Things to Do in Bardstown, KY, this Summer

While spring might just be beginning in Bardstown, KY, it’s never too soon to start planning for summer. This area is always brimming with delightful activities, but the crown jewel of experiences is undoubtedly embarking on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. This journey tops the list of things to do in Bardstown, where the joys of […]

Things to Do in Bardstown this summer near our Bed and Breakfast

While spring might just be beginning in Bardstown, KY, it’s never too soon to start planning for summer. This area is always brimming with delightful activities, but the crown jewel of experiences is undoubtedly embarking on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. This journey tops the list of things to do in Bardstown, where the joys of spring and summer are best welcomed with the tasting of exquisite bourbon flights, indulging in crafted cocktails, and delving into our rich heritage through engaging distillery tours.

In Bardstown, this adventure is further enhanced by the town’s captivating Southern charm and character. Renowned as the “Bourbon Capital of the World” and consistently voted as one of “America’s Most Beautiful Small Towns,” Bardstown is the quintessential Kentucky destination for those seeking weekend escapes or romantic retreats filled with exploration and relaxation. There is plenty to discover for those seeking outdoor adventures at the local parks and nature areas. 

Before you start filling your itinerary with all of the best things to do in Bardstown, KY, you’ll want to secure your lodging, and the historic Bourbon Manor Bed and Breakfast is one of the best places to stay in Kentucky. With unparalleled service from our professional innkeepers and staff, luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites, and our delicious breakfast service, you’ll feel pampered and relaxed as a guest at our Inn. You’ll quickly see why people return year after year to indulge in the wonderful Bardstown activities and make our B&B their homebase. Book your lodging today! 

Things to Do in Bardstown this summer

The Ultimate List of Things to Do in Bardstown, KY

Thankfully, the location of our bed and breakfast in Kentucky is central to most of the best things to do in Bardstown, including the popular and well-known distilleries in the area. Join us for a hearty breakfast before setting out to the bourbon-tasting rooms. Ready to start planning your next vacation to one of Kentucky’s most charming small towns? 

There are so many things to do in Bardstown, KY, this summer; it’s a perfect destination for a quick weekend away or longer stays. Here are the best activities near our bed and breakfast in Kentucky: 

  1. Bourbon Distillery Tours & Tastings: It’s rare to visit Bardstown and not taste any bourbon! There’s a lovely collection of these distilleries producing an array of this favorite spirit. Don’t miss Heaven Hill Distillery Bourbon Heritage CenterBardstown Bourbon CompanyLux Row DistillersPreservation Distillery, and Willet Distillery Visitor Center. The iconic Maker’s Mark distillery and Jim Beam are also worth the scenic drive!
  2. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail: As mentioned above, tasting and touring the local distilleries is one of the best things to do in Bardstown, KY. To continue your bourbon adventure, check out the complete list of distilleries associated with the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. 
  3. Discover the Museums in Bardstown: This area is rich in history, and Bardstown’s Museum Row is the best destination to learn more. Head to The Civil War Museum, the Women’s Museum of the Civil War, and the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History
  4. The Best Wineries in Kentucky: If you’re more of a wine fan, one of the best things to do in Bardstown, KY, is head out in the countryside and try some of these fantastic, locally grown vinos. 
  5. Live Concerts at the Amp: Located at Log Still Distillery, this live music venue is a must-visit for concerts in the summer. They host big names and up-and-coming artists in a fun outdoor venue space. 
  6. The Stephan Foster Story: One of the best things to do in Bardstown for history buffs is to head to My Old Kentucky Home State Park to catch a live show about how this famous song came to be. 
  7. Tour the Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest: If you’re hoping to get some exercise, this nearby nature area is one of the most beautiful places to get your steps in. 
  8. My Old Kentucky Dinner Train: Climb aboard a vintage train car, take in the sights, and enjoy a beautifully prepared dinner. The depot is just a few blocks from our Kentucky bed and breakfast. 
  9. Hit the Links at the Bardstown Golf Courses: There’s a great selection of local golf courses to check out, like the Kenny Rapier Championship Golf Course at My Old KY Home State Park, Cedar-Fil Golf CourseLincoln Homestead State Golf Course, or the Bardstown Country club at Maywood.
  10. Explore Downtown Bardstown: There’s plenty to discover in downtown Bardstown, including historic sites, shopping, and excellent restaurants for various cuisines for lovely lunches and dinners. 
one of the best Things to Do in Bardstown, KY, is book our bed and breakfast

