Whether you’re here for bourbon, history, or just a taste of Kentucky charm, Bardstown delivers. Known for being the Bourbon Capital of the World, this whiskey wonderland is the second oldest city in Kentucky and is considered one of the most beautiful small towns in America. From craft cocktails and historic inns to unforgettable distillery tours, Bardstown combines small-town charm with big amenities.

Brews & Historic Haunts

If you’re looking for some good brews with a dash of history, Bardstown’s got you covered. Right in the heart of Downtown, the city’s first brewery, Scout & Scholar, brings craft beer and good vibes to Bourbon Country. Play a round of shuffleboard in the game room or kick back in the beer garden with a flight of custom brews (it’s dog-friendly, too). Not sure what to sip? Try the Smugglin’ Grapes Sour, Ol’ Buddy Lager, or the lemonade-infused Poppin’ Scholars Hard Seltzer. Even better—build your own flight and sample a little of everything. Don’t miss out on the events and live music; this brewery loves to host trivia nights, beer release parties, and local musicians.

A wooden table displays a beer flight with four glasses of different beers. Nearby, there are bowls with pork rinds and roasted nuts, plus a plate of carrot and celery sticks with a creamy dip.
A beer flight and snacks at Scout & Scholar in Bardstown. Photo Credit: Visit Bardstown.

If you’re a history buff, no trip to Bardstown is complete without a trip to My Old Kentucky Home State Park. Tour the 200-year-old Federal Hill mansion and plantation and learn about the history of the Rowan family. Your tour guides (dressed up in period costumes) will entertain you with stories of duels and horse racing and even perform a rendition of “My Old Kentucky Home, Good Night!” as you explore rooms filled with 19th-century antiques and artifacts. Beyond the mansion, check out the gardens and farmlands on the property. But there’s more—this state park offers bourbon tastings, Southern cooking classes (biscuit-making, anyone?), and even murder mystery dinners.

A large, historic brick house with white columns and black shutters sits on a green lawn. A stone retaining wall lines the landscaped garden in the foreground. Tall trees surround the house under a blue sky with clouds.
The Federal Hill mansion at My Kentucky Home State Park. Photo Credit: Visit Bardstown.

Continue your history hopping at Old Talbott Tavern on Court Square. Raise a glass in the same spot where legends like Jesse James, Daniel Boone, and even Abraham Lincoln once drank. With its rustic chandeliers, exposed brick, and a fireplace straight out of the 1700s, this local favorite is the world’s oldest bourbon bar and the perfect place to sip a glass of Basil Hayden or Coopers’ Craft.

Three cocktails on a wooden table with branded napkins and a menu. One drink is creamy with coffee beans, another has a slice of dried citrus, and the last is pink with a large ice cube. A leather menu with gold text lies nearby.
Cocktails at Liam Ash. Photo Credit: Visit Bardstown.

Love a little nostalgia with your whiskey? Hop aboard the My Old Kentucky Dinner Train for a one-of-a-kind dining experience in restored 1940s railcars. Whether you’re indulging in a four-course prime rib dinner, enjoying a leisurely brunch, or solving a murder mystery mid-meal, this is a ride you won’t forget. Bonus: Book the Bourbon Excursion for a gourmet meal paired with an expert-led bourbon tasting.

Looking for something a bit more upscale? Dark walls, plush leather seating, and expertly crafted drinks—Liam Ash Cocktail Emporium is pure cocktail sophistication. Try The Awakening (bourbon, cold brew concentrate, and cream) for a bold pick-me-up, or go classic with a Manhattan or Aperol Spritz. Pair your drink with charcuterie or flatbreads for a perfectly curated night out.

Distilleries Worth the Sip

Of course, you can’t visit Bardstown without checking out the expansive list of distilleries (it’s not named the “Bourbon Capital of the World” for nothing).

Start with a deep dive into bourbon history at Heaven Hill Distillery. Your guided tour isn’t just about tasting—though you’ll definitely get to sip some fine whiskey. You’ll watch a short film in the 1935 Distillery Theater, setting the stage for the rich heritage of Heaven Hill. Afterward, wander through engaging exhibits covering everything from Prohibition and Bourbon 101 (a crash course in American whiskey) to the story of the Heaven Hill family and Elijah Craig, the legendary “Father of Bourbon.” You’ll even see the rickhouses and whiskey lab! Before you go, grab a bite at Five Brothers Bar & Kitchen.

Next, head to Preservation Distillery, a charming, small-batch operation set on a historic tobacco farm. Here, you’ll have multiple tour options: The Preservation Tour and Tasting, which includes a guided walk through the distillery, a deep dive into the brand’s history, and a flight of unique bourbons. Or, if you’re feeling bold, opt for the Overproof Tasting and Tour, where you’ll sample high-proof selections straight from award-winning casks—and even take home a souvenir to remember the experience. Other tours include an introduction to small-batch whiskey and the VIP ancient reserve experience.

If Napa Valley had a bourbon counterpart, it would be Bardstown Bourbon Company. Sleek and modern, this distillery offers glass rickhouses, barrel tastings, live music, and an extensive whiskey library. Want to up your cocktail game? Take a mixology class and perfect your Old Fashioned skills.

