Latest news with #TheTrailHotel
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Travel + Leisure
4 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
America's Best Small Food and Drinks Town Is the Bourbon Capital of the World—and It Has a Seriously Impressive Restaurant and Wine Scene, Too
Book a room at The Trail Hotel, which features a rejuvenation lounge with IV treatments, an oxygen bar, a sauna, and more to help you bounce back from travel (and perhaps a little too much fun on the Bourbon Trail). Start your day with Hadorn Bakery's signature 'Yum Yums,' twisted, chocolate-topped yeast donuts that frequently sell out well before closing time. Stock up on sippable souvenirs at Evergreen Liquors in the heart of downtown Bardstown. Take a detour to Bernheim Forest and Arboretum to explore some of its 40 miles of hiking trails and peek at more than 3,500 species of plants. Pair a bourbon flight with a taco dog or smash burger at Scout & Scholar Brewery. If you're new to the whiskey world and are just dipping your toe into distillery tours, Bardstown, Kentucky, might be one of those blink-and-you'll-miss-it towns you pass on your way to Lexington or Louisville. But in May 2025, Bardstown made a big splash when the area's first luxury boutique hotel debuted. I was one of the first guests to stay at The Trail Hotel, and my trip proved that Bardstown (population: around 14,000) is well worth a stop. Known as the 'Bourbon Capitol of the World' since the 1950s, Bardstown has been named 'The Most Beautiful Small Town in America' by several organizations. It's quickly becoming one of the most delicious small towns, too, thanks to restaurants with world-class chefs, creative mixologists, and top-tier sommeliers. Situated near the center of Kentucky, Bardstown is easy to get to from many corners of the country. And once you're here, distillery tours and tastings, unique shops, bakeries, restaurants, bars, museums, and more await. 'The fact that Bardstown is not a big metro area is part of its charm,' says Kentucky native Norma Smith, a bourbon butler at The Trail Hotel. 'Folks can come here, learn about bourbon's history, explore local businesses, and not have to feel the hustle-bustle of a large city. Bardstown is a small town with plenty of awesome things to do—and taste!' The Bourbon Capital of the World comes by its title honestly. There are 11 distilleries within a 16-mile radius of downtown Bardstown, and even if you're not big into brown spirits, there's plenty to tempt your taste buds here. During spring, summer, and fall, Bardstown hosts a robust farmers market and farm-to-table dinners. Throughout the year, buzzy events like Bardstown Burger Week and the Kentucky Bourbon Festival draw crowds. Any time you swing by, you can fuel up at a variety of seasonally-focused restaurants with bountiful bourbon selections (naturally), Kentucky-made beers, and seriously impressive wine lists (Oak & Ember, for instance, has a level-three sommelier on staff). The Trail hotel's Single Barrel Suite. Jessie Kriech-Higdon/Visit Bardstown Something old meets something new at Bardstown's freshest and most fashionable hotel. Co-owners Brook Smith, Will Hardy, and Nathan 'Ejo' Edmonds have fond memories of visiting this building in its former life as a Holiday Inn. When the then-closed hotel went up for auction in 2021, they cast the winning bid—and got to work on a complete renovation and redesign. Today, The Trail Hotel's 87 rooms and eight bourbon-themed suites form a U-shape around the pool, pool bar, and what is now the biggest hot tub in Kentucky. Inside the lobby area, guests can swing (at the high-definition golf simulator), sip (in the intimate speakeasy), and eat (at Oak & Ember, a restaurant specializing in healthy-ish Southern fare). Guests by the pool at the Bardstown Motor Lodge. Victor Sizemore/Visit Bardstown If you prefer to be within walking distance of downtown, 11-year Bardstown resident Newman Miller, chef and owner of Mr. Tubs and partner at Scout & Scholar Brewery, recommends Bardstown Motor Lodge. This mid-century-inspired, pet-friendly hotel is what I imagine the Schitt's Creek motel might look like with an HGTV glow-up. The rooms are small but mighty, with smart TVs, a mini fridge, blackout curtains, and premium bath amenities, and the