Move Over Louisville! Experts Reveal Charming Kentucky Gem As 2026 Must-Visit

Share The Article

Kentucky may be best known for fried chicken and horsing around, but sleeping on this under-hyped state beyond Colonel Sanders and the ‘fastest 2 minutes in sports’ is a classic travel sin.

Boasting small town charm, sprawling lush countryside, and of course, ample distilleries and tasting rooms to savor grandpappy’s medicine, exploring Kentucky is one of America’s biggest surprises when given the chance to show its true colors.

While Louisville is certainly the biggest draw for mainstream travelers, experts at Southern Living are saying 2026 is the year to base yourself in this trendy Hallmark town just 45 minutes away.

Welcome To Bardstown: Where Bourbon Barrels Galore

Southern Living only highlighted one “under-the-radar-gem” on their 2026 list of travel trends.

Bardstown, Kentucky stood out amongst the crowd of an endless array of options for a region known for charming map-dot towns — so you know it has to be good!

As many iconic destinations reel from overtourism and unsightly crowds, more travelers are immersing in the South’s time-capsule hideaways, such as Bardstown, known as the ‘Bourbon Capital of the World‘.

While there are always things to do in any given place beyond catchy monikers, let’s unpack the 21-and-up delights of this picturesque town, shall we?

Bardstown anchors one of the world’s most prolific bourbon-producing regions and is most known for its old-timey taverns still beloved by locals and visitors alike, such as Old Talbott Tavern.

But it’s not just classic watering holes to enjoy locally produced — you can go straight to the source at Bardstown Bourbon Company and Heaven Hill Distillery, most notably.

Just make sure you don’t become too woozy on a tasting tour or night out with pals because the town is truly wonderful to visit and one you’ll want to remember.

For what it’s worth, TripAdvisor ranks Lux Row Distillers at the top pick with an impress 4.8 rating out of 5.

One recent patron said, ‘From walking in the front door to sampling some great bourbons, you can’t go wrong with a visit when in Bardstown’.

Beyond The Bourbon Trail: What Else To Experience In Bardstown

If big city livin’ is your jam, then Bardstown isn’t for you.

This town is the type of place to step back into yesteryear with old-fashioned diners whipping up soulful comfort foods, carriage rides instead of Waymos, and streets still centered around churches, courthouses, and town squares.

In other words, you don’t have to be 21 to enjoy exploring this small town of 14,000.

Downtown is a delight to peruse antique shops, Mom ‘n Pop eateries, and historic landmarks.

But not all Bardstown’s attractions are limited to downtown — ensure to make time visiting these 5 Bardstown must-dos:

• Tour the storied ground of My Old Kentucky Home State Park
• Hike through Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest and discover off-the-wall art installations
• Visit the Civil War Museum — one of the largest of its kind in the U.S.
• There’s always an exciting event going on — check the city’s official calendar here
• Road-trip the backroads of Nelson County for horse farms, rickhouses, and scenic pastures that feels frozen in time (especially spring and fall to amplify photo ops)

That said, there’s one particular attraction we have to highlight on its own without lumping in with the rest: My Old Kentucky Dinner Train.

Aboard this fun-filled dinner train, passengers can expect a 2 and a half hour vintage rail excursion. Departing a centuries-old depot, you’ll chug along forested backroads with a delicious meal consisting of a freshly prepared 4-course platter served at your table.

Tickets start in the low $100s for adults and $70s for kids, and comes with a Travel Off Path stamp of approval from our Editor-in-Chief, Tyler Fox — a lifelong Kentuckian.

A True Vacation Destination: Bardstown Opens First Boutique Hotel

Wondering where to stay when making a trip here? Wonder no more!

Bardstown was proud to open its first boutique hotel in 2025, but it’s just beginning to gain steam.

The Trail Hotel was one of Southern Living’s top recs when visiting, especially since it’s located in close proximity to 11 top distilleries, numerous Southern staple restaurants, nearby shopping, and the previously mentioned dinner train.

Rates can be found throughout winter and spring in the mid $100s.

But there are many other worthwhile stays in Bardstown, too, that ooze nostalgia:

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.