- Bourbon Capital: Bardstown is often referred to as the “Bourbon Capital of the World” due to its rich history and association with bourbon production.
- Oldest Bourbon Distillery: The Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown is one of the oldest fully operating distilleries in the state, dating back to 1879.
- Talbott Tavern: This historic tavern is over 200 years old and has hosted notable figures like Abraham Lincoln and Jesse James.
- Bourbon Festival: Bardstown hosts an annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival, celebrating the region’s renowned bourbon heritage.
- First Diocese of Kentucky: Bardstown was the first diocese of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States, established in 1808.
- My Old Kentucky Home: The Federal Hill mansion, depicted in Stephen Foster’s song “My Old Kentucky Home,” is located in Bardstown.
- Civil War Significance: Bardstown played a strategic role during the Civil War, being a significant transportation and hospital center.
- Home of the First Bourbon Barrels: Legend has it that early settlers in Bardstown transported their bourbon in charred oak barrels, giving birth to the traditional aging process.
- Kentucky Railway Museum: It houses a vast collection of historic locomotives and railroad artifacts, providing a glimpse into the state’s railway history.
- Bardstown Arts and Crafts Fair: This annual event brings together artists and craftspeople from around the region, showcasing their talents.
- Bluegrass Music: Bardstown is a hub for bluegrass music, hosting various festivals and live performances throughout the year.
- Stephen Foster Story: An outdoor musical production that brings the works of Stephen Foster, the “Father of American Music,” to life.
- St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral: One of the oldest cathedrals west of the Allegheny Mountains, with a stunning neo-Gothic architectural style.
- Kurtz Restaurant: Established in 1937, it’s the oldest family-owned restaurant on the historic My Old Kentucky Dinner Train route.
- Civil War Museum: Bardstown is home to the Civil War Museum of the Western Theater, showcasing artifacts and history from the American Civil War.
- Tobacco Farming: Bardstown has a history rooted in tobacco farming, an industry that shaped the region’s economy.
- Sister Cities: Bardstown has sister city relationships with Mito, Japan, and Samyang, South Korea, fostering cultural exchange.
- Preservation District: The Bardstown Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, preserving its rich architectural heritage.
- Basilica of St. Joseph: Recognized as a minor basilica, it’s a stunning example of Romanesque Revival architecture.
- Heaven Hill Distillery Fire: In 1996, a massive fire at Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown destroyed around 90,000 barrels of aging bourbon, creating a spectacle visible for miles.
