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See Thomas Dambo’s Trolls at the Bernheim Arboretum

Of course, on any vacation to Kentucky Bourbon Country, there’s going to be a visit or three to the best distilleries in Bardstown, but when it’s time for a break from sipping, heading to the Bernheim Arboretum to see the Thomas Dambo trolls is the perfect palate cleanser. These impressive outdoor art installations are located all over the world, three of which can be found in this beautiful research forest and arboretum in Clermont, KY, about 20 minutes from our bed and breakfast in Bardstown.

Thomas Dambo is a Danish artist whose work is focused on sustainability and using recycled materials in his larger-than-life sculptures. These whimsical trolls are posed in unique situations, many in forests, along riverbeds, and welcoming visitors from around the globe. The repurposed wood and other natural elements make these creatures blend in with their surroundings, and they’re a delightful addition to a walk through the Bernheim Arboretum and research forest.

As a guest at Bourbon Manor Bed and Breakfast, planning a trip out to Clermont to see the Thomas Dambo trolls will be a lovely addition to your stay. With our luxurious accommodations as your homebase, you’ll love heading out for nearby adventures and bourbon tasting, but it’s even better to return in the evenings to the classy comfort and peaceful atmosphere of our B&B. As long-time Innkeepers, you’ll be treated to unparalleled hospitality and welcomed with bright smiles. Start planning your next getaway to Kentucky and book our bed and breakfast in Bardstown today!

Find the Thomas Dambo's Trolls & Beautiful Falls Colors at Bernheim

Located in the rolling hills of Kentucky, Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest is a lovely destination for nature lovers and offers many activities. The forest spans over 16,000 acres and provides a diverse landscape of towering trees, ponds, and open meadows, making it ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and photography.

Visitors can explore over 40 miles of trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes, all designed to immerse you in the beauty of the forest and look for the giants created by Thomas Dambo along the way.

Here are the best things to do at the Bernheim Arboretum this fall:

Discover Thomas Dambo’s Forest Giants: These whimsical art installations were added in 2019 in conjunction with the 90th anniversary of the forest and arboretum. Due to the organic nature of these sculptures, they won’t be here forever, so now is the time to plan to visit if you haven’t yet! The three Thomas Dambo trolls, Mama Loumari, Little Elina, and Little Nis, will likely only be located at the park until the end of 2024. it’s an approximately 2-mile round-trip loop to see all three.
Explore the Canopy Tree Walk: There’s a short boardwalk that extends out into the forest canopy 75 feet above the floor. This view is even more beautiful in autumn as the fall colors come to life and brighten the whole forest.
Head to the Sensory Garden: The garden features five beds dedicated to one of the senses and a quiet space to sit and reflect.
Learn More at L+A+N+D: From the Bernheim website about this new addition: “This bold, new initiative annually celebrates innovative design concepts for immersive outdoor installations on a grand scale that will spark imaginations, conversations, and a deeper appreciation of the natural world.”
Climb the Historic Fire Tower: Take in the view from the historic fire tower, the oldest structure on-site. When the tower is open, volunteer naturalists will guide you up the 961-foot staircase for one of the best views in the state!
Stop by the Visitor’s Center: Don’t miss checking out Kentucky’s first LEED® platinum building. Explore the gift shop, grab lunch at Isaac’s café, and learn more about the sustainable design.

Book our Bed and Breakfast in Bardstown this Fall

Our bed and breakfast in Bardstown offers the perfect blend of history and modern touches. The stately Greek Revival Manor, built more than 200 years ago, is now home to seven of our elegantly appointed guest rooms and some beautiful shared spaces designed for relaxing and spending time together. The Federal House is a separate guest house with three additional rooms and shared spaces, ideal for groups or small families traveling together.

Each morning, the coffee is always on, and we treat all of our guests to breakfast with Southern classics, seasonal ingredients, and innovative dishes. It’s the best way to start your day before exploring Thomas Dambo’s trolls at the Bernheim forest. It’s also one less thing to plan for during your visit; you can just head down to our dining room (we offer two seatings. 8:30 and 9:30), and we’ll get your morning off on the right foot.

The evenings at our bed and breakfast are best spent in our on-site bourbon bar, The Bunghole. This newly opened space is fresh and modern, serving the most innovative and classic cocktails to our guests and the public. It’s an excellent place for a nightcap after a wonderful dinner at the spectacular Bardstown restaurants nearby. Better yet, you’ll only be a few steps from your guest room, the perfect place for a restful night’s sleep after a day full of adventure and delicious bourbon cocktails. Book your lodging today!

