This Is The Friendliest Small Town in Kentucky

Bardstown, Kentucky may be small, but it's filled with spirit—both the community kind and the bourbon kind. The town’s story began when William Bard arrived to settle the area in the 1780s, but its true fame emerged in 1789 with the start of its renowned bourbon production. Today, this welcoming town of over 13,000 residents is known as the Bourbon Capital of the World and has numerous distilleries, inviting restaurants, and successful performance venues that attract nationally acclaimed artists. For those seeking the finest Southern hospitality and an active entertainment scene, Bardstown is a destination that will quickly feel like home.

Bardstown’s Renowned Bourbon

Bardstown’s bourbon history is an important part of its heritage and community culture today. In 1789, Elijah Craig, a Baptist minister, was the first individual to age bourbon in oak barrels, a technique that has been passed down for generations. Today, the small community is eager to share its passion for bourbon with visitors through its 11 nearby distilleries, bourbon-inspired dining experiences, and bourbon shopping.

To sample some of this legendary bourbon, travelers can start their trip at Barton 1792, the oldest distillery in Bardstown, in operation since 1879. At the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, visitors can continue exploring the spirit’s history through an interactive exhibit gallery and bourbon sampling experience in one of three iconic tasting rooms. For a more modern take on bourbon making, make sure to spend an afternoon at Bardstown Bourbon Company, a cutting-edge and innovative distillery that opened in 2016 and offers multiple tour experiences of the facilities.

One of the world’s finest bourbon museums is also located in Bardstown. At the Oscar Getz Museum of Bourbon History travelers can appreciate more than 1,500 rare whiskey and bourbon bottles on display that have been collected over 40 years. Visitors can also immerse themselves in the art of bourbon making at the Bourbon Capital Academy, where they follow the bourbon’s journey from grain to glass. The course offers an in-depth look at the distilling process and history, all while attendees enjoy sipping on their own glass of bourbon. Travelers can also mark their calendars for September 5th through 7th, 2025, when the annual Bourbon Capital Festival will take place. This event, held in Bardstown, celebrates bourbon history and features over 60 distilleries and 200 brands. Attendees can enjoy samples, purchase bottles, and engage in activities with industry leaders.

Entertainment

Bardstown residents certainly know how to have a good time on the weekend. From May through October, the Amp at Log Still, an open-air amphitheater within Log Still Distillery, hosts live music events nearly every weekend. Located in the neighboring town of New Haven, the venue features performances by many nationally recognized artists. For more live entertainment, grab tickets for The Stephen Foster Story, one of Bardstown’s oldest traditions and a Broadway-style show that centers around the music of Stephen Collins Foster, a renowned American composer. Travelers can also spend an afternoon with their family or friends at Making Good Scentz, a candle bar where they will be able to make and pour their own craft candle to take home with them!

Restaurants & Nightlife

After a day of bourbon-sipping, hungry travelers have plenty of options for dinner in Bardstown. Mammy's Kitchen & Bar is one of the town’s most beloved restaurants, serving country-style meals accompanied by some of Bardstown’s best southern hospitality. For a more contemporary-style meal, Toogie’s Table is an Americana kitchen, serving refined classic dishes with a regional twist. They also support the local farming community, using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients when available. In the mood for something more international? Café Primo, centrally located, serves authentic Italian pastas, pizzas, and salads, with options for both outdoor and indoor seating.

Bardstown’s variety of bars and taverns make the perfect place to unwind after dinner with a cocktail or spirit. Liam Ash Cocktail Emporium has some of the most unique cocktails one could hope for, featuring hand-crafted, innovative cocktails with elements like bubbles, smoke, and fire. Returning to the bourbon theme, Old Talbott Tavern Bar is one of the town’s most historic bars, serving as a bourbon bar since the late 1700s and offering more than 200 types of bourbon today.

Lodging

Travelers should spend at least one weekend exploring Bardstown’s attractions, and what better way to do so than by staying in one of its inviting inns or bed and breakfasts? The historic Bourbon Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn will make travelers feel extremely welcome, owned by two innkeepers who have more than 25 years of experience. Visitors can stay in one of 10 antique-furnished bedrooms on the property and enjoy a hot country breakfast each morning. Bardstown Motor Lodge is another quirky alternative, a boutique, retro-style hotel with amenities that include firepits, a rec room, a swimming pool, and a poolside bar.

Final Thoughts

Even in the winter months, Bardstown stays warm with its bourbon-filled taverns, historic bed and breakfasts, and cozy candle-making shops. While it might be tempting to stay indoors to escape the cold, visitors who venture out will be rewarded with a visit to one of the most welcoming towns in the state. So start planning your winter weekend getaway and beat the winter blues with a trip to the friendly town of Bardstown!