Visit Frankfort, KY! Frankfort is the state capital and has an impressive number of attractions for a small city. T large dome of the Capitol building on the hill, overlooking the quaint neighborhood of South Frankfort, will remind you of the US Capitol in Washington DC. On the grounds of the Capitol is the Governor’s Mansion with its beautiful gardens, the famous floral clock and an abundance of walking paths.

Just down Capital Ave. on Second Street find Rebecca Ruth Candy Factory. Creator’s of the world famous bourbon ball chocolates, this sweet stop is always a hit! Tour this family run business and see chocolates being made by hand, with the same techniques as when they began in 1919. Samples are given during the tours, so make sure and stay for a taste!

Wander onto Broadway Street in the heart of the historic downtown district. Shop for interesting books, antiques, KY crafts, wine, jewelry and Celtic treasures in more than 14 shops. Have a bite to eat at one of the 9 restaurants and cafes featuring tasty dishes made with local ingredients. Sample some delicious ice cream, regionally roasted coffee and Kentucky wines. If you are in Frankfort on a Friday evening between May and October, stay for the free concerts on the lawn of the Old State Capitol. Featuring local bands these musical nights are a fun way to enjoy this special town. Otherwise, there is live music most evenings at many downtown venues.

 To take in the history of the area, stop by the Center for KY History. Featuring the Kentucky Experience, an interactive and interpretive journey through the natural and social history of the state, it is a wonderful place for people of all ages. They offer kids programs, family history workshops, and a museum theater. Their genealogy library is open to the public for research and their 1792 gift shop has many quality Kentucky souvenirs.

Just across the street, find the Capital City Museum. This unique site offers interesting displays  – all pertaining to the history of the City of Frankfort. They also offer walking tours of Frankfort and seasonal specialty tours of the area. In October, the Murder and Mayhem tour gives visitors an eerie trek through darkened alleys and streets and presents spooky facts about events in the capital city. Another great stop for the history buff is Liberty Hall Historic Site. The original home of John Brown, Kentucky’s first senator, and his son, Orlando, they are decorated with antiques owned by four generations of Brown’s that lived in the houses. On the grounds is a formal boxwood garden with three acres of beautiful perennials and annuals.

For a unique taste of the town, visit Buffalo Trace Distillery. The most award-winning distillery in the world, they proudly hold the title of the oldest continually operating distillery in the country. A trip to Buffalo Trace offers visitors a taste of history, heritage, and of course, fine Kentucky bourbon.  

If adventure and nature suit you, there are two great places for your visit. Salato Wildlife Education Center located three miles west of Frankfort offers hiking trails, fishing, and exhibits featuring live native plants and animal of the state. Or check out Canoe KY, along  Elkhorn Creek. They offer canoe and kayak trips on the creek that range from serene to adventurous and are a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty of the area.