shared space is equipped with fire pits, a pool, and a retro rec room. Traveling with a crowd? Try The Full Proof Penthouse. Owners Will and Alicia Hardy (yes, the same Will as The Trail Hotel) were featured on an episode of the Discovery+ show In With the Old, which chronicled their renovation of the Old Deatsville Inn in nearby Coxs Creek. The Hardys put their design superpowers to work to transform this downtown Bardstown three-bedroom, three-bathroom apartment into a five-star vacation rental located in the downtown core. Laundry appliances, a fully equipped gourmet kitchen, and private rooftop space make this a fantastic choice for families and groups of friends. A Bardstown Bourbon Company tasting. No visit to Bardstown is complete without at least one distillery tour, according to Smith. 'Each distillery has something distinct to offer,' adds Vince Metcalfe, the single barrel coordinator at Bardstown Bourbon Company, who was born and raised in Bardstown and has called it home for nearly 30 years. 'You can do tours, tastings, or just hang out at their bar and have a cocktail. It's very cool to see the unique history behind each brand.' Options abound in and around Bardstown, with notable names like Jim Beam, Maker's Mark, and Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience (home of Elijah Craig, Evan Williams, Old Fitzgerald, and more), as well as at under-the-radar hits and up-and-comers such as Chicken Cock Whiskey and Bardstown Bourbon Company. Smith particularly adores the 90-minute Bottled-in-Bond Warehouse Tour and Tasting at Heaven Hill and the one-hour Rickhouse Barrel Thieving at Bardstown Bourbon Company. Brown spirit buffs will delight in the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History. With free admission and tours, this museum is home to more than 1,500 highly allocated bottles of whisky and bourbon that the curators have been collecting for 40+ years. If you're new to the world of whiskey, this is a helpful place to start, as it offers an overview of the people, places, and techniques that make this spirit special. When you're ready for a break from the Bourbon Trail, navigate to 3rd Street. 'It's such a beautiful and quaint area with tons of local shops, bars, restaurants, and art studios,' Smith says. If you're in the mood for a savory snack, stop by Liam Ash Cocktail Emporium for a charcuterie board or 'Jake's Baked Balls' (sausage and Cheddar balls with a maple-bourbon glaze). If sweet is more your style, get the scoop at Big Wally's Ice Cream & More. While you're in the area, Smith suggests popping into Cactus Annie's to see the iconic Dolly Parton mural. Bernheim Forest and Arboretum. You can hop on a handful of hiking trails mere steps from downtown. But if you're up for taking a 15-mile detour outside of Bardstown, you'll find one of Metcalfe's 'favorite places to enjoy the natural beauty of the state of Kentucky,' Bernheim Forest and Arboretum. Pack a picnic for a 'great way to spend time when not drinking bourbon,' Miller tells us. While you're stationed in this lush landscape, trek through some of the preserve's 40 miles of hiking trails. If kids are in tow, turn them loose at the 17-acre natural playground. They'll also enjoy the massive Forest Giants scattered throughout Bernheim, which are crafted from repurposed and natural materials. Evergreen Liquors, and upscale liquor shop with a tasting bar inside. Steven Gray/Visit Bardstown To refresh your wardrobe with effortlessly chic apparel, Kaden Lake Boutique is a must, Smith says. 'The owner, Alicia Hardy, has curated such a great women's boutique. She's definitely got style.' When I walked by, I couldn't take my eyes off the beautiful clothes in the window. If your ideal souvenir is a drinkable one, you can't do much better than Evergreen Liquors. Keep an eye out for rare releases like Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked and Angel's Envy Barrel Select Sherry Cask. Smith likes to sample unique pours at the tasting bar 'while I decide how much of my income is reasonable to budget on more bottles of bourbon!' Stock up on uniquely Kentucky goodies like Monk's Road Coffee Caramel Chocolates, Kentucky Hot Mix trail mix, Bramble Ridge sorghum syrup, and Elixir Kombucha at 3rd Street's Taste of Bardstown Market. If you're staying at