Frankfort (Kentucky)



Frankfort is the capital of Kentucky. Downtown Frankfort is characterized by charismatic, old-fashioned, antebellum style buildings holding shops, cafes, restaurants and museums. A small city of about 25,000 residents, it is in the Bluegrass Region about 50 miles (80 km) from the state's largest city of Louisville and 25 miles (40 km) from Lexington.

Understand
The historic core of Frankfort is hidden in the deep valley of the Kentucky River, completely invisible to travellers on Interstate 64. Author William Least Heat-Moon once wrote about the city, "If you're ever looking for the most hidden statehouse in America, look no farther than Frankfort." The river, whose main course runs from southeast to northwest, makes a rough S-curve through the city, dividing it into four major parts:
 * Downtown — The historic business district, in the valley and north of the river (which flows east-west at this point).
 * South Frankfort — Home to the State Capitol, in the valley and south of the river; mostly residential apart from the Capitol. The governor's mansion and capitol are surrounded by floral gardens and lawns.
 * East Side and West Side (also "East Frankfort" and "West Frankfort") — The more modern areas on either side of the valley, with more shopping options.The "West side" of town has traditionally had the most concentration of modern stores, restaurants and hotels. However, companies have started to put more focus on the East side, with new shopping complexes, restaurants and attractions being completed monthly. The East side is also home to many traditional Mexican restaurants.

Tourist information

 * Visit Frankfort website

By car
I-64 connects Frankfort with Lexington to the east and Louisville to the west. US 60 (which connects to Versailles) parallels I-64 along most of its route through Kentucky. US 127 South connects Frankfort with the Blue Grass Pkwy and Harrodsburg to the south. US 127 North, a winding road, is the shortest route to Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati. US 460 offers a short route to Georgetown (the Toyota plant) and I-75.

By plane

 * Capital City Airport (FFT), US 60 West, +1 502 564-3714. General Aviation.
 * Blue Grass Airport(LEX), Man'O War Blvd. at Versailles Rd., Lexington, +1 859 425-3114. Passenger jet service.
 * Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport(SDF), I-264 at Exit 11 (past I-65), Louisville, +1 502 368-6524. Passenger jet service.

By train
There is no Amtrak service to Frankfort.

Car rental

 * Enterprise Rent-A-Car, 220 Versailles Rd., +1 502 695-5542.

Bus

 * Frankfort Transit, +1 502 875-8565.

Taxi

 * Blue Grass Cab, +1 502 803-1140.

Cemeteries

 * Greenhill Cemetery, Corner of East Main & US 60, +1 502 564-7005. Features the only monument in the state honoring Kentucky's African American Civil War Soldiers. It is one of only four monuments in the country dedicated to African American Civil War Soldiers. The 14-ft monument was erected by the Colored Women's Relief Corps in 1924.
 * Greenhill Cemetery, Corner of East Main & US 60, +1 502 564-7005. Features the only monument in the state honoring Kentucky's African American Civil War Soldiers. It is one of only four monuments in the country dedicated to African American Civil War Soldiers. The 14-ft monument was erected by the Colored Women's Relief Corps in 1924.

Covered bridge

 * Switzer Covered Bridge, KY 1261 Switzer off US 460 East. Built in 1855, this covered bridge is the only example of a Howe Trussed bridge in the state of Kentucky. It has been restored from major flood damage, which occurred in 1997. An area by the bridge offers a peaceful place to picnic.

