The Rebirth of Bourbon: Building a Tourism Economy in Small-town, USA

by Steve Coomes, Kim Huston, Michael Mangeot

Bourbon's popularity is now a global phenomenon, but you need only look at Bardstown, Kentucky, to see its remarkable and evolving impacts. This historic city of 13,500 people is booming as a result, but it's also enduring growing pains.
The economic impacts from a massive influx of tourists to what is now America's bourbon epicenter are positive on many levels, but with those crowds comes pressure on infrastructure, services and accommodations. The demand for hotels, bars and restaurants is at an all-time high, and investors from across the globe are addressing those needs.
Still, as a two-century-old Kentucky cultural and entertainment center - long before it was discovered by bourbon drinkers - many locals want to ensure the traditional Bardstown experience doesn't disappear amid novel entertainment options.

174 pages, Paperback

Published September 4, 2020

Reviews

[Jacob Smith]

This is a great little book on the tourism industry in Bardstown, Kentucky. I enjoyed the local interviews, especially since I have met and know several of the people involved. This book needed more thought and time before publishing, particularly in the grammar area. The content is insightful and I will be recommending to other Bardstown locals.

[Michelle Scott Roark]

Steve was our tour guide in KY. Bardstown/Louisville/Lexington -best Bourbon country. Great view into the changes in the area over the years.