Garden designer Jon Carloftis and Dale Fisher share the history and beauty of their restored 19th century home in downtown Lexington. Kentucky Life visits famed folk artist Minnie Adkins. Baker-Bird Winery in Augusta lays claim to the glory days of a historic Northern Kentucky winery.
Botherum House
A tour of the renovated historic Botherum House, located in the Woodward Heights neighborhood not far from Rupp Arena in downtown Lexington, attracted 1,200 people, waiting in line down the street. “People thought it was a concert,” said garden designer Jon Carloftis. “They said it was the best cocktail party Lexington’s ever had without booze.”
Carloftis and partner Dale Fisher restored the 1851 home and recently gave Kentucky Life host Doug Flynn got a tour.
Continue reading about the Botherum House and watch the video.
Folk Artist Minnie Adkins
Renowned folk artist Minnie Adkins didn’t have toys as a child, but she knew if she had a knife she could make them, writer Mike Norris recalled. An uncle gave her a knife, he said, with this warning, “Now Minnie, if you cut yourself you know I’m going to be in big trouble.”
“Before long she could make anything she wanted,” Norris aid. “She just had that gift. and so the first thing she ever made was toys for herself.” Now 82, Adkins was born and raised in Elliott County. She sees herself primarily as a wood carver, using basswood.
Read more about Minnie Adkins and watch the video.
Baker-Bird Winery
The roots of the Baker-Bird Winery in Bracken County go back to the 1850s, and its wine cellar played a crucial role in the Battle of Augusta in 1862. It is the oldest commercial estate winery in the nation. Dr. Dinah Bird, owner of the winery, said they have the largest and oldest wine cellar open to the public in America.
