Amish Community of Marion
Marion
The first Amish settlement came to Crittenden County in 1977 and today holds more than 400 members. The community’s simple lifestyle is characterized by hard work and deep faith. Without modern distractions like phones and motorized vehicles, the Amish people focus on church, family and manual labor, maintaining a more direct connection with their community and surroundings.
In addition to growing most of their own food, members of the community take great care in crafting quality products like furniture, cabinets and quilts, which can be found at home-based shops throughout the area.
Groups can pick up a map at the Welcome Center and take a self-guided driving tour, stopping by local bakeries, produce shops and craft stores.
“People are fascinated with the lifestyle,” said Michelle Edwards, director of the Marion Tourism Commission, adding that with Lake Barkley just 30 minutes away, many travelers pass through the area for an afternoon excursion.
As a traditional community, there are no commercialized attractions for tourists such as Amish restaurants and horse-and-buggy rides; but visitors can have an authentic cultural experience and take home artisan products like fresh breads and handwoven rugs.
St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption
Covington
Inspired by the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption is a stunning example of Gothic architecture. Designed by Detroit architect Leon Coquard during the early 1900s, the church was elevated to the rank of minor basilica by Pope Pius XII in 1953, making it one of only 35 minor basilicas in the United States.
Visitors may recognize the circular Rose Window, visible above three arching doorways on the face of the building; the window was modeled directly on the iconic Rose Window of Notre Dame Cathedral. It is also hard to miss the 26 stone gargoyles perched along the basilica’s outer walls. Though arguably one of the most fantastical features of Gothic architecture, gargoyles serve a practical purpose by diverting rainwater from the church walls, with the mouth of the statue acting as a spout.
“Photos do not do it justice,” said Julie Kirkpatrick, vice president of sales and marketing at Meet Northern Kentucky. “You have to see the sun hit the stained glass for yourself.”
Groups are encouraged to take a guided tour of the basilica, which expounds upon the history of the artwork and the architecture and how the church has played a crucial role in the Covington community over the years.
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
Harrodsburg
Once home to the third-largest Shaker community in the country, Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill spans 3,000 acres of charming bluegrass landscape. The property features 34 of the village’s original 260 structures, in addition to a restaurant, an inn, gardens and 37 miles of hiking trails through native prairies and woodland.
The Shakers designed many characteristics of the buildings to embody their spiritual values. For example, the double doors and double staircases in some of the houses are meant to reflect the dual nature of relationships.
“They merged their spiritual and physical worlds almost seamlessly,” said Aaron Genton, collections manager at Shaker Village. “The beautiful physical world they created wasn’t just meant to look pretty. They were trying to create a place where they could prosper spiritually.”
Groups can partake in a variety of programs and events offered throughout the year, from dance demonstrations to horse-drawn-carriage rides and gardening classes. One of the current highlights is an exhibit called “Shaker Modern” that demonstrates how Shaker ideals and perspectives connect with the modern world.
This year, Shaker Village plans to extensively renovate the Centre Family Dwelling and Meeting House.
