Located in the heart of the Bluegrass State, Bardstown offers the ultimate small-town getaway with an atmosphere that seems to have magically leaped from the paintings of Norman Rockwell and the pages of Mark Twain. In just an afternoon, one can easily understand why Rand McNally and USA Today declared Bardstown the Most Beautiful Small Town in America.
Settled in 1780, Bardstown is Kentucky’s second-oldest city. Obviously, a lot has changed since then. But a lot has also stayed the same. 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.
But 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 a town so small. 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?

Cities

Louisville
Shepherdsville
Elizabethtown
Bardstown/Hodgenville
​Shelbyville 
Lebanon
Loretto 
Springfield 

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Transportation

​Distance from Major Airports 
Louisville International Airport (SDF) is 38 miles from Bardstown
Blue Grass Airport is 56 miles away from Bardstown
Major Highways
I-65, US 62, US 31E
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Uber
CODE: matthews2397
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Yellow Cab

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The Most Beautiful Small Town In America 

Gateway Partners

Mattingly Tours & Travel

Mattingly Tours & Travel, llc has been providing bus tours at incredibly affordable prices out of Bardstown, Kentucky, serving all of Kentuckiana, Indiana, Ohio and Tennessee for over 15 years. We ALSO charter busses for all kinds of groups, including Seniors, VIPs, businesses, travel agencies, sports teams, schools, civic groups, weddings, churches, and conventions – just to name a few. We have several sizes of coaches to choose from.

War Memorial of
​Mid America/Hal Moore

Come visit the fourth-largest Civil War Museum in the United States. View exhibits featuring a myriad of artifacts from both the Union and the Confederacy. The Memorial covers all of America's wars, from the Revolutionary War to Desert Storm, with outstanding graphics and artifacts. Purchase tickets at the Civil War Museum.

My Old Kentucky Home
​State Park 

Tour the historic Rowan plantation home that provided the inspiration for the song, "My Old Kentucky Home," written by America's first composer Stephen Foster. Hear the song performed on your tour by the park's talented guides. Built in 1812, this large mansion is adorned with beautiful antiques, fine paintings, and has been restored to its mid-19th century appearance. Park offers specialty tours. HA first floor only.

Barton 1792 Distillery
​& Visitor Center

Tour a fully operating distillery and see the inner workings of how our award winning Bourbon is made. Each tour begins and ends in the Barton 1792 Visitor Center where guests can purchase many unique gifts and souvenirs. Tours and tastings are complimentary. All ages are welcome.

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