Welcome Back!
Shaker Village has been reopened to the public since June 15.
The past several months have been unlike anything we’ve ever experienced, and we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to evolve so that we could reopen in a meaningful way for you, our employees and community. We want to provide the Shaker Village experience that you know and love, even if it may look a little different in our “new normal.” We know you probably have some questions, so we’ve put together a comprehensive overview of the new changes you can expect to see.
Our Past, Our Future, Our Responsibility
As we move ahead it really can’t be said enough – your health, and the health of our employees, are our top priority. Our commitment to you is that we will do all that we can to look out for one another. We will be operating under Kentucky and local Mercer County guidelines which include the following changes:
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- Mandatory Masks – Beginning July 10th Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has ordered that masks must be worn and are no longer optional. What does this mean for guests of Shaker Village? According to the order, masks should be worn:
- While inside, or waiting in line to enter, any indoor space in which it is difficult to maintain a physical distance of at least 6 feet.
- While in outdoor public spaces in which a person cannot maintain a physical distance of 6 feet from an individual who is not in your household.
- In restaurant masks must be worn in public areas of the facility. When waiting for a table or in a common area, wear a mask. When walking to use the restroom, wear a mask. However, when eating and drinking, the mask order does not apply, but you should remain seated.
- The following are exempt from wearing face coverings, according to the governor's order:
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- Children who are age 5 or younger.
- Any person with a disability or physical mental impairment that prevents them from safely wearing a face covering.
- Any person who is hearing impaired or is communicating with a person who is hearing impaired.
- Any person engaged in work that a state or federal regulator has concluded would make a face covering a health risk to their health or safety.
- Any person who is obtaining a service that requires temporary removal of a face covering in order to perform the service (like teeth cleaning).
- Any person who is required to temporarily remove their face covering to confirm their identity.
- Any person who is giving a speech or broadcast to an audience and is unable to maintain a safe distance of 6 feet from all individuals.
- Any person who is engaged in a lawful activity where federal or state law prohibits wearing a face covering.
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- Mandatory Masks – Beginning July 10th Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has ordered that masks must be worn and are no longer optional. What does this mean for guests of Shaker Village? According to the order, masks should be worn:
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- Crowd Capacity Limits – We have established attendance caps for each area of the site that will be below the Village’s theoretical capacity in order to allow for proper social distancing. This includes no more than 50% capacity in our restaurant and indoor occupancy levels posted inside public buildings. As part of this process, when you arrive you will be greeted by a staff member at the front entrance.
- Front Entrance Check-In – We’re changing up how you pay for access to the Village in order to help control capacity.
- Beginning on June 15th, at the front entrance, there will be a suggested $10 donation fee per carload to hike the trails or walk the property. As a private non-profit organization, we rely on donations and visitor fees to provide all of our services. Donations of any amount will help us to be sustainable as we move forward.
- Equestrians who use the riding trails will now pay their usual fee of $10 per person at the front entrance instead of at the stables.
- Annual Village and Equestrian Passholders will not be charged to use the property, but they will need to present their pass for entry.
- For those looking to visit the Historic Centre or stay overnight, admission fees and check-in will still be completed at the Welcome Center.
- Trustees’ Table restaurant diners will not be charged property admission.
- Professional photographers will be charged a $25 entry fee if they are coming onsite to shoot with a client. An Annual Photography Pass is now available for purchase for $250. Note: This fee does not apply to hobbyist photographers.
Keeping our guests and our team safe
Safety Procedures for Guests and Employees
- Employees will undergo daily health assessments which include temperature screenings prior to entry, and all individuals will be asked if they are healthy before entering the site. Any employee(s) showing an increased temperature or any sign of illness will be sent home and not allowed to work.
- All guests must wear face masks covering the nose and mouth throughout their visit, especially when entering any building onsite. If outside a mask must be worn when a safe social distance of 6 feet cannot be maintained. Employees are required to wear face masks.
