Bardstown may be known as the Bourbon Capital of the World, but there’s more here than great whiskey. From historic taverns and hands-on distillery tours to classic bakeries, live music, and charming downtown streets, this small town packs plenty into a weekend getaway. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, these 10 can’t-miss experiences capture the best of Bardstown.
Dinner, Drinks, and a Rolling Kentucky View
All aboard in Bardstown for one of Kentucky’s most unforgettable dining experiences. The My Old Kentucky Dinner Train pairs beautifully restored 1940s railcars with rolling views of Bourbon Country, where forests, distilleries, and wide-open hills glide past your window. Inside, it’s all vintage charm and modern flavor. Sip a handcrafted cocktail from the onboard bar, then settle in for a gourmet multi-course meal as the countryside drifts by. It’s equal parts scenic adventure and elevated supper club.
Looking for something themed? The Murder Mystery Dinner Train delivers a four-course feast with a side of suspense, inviting guests to solve a whodunit between bites. Prefer daytime views? The two-hour Lunch Train Excursion offers a relaxed three-course meal, while dinner excursions set the perfect tone for date night.
Neon Lights, Bowling Nights, and Small-Town Swagger
In nearby Bloomfield, Ernie’s Tavern feels like stepping into a neon-lit scrapbook of Americana. The walls are packed with film and sports memorabilia, vintage photographs, old beer signs, carnival relics, and a dazzling glow of neon that pulls you in from the start. But Ernie’s isn’t just for looking. It’s where you grab a juicy burger, order an ice-cold beer, and lace up for a few games at the in-house bowling alley. When the sun goes down, the energy kicks up with karaoke nights, a busy dance floor, and one of the liveliest bar scenes in Nelson County. Before heading home, swing by the Double Dip Soda Fountain for a hand-dipped cone.
Timeless Streets Meet Fresh Discoveries
Downtown Bardstown blends deep-rooted history with a lively, modern spirit. Stroll cobblestone streets lined with beautifully preserved buildings, browse one-of-a-kind finds at shops like Artist’s Barrel and At Mary’s, and settle in at cozy local restaurants that keep the heart of the town buzzing.
Hungry? Bite into burgers and crispy onion rings at BJ’s Steakhouse, or raise a glass at Barton 1792 Distillery for a true taste of Bourbon Country. For an extra dash of charm, see it all from a horse-drawn carriage.
More Than a Museum, It’s a Bourbon Time Capsule
For a deeper dive into bourbon’s storied past, visit the Oscar Getz Museum of Bourbon History, housed in historic Spalding Hall in the heart of Bardstown. Inside, more than 1,500 rare and one-of-a-kind bottles trace the evolution of America’s native spirit, alongside antique advertisements, vintage memorabilia, and even an authentic moonshine still.
Collected over four decades, the exhibits offer a fascinating look at the craft, culture, and characters behind Bourbon Country’s most famous export. Guided tours are available, admission is free, and yes, it just might be the finest bourbon museum in the world.
Where Kentucky’s Story Still Sings
History comes to life at My Old Kentucky Home State Park, where the 200-year-old Federal Hill mansion still stands as a centerpiece of Bardstown’s story. Take a guided tour led by costumed interpreters who share tales of the Rowan family, duels, horse racing, and 19th-century life, even performing a rendition of “My Old Kentucky Home, Good Night!” as you move through rooms filled with period antiques and artifacts.
After touring the mansion, wander the gardens and surrounding farmland for a fuller picture of the estate. The park also hosts bourbon tastings, Southern cooking classes, and even murder mystery dinners, giving visitors plenty of ways to connect past and present in one memorable stop.
Discover the Legacy of Elijah Craig
At Heaven Hill Distillery, history and hospitality go hand in hand. Your guided tour begins in the 1935 Distillery Theater with a short film that sets the stage for the brand’s deep Kentucky roots. From there, explore interactive exhibits covering Prohibition, Bourbon 101, and the legacy of the Heaven Hill family, along with the story of Elijah Craig, often called the “Father of Bourbon.”
You’ll peek inside working rickhouses, step into the whiskey lab, and of course, enjoy a tasting along the way. Before heading out, grab a bite at Five Brothers Bar & Kitchen to round out the experience.
Bardstown’s Sweetest Tradition
Located in historic downtown Bardstown, Hadorn’s Bakery is a true local classic. This third-generation family bakery traces its roots to Louisville in 1935 and has proudly served Bardstown since 1977. Famous for its beloved Yum Yums, flaky danishes, seasonal cookies, and beautifully crafted cakes, everything is baked on site daily. Grab a classic glazed doughnut or a gooey cinnamon roll to start your morning right. Just come early — favorites have a way of disappearing fast.
Bourbon With a Contemporary Edge
If Napa Valley had a bourbon counterpart, it would be Bardstown Bourbon Company. Sleek, modern, and unapologetically ambitious, this distillery pairs glass rickhouses with barrel tastings, live music, and an impressive whiskey library that invites lingering.
For the full experience, book the Core Four Tour. You’ll sample four signature whiskeys, three bourbons and one rye, before heading behind the scenes with a Certified Bourbon Steward. The journey takes you through the state-of-the-art distillery and into the rickhouse, where you’ll taste bourbon thieved straight from the barrel.
Want to elevate your home bar skills? A hands-on mixology class will help you perfect that Old Fashioned. Here, tradition meets innovation, and every pour feels like a special occasion.
The Amp Turns It Up
Nearly every weekend from May through October, Log Still Distillery turns up the volume at The Amp, its outdoor amphitheater hosting live concerts from nationally known artists. It’s the kind of place where bourbon and live music go hand in hand.
Spend the day enjoying tastings and guided tours, then grab a seat under the open sky as the music takes over. Not ready for the night to end? Book a stay at the property’s historic inn and make it a full Bourbon Country getaway.
The World’s Oldest Bourbon Bar
Right on Court Square, Old Talbott Tavern invites you to raise a glass where legends once lingered. Jesse James, Daniel Boone, and even Abraham Lincoln are said to have passed through, making this historic stop the world’s oldest bourbon bar and one of Bardstown’s most storied addresses.
Inside, rustic chandeliers glow against exposed brick walls, and a massive 1700s-era fireplace anchors the room. Order a pour of Basil Hayden or Coopers’ Craft and settle in.
Hungry? This Bardstown staple serves up hearty comfort classics like pot roast and country-fried steak alongside elevated pub fare, proving that history tastes just as good as it sounds.