The Best Things to Do in Kentucky for Couples

There are so many fantastic things to do in Kentucky for couples looking to reconnect this year—especially in Bardstown, KY, the “Bourbon Capital of the World” and a charming small town with a lovely selection of distilleries, restaurants, and southern hospitality. Bardstown has a charming downtown area featuring historic buildings and architecture. Couples can explore the area’s antique stores, cozy pubs, and intimate restaurants. The picturesque countryside can be enjoyed by taking a relaxing train excursion, touring bourbon distilleries, or hiking in a local park.

Heading to the bourbon distilleries for tastings and tours is, of course, one of the best things to do in Kentucky for couples, and Bardstown is the best place to do just that! After all, it is the official gateway to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and a fantastic collection of Bardstown distilleries are within striking distance from one another. Planning a bourbon-tasting tour with multiple stops around town is such a memorable and unique outing!

One of the best things to do in Kentucky for couples is to book a romantic Bardstown KY Bed and Breakfast, and the Bourbon Manor B&B is the ultimate choice for your getaway. Not only will you have a stunning and historic manor house as your home base, but you’ll be pampered with a homemade breakfast each morning, an on-site spa facility, and be in the ideal location to head out and explore. There’s nothing quite like planning a romantic weekend getaway with your partner in the heart of bourbon country. Start planning and book your room today!

The Best Things to Do in Kentucky for Couples near Bardstown

If you are planning a little memorable getaway with your partner, this romantic area of the South is the perfect place! There are so many great things to do in Kentucky for couples to explore and grow their bonds ever deeper. From bourbon tastings at our local Bardstown distilleries to long walks through our stunning bluegrass countryside, you’ll find so many places to spark romance and reconnect.

Here are the top things to do in Kentucky for couples on your next getaway:

Bourbon Tastings & Tour: When you start to explore all the best things to do in Kentucky for couples, it will be no surprise that bourbon tastings and tours will be at the top of that list. These immersive tours occur on-site at these distilleries, offering an impressive look inside this industry. Not to mention, the bourbon goes down smooth and warms up any romantic getaway! A few of our top recommendations are the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, Bardstown Bourbon, and Maker’s Mark.
Exploring the Kentucky Wineries: If you’re more of a wine fan, there’s a lovely selection of wineries in Kentucky for tours and tastings as well. These vineyards are set back in some of the most picturesque countryside, so the adventure of getting there is all part of the fun. Be sure to check out our list of great Kentucky wineries here.
My Old Kentucky Dinner Train: As a guest at our Bardstown KY Bed and Breakfast, you’ll be within walking distance of the depot for one of the best dinner trains in Kentucky! Sign up for the romantic dinner ride at sunset with a delicious meal and bourbon pairings.
Romantic Bardstown Restaurants: There’s a fantastic selection of restaurants in Bardstown, and considering one of the best things to do in Kentucky for couples is a romantic dinner for two, you’ll be all set! Our top favorites are The Rickhouse Restaurant and Toogie’s Table.
Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest: If you’d like to go out and about, this beautiful nature preserve offers miles of hiking trails with outdoor sculptures and famous works from Thomas Dambo. There’s also a cafe for lunch and gardens to tour.
Spa Couples Massage: Our cozy and warm on-site spa room is the perfect way to relax with your partner on your getaway to Kentucky. Our licensed and professional massage therapists work magic to make our guests feel completely pampered and rejuvenated. Reach out before your arrival, and we’ll get a treatment on the books.
Add a Special Enhancement Package: As a guest at our Bardstown KY Bed and Breakfast, we have the perfect selection of romantic add-ons and packages just for two. By far, one of the best things to do in Kentucky for couples is to retreat to your private suite with wine, chocolates, and special touches awaiting your return.

Spend a Lovely Getaway at our Bardstown KY Bed and Breakfast

There’s nothing better than choosing a small Inn for your lodging on your romantic getaways, and that’s why staying at our Bardstown KY Bed and Breakfast is one of the best things to do in Kentucky for couples! Not only will you be pampered from the moment you step into our impressive and historic space, but you’ll also be in the perfect central location to head out and explore. We’ll greet you with a cocktail or a glass of wine and show you to your comfortable and beautifully appointed guest room, either in the main Manor House or the Federal House Cottage.

When you do retire to your guest room, you’ll not only be bathed in the soothing warmth of our charming historic decor, but you’ll feel pampered by our vast array of contemporary amenities — high-quality linens and toiletries, plush robes, high-speed internet, flat-screen TV with free cable and movies, and of course, the best Southern hospitality around. Our Inn has been recognized by the Bed and Breakfast Association of Kentucky as the best B&B in our state for lodging for groups and couples alike.

