Bardstown

A Perfect Day In Bardstown For Anyone Who Doesn’t Drink Bourbon

A Perfect Day In Bardstown For Anyone Who Doesn’t Drink Bourbon

An unforgettable vacation in Bardstown — the Bourbon Capital of the World — is going to revolve around bourbon, right? Not necessarily. Bardstown’s best-kept travel secret is that it’s not all about America’s native spirit here. Bourbon is an acquired taste, after all. If you haven’t yet acquired it, consider this your “zero-proof” guide to planning a fun day in the destination. 

 

Big Breakfasts

Bardstown takes breakfast seriously. To get your day off to a good start, head to Mammy’s Kitchen & Bar, located in the Historic District. Mammy’s serves up perfectly prepared southern favorites in the AM, from biscuits & gravy to steak & eggs, with fresh-brewed coffee to boot. Or see what’s been made from scratch that day over at Hadorn’s Bakery, also in the Historic District. This spot has been a local favorite since 1935, and it’s easy to see why once you try their delicious donuts, Danishes and cinnamon rolls. 

 

Incredible Shopping

If you’re in the mood for a shopping spree, Bardstown won’t disappoint, with locally-owned owned unique boutiques. Peacock On Third boasts a tastefully curated collection of stylish apparel if you want to upgrade your wardrobe. Just steps away, At Mary’s offers shoppers a wide array of enticing items, from dazzling floral arrangements to home furnishings to antiques. And speaking of the vintage side of things, a trip out to the sprawling Nettie Jarvis Antiques in nearby Bloomfield is highly recommended. Here, owner Linda Bruckheimer has put together a vast selection of antique treasures that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. 

 

Historic Gems

Bardstown is a place with deep roots — pretty much everywhere you look, you’ll find echoes of Kentucky’s distant past. My Old Kentucky Home, a grand 1800s mansion set upon acres of pristine Kentucky countryside, is a good place to start exploring. On fascinating tours, guides wearing the attire of bygone eras will walk you through the saga of the estate, which includes duels, wars, tragedies and triumphs. Even lunch can be a historic experience in Bardstown. The Old Talbott Tavern, built in 1789, still retains its classic ambiance, with elaborate stonework and impressive fireplaces. After you eat, head upstairs to see the rooms where such larger-than-life characters as King Louis Phillippe, Stephen Foster and Jesse James laid their head for a night or two.  

 

Off-Beat Adventures

Expect the unexpected! Bardstown is full of unusual and fun experiences. Take a hike in Bernheim Forest and Arboretum and you’re likely to come across a family of forest giants. These whimsical/oversized creatures were created by artist Thomas Dambo using natural and repurposed materials, ensuring that they fit right in at this natural space. Uncover Bardstown’s spiritual side at the Abbey of Gethsemani, a fully operational (and open to the public) monastery that offers a serene environment for quiet contemplation, not to mention several miles of nature trails. Don’t feel like hiking? Let someone else do the work. Around The Town Carriage offers horse-drawn carriage rides around Bardstown, complete with a guide who will narrate the journey with interesting facts about the area’s history. 

 

A Thriving Cuisine Scene

Bourbon aficionados flock to Bardstown for obvious reasons. But foodies are starting to discover the destination as well, thanks to an ever-expanding food & beverage scene. A recent addition, Mr. Tubs is a swanky cocktail lounge, but never fear — their handcrafted non-alcoholic libations are fabulous, too. Toogie’s Table, located at the newly refurbished Bardstown Motor Lodge, has been reimagined into a terrific farm-to-table eatery, finding fresh ways to present timeless southern fare. The Rickhouse Restaurant & Lounge is located in the historic Spalding Hall, offering an intimate dining experience, signature steaks and an impressive wine list. Finally, My Old Kentucky Dinner Train offers a meal like no other aboard a beautifully restored 1940s dining car, drifting gently through Kentucky’s rolling hills.