Bardstown, Kentucky 2025

bardstown,KentuckySure, I'd be happy to share some information about Bardstown, Kentucky!

Bardstown is a home rule-class city in Nelson County, Kentucky, United States. As of the 2020 census, the city's population was estimated to be around 13,055. It is the county seat of Nelson County and is known as the "Bourbon Capital of the World" because it is home to a significant number of distilleries, including the Jim Beam, Heaven Hill, and Maker's Mark distilleries.

Bardstown has a rich cultural heritage, and its downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can stroll down the charming streets and take in the historic architecture, visit a variety of art galleries, and enjoy live music and theater performances. One notable annual event is the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from around the world for a week-long celebration of all things bourbon.

Some of the local attractions in Bardstown include the My Old Kentucky Home State Park, which features a Greek Revival mansion that was once the home of politician and musician Judge John Rowan, the Civil War Museum, and the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest.

When it comes to food, Bardstown is known for its Southern cuisine, with many restaurants serving up classic dishes like fried chicken, barbecue, and biscuits and gravy. Visitors can also try some of the local specialties, like Benedictine spread, a cucumber-and-cream cheese concoction, and burgoo, a hearty stew made with a variety of meats and vegetables.

The people of Bardstown are known for their hospitality and friendliness, and many visitors remark on the small-town charm of the city. The area has a strong sense of community, and there are many opportunities to get involved in local events and activities.

As for the history of the city, Bardstown was founded in 1788 by David Bard, who established a tavern and trading post along the Salt River. The city grew rapidly, and by the early 1800s, it was a thriving center of commerce and culture. During the Civil War, Bardstown was occupied by both Union and Confederate forces, and the city saw its share of battles and skirmishes. Today, Bardstown is a thriving city that is proud of its history and heritage, and it continues to attract visitors from around the world.