The 10 Best Free Things to do in Bardstown, Kentucky (KY)

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.

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.

Since 2005, the Fine Arts Bardstown Society, also known as FABS, has been fostering creativity and encouraging local artists who have joined our ranks. Our artists represent a variety of disciplines including: paintings & drawings, photography, fiber arts, wearable art, jewelry, pottery, woodwork, stained glass, sculpture

Established in 1971. We may be the oldest private art gallery still in business in Kentucky. We primarily feature the original paintings in oil and watercolor by the renowned artist JIM CANTRELL. His work is in the permanent collections of nine museums such as the Speed Museum & Owensboro Museum of Fine Art in Kentucky, the Columbus Art Museum in Ohio, & the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art in St. Joseph, Missouri to name a few. We also carry the most extensive selection of books, CDs, and DVDs by and about the late THOMAS MERTON, who was a Trappist monk at the Abbey of Gethsemani. We are open By Chance or By Appointment. YOU JUST NEED TO RING THE DOORBELL!

Located in the heart of Bourbon Country in Hostorical Bardstown, KY. We Celebrate "ALL THINGS BOURBON". From Bourbon, candy, t-shirts, spices, coffee, cigars. Almost anything made with Bourbon. Also visit our Bourbon Bar "THE BLIND PIG SPEAKEASY" at 107 East Flaget. Step back in time to the 1920's proabition. Where the booze was flowing and jazz was the music.

Imagine Prohibition, 1920: The music was jazz, the booze was flowing, and the cops turned a blind eye. Step back in time with us and enjoy a variety of Bourbon Cocktails while you socialize with locals and travelers alike! The Blind Pig Bourbon Speakeasy was born and created just around the corner from The Blind Pig Bourbon Marketplace and the Blind Pig Bourbon B&B. The Speakeasy bar is currently, secretly tucked away in Bardstown proper, and proves to be a bourbon cocktail bar known for the quality and artistry of its drinks while evoking the mood of the 1920’s-30’s speakeasy.