Bardstown Travel Guide

Bardstown, a picturesque town in Kentucky Derby Region, welcomes you with its rich culture, scenic beauty, and mouth-watering delights. Explore all the exciting things to do in Bardstown, where to stay, transport, and more to make your trip memorable!


Introduction to Bardstown

Bardstown, affectionately known as the “Bourbon Capital of the World,” welcomes visitors with Southern hospitality, lush green landscapes, historic downtown, and excellent bourbon! Located in the heart of Kentucky Derby Region, Bardstown combines old-world charm with modern amenities. The region’s rich cultural treasures offer a range of activities, making Bardstown an ideal destination for history lovers, bourbon enthusiasts, and nature enthusiasts.

List of Places to Visit in Bardstown

If you are a first-time visitor to Bardstown, you might get confused about where to begin your tour. Do not worry; we have prepared an extensive list of places to visit in Bardstown to maximize your experience.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. My Old Kentucky Home State Park
  2. The Old Bardstown Village Civil War Museum
  3. Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center
  4. Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History
  5. The Civil War Museum of the Western Theater
  6. The Kentucky Bourbon Festival
  7. The Old Talbott Tavern

Natural Attractions of Bardstown: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest
  2. Bourbon Trail
  3. My Old Kentucky Home State Park
  4. The Martha Layne Collins Bluegrass Parkway
  5. Yew Dell Botanical Gardens

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bardstown

Bardstown’s natural beauty and attractions are best explored on foot or bike. With over 150 miles of cycling routes, extensive hiking trails, and vast countryside, Bardstown offers numerous opportunities for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Some of the best routes include

  1. Lincoln Heritage Scenic Highway
  2. Jim Beam Nature Trail
  3. Louisville Loop
  4. Bernheim Arboretum

Best Things to Do in Bardstown: Activities and Tours

With its lush greenery, friendly locals, and iconic landmarks, Bardstown has a range of things to do and see. We’ve curated a list of the best things to do in Bardstown.

  1. Bourbon tasting tours
  2. Join a walking tour of the historic downtown area
  3. Visit the famous Kentucky Railway Museum or the Bourbon Heritage Center
  4. Explore the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest
  5. Take a bike tour or hike and explore the countryside.

Week-Long Itinerary for Bardstown

With so many things to do, you might want to spend an extended period in Bardstown. Here is an itinerary to help you make the most of your stay.

Day Activity
Day 1 Begin your trip with a visit to Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center, followed by a horse-drawn carriage ride around downtown
Day 2 Explore the historic Civil War Museum of the Western Theater; visit the Old Bardstown Village Civil War Museum
Day 3 Hike the spectacular Jim Beam Nature Trail and explore the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest
Day 4 Visit the Oscar Getz Museum and learn about the history of bourbon
Day 5 Take a bike tour of the countryside, visit the Kentucky Railway Museum
Day 6 Explore local vineyards and try some wine tastings
Day 7 End your trip with a visit to My Old Kentucky Home State Park, where you can enjoy scenic views and a picnic

Food and Drink Scene of Bardstown

No trip to Bardstown would be complete without sampling some tasty local cuisine. From delicious Southern-style fried chicken to mouth-watering barbecue, Bardstown has something for every taste bud. Here are a few restaurants that must be on your list.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Bourbon glazed salmon
  2. Bourbon ball ice cream
  3. Hot brown sandwich
  4. Kentucky fried chicken

Local Beverages

  1. Bourbon
  2. Mint Julep
  3. Ale-8-One
  4. Sweet tea

Where to Stay in Bardstown: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

When traveling to Bardstown, you have various lodging options to choose from according to your budget. A few popular options are

  1. Bourbon Manor
  2. General Nelson Inn
  3. Hampton Inn Bardstown
  4. Talbott Tavern

What to Buy in Bardstown: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When in Bardstown, do not forget to buy some unique local products and souvenirs to take back home.

  1. Kentucky Bourbon
  2. Local honey
  3. Artifacts and trinkets from gift shops
  4. Local wines and spirits

Local Culture and Customs of Bardstown

Bardstown takes pride in its rich Southern heritage and unique customs. Your trip will only be more memorable if you understand and participate in these customs. Here are a few things to know

  1. Respect local manners and values
  2. Never interrupt locals or speak too loudly
  3. Be courteous
  4. Appreciate local traditions during the Kentucky Bourbon Festival.

Best Time to Visit Bardstown

The best time to visit Bardstown is between September and October, during the famous Kentucky Bourbon Festival. The spring season is also ideal as the weather is mild and pleasant.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bardstown

Do:

  1. Try a local bourbon
  2. Participate in the Kentucky Bourbon Festival
  3. Explore the natural attractions of Bardstown

Don’t:

  1. Litter on the streets or parks
  2. Smoke in public areas or designated non-smoking areas
  3. Disrespect local customs and traditions

Safety and Health

Safety in Bardstown

Bardstown is a relatively safe town but visitors should take precautions. Make sure not to leave your valuables unattended, be alert, and avoid unknown places.

Health in Bardstown

Bardstown has excellent healthcare facilities, which means you can access medical help when needed.

Getting to Bardstown: Transportation Options and Logistics

With its range of transportation options, Bardstown is easy to get to and around.

Airports Near Bardstown

Louisville International Airport is the nearest airport to Bardstown and just a short drive away.

Bus Stations Near Bardstown

TARC runs scheduled bus services to Bardstown from Louisville and surrounding areas.

Other Options

Bardstown also offers rental cars, taxis, ridesharing, and cycling and hiking routes to explore the countryside.

How to Get Around in Bardstown

To make the best of your trip to Bardstown, it is recommended to explore on foot or bike. Hiking trails and cycling routes for short distances are ideal! Taxis, rental cars, and ridesharing services are also available.

Where to Go Next from Bardstown: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

The Bourbon Trail, Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville, and Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto are nearby attractions that you can explore after your trip to Bardstown.

Conclusion

With its cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and iconic landmarks, Bardstown is an ideal getaway. Whether you are a history buff, foodie, bourbon enthusiast, or nature lover, there is something for everyone. Plan your trip with this comprehensive guide and get ready to explore the finest of Bardstown.