First Farm Inn
Table Of Contents
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Relax into comfortable Southern hospitality at Kentucky's First Farm Inn, less than two miles off Cincinnati's beltline, 20 minutes from downtown. Our elegantly updated 1870s farm house is set on 20 acres of Kentucky's rolling hills above the Ohio River where Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio join.Watch the horses play or take some time to get acquainted with our assortment of equine personalities and learn about their previous lives on the racetrack or in the show arena. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, you'll enjoy riding with Jen.
If you prefer animals on a smaller scale, offer a lap and kitty or two will play or purr as you rock or swing on the porch.
Watch the horses, await the sunset, or count the stars as you recline in our luxurious outdoor spa year-round.Enjoy wifi, CDs, DVDs and TV In the privacy of your spacious room. Wake to the smells of breakfast cooking and the sounds of the birds after a restful night on a comfortable queen-sized mattress set on a century-old antique oak bedframe.
- Rock or swing on the veranda with your favorite person (real or fictional).
- Test the tire swing or climbing rope.
- Explore the historic barns and woods.
- Paddle around the pond.
- Bring your pole and catch a bass.
- Watch the birds.
- Sample a garden-fresh herb.
- Challenger your partner to croquet.
- Meet the aliens.
- Catch a rainbow from Jen's original stained glass windows.
- Warm yourself by the fireplace.
- Create your own grapevine wreath.
- Listen to rain on the tin roof.
- Take home a perennial start.
- Play the piano or sing along.
Take some time to enjoy the country during your visit to First Farm Inn.
Area Activities:
A half-hour away, downtown Cincinnati offers all the variety and excitement of a big city. Antique shops and shows and Perfect North Ski Resort are 10-20 minutes south or west. To really see Kentucky, enjoy the scenic drive to Rabbit Hash and stop by the General Store for some sarsaparilla or Kentucky cream candy.
See our area attraction information!Flying out of the Greater Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport? We're 10 miles away. Spend a night with us before your plane takes off or when you return. Looking for an inspirational location for your small group meeting? We can host groups up to 10. Traveling with horses? Boarding is available in our spacious stalls or grass arena.
Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
Small Business Success Award Finalist
2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005Featured on National Public Radio's "Brain Brew"
Arrington's Inn Traveler Magazine
Best for Rest & Relaxation Award -
Book today and enjoy all First Farm Inn has to offer!
At First Farm Inn, eight friendly horses of assorted colors and breeds offer noses to pet and eagerly take carrots and apples from outstretched hands.During the two-hour horsemanship experience, you'll learn grooming basics and help tack up. We help you mount and fit the saddle to you before heading to the riding arena where we work on becoming the horse's leader and crossing the species line to communicate when we want stops, starts and turns.
Then we head for the hills, along the ponds and through the woods to see what kinds of farm animals, birds and wildlife we can see. The experience ends with removing tack, feeding treats and bathing or grooming, depending on the weather and the day's schedule.
Please do not ask to ride if you weigh over 225 pounds or if you are not physically fit enough to get up on a horse. Anyone who is fearful may be led on horseback. (We've helped numerous people recover from negative experiences with horses elsewhere.)
Riding is physically strenuous and requires good posture, balance, concentration, thoughtfulness and the ability to listen.Dress for the weather and expect to get dusty and smell like horses. Wear straight-legged jeans (you will be uncomfortable in sweats, silky, baggy, tight or low-cut pants) and hard-soled shoes (but not cleated hiking boots). Before you come to ride, practice good posture, stand against a wall, heels, head and shoulders touching. Posture is the key to balance. Balance is the key to riding.
Please try to arrange riding as much in advance as possible, although sometimes it's possible to get in on a ride the day you call.
Even the quietest horses can be unpredictable. By coming to the farm, you accept responsibility and all liability for your experience on the ground or riding. You may bring carrots or apples as treats if you'd like. Overnight boarding is available.
Ride with the Kids
Riding can be a magical experience for kids. Learning to control a 900-1,300 pound animal and sitting nearly 6 feet off the ground can be a real thrill. Evaluate your child's maturity level carefully when you schedule riding. We've had 12-year-olds who had difficulty while mature five-year-olds did well. Each person rides their own horse. Until they're comfortable on their own, most kids ride with a lead-line held by the instructor. That ensures they stay safely with the rest of the group.
Kids younger than five -- and some younger than 8 -- don't have the balance and control of their own bodies yet to ride by themselves. A respect for animals, good listening skills and a significant attention span are necessary to enjoy the riding experience.
