Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dreamscapes.ca/i/631317
Farther south in Bardstown, the spirit of outlaw Jesse James is said to live on in the Old Talbott Tavern, where he once shot up a second-floor lounge that is now part of the Jesse James suite and a popular tourist attraction. While I had initially been assigned the outlaw's former bedroom, the life-sized photo of him staring down at the bed made me uneasy, as did the staff stories of strange goings-on in that room such as rattling doorknobs and disembodied foot- steps. This prompted me to move to the Daniel Boone room on the far side of the hotel—and enjoy an undisturbed sleep. ART AND ARTISTRY Just across the river from Newport, Ken- tucky, is its Siamese twin—Cincinnati, Ohio—conjoined by the important John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge that is both pedestrian- and vehicle-friendly. Boasting a vibrant arts scene, Cincinnati has created an "Arts and Culture on a Budget" program. Offerings include self-directed and group walking tours of more than 100 murals in 36 neighbourhoods. Art exhibits at the 21c Museum Hotel are open to the public 24/7 free of charge, while no admission is required to the 60,000-item Cincinnati Art Museum during opening hours from Tuesday to Sunday. The historical Cincin- nati Observatory, home to the world's oldest telescope still in use, appreciates a US$5 donation for tours. Kentucky's plethora of art galleries, museums, shops and studios opens more doors to not only some fascinating history, but also opportunities for learning crafts and skills. A case in point is the 1,215-hectare Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill, which provides a 3D "Shaker chic" backdrop for artisans and art admirers. Experts in skills such as leather- craft, quilting, weaving and dry stone masonry deliver workshops for visitors of all ages. The historical site houses massive buildings reflecting the traditional values of simplicity, utility and fine craftsmanship. Elegant yet simple visitor accommodation emulates the furnishings, woodwork and lifestyle of the nearly extinct Shakers world- wide. Surrounding the property is the longest "dry stone" fence in America, care- fully crafted in the 19 th century by imported Irish or Scottish stonemasons. Art can crop up in the most unusual places. Tucked into a side street of down- town Covington, a stone's throw from a cathedral modelled after Notre Dame in Paris, is the small manufacturing plant and showroom for Donna Salyers's Fabulous- Furs. An enterprising faux furrier, Salyers has created art that imitates life to the point at which the two are virtually indistinguish- able. The world has gone wild for her concept of "responsible luxury," with stars and stores from Oprah Winfrey and Lord & Taylor to Saks Fifth Avenue and Simons in Canada snapping up the garments. One of my biggest surprises, since I was aware only of Churchill Downs in DREAMSCAPES WINTER/SPRING 2016 12 FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: Enjoy timeless classics at the Stephen Foster Story, Kentucky's official outdoor musical, staged every summer on the grounds of My Old Kentucky Home State Park. The beer list at the West Sixth Brewing Production Brewery and Taproom in Lexington is never the same but always local. A guided tour of the Keeneland Race Course takes visitors through the Jockey Garden. OPPOSITE: Enjoy a relaxing tour on board Shaker Village's 115-passenger riverboat, the Dixie Belle. E. Lisa Moses