As you explore all the best things to do in Kentucky for couples, we genuinely hope you’ll make our Bardstown KY Bed and Breakfast your home base. You’ll enjoy beautiful breakfasts with us each morning, book a spa massage or two, and be in the ideal location to head out and explore the nearby Bardstown bourbon distilleries. We can’t wait to host you; book your stay today!

Spend a Fall Day at Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest

Spend a Fall Day at Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest Read More »

Fall in Kentucky is one of the most beautiful seasons, and you’d be remiss if you didn’t add a visit to the Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest to your itinerary! There are more than 16,000 acres of land under protection where visitors can completely indulge and relax in nature. This vast terrain is divided into two distinct areas: a 600-acre Arboretum that contains thousands of carefully selected and natural plant species and a natural area with hiking trails and exquisite outdoor sculptures—including a forest giant family created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo.

The land where the Bernheim Arboretum resides today was almost completely uninhabitable due to contamination from the iron ore industry. Thanks to visionary and philanthropist Isaac W. Bernheim, a German man who immigrated to Kentucky in 1867, the land was transformed into the natural oasis it is today. The nature area now stands as a testament to land conservation and an education center for future generations. For those who enjoy getting outdoors, the Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest is a fantastic place to spend a crisp fall day.

Before you start planning your itinerary, you’ll want to get your lodging in Bardstown KY on the books! The charming and historic small town of Bardstown may be best known for its bourbon distilleries, but it’s also an ideal romantic getaway destination, especially when the Bourbon Manor Bed and Breakfast is your homebase. Each of our ten luxurious guest rooms offers the perfect reprieve, especially after a beautiful day full of adventure at the Bernheim Arboretum. Make your reservations today!

Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest: Fall Itinerary

There’s so much to explore at the Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest! As a guest at our luxurious lodging in Bardstown, KY, you’ll be just a quick scenic drive (especially when the fall colors are on display along the way). After hiking and exploring the outdoor art installations, we’ll be ready to welcome you back with a bourbon cocktail and warm fire.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest before you go:

Hiking Trails: The Bernheim Arboretum offers over 40 miles of hiking trails that cater to outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities, ranging from leisurely to challenging. The Forest Giants Trail is an excellent choice if you prefer a relaxed two-mile stroll. You’ll encounter Danish artist Thomas Dambo’s colossal Giant sculptures, tranquil Olmstead Ponds, and expansive prairie along the way. You’ll also enjoy majestic forests that showcase breathtaking native tree species, such as Magnolia.
Canopy Tree Walk: Stroll on the 75-foot boardwalk above the hardwood forest and enjoy the vibrant colors of the fall foliage.
Public Art Displays: There are numerous art exhibits available for public viewing beyond the three majestic Forest Giants that draw in visitors. One can explore oversized sculptures made from a combination of natural and synthetic materials, as well as petite inventive installations scattered throughout the park, by simply following the art map.
The Fire Tower: Ascend 961 feet above ground level on the oldest structure in Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest to witness breathtaking panoramic views. On a clear day, the picturesque view stretches as far as Louisville.
Tour the Edible Garden: The Bernheim Forest boasts a picturesque 4-acre garden that showcases impeccable sustainable practices and provides a tranquil escape for visitors seeking to reconnect with nature. The wholesome produce cultivated in the garden is exclusively utilized in the on-site Cafe. At the same time, 16 state-of-the-art solar panels efficiently power the garden, and water is locally sourced nearby.
Isaac’s Cafe, located in the LEED Platinum Visitor’s Center: If you have a passion for locally grown food, you will thoroughly enjoy Isaac’s Cafe in the picturesque Bernheim Forest. This exquisite eatery sources vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers from the on-site Edible Garden, barely 200 steps from the kitchen. You can grab a savory sandwich or salad to go and enjoy a leisurely picnic in the natural surroundings. Moreover, the visitor’s center boasts a marvelous gift shop, where you can find exquisite souvenirs worth taking home.

The Best Lodging in Bardstown KY for Your Fall Getaways

The Bourbon Manor Bed and Breakfast stands out from all the other options when looking into lodging in Bardstown KY, for your fall getaways. We’re known for our welcoming Southern hospitality, hearty breakfast service (included with your stay), and elegant guest rooms and suites perfect for romantic getaways, friend’s trips, and solo retreats. Guests are welcome to use any of our comfortable shared areas during their stay, both inside and outside the Manor.

We often see our guests strolling on the garden grounds, socializing in our Player Piano Parlor, relaxing in expansive sitting halls, hitting our on-site gym, or being pampered in our Day Spa. You may never want to leave the property! However, heading out to the Bernheim Arboretum and the local Bardstown bourbon distilleries are genuinely some of the best things to do in the area. You’ll have a memorable and magical adventure in Kentucky that you won’t soon forget!

