and a wonderful wrap-around porch for relaxing. There is also a cottage. Full traditional southern breakfast. Children and pets welcome with prior notice.
O’Neal Log Cabin, 1626 Delaney Ferry Road, 40356. (859) 621-0051. Like an earlier time – with whirlpool – is what you’ll experience staying at this rustic 1820 cabin in a quiet wooded setting. Two bedrooms, full kitchen, two baths, one with whirlpool; TV/VCR; large stone fireplace; games and toys; refrigerator is stocked. Children welcome; no pets.
| Blue Note: The O’Neal Log Cabin, a bed and breakfast near Nicholasville, was built by George O’Neal, a Revolutionary War veteran who was a scout and sharpshooter for a Virginia regiment. The cabin was dismantled and moved to its current location. |
Paris
Country Charm Bed & Breakfast, 505 Hutchison Road, 40361. (859) 988-1006 or (866) 988-1006. Located on a 65 acre working farm, enjoy the rural atmosphere and take advantage of Shady Brook Golf Course just across the road. One guest bedroom and one guest suite plus a cottage with three bedrooms. Children welcome with advance notice; no pets.
The Treehouse at Stoner Creek. 131 Taylor Avenue, 40361. (859) 987-6251. This rustic (but new!) home just inside the Paris city limits sits right on Stoner Creek, next door to famouns Claiborne farm. Wide decks offer the perfect spot for relaxing, rain or shine. The two guest rooms share a bath.Enjoy breakfast inside, or on the screen-in porch. Pontoon boat, kayaks and canoes available.
| Blue Note: Want to see what a real 18th-century Bluegrass inn was like? Tour Duncan Tavern in Paris. Built in 1788, this 20-room home hosted such famous guests as Daniel Boone and Simon Kenton. It’s now Kentucky headquarters for the Daughters of the American Revolution. Open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. (859) 987-1788. |
Richmond
The Bennett House, 419 W. Main St., 40475. (859)623-7876; toll free (877) 204-3426. Step through double entry doors into this Queen Anne Romanesque brick home. Three guest rooms and two suites, all with private baths. Bennett House also hosts teas and special events.
Blue Heron B&B and Retreat Center, 270 E. Prong Road 40475. (859)527-0186. This Victorian house is situated on 30 acres with scenic views of waterfalls and meadows. Business, church and civic groups are welcomed for day retreats. Both guest bedrooms have private baths; one has a whirlpool. There is also a two-bedroom suite with a full kitchen. Children welcome; no pets.
Versailles
1823 Historic Rose Hill Inn, 233 Rose Hill Avenue, 40383. (859) 873-5957 or (800) 307-0460. A “country estate” on three acres in town, this 19th century home features seven guest rooms, each with private bath, three with jacuzzis. A gourmet breakfast is served in the dining room. Children and dogs welcome with prior notice.
The Kentucky Mansion. 105 Shannon Run Road, 40383. (859)873-2000. Tom Post, who happens to own the castle across the street, has opened this conveniently located tourist home set on a horse farm with daily private tours for guests. Three guests rooms, one with private bath.
Montgomery Inn, 270 Montgomery Avenue, 40383. (859) 873-4478 or (800) 526-9801. Three stories of Victorian ambiance include ten guest rooms, each with private bath and jacuzzi. Each room also has a private telephone and TV. Full gourmet breakfast served. Children with advance warning; no pets.
Rabbit Creek, 1010 Steele Road, 40383, (859)873-1920 or (888)219-5181. This large modern home has an inground pool and a pool room with wet bar, a redwood sauna, large outdoor hot tub , beautifully landscaped grounds and a professional in-house massage therapist.. There are seven spacious bedrooms, some with balconies.
Storybook Inn Bed & Breakfast, 277 Rose Hill Avenue, 40383. (859)879-9993 or (877)279-2563. Three spacious suites in an outstanding Civil War Era mansion on, plus a cottage, all on park-like grounds within walking distance to quaint downtown Versailles. Elevator, mini-frig in each room and high speed internet are just a few of the modern amenities in this gracious home. Full European-style breakfasts with fresh local ingredients. Chilren and pets welcome with advance notice.
Wilmore
Scott Station Inn, 305 E Main, 40390. (859) 858-0121. Each of the ten guest rooms at this gracious late 1800’s farmhouse has its own theme. Refurbished in 1990, six rooms have private baths. Full country breakfast. Children welcome; no pets.
Winchester
Guerrant Mountain Mission, 21 Valentine Court, 40391. (859)745-1284. This B&B is one of four turn of the century historical buildings still located on the grounds of the Guerrant Mountain Mission Clinic and Hospital. Two charming suites, one with fireplace, are furnished with antiques. One bath has a jacuzzi. Common areas include a parlor, lounge and generous back deck. Gourmet breakfast.
House on Belmont, 331 Belmont Avenue, 40391, (859)745-0177. The elegant “House on Belmont,” also known as the Dr. Benjamin Franklin Johnson Home, was built in 1872 by a prominent Winchester physician. It has been extensively renovated. There are three lovely guest rooms each with private bath.
Windswept Farm, 5952 Old Boonesboro Road, 40391, (859)745-1245. This 165-year-old Greek Revival home overlooks rolling pastureland. A full country breakfast is served at your convenience. Bedrooms are furnished with queen-sized beds. Convenient to Ft. Boonesborough State Park and historic downtown Winchester. Children welcome; no pets.
By Teresa Day, a freelance travel writer based in Georgetown, KY.
Updated and edited by Lu Ann Pelle, July 2007.
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