Intro | The Distilleries | Where to Eat & Stay | Other Attractions
Kreso’s
Nestled among the quaint glass-window businesses on Third Street, Kreso’s is a favorite for families and out-of-towners. For 15 years, the restaurant has served a diverse menu that includes schnitzels and pastas, as well as staples like burgers and pork chops. White table cloths with golden napkins and a Bourbon display will encourage visitors to take a load off after hitting the trail. (218 N. Third St.; www.kresorestaurant.com)
The Kurtz
Three generations of the Kurtz family have operated this long-time fixture on Stephen Foster Avenue. Favorites of this southern home-cooking restaurant include fried chicken and country ham, but don’t leave without a slice of homemade pie that will appease any sweet tooth. (418 E. Stephen Foster Ave.; www.bardstownparkview.com)
The Rickhouse
Every September, the expansive oak-lined lawn of Spalding Hall receives a slew of locals and visitors celebrating the town’s Bourbon heritage. But in the basement of the former college, among stacks of barrels, Bourbon is being enjoyed all year long. The Rickhouse Restaurant and Lounge treats guests to a broad menu of signature steaks, seafood and other Kentucky favorites, as well as an impressive list of local fine Bourbons. (112 Xavier Dr.; www.market8media.com/therickhouse)
Kentucky Bourbon House
For some, entertaining with Bourbon is a hobby. But for Col. Michael Masters and his wife, Margaret Sue, it’s a lifestyle. For the hands-on Bourbon enthusiasts, the ultimate education awaits at the Kentucky Bourbon House. Col. Michael Masters’ Bourbon University curriculum covers Bourbon’s distilling process, history, etiquette and cocktails. The gray-goateed Masters holds the secret to the perfectly balanced, not overly sweet, mint julep – the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby. For a less studious Bourbon experience, join the Masters for a scheduled tasting or dinner. Guests should be prepared to tie on an apron and watch as Bourbon plays an important ingredient in southern cooking. Reservations are highly encouraged for both the Bourbon University and dinners. Overnight stay is also available in one of the Colonel’s cottages. (107 E. Stephen Foster Ave.; www.kentuckybourbonhouse.com)
My Old Kentucky Dinner Train
Not far from the heart of town, My Old Kentucky Dinner Train whistles as it coasts to a stop at the train depot. Visitors will take a seat at a table for four as the refurbished three-car train chugs through Bourbon Country. A change of pace for couples and families, the train serves lunch and dinner, with menu items including pastas, the Kentucky hot brown, shrimp and grits and other southern delights. (602 N. Third St.; www.kydinnertrain.com)
Old Talbott Tavern
Long before modern Bourbon-seeking visitors flocked to Bardstown, famous figures like frontiersman Daniel Boone and statesman Henry Clay found reprieve at the Old Talbott Tavern. Today, the yellow-stoned building on the Court Square still replenishes hungry and thirsty travelers. The tavern provides five rooms for overnight lodging and a large rustic dining room, as well as a lively Bourbon bar. (107 W. Stephen Foster Ave.; www.talbotts.com)
Bourbon Manor Bed & Breakfast
For a more pleasant nod to the past, book a romantic weekend at the new Bourbon Manor. This timeless and sophisticated three-story bed and breakfast centers on the theme of Bourbon, with a culinary workshops, spa, lounge and dessert bar, and Bourbon breakfast items. The newly renovated mansion includes luxurious rooms with antique furnishings and a decadent parlor that adds an ambiance of old-time hospitality. (714 N. Third St.; www.bourbonmanor.com)
Jailer’s Inn Bed & Breakfast
The Jailer’s Inn, located beside the Old Talbott Tavern, greets its guests with a stock and pillory in the front lawn. The oldest jail in Kentucky until 1987, the grey stone building is now a seven-room bed and breakfast. A 30-inch stonewall frames the courtyard where prisoners were once hung from the gallows. (111 W. Stephen Foster Ave.; www.jailersinn.com)
Intro | The Distilleries | Where to Eat & Stay | Other Attractions