Fall is a popular time to visit Kentucky, so it’s best to get your lodging in Bardstown KY on the books sooner rather than later. From our more than 450 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor, you’ll see that we have many return guests and welcome familiar faces time and again. We can’t wait to host you at the best lodging in Bardstown KY, this fall and beyond! Book your room today.

Take a Walk Through the Bernheim Forest This Fall

The Bernheim Forest is an amazing place to spend a day exploring fall in Kentucky. There are more than 16.000-acres of protected land where locals and visitors alike find a common space to fully immerse themselves in nature. The land is divided into a 600-acre Arboretum with thousands of curated and wild plants species and …

Take a Walk Through the Bernheim Forest This Fall Read More »

Bernheim Forest

Founded in 1929 by philanthropist Isaac W. Bernheim, a German man who immigrated to Kentucky in 1867, the Bernheim Forest was an offering of thanks. Bernheim started his life in Kentucky with four dollars in his pocket and was able to start a successful distilling company, known for his popular brand of bourbon, I. W. Harper.

The land where the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest stands today was once a barren plot without trees due to abuses of the iron ore industries. Thankfully, Bernheim was a visionary and conservationist before his time and he helped create this beautiful space as it is today.

When you choose the Bourbon Manor, our luxury Bardstown Bed and Breakfast, as your lodging in Kentucky, you’ll be in the ideal location to visit the Bernheim Forest. Just a quick 15-minute drive through the scenic countryside (especially in autumn when the vibrant fall colors come alive) and a day of hiking, exploring, and appreciating nature is at your fingertips. Start planning your next vacation to Bardtown KY and book your stay at the Bourbon Manor today!

Bernheim Forest

Explore Art and Nature at Bernheim Forest in Kentucky

The Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest is a nature sanctuary that welcomes more than 500,000 visitors per year. You could spend most of the day here exploring the trails, searching for the amazing forest giant sculptures, visiting the edible garden, as well as checking out the visitor’s center and cafe.

Here are seven things to know about the Bernheim Forest before you go:

Hiking Trails: With more than 40-miles of hiking trails here at the Bernheim Forest, you’ll find a route that works for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts from easy to difficult. For an easy two-mile stroll, head to the Forest Giants Trail, which will take you by all three of the huge Giant sculptures by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. It also takes you along the Olmstead Ponds, to the prairie area, and through mature forests with Magnolia and other native tree species.
Canopy Tree Walk: Head out into the tree tops along this short boardwalk that extends 75 feet above the Bernheim Forest. In the fall, the trees put on a brilliant colorful show, making this canopy walk even more magical.
The Fire Tower: Climb up 961 feet above ground on the oldest structure in the park for some of the most amazing and expansive views of the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest. On a clear day, you can see as far as Louisville.
Public Art Displays: While of course the three Forest Giants are a big draw to this natural area, there are more public art displays to find as well. Follow along the art map to check out larger than life sculptures made with natural and man-made materials and smaller creative installations around the park.
Tour the Edible Garden: Perhaps the most unique attraction at the Bernheim Forest is this 4-acre garden focusing on sustainable practices and connecting visitors even more deeply to nature. The food grown here is used at the cafe, there are 16 solar panels, and all the water needed is used from surrounding sources.
Isaac’s Cafe located in the LEED Platinum Visitor’s Center: For those who enjoy eating local, that will be achieved at this cafe in the Bernheim Forest. All the vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers that you see on the menu are harvested from the Edible Garden less than 200 steps away from their kitchen. Grab a sandwich or salad to go for a picnic! The visitor’s center is also home to the gift shop for great souvenirs.
Plan an Event: Planning your upcoming nuptials? The Bernheim Forest is a beautiful backdrop for weddings and events. Pair this venue with a stay and honeymoon at our romantic Bardstown Bed and Breakfast for a perfect combination. Not only do we have special suites for the newlyweds, but also enough lodging for your closest family and friends to stay too.

Bernheim Forest

The Best Bed and Breakfast in Bardstown KY

Retreat back to our Bardstown Bed and Breakfast after a long day exploring the wilderness at the beautiful Bernheim Forest. Make sure to get in before happy hour for one of our favorite bourbon-based cocktails, the perfect start to any evening in Bardstown. Head up to your suite to refresh and relax before heading out on the town for whiskey tastings and trying some of the best restaurants in Kentucky.

You’ll feel a connection to the past at our historical Bardstown Bed and Breakfast like no other hotel lodging in our area. We pride ourselves on the modern updates we’ve made to the Inn, while meticulously maintaining the timely details and antique accompaniments. Each of our 10 guest suites are unique, packed with luxury amenities, and ready for an amazing getaway to Bardstown. Join us this fall and book today!