My Old Kentucky Home: Still inspiring visitors
Tradition holds that songwriter Stephen Collins Foster penned “My Old Kentucky Home” in 1852 after visiting his cousin, Judge John Rowan, at the judge’s Bardstown, Ky., mansion, Federal Hill.
It’s easy to see why Foster might have treasured his time at the Georgian-style mansion 40 minutes from Louisville. The graceful architecture and natural beauty of Federal Hill live on. And now, as part of My Old Kentucky Home State Park, the former plantation offers its many visitors outdoor theater, camping, golf, crafts and more in a truly historic setting.
Federal Hill, one of Kentucky’s most enduring symbols, is a popular attraction in its own right. Built between 1795 and 1818, it was home to the Rowan family for three generations, spanning 120 years.
The property became a part of the Kentucky State Parks System in 1936. Now, costumed guides escort visitors through the mansion and formal gardens, giving insight into the history and lore of the property.
The park is open year round, with Christmas candlelight tours in November and December. It really comes to life, however, in the warm-weather months.
Golfers can test their skills on the 18-hole Kenny Rapier Golf Course. A redesign and reconstruction of the front nine holes, plus extensive irrigation and turf improvements on the back nine holes, are finished, and all holes are open for play. A fully equipped pro shop provides rental clubs, pull carts and riding carts.
“Stephen Foster - The Musical,” Kentucky's longest-running outdoor drama, is another summer highlight. The musical features colorful period costumes, lively choreography and more than 50 Foster songs, including, of course, “My Old Kentucky Home.” The 2010 season runs from June 12 to Aug. 13. Additional information is available at (800) 626-1563 or at the Stephen Foster Drama Association's website.
Campers can take advantage of a 39-site campground equipped with with utility hookups, a central service building housing showers and rest rooms, and a dump station. A grocery store and a laundry are nearby across the street from the park. Pets are allowed if restrained. The campground is closed from Nov. 18 to March 16.
A picnic area is equipped with grills, a playground and rest rooms. A shelter is available for rental up to one year in advance.
The park gift shop offers crafts such as pottery, quilts, hand-painted gourds, chairs and benches, along with cookbooks, historic and Civil War books, and works by Kentucky authors. Food specialties to satisfy nearly every appetite are available, including fruitcake, cheeses, fudge, jams, jellies and bourbon candies from local distilleries.
The park can also host weddings, meetings and other events, with a 2,200-square-foot Great Hall with room for 150 in a classroom seating. The Rotunda, with 4,000 square feet, can accommodate a reception of up to 350.
- by Bill Wolfe, Louisville Reporter for HelloMetro
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Bill WolfeBill Wolfe is an experienced journalist with a broad background in writing, editing and photography. He has worked as staff writer at The Courier-Journal in Louisville, Ky., and the Atlanta Journal & Constitution in Atlanta, Ga., covering beats ranging from consumer news to religion and business.