The Best Bed and Breakfast in Kentucky

As a proud Kentucky Bed and Breakfast Association and Select Registry member, you can rest assured that you’ll love visiting our historic, bourbon-themed bed and breakfast in Bardstown, KY. Not only are we the ideal location to explore all of the best things to do in Bardstown, but you’ll love our selection of cocktails, bourbon flights, and wine by the bottle right on-site. This is just one of the small details that will set your stay apart from other larger-scale lodging options in the area. 

Our classic decor, rich and bold colors, and antique furnishings create the perfect destination getaway. We offer top-of-the-line amenities, including spa services, gourmet breakfast spreads, and high-end appointments in our ten guest suites and common areas. Guest rooms are beautifully appointed; seven guest rooms grace the Manor (Main House), while the “Federal House” (Guest Cottage) offers three additional guest rooms in a separate, private residence on the property. 

In the mornings, the Inn’s kitchen comes to life with delicate aromas of brewing coffee and baked goods. You’ll enjoy our menu of Southern comfort dishes prepared with care and seasonal ingredients each morning of your stay and included with the cost of your lodging. Starting your day in our elegant dining room with our impeccable and personalized service is ideal for starting off on the right foot. Book your room at our bed and breakfast in Kentucky today! 

Line Up for These Bourbon Tours in Bardstown KY

As we celebrate the Bourbon Manor‘s 200th year, we hope you’ll join us at our historic Kentucky Bed and Breakfast for the best bourbon tours in Bardstown KY. If you’re a bourbon collector or just a fan, our charming small town is a must-visit to fill up your liquor cabinet and expand your home bar. …

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photo of a flight on one of the best Bourbon Tours in Bardstown KY

As we celebrate the Bourbon Manor‘s 200th year, we hope you’ll join us at our historic Kentucky Bed and Breakfast for the best bourbon tours in Bardstown KY. If you’re a bourbon collector or just a fan, our charming small town is a must-visit to fill up your liquor cabinet and expand your home bar. Known as the birthplace of bourbon, Bardstown’s roots run deep in this industry, and you’ll find a fantastic collection of local distilleries for tastings and tours. 

One of the most popular and highly recommended bourbon tours in Bardstown KY is the Bourbon Experience at Heaven Hill Distillery. First, you’ll marvel at the amount and size of Rickhouses lining the massive property—pictures don’t do these giant structures justice! Inside, you’ll be whisked away into a barrel-shaped viewing room for a quick video. You’ll be brought into the tasting room with a knowledgeable bourbon ambassador for a tasting and in-depth history lesson on the company. Finish up in the gift shop and a museum tour filled with memorabilia and exciting information on the brands they produce. 

An essential part of enjoying these immersive bourbon tours in Bardstown KY is having comfortable lodging to return to, and our Kentucky Bed and Breakfast is the perfect place to stay. Our ten guest accommodations and shared spaces offer guests the ideal combination of historic charm with modern amenities. We’ll treat you to a Southern-style home-cooked breakfast each morning of your stay, the best way to start your day before hitting the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Check out our upcoming availability and reserve your room today! 

photo of bourbon barrels in Bardstown, one of the best Bourbon Tours in Bardstown KY

The 5 Best Bourbon Tours in Bardstown KY

While there’s no shortage of fantastic choices for bourbon tours in Bardstown KY, we do have our tried and true favorites! Depending on how much time you’ve set aside to explore and if the distilleries are your primary focus, we suggest keeping it to two or three places daily.

