The Oldest Bar In Kentucky Has A Fascinating History
By Andrea Limke|Published February 07, 2018
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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.
Starting in elementary school, we are forced to learn about Kentucky’s history—and chances are, you didn’t find it that interesting back then. As adults, we gain a new appreciation for our state’s past and the people and places that formed the Kentucky we know today. One place to gain a better understanding of Kentucky’s history is the town of Bardstown and specifically the Old Talbott Tavern. Widely considered the oldest bar in the state, Talbott Tavern has a fascinating history and it still stands today, taking you back through the history of Kentucky.
The charming town of Bardstown is one of the most visited places in the state and a lot of that has to do with its intriguing history and the way it has been preserved.
The Old Talbott Tavern is one of the main features of the town and holds so much Kentucky history. The Tavern was built in 1779 and is known as the oldest western stagecoach stop in America. It was a well-placed stopping point for those traveling west from other parts of the country. It acted as a sort of gateway to the young west and therefore is filled with stories of politicians, adventurers, rebels, artists, rulers, and just about anyone else you can imagine as they passed through the doors of the Tavern.
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The exterior of this fascinating bar, restaurant, and inn is just a preview of the history you'll experience once inside.
The unique, thick Flemish bond stone walls are likely the first thing you'll notice. Also, make sure to check out the deep window casings, heavy ceiling timbers and built-in-cupboards, all of which will transport you back in time to what feels like an old tavern in England.
There are traces of the tavern's past everywhere you look. You can imagine meals prepared in the fireplaces for passersby, anxious to continue their long trip out west. And you can definitely feel the liveliness of the days when many would gather for a drink, warm by the fire and discuss the happenings of a fairly new country.
There are many stories of those who have spent time in the Tavern, and there are sure to be more than we even know. Abraham Lincoln stayed here with his family as a young boy, while their land in Kentucky was being disputed. Unfortunately, the outcome of the dispute is what sent them to live in Indiana. Andrew Jackson and Stephen Foster are also rumored to have visited, as well as Jesse James and even King Louis Phillippe.
You can learn quite a bit about the history of bourbon and how it related to the tavern, simply by enjoying a glass of your favorite and chatting with the staff. They have an impressive offering and it may just be the quintessential spot to taste Kentucky's favorite drink.
The restaurant is a wonderful place to experience the history of the tavern, while also enjoying a home cooked meal.
The restaurant is open everyday of the week and includes many southern classics like the Kentucky Hot Brown. Another option is to stop in for dessert after a day of exploring this historic town.
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The tavern has long been a place for travelers to stay and it continues to be that today.
There are six rooms, each named after someone famous who has spent time in the tavern, that are wonderfully historic, yet modern. Each has a private bath and all of the amenities you'd expect in a hotel of today's standards, but also comes with countless tales of a colorful past.
The Old Talbott Tavern has been called many names over the years, but it will always be a treasured, historic destination that is so important to understanding our state's past.
If you're looking to experience those history lessons that you learned way back in school firsthand, then your first stop should be Bardstown and The Old Talbott Tavern, Kentucky's oldest and most fascinating bar.
The Old Talbott Tavern is a fascinating piece of Kentucky history that can hopefully continue standing for generations to come. Have you had a sip of bourbon at the oldest bar in Kentucky? Share your experience with us in the comments!
The Old Talbott Tavern is located at 107 West Stephen Foster, Bardstown, KY 40004. For more information, visit their website here and follow along with them on Facebook here.
And for another historic building in Kentucky, check out our previous article here.
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