- Employees will be washing their hands a minimum of every two hours, following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Additionally, employees are required to wear masks at all times while in areas of contact with guests or other staff members and gloves when cleaning and sanitizing
Social Distancing
- Signage and floor markers will be located throughout the property both indoors and outdoors.
- Dining areas will be adjusted to allow ample space between seated parties both indoors and outdoors.
- Six-foot markers will be located inside buildings to allow guests to observe exhibits and browse the shops while maintaining a safe distance.
- Capacity at indoor venues will be reduced to meet social distancing requirements and will be posted on outside doors where necessary. Staff will be stationed throughout the historic Village to observe capacity and to answer questions.
- Guests viewing outdoor entertainment or visiting farm animals will be separated by at least six feet.
Extensive Sanitization and Disinfecting Protocols
- Cleaning teams have been assigned designated areas to carryout increased sanitization and disinfecting. Cleaning and disinfecting of public spaces will occur multiple times throughout the day, with an emphasis on disinfecting protocol focused on “high-touch” areas including door handles, public bathrooms, the Welcome Center, retail outlets, stairwells, furnishings/hard surfaces, exhibit spaces, and any other shared common areas.
- Utilization of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-registered disinfectant products with proven efficacy in killing respiratory viruses, including COVID-19 in public areas, guest rooms, and staff only areas.
- Cleaning will occur every hour and more frequently in some instances.
- Restroom cleaning will include disinfecting each stall and sink area on a more frequent basis.
- Multiple alcohol-based hand sanitizer stations will be located throughout the Village.
- All employee work areas will be regularly sanitized and disinfected.
Food Preparation and Service
- Dining options will be available both inside and outside The Trustees’ Table restaurant, with takeout food also available through the Post Office gift shop.
- One time use paper menus, as well as digital menus accessed via a QR code link will be available.
- Cleaning will occur every hour and more frequently in some instances.
- Single use condiments will be provided to guests with their meal as requested. Laundered cloth napkins and sanitized cutlery, glass wear and plates will be provided for indoor service.
- All kitchen and restaurant staff will be wearing masks and gloves during food preparation and service.
- Additional outdoor seating is available with ample space between seated parties.
- If you’re dining in the restaurant masks must be worn in public areas of the facility. When waiting for a table or in a common area, wear a mask. When walking to use the restroom, wear a mask. However, when eating and drinking, the mask order does not apply, but you should remain seated.
Multi-Layered Guest and Employee Communication
- Frontline employees will receive COVID-19 training. With the new procedures and protocols in place, Shaker Village has developed an updated training program to ensure associates are well versed in the new cleaning and guest interaction protocols.
- Safety messaging and reminders on Shaker Village’s website, emails, social media channels and text messages will occur frequently.
- Distance markers, occupancy and safety signage will be posted throughout the Village.
- Staff members will be located throughout the site to answer questions and provide assistance.
Overnight Rooms
- The Inn at Shaker Village is designated as a AAA “Best of Housekeeping” property, significantly surpassing expectations, as measured during an inspector’s comprehensive on-site inspection. Our dedication to cleanliness is paramount and we will be enhancing our protocols to align with the new safety guidelines.
- The check-in/out process will be as contactless as possible. Plexi-glass screens have been installed at the desk in the Welcome Center. Room keys are disinfected after each guest check-out.
- In room high-touch, hard nonporous items including television remote controls, toilet seats and handles, door and furniture handles, water faucet handles, nightstands, telephones, light switches, temperature control panels, Keurig coffee maker, alarm clocks, luggage racks and all flooring will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized prior to guest arrival.
- Utilization of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-registered disinfectant products with proven efficacy in killing respiratory viruses, including COVID-19 in public areas, guest rooms, and staff only areas.
- All in-room collateral which cannot be sanitized such as magazines and notepads have been removed. Decorative pillows and blankets have also been removed.
