Built before the Civil War and completely remodeled in 1936 by the Cal Milam family, the Merrick Inn served as the manor house for one of Lexington"s finest horse farms.
It was here at Merrick Place, that Milam and his groom, Mr. Johnson, trained the fabled "Exterminator", Kentucky Derby winner
… of 1918. Here also, "Tut Tut", Komuraski, Commodore, Brown Wisdom, Miss Joy, Milkmaid, McKee and Dust Flower started on their paths to fame and fortune. None of these, however, gained such widespread fame as Merrick himself.
Merrick finished in the money 157 times, winning 62 races. Merrick became a member of the Milam family not only because of his success at the races, but also because he was "worthy in deeds and noble in character".
The Merrick Inn has been owned and operated by the Murray family for nearly 40 years. Offering the finest in traditional southern dining and innovative specials. Times have changed, but we believe the beauty and charm of our inn remain the same.Continued