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Nelson County residents and visitors enjoy a wide range of cultural activities from the oldest monastery to historical museums, environmental research, and galleries for our working artists.
The Abbey of Gethesamani, founded in 1848 by the Order of Trappist Cistercians, is home today to Trappist monks who open doors to spiritual seekers from all over the world. Basilica of St Joseph Proto-Cathedral, the first Catholic cathedral west of the Allegheny Mountains, the church was built in 1816-1819. This historic edifice contains fine paintings, gifts of Francis (King of the two Siciles) and Pope Leo XII. Built in 1779, Old Talbott Tavern is the oldest Western stagecoach stop in America. The historic stone building has been a silent witness to an amazing panorama of events and an unending parade of visitors from kings to pioneers and presidents to renegades.
Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest is located just north of Bardstown on Highway 245, in Clermont, Kentucky. This renowned arboretum and 14,000-acre forest preserve offers learning opportunities at the nature center, and recreation at the picnic areas, hiking trails and lakes. And, America's favorite outdoor musical is in Nelson County, Stephen Foster-The Musical. Travel back in time to the 1850's and hear the classic tunes of America's first great composer. Breathtaking costumes! Timeless music! Beautiful outdoor setting in My Old Kentucky Home State Park! During the summer months, the amphitheater is also host to a variety of outdoor concerts by nationally renowned artists and musicians.
Nelson County is home to several museums. Experience a self-guided architectual tour of Wickland-Home of Three Governors. Considered one of the best Federal-style houses in Kentucky, it was built about 1825-1828. Exhibits focusing on the three governors, the Civil War and black history are also available. In Spalding Hall(circa 1820), the Bardstown/Nelson County Historical Museum houses an extensive collection that includes an original porcupine-quill-decorated Indian coat and one of the first Kentucky long rifles made in Bardstown by renowned gunsmith, Jacob Rizer (circa 1835). Kentucky's largest collection of Civil War artifacts, authentic uniforms, actual battle flags, weapons, maps and documents are on display at the Civil War Museum of the Western Theatre. Bells, lights and steam whistles abound at Kentucky's official railway museum, the Kentucky Railway Museum in New Haven. Take a ride through the scenic Rolling Fork River Valley or dine on the 1940's vintage dining car. Wildlife/Natural History Museum features an extensive collection of North American animals in their natural habitat. Fossils and minerals from around the world are also featured. The Women of Civil Ware Museum portrays women as nurses, spies, soldiers in disguise, plantation and factory workers. Clothing and artifacts from the era help to tell their story. Also found on Museum Row is the Pioneer Village is a reproduction of a colonial village, with original cabins from the county that date from 1776 to 1820. The guide will explain each cabin, such as the Wheel Wright Shop, the Forge and Still House. Most recently added is the fascinating American Indian Museum.
And don’t forget the Distilleries, perhaps Nelson County’s most famous claim to fame as the Bourbon Capital of the World! See bottling done by hand and smell sweet aging bourbon in white oak barrels at Four Roses. Ride the Heaven Hill Trolley for an introductory tour of Bardstown’s many attractions and then visit the Bourbon Heritage Center to tour a working rickhouse. The Jim Beam American Outpost offers bourbon tastings, plus the Beam family home, a National Historic Site. Makers Mark, that famous red wax advertiser, offers guided tours through the plant and a chance to hand-dip your own souvenir bottle. The Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History has an array of memorabilia belonging to Oscar Getz, former owner of Barton's Distillery. Other liquor memorabilia dating from the 1700's to the present include Washington's millstone, a replica of Lincoln's general store, a moonshine still, Carrie Nation's hatchet and more.
But there is more than bourbon here, Kentucky’s revival in the art of winemaking is also thriving in Nelson County. At Springhill Winery, you can tour the winery cellar and experience how we make our fine crafted wines, enjoy the historic display of Kentucky's wine heritage and browse the gift shop. Taste your wine selections in the tasting room or on the patio overlooking the Easter vineyards.
Nelson County is home for a wide variety of artists, craftsmen, antique dealers and fine art galleries. Working artists include painters, potters, sculptors, woodworkers, and musicians. Bardstown Art Gallery is the home of Jim Cantrell, a noted painter who has participated in over 200 solo, group, and juried exhibitions. He has been the recipient of many awards, including two fellowship grants from the Kentucky Arts Council and from the Southern Arts Federation. Mary Hagy Fine Art Gallery is another gallery that features local and nationally renowned artists. Schafer Gallery is our newest addition to the arts community. Kathy Schafer, owner of Schafer Gallery & Studio, specializes in portraiture while also exhibiting works by over 25 other skilled local and regional artisans including paintings, ceramics, textiles, photography, baskets, jewelry and more.
Studio 2 is a tiny loft located upstairs at an intersection in the heart of small-town America. You can drive by and see works in progress standing in the windows. You can walk in the door most weeknights and find people painting, conversing, laughing, consoling, advising, encouraging, engaging and, in some cases, escaping everyday life. Studio 2 is largely a place without pretensions because the philosophy here is that art is part of life and the ability to create makes other aspects of life more complete. Another working studio is Clay Café which offers classes in ceramics and pottery and features a gallery of work by local potters.
Music and drama are also thriving in Nelson County. The Bardstown Community Theatre hosts a variety of productions each year with local actors of all ages producing delightful entertainment. Several musicians make their home in Bardstown, including the Zarb Brothers, Bardstown Suzuki Music Academy, Country Cookin Band. And did we mention the Stephen Foster Drama?
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