Frankfort

Frankfort is the capital of Kentucky, a small city of about 25,000 residents nestled in the deep valley of the Kentucky River in the Bluegrass Region. Located about 50 miles from Louisville and 25 miles from Lexington, Frankfort is characterized by charismatic, old-fashioned antebellum buildings holding shops, cafés, restaurants, and museums. The historic core is hidden in the river valley, completely invisible to travelers on Interstate 64 — author William Least Heat-Moon once called it "the most hidden statehouse in America."

The Kentucky River makes a rough S-curve through the city, dividing it into four parts: Downtown (the historic business district north of the river), South Frankfort (home to the State Capitol), East Side, and West Side (more modern areas with shopping and dining). Frankfort enjoys a moderate Bluegrass Region climate with warm summers and mild winters. The city is the heart of bourbon country, home to Buffalo Trace Distillery, the oldest distilling site in the United States.

By Plane

Capital City Airport (FFT) handles general aviation. Blue Grass Airport (LEX) in Lexington, about 25 miles east, and Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF), about 50 miles west, both offer commercial passenger jet service.

By Train

There is no Amtrak service to Frankfort.

By Car / Road

I-64 connects Frankfort with Lexington to the east and Louisville to the west. US 60 parallels I-64 along most of its route. US 127 South connects with the Blue Grass Parkway and Harrodsburg. US 127 North is the shortest route to Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati. Limited bus service is available via Blue Grass Community Action (☎+1-800-456-6588, call 24 hours in advance).

Frankfort Public Transit (☎+1 502-875-8565) offers local bus service. Blue Grass Cab (☎+1 502-803-1140) provides taxi service. Enterprise Rent-A-Car (220 Versailles Rd, ☎+1 502-695-5542) is available for car rental. The historic downtown is walkable.

• Buffalo Trace Distillery — 113 Great Buffalo Trace, toll-free ☎+1-800-654-8471. Tours Monday-Saturday year-round. The oldest distilling site in the United States, on an ancient buffalo crossing. Features 12 of the largest fermenters in the industry and a four-story still tower. Free tours.

• Kentucky State Capitol — 700 Capital Ave, ☎+1 502-564-3449. Completed in 1910, Beaux Arts design with 70 columns, decorative murals, and the First Lady Doll Collection.

• Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History — 100 West Broadway, ☎+1 502-564-1792. 12,000 years of Kentucky history, including the Old State Capitol and Old State Arsenal.

• Old Governor's Mansion — 420 High St, ☎+1 502-564-3449. The oldest official executive residence still in use in the U.S., home to 33 Kentucky governors from 1798-1914.

• Liberty Hall Historic Site — 218 Wilkinson St, ☎+1 502-227-2560. Federalist-style mansion of Kentucky's first senator, with the largest formal boxwood garden in Kentucky.

• Daniel Boone's Grave — Frankfort Cemetery, 215 East Main St, ☎+1 502-227-2403. Gravesite overlooking the city, along with 17 Kentucky Governors and other notables.

• Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial — Coffee Tree Rd. Names of all Kentuckians who died in Vietnam etched in granite beneath a memorial sundial.

• Floral Clock — Capitol Grounds, ☎+1 502-564-3449. A 34-foot diameter clock face planted with thousands of colorful flowering plants.

• Switzer Covered Bridge — KY 1261 off US 460 East. Built in 1855, the only Howe Trussed bridge in Kentucky, restored after 1997 flood damage.

• Distillery Tours — Buffalo Trace Distillery offers free tours. The distillery sits on an ancient buffalo crossing and has been distilling for over two centuries.

• Downtown Walking Tour — Explore the antebellum architecture and hidden charm of the river valley downtown.

• Berry Mansion — 700 Louisville Rd, ☎+1 502-564-3000. Georgian Revival mansion built in 1900 by a prominent distiller, with an elaborate Gothic Revival music room.

• Zeigler House — 509 Shelby St. Frank Lloyd Wright's only house built in Kentucky, a 1910 prairie-style residence.

Frankfort's dining scene features Southern and American cuisine in historic settings. Budget: Local cafés and delis in the downtown area. Mid-range: Restaurants along Broadway and Main Street offering regional specialties. Upscale: Fine dining in restored historic buildings with bourbon-paired menus.

As the home of Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort is at the heart of bourbon country. The distillery tasting room offers samples of some of Kentucky's finest spirits. Local restaurants feature extensive bourbon selections. The city is in Franklin County, which allows alcohol sales.

Budget: Motels along the I-65 corridor and in nearby Versailles, $60-90/night. Mid-range: The Capitol View Hotel and historic inns in the downtown area, $90-140/night.

Downtown Frankfort offers antique shops, boutiques, and local specialty stores along Broadway and Main Street. The distillery gift shops at Buffalo Trace and other nearby distilleries sell branded merchandise.

• Lexington (25 min east) — Horse Capital of the World with Keeneland Race Course.
• Louisville (50 min west) — Kentucky Derby, bourbon district, and cultural attractions.
• Versailles (15 min west) — Woodford Reserve Distillery and historic downtown.
• Berea (1 hr southeast) — Arts and crafts community with Berea College.