Bardstown is a little city with over 11,000 people living in it, according to the 2020 census. This town was named after the Bard brothers. According to historical records, the town was initially known as Baird’s Town in 1788.
It is the second oldest city in Kentucky and legally became a city in the United States in 1848.
This city boasts many historical sites, hospitals, charming restaurants, gift stores, parks, and other places that will make your stay worthwhile.
Here is a guide to the 15 Best things to do in Bardstown, Kentucky
1. Enjoy Freshly Baked Foods at Hadorn’s Bakery
Hadorn’s Bakery is one of the best bakeries that offer you sweet and savory baked foods. The Bakery was built in 1935, and since then, it has maintained its quality and good customer service.
The building has a white painting and is spacious enough to contain many people. They offer delicious cookies, cakes, and many other yummy baked products in a glass showcase.
You can also pre-order your favorite baked snacks, and they will prepare them for you in time. Taking your family to Hardon’s Bakery can be one of the things to do in Bardstown, KY, if you want to enjoy freshly baked foods.
Address: 118 W Flaget St, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States
2. Dine at The Rickhouse
The Rickhouse is an ideal place to visit if you want to eat palatable dishes that will leave you craving more. This restaurant offers different types of dishes and drinks, which are over 100 varieties, to make your time worthwhile.
The building is broad and offers you the choice of hosting a party, meeting, or planning a baby shower. The seating arrangement is unique and gives people access to move about freely.
It also has an attractive lounge where people can sit and relax. The Rickhouse is perfect for those who would want to go for a date night.
Address: Spalding Hall, 112 Xavier Dr, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States
3. Get Quality Spirit at The Bar at Willett
The Bar at Willett is situated at the historic Willett Distillery. If you are looking for a perfect place to get noteworthy alcohol, you should be heading to this place.
You will be astonished at the unique design inside the bar. The drinks are well arranged on a shelf to catch your attention, and the bar attendant is friendly.
The bar offers vintage cocktails and whiskeys. You can also buy delicious food there, as you enjoy your quality drinks.
Having a good time with friends and family in this decent place is one of the best things to do in Bardstown, KY.
Address: 1869 Loretto Rd, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States
4. Eat Sumptuous Mexican Dishes at La Herradura Mexican Bar and Grill
If you are looking for a restaurant that offers quality Mexican food, don’t hesitate to go to La Herradura Mexican Bar and Grill.
The interior part of the building has a classic design, and the furniture has a throne-like look. La Herradura Mexican Bar and Grill offer drinks like Vodka, Brandy, Rum, and Tequila; non-alcoholic beverages like Banana daiquiri, Strawberry daiquiri, and Pina colada.
This place is ideal for lunch and dinner with friends or family. You can also get creamy baked foods like Xangos, Fried ice cream, Key lime cream pie, and many other mouthwatering baked foods. Add a stop here to the list of things to do in Bardstown, KY.
Address: 959 Morton Ave, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States
5. Have Flavorful Ice cream at Baskin-Robbins
You would want to take advantage of this place because they make quality ice cream with discrete colors and flavors. You can also get well-prepared yogurt to keep your body in check.
The building is not too big and can only fit a few people who would love to stay to take their ice cream. You also have the option to order from home.
Getting delicious ice cream at Baskin-Robbins is one of the things to do in Bardstown, KY.
Address: 228 N 3rd St, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States
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6. Enjoy Delectable Meal at the Simple Seafood Market and Cajun Diner
Seafood is rich in vitamins and minerals. When consumed regularly in adequate amounts, it nourishes your body. This place offers you varieties of garnished seafood that keep you drooling.
The building is spacious, allowing people to relax while eating delicious meals. You can buy fresh sea animals to take home in case you would love to prepare them yourself.
They also have well-prepared seafood like Crab, Shrimp, Crawfish sausage, Alligator meat, Frog legs, and many more. If you’re looking for a place to get fresh or well-appetizing seafood, this is one of the places to visit in Bardstown, KY.
Address: 1482 Boston Rd, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States
7. Take a Tour of the Old Bardstown Village & Civil
Old Bardstown Village and Civil has four fantastic sections: Civil War Museum, Pioneer Village, Women’s Civil War Museum, and Hal Moore Military Museum. The Civil War Museum was erected in 1996 by Dr. Henry Spalding. History has it that this museum is the fourth-largest American Civil War Museum.
Old Bardstown Village and Civil is not to generate revenue but to learn about the American Civil War. The vast area allows you to see over 150 years old cabins. You can also admire the beauty of nature as you walk down the trails.
This place is perfect for school field trips and learning about the civil war. Touring here is one of the best things to do in Bardstown, KY.
Address: 310 E Broadway St, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States
8. Have a Taste of Quality Berry Wine at McIntyre’s Winery
McIntyre’s Winery gives you access to quality wines made from fruits. These wines are usually made from freshly grown blueberries and blackberries. They have an enormous farm where these fruits are grown.
