History and bourbon lovers long ago discovered Bardstown, Kentucky. Called the “Bourbon Capitol of the World” by organizers of the annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival. First settled by European Americans in 1780, it’s one of the oldest cities in Kentucky. But long ago, the water and the climate made the perfect formula for a sort of Napa Valley for bourbon drinkers. Now it’s a sort of pilgrimage that is on many a bucket list for travelers in search of a pure Americana experience.

The town and the region is surrounded by historic distilleries like Heaven Hill Distillery, and is a popular stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

But it’s not just the bourbon that draws people to this wonderful old town. Historic preservation is on full display in the areas downtown — where hundreds of classic old homes have been restored and make up the the towns historic district. Perhaps the most famous is Federal Hill, a former plantation home build by United States Senator John Rowan in the 19th century.  Composer Stephen Foster used Federal Hill as the model for his song “My Old Kentucky Home.”  The song is the state song, and the home is now My Old Kentucky Home State Park.

Historian and author Dixie Hibbs has spent a lifetime in service to Bardstown — preserving homes and telling the stories of the community. Her book, “Bardstown,” offers readers a visual journey through the city’s evolution, featuring 190 rare photographs that capture significant events and landmarks including the Talbot Tavern built in 1779. It’s seen many famous visitors including a 5 year old Abraham Lincoln, Stephen Collins Foster and outlaw Jesse James. The legend goes, you can see bullet holes in the walls he left behind.

Visitors also come to Bardstown to see the Abbey of Gethsemani. It was opened by Trappists Monks in 1848. Perhaps it’s most famous as the home of Thomas Merton, a writer, theologian and poet known around the world. His works were read by millions, and he is fondly spoken of by Pope John Paul II, and Pope Francis who called him “One of the four great Americans who shaped values which will endure forever in the spirit of American People.” He is buried at Gethesmani.