Available seasonally April – October, 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Frankfort, Kentucky’s capital, is a city with a long and storied past, much of it still on display today. For a hassle-free way of exploring it, grab a seat on the downtown trolley for a hop on/hop off experience. A knowledgeable driver will tell you all about the historic homes and buildings, some of which date back to the 18th century.
But before getting started, you’ll want to fuel yourself. Grab a table at B’s Bakery or the Engine House Coffee Shop for a breakfast croissant, muffin or one of their sinfully delicious signature donuts. Or for a full breakfast, head down to Main Street Diner where the coffee’s always hot and the vibe is always the 1950s.
Afterward, make your way to the Visitors Center for a warm welcome and to board the trolley just across the street. See schedule here.
First Stop – the Capitol Building. Disembark for a complimentary guided or self-guided tour of Kentucky’s beautiful capitol building. Stand in the rotunda and admire statues of famous Kentuckians and murals illustrating the state’s historic events. Afterward, stroll the landscaped grounds and snap a selfie in front of the famous Floral Clock, whose face is planted with flowers and plants native to the commonwealth.
After leaving the capitol complex, the trolley makes a sweet stop in every sense of the word. Rebecca Ruth Candy Tours & Museum offers a behind-the-scenes peek at the making of Kentucky’s favorite confection.
If you’ve never had a bourbon ball (chocolate bonbon infused with bourbon), you’re in for a treat here in the city where they were first created in 1919 by two innovative schoolteachers Rebecca Gooch and Ruth Booe. We’re betting you can’t eat just one, but no worries as someone else is doing the driving.
After time spent in the museum and gift shop, hop back on the trolley for a trip downtown. If you get off at the corner of Broadway and St. Clair, you’ll be in the middle of everything.
For shopping, there’s Poor Richard’s Bookstore, a bibliophile’s dream; Completely Kentucky, where folk art is raised to another level, Broadway Clay, for artisan pottery, The Linen Closet, River City Provisions and many other shops all with in a few blocks on Broadway, main St. and St Clair St.
Hungry yet? Downtown has dining options galore – Serafini with its Italian menu and view of the Old Capitol Building; Brown Barrel/Blind Harry’s, one of Frankfort’s newest eateries; Goodwood Brewing where you can enjoy your beer on the river terrace, or if you prefer a bourbon flight with your burger, Bourbon on Main.
After lunch take the Colonel E.H. Taylor audio walking tour. Colonel Taylor (narrated by local historian Russ Kennedy), a revered figure in 19th century bourbon distilling, uses wit, charm and tall tales to give walkers a view of Frankfort history and Kentucky bourbon.
If you prefer striking out on your own, we suggest the self-guided Public Art Walk featuring a large collection of sculptures and colorful murals, all within a few blocks.
Head back to the Visitors Center to board the trolley for a trip out to Buffalo Trace Distillery. Located on a trail where buffalo once roamed (hence the name), Buffalo Trace is the oldest continuously operating distillery (since 1858) in Kentucky, and the most award-winning. Tours are complementary but require reservations. Tastings are also complementary and do not require a reservation.
Hours of operation and offerings can change, so confirm details and options before you arrive.
