A fall getaway in Bardstown, Kentucky can bring together bourbon, historic places, time outdoors and an evening at our inn. At Bourbon Manor, we recommend choosing one main outing each day and leaving room to enjoy the town together. Our historic bed and breakfast gives you a place to return to, with breakfast for overnight guests and The Bunghole Bourbon Lounge onsite.

Use these eight ideas to plan your visit, then compare our guest rooms and check dates for your fall stay.

Fall planning details checked October 5, 2026. Event dates below are for 2026; confirm schedules and tickets with each operator before traveling.

Eight ways to enjoy a fall getaway in Bardstown

1. Make time for a walk at Bernheim. Bernheim Forest and Arboretum in Clermont offers trails, gardens, lakes and art in a forest setting. Choose a route that suits your pace and check its current visitor guide for seasonal hours and admission. Fall color depends on weather and timing; plan for the walk itself rather than a promised peak-foliage date.
2. Check the current ColorFest dates. Bernheim lists ColorFest for November 7–8, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. This is a ticketed event with music, nature activities and vendors. It is a separate option from an ordinary trail visit, so use the event page for its own ticket details.
3. Choose a Kentucky Railway Museum excursion. The Kentucky Railway Museum in New Haven offers several train experiences. Compare the route, duration, departure time and age requirements for the particular ride you want. Museum opening hours and train departures are different schedules; confirm a departure before building your day around it.
4. Plan a meal aboard My Old Kentucky Dinner Train. My Old Kentucky Dinner Train departs from Bardstown and lists lunch, dinner and specialty excursions. Choose your date and experience on its booking calendar. The operator asks guests to arrive about an hour before departure, so leave that time free instead of scheduling another tour immediately beforehand.
5. Explore Bardstown’s museums. The museum campus on East Broadway includes Civil War exhibits, the Women’s Civil War Museum, the General Hal Moore Military Museum and Old Bardstown Village. Its published 2026 schedule lists daily opening from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October 27, then weekend opening during November. Check the current calendar for your exact date, especially around that seasonal change.
6. Reserve a bourbon distillery experience. Start with our Bardstown distillery guide, then check the individual distillery’s current tour choices and ticket availability. For a relaxed couples’ weekend, we suggest one main tour and time for lunch or another interest. Arrange transportation before any tasting, and allow for check-in and travel between stops.
7. Browse the downtown Arts and Crafts Festival. The 45th Annual Bardstown Arts and Crafts Festival is scheduled for October 10, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and October 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bardstown Main Street lists more than 250 artists’ booths and free public admission. If your visit falls on another weekend, explore downtown shops instead; the festival dates do not apply throughout fall.
8. Leave an evening for our lounge. The Bunghole Bourbon Lounge at Bourbon Manor welcomes overnight guests and the public, except during special events and private rentals. We offer over 100 bourbons and a gift shop. Regular lounge visits do not require reservations. Check our current hours and event closures, and plan dinner separately: we do not serve meals in the lounge.

How to choose your fall weekend plans

Choose an outing around the experience you both want, rather than trying to fit everything into one day.

• For time outdoors: choose Bernheim, with a route and weather forecast that suit you.
• For history: compare the museum campus with a mansion tour at My Old Kentucky Home. Check current admission and tour information before setting out.
• For a planned meal and excursion: consider the dinner train, allowing time for early arrival.
• For a festival weekend: match your travel dates to the official event dates above before making arrangements.

A comfortable place to return to

Our ten individually furnished guest rooms offer different bed, bath and access arrangements. Use our stay-planning page to compare a selection, then read the full room descriptions before choosing. Breakfast is included for overnight guests. For an additional treat, explore our spa and ask about current appointment availability.

Our guest FAQs cover practical questions before you arrive. When you are ready, check availability and book directly with Bourbon Manor. We look forward to helping you plan your time in Bardstown.