Romance is alive and well in the Bourbon Capital of the World. Bardstown, located just a short drive from Louisville, is an ideal option for a weekend getaway, offering historic charm, a thriving dining scene, spectacular scenery — and plenty of chances to enjoy America’s native spirit with the one you love, of course. Share the following itinerary with your partner and start planning an escape to Bardstown.
Friday
Afternoon: Bardstown Historic District
There are quaint historic downtowns — and then there’s the Bardstown Historic District. A registered historic district on the National Register of Historic Places, it’s home to classic architecture (with some structures that date back to the 18th century), some of Bardstown’s best restaurants and taverns and terrific shopping options. Start at the majestic 1892-built County Courthouse (now home to the Bardstown Visitors Center) and start wandering. Want to take the romance up to the next level? Take a horse-drawn ride via Around The Town Carriage.
Dinner: Old Talbott Tavern
And speaking of historic charm, you can’t beat Old Talbott Tavern, a Bardstown institution since the late 1700s. With sturdy stone walls, a roaring fireplace and vintage design touches everywhere you look, it’s an intimate spot for dinner, featuring a menu that’s heavy on Kentucky favorites, from fried green tomatoes to the iconic Hot Brown. The Talbott’s bourbon bar is second to none, too, with more than 200 varieties to choose from.
Romantic Lodging Option: Bourbon Manor Bed & Breakfast
Laying claim to the prestigious title of “the first Bourbon-themed B&B in the World,” Bourbon Manor Bed & Breakfast blends luxury, the comforts of home and bourbon, naturally. Each of the 10 spacious guest rooms here are bourbon-themed and tastefully decorated with gorgeous antiques. The Mint Julep room comes highly recommended, with a Jacuzzi tub for two and sweeping views of pristinely maintained grounds.
Saturday
Breakfast: Mammy’s Kitchen & Bar
For an unforgettable southern-style breakfast and authentic southern-style hospitality, make a beeline to Mammy’s. The breakfast offerings at this always lively spot will get you ready for the day ahead, whether you choose biscuits and gravy or the local favorite Hangover Skillet. Don’t forget the bloody Marys!
Morning: My Old Kentucky Home
Old school romance abounds at My Old Kentucky Home, a 1,300-acre state park centered on the grand Federal-style mansion built in 1818. Visiting this attraction is like stepping back in time as you stroll shady lanes, learn the fascinating story of the Rowan family and immerse yourself in genuine Kentucky history. And if you want to add a little bourbon to the mix, book a Mint Julep Masterclass, where you’ll both get a crash course in the making of this beloved Kentucky cocktail.
Lunch: Ernie’s Tavern
Take a short, scenic drive out to Bloomfield for lunch at Ernie’s Tavern. It’s a classic diner — but how many classic diners have their own bowling alley and incredible Hollywood memorabilia from the collection of Top Gun producer Jerry Bruckheimer (whose wife Linda runs the joint). There’s no place quite like Ernie’s, that’s for sure.
Early Afternoon: Nettie Jarvis Antiques
After lunch at Ernie’s, amble across the street for some serious antiquing. Also owned and operated by Linda Bruckheimer, Nettie Jarvis Antiques is much more than your average antique shop. It’s a sprawling, multi-building affair, every inch stuffed with amazing vintage gems that Linda has personally curated with one-of-a-kind items and fabulous furnishings.
Late Afternoon: Rickhouse Barrel Thieving
Can it be that your romantic Bardstown itinerary hasn’t included a single distillery visit yet? We’ll fix that. You’ve got many options, of course, but you and your partner in crime might want to consider Bardstown Bourbon Company’s devilishly fun Rickhouse Barrel Thieving experience. You’ll sneak into the famed distillery’s rickhouse to sample three premium bourbons directly from the barrel. Don’t worry, you won’t spend the night behind bars afterwards.
Dinner: My Old Kentucky Dinner Train
All aboard for date night! My Old Kentucky Dinner Train is an utterly unique culinary experience — a ride on the rails back in time. Your table awaits on a lovingly restored 1940s dining car, where you’ll enjoy Bardstown’s beautiful scenery sweeping by on a 2.5-hour trip, complemented by delicious food & drink. For a twist, you can also try to solve the case aboard the Bardstown Murder Mystery Train, with costumed actors interacting with passengers during your meal.
Romantic Lodging Option: Bardstown Motor Lodge
Vintage trains aren’t the only things getting spruced up in Bardstown these days. The Bardstown Motor Lodge is a charming mid-century roadside motel that’s recently been transformed into one of the destination’s coolest spots, blending modern style with retro charm. Finish your evening with drinks at the poolside bar, s’mores around the courtyard firepits, or at the property’s acclaimed eatery, Toogie’s Table.
Sunday
Breakfast: Hadorn’s Bakery
Fresh-baked delights and strong, hot coffee are the name of the game at the family-owned Hadorn’s Bakery — just what you need to get your Bardstown Sunday off to a perfect start. Hadorn’s has been a local favorite for close to 50 years now, so you can be sure they know what they’re doing, whether it’s gooey cinnamon rolls, strawberry cream cheese Danishes or chocolate glazed donuts.
Morning: Walk the Trails of Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest
Fresh air adventure? Bardstown’s got it in abundance. Just 15 miles from downtown, you and your companion can trek through more than 40 miles of trails and 16,000 acres at Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest. This natural attraction is home to wildflowers, old-growth trees and a family of friendly Forest Giants by famed artist Thomas Dambo, using entirely repurposed and natural materials. You may also want to get above it all on the forest’s Canopy Tree Walk, which takes you 75 feet up for some stunning panoramas of the Kentucky countryside.
Lunch: Scout & Scholar Brewing Co.
We’ll let you in on a secret. The Bourbon Capital of the World isn’t just about bourbon. It’s about beer, too! Scout & Scholar Brewing Co., located in the heart of downtown, makes some of the Bluegrass State’s best craft beer, ranging from tried-and-true lagers to adventurous fruited ales. Scout & Scholar also serves up exceptional food, making it a great lunch spot. Order the fried pickle basket — and thank us later.
Afternoon: Browse The Offerings at the Blind Pig Bourbon Market
Your romantic interlude in Bardstown is sadly coming to a close. But you can bring the Bardstown spirit (pun intended) home with you. The Blind Pig Bourbon Market may not be huge in square-foot terms, but it’s packed wall-to-wall with Kentucky’s finest. The friendly (and very knowledgeable) staff here can help you pick out just the right bourbon to remember your time in the Bourbon Capital of the World. It won’t last forever, but that means you’ll just have to start planning another Bardstown escape soon!