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Holiday Charm in Bardstown, Kentucky

If you are looking for a destination with charm and history, Bardstown, Kentucky has you covered.

There is a lot to discover in this small town with a big heart. Downtown Bardstown, Kentucky is like the scene of a Hallmark movie if you visit around the holidays.

Bardstown Kentucky Courthouse

Bardstown was selected the “Most Beautiful Small Town in America” in the Rand McNally/USA Today 2012 “Best of the Road” contest and landed in the top 20 of “America’s Favorite Towns” chosen by readers of Travel + Leisure – which also recognized Bardstown as having one of “America’s Most Beautiful Town Squares.”

Bardstown Kentucky courthouse

There is a little something for everyone to discover during a visit here.

Bardstown in also known as the “Bourbon Capital of the World” because of it’s close proximity to so many distilleries.  

Christmas tree Bardstown Kentucky

My favorite description of bourbon referred to it as “Kentucky hug from the inside out.”

There are around 5.6 million barrel of bourbon aging in Kentucky which is more than people and horses combined. Bardstown has 3-3.5 million bourbon barrels within a 20 mile radius.

The Gallery on the Square Bardstown Kentucky

Art Appreciation at Gallery on the Square

90 Court Square, Bardstown, KY

Our first stop during our visit was to The Gallery on the Square.

This is an artist co-op that gives the community the opportunity to purchase incredible pieces of art from local artisans.

Art at the Gallery on the Square Bardstown Kentucky

Next, we explored the downtown for a bit.

At Mary's Bardstown, Kentucky

That can get you into trouble because there are a lot of great shops to explore. I would describe At Mary’s as visual eye candy.

At Mary's store in Bardstown Ky

This store keeps getting better at every turn.

Christmas decor At Mary's store in Bardstown, Kentucky

I also found great bargains on the 2nd floor at the Peacock on Third. 

Jailer's Inn Bardstown,Kentucky

Tour the Jailer’s Inn Bed and Breakfast

A few other noteworthy stops are The Jailer’s Inn Bed and Breakfast and The Old Talbott Tavern which each have a lot of history and stories that you will want to hear.

Nelson County Jail Bardstown,Kentucky

If you are into the paranormal, there have been rumors of activity at both locations. You can stay overnight at either location.

Tour Jailer's Inn Bed and Breakfast Bardstown, Kentucky

The Jailer’s Inn is the former Old Nelson County Jail property that housed prisoners from 1797 – 1987.

Jail cell room at Jailer's Inn Bardstown, Kentucky

There are 6 traditional style guest rooms and a former jail cell.

Old Talbott Tavern Bardstown, Kentucky

The Old Talbott Tavern

The historical Old Talbott Tavern dates back to 1779 and has a restaurant, bar, and lodging.  

The Talbott Tavern is the world’s oldest Bourbon Bar and legend has it that the upstairs room with bullet holes still showcased in the wall were put there by Jesse James.

Old Talbott Tavern Room Bardstown, Kentucky
Dining at Old Talbert Tavern Bardstown, Kentucky

Next, we visited the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral that dates back to 1816 and was the first Catholic cathedral west of the Allegheny Mountains.

There are only three Basilicas in Kentucky. The Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption is located in northern Kentucky.

When you go inside, pay special attention to the columns. They are original and one of them has a glass case to show you the wood that has stood the test of time.

Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral Bardstown, Kentucky
Statue Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral Bardstown, Kentucky
Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral Bardstown, Kentucky
Inside Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral Bardstown, Kentucky
Pillar Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral
Wood beam Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral


For lunch we only had to go a short walking distance from the church.

Spalding Hall dates back to 1826 and has been a seminary, hospital for both sides during the Civil War, orphanage and a preparatory school.

Lunch at the Rickhouse 2

Dine at The Rickhouse

We started at the lower level for lunch at The Rickhouse. I ordered the Mac-N-Cheese Hot Brown (Mac-N-Cheese with turkey, ham, and bacon topped with tomatoes)

I enjoyed the twist on a traditional Kentucky dish. If you are in the mood for Bourbon, you will have plenty to choose from with over 100 bourbons on the bar.