Government Buildings

 * Executive Mansion, +1 502 564-8004. Located across from the Capitol building and overlooking the Kentucky River is the Governor's mansion, constructed of native limestone, was modeled after the Petit Trianon, Marie Antoinette's summer villa. Tour includes the state dining room, ballroom, reception room and formal salon.
 * Floral Clock, +1 502 564-3449. Located on the West Lawn of the Capitol Grounds and planted with thousands of colorful flowering plants, the face of this clock is 34 feet in diameter.
 * Old State Capitol, Broadway and Lewis St., +1 502 564-1792. This national landmark was Kentucky's seat of government from 1831 - 1910. Greek Revival structure includes a unique, self-supporting staircase held together by precision and pressure.
 * Old State Capitol, Broadway and Lewis St., +1 502 564-1792. This national landmark was Kentucky's seat of government from 1831 - 1910. Greek Revival structure includes a unique, self-supporting staircase held together by precision and pressure.
 * Old State Capitol, Broadway and Lewis St., +1 502 564-1792. This national landmark was Kentucky's seat of government from 1831 - 1910. Greek Revival structure includes a unique, self-supporting staircase held together by precision and pressure.
 * Old State Capitol, Broadway and Lewis St., +1 502 564-1792. This national landmark was Kentucky's seat of government from 1831 - 1910. Greek Revival structure includes a unique, self-supporting staircase held together by precision and pressure.

Movies

 * Franklin Square Cinema 6, Franklin Square Shopping Center, US 127 South, +1 502 875-9000.

Scenic views

 * Scenic Overlook, Louisville Rd., US 60 West. Scenic overlook allows visitors a panoramic view of the city of Frankfort and the State Capitol, nestled in the Kentucky River valley.

Golf

 * Lakeview Park, US 460, Steadmantown Rd. & Georgetown Rd., +1 502 695-8431. 9-hole, Par 3 family golf course.
 * Lakeview Park, US 460, Steadmantown Rd. & Georgetown Rd., +1 502 695-8431. 9-hole, Par 3 family golf course.

Horseback riding

 * A Little Bit of Heaven, US 127 North, +1 502 223-8925. Guided trail rides and horse rentals for all levels. Picnic sites, hayrides, indoor classroom and restroom facilities. Cold drinks and snacks available. Various lesson packages for children and adults. 8 miles north of Frankfort. Come have fun.

Downtown

 * Gibby's, 212 W. Broadway, +1 502 223-4429.
 * Serafini, 243 W Broadway, +1 502 875-5599.
 * Serafini, 243 W Broadway, +1 502 875-5599.

South Frankfort

 * Capital Annex Cafeteria, Capital Annex Bldg., +1 502 564-3142. M-F, 7AM-2:15PM.
 * Cliffside Diner, 175 Old Lawrenceburg Rd, +1 502 352-2454.

West Side

 * China Buffet, 1300 US 127 South, Ste 8, +1 502 226-3400.
 * Thai Smile, 19 Century Plaza, +1 502 227-9934.
 * China Buffet, 1300 US 127 South, Ste 8, +1 502 226-3400.
 * Thai Smile, 19 Century Plaza, +1 502 227-9934.

Pubs

 * Office Pub & Deli, 614 Comanche Trl., +1 502 227-9585.
 * Office Pub & Deli, 614 Comanche Trl., +1 502 227-9585.

Campgrounds

 * Kentucky River Campground, 1489 Steele Branch Rd. off US 127 North (6 miles north of Frankfort), +1 502 227-2465. Features electric and water hookups, primitive camping, and bathhouse, 25-ft barbecue pit, two shelter houses, cable TV, RV supplies, propane gas, sewer hookups to all campsites, Kentucky River boat ramp, fishing, playground and laundry facilities.
 * Kentucky River Campground, 1489 Steele Branch Rd. off US 127 North (6 miles north of Frankfort), +1 502 227-2465. Features electric and water hookups, primitive camping, and bathhouse, 25-ft barbecue pit, two shelter houses, cable TV, RV supplies, propane gas, sewer hookups to all campsites, Kentucky River boat ramp, fishing, playground and laundry facilities.
 * Kentucky River Campground, 1489 Steele Branch Rd. off US 127 North (6 miles north of Frankfort), +1 502 227-2465. Features electric and water hookups, primitive camping, and bathhouse, 25-ft barbecue pit, two shelter houses, cable TV, RV supplies, propane gas, sewer hookups to all campsites, Kentucky River boat ramp, fishing, playground and laundry facilities.