Best Western General Nelson Inn

Where Friends send Friends

The Name - General Nelson

Thomas Nelson, Jr., was born in Yorktown to one of Virginia's First Families. Groomed since childhood to assume the reigns of power and place, he was a leading merchant, businessman, burgess, and member of the Governor's Council. As Virginia moved towards war, Nelson was appointed Colonel of the 2nd Virginia Infantry Regiment. In mid-1775 Nelson was elected to fill George Washington's seat in the Second Continental Congress when Washington left to assume command of the Continental Army.

The Virginia state government voted to instruct it's delegates in Congress to propose independence. Nelson carried those instructions to his colleagues in Philadelphia. He then added his name to the Declaration of Independence, signing 9 spaces directly below John Hancock. Poor health caused his later resignation from Congress.

On June 12, 1781, Nelson was elected to succeed Thomas Jefferson as governor of Virginia. Nelson was granted almost dictatorial powers due to the British invasion and the resulting military emergency. He used those powers to coordinate Virginia's defense against Cornwallis.

Nelson joined Washington and Rochambeau to besiege the British in his hometown. As commander of the Virginia militia, Nelson was in charge of one third of the American troops during the battle. A legend of the battle has Nelson offering money to the first American artillerist to hit his home. He believed British officers would be occupying the house. Evidence of the damage still exists today.

In November 1781, poor health forced Nelson's resignation as governor. The war had ruined his business, and his personal loan of over $2,000,000 to help finance Virginia's war costs was never repaid by the state. Nelson was left a poor man with a wife and 11 children. Living on the edge of poverty, he died of asthma eight years after the 1781 siege and was buried in an unmarked grave at Yorktown's Grace Church so that his creditors could not hold his body as collateral.

When asked if he felt embittered about his treatment, Nelson stated "I would do it all over again." A true patriot, willing to sacrifice his home, livelihood, and life. Nelson personified the closing words of the Declaration of Independence, upon which he fixed his signature:

"...and for support of this Declaration, with a firm relianceon the protection of Divine Providence, we mutuallypledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."

Our Hotel

Our Property

For our guests that would like to sit back and relax, we offer the use of our gazebo.

Our outdoor, seasonal heated pool with spa jets awaits our guests after a day of seeing the sights or shopping.

Our King Rooms

1 (one) King BedIron and Ironing BoardCoffee MakerBlow DryerWireless High Speed InternetMicro Fridge UnitRecliner

Our Standard Rooms

2 (two) Queen Size BedsIron and Ironing Board

Coffee MakerBlow Dryer

Wireless High Speed Internet60 plus Channel with Free HBO

Deluxe Continental Breakfast with"Make Your Own Waffle"

The Carriage Room

Whatever The Event...

...We'll Make it Memorable!

For Meetings:

The Carriage Room is ideal for business meetings. We can set up for any configuration you may need. We offer a podium, overhead projector with screen, TV with VCR and DVD player. Convenient electrical and internet hook-ups are located in the floor as well as wall sockets. Cable is available at four wall sites. High-speed wireless internet service is also available in the conference room. We can provide your business associates with water, coffee, snacks, pencils and paper for your convenience. We have full day or half day set-ups. You and your business associates may want to take a break in our gazebo or garden cove, weather permitting. Food and beverage available for breaks and full banquets. Each meeting package can be specifically designed to meet your needs. Our room is great for off-site training, union negotiations and retreats. Our trained and courteous staff will assure your next business meeting to be a success!

For Social Events:

Our meeting room is exceptional for wedding receptions, anniversary parties, weddings or baby showers. Whatever social event you are planning, let us make it memorable. The Carriage Room boasts over 2000 square feet of spacious area that can be set-up to any configuration you need. It will seat up to 142 guests banquet style and up to 310 guests theater style. The room is equipped with a built-in dance floor that will keep your guests dancing all night. We can offer the use of a full kitchen with refrigerator,

stove, microwave and all utensils. Catering and food service can be arranged for you as well as entertainment if you desire. Our gazebo or garden cove would make a lovely back-drop for pictures and provide a serene outdoor setting for your guests. We specialize in small, elegant receptions to suit the most discriminating taste.

