Farmington is more than a historic marker near the intersection of Bardstown Road and the Watterson Expressway: It’s a truly historic home owned by John and Lucy Speed (a familiar name in these parts, of course), parents of Joshua Fry Speed, Abraham Lincoln’s best friend. Lincoln even was known to have spent the night with the Speeds back in his single days. (Alas, Abe didn’t get to live to see the Run for the Roses, but we know he would’ve loved it.) While presidents no longer tend to drop in at the old Speed plantation, you can still eat like a head of state at the 32nd Annual Historic Homes Foundation Derby Breakfast, held this coming Saturday at Farmington from 9:30 to noon.
The theme, “Celebrate Kentucky traditions and heritage with the soul of the new South,” sums up the atmosphere of the breakfast fete: Featuring noted garden designer (and native Kentuckian) Jon Carloftis, the event will take place rain or shine and kick off with a lavish, traditional southern buffet catered by Wiltshire Pantry. There will also be live music and an open bar, with proceeds from the breakfast going to the ongoing operation of Farmington, the Thomas Edison House in Butchertown and Whitehall House & Gardens in Crescent Hill.
The Farmington Historic Plantation is located at 3303 Bardstown Road. The breakfast is open to the public, but tickets are required. Individual and group tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at any of the three historic homes, or by calling 452-9920. Visit
for a full list of sponsors and ticket prices.
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Photo: Courtesy
Farmington Historic Plantation