Mac-N-Cheese Hot Brown at the Rickhouse
Spalding Hall Door

The Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History

The Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History, located on the first floor of Spalding Hall, boasts rare whiskey artifacts that date back to post -Prohibition and pre-colonial days.

Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History

Make sure that you pay attention to the detail of the artifacts in this museum.

Oscar Getz Bottles at Museum of Whiskey History

You will see a doctor’s prescription for “medicinal” purposes and a whiskey bottle that has a lock on it to keep kids and “the help” out.

exhibit at Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History
Kentucky Bourbon House

Take a Holiday Mixology Class at the Kentucky Bourbon House

After the history, we got a hands on experience during our Holiday Mixology class at the Kentucky Bourbon House. 

Holiday Bourbon Mixology at Kentucky Bourbon House 2

This was the former home of Dr. Henri Chapeze that dates back to 1787. 

Holiday Bourbon Mixology at Kentucky Bourbon House 3

This renovation labor of love now gives patrons the expertise of Colonel Michael Masters, “Kentucky Bourbon Master.”

Holiday Bourbon Mixology at Kentucky Bourbon House

The Kentucky Bourbon House offers bourbon tastings and mixology classes.

Rosemary Lewis

During our class, we learned how to create several holiday cocktails from Rosemary Lewis who is known for her mixology skills.

Doorway Wickland, Home of Three Governors

Mrs. Julia Beckham’s Christmas Tea

Our next historic destination was the Wick Mrs. Julia Beckham’s Christmas Tea at Wickland, Home of Three Governors. 

outside view of Wickland, Home of Three Governors

The tea gives you a sample of several popular Kentucky sandwiches and desserts including Benedictine, which is a sandwich with a cucumber and cream cheese spread.

Mrs. Julia Beckham’s Christmas Tea Bardstown

You get an understanding of what life was like for Julia Wickliffe Beckham who was the mother, sister, and daughter of a governor.

Mrs. Julia Beckham’s Christmas Tea

Her historic account is brought to life as an actor recounts stories and interacts with you while answering questions in character.

If you are into the paranormal, you will definitely want to ask additional questions.

Christmas Tree Wickland, Home of Three Governors

Candlelight Tour of My Old Kentucky Home

That evening we look a candlelight tour of My Old Kentucky Home. 

Candlelight Tour Stephen Foster House

Composer Stephen Foster spent time at this home and it is believed to be a source of inspiration for the the song “My Old Kentucky Home.” 

My Old Kentucky Home Candlelight Tours 3

This experience was absolutely beautiful at night.

My Old Kentucky Home Candlelight Tours 4

Each room had a person dressed in character from that time period sharing history and points of interest in the room.

My Old Kentucky Home Candlelight Tours 5

The rooms are decorated beautifully for the holidays and you even get a treat at the end of the tour.

My Old Kentucky Home Candlelight Tours 6
Harrison Smith House

The Harrison-Smith House

We enjoyed a late dinner and drinks at The Harrison-Smith House located in downtown Bardstown.

Harrison Smith house dinner

They specialize in creating incredible dishes from locally sourced food.

drinks at Harrison Smith House

I ordered the Braised beef short rib, local grits, bell pepper smother, with roosted root vegetables.

Harrison Smith House dessert

Everyone at our table ordered a different dessert so that we could sample a bite of each. The food was delicious and the ambiance is great for a date night or evening out with friends.

Courthouse view of Bardstown Kentucky

I had such a great time in Bardstown.  There was a lot more to discover than I anticipated and I’m definitely looking forward to a return visit.

Santa in Bardstown Kentucky

Find More Holiday Events in Bardstown

You can find more information on things to do in Bardstown from the Visit Bardstown website. 

Thanks to Visit Bardstown and Kentucky Tourism for hosting my visit.

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