a vacation rental or are in need of picnic provisions, check out their Airbnb grocery packages for quick-fix breakfast, snack, and dinner spreads. Freshly baked treats from Hadorn's Bakery. Early birds don't get the worm here, but they do get the warm baked goods that have a cult following. No wonder the door of Hadorn's Bakery is plastered with a sign that reads 'Open 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., or until sold out.' Arrive ASAP for the best chances of scoring 'one of their famous Yum Yums,' Miller advises. The $2.15 treat is a showy donut drizzled with swirls of milk and white chocolate. Take it to go or enjoy your Yum Yum in a rocking chair on the bakery's charming front porch. Mammy's Kitchen serves southern comfort food in Bardstown. If your day's agenda involves exploring the Bourbon Trail or hiking trails, 'Mammy's Kitchen & Bar should be your first stop to fuel up with a big country breakfast,' Smith says. They serve up Southern fare in a casual, country store environment, and I could eat bowls of their fried apples. Bring your appetite and some pals to share the Sunday special: 'Deep-fried Ginormous Cinnabon Roll' in a skillet. Or pull up a stool any day of the week for what Metcalfe calls 'the best Kentucky Hot Brown in the world.' For the uninitiated, this is an open-faced sandwich featuring sliced oven-roasted turkey, bacon, sliced tomatoes, and mornay sauce. Mammy's riff also piles on ham and eggs. For what Metcalfe declares 'the best beer in bourbon country, brewed right there on-site,' alongside locally sourced comfort food like bacon jalapeño cheeseburger hand pies, fried chicken tenders with tots, and chocolate chip bread pudding, Scout & Scholar Brewing Co. is a local favorite. Come for the food and drinks, and stay for the atmosphere. 'Their patio is one of my favorite places to hang out on a beautiful day,' Metcalfe adds. Some of Bardstown's best restaurants are tucked away inside distilleries, including The Bar at Willett inside Willett Distillery. 'The menu changes weekly to daily, so order whatever catches your eye. In my opinion, this is one of the best—if not the best—restaurants in Kentucky, and I've never been disappointed,' Miller says. If you happen to be there on a lucky day when the 'iconic' egg salad sandwich is on the menu, Smith says this is a must. A spread from Oak & Ember, a restaurant at The Trail Hotel. Jessie Kriech-Higdon/Visit Bardstown Cookbook author and Emmy-nominated chef Marvin Woods has also acted as personal chef for Oprah, Mary J. Blige, Barack Obama, and more. Now in his position as the executive chef at The Trail Hotel's signature 110-seat restaurant Oak & Ember and its lobby bar Embers, he can cook for you, too. Smith says that 'the salmon entrée has become a staple in my diet. The tuna sashimi is super flavorful, too.' I'm still dreaming about the Kentucky burgoo stew and beet salad I enjoyed during my May stay. Fall foliage in the Bernheim Forest and Arboretum. The locals we spoke to boast that Bardstown is beautiful to visit any time of year, but according to Metcalfe, 'fall is when the community really comes to life.' Visit in September to take part in National Bourbon Heritage Month festivities, such as Bardstown's Kentucky Bourbon Festival (one of Smith's favorite weekends of the year). Or vacation in October for peak leaf-peeping and the Bardstown Arts and Crafts Fair. Spring is the runner-up season, Miller adds, since the weather is beautiful and 'there aren't as many people visiting as there are in the fall.' Translation: Lodging prices tend to be more affordable, and distillery and restaurant reservations are easier to come by. The Bardstown, Kentucky welcome center. Bardstown is approximately 45 minutes from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) and about 55 minutes from Lexington's Blue Grass Airport (LEX). Although quaint downtown Bardstown is extremely walkable, you'll likely want a rental car to get to this small town—and to navigate to nearby attractions, such as hiking trails and restaurants. If you don't have a designated driver, plan ahead for car service. The Trail Hotel and certain distilleries can help arrange this. While Uber lists Bardstown as a partner city, available drivers are sparse, so plan ahead for alternative transportation.
