“Summertime and the living is easy”….. those aren’t just the words of a song from the modern opera “Porgy and Bess.” They are words dear to the heart of all who revel in the myriad pleasures summertime brings.
Sunny days, balmy nights; time spent outdoors in pursuit of favorite activities; concerts under the stars; dining on patios and decks. Who doesn’t love the sun-kissed and starlit pleasures of summer?
We certainly do in Frankfort and here are five reasons why.
1. Hike in Cove Springs Park:
Cove Springs Park is a 240-acre paradise, a lush tapestry woven from forest, wetland, streams, springs and waterfalls with nearly seven miles of hiking trails cutting through this certified nature preserve.
Cove Springs is divided into three recreational areas – the lower cove, upper cove and wetlands whose trails are designed for both serious and casual hikers (some trails are handicapped accessible), and also for cyclists, bird watchers, plant enthusiasts and those who just want to recharge their spiritual batteries.
Shorter trails – Raceway Spur, Sky Trail and Meadow Ledge Upper Trail – are less than a mile in length, making them good choices for those with kids and pets in tow.
Longer trails (from 1.4 to 1.9 miles) are the Lower Holly Loop, Holly and Osage Loop and the Boardwalk and Creekside.
2. Canoe and Kayak on Elkhorn Creek:
Most visitors to Frankfort discover the Kentucky River which flows through the city quickly enough, but what about its other water source, the more secluded Elkhorn Creek.
Elkhorn Creek is not your usual “fishin’ crik” sometimes not much larger than a standard bath tub. This creek is 99 miles long and runs through four Kentucky counties. The best way to see the Franklin County portion is to rent a kayak from Canoe Kentucky which has been taking water-loving visitors on canoe and kayak adventures since 1981.
They can opt for the paddle adventure of their choice, from leisurely navigation to adrenaline boosting. They can choose to go in groups or individually, with or without a guide. But be aware – Elkhorn Creek is a natural body of water which means lots of twists and turns, pools and ripples. Not to worry, however, as safety is always paramount at Canoe Kentucky.
About their experience, many visitors said they felt as if they were paddling in a wilderness even though they were just a short distance from downtown Frankfort.
Indeed, some even chose to extend their peaceful stay on the creek with an overnight on its banks at Elkhorn Creek RV Park.
3. Dance to a free Concerts Under the Stars:
Nothing says summer like spreading a blanket on the lawn and listening to the music of the night. Frankfort’s Summer Concert Series kicked off May 29th on the expansive lawn of the historic Old Capitol Building, but there’s much more to come.
In addition to the twinkling stars and the occasional firefly (or lightning bug, as we call them here in the South), there are performances in a variety of musical genres.
June 12th – Will Padgett Trio Band and Sam Williams (son of Hank Williams Jr.)
June 26th – Locals Night hosted by Nate Jones
July 3rd – Liberty Hall-er America 250 Festival Featuring: The Local Honeys and Cole Chaney
July 10th – Joslyn and the Sweet Compression
July 24th – Reggae Night in partnership with Tahlsound Music Festival Featuring: Rik Jam
August 7th- Magnolia Boulevard
4. Bourbon Belle:
Interested in a bourbon tasting with a twist? That’s just what you will get with a tasting aboard the Bourbon Belle, the double- decker boat that is the newest vessel of Kentucky River Tours.
Learn all about the area’s rich bourbon culture (Frankfort’s Buffalo Trace Distillery is the oldest continuously operating distillery in Kentucky) while cruising the historically important Kentucky River.
Speaking of history, you’ll learn plenty as you cruise past the shells of buildings, the remains of earlier distilleries, and hear stories of the region dating back to the days of Daniel Boone. You’ll see the spectacular river palisades (and maybe an eagle if it’s the breeding season).
Every cruise is a new adventure, but some things remain constant: the first sip of a smooth, silky Kentucky bourbon; the tales of how that bourbon became one of the state’s signature industries, and why this river cruise is one of Frankfort’s most popular attractions.
5. Dining With a View:
Summer is the best time to enjoy a meal with a view at one of Frankfort’s riverside restaurants.
Bourbon on Main is a downtown restaurant with an expansive outdoor patio overlooking the river, but what may be even more noteworthy is that the bourbon menu is larger than the food menu.
Perched on a cliff directly below the Kentucky Governor’s Mansion, the Cliffside Diner rocks a 1950s vibe with its tile floor, booths and counter seats. Try the Cliffside Burger or the open-faced roast beef sandwich said to have been the favorite of a former Kentucky governor. Note: Because the river is below the diner and across the street, it’s only visible in the winter when the leaves are off the trees.
Celebrate summer on the large porch at Limewater Bistro where you can relax with a tall, cold one and watch the river roll by. You may become so enthralled with the view that you’ll opt for having your dinner al fresco as well.
Finally, you’ll have to travel to the county line between Franklin and Woodford counties to reach The Stave where the water view isn’t the Kentucky River but Glenn’s Creek, a major reason for the bourbon distilleries in the vicinity. Along with the pastoral setting, the Southern specialties with a twist are the main draw at The Stave. Where else can you get a fried bologna sandwich with house made chow-chow?