- The frequency of room cleaning during a multi-night guest’s stay may be altered based on guest requirements. Guests can choose to have no service, a light service which would include contactless towel and trash service, or a full regular stay over cleaning.
- Linens, towels and laundry will be washed in accordance with CDC guidelines, including washing items as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Where possible, launder items using the warmest permissible water setting for the items and dry items completely. Dirty linen shall be bagged in the guest room to eliminate excess contact while being transported to the laundry facility.
How Can I Protect Myself and Others When Visiting?
- Do a self-health assessment screening for any of the following symptoms: cough, chills, sore throat, shortness of breath, loss of taste, fever or muscle pain. If you have any of these symptoms please stay home.
- Disinfect or wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before interacting with another guest or employee.
- Maintain at least six feet of separation from other people not within the same household. Do not gather in groups of more than 10 people.
- We highly encourage you to wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth, especially when interacting with an individual within six feet.
- Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth at all times, unless you are outside and can socially distance 6 feet apart.
- Be aware of your surroundings when using the trails. If you see another guest coming your way distance yourself at least 6 feet away when passing each other.
FAQs
What are your hours of operation?
Hiking / Walking
Sunday - Saturday: 6:00 am - 8:30 pm
Exhibits / Interpretation
Sunday - Saturday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
After 8:30 pm - Overnight Guests Only
Trustees' Table Dining / Sunday - Saturday
Breakfast: 7:30 am - 10:00 am
Lunch: 11:30 am - 3:00 pm
Dinner: 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Will there be a limit to the amount of people allowed inside each building?
Yes, we are following the state of Kentucky guidelines for capacity. For the Trustees’ Table, the inside dining room cannot exceed 50% capacity; however, we have increased dining capacity outside of the restaurant to accommodate more diners.
Capacity for historical buildings will be posted where necessary, and staff will be monitoring this.
Do I need to make a reservation to dine at the Trustees' Table?
A reservation is highly encouraged due to our limited capacity. Please reserve your table online or call 859.734.5411.
Are you offering takeout food?
Yes, you may order from our menu and pick up curbside. We also have takeout picnic food including sandwiches, chips and drinks available at the Post Office gift shop that you can enjoy onsite or grab and go. To order takeout from The Trustees’ Table call 859.734.5411.
Can I book an overnight stay?
Yes, we’d be happy to welcome you to The Inn at Shaker Village beginning June 15, 2020. Plan your visit online or call 859.734.5411. Be sure to check out our Getaway Packages.
Are you providing tours of the historic centre?
Due to Kentucky state guidelines concerning capacity and gatherings of 10 or less, we have paused our daily tours at this time. We will, however, have interpreters stationed throughout the Historic Centre to answer questions and provide insights into Shaker history.
There are also several new exhibits available on Shaker life, theology, industry and historic preservation. In addition, we have placed 20 new outdoor, informational waystations throughout the property to help you learn on your own. These waystations provide accessible insight on Shaker history, architecture, agriculture and much more!
What events, hike or workshops are you offering?
Our Events Calendar is typically bustling with activities, but as things have changed we’ve had to postpone many of the offerings. Visit the calendar and click on the event for the most updated information, and sign up to receive our emails to keep up with everything going on at the Village.
We will be hosting our Friday and Saturday Music on the Lawn series beginning on June 19 from 6:30-9:30pm. There is no entry fee to attend. Please bring your own lawn chair to space safely around the lawn. There will be an outside bar where you can purchase beverages, and please note that bringing your own alcoholic beverages is not permitted.
Can I order gifts from your gift shops for delivery?
Yes, you can browse our online shop and order directly for home delivery! If you don’t see the item you’re looking for please contact The Shops at 859.734.5411.
I visit Shaker village Frequently, so how can I make the most of my visits?
Purchase an Annual Village Pass to get the best value for your time visiting the Village. An Annual Pass supports new programs and educational opportunities, while you receive free admission and great discounts.
Additional Questions?
Contact us at info@shakervillageky.org or 859.734.5411.
