A Weekend in Bardstown, KY: Where to Eat, Drink, and Stay On the Bourbon Trail
Planning a trip on the famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail? If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping world-class bourbon in the place where it all began, Bardstown, Kentucky should be at the top of your list. Known as the “Bourbon Capital of the World,” this charming small town blends rich history, Southern hospitality, and some of the most iconic distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. As a Kentucky local, I recently spent a weekend in Bardstown soaking up all the charming city has to offer. It’s safe to say Bardstown is more than just a stop for bourbon lovers—it’s a full experience. In this guide, I’ll share where to eat, drink, and stay, plus how to make the most of a Weekend in Bardstown, KY, whether you’re here for the bourbon, the history, or just a little Kentucky charm.
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Day 1: Exploring Bardstown
Morning
Bardstown, Ky is located about 40 miles Southeast of Louisville, KY and is known as the starting point for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Bardstown has been featured as the “Most Beautiful Small Town in America” by USA Today and makes a perfect start for a weekend adventure.
I recommend driving to Bardstown in the morning from one of the bigger cities. We came from Lexington, where the drive was a little over an hour. The same would be true if you are travelling from Louisville.
Begin your morning in Bardstown by grabbing a coffee and a quick breakfast and strolling through some of the boutique shops and antique stores.
We grabbed some pastries at Flour and Oak and they were delicious! We would definitely return here.
With over 200 historic buildings, you are sure to find something of interest! As you’re strolling through the shops, keep an eye out for the plaques on the outsides of the buildings. Many will have a short paragraph talking about the history of that building dating back to the 1700s.
Afternoon
Once you’ve had enough of browsing through the main street and boutique shops, be sure to grab some lunch at one of the many downtown restaurants.
Bardstown Burger has been voted the best burger in town and is known for their homemade burgers and shakes.
There are also many other local favorites such as Mammy’s Kitchen, Toogie’s Table and the Rickhouse.
In the afternoon, I recommend two options. You can either visit the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History or the Civil War Museum.
If you are a bourbon enthusiast, the Museum of Whiskey History is a great place to visit. The museum highlights a 50 year collection of documents and artifacts about the American whiskey industry from pre-colonial days to post prohibition. Various memorabilia is for sale at the gift shop which would make for a great souvenir!
If you are visiting Bardstown for the history, I recommend stopping by the Civil War Museum. Tickets for the museum are $15 per adult and include admission to all their exhibits. The tickets are valid for two consecutive days in case you don’t get to see everything you’d like on the first trip.
Looking For A VIP Experience?
Check Out These Guided Tours of the Bourbon Trail
Evening
Time to embark on the Bourbon trail! In the evening, take your first tour and tasting at one of the nearby distilleries such as Heaven Hill, Willet or Bardstown Bourbon Company.
We visited Bardstown Bourbon Company and it was very impressive. When we drove into downtown Bardstown, we could see the distillery from the highway. Bardstown Bourbon Company is the first Napa Valley style distillery on the Bourbon Trail. It was founded in 2014, also making it one of the newest. Their goal is to create a modern bourbon experience and it is a great addition to your weekend in Bardstown, KY.
I recommend taking one of their tours so that you can learn more about the bourbon making process and have an in-depth look at their product. The Core Four tour is their original experience and the one I suggest booking. Priced at $24 per person, you will have a tasting of four different whiskeys and then a tour of the distillery and rickhouse.
After your tour, I recommend heading back to downtown Bardstown for dinner. The Old Talbott Tavern is the oldest tavern in Kentucky (opening in 1779) and has some great dinner options.
We ate here on our most recent trip and think it is a must-visit on your weekend in Bardstown, Ky. Not only are the food and drinks delicious, but the history of the building is very cool.
After dinner, download the Tavern’s app on your phone and take a self-guided tour of the building. You’ll be able to see original construction and artifacts from the 1800s, including bullet holes in the wall from the infamous outlaw, Jesse James.
Bonus: Love the history of the Talbott Tavern? Book a stay in their Inn! Space is very limited so be sure to plan in advance.
Day 2: The Bourbon Trail Experience
Bardstown is known as the Bourbon Capital of the World. There are a multitude of distilleries within 30 minutes of Bardstown that each provide unique experiences to learn about the history, creation and production of your favorite Bourbon. Even if you are not a big bourbon drinker, I believe the tours are still fun and a great way to learn more about history and the industry.
Morning
In the morning, I’d recommend touring one of the bigger distilleries in the area. We toured Maker’s Mark and it was my favorite experience of the weekend.
