We all have that one place that captures our heart and we find ourselves returning there, time and time again. A place that senses a part of home and makes you feel like a piece of your soul belongs there. It can be near of far. It’s not defined by miles, but rather by feelings. For me, Kentucky is my home. It’s the place where I belong, no matter how many miles I travel, no matter how many places I see. My heart will always find its way back home. Kentucky has so many wonderful places that are filled with small towns and big hearts. We pride ourselves on southern hospitality, rolling green hills, horses and bourbon. Each small town filled with it’s own sense of uniqueness that sets itself apart from one other.
There are a few towns in Kentucky that mark my list of what I call big hearts. What do I mean by Small Towns and Big Hearts? To me, it’s a town that is small enough to feel like family, but it boasts a big heart in providing hospitality to those who visit. My number one Small Town, Big Heart is Bardstown, KY. If you haven’t heard of Bardstown, it’s a place that you need to write down. Go ahead, I’ll wait…Get that pen out and write Bardstown on your next bucket list. You’ll find this town has a big heart when it comes to tourism.
Known primarily for My Old Kentucky Home, Bardstown boasts so much more in this big little town. I have been to Bardstown a dozen of times, but a few week ago I was able to sneak away from my family and spend the weekend there with my girlfriends. There is something special about getting older and having a group of friends you can travel with. It has a sense of nostalgia from former days before kids and family took center stage. I booked us at the beautiful Bourbon Manor Bed and Breakfast. Bardstown offers a variety of Bed and Breakfast options, but this one was the winner. Bourbon Manor gloats that southern charm from the moment you drive through the entrance. The two story former plantation welcomes you with open arms. As you enter the home you’re greeted by a charming staircase that wraps itself to the ceiling and your eyes are immediately drawn to the top where a glamourous vintage chandelier hangs above the entryway. The home is meticulously thought out and garnished with a baby grand piano in the corner, soft green velvet couches inviting you into the sitting area. Large paintings adorn the walls giving me a glimpse of what this decor may have felt like in its prime. I was brought back to 2023 when I was greeted by the house manager that provided us an overview of our stay and ensured we were well taken care of.
Our room was a charming three bed, adorned with a fireplace and antique furnishings. The detailed antique style comforters delicately matched with the color of the walls and the bathroom amply supplied with toiletries, Turkish towels and no detail left untouched. This charming B&B provided the perfect weekend with my girlfriends. Conversation and laughter could be heard throughout the walls and the comfort of friendship left my heart full.
As morning arrived, we gathered back in the dining room of the main house for an exquisite breakfast. Our table was prepared as fine dining, green tablecloths and flowers adorned each table setting. My friend, fresh brewed coffee greeted me with a smile and maple glazed sausage, potatoes, and eggs in a basket welcomed my taste buds to savor every delicate bite of this breakfast. I felt like I had been whisked back to another time and given the royal treatment. Only to find myself having to leave this beautiful southern home that welcomed us with open arms.
Our bed and breakfast wasn’t the only stop in this big hearted town. We had dinner waiting for us aboard the Kentucky Dinner Train. This luxurious vintage rail car swept us on a 2 hour journey through the heart of Kentucky, providing us a three course meal along the way. The rail car was just as I had imagined a vintage car to look like. The dark wood paneling, gold hanging light fixtures, and black table clothes provided the perfect ambience to a charming evening out with my friends. The dinner train was a perfect end to our evening and left my heart full of laughter and friendship and my belly full of food. Once we departed the dinner train, there was a gift shop to pick up that perfect souvenir to commemorate the evening.
It wouldn’t be a trip to Bardstown without spending time downtown visiting the unique boutique shops along third street. I snagged myself some cute accessories along the way, and some of my favorite stores were Peacock on Third, That Cute Little Shop, and Christy’s Collections. There were many other quaint shops lining the sidewalks and it was heartening to see so many people out shopping and supporting small business. As ladies, we all know shopping can drum up quite an appetite and there is no shortage of places to eat in Bardstown. One of my favorites is The Talbott Inn, but decided to eat at Mammy’s Kitchen and Bar. This restaurant was recommended by multiple people; it’s only fitting that we had to eat here. Apparently, everyone else had the same idea and we waited about 4o minutes for a table at 2pm in the afternoon. Once seated, our service was excellent and Mammy’s is famous for its home cooked food. Because their food is mostly home cooked, it can take a bit longer for it to come out, but it’s worth the wait. The Kentucky Hot Brown dazzled my taste buds and filled my belly, but not so much that I didn’t leave room at the end for a piece of lemon meringue pie.
I left Bardstown that weekend with my heart full and my soul refreshed. The southern hospitality in Bardstown leaves you feeling like family in a small town. Their hearts are big and they put so much effort into making their town a place for guests to return time and time again. I know I’ll be back, and when I do, I know I’ll be embraced with a warm welcome.
Your Journey Starts Here 