The One Small Town In Kentucky With More Historic Buildings/Places Than Any Other
By Sarah McCosham|Published September 21, 2022
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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.
Bardstown, Kentucky, is a small town with a big resume. In addition to being hailed as the best small town in Kentucky, it’s also one of the most walkable — and historic. Not only will you find the world’s oldest bourbon bar — and the state’s oldest restaurant — in Bardstown, but this small town in Kentucky is home to more than 300 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, and nearly 200 of those are in the downtown district. If you’re looking for a real-life history lesson, come to Bardstown, Kentucky, one of the best small towns in the U.S.
Bardstown is an impossibly charming small town of about 13,000 that's located just outside Louisville, in the heart of Bourbon Country.
The oldest bourbon bar in the world -- and the oldest restaurant in Kentucky -- The Old Talbott Tavern dates back to the late 1700s, and not much has changed in the 250+ years since.
Back then, visitors would arrive on foot or on horseback, looking for a place to sleep and put up their feet for the night. Today, people continue to visit the tavern for the exact same reasons -- and some even pull up to Old Talbott's via horse, too!
The Old Talbott isn't the only historic inn in town. The Jailer's Inn Bed & Breakfast, located in downtown Bardstown, was originally a county jail that held prisoners from 1797 to 1987. It was then purchased and turned it into a delightful B&B in 1989.
Jailer's Inn Bed & Breakfast, 111 W Stephen Foster Ave, Bardstown, KY 40004, USA
Next up: the Harrison-Smith House, a wonderful restaurant in downtown Bardstown. With traditional ingredients and recipes incorporated into their menu, the Harrison Smith House reflects the rich agricultural heritage of the Bluegrass and is a delicious spot to dine.
Harrison-Smith House, 103 E Stephen Foster Ave, Bardstown, KY 40004, USA
Wickland, Home of Three Governors, is another commanding old building in historic Bardstown. Wickland is one of the best Georgian-style homes in all of Kentucky and was built between 1825-1828. This stately home was designed by John Rogers, the same architect behind the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral.
Wickland, Home of Three Governors, 550 Bloomfield Rd, Bardstown, KY 40004, USA
Speaking of which, this cathedral is a vision, and one of the most prestigious historic buildings in Bardstown. The first Catholic cathedral west of the Allegheny Mountains, Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral was built in 1816-1819. This historic edifice contains fine paintings, gifts of Francis (King of the two Sicilies) and Pope Leo XII.
Basilica of Saint Joseph Proto-Cathedral, 310 W Stephen Foster Ave, Bardstown, KY 40004, USA
Last, but certainly not least, My Old Kentucky Home is a quintessential Bluegrass State experience. A designated Kentucky State Park, this Civil War-era mansion and its immaculate grounds served as the inspiration for Stephen Collins Foster’s famous song, “My Old Kentucky Home, Good-Night!” -- and we guarantee it will inspire you, too.
But then again, so will this delightful and historic small town in Kentucky.
Did you know Bardstown was home to so many historic buildings and places? It’s a delightful day trip destination for history lovers — and pretty much everyone else.
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