Bardstown Walk, All Food Included

Bardstown Bourbon & Food Tour runs through Taste of Bardstown. Rated 5.0 across 23 reviews. Runs 3 hours. From $130.

Overview

This is a full-food walking tour of downtown Bardstown, not a tasting crawl with a few crumbs. The operator warns guests to arrive hungry, and the route covers four local spots over about one mile and three hours, starting at 1:00 p.m. from the Taste of Bardstown Market at 212 N. 3rd St. Every guest also receives a gift bag with bottled water.

The walk moves through historic streets and landmarks while a local guide tells stories about the town's bourbon and food culture. Stops include Scout & Scholar Brewing Co., Talbott Tavern, Mr. Tubs and time in Bardstown itself, with samples of regional dishes, handcrafted treats and local bourbon or bourbon-inspired drinks along the way. All food and drink in the program are covered by the tour price, though anything extra guests order at a stop is on their own.

It suits adults who want an introduction to Bardstown built around food, drink and local history. The group is capped at ten, the route is wheelchair accessible, and reviewers repeatedly describe guides as knowledgeable, friendly and full of local history. One reviewer suggests it as a strong first activity in town, a way to get a lay of the land and where to eat. Participants must be 21 or older.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Taste of BardstownMeet at the Taste of Bardstown Tour House, 212 N. 3rd St. in Bardstown, next to Kreso's Restaurant. The tour starts at 1:00 p.m.
2. Scout & Scholar Brewing Co.A 30-minute stop at the brewery, with admission included. Free municipal parking is available in the lot across from Scout & Scholar Brewery at 112 W. Flaget St.
3. Talbott TavernA 30-minute stop at this historic tavern, with admission included.
4. Mr. TubsA 30-minute stop at Mr. Tubs, with admission included.
5. Downtown BardstownA 30-minute stretch through Bardstown itself, free to enter, taking in historic streets and landmarks.
6. Tour ends downtownThe walk finishes at 104 N. 4th St., near free municipal parking in the lot across from Mr. Tubs Cocktail Lounge.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points, drawn from the listing and from what travellers report, help this tour go smoothly.

• Come hungry. The operator is blunt that this is not a small bites tour. Reviewers back that up, calling the portions good sized and the food generous. Skipping lunch beforehand is a reasonable plan.
• Pace and fitness. The route is about one mile over three hours. Several reviewers describe the pace as perfect and the walk as easy. Most travellers can participate, according to the listing.
• Group feel. The tour runs with a maximum of ten travellers. A group of nine seniors reported no trouble and a great time, and reviewers describe it as a great way to see downtown with fun locations.
• Guides and history. Guides are named often in reviews, but names cannot be promised in advance. Across many reviews, travellers praise guides as knowledgeable, friendly and full of stories about Bardstown, bourbon and Kentucky whiskey. One reviewer suggests asking about anything related to Kentucky whiskey.
• Extra orders. Food and drink in the tour program are included, plus a gift bag with bottled water. Alcoholic beverages beyond the included pours are listed as not included, so anything extra ordered at a stop costs more. Budget a little if more sampling appeals.
• Getting there. Free municipal parking sits at 112 W. Flaget St., across from Scout & Scholar Brewery, and free street parking is available on 3rd Street. The meeting point is near public transportation as well. Arrive a bit before the 1:00 p.m. start.

Common issues. The tour requires a minimum number of travellers; if that minimum is not met it can be cancelled, with a different date, a different experience or a full refund offered. Poor weather can also cancel it, again with a rebooking or refund option. Changes and cancellations by guests are only accepted up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. The 21-plus rule and the 1:00 p.m. afternoon start may not suit every schedule.

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