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- Rabbit Hash General Store, Riverside Stoneworks
- Merchants of Historic Burlington (Quilts, herbs, antiques)
web site: www.cabinarts.com - 1842 Dinsmore Homestead (See an elk Teddy Roosevelt shot)
web site: www.dinsmorefarm.org - Hillforest Museum (1840s river mansion)
web site: www.dearborncounty.org/history/hillfor.html - Big Bone Lick State Park (mammoth bones discovered in 1729)
- Route 18, a Kentucky Scenic Byway
- Turfway Park Thoroughbred Racing
web site: www.turfway.com - Boone County Parks & golf courses
- Perfect North Ski Area (discount lift tickets)
web site: www.perfectnorth.com - Cincinnati Zoo, theaters, museums, art galleries, etc.
- Eden Park and Krohn Conservatory
- Applewood Restaurant, Aurora, Ind. (Ask for the First Farm Inn discount!)
- Cincinnati and Covington riverfront restaurants
- BB Riverboats (dinner cruises and tours)
web site: www.bbriverboats.com - Riverboat Casinos (Argosy and Grand Victoria)
- Boone County Fairgrounds events
- CINCYUSA
web site: www.cincyusa.com- Burlington Antique Show (Third Sunday, April-October)
- Lawrenceburg Antique Show (First Sunday, May-October)
web site: www.queencityshows.com - Florence Mall and other shopping
- Gap Outlet Store, Mineola Pike
- Behringer-Crawford Museum, Covington
- Cincinnati Pops Orchestra
web site: www.cincinnatipops.org - Cincinnati Art Museum
web site: www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org - Cincinnati Museum Center, Omnimax, Children's Museum
- Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
web site: www.cincyzoo.org - Newport Aquarium
web site: www.newportaquarium.com - William Howard Taft National Historic Site
web site: www.nps.gov/wiho/ - Mount Adams shops, art, restaurants
- Eden Park overlooks, Krohn Conservatory
- Cincinnati Flower Show
More links of interest:
- Greater Cincinnati Business Web www.cinbus.com
- Greater Cincinnati Business Web www.cinbus.com
- Greater Cincinnati Business Web www.cinbus.com
- Northern Kentucky on the Net www.nkynet.com
- Northern Kentucky on the Net www.nkynet.com
- Northern Kentucky on the Net www.nkynet.com
Upcoming Events:
Call Jen or check these websites:
Cincinnati Post & Enquirer website www.cincinnati.com
City Beat magazine www.citybeat.com -
6-11 “Such a relaxing time. It began as 1-2 days, but we stayed for three. We celebrated our 32nd anniversary week here on the farm. What a delight! Food was the Best! I enjoyed learning about and caring for horses followed by the daily ride with Jen and other guests.
Our stay was more than I dreamed. The flowers greeted us each morning as did the swings, rockers and hammock. Odo (Australian sheepdog) entertained us with his blue ball game. Our time together with Dana and Jen was so special! They were so real and open with us yet let us have space. Their home was so welcoming. Thanks you guys!” Sugar Grove, IL
6-11 “Thank you so much for the wonderful evening and the beautiful, delicious breakfast. The time we have together is so precious and rare. We always try to make the very most of every minute. Our time together here was perfect and completely relaxing.”
7-11 “We had a great time. The food was so good every morning. We could have not had better people to be around! Thanks for everything. We will be back soon.” Columbus, OH
7-11 “What a nice “get away” this was for us. We love it all – from the beautiful and warm surroundings, the peace and quiet (no more fireworks), the pleasure of your company each morning, and tips on where to go for a good meal at night. The food was excellent! Thanks for sharing your recipes! We’ll be back. P.S. We will miss playing ball with Odo and petting all the kitties.” Ft. Wayne, IN
7-11 Thanks for the great visit. It’s fantastic to go on a ride on vacation and feel like you’re on a ride with an old friend. Thanks for the tips o my riding position and for taking photos of me riding. It was great hanging out with you and the horses!” Washington, D.C.
8-11 “Thank you so much for the lovely accommodations. Enjoyed your home cooked breakfasts, the front porch, and your pets. Everything reminded me of growing up on the farm in Central Illinois. May the Lord bless your home and your endeavors for taking care of his creations.” Illinois-Michigan
9-11 “Beautiful home, delicious breakfast! We enjoyed the ride. Thank you for your patience! Encore merci! A bieniot.” France
9-11 “This is the second and hopefully not the last time we’ve visited First Farm. The hospitality is superb and the breakfast so yummy. (Jen makes the prep look so easy, but “people of the kitchen” know it’s talent & organization!) Riding Ginger, Sunny, Blue & Missy and this time Bode and Tommy was amazing. Jen is a great riding teacher. What a pleasurable time. Thanks.” Sombra, ONT, Canada
10-11 “What a lovely place this is! My kids and I have had a relaxing and fun time. The ride yesterday was great (my first in many years)! The animals are all wonderful and my daughter enjoyed playing with them. Jen and Dana are good hosts. Breakfasts at First Farm Inn are first rate! We will be back!” Midway, KY
10-11 Arrived today from Fla. Originally from a small town across the river in Ohio. Today is a blustery day with occasional showers, but that’s ok as I love rainy days.
