Frankfort, Kentucky

By plane

• Capital City Airport, US 60 West, (502) 564-3714. General Aviation.
• Blue Grass Airport, Man’O War Blvd. at Versailles Rd., Lexington, (859) 425-3114. Passenger jet service.
• Louisville International Airport, I-264 at Exit 11 (past I-65), Louisville, (502) 368-6524. Passenger jet service.

By train

There is no Amtrak service to Frankfort.

Get around

Car Rental

• Budget Rent-A-Car,1070 Versailles Rd., (502) 695-4189.
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car, 220 Versailles Rd., (502) 695-5542.

Bus

• Frankfort Transit, (502) 875-8565.

Taxi

• Blue Grass Cab, (502) 682-3393.
• Capital City Cab, (502) 875-5078.

See

Cemeteries

• Daniel Boone’s Grave at Frankfort Cemetery, 215 East Main St., (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"; Vice President Richard M. Johnson and seventeen Kentucky Governors.
• Greenhill Cemetery, Corner of East Main & US 60, (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 recently restored from major flood damage, which occurred in 1997. An area by the bridge offers a peaceful place to picnic.

Distillery

• Buffalo Trace Distillery, 1001 Wilkinson Blvd., (502) 223-7641. Buffalo Trace Distillery is located on an ancient buffalo crossing that became a pathway for westward moving explorers, pioneers and settlers. Distilling began here over two centuries ago, making it the oldest distilling site in the United States. The distillery boasts 12 of the largest fermenters in the industry, and a four-story still tower.

Government Buildings

• Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, 100 West Broadway St., (502) 564-1792. Short walk includes 167,000 square foot Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, plus two National Historic Register treasures---the 1830s Greek Revival Old State Capitol and the 1850s Old State Arsenal. 12,000 years of rich Kentucky history, inspiring architecture, exhibits and collections examining Kentucky's culture, politics and military history.
• Executive Mansion, (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, (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.
• Kentucky Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, Coffee Tree Rd. Overlooking the city, the names of all Kentuckians who died in Vietnam are etched in granite beneath the memorial sundial, with the point of the gnomon’s shadow actually touching the veteran's name on the anniversary of his death. Recognized as one of the most original and unusual memorials in the nation.
• Old Governor's Mansion, 420 High St., (502) 564-3449. The oldest official executive residence in the U.S. still in use. The federal mansion was home to 33 Kentucky governors from 1798-1914. Seven U.S. presidents visited. The official residence of the Lieutenant Governor.
• Old State Capitol, Broadway and Lewis St., (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.
• Kentucky State Capitol, Capital Ave., (502) 564-3449. Completed in 1910, the Beaux Arts design features 70 iconic columns, decorative murals and sculptures of Kentucky dignitaries. Also, the First Lady Doll Collection, changing history and culture exhibits are featured on the first floor.

Historic Homes

• Berry Hill Mansion, 700 Louisville Rd., (502) 564-3000. Built in 1900, by George Franklin Berry, a prominent distiller, this Georgian Revival mansion is situated on a bluff overlooking the State Capitol. The most outstanding feature is an elaborate music room built in Gothic Revival style with pipes rising behind an intricately carved oak grill, with a massive cathedral organ. Wood carvers spent two years carving ornamentation for this one room.
• Liberty Hall Historic Site, 218 Wilkinson St., (502) 227-2560. Liberty Hall (1796) is the Federalist style mansion of Kentucky's first senator, John Brown. This architectural masterpiece from Kentucky's first decade is lavishly decorated with local antiques owned by four generations of Browns that lived in the house. The grounds contain the largest formal boxwood garden in Kentucky with nearly three acres of beautiful, perennial and annual borders.
• Orlando Brown House, 218 Wilkinson St., (502) 227-2560. The Greek-Revival Orlando Brown House, built in 1835, is the residence designed by Kentucky's most famous architect Gideon Shryock. It is splendidly furnished with antiques owned by the three generations of the Brown family that lived there until 1954.
• Zeigler House, 509 Shelby St. Frank Lloyd Wright, recognized as the greatest American architect, designed his only house built in Kentucky for the Rev. Jesse R. Zeigler. The 1910 prairie style house, now completely restored by Jane and Jim Brockman, has a lighted stained glass case surrounding the fireplace at the ceiling, the only one designed by Wright during his prairie period.

Movies

• Brighton Park Cinema, Brighton Park, Versailles Rd., (502) 695-3247.
• Franklin Square Cinema 6, Franklin Square Shopping Center, US 127 South, (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.

