With the holidays nearly upon us, one festive Kentucky town to check out is Bardstown. The second oldest city in Kentucky, Bardstown is located in Nelson County within an hour’s drive from both Lexington and Louisville. The historic downtown area is a great place to do some holiday shopping, and Christmas ‘Round Bardstown festivities are held almost daily through the first week in January. Some of the notable events and attractions include holiday tours of homes, Santa’s workshop on the square, a North Pole express train ride, and candlelight tours. 
(Photo courtesy of www.visitbardstown.com)

One of the main features of Bardstown and a great place to visit during the holiday season is My Old Kentucky Home State Park, where Federal Hill Ð the inspiration behind Stephen Foster’s “My Old Kentucky Home” Ð is located. Below is an excerpt about Federal Hill from Patti Nickell’s Horse Lover’s Guide to Kentucky:
 
“As the story goes, Foster was so moved by the grace and charm of the house and the lifestyle of antebellum Kentucky that he penned what has arguably become the most famous state anthem Ñ “My Old Kentucky Home.” For a century and a half, the plaintive words of longing from someone far, far away for his homestead have brought tears to the eyes of Kentuckians at events ranging from the Kentucky Derby to University of Kentucky football and basketball games. In 1928 the state legislature voted to make “My Old Kentucky Home” the commonwealth’s official song.
The sun is still shining brightly on My Old Kentucky Home, thanks to a nearly $1 million renovation. The house’s exterior has retained its elegant, classical appearance; the formal gardens remain the same, as do the outdoor kitchen, carriage house, and Judge Rowan’s law office, where his law classes were interrupted by frequent mint julep breaks