Samuel FieldBardstown, KY

Samuels Field (designated BRY) is located two miles southwest of Bardstown on Highway 62, Boston Road. The airport has a single paved runway 5000 feet by 75 feet, designated 02/20, with a 5000-foot parallel taxiway and a connecting taxiway to the aircraft parking apron. The runway is equipped with Medium Intensity Runway Lights (MARL), Runway End Identifier Lights (REIL) and Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPI) all radio controlled at 122.80MHz. An Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) is also available on 119,925MHz or by phone at (502)348-1867. Land facilities consist of a 1600 square foot terminal and administration building, 2000 square yards of apron, a 19 unit T-Hangar, 3 conventional storage hangars, and auto parking. There is 100LL Avgas and Jet A fuel system with a 24 hour self serve credit card system.

Transportation to and from the hotel can be arranged.

For more information please call us at 502-348-3977 or 800-225-3977

Things to See and Do in and around Bardstown

Abbey of Gethsemane Visitor Center Hwy 247, Trappist; 502-549-4406. Open Mon.- Sat., 9 a.m-5 p.m., closed Sunday. The center offers displays and a video presentation about monastery life as well as a gift shop with Gethsemane Farms products. The Abbey, 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. Around the Town Carriage 223 N. Third St., Bardstown; 502-348-0331 or 502-249-0889. Open daily, 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. The carriage ride provides a slow-paced way to see the sites of historic Bardstown. We offer carriages, buggies and even a stagecoach to tour just about any size group. Bardstown/Nelson County Historical Museum114 N. Fifth St., Bardstown; 502-348-2999 Open Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (May-Oct.); Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Nov.-Apr.); Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., noon-4 p.m. (year-round). In Spalding Hall, collection 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. Variety of Historical artifacts, up to and including WWII. HA Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral310 W. Stephen Foster Ave., Bardstown; 502-348-3126. Open year round. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.; Sun., 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. 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 Sicilies) and Pope Leo XII. Donations requested. HA. Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest Hwy. 245, Clermont; 502-955-8512. Open 7 a.m. until sunset daily except Christmas and New Year's day. Free admission, Mon.-Fri.; $5 per vehicle on weekends, holidays. Renowned arboretum and 14,000-acre forest preserve with nature center, picnic areas, hiking trails and lakes. No camping, hunting or horseback riding. Visitor Center and Isaac's Cafe open daily 9 a.m. -5 p.m. Bishop Flaget Log House & St. Thomas Church 870 St. Thomas Lane, Bardstown; 502-348-3717. Open 12 p.m. - 2 p.m., May - Nov. Other times by appointment. Bishop Flaget, first Bishop of Bardstown, arrived at the house (circa 1795) in 1811 and lived there for 7 years. Now an interpretive museum, the house reflects the 1812 era. Central Kentucky Canoe & Kayak502-507-9364. Open year-round by appointment. Canoe and kayak trips and rentals ranging from one hour to multi-day. Floating fun for everyone. Moonlight float trips. Private shuttles also available. Chapeze House107 E. Stephen Foster Ave., Bardstown; 502-507-8338 or 800-704-4917. Col. Michael Masters "The Host of Kentucky" and Chapeze House (circa 1810), is your host for Kentucky bourbon tastings, afternoon tea and the Kentucky Bourbon Cooking School. Experience Chapeze House, a historic Kentucky mansion located on the Courthouse circle. Call for availability and menu. Civil War Museum of the Western TheatreMuseum Row, 310 E. Broadway, Bardstown; 502-349-0291. Open daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Mar.-Dec. One of the four-most important Civil War Museums an. Kentucky's largest collection of Civil War artifacts. Authentic uniforms, battle flags, weapons, maps and documents are on display.Four Roses Distillery624 Lotus Rd., Cox's Creek; 502-543-2264. Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-2 p.m. See bottling done by hand and smell sweet aging bourbon in white oak barrels. Gift shop and free private tours.

