Day 1
Get a good start with a canoe or kayak adventure along one of Frankfort’s two major waterways. Canoe Kentucky, one of the commonwealth’s largest outfitters, can set you up for a half-day or full day, guided or unguided trip along the Kentucky River or secluded Elkhorn Creek. This is a perfect way to relax and experience Frankfort’s natural environment.
After a tour of our waterways, you’ll be ready to take your tastebuds on a journey. Whether it’s a pizza at Local’s, an insanely good burger at Brown Barrel, or Italian fare at Serafini’s (which comes with a view of the Old State Capitol), you’ll enjoy the flavor of Frankfort.
Once you’ve refueled, it’s time to take a hike…we have plenty of options. Cove Spring Park has a hiking/walking trail that takes you through a natural wooded habitat. The 240-acre nature preserve is a tapestry of wetlands, streams, springs, waterfalls and forested ravines.
If you’re up to something a bit more strenuous, hike up to Leslie Morris Park on Fort Hill. Not only will you have a scenic overlook of downtown Frankfort, but an opportunity to see two Civil War earthen forts and the Sullivan House Interpretive Center.
If you’re interested in Kentucky’s native flora and fauna, a visit to Salato Wildlife Education Center is just the ticket. Bobcats, bison, birds and a living bee tree are but a few of the more than 40 species that call the center home. Other options include a hike on one of the scenic trails, angling in two fishing lakes, and an interactive presentation in one of the center’s classrooms.
After an active day of hiking, canoeing, kayaking or fishing, it’s time to spruce up for dinner. Will it be a table overlooking the river at Bourbon on Main or cocktails on the porch (also overlooking the river) at the Limewater Bistro? A sizzling steak at Cypress & Oak in the Delegate Hotel or the cuisine of Honduras at Mami Monchita’s? Check out our dining page for more Frankfort favorites.
Day 2
This morning head back to the river on America’s only bourbon-themed boat tour. Take your seat on Kentucky River Tours’ Bourbon Boat and learn the important role the river played in the development of Frankfort’s bourbon industry.
No bourbon tour is complete without a visit to Buffalo Trace Distillery, the oldest continuously operating distillery in America. Sniff the yeasty perfume as you tour the warehouses where Kentucky’s signature spirit is made – on the tour, you’ll learn that even the angels get their share. Afterward, enjoy a curated tasting. Both tastings and tours are free; reservations are required for tours.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Limewater Bistro, as it is just a short distance from Buffalo Trace.
Save the afternoon for outdoor activities at your own pace. Wander through Josephine Sculpture Park where 70 pieces of contemporary art dot the landscape, consisting of 30 acres of walking paths crisscrossing native meadows. A bonus, especially if you have kids with you, is that many of the pieces in the rotating exhibit encourage hands-on exploration.
After leaving the sculpture park, head for Frankfort’s newest outdoor attraction, West Sixth Brewery Farm. Tour the inner loop of the 120-acre property, and see the taproom, hop yard, and cider and berry orchard. Learn about how agriculture and beer go hand-in-hand (with a craft beer in your hand, of course). The grounds are also home to a mixed-use trail system for moderate mountain biking, trail running and hiking.
Check out the farm’s calendar for special events throughout the year.
Save the evening for a pub-crawling tour at HOC: A Bourbon Library, Mortimer Bibb’s Public House and Dicey Riley’s Pub.
Day 3
Start the morning off with breakfast in a converted fire station at Engine House Coffee. Enjoy guilt-free organic and fair-trade coffee and tea and community-sourced pastries.
Don’t linger too long over that second cup of coffee, however, as a final day of outdoor adventure awaits at Juniper Hill Park (open March – November).
Pick your favorite activity – will it be a round of golf on the 18-hole course? Maybe a hotly contested game of beach volleyball on one of two lighted sand courts? Tennis, anyone? If yes, there are four lighted courts; if no, you might opt for one of the three horseshoe pits, the rock-climbing wall or seasonal water park complete with lazy river. Should you be in the mood for a picnic to round out your outdoor experience, Juniper Hill has two shelters equipped with electricity and grills.