The best part is that they can give you a wine tour, where you can taste different brands of their freshly made wine, which could be either dry, sweet, or fruity. They also have wines like Elderberry, Dandelion, Honeysuckle, and many more; you would be delighted to have a taste.
You can sit and have a great time within the premises as you sip a glass of wine or take it home. Add this to your list of things to do in Bardstown, KY.
Address: 531 McIntyre Ln, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States
9. Learn about the American Civil War at Spalding Hall
Spalding Hall got its name after a bishop named Martin John Spalding. It was built in 1839 and was the building for a catholic college called St. Joseph’s College. According to history, this place was formerly used as a hospital for soldiers during the American Civil War.
Inside the Spalding Hall, you will discover two notable museums: Oscar Getz Museum and Bardstown Historical Museum. Spalding Hall has a compartment where artifacts from the civil war are stored.
This place is ideal for school field trips and for those who would love to learn about Bardstown’s role during the American Civil War.
Address: 114 N 5th St, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States
10. Get to Know About Bardstown City at Bardstown Welcome Center
Bardstown Welcome Center was created to guide those new to the elegant town. They have comprehensive information about the city that will help you have a wonderful stay.
The building is well structured, with a beautiful red painting. The most comforting thing is that the customer service is unique and ready to give you helpful information on anything you need to know.
Visiting Bardstown Welcome Center is one of the things to do in Bardstown, KY, whenever you get to the city for the first time.
Address: 1 Court Square, Bardstown, KY 40004-1574
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11. Have a Delightful Experience at Barton 1792 Distillery
Barton 1792 Distillery became functional in the year 1879, and it is the oldest distillery in Bardstown. The enormous distillery occupies 196 acres of land and has 29 large warehouses where bourbon is stored.
The building is so massive that it looks like the great wall of China. The establishment offers tours to only ten people daily so they can see how alcoholic drinks are made. While touring, you must wear a mask or show your immunization record. You will also be allowed to taste their quality drinks.
The bottle of their unique alcoholic content has the number ‘1792’ etched on it. They also have a section where you can buy gift items and souvenirs. Only 18 years and above are allowed to visit this establishment.
Address: 501 Cathedral Manor, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States
12. Buy Quality Gifts at Shaq and Coco
Shaq and Coco is an elegant shopping mall that gives you varieties of quality items to buy. It was set up in 2012 to sell top-notch items, which they always succeed in meeting up to expectations. The establishment was named after two adorable dogs named Shaq and Coco.
The interior part of the building is well organized, and you get to see items in their different sections. They have stunning furniture, beautiful rugs, and other things to make your home attractive.
They also sell clothing materials and accessories to adorn your body. You can also buy unique gifts for that special one in your life. There is a quality bar inside the building where you can get a bottle of beer or wine.
Address: 111 N 3rd St, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States
13. Shop for Nice Antiques at The Rusty Rooster
The Rusty Rooster is a great store that gives you access to unique items to beautify your home. You get to buy antique items which have historical value. They also offer you different kinds of classy furniture to adore your environment.
They have friendly customer service that attends to your every need in this store. You can also purchase delightful gifts from their gift shop for a special one.
If you love charming art frames, you can also choose from their exotic art collection to beautify your home. Getting to shop here is one of the things to do in Bardstown, KY, if you want to buy unique gifts.
Address: 620 Bloomfield Rd, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States.
14. Take a Walk on the Cobblestone Path
The Cobblestone Path has a lot of history surrounding it. This historic pathway that crosses over eight acres of land was built in 1785 by young and middle-aged men.
This pathway was the main entrance into Bardstown from 1785 to 1825. The path is made of dolomite limestones, which are arranged randomly.
You can also enjoy the view of nature as you walk down the path. Different trees and grasses around the environment make it glow, especially on sunny days.
This place is excellent for field trips if you want to know about the history of the Cobblestone Path; the kids can also tag along. Walking on this path should be one of the things to do in Bardstown, KY.
Address: 209 E Broadway St, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States
15. Basilica of Saint Joseph Proto-Cathedral
The Basilica of Saint Joseph Proto-Cathedral was entirely established in 1823. It is the actual Cathedral of the present Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Louisville.
The church was built to help people come closer to God and to help them meet their spiritual needs. The church also features a school that allows grooming young boys who would love to become priests.
This elegant church has a well-structured building, and the design is unique. The interior part has a lot of artwork that depicts different historical scenes. You can visit here to worship the lord in the spirit-filled atmosphere.
Address: 310 W Stephen Foster Ave, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States
Plan Your Next Trip to Bardstown, Kentucky
Bardstown is an elegant city you won’t regret staying in because of its thrilling atmosphere. Remember to visit the Bardstown Welcome Center once you get to the town for the first time.
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