04/13/2026
We still have availability during Bourbon Week, June 14-21! Come stay with us and experience all Bardstown can offer! We are 7-8 minutes from the center of town.
Airbnb.com/h/bourbonblue
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The city of Bardstown has earned national recognition after being named one of the best small towns in the country in the 2026 USA TODAY 10 BEST Readers’ Choice Awards, officials announced on Wednesday.
Bardstown secured the No. 2 spot for 'Best Small Town Culture Scene', highlighting its rich heritage, vibrant community events, and longstanding connection to the bourbon industry. The city is widely known as the “Bourbon Capital of the World.”
The honor comes as Bardstown continues to expand its cultural offerings. City leaders recently announced plans for the third annual National Bourbon Week, scheduled for June 14–21. The weeklong celebration is designed to showcase the history, craftsmanship, and traditions that have made Bardstown a central hub for bourbon production in the United States.
The USA TODAY 10 BEST program begins with nominations from a panel of industry experts, who identify standout destinations and attractions across a variety of categories. Editors then review and narrow the selections before presenting finalists to the public for a four-week voting period.
Local officials say the recognition reflects both the city’s historic charm and its ongoing efforts to celebrate and preserve its cultural identity while welcoming visitors from across the country.
Visit Bardstown
Bardstown Main Street
Bardstown-Nelson County Chamber
City of Bardstown - Government Organization
Nelson County Fiscal Court