This trip was exactly what I needed. Our room was just perfect – the home cooked breakfasts tasty & filling (freshly brewed coffee from an avowed tea drinker!) The horses, the kitties and Odo – God’s creatures all gathered here in this wonderfully warm and friendly farm. Jen – your artwork has inspired me to “make time.” Thank you so much.” Florida
1-11 We had such a wonderful experience sharing your beautiful home. From the warmth of the fireplace to the warmth of your conversation, we loved every minute. Hope to see you again when we quality as Olympic skiers!!! Lauren & Don
3-19-11 “Thank you so much for opening your home to us. We had a wonderful, peaceful time here. Your hospitality is amazing as are your breakfasts!! We so look forward to coming back in the future and we can’t wait to tell our friends and family about the wonderful time we had here. Thank you again.” Jennifer & Eric A
5-13-11 Thank you for opening your beautiful home! Having grown up on a farm, this was like a trip back in time. Enjoyed our breakfast – both food and conversation. Really enjoyed the horseback riding – Jen you were wonderful! Thank you so much. We both hope to return and will highly recommend to our friends.” Sue & Rich W.
5-21 – “Thank you for sharing your lovely home away from home with us. The animals and atmosphere were lovely. We enjoyed the trails, the time in the barn and in the hot tub as well as the terrific breakfasts. Attention to small details –like Jan’s diet Pepsi fetish and night lights on after dark were most noticed. We will tell our friends about the place and try to make it back to First Farm during next year’s Rolex.” Allison A.
7-11 “We loved our stay here. Upon arrival, we were greeted by Odo, two curious cats and the ‘sparkles’ in the yard (the fireflies). We got to pet one of your horses, Blue Romeo. He is a beautiful and sweet horse. We loved waking up to the aroma of fresh baked goods and bacon. Yummm. Thank you for having us at your beautiful home. Your house, your family hospitality, your dog, cats & horse and the Treetop room made this a picture perfect place to relax and enjoy. Thank you!” Scott
10-11 “Thank you for taking two weary travelers from Ireland and giving us such fine food and conversation. Such hospitality is hard to find outside out home country, and we enjoyed having a good laugh together.” James, Dublin, Ireland
9-14 “We enjoyed our stay so much – great food, fine music by Tatiana on the holiday morning was a delightful surprise, and Odo, the stress reliever. Our riding time and lessons will carry us down the road a bit safer with our horse encounters. I love the art your home is filled with – a mini museum! Thank you for your hospitality and may God bless you beyond your dreams!” Alvin & Linda S Jeffersonville, IN
10-21 “Thank you so much for opening up your beautiful home for us to enjoy! The food was amazing – I can’t wait to try the recipes from your cookbook! The room was so comfortable and homey, we felt like we were staying with friends. We would definitely recommend the Tousey House Restaurant to anyone. Thank you for everything and God bless your family.” Chris & Marsha N, Spruce Head, Maine
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Your hosts are Jennifer Warner, Dana Kisor, our daughter Tatiana Warner Kisor and her furry canine (Odo, a Australian Shepherd border collie cross?), feline (Xavier, Monkey, Ravenpaw, Yoda, Quark, Alex, Sasha and Squeak) and equine siblings. (Spotted Draft Bodacious, grey pony Sage, brown roan registered Appaloosa Ginger, strawberry roan Appaloosa mare Missy, Canadian Jack, grulla Tommy, blue roan Morgan/Quarter Horse Blue Romeo, bay Arab/Quarter Horse Sundance, and Tennessee Walker Sam.)
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(WARNING -INTERNET MAPS ARE INCORRECT!)
- From the east or I-75:
- Follow signs to the airport, taking I-275 west
about 10 miles. Go past the airport to Exit 11 (Petersburg).
- From the west or I-74:
- Take Indiana 1 to Lawrenceburg then get on I-275, cross the Ohio River and get off on Exit 11, (Petersburg, the first Kentucky exit).
- From Exit 11:
- Turn right off the ramp and go exactly one mile to Stevens,
the first road on the right. (When you see signs where KY 20 turns south,
prepare to turn.) First Farm Inn is one mile ahead on your right. Look
for the white fence. (The road dead-ends at the end of our property line.)
Park under the century-old maples in the drive in front of the house and
ring the bell to meet Jen, Dana and Tatiana.