Getting the chance to go back in time while helping an organization of today can happen for those who participate in Ironton In Bloom’s Shaker Village bus tour this December.

“We just thought it was a trip many of us in the club were interested in and we checked on the cost and the availability of going to Shaker Village,” Carol Allen, of Ironton In Bloom, said. “We thought it was a nice way to start Christmas.”

There will be a guided tour of Shaker Village, outside of Lexington, Kentucky, of many of the 34 original buildings on 3,000 acres of the village that was once a commune for the religious group whose heyday was in the 19th century with 6,000 members. Shakers are an offshoot of the Quakers.

“Many haven’t been in Shaker Village or know its history,” Allen said. “We will have a tour of the village and learn the history of a group of people who did not believe in having men and women in the same room. And it will be fun to eat in the inn.”

Many of the items on the inn’s menu come from the grounds of the village. Favorites include tomato celery soup, corn pudding and fried chicken.

There will also be demonstrations of period crafts as well as the opportunity to take in the shops.

Then, after a quick meal at Lexington-area restaurants, the motor coach will go onto the Kentucky Horse Park to view the Southern Lights, a Christmas lights exhibit of more than 4 miles of lights.

“And we thought since it is Christmas time, the lights at the horse park are supposed to be fantastic,” she said. “We would then end the trip and come home.”

Cost for the trip on Saturday, Dec. 6, is $90, which covers the motor coach, admission to the village, the park and the Shaker inn. What is not covered is dinner at a fast food restaurant before heading to the Southern Lights.

Reservations must be made by Oct. 31 with a $50 deposit. For more information call Steve Call at 740-550-9540 or scall@callstravel.com.