Here are our top five bourbon tours in Bardstown and just outside of town to check out:

  1. Heaven Hill Distillery: This esteemed distillery, recognized as Whisky Magazine’s “Distiller of the Year” for 2023, has been imparting knowledge on the basics of whisky since 1935. Known for its top-notch brands, such as Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, and Larceny, guests can learn about the history and process of whisky-making through informative tours and tastings at the Bourbon Heritage Center. The center also boasts beautiful tasting rooms, exhibits focused on whisky, and a gift shop featuring bourbon-themed souvenirs.
  2. Willett Distillery: The picturesque Willett Distillery is a must for one of the most in-depth bourbon tours in Bardstown KY. Located about ten minutes from our Kentucky Bed and Breakfast, you’ll learn the complete history of Thompson Willett, who began distilling in 1936. Book your distillery and production tour to ensure you get a spot! They also have the Bar at Willett for a fancy bourbon craft cocktail and lovely small plates. 
  3. Bardstown Bourbon Company: A bourbon lover’s paradise, you’ll find a long list of experiences all in one place at this award-winning local distillery. The modern space sets the perfect backdrop for learning about this intricate historical process. They offer three bourbon tours in Bardstown KY, including “Shaken & Stirred,” an immersive cocktail class that’s the perfect follow-up to touring the state-of-the-art facility. 
  4. Jim Beam Distillery: If you’ve experienced the tours and tastings at this popular and long-time distiller, it might look a bit different on your next visit. Last year they completely renovated this bourbon campus, and now it could even be described as Disneyland for bourbon lovers. Don’t miss a classic Southern meal at the on-site Kitchen Table Restaurant.
  5. Maker’s Mark: You may recognize the world-renowned red wax-topped bourbon bottle, and adding this distillery to your list is highly recommended. Although it’s a bit further out in the countryside, it’s just a half-hour drive from our Kentucky Bed and Breakfast. The picturesque surroundings and fascinating history make it an excellent destination and make sure to take advantage of the chance to dip your own bottle in hot wax.

For more recommendations, directions, or help with reservations for bourbon tours in Bardstown KY, feel free to ask your Innkeeper and staff at our Kentucky Bed and Breakfast during your stay. 

Bourbon Tours in Bardstown KY, photo of our Bardstown Bed and Breakfast suite

The Most Elegant Lodging at our Kentucky Bed and Breakfast

Our Kentucky Bed and Breakfast is the only place to stay to best enjoy the local bourbon tours in Bardstown KY. First, you’ll notice that our ten guest accommodations are all named after classic bourbon cocktails (which you can order in our lobby bar) and an extensive library of local and even hard-to-find bourbons. 

Our property is divided into a few historic structures; the main Manor House has seven guest rooms and is home to our dining room (where you’ll enjoy breakfast each morning), our on-site spa room, and a gym on the lower level. The Federal House Guest Cottage houses our other three lodging options. These spacious bedrooms, gathering room, kitchen area, and deck overlooking the private back lawn make for a lovely home away from home for small groups or friends traveling together. 

We offer our guests of our Kentucky Bed and Breakfast a long list of add-on packages, but the most popular option for bourbon enthusiasts is the “Bourbon Tour & Tasting Package,” with a comprehensive itinerary for a self-guided tour. This add-on also includes fun details like two bourbon shots on us, keepsake rocks glasses, chocolates, and much more! We can’t wait to host you for the best bourbon tours in Bardstown KY; book your room today! 

The 10 Best Bardstown Distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail For 2023

If you’ve never had the joy of touring and tasting bourbon at the local Bardstown distilleries, this is the time! Spring is the perfect season before the busier travel times set in, and you’ll love the mild temperature days with beautiful blooms and lush green bringing the area to life. If it’s your first time …

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The 10 Best Bardstown Distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail For 2023, photo of bourbon barrels

If you’ve never had the joy of touring and tasting bourbon at the local Bardstown distilleries, this is the time! Spring is the perfect season before the busier travel times set in, and you’ll love the mild temperature days with beautiful blooms and lush green bringing the area to life. If it’s your first time visiting the nearby Bardstown distilleries, we guarantee you’ll be in awe of the size of these establishments. There’s really no way to describe the scope of these rick houses—giant warehouses holding millions of barrels of aging bourbons—you need to see them in person! 

Bardstown is known as the birthplace of American bourbon as we know it. On these tours and tastings, it’s as much a look back into history as it is a delight for your palate. Kentucky is home to more than 70 bourbon distilleries, and an impressive list of those fine establishments are in the Bardstown area. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is an excellent resource for bourbon enthusiasts and one of the best ways to plan your itinerary. Additionally, Bardstown has a great selection of outstanding restaurants, museums, and local artisan shops.

