The small town of Bardstown, Kentucky was once an uninhabited wilderness, but in 1780, William Bard lured fellow Pennsylvanians, traveling along the Ohio River, to join him and freely settle his brother's untamed land. He offered rent-free opportunity for the duration of the American Revolution, drawing 33 settlers to clear the region and create a crude brush village called Bardstown. The people of this forested region just south of Louisville would face controversy, population decline, the turmoil of war, and the threat of Prohibition, while upholding a strong pioneer ethic and fostering ties to their unique history. Recognized as one of the best small towns in the United States, as well as the "Bourbon Capital of the World," this community has some big city renown. During the early part of the nineteenth century, Bardstown excelled in state issues, including politics, religion, education, and business. The Civil War would bring significant tensions and a decline in the town's population, but through industrial growth and the development of the lucrative distilling industry, Bardstown gained much fame. Although Prohibition proved economically devastating to many residents, Bardstown survived and grew, enjoying a strong tourist trade today with its almost 300 historic structures and the Kentucky Bourbon Festival each fall.

Why has Bardstown, Kentucky, gained national recognition as the "Most Beautiful Small Town in America"? Is it the historic sites, the bourbon distilleries, or the downtown shops? Maybe it's the colors of the tree-lined streets in the fall, the Dickensian feel downtown during the holidays, the church steeples dotting the skyline, or the bourbon warehouses peppering the landscape.Bardstown brings the town to life and takes readers from the downtown to the farmland with images of events and celebrations and many stunning never-before-published aerial views.Author Kim Huston chronicles her love affair with Bardstown in 161 poignant images from the most talented photographers who call Bardstown and Nelson County home. They capture the essence of the personality and soul of this enchanting small town and illustrate what makes Bardstown such an inviting place to spend a day or even a lifetime.