A Complete Guide to Kentucky: Bardstown, Louisville & Frankfort
Why visiting Kentucky Should Be on Your Travel Bucket List
If you’d asked us a few years ago to name our must-visit destinations in the United States, Kentucky wouldn’t have been on the list. Like many travellers, we gravitated toward the obvious destinations - California, Florida, the national parks, and the big cities. Kentucky, in the heart of bourbon country, wasn’t on our radar.
Five places in Kentucky you should visit
- Bardstown
- Maker's Mark Distillery
- Louisville
- Frankfort (Kentucky’s State Capital)
- Buffalo Trace Distillery - the biggest distillery in Kentucky
As part of a longer American road trip that also included Nashville, we spent four nights in Bardstown, a small town we’d heard described as charming but didn’t fully appreciate until we arrived. It turns out Bardstown isn’t just charming, it’s widely considered one of America’s best small towns, and after a few days there, it’s easy to see why. We used Bardstown as a base for day trips to Louisville and Frankfort as well.
Bardstown: Small-Town Charm Meets Bourbon Heritage
We stayed in an AirBnB cottage just three blocks from Bardstown’s town centre. Bardstown is uniquely placed to easily visit any of the 16 nearby bourbon distilleries. We could also stroll into town in just a few minutes. It made an ideal base for exploring both Bardstown and the surrounding bourbon trail.
Bardstown strikes a perfect balance. It’s small enough to feel intimate and welcoming, yet lively enough to keep you entertained for days. The town centre is full of character, with historic buildings, boutique shops, and friendly locals who are always happy to chat.
One of our first stops was a collection of local shops, where independent businesses thrive. Places like Cactus Annie offer unique gifts you don’t find in big retail chains. Nearby, there is an Art Centre and fabulous antique stores, all contributing to the town’s historic charm.
Bardstown’s food scene is another highlight. From traditional Southern cooking to casual bites, there’s something for everyone. One standout for us was Mammy’s Kitchen, a lively spot with fantastic food, generous portions, and genuinely warm service.
For something sweet, Big Wally’s Ice Cream Parlour is a must. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic cone or something more indulgent, it’s the perfect stop on a warm afternoon.
And then there’s the bourbon.
Bourbon Country: A Distillery Lover’s Dream
Bardstown is often referred to as the “Bourbon Capital of the World,” and with good reason. At last count, there are around 16 distilleries within easy reach, making it an ideal base for exploring Kentucky’s famous bourbon trail.
One of the highlights of our trip was visiting Maker’s Mark Distillery in nearby Loretto, about 20 miles from Bardstown. Even if you’re not a bourbon expert, the experience is fascinating.
The distillery grounds are beautiful, peaceful, well-maintained, and steeped in history. The tour itself walks you through the entire process, from grain to glass, offering insight into the craftsmanship behind every bottle.
What makes Maker’s Mark especially memorable is its signature touch. Every bottle is hand-dipped in red wax. Visitors even get the chance to dip their own bottle, which makes for a great souvenir and a fun, hands-on experience.
A Day Trip to Louisville: History, Culture, and Icons
While Bardstown has plenty to offer, its location also makes it easy to explore nearby cities. One of our day trips took us to Louisville, about 45 miles away, and it quickly became clear that we’d underestimated how much there is to see here.
Our first stop was the Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs ($20 entry per person). Even if you’re not a horse racing fan, this place is worth a visit. The museum is incredibly well laid out, offering an engaging look at the history of the Kentucky Derby, one of the most famous horse races in the world.
You also get access to Churchill Downs itself, including views of the iconic twin spires (often referred to as turrets), which are instantly recognisable.
Before or after your visit, make sure to stop by Wagner’s World, a legendary diner just outside the track. It’s been serving visitors for decades and offers hearty, delicious food in a relaxed, nostalgic setting. The attached souvenir shop is also surprisingly good, with reasonably priced keepsakes.
From there, we headed to the Muhammad Ali Museum (also $20 entry per person), another highlight of Louisville. This museum goes far beyond boxing, it tells the story of Ali’s life, his career, and his humanitarian work later in life.
Louisville itself has a rich history and a vibrant downtown area. We only scratched the surface during our visit, but it left us wanting to come back and explore more.
Frankfort: A Quieter Capital
Our final excursion from Bardstown was to Frankfort, Kentucky’s state capital, about 50 miles away. While smaller and quieter than Louisville, Frankfort has its own charm and a strong sense of history.
We spent some time wandering through the downtown area, which features picturesque streets, historic buildings, and a relaxed atmosphere. Unfortunately, the Capitol building was under scaffolding during our visit, but it didn’t take away from the overall experience.
The main reason for our trip to Frankfort, however, was Buffalo Trace Distillery.
Buffalo Trace: Big, Busy, and Unmissable
Buffalo Trace is the largest, and one of the most famous distilleries in Kentucky. The scale of the operation is impressive, and it attracts visitors from all over the world.
If you’re planning a visit, it’s worth noting that it can get very busy, especially at weekends. We ended up waiting over an hour just to get into the shop, so arriving early is definitely a good idea.
Once inside, though, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. The shop is huge, offering a wide range of bourbons alongside plenty of merchandise. From hats and clothing to sweets and even Christmas decorations, there’s something for everyone.
One of our favourite finds was the Blanton’s Bourbon horse stoppers - collectible bottle toppers featuring different horse poses. Did we need all eight? Probably not. Did we buy all eight? Absolutely.
Beyond the shop, the distillery itself offers tours that delve into its long history and production methods. It’s another great opportunity to learn more about bourbon and the craftsmanship behind it.
Why Kentucky Surprised Us
What stood out most about Kentucky wasn’t just the distilleries or the museums, it was the overall experience. Everywhere we went, people were friendly, welcoming, and genuinely interested in making sure we had a good time.
And then there’s the variety. In just a few days, we experienced:
- The charm of a small town in Bardstown
- The cultural depth of Louisville
- The historic appeal of Frankfort
- The rich heritage of Kentucky’s bourbon industry
It’s a destination that offers far more than you might expect. Kentucky turned out to be one of the most surprising highlights of our US travels. What started as a short stop on a longer road trip became a destination we’d happily return to, and stay longer next time.
Whether you’re interested in bourbon, history, food, or exploring somewhere a little out of the way of the usual tourist routes, Kentucky has a lot to offer. Bardstown makes the perfect base, while Louisville and Frankfort provide excellent day trips packed with culture and character.
If you’re planning a US road trip and looking to add something unique to your itinerary, don’t overlook Kentucky. It might just end up being your favourite stop too.