You’ll also find many lodging properties in our area, but none compares to our location, level of hospitality, and guest accommodations of our luxury Bed and Breakfast in Kentucky. We’re located in the heart of our charming small town and within ten minutes of some of the most popular Bardstown distilleries. Each of our beautifully appointed guest rooms is named for a favorite bourbon cocktail, which you can enjoy in our lobby bar during your stay! Check out our upcoming availability and book your room today! 

The 10 Best Bardstown Distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail For 2023, photo of a bourbon tasting with notes

Hit These Bardstown Distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

The best vacations have a diverse itinerary, from dining out at new restaurants, exploring historical areas, and booking interesting tours. And the tours at these local Bardstown distilleries are informative, engaging, and delicious.

Here’s a list of the best Bardstown distilleries and more along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail: 

  • Heaven Hill Distillery: As Whisky Magazine’s 2023 winner of “Distiller of the Year,” this award-winning distillery, with brands like Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, and Larceny, has been educating guests on whisky 101 since 1935. The Bourbon Heritage Center is a great place to start, with beautiful tasting rooms, informative tours, whisky-related exhibits, and bourbon-themed souvenirs from the gift shop.
  • Bardstown Bourbon Company: This is one of the Bardstown distilleries that puts you right behind the scenes. These tours are immersive and informative. Be sure to enjoy the bourbon blends in the on-site Kitchen & Bar in cocktail form, along with a full menu of appetizers, mains, and desserts.
  • Lux Row: With big names like Rebel Yell and Ezra Brooks, this 18,000-square-foot distillery produces a diverse lineup of bourbons. They have three tours to choose from, but go for the in-depth top-shelf tasting: the Lux Row Premium Experience.
  • Willett Distillery: This is one of the Bardstown distilleries you must visit, and it’s about ten minutes away from our Bed and Breakfast in Kentucky. While Thompson Willett began distilling in 1936, the family’s involvement in bourbon dates back to the late 1600s. Make a reservation at the sleek Bar at Willett for a spruced-up bourbon craft cocktail and appetizers.
  • Preservation Distillery: The 40-acre farm surrounding this distillery is in true Kentucky bluegrass country with panoramic views of the full-working farm. They make their bourbon in small batches here, using a pot-distilling method, which produces big and rich whiskeys.
  • Old Steelhouse Distillery: This distillery sits on 45 rolling acres just ten miles outside of Bardstown. What was once an abandoned warehouse is now a remarkable space for tasting bourbon and enjoying a tour. 

These Kentucky distilleries are a bit further out of Bardstown but well worth the visit:

  • Maker’s Mark Distillery: The iconic red wax-topped bourbon bottle is recognizable worldwide, and this distillery is a big one to add to your list. It’s a bit further out in the country but only about a half hour from our Bed and Breakfast in Kentucky. The stunning grounds and rich history are well worth the trip and don’t miss the opportunity to dip your own bottle in hot wax. 
  • Jim Beam American Stillhouse: This business is family-operated to its roots, as it’s been passed down in the Beam family for seven generations spanning 200 years. Last year, the Jim Beam campus revealed a massive makeover, creating an even more exciting place to have the bourbon experience. 
  • Four Roses Bourbon: Just about ten miles out of Bardstown in Cox Creek is the Four Roses Bottling Facility, where they offer guided tastings and informative tours. 
The 10 Best Bardstown Distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail For 2023, photo of the bourbon manor bed and breakfast

Stay at the Best Bed and Breakfast in Kentucky

Whether you plan to visit one of these Bardstown distilleries or all ten, you’ll quickly see that the bourbon community is celebrated here. So why not embrace that mood and stay in the world’s first bourbon-themed Bed and Breakfast in Kentucky? That’s precisely what you’ll find at the Bourbon Manor, where each of our ten guest rooms in the main house is named after a different bourbon cocktail. Beyond our creative play on the area’s top attraction, you’ll find a welcoming ambiance and exceptional hospitality far exceeding what you’d find at any chain hotel.