View of stacked wooden barrels in a distillery warehouse. The barrels are arranged on wooden racks, reaching the ceiling, with Lux Row Distillers visible on the barrel tops. Sunlight filters through, creating a warm glow.
A group of four people walk toward a large building with modern and rustic architecture. On the left, an old truck displays barrels on its bed, with Heaven Hill written on the side. The sky is clear and blue.
Lux Row (left) and Heaven Hill Distillery (right). Photo Credit: Visit Bardstown.

Set against Kentucky’s rolling hills, Lux Row offers a “Grain to Barrel” tour that takes you through every step of bourbon-making. Finish with a tasting of four award-winning bourbons paired with chocolate for the ultimate flavor experience. Pro tip: Stop by the gift shop bar for a souvenir glass and the perfect bottle to take home.

Bourbon, live music, and a cozy getaway? Log Still Distillery has it all. Enjoy tastings and tours by day, then catch an outdoor concert from May through October in the incredible amphitheater. If you’re not ready to leave, book a night at their historic inn.

Best Bites in Bardstown

For a taste of true Southern hospitality, Mammy’s Kitchen is a must. Start your day with fluffy bourbon-bon pancakes or dig into a legendary Kentucky Hot Brown—piled high with turkey and ham, smothered in rich Mornay sauce. On weekends, enjoy live music in the sports bar while catching the game!

Egg salad sandwiches and craft cocktails? Trust us, it works. This moody cocktail bar at Willett Distillery serves up simple, delicious bites alongside its rotating, tapas-style menu. Bonus: You’re within walking distance of Heaven Hill and James B. Beam, making it the perfect lunch stop on your bourbon tour.

A white plate with crispy fried chicken drumsticks garnished with herbs, a sliced fig, small dark-colored cakes, and dollops of creamy sauce. Drizzles of sauce decorate the plate, set on a wooden table.
A plate from Toogie’s Table. Photo Credit: Visit Bardstown.

Steak lovers, this one’s for you. The Rickhouse serves up juicy New York strips, massive burgers, and bourbon-glazed pork chops—plus a selection of 150+ bourbons to match. Tucked beneath the Oscar Getz Museum, the basement-style lounge is perfect for date night (don’t skip the chocolate and orange bourbon bread pudding).

Housed inside the historic Bardstown Motor Lodge, Toogie’s Table is all about comfort and flavor with flair. Think bison meatloaf, crispy buttermilk fried chicken, and cowboy ribeye. After dinner, head upstairs for a nightcap by the fireplace.

Whether you’re craving rustic country cooking or elevated pub fare, you can’t go wrong with these two Bardstown staples. Old Talbott Tavern delivers comfort classics like pot roast and country-fried steak, while Scout & Scholar offers a menu of tater tots, smash burgers, and chili cheese dogs.

Historic two-story stone building with arched windows and wooden shutters. The left side has three windows, and the right has a decorative balcony. A black car is parked in front, with a classic streetlamp nearby.
The Talbott Tavern in Bardstown, Kentucky. Photo Credit: Visit Bardstown.

More Bardstown Highlights

Bardstown is home to many more exciting experiences beyond its historical sites, breweries and distilleries.

For a deep dive into bourbon’s past, head to the Oscar Getz Museum of Bourbon History. This fascinating museum is housed in the historic Spalding Hall and features exhibits showcasing antique bottles, historic advertisements and an authentic moonshine still.

For the perfect bottle, check out The Blind Pig Bourbon Market. It boasts Bardstown’s largest selection of bourbon, plus Scotch, canned cocktails, and bourbon-inspired gifts.

Two people browse liquor bottles on metal shelves in a store. One person points at a bottle. The shelves are filled with various spirits, and the wooden wall behind features small paintings and an air conditioner.
The Blind Pig Bourbon Market. Photo Credit: Visit Bardstown.

Want to geek out on bourbon? Take a class at Bourbon Capital Academy and dive into everything from grain selection to distillation techniques, all taught by industry experts.

If you’re looking to extend your stay in Bardstown, you’ll find a variety of accommodations to choose from. Stay close to the action at Distill-Inn, where cozy rooms, a complimentary breakfast, and an indoor recreation area make it an easy and comfortable place to recharge after a long day of bourbon tasting.

Step back in time with a stay at Bourbon Manor Inn, where two Civil War-era plantation homes have been transformed into a luxurious B&B. Sip handcrafted cocktails at the bourbon bar (housed in a former tobacco barn), enjoy live piano music, or book a spa treatment for ultimate relaxation.

Opening in spring 2025, The Trail Hotel is a bourbon lover’s oasis. This new hotel blends modern luxury with Kentucky heritage—think bourbon-themed suites, a hidden speakeasy, and a dedicated Bourbon Butler to curate your distillery itinerary. After a long day of tastings, unwind by the pool or hit the on-site sauna.

Enjoying our content?

Subscribe and receive a weekly newsletter packed with awesome stories to inspire you!

By clicking Subscribe, you acknowledge that you have read and accepted our Terms and Conditions.

A woman with long hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. Shes wearing a blazer and patterned top. The background is an outdoor setting with trees in soft focus. The image is in black and white.

Hanna Kroeger

Hanna Muth is a former music teacher turned freelance writer and instructional designer based in Orlando, Florida. When she’s not creating content for clients, she’s either cooking, playing her violin, or taking long walks around Disney World with her husband.

Favorite Place to Vacation:
Anywhere in Europe

Show profile

Share

Related Posts