Donamire Farm

For several years, while driving on Old Frankfort Pike, I've admired the bluegrass horse track... never realizing who owned it or which farm it was actually on. No words can describe it's beauty so I won't even make an attempt at it. I've been to a lot of farms and this is by far the most gorgeous.While attending the 41st annual Kentucky Bash held at the tent area on the farm, I learned that the owners of Donamire allow Cardinal Hill to host the event on their beautiful farm as their donation. That makes me want to contribute to the Ball family all over again. I don't know if they give tours or not, but if you ever get the opportunity to attend an event here, do it! I sure would love to learn more about this beautiful part of the Bluegrass!

While I do not claim to royalty, except for a Yelp duchy hither, thither and yon plus I am the baron of the Southside, I can honestly lay claim to some actual blueblood, albeit watered down from this particular family of Bluegrass royalty.I've been to Donamire Farms twice in my life, both for family reunions, and it's a beautiful setting for such, where thoroughbreds run along fenced rolling Kentucky countryside, and swans float gracefully over placid waters.Horse barns, with interiors kept far more pristine than my boys' bedroom, dot the landscape. A guest house set a couple acres off the main house also lines the circuitous road that travels through the grounds. It, too, is as opulent as the main, albeit a bit smaller, but larger than any place I've ever stayed.It is all a very pleasant backdrop to seeing those I don't see often, likely not often enough.

A friend of the Ball's took me on a tour here - I was scoping it out to see if residents from a Lexington retirement home could tour as well. It was amazing! So beautiful and quaint. They allowed several residents to come later and were given a tour by the office manager. Cannot say enough good things about them!