During your stay with us, we serve a lovely breakfast in our elegant dining area each morning. We prepare creative dishes with local and seasonal ingredients whenever possible. If you’re heading out for a day of bourbon tastings at the local Bardstown distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, you’ll want a hearty meal to start you off on the right foot. Upon your return, the coffee is always on, and beverages and snacks are available throughout the day. Your guest room will be a welcome reprieve! 

While tasting along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail might be your main activity while visiting Bardstown, don’t forget to schedule some downtime at our on-site spa for a massage. Ease your stress away, relax, and fully embrace your time away! Our goal is that you leave feeling as renewed as possible and ready to come to visit again. We’ve thought of everything so you don’t have to; that’s one of the many perks of staying at a small, boutique property like ours! Book your room at our Bed and Breakfast in Kentucky today! 

Amazing Things to do in Bardstown, KY

There are so many enjoyable things to do in Bardstown, KY; of course, heading out on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail holds the number one spot on the list! All the best spring and summer getaways start with sipping delicious bourbon flights, sampling cocktails, and discover our rich history on distillery tours. And when you do …

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Things to do in Bardstown, KY, photo of bourbon barrels at a Bardstown distillery

There are so many enjoyable things to do in Bardstown, KY; of course, heading out on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail holds the number one spot on the list! All the best spring and summer getaways start with sipping delicious bourbon flights, sampling cocktails, and discover our rich history on distillery tours. And when you do that in Bardstown, you’ll be surrounded by the charm and character of the old South. Bardstown is known in this area as the “Bourbon Capital of the World” while also being voted as one of “America’s Most Beautiful Small Towns” year after year. It’s the ideal place in Kentucky for weekend getaways or leisurely retreats for adventures and relaxation.

Aside from distillery tastings and tours, there are plenty of things to do in Bardstown that don’t start with bourbon! We have lovely parks to explore, historical attractions and museums, ghost tours, and excellent award-winning restaurants. There are many beautiful experiences to make your stay memorable and unique. One of the easiest ways to ensure that, though, is to include a reservation at our Kentucky Bed and Breakfast. Let us be your home base as you discover all that Bardstown offers! 

The Bourbon Manor Bed and Breakfast, located in Bardstown, KY, is a charming historic Inn with just seven guest rooms in our main house and three additional guest rooms in our guest cottage. Our property is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year, so if you’re interested in history, you’ll find it here. You won’t find large crowds or unwanted noise, which is always possible at traditional hotel chains. We’re centrally located to the favorite bourbon distilleries and many of the best things to do in Bardstown, KY. Check in, grab a cocktail, and start making your plans! Book your room at our Kentucky Bed and Breakfast today.

Things to do in Bardstown, KY, photo of a beautiful church in Bardstown

The Best Things to do in Bardstown, KY, this Year

Ready to start planning your next vacation to one of Kentucky’s most charming small towns? You’ll find that there are so many things to do in Bardstown, KY, this year; it’s a perfect destination for a weekend away or more extended stays. First and foremost, bourbon tasting is a must in this part of the state, as Bardstown was made famous by this barrel-aged spirit. But you’ll also find award-winning restaurants, historical attractions, and beautiful countryside to explore.

Here are the top 12 things to do in Bardstown near our Kentucky Bed and Breakfast on your next visit:

  1. Without a doubt, the top thing to do in Bardstown, KY, is to visit one of the many nearby local distilleries. We’re in the heart of Bourbon Country, after all. Be sure to add Heaven Hill Distillery Bourbon Heritage CenterBardstown Bourbon CompanyLux Row DistillersPreservation Distillery, and Willet Distillery. While Maker’s Mark and Jim Beam Distilleries are big-name producers, visiting their properties is often compared to Disneyland for bourbon lovers, so don’t miss those two stops either.
  2. The Kentucky Bourbon Festival is one of our favorite things to do in Bardstown, KY! It’s quite the party and the ideal way to taste bourbon from a collection of distilleries in one place. This year the event falls from September 15th to the 17th. 
  3. Bourbon isn’t the only great tasting to enjoy in Bardstown. The area also has several excellent wineries, including Forest Edge WineryMcIntyre’s Winery & Berries, and Springhill Winery. If a nice, refreshing beer is more your speed, one of our favorite things to do in Bardstown is belly up to the bar at Scout & Scholar Brewing.
  4. Head to Museum Row and get to know Bardstown’s incredible Civil War history. The Civil War Museum & the Women’s Museum of the Civil War are America’s largest and most complete museums devoted to the Western Theater of the American Civil War. Bourbon lovers won’t want to miss visiting the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History.
  5. You’ll want to check out the historic architecture around town. Our Kentucky Bed and Breakfast was designed by the same architect as Federal Hill at My Old Kentucky Home State Park and Basilica of Saint Joseph Proto-Cathedral. There’s an easy self-guided tour of these locations in downtown Bardstown.
  6. My Old Kentucky Dinner Train is one of the best ways to explore the beautiful Bluegrass State in style—and it includes a delicious meal and beverage pairings. The train depot is within walking distance of our Kentucky Bed and Breakfast as well! 
  1. One of the best things to do in Bardstown is explore the 30+ shops, art galleries, ice cream shops, bourbon bars, restaurants, and breweries. We know you’ll love walking around this beautiful and historic city.
  2. If you’re a golfer, set up a tee time at one of the local golf courses, like the Kenny Rapier Championship Golf Course at My Old Kentucky Home State Park, Cedar-Fil Golf Course, or the Bardstown Country Club at Maywood.
  3. Dining out at the local Bardstown restaurants is always a treat! We’ll take care of your breakfast each morning of your stay, so plan on doing lunch and dinner out on the town.
  4. For those who love hiking and being out in nature, a trip to Bernheim Arboretum and Forest needs to be on your list of things to do in Bardstown, KY. There are fantastic trails with art installations, a charming cafe, and much more.
  5. Indulge yourself with a relaxing facial or massage at the on-site day spa in the warm treatment room with a cozy fireplace. Professionally licensed massage therapists offer many options, from deep tissue to in-room couple massage.
  6. Grab a nightcap at our Kentucky Bed and Breakfast, we have a lovely selection of bourbons (some rare releases), cocktails, and wine.
Amazing Things to do in Bardstown, KY 14

Stay at our Historic Kentucky Bed and Breakfast

Our stately Greek Revival Manor House was completed in 1823, marking 2023 its 200th birthday! This historic property in Bardstown, KY, has a colorful history over the past two centuries and has earned its spot on the National Register of Historic Places list. Our Kentucky Bed and Breakfast was originally constructed as a private residence for a prominent family until the Civil War era. The property had many important iterations over its many years but has operated as a B&B for over 25 years—and will be for many more to come! 

You’ll love our classic decor, rich and bold colors, and antique furnishings. We offer top-of-the-line amenities, including spa services, gourmet breakfast spreads, and high-end appointments in our ten guest suites and common areas. Our ideal location downtown puts you right in the best place to enjoy all of the best things to do in Bardstown, KY. 

As seasoned and experienced Innkeepers, we’ve had the honor of being recognized for our excellence year after year by hospitality professionals. Our Kentucky Bed and Breakfast is one of Bardstown’s best (and most romantic) places to stay. It’s an experience that you truly have to enjoy firsthand! You’ll see from the moment you walk up to our beautiful Bardstown Inn why guests keep returning time and again. Staying with us is one of the best things to do in Bardstown, KY, hands down! We can’t wait to be your hosts; book your room today!

Sip some Beautiful Kentucky Bourbon at Willett Distillery

One of our favorite places to visit in Bardstown is the Willett Distillery, established in 1936; this family-owned distillery embraces the importance of traditional methods that put Kentucky bourbon on the map. You’ll want to book a Willett Distillery tour and then finish your visit with cocktails and small plates at the Bar at Willett—a …

Sip some Beautiful Kentucky Bourbon at Willett Distillery Read More »

Willett Distillery

One of our favorite places to visit in Bardstown is the Willett Distillery, established in 1936; this family-owned distillery embraces the importance of traditional methods that put Kentucky bourbon on the map. You’ll want to book a Willett Distillery tour and then finish your visit with cocktails and small plates at the Bar at Willett—a cozy, dark bar and kitchen with speakeasy vibes.

We can’t think of a more exciting addition to your vacation than a bourbon tasting and tour in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” The Kentucky Bourbon Trail offers a whole day itinerary exploring the Bardstown Kentucky distilleries. A key element of planning your time heading to Willett Distillery and more is your lodging and transportation. When you stay at our Bardstown Bed and Breakfast, we offer packages that cover both!

