“I’m spending the night in jail, Bryan,” I said. “I’m mowing the yard,” he replied. Thankfully, with that response, I was spending the night at The Jailer’s Inn Bed & Breakfast located in Bardstown, Kentucky. Located on the ground of the original Old Nelson County Jail built in 1797, this building dates back to 1819. The “new” jail was constructed in 1874 and the original building became a home for the jail wardens and their families, who lived on site. The jailhouse is imposing, comprised of a three inch thick limestone wall, but once inside, the five rooms available for rent are furnished with cozy antiques, private bathrooms and perhaps a ghost or two.
Guests are allowed to tour the jail, left in its original state, at leisure, including solo paranormal investigations at night. The jail cells are creepy places and I received quite a shock when I walked down to one of the cells and saw a man sitting on the bunk. It turned out to be a mannequin, but the jail cells do give off a creepy vibe in the evening. For the brave of heart, one jail cell has been converted into a room that is available for rent, complete with waterbed and two original bunks, made much more cozy.
Brittany and I stayed in the family suite, assured by our friendly inn-keeper, Amanda, we were in a ‘ghost free zone.’ Our suite was located directly beside the Inn and featured two bedrooms, a private bath and a sitting room/kitchen area. I settled in for the evening and read one of the many journals written by guests to the inn. Many people described their ghostly experiences or lack of, and I recorded a journal entry into the book as well.
Each morning, while the weather is warm, breakfast is served in an alcove in the courtyard. Once the county gallows, the courtyard is a now a cheerful place with a hammock and chairs for relaxing. The alcove, once the meeting place for prisoners and their families, is now filled with a bountiful breakfast of fruit, muffins, berry french toast and a delicious Sock It To Me Cake.
After our breakfast, Amanda offered us a tour of the jail. Used until 1987, the jail featured a women’s cell, a holding cell (called the Drunk Tank) and several small cells for men. She shared the history of the jail, including the reason the jail was rebuilt with three inch limestone. I won’t share the story, but let’s just say one wife was very unhappy with her husband for being in jail.
Did we see any ghosts? No, although Brittany did ask to borrow my camera and walk to the cemetery behind the inn, where she immediately scared herself and came running back to the room. Instead, we spent a restful evening, had a delightful breakfast and learned more about the history of Bardstown. Want to learn more about Bardstown? Check out their website at www.visitbardstown.com.
Touring to such different places is always interesting & this looks like a great place to visit once. I am sure you might have had a unique experience & fun altogether.
This would be so much fun. My Sister would love to go ghost hunting with me. Your room looked so cozy.
Looks like a great place to visit! I like haunted places, this would be great!
I would love to go there! I love to go to haunted places.
This is the kind of place my husband would love to explore. He likes visiting haunted places.
I like that they serve breakfast in the alcove. Eating outside when the weather is nice makes me very happy. 🙂
Wow now this would be a fun place to visit. I love going to places like this, because I’m a huge scardey cat and this stuff is just so much fun!
I am headed to Bardstown KY in December to stay at the Shaker Village. Everyone has told me how gorgeous it is. I cannot wait!! This place looks very interesting!
That is really cool! Spending the night in jail a nice way! What were your thoughts, for instance what crimes did the people commit that were there when it was a jail?
In the early days it did contain more hardened criminals, but later it was used as the county jail and prisoners could only stay up to six months so it was more nonviolent crimes.
That was a one of a kind experience. I don’t know if I could stay there for a night. Maybe during the daytime, I could. I don’t think ghosts would follow the rules. haha.
Oh wow what an awesome sounding place to stay -I could totally see myself spending a night here. x
Ghost free zone for sure! That looks like an interesting place to stay!
Looks like a super cute place! I love places with history behind them!
Ha ha! I would have chosen the Ghost Free Zone too! Sounds like a fascinating place.
This looks like a great place to visit. The tour of the jail looks neat. I love to do tours like this when I travel.
‘Ghost Free Zone’, funny… I’ve never stayed at a place like this but I think it would be fun. I don’t believe in ghosts but… I would be nervous.
I love haunted places. I would absolutely LOVE to go there if I ever make it to that area.