USA Today
18-07-2025
- USA Today
The best hotel in Bardstown, Kentucky, has a bourbon butler
The Trail Hotel brings bourbon and luxury together in Bardstown, Kentucky – Photo courtesy of Jessie Kriech-Higdon If there were a Disney World for bourbon lovers, it would be Bardstown, Kentucky. A historic district peppered with posh cocktail lounges and approximately a dozen area distilleries has earned it the nickname 'the bourbon capital of the world.' Tourists flock from across the globe to tour bourbon trail icons like James B. Beam Distilling Co., Willett Distillery, and Bardstown Bourbon Company. Bardstown finally has a hotel that befits its spirited reputation: The Trail Hotel, which bills itself as the world's first bourbon-themed hotel. Here's a firsthand look. A peek inside the 'world's first bourbon-themed hotel' A copper still is the first giveaway that you're in bourbon country – Photo courtesy of Jessie Kriech-Higdon If there was any doubt I was in bourbon country, it evaporated the moment I stepped into The Trail Hotel's lobby. A copper column still gleamed from floor to ceiling — a historic relic from Green River Distilling, repurposed as a work of art. To my right, bourbon barrels peeked from the half-walls separating cozy conversation areas while a pair of customers clinked snifters at the bar. Advertisement The building originally opened as a Holiday Inn in 1971 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The structure had been vacant for years before this stunning transformation. Although the roofline and footprint remain unchanged, there's no mistaking it for anything but an ambitiously original property. The rooms at The Trail Hotel Rooms at The Trail Hotel are handsomely decorated – Photo courtesy of Jessie Kriech-Higdon My king patio room featured plush furnishings and a private patio, ideal for mornings spent sipping cups of local coffee prepared in my in-room Keurig coffee maker. The room itself was modern and understated with a writing desk, a mini fridge, and a cozy corner chair. Dark tile and a walk-in shower added a sleek, stylish touch to the bathroom. The guest rooms are perfect for one or two people, but for extra space, consider upgrading to one of the hotel's eight bourbon-themed suites, which feature separate living rooms with sofas, coffee tables, and bars (this is bourbon country, after all). Advertisement Food and drink offerings The Oak & Ember menu features locally sourced ingredients – Photo courtesy of Jessie Kriech-Higdon The hotel's flagship dining concept, Oak & Ember, opens into the lobby, fostering a lively atmosphere. Created by chef Marvin Woods, the menu fuses Low Country cuisine and Southern-style cooking with seafood sourced directly from a fishing vessel on the Gulf Coast, as well as produce, beef, and pork from local farms. Some standout dishes include the red shrimp cocktail (served deconstructed on a plate) and the prime beef tenderloin, which was tender enough to cut with a butter knife. I also loved the charred steakhouse Caesar, accompanied by a zesty house-made dressing. The restaurant also serves breakfast and lunch. After dinner, make your way to The Bourbon Vault, a speakeasy cleverly concealed behind a piece of artwork. The dim lighting, combined with leather and plush velvet furnishings, creates a posh atmosphere. The wine and spirits list is extensive, but as one might imagine, the bourbon list is a showstopper, featuring a library of rare bottles for true aficionados. Other dining and drinking options include light bites and cocktails at the poolside bar, as well as a golf simulator suite featuring a full menu. Advertisement A bourbon butler and more amenities The Trail Hotel pool is a place to rest, relax, and rejuvenate – Photo courtesy of Jessie Kriech-Higdon The Trail's guest rooms surround a sparkling pool and hot tub, lined with lounge chairs and a poolside bar. A row of in-pool loungers allows guests to catch some rays while simultaneously cooling off. Distillery tours easily can lead to rough mornings since it's easy to overindulge. This is something The Trail considered when they conceived the hotel's most surprising amenity — the Rejuvenation Room. The space includes an oxygen bar and by-appointment IV therapy, which have long been popular hangover cures in Las Vegas. Other amenities include a sauna and a cryogenics chamber. Concierge service is not unusual at an upscale property like The Trail, but in all my travels, this is the first time I've encountered a bourbon butler. If you need help with your itinerary, a bourbon butler is available to schedule VIP tours, private barrel tastings, behind-the-scenes experiences, and flights of highly sought-after collectible bourbons. Other amenities include outdoor firepits on the patio in 'bourbon alley' and a thoughtfully curated gift shop with apparel, bourbon-themed gifts, and even bottles of The Trail Hotel's delicious signature bourbon. Advertisement
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Travel + Leisure
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Travel + Leisure
