The Barn Series - Day 3 - Bluegrass Scenic Byway

Day 3 and I decided it was high time to switch gears. I know modern day horse barns will not satisfy the vintage barn lovers that follow here. Believe it or not, we are still in the Bluegrass Region in central Kentucky with this post where thoroughbreds and horse farms reign supreme.

Kentucky's heritage is famed for many things. The most famous of those are horses, bourbon and tobacco. Half way between Midway and Lexington sits this barn close enough to the road to get a fairly decent photograph. It's Fall and lucky me the tobacco and been put up and the windows were open to allow the air to help cure it. Every trip I made to this region, I would drive down this particular road where this barn sits, specifically to check in to see if anything was going on with it. Some barns just do that to you. They draw you in. This one did that to me.

On this visit I was happy to find the tobacco hanging in the barn and stopped to take several photos. It's nice to know this old barn still had some use. Tobacco is less and less of a money crop on farms throughout Kentucky today as smoking becomes less and less popular. But there's something about seeing tobacco hanging in an old barn that makes me happy. It takes me back to my youth when smoking was the trend.

All around this beautiful old barn stands horse barns and fields where thoroughbreds graze. I'm never quite sure why to this day tobacco is still put up here. I have photographed many, many barns over the years in my travels. Yet, I never really elaborated on the why and where of it with most of the images. I just felt compelled to do so now. Until tomorrow. ENJOY!

The Barn Series - Day 2 - Stonewall Farm

I am thrilled you made the decision to come along with me on this trip back in time, as I reminisce about the many barns I have had the pleasure of capturing photographs of over the past decade. If I had to rate some of the barns I have seen along the Bluegrass Scenic Byway, the famed road that runs between Midway and Lexington, in central Kentucky, this barn would be in the top five on that list. Yesterday, we visited Manchester Farms, one of the most iconic horse farms in Lexington, second to Calumet Farms. Today's barn heralds from this same gorgeous region of Kentucky, and I can say, has been home to many a stallion and mare as this thoroughbred franchise is famous for.

This is famed Stonewall Farm, situated smack dab in the center of the 'Horse Capital of the World.' It is truly the perfect setting with its beautiful lake and fountain and, of course, always present historic limestone wall that runs the length of the farm along the byway. Every time I see the limestone wall that separates the road from the pastures, an emotion like known other wells up in me. That wall says it all. You are in the 'Horse Capital of the World.' Stonewall has bred many champions over the years, but I believe what they are as famous for is the beautiful fields and barns that make up the property. I often wonder what this barn would look like a hundred years from now as a new photographer stops to capture its beauty. Every barn began its story brand spanking new before it became weathered and worn. I try to keep this in mind every time I stop to photograph a barn.

Our first two posts on this journey back in time have found us at two stunning horse farms in the famed Bluegrass Region. No matter where we venture to, I know you will enjoy the ride. I miss photographing the Bluegrass Region, but I know some day I will be back in Kentucky and will call it home again. Once it is in your blood you cannot get it out. While I love the great state of Tennessee and it's rugged beauty, Kentucky is in my bones. I am so glad you came along today on this journey. I hope to see you again tomorrow. ENJOY!

Linking to The Barn Collective

Winter, Kentucky's Scenic Byway

Early February in Kentucky, I find myself driving the beautiful scenic byway which runs along the Ohio River in Louisville.
Taking a quick detour, I visit the horse farm area of Oldham County, just north of the small town of Prospect.

A significant snowfall, followed by an equally significant ice storm had just taken place a few days prior.

When two major winter weather events combine, I know there are surely photo ops to be had. 
It is amazing what Mother Nature's fury can do and how it transforms our landscape. 
I hope you will find your way outdoors this Winter to capture scenes such as this. ENJOY!

Barn, Bluegrass Scenic Byway

Fall scenery as I drove the Bluegrass Scenic Byway was so beautiful. There are still a few trees that hadn't turned, but by next week I'm sure they will be in their peak.

This week and next the weak colors will be everywhere.

I passed this tree with beautiful orange red leaves and finally decided to stop as I drove back and capture a couple of images. Right outside my own back door, the maple trees have turned bright red. They are late turning this year compared to the past few years. I hope you are able to get out and take some in the Fall foliage. ENJOY!

LINKING TO http://rosestreetreflections.blogspot.ca AND AMYS BARN LINK UP!
LINKING TO:

Fall, Bluegrass Scenic Byway

In Kentucky, you will find.
Carpets of bluegrass that cover the landscape.
Horse farms and thoroughbreds. Stables and barns.
Limestone and wooden fences. Stallions and brood mares.
You can come along and take a ride with me.











You thought I was kidding. Oh, and before you go, let me introduce you to a beautiful chestnut filly you see hanging her head over the fence line. Her name is 'Love Me Good' and she was sired at the most famous horse farm known the world over, Three Chimneys Farm, in Lexington, Kentucky. Nowadays she resides at Sheltowee Farm in Midway. Her ancestry includes a Kentucky Derby winner, Northern Dancer. And she loved hamming it up for my camera. ENJOY!

Foal Nursing

In spite of the fact that I'm doing some traveling this week, I decided at the last minute Saturday to make a quick drive to Midway to check out the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky and see if there were any new foals roaming about at the horse farms. As it turned out there were quite a few.

Such a pleasant feeling you get when you see a foal nursing in the pasture. There were five or six foals romping around this particular field, but also making absolutely certain they stayed very very close to Mom. Can you blame them. Mom's got lunch covered. What fun! ENJOY!

Horsing Around!

Tomorrow the Fillies are making a day of it at the Oaks at Churchill Downs. Then Saturday it's the boys' turn. Ahhhh, Derby. ENJOY!

Bluegrass Region

One of the main things you may notice about today's image is that the bluegrass is NOT blue or even green for that matter. Winter is holding on for dear life. But it's still a lovely image I captured a few weeks ago on a quick jaunt to the horse farm region of Kentucky.

Speaking of Winter, I know I have no right to complain as many of you have been experiencing major snowstorms in your area, but seriously, I ordered Spring at least six weeks ago and it has yet to really show up. Somebody please turn off the cold and turn on the warmer days with those light breezes, blue skies and lots of sunshine, as opposed to the brisk cold windy days we've had of late. Today the wind literally cut right through me. BRRRRR. After a very busy start to the work week, I'm ready for the weekend. ENJOY!

Chestnut Beauty in the Bluegrass

Allow me to introduce you, Mary's Prospect, these are my friends. Friends, this is Mary's Prospect. Isn't he beautiful. And to think he allowed me to capture several images while grazing the pasture at one of the Bluegrass area's beautiful horse farms.

Sunday I drove to Bernheim, but prior to that I drove to the Bluegrass area, which I like to say is my backyard. It only takes about forty five minutes and I'm there. There amongst the pastures with its beautiful Bluegrass. There amongst the fence lines be it black or white or historic limestone. There amongst the black stallions, the chestnut horses and the brood mares. There amongst the horse barns and the cuppolas that seemed to reach to the skies. There amongst all of that fabulous history that reminds me every time I go of just how absolutely fantastic it is. I hope the start of your week is going well. ENJOY!