The 10 Best Free Things to do in Bardstown, Kentucky (KY)

May 9, 2022 Rebbecca Marino

Bardstown is a home rule-class city in Nelson County, Kentucky, in the United States. The population was recorded as 11,700 by the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Nelson County. It is named for the pioneering Bard brothers. David Bard obtained a 1,000 acres (400 ha) land grant in 1785 in what was then Jefferson County, Virginia, from Governor Patrick Henry. William Bard surveyed and platted the town. It was originally chartered as Baird's Town in 1788, and has also been known as Beardstown, and Beards Town.
Restaurants in Bardstown

1. Rusty Rooster

620 Bloomfield Rd, Bardstown, KY 40004-2024 +1 502-492-5012
Excellent
78%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 9 reviews

Rusty Rooster

Reviewed By Becky262017 - Hartford, United States

The shop is well organized and the prices are within reason. I will stop by the Rusty Rooster anytime I'm in Bardstown.

2. Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History

114 N 5th St, Bardstown, KY 40004-1449 +1 502-348-2999 [email protected] http://www.whiskeymuseum.com/
Excellent
58%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
5%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 65 reviews

Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History

Spalding Hall is home to the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History and the Bardstown Historical Museum. The Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History displays a 50 year collection of rare artifacts and documents concerning the American whiskey industry dating from pre-Colonial days to post-Prohibition years. The museum includes exhibits on President Washington, Abraham Lincoln, authentic moonshine stills, antique bottles and jugs, medicinal whiskey bottles, unique advertising art, novelty whiskey containers, and much more. The Bardstown Historical Museum contains items relating to 200 years of area history. You will find indian relics, Lincoln documents, pioneer papers, John Fitch land grant, a replica of his first steamboat, Stephen Foster memorabilia, a new Trappist monks’ exhibit, gifts of Louis Phillippe and Charles X of France, Civil War artifacts and guerrilla Jesse James hat and wine bottle, St. Joe Preparatory School momentos and much more. Guided tours available.

Reviewed By denisecV4601KK

So much Bourbon and local history! Very well done, and we learned a lot. So many old decanters and bottles on display. Great little gift shop, and attendant was very friendly and knowledgeable. It was a fun visit, and a must see in Bardstown!

3. McIntyre's Winery & Berries

531 McIntyre Ln, Bardstown, KY 40004-7904 +1 502-507-3264 [email protected] http://www.mcintyreswinery.com
Excellent
74%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 93 reviews

McIntyre's Winery & Berries

Reviewed By sherrys514 - Fort Wayne, United States

We had a great time visiting McIntyre Winery. We went during the day so social distancing was quite easy. Beautiful winery and the wine is fantastic. We ended up buying almost a full case of wine! The sampling of the wine was fun and be sure to try the wine slushies! Worth a visit!

4. Barton 1792 Distillery

501 Cathedral Manor, Bardstown, KY 40004 +1 866-239-4690 [email protected] https://www.1792distillery.com/
Excellent
76%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 830 reviews

Barton 1792 Distillery

Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. Situated in heart of bourbon country on 196 acres, the Distillery boasts 29 barrel aging warehouses, 22 other buildings including an impressive still house, and the legendary Tom Moore Spring. Named in honor of the year Kentucky joined the United States, Barton 1792 offers three tours of the Distillery: the Barton Tradition Tour, the Bushel to Bottle Tour and the 1792 Estate Tour.

Reviewed By scottrN3925HR

Great tour this was our 5th or 6th tour and always learn something different on each tour! I am looking forward to another and when we can do the estate tour again!

