"I was born and raised in Bardstown a friendly place, still a good place to raise a family, make and keep friends. Located about 45 minutes from Louisville, and an hour from Lexington, we can get a taste of the city when we want. But mostly we stay home. They say home is where the heart is. So, Bardstown, I guess my heart is with you. And no matter where my travels take me, I will always be true." - Fred Noe, great grandson of legendary distiller Jim Beam
Welcome to "the most beautiful small town in America." Bardstown, Kentucky is the county seat of Nelson County, and USA Today named this scenic small town the best in show in the 2012 Destination Marketing Association International's "Best of the Road" contest. With a population of 11,700 according to the 2010 census, Bardstown is chock full of charm and history. Dating back to 1780, Bardstown is Kentucky's second oldest city (only a few years behind Harrodsburg). The city is not named for the original Bard, Shakespeare; brothers William and David Bard helped establish the area, thus giving the city its name. Part of the Louisville metropolitan area, Bardstown is situated perfectly within Louisville's big city reach.
Searching for affordable apartments for rent in Bardstown should prove fun, with plentiful choices including studio apartments for rent, townhouses for rent and duplexes for rent
"I was born and raised in Bardstown a friendly place, still a good place to raise a family, make and keep friends. Located about 45 minutes from Louisville, and an hour from Lexington, we can get a taste of the city when we want. But mostly we stay home. They say home is where the heart is. So, Bardstown, I guess my heart is with you. And no matter where my travels take me, I will always be true." - Fred Noe, great grandson of legendary distiller Jim Beam
Welcome to "the most beautiful small town in America." Bardstown, Kentucky is the county seat of Nelson County, and USA Today named this scenic small town the best in show in the 2012 Destination Marketing Association International's "Best of the Road" contest. With a population of 11,700 according to the 2010 census, Bardstown is chock full of charm and history. Dating back to 1780, Bardstown is Kentucky's second oldest city (only a few years behind Harrodsburg). The city is not named for the original Bard, Shakespeare; brothers William and David Bard helped establish the area, thus giving the city its name. Part of the Louisville metropolitan area, Bardstown is situated perfectly within Louisville's big city reach.
Moving to Bardstown
Searching for affordable apartments for rent in Bardstown should prove fun, with plentiful choices including studio apartments for rent, townhouses for rent and duplexes for rent. Homes for rent are also popular here. You'll likely need a first and last month's deposit, identification and proof of income to secure the rental you desire. Bardstown is served by the Bluegrass Parkway, a former toll road that cuts through the southern part of the city. Rail service is also provided, but Bardstown is quite pedestrian and bicycle-friendly. Louisville International Airport sits approximately 30 miles outside the city limits to accommodate advanced travel needs.
Neighborhoods in Bardstown
Rather than having fully separated neighborhoods, Bardstown is simply divided up by direction.
Southern Bardstown: This area is a good place to settle for outdoorsy types, as it is within close proximity to Barton Lake and My Old Kentucky Home State Park.
Northern Bardstown: The northern section of town is primarily focused around North 3rd Street, which features a collection of businesses and restaurants stemming upward from the downtown area. You'll also find some residential sections here.
Downtown: The downtown sector is, of course, the more compacted section of the city. Lots of businesses and restaurants are found along both North 3rd Street and Highway 62, and you'll also have easy access to the Women's Civil War Museum and the public library.
Eastern Bardstown: This area has a large assortment of residential options, all situated within close access to Dean Watts Park.
Western Bardstown: Withrow Creek outlines this quiet part of town, which also features the Barton Distillery Distribution Center.
Living in Bardstown
What doesn't Bardstown offer? That is the question. Sorry again, Shakespeare.
Bring your EMF detector to check out the supposedly haunted Old Talbott Tavern, located in the Bardstown Historic District. Dating back to 1779, the tavern has had its share of famous guests, including Abraham Lincoln, Daniel Boone and even outlaw Jesse James.
If paranormal activity isn't your thing, then maybe bourbon is. Bardstown is "the bourbon capital of the world," after all. Distilleries such as Jim Beam and Heaven Hill can be found here along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Take part in the Kentucky Bourbon Festival or revel in historical facts at the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey.
Foodies will enjoy the city's numerous restaurant offerings, including American dishes at Circa, seafood at Bourbon City Bistro and the local flavors of the Stephen Foster Restaurant, which honors the songwriter of "My Old Kentucky Home" (the state's official song was written by Foster on a plantation in the city at a site now fittingly known as My Old Kentucky Home State Park). You can enjoy dinner and entertainment by hopping on board the "My Old Kentucky Dinner" train-based restaurant, which features classic American dishes and mystery theater shows for patrons. Bardstown has over 50 restaurants throughout its 7.4 square miles.
Its name is synonymous with the best small town America has to offer, so you're sure to love the scenery, history and architectural beauty Bardstown proudly boasts -- all with a shot of bourbon, no less.
