If you're looking for a true small town experience, why not go straight to the best? Bardstown, Kentucky, has long been considered one of the best small towns in the U.S., named The Most Beautiful Small Town in America by Rand McNally and USA Today. The town regularly rakes in other accolades, and it's easy to see why. This little slice of Kentucky might as well be a movie set. It's quaint, lovely,, and quiet.
Bardstown was established in 1780 and is named for the Bard Brothers who originally purchased the land and surveyed the town.
The charm begins as soon as you cross the town line. You can stroll the historic streets or better yet hire the Around the Town Carriage to tour you through in a whimsical horse and buggy setup.
Bardstown is perhaps most famous for its bourbon distilleries. When people talk about Kentucky bourbon, they mean Bardstown. This tiny town is the bourbon capital of the world and almost all of the 11 distilleries in town offer tastings and tours.
After a few bourbon tours you might be in a pensive mood. That's when it's time to head to the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Center, a natural preserve and forest showcasing beautiful wood sculptures handcrafted by Danish artist Thomas Dambo.
Be sure to add My Old Kentucky Dinner Train to your itinerary in Bardstown. This experience harkens back to more glamorous days of travel, when coiffed upper crusters would dine in a railcar en route to a fabulous vacation. On the train you can enjoy a gourmet meal while winding through bourbon country.
Even the historic jail in Bardstown is charming. You can take tours of the original jail, a more somber affair revealing derelict conditions, but you can also stay at the Jailer's Inn Bed and Breakfast. That's right, the home of former rough criminals has been re-envisioned as a well appointment inn with nine guest bedrooms and private baths.
History abounds in Bardstown and there are countless fascinating historical sites to visit. One of them is Old Bardstown Colonial Village and Park, which gives a peak into early life in the settlement. The cabins on site are 150-200 years old and reveal the depth of Bardstown's lineage.
Bardstown, Kentucky lives up to its accolades. The small, beautiful town offers peace and quiet, a rich history and as a bonus, a whole lot of bourbon.
The Bluegrass State is my home and has been for the past 17 years. Even before then, I lived just across the river in Cincinnati and always thought of Kentucky as this beautiful place that's filled with horses and rolling hills. Turns out, it is, plus more than most people realize. The Bluegrass State surprises its visitors with natural beauty, friendly locals, lively culture, a nod to both history and today, and yes, bourbon. I may spend my days in this state that I love, but I had the opportunity to enjoy a quintessential Kentucky getaway in Lexington with my husband and the Bluegrass State surprised and charmed me all over again.
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Lexington is a little over an hour from my home and my husband and I headed south in the late afternoon. I've always loved the drive; passing the Kentucky Horse Park and then driving into a city that feels more like a small town. Our first stop was Lost Palm, a rooftop bar at The Manchester, a gorgeous hotel in Lexington's historic distillery district.
Andrea Limke / Only In Your State
As much as I love the typical vibe of Lexington, it was refreshing to be swept away into the tropical oasis of Lost Palm. On a Wednesday evening, small groups were meeting after work and several people were coming in for drinks and bites. The ambiance was inviting, the staff were friendly, and the drinks were delicious.
Andrea Limke / Only In Your State
After our unwinding stop at Lost Palm, we headed to our dinner reservation at OBC Kitchen (Tip: Make a reservation! They were full, even on a Wednesday evening.) Full disclosure, I had eaten at OBC Kitchen before. But when deciding where to eat in Lexington with my husband, I knew I wanted to return.
OBC stands for Old Bourbon County, and yes, bourbon is a big theme here. But, I would visit again simply for the warm bread and handmade butter that they bring to the table. Our server, the manager, all of the staff were incredibly knowledgeable and welcoming. I'm not exaggerating when I say that every single sip and bite were perfection.
Andrea Limke / Only In Your State
From classic to modern, after dinner we made our way to 21c Museum Hotel in the heart of downtown Lexington. If you're not familiar with these unique destinations, they are a fascinating mix of museum and hotel and always take on a theme that represents their location.
We stayed in a Deluxe Suite, which had a living area and separate bedroom. There was more than enough space and the rooms were cheerful and relaxing. I honestly wish we would have had more than one night here, but it was still the perfect little escape.
Andrea Limke / Only In Your State
After a wonderful night's sleep, I woke up very early for one very important reason - a visit to Spalding's Bakery. I had heard about this local bakery that's been around since 1929 and since it was just a few minutes down the road, I made an early morning visit (they often sell out by 8am).
I came back and settled in on the couch with coffee and the best chocolate glazed donut I've ever had.
Andrea Limke / Only In Your State
Later that morning, we said farewell to the blue penguin standing guard at our hotel door, and checked out. We did wander through the museum space before breakfast (round two) and it was as cool as you would imagine. Guests of the hotel have full access to these spaces 24/7.
Andrea Limke / Only In Your State
Before getting on with our day, we stopped at the restaurant on-site, Lockbox. It is right off the hotel's elevators and also features a rotating gallery and inviting space. But the food was really the star, here. This breakfast sandwich was fresh and tasty and the crispy potatoes were a highlight on their own.
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Andrea Limke / Only In Your State
Our quintessential Kentucky day continued just twenty minutes away in Georgetown at Old Friends, a working farm that is home to retired race horses. It was a GORGEOUS day in the Bluegrass and I was thrilled to spend it at Old Friends.
We were greeted by the friendly volunteers and joined in with a tour group to walk around and meet these beautiful horses. We did the 90-minute General Tour, which is available all year long, but be sure to make advanced reservations.
Andrea Limke / Only In Your State
We met several horses and were able to feed many of them. We learned about their storied lives and saw a video showcasing their championships. I would highly recommend it as an outing in the Lexington area.
Andrea Limke / Only In Your State
Our final stop before heading north is one of my most favorite places in Kentucky. I've shared my love for Wallace Station before and I fall in love even more with every visit. It just feels so Kentucky and the food is delicious. There is often a line out the door, which is another sign that this local favorite is worth the stop.
Andrea Limke / Only In Your State
We always eat on the back deck and on this chilly day, soup and a pimento cheese sandwich hit the spot. When you leave, save time to drive around in this area, perhaps stop in Midway, and experience the beauty of Kentucky horse country.
Andrea Limke / Only In Your State
After living in Kentucky for nearly two decades, I am proud to call this state my home. I would recommend Lexington, specifically, for those looking for a night away, a weekend getaway, or even as a travel destination. Within a city that exudes small town charm, you can experience incredible food, outdoor adventure, natural beauty, history, art, sports, bourbon... and that's just scratching the surface. Don't overlook this lovely city and plan your own quintessential Kentucky getaway in Lexington.
Per journalistic integrity, we disclose that the creator of this content was invited to this location by VisitLEX, with accommodation and some other expenses covered. However, all opinions and thoughts expressed in this content are their own.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
