Location: Bardstown
Top Things to do in Bardstown
10 Things to do in Bardstown That You Shouldn't Miss
Bardstown is a home rule-class city in Nelson County, Kentucky, in the United States. The population was recorded as 11,700 by the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Nelson County. It is named for the pioneering Bard brothers. David Bard obtained a 1,000 acres (400 ha) land grant in 1785 in what was then Jefferson County, Virginia, from Governor Patrick Henry. William Bard surveyed and platted the town. It was originally chartered as Baird's Town in 1788, and has also been known as Beardstown, and Beards Town.
Restaurants in Bardstown
1. Lux Row Distillers
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 338 reviews
Reviewed By kellybO8356JW
Excellent tour, fantastic bourbon and gorgeous distillery and gift shop. Our tour guide Kateilyn was awesome and we were fortunate enough to meet Michele Lux and ask her questions, etc. I have visited almost every distillery on the bourbon trail and Lux Row is a MUST SEE!!!! GIFT SHOP IS THE BEST!! Everyone who works there is super friendly! You might even be lucky enough to meet Henry.
2. Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Spalding Hall is home to the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History and the Bardstown Historical Museum. The Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History displays a 50 year collection of rare artifacts and documents concerning the American whiskey industry dating from pre-Colonial days to post-Prohibition years. The museum includes exhibits on President Washington, Abraham Lincoln, authentic moonshine stills, antique bottles and jugs, medicinal whiskey bottles, unique advertising art, novelty whiskey containers, and much more. The Bardstown Historical Museum contains items relating to 200 years of area history. You will find indian relics, Lincoln documents, pioneer papers, John Fitch land grant, a replica of his first steamboat, Stephen Foster memorabilia, a new Trappist monks’ exhibit, gifts of Louis Phillippe and Charles X of France, Civil War artifacts and guerrilla Jesse James hat and wine bottle, St. Joe Preparatory School momentos and much more. Guided tours available.
Reviewed By denisecV4601KK
So much Bourbon and local history! Very well done, and we learned a lot. So many old decanters and bottles on display. Great little gift shop, and attendant was very friendly and knowledgeable. It was a fun visit, and a must see in Bardstown!
3. McIntyre's Winery & Berries
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By sherrys514 - Fort Wayne, United States
We had a great time visiting McIntyre Winery. We went during the day so social distancing was quite easy. Beautiful winery and the wine is fantastic. We ended up buying almost a full case of wine! The sampling of the wine was fun and be sure to try the wine slushies! Worth a visit!
4. Barton 1792 Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 830 reviews
Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. Situated in heart of bourbon country on 196 acres, the Distillery boasts 29 barrel aging warehouses, 22 other buildings including an impressive still house, and the legendary Tom Moore Spring. Named in honor of the year Kentucky joined the United States, Barton 1792 offers three tours of the Distillery: the Barton Tradition Tour, the Bushel to Bottle Tour and the 1792 Estate Tour.
Reviewed By scottrN3925HR
Great tour this was our 5th or 6th tour and always learn something different on each tour! I am looking forward to another and when we can do the estate tour again!
5. Old Bardstown Village Civil War Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 304 reviews
Reviewed By wildcats623
We visited this museum while on our visit to Bardstown on Nov. 10. The collection of artifacts, photographs and armament was really great and much more than expected. If you are an American history buff you really need to check this out.
6. Spalding Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By Marysland
Free museum with lots of info. The docents were so friendly. I loved the history behind bourbon. The prohibition information. The bootlegger, the bottles, the stills, wow such hospitality too!
7. Willett Distilling Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 805 reviews
Tradition: In 1936 Thompson Willett founded The Willett Distilling Company. Today, the Willett tradition continues. Visitor Center Hours Monday thru Saturday – 9:30 till 5:30 Tour Times Monday thru Saturday – 10:00am – 4:00pm, on the hour
Reviewed By cdsrx08 - Saint Charles, United States
I love the Bourbons produced here, the tour is about on par with other distillery tours on the Bourbon Trail, and with the improvements they are doing on site, it could become a great destination.
8. Basilica of St Joseph Proto-Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By 376geneh - Seymour, United States
If you have the opportunity to attend Mass at St. Joseph Basilica, please do. The building itself is fantastic and beautifully and meaningfully arranged inside. Be sure to look up and see the saints pictures looking down on you. This is much more than "just" a church as the name reflects, it's a Basilica. And the Pastor, Rev. Terry Bradshaw addresses his parishioners with a meaningful homily message. I am so glad we attended. You will too. Enjoy
9. Preservation Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
Preservation Distillery and Farms is a hidden treasure in the heart of Bardstown, KY. The first and only small craft distillery in Nelson County, and the first Kentucky distillery in history founded by a woman. Preservation is located in a historic tobacco barn where we practice farm and distilling sustainability. Family owned, and the only 100% pot distilled bourbon facility in the region, we are committed to preserving the legacy and traditions of the Kentucky Bourbon industry. With a focus on unfiltered and cask strength purity, our legacy brands include: Preservation Bourbon Very Olde St.Nick Bourbon + Rye Rare Perfection Whiskeys Wattie Boone Cowboy Little Barrel Pure Antique Dakota Whiskey Cock of the Walk Old Man Winter as well as our bourbon barrel aged Campeon Blue Agave Tequila VISIT US FOR OUR GENEROUS POURING SELECTIONS AND WARM HOSPITALITY. BOOK ON OUR WEBSITE
Reviewed By Ladyflyer53
A big surprise for us. Molly our "elevated tasting" savant was truly amazing. Informative, very knowledgeable both about Preservation as well as bourbon history. We were very pleased with our stop here. Highlight of our 2020 visit.
10. Bardstown Welcome Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 17 reviews
The Bardstown/Nelson Co. Tourist & Convention Commission is the official welcome center and tourist information source for all visitors to beautiful Bardstown and greater Nelson County, Kentucky. Please visit us in person at our wonderful location in the old courthouse at 1 Court Square. We'd love to meet you and tell you all about our wonderful town! Oh, and if you hadn't heard, Bardstown is the official Bourbon Capital of the World! See you soon!
Reviewed By botipton - Danville, United States
This is housed in the old courthouse. It is an interesting building, especially from the outside. Be careful of the traffic circle/roundabout you have to cross but I have found the people there to be friendly and willing to stop to let you cross. A good place to visit if you are in the area. I am not from that area so I very much enjoyed learning more about the area.