5. Shaq & Coco

111 N 3rd St, Bardstown, KY 40004-1554 +1 502-349-7768 http://www.shaqandcoco.com
Excellent
68%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 28 reviews

Shaq & Coco

Reviewed By Armachians - Armagh, United Kingdom

Eclectic is a much misused word but it was invented for stores such as Shaq & Coco with its tasteful mix of clothing, furnishings, costume jewellery and so much more besides. Staff who are welcoming and helpful without being intrusive. A beautiful store in a beautiful little Kentucky town

6. Fine Arts Bardstown Society

90 Court Sq, Bardstown, KY 40004-1582 +1 502-348-0044 [email protected]
Excellent
59%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 22 reviews

Fine Arts Bardstown Society

Since 2005, the Fine Arts Bardstown Society, also known as FABS, has been fostering creativity and encouraging local artists who have joined our ranks. Our artists represent a variety of disciplines including: paintings & drawings, photography, fiber arts, wearable art, jewelry, pottery, woodwork, stained glass, sculpture

214 W Stephen Foster Ave, Bardstown, KY 40004-1418 +1 502-348-6488 [email protected] http://www.bardstownartgallery.com/
Excellent
64%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 14 reviews

Bardstown Art Gallery

Established in 1971. We may be the oldest private art gallery still in business in Kentucky. We primarily feature the original paintings in oil and watercolor by the renowned artist JIM CANTRELL. His work is in the permanent collections of nine museums such as the Speed Museum & Owensboro Museum of Fine Art in Kentucky, the Columbus Art Museum in Ohio, & the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art in St. Joseph, Missouri to name a few. We also carry the most extensive selection of books, CDs, and DVDs by and about the late THOMAS MERTON, who was a Trappist monk at the Abbey of Gethsemani. We are open By Chance or By Appointment. YOU JUST NEED TO RING THE DOORBELL!

8. Basilica of St Joseph Proto-Cathedral

310 W Stephen Foster Ave, Bardstown, KY 40004-1421 +1 502-348-3126
Excellent
50%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 86 reviews

Basilica of St Joseph Proto-Cathedral

Reviewed By 376geneh - Seymour, United States

If you have the opportunity to attend Mass at St. Joseph Basilica, please do. The building itself is fantastic and beautifully and meaningfully arranged inside. Be sure to look up and see the saints pictures looking down on you. This is much more than "just" a church as the name reflects, it's a Basilica. And the Pastor, Rev. Terry Bradshaw addresses his parishioners with a meaningful homily message. I am so glad we attended. You will too. Enjoy

9. The Blind Pig Bourbon Market

212 North 3rd Street, Bardstown, KY 40004 +1 502-378-8612 [email protected] http://www.facebook.com/theblindpigbourbonmarket
Excellent
71%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 82 reviews

The Blind Pig Bourbon Market

Located in the heart of Bourbon Country in Hostorical Bardstown, KY. We Celebrate "ALL THINGS BOURBON". From Bourbon, candy, t-shirts, spices, coffee, cigars. Almost anything made with Bourbon. Also visit our Bourbon Bar "THE BLIND PIG SPEAKEASY" at 107 East Flaget. Step back in time to the 1920's proabition. Where the booze was flowing and jazz was the music.

Reviewed By brianhH8891DR - Leawood, United States

The Blind Pig is a great shop focused on bourbon. The owner is knowledgeable about every bottle in there and can help you find the ideal gift or bottle for yourself. Many bottles are hard to find, and/or sold only in Kentucky. Great prices with expert advice. Can’t beat the one stop shop for bourbon in Bardstown. We will be back.

10. The Blind Pig Bourbon Speakeasy

107 E Flaget St, Bardstown, KY 40004-1517 +1 502-388-9313 [email protected] http://www.facebook.com/blindpigbourbonspeakeasy/
Excellent
74%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 34 reviews

The Blind Pig Bourbon Speakeasy

Imagine Prohibition, 1920: The music was jazz, the booze was flowing, and the cops turned a blind eye. Step back in time with us and enjoy a variety of Bourbon Cocktails while you socialize with locals and travelers alike! The Blind Pig Bourbon Speakeasy was born and created just around the corner from The Blind Pig Bourbon Marketplace and the Blind Pig Bourbon B&B. The Speakeasy bar is currently, secretly tucked away in Bardstown proper, and proves to be a bourbon cocktail bar known for the quality and artistry of its drinks while evoking the mood of the 1920’s-30’s speakeasy.

Reviewed By 601martye

We finished our trip to Bardstown with a stop here. This is a super cool bar. The staff are amazing. Friendly and attentive. Huge selection of bourbons and whiskeys. Can't wait to return. A terrific place to hang out and talk with friendly people and enjoy amazing drinks.

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