The 1869 Shaker Tavern, in southern Kentucky, served the traveling public for about thirty years. The South Union Shakers owned the building but did not run the tavern, which was located at a railroad stop a few miles from their village. The Shakers also owned and leased out the Shaker Store across the street from the tavern. South Union Shakertown closed its doors forever in 1922, but the Shaker Tavern still operates today as a bed-and-breakfast hotel. The building retains its unique combination of Shaker simplicity and Victorian elegance. In addition to the tavern, several other original South Union Shakertown buildings have been restored and are open to the public. However, North Homage Shaker Village, located somewhere in northern Kentucky, and its own Shaker Hostel are entirely fictional, as are all the characters who live there.
Deborah Woodworth
April 9, 2001