This distillery is located pretty far out in the country at the end of some narrow windy roads so allow yourself enough time to arrive. We booked the Classic Maker’s Mark tour and while it was a bit more expensive than other tours (like Bardstown Bourbon Company) we believed it was worth it. The 1.5 hour tour walks you through the distillery production area, star hill farm grounds and ends in the gist shop. We tasted four different bourbons throughout the tour and learned all about the history of Maker’s Mark.
The highlight of the tour was at the end in the gift shop. If you purchase a bottle of their Whisky, you have the option to dip it yourself! My husband did the honors of dipping our own bottle in their iconic red wax – what a great souvenir!
Afternoon
Keep the bourbon adventures rolling with another distillery experience.
Jim Beam is an iconic option and very popular on the Bourbon Trail. Willett Distillery offers an intimate, family-owned atmosphere with beautiful grounds and a classic rickhouse tour.
Not a bourbon fan? Swap in a visit to Scout & Scholar Brewing for craft beer and a laid-back vibe. By this point, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for the variety and craftsmanship that makes Bardstown the heart of the Bourbon Trail.
Evening
As your time comes to an end in Bardstown, I recommend closing it out with one more delicious meal. Grab dinner at The Rickhouse, a local favorite set inside the historic Spalding Hall. The menu features hearty steaks, seafood, and of course, an extensive bourbon list to pair with your meal. Afterward, stroll through Bardstown’s charming streets lit up at night—it’s the perfect way to wind down the weekend.
Pro Tip: I recommend only visiting a max of two distilleries a day. While it sounds exciting to pack in as much as possible, the tours often involve quite a bit of walking and can feel repetitive after the third or fourth time through.
Other Things To Do In Bardstown
Not a big bourbon fan? No worries! Bardstown has enough entertainment for every type of traveller. If you are not planning on visiting Distilleries, I recommend swapping those out with these two town favorites.
- The Bernheim Forest and Arboretum. This is a great place to get outside in nature and enjoy the scenery of central Kentucky. With miles of walking and nature trails, this is a great activity for all ages. The woodland creature trail is my favorite. Be sure to take a picture with the forest giants!
- My Old Kentucky Dinner Train. Ride and dine in a restored 1940s vintage dining car during a 2.5 hour, 34 mile roundtrip journey. This gourmet multi-course meal is a great way to enjoy the history and beauty of Kentucky.
Where to Stay In Bardstown
If you are planning to enjoy all that Bardstown has to offer, I recommend staying at least one night in this charming town. There are many options for places to stay from unique getaways to budget-friendly rooms, there is something for every traveler. I have listed some of my top recommendations below.
Where to Eat in Bardstown
If you’re anything like me, having good food to eat is very important when traveling in a new city. Here are some of my top recommendations for great dining experiences in Bardstown.
- Mammy’s Kitchen and Bar for authentic southern dining
- The Rickhouse for a great steak dinner
- Talbott Tavern
- Can’t decide? Try this walking food tour of Bardstown to sample multiple local favorites
Tips For Visiting Bardstown
When to Visit? The best seasons to visit are spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the town comes alive with bourbon-themed festivals and events. Since distillery tours are among the most popular activities, it’s wise to book your spots well in advance, especially at iconic stops like Heaven Hill or Makers Mark.
How to get to Bardstown? Transportation is another key factor to consider. While many visitors choose to drive so they can explore the area at their own pace, others prefer guided shuttles or bourbon trail tours that allow you to enjoy tastings without worrying about navigating between distilleries
Is Bardstown Family Friendly? Absolutely. While bourbon is the main draw, Bardstown also offers historic sites, charming inns, museums, and scenic countryside drives that make it enjoyable for all ages.
Bardstown truly earns its title as the “Bourbon Capital of the World,” but what makes a weekend here so special is how it blends rich history, small-town charm, and world-class bourbon experiences. Whether you’re sipping whiskeys straight from the barrel, strolling through historic downtown streets, or staying in a cozy inn with stories dating back centuries, every moment feels like a step deeper into Kentucky’s heritage. Bardstown is more than just a stop on the Bourbon Trail—it’s a destination worth savoring. So pack your bags, raise a glass, and get ready to spend an unforgettable weekend in Bardstown, KY.
Spending some more time in Kentucky? Check out my other guides on things to do in the Bluegrass State.
48 Hours in Lexington, Kentucky: Horses, History and Bourbon
Ultimate Guide to Red River Gorge: Top Hikes, Activities and Scenic Spots
Hiking Natural Bridge at Red River Gorge: Trails, Tips & Views You Can’t Miss
