Courier July Courier | Page 38
COMPASS
SOUTH CENTRAL U.S.
Bardstown, it’s an honor
It’s possible that Dawn Przystal will tire of seeing
Bardstown, Kentucky, in the news. As the tourism director
for Visit Bardstown, she must have seen all the articles
about her town being recognized by Travel + Leisure, Fodor’s
Travel, AARP, Expedia and others with a collection of super-
latives: most beautiful, favorite, best, most interesting, etc.
It’s also possible that she doesn’t tire of the acclaim.
Maybe she’s too busy.
“Located at the trailhead of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail,
Bardstown is the Bourbon Capital of the World, and in the
next year we will see three new distillery visitor experi-
ences added to the current six in the area,” Przystal says.
“Two new craft distilleries, Preservation Distillery and
Bardstown Bourbon Company, will begin welcoming guests
this year, and Lux Row Distillery will open to the public in
the spring of 2018.”
Several of Bardstown’s existing distilleries are expand-
ing or offering new experiences. Heaven Hill Distilleries
Bourbon Heritage Center now hosts a Bottled in Bond tour,
and Willett Distillery just expanded its visitor center and
added larger tasting rooms and event space.
Bardstown is not all about the bourbon, though.
Next summer “The Stephen Foster Story,” the outdoor,
Broadway-style musical performed at My Old Kentucky
Home State Park, will celebrate its 60th season. And the
park is already offering new options for groups, including
culinary and mint julep tours. Another addition of note: All
the guides sing.
Throughout the year, visitors enjoy Bardstown’s history
and rails. “One of our hidden gems is the acclaimed Civil
War Museum of the Western Theatre; it’s the fourth-largest
Civil War museum in the country,” Przystal says. “And our
two trains are still favorites of our groups. My Old Kentucky
Dinner Train and the Kentucky Railway Museum offer regu-
lar excursions, as well as specialty trains.
Bardstown draws holiday groups, too. “Christmas is an
especially beautiful time to visit. Our Christmas Round
Bardstown features more than 20 events in the six-week
Bardstown’s six bourbon distilleries, each offering tours and
holiday season,” Przystal says, adding that a pre-holiday
tastings, will be joined by two craft distilleries opening in the next
Bardstown visit pairs well with a trip to The Outlet Shoppes
nine months.
of the Bluegrass in nearby Simpsonville.
“This gives you the best of both shop-
ping worlds: boutiques and locally
made items in a charming downtown
®
as well as high-end stores at an outlet.”
Bardstown also has a strong faith
component. Founded in 1780, the city
is rich in religious heritage. Attractions
include the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-
Featuring an
Cathedral, the first Catholic cathedral
All-New, Immersive
west of the Allegheny Mountains, and
Entertainment
GROUP
the Abbey of Gethsemani.
Experience
RATES
For more information about Bardstown,
AVAILABLE
go
to visitbardstown.com or email
G R AC E L A N D . C O M / G R O U P S • 8 0 0 - 2 3 8 - 2 0 1 0
Przystal at [email protected].
© EPE. Graceland and its marks are trademarks of EPE. All Rights Reserved. Elvis Presley™ © 2017 ABG EPE IP LLC
“The Stephen Foster Story,” a Broadway-style musical performed
at My Old Kentucky Home State Park, will celebrate its 60th
season next year.
VISIT
GRACELAND
IN MEMPHIS
36
July 2017