Ashford Acres Inn

I come to Central Kentucky often for business, and I always stay here if I can. (It's usually fully booked in the warmer months) Other guests are probably here for a special event or getaway, but I am alone usually on a weekday, and this place makes me feel so welcome. Stepping onto the beautifully lit, gorgeous, historic grounds in the middle of rolling Kentucky bluegrass country, I truly feel as if I've stepped into an earlier era, one in which famed Southern hospitality is alive and well. Each of the rooms is decorated differently, complete with a luxury ensuite bathroom. The Oak Suite even has a curved hallway leading to the bath which serves as a cozy reading nook. Each room has all the streaming and wi-fi amenities one would expect of a luxury B&B, and on the second floor landing sits a cabinet and refrigerator full of every Keurig coffee and soda, water, and juice you can imagine, as well as a full offering of free snacks. One of the best things about this B&B though, is the DELICIOUS food. Every morning the staff brings you a full, included Southern breakfast straight to your room whenever you want, or you can be served in the dining room. This breakfast is so good– perfectly cooked scrambled eggs, bacon, biscuits and sausage gravy, coffee, and a to die for yogurt, fresh berry and granola parfait. Heaven! The food at Ashford Acres is out of this world, even better than famous Southern foodie places I have been such as Blackberry Farm and the Greenbrier. Dinners here in the intimate formal dining room are a real occasion. I guess you can tell I like this place, and I want the owner and amazing staff to be recognized for what a fabulous place they have restored so lovingly and authentically, which is such a treat for a traveler like me.

This is not a review for staying here--the grounds and buildings are lovely-please enjoy. I ordered a cake for my wife's birthday and it was truly one of the worst cakes our family has ever had, boxed mix or homemade, ever. On a positive note, the buttercream frosting was beautifully applied and tasted decadent. However, the red velvet cake itself was dry, bland, overcooked, and still had those cardboard sticks still in it. The edges of the cake where it met the frosting were dark brown and hard, and the dryness of the whole cake was such that everyone only ate the frosting. Totally inexcusable for the reputation and price. Definitely enjoy a beautiful stay or wedding here--just bring your own cake!