Bardstown, KY Outdoor Activities

More than 100 plant-populated acres unfold behind the stone-fence entrance to The Arboretum, showing off ever-changing seasonal landscapes to visitors 365 days a year. Passing breezes dance over grassy fields and stir up aromas of 1,500 rosebush varieties as visitors meander past the gazebo and fishpond en route to the 1.85-acre Kentucky Children’s Garden, a hands-on, educational environment for 2- to 10-year-old horticulturists. After exploring the wetlands and fountains or checking out art exhibitions, gardening seminars, and other special events, visitors can set out on the two-mile Walk Across Kentucky, a paved botanical excursion through the seven native regions of the state, including the Appalachian Plateau and wild fried-chicken habitats.

Treetops sway gently as birds flutter over their branches, breezes waft around their trunks, and humans careen between them at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. Mammoth Cave Adventures' series of seven ziplines across two courses trail from tree to tree, each line standing slightly higher than the last as visitors decked out in helmets and harnesses speed across the cables, teeter over two skybridges, and perch on platforms between each lofty tier. Seasoned guides lead the 90-minute excursions as they spout environmental and historical trivia about the rolling hills and dense forest of the 60-acre course, which is located just outside of Mammoth Cave National Park.

The company also puts cables to exhilarating use with a Giant Super Swing, which plummets strapped-in visitors from the top of two towering hickory trees into a free-falling arc that swings 40 feet above the ground. Its new Drop Tower allows guests to experience the scenic view of Mammoth Cave National Park while dangling 70 death-defying feet above the ground. For slower-paced adventures, a stable of gentle equines ferries guests along serene trails and countryside vistas during hour-long horseback rides, which are designed for all equestrians regardless of their skill level or the number of sugar cubes in their pockets.

The saga of the world-famous Putt-Putt chain dates back to 1954, when founder Don Clayton opened his first course in Fayetteville, North Carolina. After the hole-in-one, Don started selling franchises the next year, and now his miniature empire counts the Louisville Putt-Putt Fun Center among its ranks. Three 18-hole indoor courses test mini golfers' mettle with distinct challenges and themes. On one course, a waterfall scintillates soothingly, and on another, animals stand watch and try to store errant golf balls for winter's semipermanent nap. An arcade tests hand-eye-screen coordination, and an outdoor party pavilion hosts birthday parties and events.

Two 18-hole courses form a verdant wreath around the Bardstown Country Club grounds, inviting clubbers of all stripes to drive, pitch, and putt their way across the Kentucky countryside. The Maywood Course—the club’s signature fairway chain—begins with a traditional, parkland layout before transforming into a Scottish links-inspired design on the back nine, replete with thickets of heather, subtle contours, and flagsticks bemoaning English imperialism. The ingenuity of course designer David Pfaff is on full display at the 16th hole, a 210-yard par 3 where tee shots plummet 70 feet before coming to rest on a green flanked by a pond and a stately stone wall. To prepare for rounds at the Maywood Course or its 18-hole sidekick, the Woodlawn Springs Golf Course, clubbers can pelt balls into the horizon at the grass-tee driving range or feed 9-irons a protein-rich meal at the club’s bar and grill.

The paintball player stops to think, his marker poised for battle. He planned his strategy perfectly, but he hadn't counted on the leaves. Crunching beneath his feet, they threatened to betray him at any moment. If he could just make it to the fort, he would be safe enough to come up with a new plan. At 50 yards away, there’s no sign of the enemy. At 25 yards, he’s still good. But at 5 yards, a nearby tree rustles. Mere steps away from the fort, he hears a twig break—a shout erupts, and a swarm of paintballs fills the air.

Spread across 80 acres, Conder's Paintball's fields set the stage for just such scenario games, tournaments, and parties that put players right into the action. At the facility’s urban-city field, nearby trees cast shadows over 50 buildings where players hide behind walls and prepare to attack. Two woods-ball fields take games deep into the forest, whereas an indoor arena blankets its dirt floor with inflated triangles and cylinders. Before these games, players can stop by the heated pro shop and gear up for battle with camouflaged clothing, goggles, and paintball markers or reenergize with burgers, hot dogs, and sports drinks.