Kentucky is one of the most beautiful states in the US with some amazing towns well worth visiting. One Kentucky town everyone should see at least once is most assuredly Bardstown. This historic community is not the smallest town in the Bluegrass State, but it is definitely one of the most history-filled, and one of the loveliest.

Here are 10 reasons why everyone should visit this town in Kentucky, even Kentuckians:

  1. Kenny Rapier Golf Course

Golf Kentucky The Kenny Rapier Golf Course at My Old Kentucky Home is one of the best in the state. It was recognized by Kentucky Living Magazine as a “must go to” course.

  1. One of Kentucky’s best 10 summer events

Kentucky Bourbon According to Kentucky Living, Bardstown is home to one of the 10 best festivals in the entire state, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. People travel from all around Kentucky and even outside the state to attend the massive bourbon lover’s gathering.

  1. The Civil War Museum and Women’s Museum of Civil War

Civil War Museum The Civil War Museum and Women’s Museum of Civil War is a one of a kind museum that has more than 8,000 authentic civil war attractions including being adjacent to Old Bardstown Village. This authentic area holds 18th and 19th-century cabins that are just as pristine as they were in their time period. It is also home to the history of the women of the war, which no other museum truly features from this era. The scribes, seamstresses and other women are honored here alongside the men. It is located at 310 East Broadway.

  1. My Old Kentucky Dinner Train

KY Dinner Train My Old Kentucky Dinner Train rolls around the area showing off the beautiful culture of the city and pointing out attractions. During the ride, visitors get to enjoy a four-course meal, with fantastic drinks and service. It definitely qualifies as dinner with a view. The Kentucky Train Museum is the only train related attraction that offers both history and an actual train excursion.

  1. Mammy’s Kitchen

Mammy’s Kitchen Located at 116 West Stephen Foster Avenue, this is one of the best southern cooking establishments one can dine at. Visitors can dine on ole’ time food favorites, such as the Hot Brown, and drink fantastic sweet tea. Not to mention, the southern hospitality is among the finest in the state.

  1. Visitor attraction of the year

Bourbon Review According to Whiskey Magazine, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail takes visitors all around the historic areas of Bardstown related to our famed spirits, and is a fantastic visit. Visitors can sample and see exactly where things come from and the creative process.

  1. Jailers Inn Bed and Breakfast

Jailers Inn This 1797 jail made B&B is located at 111 W. Stephen Foster Avenue and serves up some fine Kentucky dining, and a restful night’s sleep. Rumored to be haunted, the inn has its own type of charm, which guests find quite comfortable. This is a must-stay for both visitors and locals.

  1. Iconic landmarks

Stephen Foster Story Federal Hill at My Old Kentucky Home State Park was built in 1795 and was the renowned home of Senator John Rowan. It still stands today in all its glory and is said to be the inspiration behind the Stephen Foster song, “My Old Kentucky Home."

  1. Fodor’s “Best Small Towns in America”

Image Board Bardstown was chosen as one of Foder’s Travels best small towns from all around the United States. It is no wonder with the vast amount of history, well preserved buildings and beautiful landscaping.

  1. Cultural District

Federal Hill This is one of only six Kentucky cities to obtain the honor “Cultural District.” What this means is the area is rich in history and Kentucky culture, such as Rowan’s Federal Hill. One can simply walk down certain streets and it is like stepping back in time. Bardstown has more than 200 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

If you like history, you will love Bardstown and all it has to offer. The entire community is overflowing with history, beautifully preserved buildings, gorgeous land, and of course, bourbon. If there is one town in Kentucky you want to visit for a variety of attractions, beautiful scenery and an abundance of good times, Bardstown is the place to go. Have you ever been to Bardstown? If so, what is your favorite part about the community?

Golf Kentucky

The Kenny Rapier Golf Course at My Old Kentucky Home is one of the best in the state. It was recognized by Kentucky Living Magazine as a “must go to” course.

Kentucky Bourbon

According to Kentucky Living, Bardstown is home to one of the 10 best festivals in the entire state, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. People travel from all around Kentucky and even outside the state to attend the massive bourbon lover’s gathering.

Civil War Museum

The Civil War Museum and Women’s Museum of Civil War is a one of a kind museum that has more than 8,000 authentic civil war attractions including being adjacent to Old Bardstown Village. This authentic area holds 18th and 19th-century cabins that are just as pristine as they were in their time period. It is also home to the history of the women of the war, which no other museum truly features from this era. The scribes, seamstresses and other women are honored here alongside the men. It is located at 310 East Broadway.

KY Dinner Train

My Old Kentucky Dinner Train rolls around the area showing off the beautiful culture of the city and pointing out attractions. During the ride, visitors get to enjoy a four-course meal, with fantastic drinks and service. It definitely qualifies as dinner with a view. The Kentucky Train Museum is the only train related attraction that offers both history and an actual train excursion.

Mammy’s Kitchen

Located at 116 West Stephen Foster Avenue, this is one of the best southern cooking establishments one can dine at. Visitors can dine on ole’ time food favorites, such as the Hot Brown, and drink fantastic sweet tea. Not to mention, the southern hospitality is among the finest in the state.

Bourbon Review

According to Whiskey Magazine, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail takes visitors all around the historic areas of Bardstown related to our famed spirits, and is a fantastic visit. Visitors can sample and see exactly where things come from and the creative process.

Jailers Inn

This 1797 jail made B&B is located at 111 W. Stephen Foster Avenue and serves up some fine Kentucky dining, and a restful night’s sleep. Rumored to be haunted, the inn has its own type of charm, which guests find quite comfortable. This is a must-stay for both visitors and locals.

Stephen Foster Story

Federal Hill at My Old Kentucky Home State Park was built in 1795 and was the renowned home of Senator John Rowan. It still stands today in all its glory and is said to be the inspiration behind the Stephen Foster song, “My Old Kentucky Home."

Image Board

Bardstown was chosen as one of Foder’s Travels best small towns from all around the United States. It is no wonder with the vast amount of history, well preserved buildings and beautiful landscaping.

Federal Hill

This is one of only six Kentucky cities to obtain the honor “Cultural District.” What this means is the area is rich in history and Kentucky culture, such as Rowan’s Federal Hill. One can simply walk down certain streets and it is like stepping back in time. Bardstown has more than 200 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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