This Kentucky Town Is The Bourbon Capital of the World—and It Just Got Its First Luxury Hotel with Bourbon Butlers, a Pool, and a Hidden Speakeasy
The Trail underwent a chic midcentury modern–inspired redesign and restoration, featuring leather and wood accents. The on-site restaurant, Oak & Ember, showcases a massive bourbon lineup, a wine list curated by a level three sommelier, and recipes crafted by cookbook author and chef Marvin Woods. Fitting to Bardstown's fame as 'the Bourbon Capital of the World,' the hotel's two on-staff bourbon butlers can coordinate exclusive experiences and tastings. Rather than a traditional spa, the hotel features a wellness area that offers IV treatments, a cryotherapy pod, an oxygen bar, and more. 'We're so glad you're here,' the front desk staff member greeted me with a smile. Ten seconds in at the brand-new The Trail Hotel, which had just opened in May, and I was already experiencing some of Kentucky's signature Southern hospitality. After flying into Louisville airport, I made my way to Bardstown, aka the Bourbon Capital of the World, and checked into the Prohibition Suite at the city's first high-end boutique hotel. Over shrimp cocktail and tuna crudo, Jason Thompson, the director of bourbon experiences and sales, and Norma Smith, one of the hotel's two bourbon butlers, filled me in on its history. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building was originally opened as a Holiday Inn on April 1, 1971. It was sold in 2004, rebranded, and served as a hotel for a dozen years. It sat empty from 2016 to 2021, before being put up for auction. Then, high school friends Will Hardy and Nathan 'Ejo' Edmonds put in a bid and won. Right on cue, the other bourbon butler, Jackie Hill, walked over to our table, introduced herself, and added, 'My husband and I met here 18 years ago, and got married soon after. It was the happening place to be—and really the only place to go—back in the day,' Hill told me. She went on to reference grade school pool parties, live music and dancing in the bar area, and countless couples' first dates that happened in the building. The lobby at The Trail Hotel. Jessie Kriech-Higdon/The Trail Hotel 'The first two contracting firms that we spoke to would only work with us if we bulldozed. From a financial standpoint, that would've been cheaper,' Hardy said. 'As we spoke with the community, we were reminded about how important the Holiday Inn was. We decided we didn't want to be the guys who destroyed dreams to facilitate our own, which was to make Bardstown even more of a destination. With The Trail Hotel, we've taken what was broken and brought it back to life to preserve those memories.' It took some time, creativity, extra money (Edmonds and Hardy were glad to welcome Brook Smith as an investment partner and co-owner), and some serious TLC, but they were able to transform the bones of the two-story motel-style building into a hotel that feels like stepping inside a stylish and modern Southern country club. Warm, polished, and welcoming all at once, the co-owners collaborated with Joseph & Joseph Architects for the restoration and redesign. They dreamed up creative amenities, such as a rejuvenation lounge, an indoor golf simulator, and bourbon butlers, which is their twist on a concierge. And once the stage was set, the team hired a team of incredibly talented staff, including a level three sommelier who has worked at three-Michelin-starred The French Laundry and an Emmy Award–nominated chef. The Trail Hotel's debut seems to be a win for locals and visitors alike. "We're filling a major gap by bringing The Trail Hotel to Bardstown," Hardy said. "We are home to 11 top distilleries, but this town has never offered any high-end lodging or food elevation, where visitors felt like they could stay for several days [...] Through revitalizing the hotel and creating the bourbon butler program, we've set up a 'one-stop shop' to guide the guest experience in Bardstown.' Ahead, my review of The Trail Hotel, bourbon country's coolest new boutique hotel. The Trail Hotel offers 87 classic and deluxe guest rooms, as well as eight bourbon-themed 548-square-foot suites. I rested my head in the Prohibition Suite, lined with art that pays tribute to Repeal Day in 1933. Each suite features a spacious living room area complete with a couch, coffee table, bar, and TV, as well as a bedroom boasting a king-size bed. In the bathroom, guests will find cozy branded robes and walk-in showers. The 274-square-foot guest rooms are available with either two queen beds or a king-size bed, and some have either a shared or private patio. The mid century modern interiors are styled in dark hues along with stylish leather and wood accents. Guests enjoy Southern-inspired dishes at Oak & Ember. Jessie Kriech-Higdon/The Trail Hotel Prior to signing on as The Trail Hotel's executive chef, Marvin Woods wrote three cookbooks, hosted the Emmy-nominated show Home Plate, and helped former first lady Michelle Obama with her Let's Move! campaign. Woods now helms The Trail Hotel's signature 110-seat restaurant, Oak & Ember, and its lobby bar Embers. After I savored a bowl