Telling ghost stories under an autumn moon brings to mind the thrill of Halloween. Relive those childhood chills of excitement on a Bardstown Ghost Trek. After exploring Bardstown’s shopping, dining, and bourbon distilleries spend an evening discovering the spooky side of local history. In its 21st year, these 90 minute ghost tours visit three haunted sites in the historic downtown. Tour guide, Patti Starr (certified ghost hunter and author) greets brave souls every Saturday night at the Old Talbott Tavern. Learn about the site’s history and hear witness accounts of ghostly encounters. Then walk to the Jailer’s Inn and Pioneer Cemetery for more mysterious stories. Return to your safe and comfortable guest room at the elegant Bourbon Manor Bed and Breakfast. Our two pre-civil war homes have 10 luxury rooms surrounded by a serene park-like setting. Reserve your Fall getaway with us today and discover the colorful history of Bardstown.
Ghost Encounters and Haunted Locations
Prepare yourself to explore three haunted locations. 
Learn the history of each one and hear stories of ghostly encounters. Maybe even one of the ethereal residents will make an appearance.
The meeting place and first stop is the Old Talbott Tavern. It’s one of the oldest western stagecoach stops, dating back to 1779. The tavern has a small museum dedicated to the mysterious visitors that includes photos and recordings. The most famous ghostly guest is Jesse James, who stayed at the tavern while visiting family. Notably encountered by former tavern staff that reported his menacing laugh before suddenly disappearing. Other stories include a lady in white floating outside windows and gliding through the dining room. More unexplained incidents include glowing balls of light, and mysterious noises such as phantom footsteps, voices, and music.
Next on the spooky tour is the Jailer’s Inn that housed prisoners from 1819 until 1987. Making it, at the time, the oldest operating jail in Kentucky and also earned it a spot on the National Registry of Historic Places. While the old dungeon room is considered the most haunted space, the stone wall enclosed courtyard was the setting for public hangings. Since the jail’s residence included dangerous criminals, it’s no surprise that guests have been disturbed with screams, crying and footsteps during the night. However a friendly female apparition, Ms Mckay (a jailer’s wife and later jailer herself), also roams the inn.
Finally, the haunted tour ends at the Pioneer Cemetery, a perfectly creepy conclusion to the excursion. Carefully investigate the 15.5 acres location that has interred over 3,100 souls. Many Confederate soldiers, that died at battles during the Civil War are among the buried. Explore the historic graveyard and take photos while hearing stories of ghostly sightings among the tombstones.
After a thrilling night ghost hunting return to the Bourbon Manor B&B where the best spirits are found at our on-site bar and bourbon lounge. A nice calming nightcap might be in order following the evening’s spooky tour. Book your room today at our beautiful property and enjoy the best of Kentucky hospitality.
