There are so many enjoyable things to do in Bardstown, KY; of course, heading out on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail holds the number one spot on the list! All the best spring and summer getaways start with sipping delicious bourbon flights, sampling cocktails, and discover our rich history on distillery tours. And when you do that in Bardstown, you’ll be surrounded by the charm and character of the old South. Bardstown is known in this area as the “Bourbon Capital of the World” while also being voted as one of “America’s Most Beautiful Small Towns” year after year. It’s the ideal place in Kentucky for weekend getaways or leisurely retreats for adventures and relaxation.
Aside from distillery tastings and tours, there are plenty of things to do in Bardstown that don’t start with bourbon! We have lovely parks to explore, historical attractions and museums, ghost tours, and excellent award-winning restaurants. There are many beautiful experiences to make your stay memorable and unique. One of the easiest ways to ensure that, though, is to include a reservation at our Kentucky Bed and Breakfast. Let us be your home base as you discover all that Bardstown offers!
The Bourbon Manor Bed and Breakfast, located in Bardstown, KY, is a charming historic Inn with just seven guest rooms in our main house and three additional guest rooms in our guest cottage. Our property is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year, so if you’re interested in history, you’ll find it here. You won’t find large crowds or unwanted noise, which is always possible at traditional hotel chains. We’re centrally located to the favorite bourbon distilleries and many of the best things to do in Bardstown, KY. Check in, grab a cocktail, and start making your plans! Book your room at our Kentucky Bed and Breakfast today.
The Best Things to do in Bardstown, KY, this Year
Ready to start planning your next vacation to one of Kentucky’s most charming small towns? You’ll find that there are so many things to do in Bardstown, KY, this year; it’s a perfect destination for a weekend away or more extended stays. First and foremost, bourbon tasting is a must in this part of the state, as Bardstown was made famous by this barrel-aged spirit. But you’ll also find award-winning restaurants, historical attractions, and beautiful countryside to explore.
Here are the top 12 things to do in Bardstown near our Kentucky Bed and Breakfast on your next visit:
- Without a doubt, the top thing to do in Bardstown, KY, is to visit one of the many nearby local distilleries. We’re in the heart of Bourbon Country, after all. Be sure to add Heaven Hill Distillery Bourbon Heritage Center, Bardstown Bourbon Company, Lux Row Distillers, Preservation Distillery, and Willet Distillery. While Maker’s Mark and Jim Beam Distilleries are big-name producers, visiting their properties is often compared to Disneyland for bourbon lovers, so don’t miss those two stops either.
- The Kentucky Bourbon Festival is one of our favorite things to do in Bardstown, KY! It’s quite the party and the ideal way to taste bourbon from a collection of distilleries in one place. This year the event falls from September 15th to the 17th.
- Bourbon isn’t the only great tasting to enjoy in Bardstown. The area also has several excellent wineries, including Forest Edge Winery, McIntyre’s Winery & Berries, and Springhill Winery. If a nice, refreshing beer is more your speed, one of our favorite things to do in Bardstown is belly up to the bar at Scout & Scholar Brewing.
- Head to Museum Row and get to know Bardstown’s incredible Civil War history. The Civil War Museum & the Women’s Museum of the Civil War are America’s largest and most complete museums devoted to the Western Theater of the American Civil War. Bourbon lovers won’t want to miss visiting the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History.
- You’ll want to check out the historic architecture around town. Our Kentucky Bed and Breakfast was designed by the same architect as Federal Hill at My Old Kentucky Home State Park and Basilica of Saint Joseph Proto-Cathedral. There’s an easy self-guided tour of these locations in downtown Bardstown.
- My Old Kentucky Dinner Train is one of the best ways to explore the beautiful Bluegrass State in style—and it includes a delicious meal and beverage pairings. The train depot is within walking distance of our Kentucky Bed and Breakfast as well!
- One of the best things to do in Bardstown is explore the 30+ shops, art galleries, ice cream shops, bourbon bars, restaurants, and breweries. We know you’ll love walking around this beautiful and historic city.
- If you’re a golfer, set up a tee time at one of the local golf courses, like the Kenny Rapier Championship Golf Course at My Old Kentucky Home State Park, Cedar-Fil Golf Course, or the Bardstown Country Club at Maywood.
- Dining out at the local Bardstown restaurants is always a treat! We’ll take care of your breakfast each morning of your stay, so plan on doing lunch and dinner out on the town.
- For those who love hiking and being out in nature, a trip to Bernheim Arboretum and Forest needs to be on your list of things to do in Bardstown, KY. There are fantastic trails with art installations, a charming cafe, and much more.
- Indulge yourself with a relaxing facial or massage at the on-site day spa in the warm treatment room with a cozy fireplace. Professionally licensed massage therapists offer many options, from deep tissue to in-room couple massage.
- Grab a nightcap at our Kentucky Bed and Breakfast, we have a lovely selection of bourbons (some rare releases), cocktails, and wine.
Stay at our Historic Kentucky Bed and Breakfast
Our stately Greek Revival Manor House was completed in 1823, marking 2023 its 200th birthday! This historic property in Bardstown, KY, has a colorful history over the past two centuries and has earned its spot on the National Register of Historic Places list. Our Kentucky Bed and Breakfast was originally constructed as a private residence for a prominent family until the Civil War era. The property had many important iterations over its many years but has operated as a B&B for over 25 years—and will be for many more to come!
You’ll love our classic decor, rich and bold colors, and antique furnishings. We offer top-of-the-line amenities, including spa services, gourmet breakfast spreads, and high-end appointments in our ten guest suites and common areas. Our ideal location downtown puts you right in the best place to enjoy all of the best things to do in Bardstown, KY.
As seasoned and experienced Innkeepers, we’ve had the honor of being recognized for our excellence year after year by hospitality professionals. Our Kentucky Bed and Breakfast is one of Bardstown’s best (and most romantic) places to stay. It’s an experience that you truly have to enjoy firsthand! You’ll see from the moment you walk up to our beautiful Bardstown Inn why guests keep returning time and again. Staying with us is one of the best things to do in Bardstown, KY, hands down! We can’t wait to be your hosts; book your room today!