Our Bardstown Bed and Breakfast is a fantastic location for exploring the shopping and restaurants of the Bardstown area and, especially, the local bourbon distilleries. We’re always happy to help make reservations and offer our expertise for enjoying your time in Bardstown and the surrounding areas. Our guest rooms are elegant and comfortable; your first visit will most likely not be your last!

Start by booking your room now, and let the Bardstown adventure begin! 

Willett Distillery

Head to Willett Distillery & More Bourbon Tastings

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is an excellent resource for those who want to include more than one tasting at the bourbon distillers here. If you only have time for one, Willett Distillery is a lovely way to get a crash course on the history of bourbon in the area and taste some prime examples of whiskey.

  • Willett Distillery: Only ten minutes away from our Bed and Breakfast, this Bardstown, Kentucky distillery is a must-visit. While Willett Distillery was started in 1936 by Thompson Willett, the history dates back to the late 1600s, so there’s a lot to learn on a tour here. Also, The Bar at Willett is a handsome space for a fancy bourbon craft cocktail. Be sure to grab a Willett family estate bottled bourbon to bring home!

More Nearby Bardstown Bourbon Distilleries to Visit:

  • Preservation Distillery: This distillery is true Kentucky blue-grass country with panoramic views of the full-working 40-acre farm. They make their bourbon in small batches here, using a pot-distilling method, which produces big and rich whiskeys.
  • Barton 1792 Distillery: Our Inn is only about five minutes drive from this well-known bourbon maker. And thankfully, the tours and tastings are complimentary! Established in 1879, this is one of the oldest Bardstown Kentucky distilleries still operating today.
  • Bardstown Bourbon Company: You’ll get an up-close look behind the scenes at this Bardstown bourbon distillery. They take you through where and how they make their whiskies and ryes. Even better, you get to enjoy those bourbon blends in the on-site Kitchen & Bar in cocktail form, along with a full menu of appetizers, mains, and desserts.
  • Lux Row: With well-known names like Rebel Yell and Ezra Brooks, this giant distillery is pumping out a lot of bourbons. Currently, they’re offering three tours, but for the most in-depth look behind the scenes with a top-shelf tasting, pick the Lux Row Premium Experience.
  • Heaven Hill Distillery: Since 1935, this award-winning distillery with brands like Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, and Larceny, has been a hub of bourbon education. The Bourbon Heritage Center is a great place to start in one of the many tasting rooms, informative tours, and bourbon-themed souvenirs from the gift shop.

Willett Distillery

Eclectic Lodging at our Bardstown Bed and Breakfast

Walking into our Historic Manor House in Bardstown is like taking a step back into time—just with an extra splash of color and all the modern amenities one craves on a special getaway. From elegant and spacious guest suites and complimentary breakfast to spa services and gym access, you’ll have it all for your next unforgettable vacation to Kentucky.

Join us at the Bourbon Manor B&B and book your next stay today!

These are the Best Bardstown Kentucky Distilleries to Tour This Spring

One of the most popular activities here in our neck of the woods is bourbon tasting at the impressive selection of Bardstown Kentucky distilleries. Of course, Bardstown is where bourbon was born, so you’ll find the best of the best here. The state of Kentucky is home to more than 70 bourbon distilleries and a …

These are the Best Bardstown Kentucky Distilleries to Tour This Spring Read More »

Bardstown Kentucky Distilleries

One of the most popular activities here in our neck of the woods is bourbon tasting at the impressive selection of Bardstown Kentucky distilleries. Of course, Bardstown is where bourbon was born, so you’ll find the best of the best here. The state of Kentucky is home to more than 70 bourbon distilleries and a big handful of those fine establishments are in the Bardstown area. Plus, our little town also has amazing restaurants, museums, and local artisan shops.

We can’t think of a more festive addition to your vacation than a whiskey tasting tour in the “Bourbon Capitol of the World.” The Kentucky Bourbon Trail offers a whole day itinerary exploring the Bardstown Kentucky distilleries. An important part to planning your time bourbon tasting is your lodging and transportation. When you stay at our Kentucky Bed and Breakfast in the heart of Bardstown, we can take care of both.