Wildlife Viewing

• Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary, 1305 Germany Rd., (859) 873-5711. Observe wildlife at our biodiverse bird blind, hiking trails, and numerous events. Operated by the National Audubon Society, our fields, forests and wet areas are a haven for birds, mammals and wildflowers. Hiking trails meander about this 374 acre nature center nestled along the Kentucky River.
• Salato Wildlife Education Center, 1 Sportsman's Ln., (502) 564-7863. An educational center with interactive and interpretive exhibits featuring native plants and animals. Scheduled wildlife education programs for children and adults are offered year round.

Do

Golf

• Juniper Hill Park, 800 Louisville Rd., (502) 875-8559. 18-hole golf course.
• Duckers Lake Golf Course, 421 Duckers Rd., (502) 695-4653. 18-hole championship golf course.
• Lakeview Park, US 460, Steadmantown Rd. & Georgetown Rd., (502) 695-8431. 9-hole, Par 3 family golf course.

Guided Tours

• Frankfort Guided Tours, Capital City Museum, 325 Ann St., (502) 696-0607. Frankfort has over 70 historic sites to visit. Visitors may enjoy an entertaining and intriguing historic downtown Frankfort. Guided walking tours begin at The Capital City Museum. Reservations Required. You can also enjoy small group tours in a minivan. Driver-guide is an experienced history professional. Tours can accomodate up to five people.

Horseback Riding

• A Little Bit of Heaven, US 127 North, (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. Located 8 miles north of Frankfort.

Water Activities

• Canoe Kentucky, 7323 Peaks Mill Rd., (502) 227-4492 or (800) K-CANOE-1. Located 8 miles north of Frankfort, 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. Guided or self-guided canoe trips and raft rentals available over mild whitewater Class I and II, depending on the stream.

Learn

• Kentucky State University, East Main St., (502) 597-6000. KSU is a small, unique liberal studies university founded in 1886. Hume and Jackson Halls are on the National Register. Jackson Hall contains a public art gallery which features exhibits by KSU students and the Center of Excellence for the Study of Kentucky African Americans. Blazer Library contains over 350,000 volumes, has a special African-American collection, and is open to the public. KSU has facilities available for meetings and conferences. Athletic events, concerts, art exhibits, theater productions and public lectures are available to the public.

Buy

• Completely Kentucky, 237 Broadway, (502) 223-5240 or (800) 457-1990. Completely Kentucky is proud to offer the work from over 450 of Kentucky's best artisans. We buy directly from the artists, so we know each personally. We have one of the largest selections of Kentucky arts and crafts and Kentucky gourmet foods. Every item in our store is made by one of Kentucky's finest cooks, artisans, or craftspersons.
• Jessie's Art Gallery, 39 Fountain Place, (502) 227-2495. Jessie's feature collectible reproductions of original oil paintings by America's finest Artists. In this secure site you will find Signed and Numbered Limited Edition Prints and Canvases, along with a large collection of the most popular Open Edition Prints available.
• The Leroy Galleries, 333 West Broadway, (502) 223-9946. The Celtic Gift Shop is Frankfort's home for Celtic Gifts from Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. We offer many products that reflect this unique heritage, including a selection of Celtic china, food items, jewelry, silk & wool scarves, hats, sweaters, baby clothes, and music CDs and tapes — plus Scottish clan badges, kilt pins, etc. We also offer rugs, wall hangings, table runners, and table mats woven in washable cotton to the Tartan of your choice.
• Rebecca-Ruth Candy & Factory Tours, 112 East Second St., (502) 223-7475 or (800) 444-3766, [14]. Rebecca-Ruth Candy is world famous as the "Originators of Bourbon Candy."® This business was co-founded in 1919 by two ladies, Rebecca and Ruth, at a time when few women ventured into business. Today Ruth Booe’s grandson is owner and operator of this unique confectionery landmark. Factory tour highlights include free samples, educational video and an antique cooking furnace with hand stirred copper kettles. Rebecca-Ruth makes over 100 varieties of confections and mail orders candy worldwide.

Eat

Downtown

• Acapulco's Mexican Restaurant, 865 Wilkinson Blvd., 226-3525.
• Capital Annex Cafeteria, Capital Annex Bldg., 564-3142. Mon-Fri, 7AM-2:15PM.
• Cliffside Diner, Old Lawrenceburg Rd., 223-3173.
• The Terrace, 405 Wilkinson Blvd., (Capital Plaza) 227-5100.
• East Side Diner, 859 E Main St., # D, 227-1868.
• Gibby's, 212 W. Broadway, 223-4429.
• Glen Willis Tea Room & Fine Dining, 900 Wilkinson Blvd., 875-1111.
• Jim's Seafood, 950 Wilkinson Blvd., 223-7448.
• Kentucky Coffeetree Cafe, 235 Broadway, 875-3009.
• Linney's Pizza, 717 E Main St., 875-4685.
• Marshall's Backstretch Diner, 232 W. Main St., 223-5006.
• Melanie's On Main, 238 W. Main St., 226-3322.
• Nema's Grille, 334 St. Clair St., 227-3456.
• Serafini, 243 W Broadway, 875-5599.
• St. George and the Dragon, 103 West Main St., 875-9300.
• The Cheesery Deli, 34 Fountain Place, 223-7648.
• Tink's BBQ & Outdoor Cafe, 329 St. Clair St., 227-0075.
• White Light Diner, 114 Bridge St., 223-0900.

