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