Our historic Bardstown Bed and Breakfast is a quick Uber ride to a few of the stalwart Bardstown Kentucky distilleries. For the other options further away, we offer add-on packages for bourbon tours, which gives you more time to sit back and sip and less time worrying about how to get around or where to stay. Start planning your whiskey adventure today and book your room at the Bourbon Manor! 

Bardstown Kentucky Distilleries

Check out these 10 Bardstown Kentucky Distilleries this Spring

The best vacations have a diverse itinerary, from dining out at new restaurants, exploring historical areas, and booking interesting tours. It just so happens, that Bardstown tours are way more exciting than others because most of them involve tasting bourbon. Allow us to detail some of our favorite Bardstown Kentucky distilleries in and around the area.

  • Barton 1792 Distillery: Established in 1879, this is one of the oldest Bardstown Kentucky distilleries still operating today. Our Inn is only about five minutes drive from this well-known bourbon maker. Luckily for us, the tours and tastings are complementary!
  • Bardstown Bourbon Company: This is one of the Bardstown Kentucky distilleries that puts you right behind the scenes.  You’ll get to see the where and how they make their whiskies and ryes. Even better, you get to enjoy those bourbon blends in the on site Kitchen & Bar in cocktail form, along with a full menu of appetizers, mains, and desserts.
  • Lux Row: With big names like Rebel Yell and Ezra Brooks, this 18,000 square foot distillery is making a lot of bourbon. Currently, they’re offering 3 tours, but for an in-depth look behind the curtain with a top shelf tasting, pick the Lux Row Premium Experience.
  • Heaven Hill Distillery: Since 1935, this award-winning distillery with brands like Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, and Larceny, has been educating guests on whiskey 101. The Bourbon Heritage Center is a great place to start with beautiful tasting rooms, informative tours, and fun bourbon-themed souvenirs from the gift shop.
  • Willet Distillery: Under 10 minutes away from our Bed and Breakfast, this Bardstown Kentucky distillery is a must visit. While the distillery started in 1936 by Thompson Willett the history dates back to the late 1600s, so there’s a lot to learn on a tour here. Also, The Bar at Willet, is a handsome space for a spruced up bourbon craft cocktail.
  • Preservation Distillery: The 40-acre farm surrounding this distillery is true Kentucky blue-grass country with panoramic views of the full-working farm. They make their bourbon in small batches here, using a pot-distilling method, which produces big and rich whiskeys.

These Kentucky distilleries are bit further out of Bardstown, but well worth the visit:

  • Maker’s Mark Distillery: We all know a bottle of this red wax topped bourbon when we see one, making this distillery one of the more iconic spots in the area. It’s a bit further out in the country, still only about a half hour from our Bardstown Inn, but the stunning grounds rich in history shouldn’t be missed.
  • Jim Beam American Stillhouse: The first barrel of this bourbon was sold in 1795 by the founder Jacob Beam. Since then the business has been passed down in the Beam family for seven generations spanning 200 years. On your tour, get a close up look at how their bourbon is made with tastings included.
  • Four Roses Bourbon: Just about 10 miles out of Bardstown is the Four Roses Bottling Facility, where they offer tastings and tours. The recipe for this bourbon is a combination of 10 different styles which produces a very flavorful drink.

As establishments are still evolving out of limited capacity and tailored hours, please double check times and availability before you head out to these Bardstown Kentucky distilleries. We’re happy to help with reservations, just let us know!

Bardstown Kentucky Distilleries

The Most Luxurious Lodging along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

After a day exploring the world of bourbon at these Bardstown Kentucky distilleries, you’ll want a soft place to land. Our historical Bardstown Bed and Breakfast has 10 impeccable guest suites, all designed with comfort in mind and a lovely place to call home on your getaway. Our grounds offer beautiful open spaces for quiet walks, picnics, or an afternoon bourbon cocktail on the patio.

On your stay with us, each morning we prepare a bountiful breakfast spread to be eaten in our elegant dining area or in the privacy of your own suite. The coffee is always on, as beverages and snacks are available throughout the day. While tasting along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail might be your main activity while visiting Bardstown, don’t forget to schedule some downtime at our Spa for a massage. Book your room today!