"I Live in Balltown, Ky! Yall Com" Bardstown by massageman

If you like old world charm then this would be a fairly nice place to visit. Bardstown was founded by The Biard Family in 1775. Lot's of changes over the years, but the local Historical Society is working hard at keeping this place as antique as possible and still make a buck! It is without a shadow of a doubt a full fledged Tourist Town. I hate to stand in the way of progress, but there is a few changes that I would love to see happen here. One is, I think the Courthouse and surrounding blocks should restrict, (totally ban), any vehicles over 2 tons. The roar of the big trucks viberate the the windows of these old building and that really twists you right out of the peace and serenity of trying to escape to another time. Dispite the obvious flaws it is nice, still. A Wonderful place to visit! Many places to go see, like the old courthouse in the center of the old part of town, west on the court square is the old, (rebuilt, due to a nasty fire in 98), Talbot Tavern- most famous for being one of the first and biggest slave auction houses east of the Mississippi, [that was then], now it's just a great pub for catching brow-raising stories, elbow bending some local brews, getting your picture taken by tourist, watching the world go by, and later listen and dance to some, maybe not so local band, music that could remind you of something else. [I have actually played back up fiddle in a band there myself. A "fiddle" is just a country version of the violin.] A tobacco spit to the west next door is the Old Nelson County Jail. It even has stocks in the front yard. if'n ya dont no what a stock is, com' on over to stik youl head in an get real nice photy graf to sho the folks back home! The Jail is now converted to a "bed-n-breakfast" Inn. The bars are still there to give you the feel of what it must have been like... I had the misfortune of spending over eight hours there against my will years ago and you don't want to know what it was like! Back east and on down the hill is the world famous Stephen Foster Musical, (use to be called The Stephen Foster Story for nearly 40 years), located in the J. D. Talbot Amphitheater, out doors for us back woods folks. Then just a few blisters away in the northerly direction is three stores that have been in operation for many, many years. The buildings are somewhat modern. You will do good to stop by and get some grub. Onward and upward is the Civil War Museum. The history buffs will enjoy this place and hopefully something for everyone else too. On up the hill turning west is a dedication to the Veterans. It has bricks in the ground with the names of folks from here that have served our country. If you stop by see if you can find my brick! Next, from there you will find Bardstown's first indoor theater. Maybe, it will be completely renovated when you visit. I forget the name, but I have been by there thousands of times. Funny how you tend to take town with a blind eye when you live here. You know like you do your own home town. Which I guess is why you like to travel and be a tourist! Traveling back into town there are lot's of shops to visit for local artistry, crafts, and goodies to eat. The real thickin' stuff you only splerge for when you are away from home, routine and can worry about dieting later, kind of stuff. You know the "GOOD STUFF"! This is very tourisy town and it promices to have something for everyone. Depending on the time of year you might find exactly what you have been yerning for. There is plenty to walk and see right around the few blocks of the courthouse, but you may have to get back in the horseless carage to venture on out to the bigger, fancier, more modern parts of the city. On out of town, north on 31E, (which is 3rd street), you will find The Dinner Train. I have not been on it, (yet), but it is billed as the cream of the fancy. It is a bit pricey for me which is part of the reason I have not been. I hear that the moonlight ride is to die for. Well maybe not, I have not been there and done that yet.
It is always growing and yes we have major chain stores like Kroger, Winn Dixie and Save-a-Lot for those who just have to have milk and the like from "a real store"! Oh, yeah there is a Wally-World. Also, there is a place geared for taking the kids to eat and play inside, very modern and has a "all you can eat". I will get back to you on this one.
Well, I could go on and on, (and I will later), but I have to go for now. Anyone who lives here or has visited please feel free to drop me a line to help with the mistakes...LOL! Anywhen, Have A Great Day! Catch Ya Later, John