Weird places to stay, should that be the goal, means forgetting the predictable plush interiors of a chain hotel. For travelers seeking an experience as memorable as the destination itself, consider some delightfully quirky overnight options that will not compromise comfort and will keep the stories flowing. From sleeping in a bourbon barrel in Kentucky to bunking down in a floating tent, these unconventional lodgings promise a story to tell long after check-out. They’re a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most extraordinary journeys begin with an equally extraordinary place to stay.
Weird Places to Stay: Kentucky’s Bourbon Barrel Beds
In the heart of Kentucky’s Bourbon Country, amidst rolling hills and the fragrant aroma of aging whiskey, a new breed of accommodation has emerged: the bourbon barrel retreat. Forget standard rooms; at Bourbon Barrel Retreats, guests bed down inside giant, repurposed bourbon barrels, a fitting tribute to the region’s liquid gold.
Located between Bardstown and Lawrenceburg, this unique property, conceived by Tony and Christina Happeny, offers nine barrel-shaped cabins, each a cozy 300-square-foot haven. “We call them modern-rustic-cozy,” says Tony Happeny. “They’re bigger than everyone anticipates—the ceilings are 10 feet tall.” Inside, curved wooden walls embrace a king-size bed, a kitchenette, and a well-appointed bathroom. Seven of the barrels even boast private outdoor hot tubs, perfect for a relaxing soak under the Kentucky stars.
The Happeny’s, veterans of unique lodging experiences (they previously created a glamping site with geodesic domes near Nashville), envisioned Bourbon Barrel Retreats as a way to elevate the visitor experience in this bourbon-soaked region. “We wanted to elevate the experience for visitors in this region, and came up with the idea of bourbon barrels,” Tony explains. “At that point, it was just a concept, no one had done it, so we couldn’t just copy something and run with it. We built a prototype to test the dimensions and be sure it was weatherproof.” Their gamble paid off. The retreats have become a popular destination, drawing bourbon aficionados from across the country. So popular, in fact, that a new onsite restaurant and whiskey tasting room is slated to open in the summer of 2025. This addition will allow guests to savor special pours, including the retreat’s own custom bourbon release, without ever leaving the property. “People especially enjoy gathering around our communal firepits in the evening with a bottle or two they picked up along their journeys,” Tony says. “They share their bourbons—and their opinions.”
Bourbon Barrel Retreats’ prime location, central to 20 distilleries, including industry giants like Buffalo Trace, Four Roses, Heaven Hill, Wild Turkey, and Woodford Reserve, can be overwhelming for visitors. To streamline the experience, the retreat offers a complimentary concierge service. This personalized service crafts daily itineraries encompassing distillery tours, tastings, meal reservations, and even excursions beyond bourbon, such as visits to Kentucky’s renowned thoroughbred farms.
Beyond the Barrel: A Coast-to-Coast Collection of Cozy, Weird Places to Stay:
While Bourbon Barrel Retreats offers a taste of Kentucky’s unique charm, a broader exploration of America’s unusual accommodations reveals a diverse landscape of quirky stays.
Artful Abode: Unleash your creativity at the Angad Arts Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri. Guests can choose from rooms designed to evoke different creative states of mind, and the hotel showcases a rotating collection of art exhibitions and performances.
Aurora Adventures: Witness the magic of the aurora borealis from the comfort of an igloo at Borealis Basecamp in Fairbanks, Alaska. These geodesic igloos offer luxurious amenities and stunning views of the Northern Lights.
Cave Comforts: One weird place to stay for subterranean slumber is the Beckham Creek Cave in Parthenon, Arkansas, offers a four-bedroom lodge nestled within a cave. With a waterfall in the living room and stalactites and stalagmites adorning the ceilings, this unique accommodation blends natural beauty with modern comforts.
Delta Dreams in a Sharecropper’s Shack: The Shack Up Inn in Clarksdale, Mississippi, provides a glimpse into the region’s rich musical history. Guests can strum a guitar on the porch of a restored sharecropper’s shack, the kind of dwelling that nurtured the talents of music legends like Ike Turner, Buddy Guy, and B.B. King.
Floating Fantasy: For a truly unique experience, try the floating cabins at Float-Troy in Troy, Ohio. These tent-covered rafts, anchored in the Miami River, offer a tranquil escape surrounded by nature.
Jailhouse Jitters: For a playful twist on accommodation, the Jailhouse Historic Inn in Preston, Minnesota, allows guests to spend the night in a converted jail. Themed rooms, including the Cell Block Suite and the Drunk Tank, offer a lighthearted take on incarceration.
Lighthouse Living: Experience the solitude of a lighthouse keeper at the Borden Flats Lighthouse in Fall River, Massachusetts. This off-grid adventure offers a glimpse into the lives of those who maintained the lighthouse between 1881 and 1963. Guests are boated to the lighthouse and left to their own devices, free to birdwatch, read, and soak in the tranquility of the sea.
Native American Hospitality: The View Hotel in Monument Valley, Utah, owned and operated by the Navajo Nation, offers breathtaking views of the iconic sandstone formations. Each room features a private balcony, perfect for stargazing in the clear desert sky.
Riding the Rails to Rest: In Indianapolis, the Crowne Plaza Hotel at Union Station offers guests the chance to sleep in a stationary 1920s Pullman train car, a nostalgic nod to the golden age of rail travel. The experience evokes the charm of overnight journeys in a bygone era. For West Coast travelers, the Featherbed Railroad in California’s Lake County wine region offers a similar experience, with lakeside cabooses boasting luxurious goose-down bedding.
Teepee Time: Embrace the kitsch at the Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino, California. These Algonquin-style teepees, a Route 66 icon, offer modern amenities with a touch of retro charm.
From bunking in a bourbon barrel to burrowing under a burgeoning borealis, America’s weird places to stay offer a refreshing alternative to traditional hotels. They’re a reminder that travel is not just about the destination, but also about the journey, and sometimes, the most memorable journeys begin with the most unusual of stays.
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