of comforting Kentucky burgoo, Woods stopped by to deliver a beet salad topped with perfectly seared skin-on chicken and a side of cavatappi mac and cheese that made my inner child swoon. Summarizing his creations as Southern fare with a healthy-ish twist, Woods told me that he looked forward to celebrating local ingredients and recipes on his breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. The Trail Hotel's speakeasy, Bourbon Vault. Jessie Kriech-Higdon/The Trail Hotel For the perfect pairing, tap into the powers of the hotel's director of food and beverage, Cole Liegel. A veteran of the three-Michelin-starred Napa Valley institution, The French Laundry, level three sommelier Liegel helps patrons select the best bottle to pair with their meal. (His riesling recommendation for me was spot-on.) From local beers to world-class wines to a large list of Kentucky bourbons, there's something for every taste and palate. Along the way, if you sample and fall in love with The Trail Hotel's signature bourbon, swing by the retail shop, scan the QR code on the label, and it will be shipped to your doorstep. The hotel also has a secret speakeasy, The Bourbon Vault, with its entrance hidden behind a floor-to-ceiling piece of art. The dim, 36-seat lounge offers a quiet respite and another splash of bourbon. The Trail Hotel does not offer in-room dining. Lounge chairs and dining tables on the pool deck. Jessie Kriech-Higdon/The Trail Hotel The Trail Hotel's rooms form a U-shape around the pool and an oversized hot tub. As I lounged in a comfy beach chair by the pool, I didn't need to go far for refreshments as The Swim Club Bar offers snacks and beverages. Inside, over bites from a charcuterie board, I giggled my way through a few holes on a virtual championship golf course at Par & Pour, The Trail Hotel's high definition golf simulator. Groups of up to eight can book this lounge, which comes with a full food and drink menu, as well as private bar services. Hotel guests enjoying themselves at Par & Pour. Jessie Kriech-Higdon/The Trail Hotel Within 24 hours of booking a room at The Trail Hotel, a bourbon butler reaches out to customize your experience, securing restaurant reservations, booking VIP distillery tours, tastings (and drivers), and coordinating cultural experiences. Since my bourbon butler, Norma, knew I preferred a diverse day rather than one completely focused on spirits, she created an itinerary that celebrated the area's food, drink, history, and natural beauty. We started with brunch at Mammy's Kitchen & Bar and then hiked through the rolling hills near the Abbey of Gethsemani. After lunch at Five Brothers Kitchen & Bar inside the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, we enjoyed a grain-to-glass course before a tour at My Old Kentucky Home, a historic 200-year-old mansion and plantation. Instead of a traditional spa with massages, facials, and nail treatments, The Trail Hotel has a Rejuvenation Room, a 660-square-foot detox wellness area with a sauna, cryotherapy pod, oxygen bar, and IV therapy lounge. Although I had paced myself and drank plenty of water, I was feeling a bit stiff and sapped after my flights to Kentucky, so I booked my first-ever IV therapy treatment with Jennifer Cambron, who recommended a vitamin B complex boost. I didn't notice a huge difference immediately, but I slept like a dream that night and may have had a little extra pep in my step as I walked laps around the airport the next day. While minors are welcome at The Trail Hotel, due to its proximity to the Bourbon Trail and the adult-focused amenities, I'd recommend it as an ideal getaway for the 21+ crowd. The Trail Hotel fully complies with ADA regulations for service animals, and the step-free entrance to the hotel features automatic doors. Each of the four fully accessible guest rooms and the accessible king suite are equipped with lower sinks and counters, wheelchair-accessible doorways and layouts, roll-in showers with grab bars, and visual and vibrating fire alarms. The Trail Hotel is a 45-minute drive from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) and approximately 55 minutes from Lexington's Blue Grass Airport (LEX). The Trail Hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to places located within a three-mile radius of the hotel, including downtown Bardstown, My Old Kentucky Home State Park, the My Old Kentucky Dinner Train, and several local distilleries. For an additional fee, you can book a car service from and to the airport. The hotel team can also arrange transportation for experiences curated by the bourbon butlers. Still, a rental car can be handy for day trips to Louisville or Lexington. Nearby, you can explore several golf courses and lush green spaces (don't miss Bernheim Forest and Arboretum). Bardstown is part of Kentucky's Bourbon Trail. The Trail Hotel doesn't have partnerships with major credit cards or reward programs. Currently, the hotel offers a 15 percent discount on stays of three nights or more. Nightly rates at The Trail Hotel start from $229. Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.
