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There are many places throughout Kentucky where you can step back in time and experience life as it was hundreds of years ago. One of the most fascinating places to do so is The Old Talbott Tavern in Bardstown. While widely known as a bar and restaurant, this historic structure from the late 1700s is also one of the oldest hotels in Kentucky… and one of the most haunted.

The Old Talbott Tavern dates back to the 1700s when visitors would arrive on foot or on horseback, looking for a place to stay and eat. In many ways, the purpose of this tavern has stayed the exact same, and since it still operates as a bed and breakfast, it is likely the oldest hotel in Kentucky.
TripAdvisor/Thomas B
Many famous - and infamous - people are said to have visited Talbott Tavern over the years. It's now a popular dining destination for visitors to Bardstown and locals, but much about this stone tavern hasn't changed.
Facebook/The Old Talbott Tavern
Whether you spend the night or simply enjoy a meal here, there is evidence of Old Talbott Tavern's past all throughout the building. It has been wonderfully preserved, creating a unique and historic experience for every guest.
Facebook/The Old Talbott Tavern
Given the welcoming nature of the Tavern and its long history, it's not surprising that the hotel and restaurant are filled with ghost stories. Several locals and visitors have shared very specific stories of seeing orbs moving, flashes of light, furniture moving, and other evidence that former guests have chosen not to leave.
TripAdvisor/Buschman81

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Each of the six rooms available within the historic tavern are named after someone who has visited in the past - and you’ll definitely recognize them. The Lincoln Room, The Jesse James, and The Daniel Boone Room are three of the most popular.
TripAdvisor/Shelly I
The rooms are decorated with antique pieces and period decor. If you choose to stay in the Jesse James Room, be on the lookout for his ghost, as his is one that many visitors claim to witness.
TripAdvisor/management
If you want to stay in the heart of the town and near the Old Talbott Tavern, but hope to avoid the ghostly visitors, try the Talbott Inn. This is a sister property to the tavern, located in a nearby 1913 building, and offers the perfect combination of history and modern appeal - without the ghosts.
Facebook/The Old Talbott Tavern
But if you want the true, historical experience - and rest your head alongside many of Kentucky's most famous spirits - then book a room at The Old Talbott Tavern. Keep in mind that the atmosphere below the rooms can be lively (especially on the weekends), but also know that the ghostly activity in the guest rooms may be just as lively as the festivities in the tavern.
TripAdvisor/Repsol_SP

We are lucky that this 1700s building has been maintained and used for the same purpose as it was originally intended. When you book a stay at the historic bed and breakfast within The Old Talbott Tavern, don’t be surprised if one of those original guests pays you a ghostly visit. Have you ever spent the night at Kentucky’s oldest hotel? Are you be brave enough to try? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

The Old Talbott Tavern is located at 107 W. Stephen Foster Ave., Bardstown, KY 40004. For more information, visit its website here.

And for more on the history of the tavern side of this historic destination, check out our previous article here.

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