Stay Overnight In The 223-Year-Old Jailer's Inn Bed & Breakfast, An Allegedly Haunted Spot In Kentucky
By Andrea Limke|Published October 20, 2020
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Andrea Limke
Author
A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
An inviting bed and breakfast is a wonderful option when looking for a place to spend the night in Kentucky. The Bluegrass State offers several B&Bs, from brand new and modern to centuries old and filled with historic charm. Many of these overnight destinations are situated in our small, historic towns, including well-known Bardstown. Often called the most charming town in Kentucky, Bardstown is also one of the oldest, and therefore, many believe to be the most haunted. And if you’re going to spend the night in Bardstown, why not stay in a haunted bed and breakfast in Kentucky? Stay in a remodeled room or even a former jail cell at Jailer’s Inn Bed & Breakfast and enjoy a unique experience in this 223-year-old property.
The historic city of Bardstown is a popular getaway spot in Kentucky for those who love history, small towns, bourbon, and even haunted places that come with a ghost story or two.
And at the center of town is a property that dates back over two centuries and while it's allegedly haunted, it's also one of the best places to spend the night in Bardstown. Jailer's Inn Bed & Breakfast is a former county jail that now welcomes guests as a lovely inn and offers the perfect mix of history and comfort.
The Old Nelson County Jail was home to prisoners for almost 200 hundred years, from 1797 to 1987.
The front building was built in 1819 and began as jail cells, but then became the jailer's home when the back building was constructed in 1874. These buildings were in use until 1989 and were the oldest operating jail complex in Kentucky.
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The B&B dates back to the days soon after the last prisoners left and you can spend the night in one of their former jail cells.
While most of the rooms are remodeled and renovated, this cell was creatively transformed into a guest room, while maintaining many of its prison features. If you want to try a little ghost hunting during your stay, this may be the room for you.
As a former prison, you can imagine the ghostly tales that have been told about the Jailer's Inn. Guests have reported odd happenings and even sightings of Mrs. McKay, one of the original jailers. You can read more about this haunted bed and breakfast in Kentucky and other spooky spots in Bardstown on the town's website.
The interiors of the property are intriguing, but be sure to spend time outdoors.
There are several outdoor spaces that offer comfortable seating and tables for lounging and relaxing. You can even sit and imagine what it would have been like for criminals from the 1800s to wander in circles in the yard while incarcerated.
As fascinating as the historic and spooky features are, the B&B remains a favorite overnight destination for visitors to Bardstown.
Reviews are excellent - just know what to expect - and a favorite feature is the included breakfast the morning after your stay. It's safe to say that former prisoners did not eat this well, but you and your "inn-mates" will surely enjoy it!
During your visit, or even if you're not staying at Jailer's Inn but are just in the area, be sure to sign up for a tour of the property.
The history is incredibly interesting and you'll get to see the back building where there are still jail cells inside the 30-inch-thick walls. Just be glad that you'll be able to enjoy the modern day Jailer's Inn and its history, rather than what former inmates once endured in this 223-year-old jail in Kentucky.
As an allegedly haunted bed and breakfast in Kentucky, Jailer’s Inn is known for its creepy past, but also for its welcoming and lovely property today. Spend the night, enjoy a delicious breakfast, take a tour, and be sure to report back with any ghost stories or spooky encounters! Have you spent the night at Jailer’s Inn Bed & Breakfast in Bardstown? Is it on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments.