Heaven Hill Distilleries Bourbon Heritage Center 1311 Gilkey Run Rd., Bardstown; 502-337-1000. Open year round. Tues.- Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 12-4 p.m., Closed Sun., Jan.-Feb. State-of-the-art visitor center provides the ultimate educational and entertainment experience. Tour a working rickhouse, see a movie and receive a tutored tasting in the "Taste of Heaven" barrel-shaped tasting room. HA. Heaven Hill TrolleyOne Court Square, Bardstown; 502-510-0012. Open year round. Tour times: Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m.; Sun., Noon, 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m., except Jan.-Feb. Tour history in style; an introductory tour of Bardstown's many attractions including Heaven Hill's Bourbon Heritage Center. Historic Tom Moore Distillery- 1792 Bourbon300 Barton Rd., Bardstown; 502-348-3774. Oct-May, Free extensive tours; Jun.- Sept., Free abbreviated tours; Mon.-Fri., 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tour the best-kept secret in Kentucky at the only full distillery tour in Bardstown. Must be 21 and able to walk stairs. Reservations required.

Horizon Hoppers Adventure ServicesBardstown/Nelson County Airport, US 62 W, Bardstown; 502-507-9364. Open year round by appointment. Find out why the sky is not the limit. It is only the beginning. Full-service adventure outfitter, including chartered flights, hiking, camping and sightseeing tours. Jim Beam American OutpostHwy. 245, Clermont; 502-543-9877. Open year round. Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1-4 p.m. Closed Sun., Nov. - Mar.; New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Learn the rich heritage and modern- day production method of this 200-year-old distillery. Enjoy sampling our bourbons while viewing the Beam family home, a National Historic Site. Kentucky Railway Museum 136 S. Main St., New Haven; 502-549-5470 or 1-800-272-0152. Open Mon.- Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., Noon-5 p.m. Closed Sun.& Mon., Jan.- March. Bells, lights and steam whistles abound at Kentucky's official railway museum. Take a ride through the scenic Rolling Fork River Valley. AAA discount.

Abraham Lincoln SitesAs our nation celebrates the Lincoln Bicentennial 2008-2010, you may want to include these nearby Lincoln sites:Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site, Hodgenville. 270-358-3137 Lincoln Museum, 66 Lincoln Square, Hodgenville. 270-358-3163 Lincoln Homestead State Park, 5079 Lincoln Park Road, Springfield. 859-336-7461Sarah Bush Johnston Lincoln Memorial and Lincoln Heritage House, Freeman Lake, Elizabethtown. 270-765-2175. Maker's Mark Distillery3350 Burks Springs Rd., Loretto; 270-865-2099. Open year round. Tours hourly on the half hour: Mon.-Sat., 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30-3:30 p.m. Closed Sun., Jan.-Feb.; New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Enjoy the sounds and smells of this uniquely crafted small batch bourbon. Purchase a souvenir bottle and hand-dip it in Maker's signature red wax. Must be 21. My Old Kentucky Dinner Train602 N. Third St., Bardstown; 502-348-7300 or 866-801-3463. Year round. Fri., 5 p.m.; Sat., 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. Relive the elegance of railcar dining as you travel through beautiful Bourbon Country in Kentucky. Experience a gourmet meal, impeccable service and true Southern hospitality. Reservations recommended.

My Old Kentucky Home State Park 501 E. Stephen Foster Ave., Bardstown; 502-348-3502 or 800-323-7803. Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Dec. 23-29 and New Year's Eve and Day. Federal Hill was the inspiration for Stephen Foster's ballad, "My Old Kentucky Home," which honors the state song. Built in 1812, it is as endearing to visitors today as when Foster wrote the song. Neal Spalding Native American Museum Museum Row, 310 E. Broadway, Bardstown; 502-349-0291. Open daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Mar.-Dec. Looks at how Native Americans lived at various stages of American history. Four habitats are shown: reproduction longhouse, teepee, reed and straw house, and adobe house. Also reproduction totem poles. Old Bardstown Village Museum Row, 310 E. Broadway, Bardstown; 502-349-0291. Open daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Mar.-Dec. The Old Bardstown Village is a re-creation of a 1790's frontier village representative of the first westward movement of the nation. The cabins are 150 to 200 years old. Old County Jail 111 W. Stephen Foster Ave., Bardstown; 502-348-5551 or 800-948-5551. Open Sun.-Fri., 2-6 p.m.; Sat., 10

