Getaway to Frankfort This Fall
Fall has almost arrived in Frankfort, and it might just be our favorite season. With fall comes lovely temperate days to explore the city, calm nights to indulge a glass of bourbon on the riverfront, and beautiful colors that cover the Kentucky landscape. Frankfort is full of small-town charm, outdoor adventures, and fascinating history perfect for an autumnal vacation. Whether you’re looking for a weeklong family adventure or a weekend getaway with friends, there’s no need to look further than Frankfort for your next vacation destination!
Experience Fall Colors on the Kentucky River
The Kentucky River runs right through the heart of downtown Frankfort, and if you wind along its S-shaped curves you’ll encounter some of the best parts of the city as the trees change with the colder temperatures. For an up-close look at the river’s history, hop on a double-decker boat with Kentucky River Tours to learn about the origins of bourbon and the famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail as well as fascinating stories you won’t hear anywhere else. As the only water-based bourbon tour in the nation, you can’t miss it when you come to visit.
If you prefer to cruise the river at your own pace, self-guided kayaking tours are available through Canoe KY to give you a taste of the river’s bourbon history. You might even catch a glimpse of Daniel Boone’s famous hilltop gravestone from the river!
One of our favorite ways to take it slow in the fall is to camp at one of Frankfort’s three campgrounds located around the city: Still Waters Campground & Canoe Trails, Elkhorn Creek RV Park, and Kentucky River Campground. You’ll find fantastic amenities, hiking, and swimming at all three sites. Pitch a tent under beautiful Kentucky skies or bring a camper for an extended stay.
After a day full of adventures in and around the city, nothing beats a waterfront meal. Frankfort boasts several incredible restaurants that overlook the peaceful Kentucky River. For fans of hearty pub food, Bourbon on Main is a favorite of locals and visitors alike.
Just around the riverbend from Buffalo Trace Distillery, Limewater Bistro offers delectable lunch, dinner, and drinks. You can’t visit Kentucky without trying a signature glass of bourbon, and you can find that around almost every corner. Check out our five unique distilleries — Buffalo Trace, Castle & Key, Glenns Creek, Whiskey Thief, and J. Mattingly 1845 — for delightful tastings and tours.
Bourbon on the Banks
One of the best events in Frankfort is the Bourbon on the Banks festival, always on the first Saturday in October. This year, join us on the banks of the Kentucky River at River View Park on Saturday, October 3rd for our annual ode to the bourbon industry. Over 70 distilleries are partnering with us to celebrate our favorite drink. Sample a delicious variety of bourbon whiskey, meet bourbon experts and fellow enthusiasts, and enjoy a night of great music, friends, and food. Early access begins at 1pm, and the festival will run from 2-6pm. We hope to see you at the river!
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