We like to call our capital city, sandwiched between rolling hills and the Kentucky River, “Kentucky Distilled.” That’s a reference to our long distilling history, beginning with Buffalo Trace, the nation’s oldest continuously operating distillery and that Frankfort represents the best of Kentucky. Since its founding more than 200 years ago, four other distilleries have opened, and now Frankfort’s air is scented with a yeasty perfume.
We are known for more than a single spirit, however. The following itinerary gives visitors a taste not only of bourbon, but of our historic sites, attractions and natural beauty as well as our exciting food and beverage scene.
Breakfast Suggestions:
Early risers can start their morning with a jolt of caffeine, whether at local favorite Kentucky Coffeetree Café, or one of Frankfort’s newer establishments, Engine House Coffee, housed in the city’s former fire station.
Follow that with a full breakfast at one of our 1950s-style diners, Main Street Diner or Cliffside Diner, where you might think you’ve stumbled onto a set from “Happy Days.” For the fluffiest biscuits in town, check out Melissa’s Family Diner, and if you are a fan of breakfast all day, you’ll love Tammy’s Diner.
For breakfast on the go (as we know you have places to go and things to see), grab a hand-crafted croissant from Andy’s Artisan Bakery or a decadent donut from B’s Bakery.
Morning Activities:
Take your cue from Jimmy Buffett’s theory that “it’s 5:00 somewhere.” No need to wait for 5:00 Eastern Time to see how bourbon is made and sample a flight at one of our distilleries. If you haven’t made a reservation for the tour at Buffalo Trace, you might still be in luck. Check in with the info desk to see if there have been any cancellations for that day.
If there haven’t, you’re still in luck as that means you can check out one of the other distilleries. Castle & Key, formerly the Old Taylor Distillery dates back to 1887, and impresses with its Scottish castle décor and sunken gardens, while nearby Glenn’s Creek occupies what was once Old Crow Distillery. More recent additions to the city’s distilling scene are J. Mattingly Distillery and Whiskey Thief, the oldest craft distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
Lunch Suggestions:
A number of restaurants with varying menus will have you spoiled for choice in selecting a lunch stop. If you haven’t had enough bourbon, opt for Bourbon on Main (especially in nice weather, when the double-deck patio is open) which has 300 bourbons on its drinks menu – any one of which would make an excellent pairing for a Dragon Burger or Kentucky Hot Chicken Sandwich.
Local’s is just what its name suggests – a local favorite grocery store/pizzeria combination; Mami Monchita’s is a family-run restaurant serving Honduran specialties, and the Sage Garden Café is a pretty addition to the lush landscape at Wilson Nurseries.
Afternoon Activities:
There’s a lot to do in the capital city – specialty walking tours and hiking trails; museums and historic houses; breweries and wineries and a selection of water-based activities. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Free tour of the Kentucky Capitol Building, where you should take special note of the impressive dome modeled after that at Les Invalides, the Paris burial place of Napoleon Bonaparte. Don’t leave without checking out the Floral Clock with its seasonal plantings.
- Liberty Hall Historic Site is a National Historic Landmark with two elegant houses (one of them comes complete with the Gray Lady ghost) and four acres of gardens.
- Capital City Museum. What this quirky museum lacks in size, it more than makes up for in the breadth of its exhibits, including the replica of the death room of a former Kentucky governor felled by an assassin’s bullet shortly after his election.
- Downtown Shopping Spree. Frankfort has a surprising number of specialty shops for a small town. Poor Richard’s Bookstore is a bibliophile’s dream; Completely Kentucky is a showcase for the state’s folk artists and artisans; Broadway Clay not only sells pottery, but encourages visitors to make their own, in The Linen Closet you’ll find beautiful home furnishings, and River City Provisions has lots of Frankfort themed gifts as well as sundries.
- Take to the Water with activities on the Kentucky River and Elkhorn Creek. Lovers of bourbon and river lore can book the only boat-based bourbon tour in America, with Kentucky River Tours or, if you prefer a do-it-yourself experience, kayak, canoe, raft or standup paddleboard Elkhorn Creek courtesy of Canoe Kentucky.
Dinner Suggestions:
Serafini’s is Frankfort’s longest standing fine dining restaurant and continues to be a favorite with those who want to combine a classical Italian menu with a view of the Old Capitol Building, beautifully lit at night.
If Serafini’s is one of the oldest restaurants, Cypress & Oak is one of the newest additions to the city’s dining scene. Located in the Delegate Hotel, it’s a throwback to classic steakhouses of the 1940s and 1950s, with a lively bar specializing in craft cocktails.
The Limewater offers fine dining in a historic Victorian mansion overlooking the Kentucky River. It has a small but sophisticated menu, elegant craft cocktails and a wide veranda for sitting and watching the river roll by
Late Night activities:
Frankfort used to be a roll up the sidewalks kind of place when it came to nightlife. No longer. Whether you’re looking for a cozy pub, neighborhood tavern or elegant cocktail bar, we’ve got you covered.
Don’t leave town without stopping for a nightcap at Capital Cellars, Frankfort’s only combination restaurant/bar/wine, beer and spirits retailer. Raise your glass in a toast to the Old Sod at Dicey Riley’s Pub or at Mortimer Bibbs Public House where a centerpiece of the décor is a chandelier made of 13 Jameson whiskey bottles. Join locals at Brick Alley, a neighborhood bar with live music on the weekends. Finally, try “The Frankfort,” the city’s signature cocktail, while educating yourself on the finer points of bourbon or the curated list of classic cocktails at the House of Commons: A Bourbon Library.
Stay overnight!
The Delegate is a boutique hotel in a restored 1879 Italianate building that combines timeless tradition with contemporary cool. Its sister property, The Ashbrook in the historic district, was once the home of Buffalo Trace founder E.H. Taylor. His 19th century mansion has been converted into a gracious 14-room boutique hotel.
The St. Clair is an example of the new trend of keyless hotel properties which makes guests feel as if they have a home away from home. Its amenities include Howser Tavern, a casual bar/bistro and a secret speakeasy available to hotel guests.
The Meeting House, a four-room bourbon-themed bed and breakfast, is within walking distance of downtown museums, historic sites, one-of-a-kind shops and locally owned restaurants.
Elkhorn Creek RV Park is a different kind of accommodation for those who bring their campers along for the ride. With 1,500 feet of frontage on Elkhorn Creek, the RV park provides 115 sites with easy access to kayaking, canoeing and fishing.
Hours of operation and offerings can change, so confirm details and options before you arrive.