a.m.-6 p.m. Includes a tour of the original 1819 jail. A chilling look at conditions in this jail that was in operation until 1987.Old Talbott Tavern 107 W. Stephen Foster Ave., Bardstown; 502-348-3494 or 800-482-8376. Open daily. Built in 1779, 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. Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History114 N. Fifth St., Bardstown; 502-348-2999. Open Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (May-Oct.); Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Nov.-Apr.); Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., noon-4 p.m. (year-round). Extensive collection of the liquor memorabilia of Oscar Getz and other distillers from the 1700's to today. Includes George Washington's mill stone, prohibition prescriptions, a replica of Lincoln's Tavern in Illinois and Carrie Nation's hatchet. Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Hwy 31E/150, Nazareth; 502-348-1500. Campus open year-round, hours vary. Call for tours, retreat information and Mass hours. The perfect backdrop for spiritual walks, tours and retreats. Highlights of the scenic campus include Catherine Spalding Retreat Center, Heritage Museum, St. Vincent Church and Catherine Spalding bookshop. Springhill Winery3205 Springfield Rd./Hwy. 55, Bloomfield; 502-252-9463. You can tour the winery cellar and experience how we make our fine crafted wines, enjoy our historic display of Kentucky's wine heritage and browse the gift shop. Taste your wine selections in our tasting room or on the patio overlooking the Easter vineyards.Stephen Foster - The MusicalDrama Drive, P O Box 546, Bardstown; 502-348-5971 or 800-626-1563. 8:30 p.m., except Mon.; Sat. matinee in an indoor theater at 2 p.m. This spectacular musical, with a cast of more than 50 performers, is based on the life of America's first great composer, Stephen Foster.

Walking TourBased at the Welcome Center, One Court Square, Bardstown; 800-638-4877 or 502-348-4877. Self-guided tours of Historic downtown Bardstown. Maps available at Welcome Center. War Memorial of Mid-AmericaMuseum Row, 202 E. Broadway, Bardstown; 502-349-0291. Open daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., March-Dec. The Memorial covers all of America's wars, from the Revolutionary War to Desert Storm, with outstanding graphics and artifacts. Wickland, Home of Three Governors550 Bloomfield Rd./Hwy. 62, Bardstown; 502-348-4877 or 800-638-4877. Open May-Labor Day, Fri.-Sun., 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Self-guided architectural tour, quilt and doll exhibits. Considered one of the best Federal-style houses in Kentucky, it was built circa 1825-1828. Also, exhibits focusing on the three governors, the Civil War and black history. Wildlife/Natural History MuseumMuseum Row, 310 E. Broadway, Bardstown; 502-349-0291. Open daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., March-Dec. The museum features an extensive collection of North American animals in their natural habitat. Fossils and minerals from around the world are also featured. HA Women of the Civil War Museum Museum Row, 310 E. Broadway, Bardstown; 502-349-0291. Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m., March-Dec. The museum portrays women as nurses, spies, soldiers in disguise, plantation and factory workers. Clothing and artifacts from the era help to tell their story.

Golf Courses

Old KY Home

Woodlawn Golf Course

Needing a tee time?

Our staff will be glad to set it up for you.

Maywood

Cedar-Fil Golf Course

Best Western General Nelson Inn411 W. Stephen Foster Ave.

Bardstown, KY 40004502-348-3977 * 800-225-3977

www.generalnelson.com

Craig PelhamGeneral Manager

Jon BranhamFront Office Manager

Jewel RileyDirector of Housekeeping

Located just four blocks from downtown.