Planning a girls’ weekend getaway to Kentucky? How does a healthy serving of relaxation at a spa, a big side of boutique shopping in a postcard-worthy historic downtown, an extra helping of scenic rolling vineyards, plus a dash of live music and artisanal candle-making, all paired with wine and fine dining, sound to you? If this is your idea of a five-star, memory-making experience, then Bardstown, KY, is a girls' trip made to order.

You may have heard that Bardstown is the Bourbon Capital of the World. But that’s not all it is. There’s a reason USAToday called it “The Most Beautiful Small Town in America” and Fodor’s named it one of “America’s Best Small Towns.”

You don’t have to love bourbon to love Bardstown. You just have to love a mix of Southern charm, fun activities, and unexpected magic. Here’s a full three-day itinerary specially curated for an unforgettable girls’ getaway.

Friday: Relaxation, Rejuvenation & Resort Vibes

Morning: Southern Fuel & Fresh Starts

  • 9:00 AM: Kick off your long weekend early at the local downtown staple Mammy’s Kitchen & Bar, an establishment that began in 1885 as a livery stable. Fuel up on pimento cheese grits, fried chicken, eggs Benedict, fluffy pancakes, and other Southern comfort classics to power your day.
  • 10:00 AM: Stroll over to the Salt N Skin spa. Drift into pure bliss with their Zen Package combining a hot-steamed Japanese head spa treatment, bourbon-infused foot scrub, and tranquil halotherapy session in an immersive salt room.
  • 1:00 PM: Drive over to Five Brothers Bar & Kitchen at Heaven Hill Distillery for a creative twist on classic deli favorites like the loaded Reubens or the perennially popular fried pimento cheese balls as you relax on the outdoor patio or rooftop deck. While you sip a perfectly prepared cocktail, enjoy the views of the historic bourbon rickhouses.

Afternoon and Evening: Swim, Soak & Celebrate

  • 1:30 PM: Transition to your weekend basecamp, The Trail Hotel. This stylish, retro-revival resort features mid-century aesthetics and a decommissioned bourbon still. Head over to the seasonal poolside bar, the Swim Club. Grab a round of expertly crafted cocktails, find a cozy corner, and enjoy the heated pool and the state's largest outdoor hot tub.
  • 7:00 PM: Walk directly into the in-house restaurant, Oak and Ember, for the best steak and burgers in town, paired with classic Old Fashioneds or scrumptious red wine.

Saturday: Historic Downtown Charms & Scenic Vineyards

Morning: Bougie Sipping & Boutique Shopping

  • 9:00 AM: Head to Fresh coffee and pastry shop in the historic downtown district. Sip a latte, an artisan cold brew, or a lavender-infused smoothie alongside fresh pastries.
  • 10:00 AM: Saunter around the historic downtown square exploring local boutiques like Cactus Annie's, Peacock on Third, and The Cozy Cottage. Downtown’s brick-façade murals, horse-drawn carriages, and nearly 200 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places make perfect backdrops for selfie sessions.

Midday: Pour a Scent, Pose in Style

  • 11:00 AM: Get crafty at Making Good Scentz where your group will mix fragrance oils, select unique glass jars, and learn candle pouring while sipping locally crafted Kentucky wines.
  • 12:00 PM: Walk 500 feet to the Scout and Scholar Brewery to enjoy a tasty lunch and craft beers brewed on the spot in an open, high-ceilinged space blending historic brick with upscale modern touches.
  • 1:30 PM: Walk 130 feet over to Bardstown Old Time Portraits. Rummage through a massive costume closet to dress up as Roaring ‘20s flappers or Wild West banditos for hilarious keepsake portraits.

Afternoon: Vineyard Tour & Wine Tastings

  • 2:30 PM: Take a scenic drive through rolling hills to visit the Springhill Bed & Breakfast / Winery & Vineyards or the McIntyre & Family Winery. At Springhill, snag a table on the patio behind the antebellum plantation manor to sample award-winning, French-inspired wines like Bourbon Bordeaux—a rich red wine aged in charred bourbon barrels. At McIntyre, settle into a welcoming, down-home atmosphere to taste signature fruit wines, including blueberry, persimmon, honeysuckle, and Clan McIntyre Port.

Evening: Gourmet Trains & Live Music

  • 5:00 PM: Board My Old Kentucky Dinner Train for an upscale, 2.5-hour evening excursion through the picturesque Bluegrass countryside. Dine on a gourmet four-course meal prepared by an executive chef inside beautifully restored 1940s vintage railcars.
  • 8:00 PM: Conclude the evening with drinks and live music at the Old Talbott Tavern, a historic landmark serving travelers since 1779. Past patrons include Abraham Lincoln, Daniel Boone, and the exiled French King Louis Phillippe. The hospitality is legendary, and live acoustic acts play every weekend.

Sunday: Grand Grounds to Great Bourbon in a Half Day

  • 8:00 AM: Get your caffeine fix and day started right at Pat’s Place with a classic cooked-to-order diner breakfast or a fresh homemade pastry like a white chocolate scone or banana nut bread French toast.
  • 8:45 AM: Head over to the My Old Kentucky Home State Park, one of America’s most iconic homes. This former plantation inspired Stephen Foster’s famous anti-slavery song “My Old Kentucky” home—Kentucky’s official anthem.
  • 11:00 AM: Make the five-minute drive to the Bardstown Bourbon Company. With its striking glass architecture and modern aesthetic, this distillery feels like a chic Napa Valley winery. Take the tour, sample the magical brown elixir, then have a local farm-to-table lunch at The Kitchen & Bar at Bardstown Bourbon Company.
  • 2:00 PM: Head home!

Your Perfect Girls’ Kentucky Weekend Awaits

Whether you're commemorating a special life milestone with your besties or just need a girls’ weekend away, Bardstown has all you need to reconnect, revel, and recharge. Book your stay today and discover the charm, flavor, and warmth of one of America’s most treasured towns.