Frankfort, KY Road Trips

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. Visit Frankfort website

1 Daniel Boone's Grave at Frankfort Cemetery, 215 East Main St, ☏ +1 502 227-2403. The gravesite of Daniel and Rebecca Boone in a setting overlooking the city of Frankfort. Other notables buried in the cemetery are Presley Neville O' Bannon, first American to raise the American flag on foreign soil and inspire "The Shores of Tripoli" in the Marine hymn; artist Paul Sawyier; Joel T. Hart; Theodore O'Hara, author of "Bivouac of the Dead"; professional wrestling valet Elizabeth Hulette, better known as Miss Elizabeth; Vice President Richard M. Johnson; and 17 Kentucky Governors. 2 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 (4 m) monument was erected by the Colored Women's Relief Corps in 1924. (updated Mar 2026) 3 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. (updated Mar 2026) 4 Buffalo Trace Distillery, 113 Great Buffalo Trace, toll-free: +1 800 654-8471. Tours Monday-Saturday year-round; call for times. Buffalo Trace Distillery is on an ancient buffalo crossing that became a pathway for westward moving explorers, pioneers and settlers.

1 Josephine Sculpture Park, 3355 Lawrenceburg Rd (1/2 mi (800 m) east of Stewart Home School), ☏ +1 502-352-7082. open dawn until dusk. Josephine Sculpture Park is free and open every day from dawn until dusk. Experience our rotating exhibit of large outdoor sculptures and community artworks in the beauty of Kentucky's native, rural landscape. Enjoy the art and the outdoors on foot or on bike through artist-led or self guided tours. free. 2 Juniper Hill Park, 800 Louisville Rd, ☏ +1 502 875-8559. 18-hole golf course. 3 Lakeview Park, 112 Park Ave, ☏ +1 502 695-5870. 9-hole, Par 3 family golf course. (updated Mar 2026) 4 Cove Spring Park, 100 Cove Spring Rd, ☏ +1 502-223-6965. 6AM-9PM. 6 miles of trails and parkland encompassing springs, waterfalls, and wooded hillsides. 5 A Little Bit of Heaven, 3226 Sullivan Ln (8 miles (13 km) north of Frankfort), ☏ +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. Come have fun. (updated Mar 2026) 6 Canoe Kentucky, 7323 Peaks Mill Rd (1.8 miles (3 km) north of Frankfort), ☏ +1 502 227-4492, toll-free: +1 888-CANOEKY (2266359). Canoe Kentucky provides a network of water adventures: canoeing, kayaking, duckies, tubing, fishing, swimming, camping, hiking and caving. Canoe Kentucky's environmental/educational training division offers kayak and canoe classes with certified instructors.

1 Serafini, 243 W Broadway, ☏ +1 502 875-5599. (updated Mar 2026) 2 Cliffside Diner, 175 Old Lawrenceburg Rd, ☏ +1 502 352-2454. (updated Mar 2026) 3 Rick's White Light Diner, 114 Bridge St, ☏ +1 502 696-9104. 4 Arandas Mexican, 193 Versailles Rd, ☏ +1 502 695-4002. 5 Garcia's, 105 Brighton Park Blvd, ☏ +1 502 695-6855. (updated Dec 2021) 6 LaFiesta Grande, 1055 US 127 South, ☏ +1 502 317-0832. 7 Linney's Pizza & Pasta, 721 E Main St, ☏ +1 502 875-4685. 8 Casa Fiesta, 801 Louisville Rd, ☏ +1 502 226-5010. 9 My Guadalajara, 1232 US 127 South, ☏ +1 502 696-9164. 10 China Buffet, 1300 US 127 South, Ste 8, ☏ +1 502 226-3400. (updated Mar 2026) 11 Thai Smile, 1193 Century Plaza US 127 South Frankfort, ☏ +1 502 227-9934. (updated Mar 2026)

1 Kentucky Coffeetree Cafe, 235 W Broadway St, ☏ +1 502 875-3009. M-W 6AM-9PM; Th-Sa 6AM-11PM; Su 8AM-7PM. The Kentucky Coffeetree Cafe offers weekly live music by top regional and national musicians. Performances are typically of the bluegrass, folk, singer/songwriter, and Americana genres. Homemade soups, sandwiches, breakfast and desserts available all day, along with a wide selection of organic coffees and, wine, handcrafted cocktails, micro-brew beers. 2 Office Pub & Deli, 614 Comanche Trail, ☏ +1 502 227-9585. (updated Mar 2026) 3 Parleys Tavern, 1410 Versailles Rd, ☏ +1 502 848-9002. 4 Rose's Pub, 150 Elkhorn Ct, ☏ +1 502-352-2892.

1 The Meeting House, 519 Ann St, ☏ +1 502 226-3226. Enter a circa 1849-Civil War Home with the charm and history of yesteryear. Located in the heart of the Historic District, you'll enjoy your stay in a home rich in the history of Frankfort's political forefathers. 2 Best Western Parkside Inn, 80 Chenault Road, ☏ +1 502 695-6111, fax: +1 502 695-6112. 3 Bluegrass Inn, 635 Versailles Road, ☏ +1 502 695-1800, toll-free: +1-800-322-1802. U.S. 60. 61 rooms. Cable TV with HBO, complimentary continental breakfast, outdoor pool, senior citizen discounts, rooms with refrigerators, non-smoking rooms. 4 Capital Plaza Hotel, 405 Wilkinson Blvd, ☏ +1 502 227-5100. 189 rooms. Located Downtown, adjacent to Frankfort Convention Center. Within walking distance of KY History Center, Historic Distirict, downtown shops and restaurants. 7 executive suites. Interior corridors. Meeting and banquet facilities for 500. Covered parking. Restaurant and bar on site. Hot Breakfast Buffet. Indoor pool, sauna, exercise room and game room. 5 Fairfield Inn & Suites Frankfort, 40 Chenault Drive, ☏ +1 502 695-8881, fax: +1 502 848-0870. 6 Hampton Inn, 1310 US 127 South (I-64 at Exit 53B), ☏ +1 502 223-7600, toll-free: +1-800-HAMPTON (4267866). 123 rooms. Interior corridors. Meeting facilities for up to 80 people. Outdoor pool and exercise room. Handicap accessible. Complimentary Continental Breakfast. 7 Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, 1000 Vandalay Drive (I-64 at Exit 53B), ☏ +1 502 352-4650, toll-free: +1-888-HOLIDAY (4654329), [email protected].

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. 1 Capital City Airport (FFT IATA), US 60 West, ☏ +1 502 564-3714. General aviation. (updated Mar 2026) 2 Blue Grass Airport (LEX IATA), Man'O War Blvd (at Versailles Rd, Lexington), ☏ +1 859 425-3114. Passenger jet service. (updated Mar 2026) 3 Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF IATA) (I-264 at Exit 11 (past I-65), Louisville), ☏ +1 502 368-6524. Passenger jet service. (updated Mar 2026) There is no Amtrak service to Frankfort. Buses into Frankfort are scarce, but Blue Grass Community Action does offer limited bus service to and from Lexington. Call +1-800-456-6588 at least 24 hours in advance to reserve.

4 Enterprise Rent-A-Car, 220 Versailles Rd., ☏ +1 502 695-5542. (updated Mar 2026) Frankfort Public Transit, ☏ +1 502 875-8565. (updated Mar 2026) Blue Grass Cab, ☏ +1 502 803-1140. (updated Mar 2026)