Many lifelong Kentuckians may argue that our state is one of the best in the country. If you can't get on board with this opinion, maybe you do agree that we have some fantastic small towns that do rank amongst the best in America. The Bluegrass State does have many charming towns that offer character, history, and one-of-a-kind attractions that make up the heart of Kentucky. But there is one destination in our state that is recognized time and time again as one of the best small towns in America. Bardstown is a popular spot for locals and visitors who have an interest in bourbon, our state's history, outdoor adventure, and just a taste of that charming, small town life.
There's so much to love about the beautiful city of Bardstown and one of the best things is its location.
The town is south of Louisville, somewhat between Louisville and Lexington and also close to Elizabethtown. This means that many Kentuckians have fairly easy access to this historic town.
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The history of Bardstown is one feature that draws people in and several local spots date back to the 1700s and 1800s.
Of course when a town has so much history, there are bound to be a few spooky ghost stories. Ghost hunters and those who enjoy visiting haunted places in Kentucky would love a trip to Bardstown.
One stop during a visit has to be at My Old Kentucky Home.
There are also nearby sites and parks that are worth checking out, so be sure to learn all about the area through the Bardstown website, linked below, so you can pick and choose what interests you.
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Bardstown's history is definitely a highlight, but it also boasts a few new and modern places that need to be on your radar.
Lux Row Distiller is a must-try for bourbon lovers and those including the Bourbon Trail on their visit to Bardstown. In fact, even if you don't think you have any interest in the Bourbon Trail, we highly recommend you stop by a few distilleries anyway because they all provide a memorable experience.
If you want to spend the night in Bardstown, in one of the most unique options, check out the Old Talbott Tavern.
This restaurant and bar is also a hotel and is rumored to be haunted. Since it dates back to the 1700s, this should come as no surprise. A meal here should top your list of things to do in Bardstown.
For a small town, there really are quite a few ways to keep busy.
Or you can simply choose to take it slow and enjoy this charming town. You may want to hop on a carriage ride that you'll see going around town, where you'll also learn all about a place that's been called one of the best small towns in America.
If you've walked the streets of Bardstown and been to some of its attractions, you know why it is often named as one of the best small towns in America. If you haven't been to Bardstown, plan a visit and see that this city really does live up to the hype. Is this area one of your favorite destinations in Kentucky? What do you consider to be the best small towns in America? We'd love to hear from you in the comments.
For more information on all Bardstown has to offer, visit its website.
And for more on the historic Old Talbott Tavern, take a look at our previous article that takes you inside this bar and hotel.
Catching the holiday spirit in Kentucky is easier for some than it is for others. Fortunately, some festive functions will quickly sway those spirits. There are cities and towns in Kentucky which are recognized for their friendly attitudes and twinkling lights. These specific places do their best to spread the holiday cheer and bring about some of the true reasons for the season. Here are eight Christmas towns in Kentucky that take the holiday spirit to a whole other level!
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1. Carrollton
Carrollton has an annual Festival of Trees & Trains located at the General Butler State Resort Park on 1608 US Hwy 227. Friends and families gather in early December with characters from the movie Frozen and, of course, Santa himself, and enjoy breakfast and lovely festive Kentucky Christmas decorations.
2. Bardstown
It simply doesn't get any better than Christmas in Bardstown, Kentucky. While enchanting all year long, this winsome town positively dazzles during the holidays. From holiday railroad excursions along My Old Kentucky Dinner Train to celebrations at the town's numerous historical sites and attractions, Bardstown is *the* place to be during Christmas in Kentucky.
During the holiday season, Shaker Village in Kentucky bustles with light-hearted moments that remind us of long-ago winter days filled with wonder and laughter. Make time to delight in life’s simple gifts with family and friends, as lively music, merriment, and candlelight illuminate the Village. View a full calendar of Shaker Village holiday events and activities at this Christmas town in Kentucky at the Shaker Village website.
4. Grayson County
The holiday spirit is alive and well in Grayson County, with towns such as Leitchfield going all out for Christmas. From epic Christmas lights displays to amazing festivals and parades, this is one place you definitely want to be in November and December! Learn about the county's festive fun at the Grayson County Tourism Facebook page.
5. Frankfort
For a big, 'ole dose of holiday cheer in the Bluegrass, simply head to Frankfort. From the beautiful tree at the Old State Capitol to the cheerful lights around this thriving Main Street district, Frankfort is one of the best Christmas towns in Kentucky that's purely magical during the holidays. To truly experience Christmas in Kentucky, a visit to Frankfort is a must! Learn more at the Visit Frankfort Facebook page.
6. Lexington
Each year, Southern Lights lights up Lexington from the end of November through the end of December. This Kentucky Horse Park-orchestrated event offers a holiday dream world of animated figures, twinkling lights, music, pony and camel rides, Santa, and lots of festive Christmas fun for all ages. This was voted by the American Bus Association as one of the top 100 best events in the United States and Canada, and absolutely needs to be on your "Christmas in Kentucky" bucket list!
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Take a look at this video of a previous year's Southern Lights by @LEX18NEWS:
7. Patti's Festival of Lights
Patti's is one of the most beloved destinations in the Bluegrass State, so it only makes sense that Patti's hosts one of the most epic holiday events as well! Each year, the lights at Patti's 1880s Settlement shine bright across the bucolic Bluegrass landscape, enchanting families and signaling the official start of Christmas in Kentucky. Check out all of the festive fun offered during the season at the official Patti's 1880s Settlement website.
Take a look at this video to see what Patti's Festival of Lights is all about by @grandriversky:
Being the biggest city in Kentucky, Louisville also tends to have the biggest holiday festivities. The downtown area is lit up with lights, an ice rink opens, and the giant Christmas tree is decorated for all to see. The Mega Cavern attraction offers Lights Under Louisville, which is an entire world (and underground Christmas town!) in and of itself. Then we have one of the most popular, Christmas at the Galt House, a renowned hotel. It includes breathtaking decorations, a snow fairy princess, and Santa. Just imagine if Charles Dicken’s "A Christmas Story" came to life, and the Galt house has that and more. Each of these festivities in Louisville is an unforgettable experience, making this arguably the most epic Christmas town in Kentucky!
Take a look at this video of things to do in Louisville during the holidays by @katieskeen:
We all have our own way of celebrating the holidays, and Christmas is a truly special time of year. These Christmas towns in Kentucky make the most of the holiday by involving the residents and trying to build a festive spirit. If not one of the above, what type of Christmas celebration does your community have?
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Can't get enough Christmas towns in Kentucky? We don't blame you! We wax poetic about La Grange, one of our favorite small towns in Kentucky. La Grange is an all-around small-town superstar that offers visitors a fun and wholesome Bluegrass experience. During the holidays, this small town in Kentucky becomes downright magical - definitely put it on your Christmas to-do list!
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...
