Bardstown

It'd be impossible to write a review of Bardstown without mentioning Bourbon. Heaven Hill Distilleries, Rowans Creek, the list goes on and on. There is so much Bourbon that you'd think everyone in Bardstown would be constantly trashed. That would be cool, but it's not the case. Bardstown is certainly the Bourbon Capitol of the World, but it's also a very religious, old fashioned southern community.

I think it's this religious spirit that really gives the town its atmosphere. Bourbon makes people a bit friendlier, but the warm welcome you'll find in Bardstown doesn't come from a drunken stupor. It comes from people who genuinely want you in their lives. I can't help but be impressed by the people here. They don't come across as preachy or fervent missionaries or anything like that, but I also think they would love to get you to come to Church with them on Sundays.

Once you've gotten to know a few people you'll want to share a meal with them, and while I suspect you won't struggle to find someone who'll give you a home cooked meal, you can always repay the favor by treating them at one of the many restaurants in the area. It's not the biggest town, and there are definitely more restaurants in Louisville, but Circa is very good for American food, while Okina Sushi has been outstanding the few times I've gone for a little sushi. This is a Southern town, so if you'd like to try out a good steakhouse try Bourbon City Bistro. It's exceptional.

I don't have many friends with kids in Bardstown, but Bardstown Middle School and Nelson County High School are supposed to be decent. I don't get the impression the level of education is terribly high here, but it's not supposed to be terrible either. The atmosphere of the schools mirrors the town, with friendliness being paramount.

You're pretty much guaranteed to like Bardstown if you like quieter Southern towns and Bourbon. There is plenty to do and see, and while it may not be the best place to raise a scholar if your kids grow up here I think they'll turn out to be good people. And that's more important than how much college they complete.