Bardstown, Kentucky Is Being Called One Of The Best Small Town Vacations In America
By Sarah McCosham|Published October 14, 2021
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
It’s no secret we love Bardstown. This picturesque place is home to numerous historical sites, world-class distilleries, and top Bluegrass attractions. Bardstown is a delight to visit any time of the year, and it seems the rest of the country is catching on to its charms, too! In its recent list of Charming American Towns You Haven’t Heard of But Should Visit ASAP, Esquire named Bardstown, Kentucky, as one of the best small town vacations in the country. Here’s why:
This small town is big on history -- and bourbon. "If you like whiskey," wrote Esquire, "Bardstown is basically a can't-miss stop — you might not be familiar with it, but it is the bourbon capital of the world, after all. It's home to several distilleries, including Jim Beam and Maker's Mark."
But if you prefer imbibing in history, you can easily spend a weekend exploring Bardstown's numerous historical sites, including the iconic My Old Kentucky Home State Park.
Another historical attraction in the area is the 224-Year-Old Jailer’s Inn Bed & Breakfast, a notoriously haunted spot in the Bluegrass. Stay in a remodeled room or even a former jail cell at this B&B, and enjoy a wholly unique experience in Bardstown!
Jailer's Inn Bed & Breakfast, 111 W Stephen Foster Ave, Bardstown, KY 40004, USA
While an enchanting place to visit all year-round, Bardstown becomes downright magical during the holidays. The festivities start after Thanksgiving and run through New Year's, and include twinkling lights, holiday events, and, quite simply, an awe-inspiring amount of Christmas cheer.
Esquire was succinct in its praise of Bardstown, calling it a "must-visit" for its significance along the Bourbon Trail. And while that's certainly true, Bardstown is so much more than just bourbon; Bardstown truly is the sum of all its parts: a beautiful slice of the Bluegrass State that's about as perfect as it gets.
Do you agree that Bardstown, Kentucky, is one of the best small town vacations in the country? Whether you call Bardstown home or live across the state, we recommend donning your tourist hat and taking a vacation to this winsome little Kentucky town!
For more memorable getaways in the Bluegrass State, plan a trip to one of these eight great small towns.
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