Bardstown-Nelson County Official Visitors Guide

Located in the heart of the Bluegrass State, Bardstown offers the ultimate bourbon getaway. With 11 unique distilleries within 16 miles of court square, all your bourbon dreams can come true here in Bardstown, the Bourbon Capital of The World.

Bourbon not your thing? Not to worry! Come see us for our unrivaled history, instead. With an atmosphere that seems to have magically leapt from the paintings of Norman Rockwell and the pages of Mark Twain, see for yourself why Bardstown was declared The Most Beautiful Small Town in America by Rand McNally and USA Today.

Settled in 1780, Bardstown is Kentucky’s second-oldest city. Throughout Nelson County, there are more than 300 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, with nearly 200 of them located in the historic downtown district. In fact, the stagecoach stop that was built in 1779 still stands today as a tavern, restaurant, and bed & breakfast.

It’s not just the town structures that have stayed the same. You’ll also find the friendly attitude and Southern charm that can only be found in such a town. It’s a place where neighbors still borrow cups of sugar. Because let’s face it, you can’t make a mint julep without sugar! You also can’t make it without bourbon. Speaking of…who’s ready to come soak up some local culture?