Travel Daily News
30-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
The Trail Hotel officially opens in Bardstown, Kentucky
The Trail Hotel opens in Bardstown, Kentucky, offering bourbon lovers luxury stays, exclusive tastings, curated experiences, and elevated Southern hospitality. BARDSTOWN, KY – The Trail Hotel, the world's first bourbon-infused luxury hotel, is now welcoming guests in Bardstown, KY. Housed in a reimagined historic property, the 95-room hotel invites guests to experience Kentucky's famed Bourbon country with elevated Southern hospitality and interactive bourbon experiences. The property boasts eight signature suites, a four-star dining experience, five distinct bars and an array of modern wellness amenities – all just steps away from the legendary Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the hotel originally opened in 1970, serving as a community hub, hosting countless weddings, banquets and business meetings. Design expertise provided by nationally renowned Joseph & Joseph Architects has wholly re-imagined the property – formerly the Holiday Inn Bardstown – as a haven for bourbon lovers of all levels, from the dedicated aficionado to new enthusiasts. Redefining hospitality in Bardstown, the Bourbon Capital of the World, The Trail Hotel is more than a place to stay – it's a destination for connoisseurs of 'the good stuff,' with close proximity to 11 locally renowned distilleries. It offers an upscale home base for bourbon-minded lovers and business travelers alike. A Luxury Bourbon Experience Like No Other The property's dedication to bourbon culture goes far beyond the bottle. At the center of the experience is The Bourbon Butler, who bridges the gap between local distilleries, farms, restaurants, and other local tourism businesses for a curated experience guests will find nowhere else. With insider access and every connection, this butler will ensure guests' time in Bardstown is as immersive and effortless as possible. VIP Distillery Tours (three daily offerings, rotating among Bardstown's premier distilleries) Curated excursions to golf courses, farms, breweries and wineries Dining & Event Reservations across Bardstown and surrounding areas Custom Bourbon Experiences including private barrel tastings, speakeasy menus, and rare flight samplings Before arrival, the Bourbon Butler will check to ensure every detail is in place, whether that's an intimate tasting in the Bourbon Lounge, a therapeutic session in the Rejuvenation Room, or dinner at Oak & Ember. Adding to the exclusive appeal, The Trail Hotel will debut its own private-label bourbon and rye, available only to property guests. Hand-selected in collaboration with a renowned local distillery, this bourbon will be available for purchase and direct shipment to guests' homes and featured in special tasting experiences throughout the hotel. Elevated Food & Drink Offerings Executive chef Marvin Woods brings Kentucky's rich culinary story to life through thoughtfully crafted food and drink experiences. These include: Oak & Ember, the property's signature restaurant, offers an innovative take on Southern hospitality with a menu rooted in Kentucky tradition and a bourbon list that will impress even seasoned connoisseurs. Embers, the lobby bar, greets guests with a warm atmosphere and seating for more than 60, setting the tone for their bourbon journey. The Bourbon Lounge serves as a quiet, semi-private bourbon library for small gatherings and curated flights, while The Bourbon Vault provides an exclusive speakeasy experience hidden behind a discreet, art-adorned entrance. Outdoor relaxation meets indulgence at the poolside Swim Club Bar, while Bourbon Alley provides fireside lounges and casual bites. Meetings & Events With a Kentucky Flair At The Trail Hotel, meetings and events are infused with bourbon heritage and a mid-century modern flair. The hotel's gathering spaces can accommodate anything from small corporate retreats to grand affairs for up to 140 guests. The property features a variety of versatile indoor and outdoor venues, including lobby bar Embers, the intimate Bourbon Lounge speakeasy, and the open-air Pool Reception and Lawn spaces. Customizable meeting packages and an in-house culinary team allow events to be tailored to any need. Additional property highlights include: The Rejuvenation Room: A modern wellness retreat featuring an oxygen bar, hot sauna, cryotherapy, and IV hydration. Signature Suites: Enjoy eight luxurious accommodations with bourbon-inspired design touches. Par and Pour: This state-of-the-art, high definition golf simulator features a private bar, virtual recreations of world-famous championship courses and an in-house selection of clubs. The Reserve Room: A sophisticated private dining space accommodating up to 60 guests, perfect for meetings, receptions, private meals or curated bourbon tastings. 'We set out to create a place where the essence of Kentucky bourbon is not just tasted, but lived,' said Dan Sirrine, General Manager. 'Every detail, from our curated bourbon experiences to the warm tones and textures of the design, was made to immerse guests in Bardstown's history. The Trail Hotel is excited to welcome the world to Kentucky Bourbon Country in a bold new way.'