East Side

• Arandas Mexican, 193 Versailles Rd., 695-4002.
• Brando's Restaurant, 3710 Georgetown Rd., 695-0078.
• China King Buffet, 268 Versailles Rd., 695-8055.
• China Wok, Eastwood Shopping Ctr., 695-9388.
• Garcia's, Brighton Park.
• LaFiesta Grande, 314 Versailles Rd., 695-8578.
• Linney's Pizza & Pasta, 717 E Main St., 875-4686.
• Office Pub and Deli, 614 Comanche Trail, 227-9585.
• Pizza Inn, 302 Versailles Rd., 695-4102.
• Rose's Pub, 150 Elkhorn Ct., 695-3853.

West Side

• Adelia's Bakery & Cafe, 1140 US 127 South, 227-9492.
• Applebee's, 1389 US 127 South, 875-6117.
• Brando's Restaurant, 1227 US 127 South, 875-4400.
• Candleberry Tea Room 1500 Louisville Rd., 875-0485.
• Casa Fiesta, 801 Louisville Rd., 226-5010.
• Chili's Grill & Bar, 345 Leonardwood Dr., 223-0810.
• El Rio Grande, 1232 US 127 South 696-9164.
• Fazoli's, 365 Leonardwood Dr., 875-5990.
• Frisch's Big Boy, 1302 Old Lawrenceburg Rd., 227-7915.
• Johnny Carino’s Italian, 1303 US 127 South, 223-4401.
• Longhorn Steakhouse, 101 Westridge Dr., 875-1500.
• Miss Ramey’s Tea Room, 76 C Michael Davenport Blvd., 875-1236.
• New China, 1309 US 127 South, Ste 8, 226-3400.
• O'Charley's, 325 Leonardwood Dr., 223-3282.
• Panera Bread, 101 Westridge Dr, 223-2224.
• Pizza Hut, 1241 US 127 South, 875-5405.
• Qdoba Mexican Grill, 1303 US 127 South Ste. 401, 227-3100.
• Shoney's, 1239 US 127 South, 223-8719.
• Steak 'n' Shake, 335 Leonardwood Rd., 875-0200.
• Super Buffet, 1055 US 127 South, 223-8333.
• Thai Smile, 19 Century Plaza, 227-9934.

Drink

Coffeehouses

• Capital Perks, 1410 Versailles Rd # 1, 848-9860.
• Kentucky Coffeetree Cafe, 235 W Broadway St., 875-3009.
• Starbucks, 1303 US 127 South, 223-6608.

Pubs

• Bottom & Grill, 338 Saint Clair St., 875-2829.
• Brick Alley, 325 Saint Clair St., 875-2559.
• Cave Lounge, 100 Workhouse Aly, 875-8858.
• Cooter Brown's, 6 Century Plz S, 875-7838.
• Doo Wop Shop, 505 Eastwood Shopping Ctr, 695-3107.
• Downtown Bar, 331 Saint Clair St., 352-2700.
• Jim's Tavern, 638 Holmes St., 875-0775.
• Office Pub & Deli, 614 Comanche Trl., 227-9585.
• Parleys Tavern, 1410 Versailles Rd., 848-9002.
• Saylor's Restaurant & Lounge, 900 Louisville Rd., 227-9282.
• Scottzo's Pub, 765 Holmes St., 875-0222.
• St George & The Dragon Pub, 103 W Main St., 875-9300.

Sleep

Bed & Breakfast

• Meek House, 119 East Third St., (502) 227-2566 or (866) 646-7650. This gothic revival home takes its name from the man who built it in 1869, Benjamin F, Meek, a silversmith who helped develop the Meek and Milam fishing reel. It is located within walking distance of the Kentucky State Capitol and many of Frankfort’s historic downtown attractions.
• The Meeting House, 519 Ann St., (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.

Hotels

• America's Best Value Inn of Frankfort, 1225 U.S. 127 South, (502) 875-3220 or (888) 315-2378. 46 rooms. Featuring in-room coffeemakers, in-room safes, cable television with HBO, and interior-corridors with enhanced- security electronic key entry. Free pastries and coffee, free local calls, non-smoking rooms, copy and FAX machines.
• Best Western Parkside Inn, 80 Chenault Road, +1 502 695-6111 (fax: +1 502 695-6112).

• Bluegrass Inn, 635 Versailles Road, U.S. 60, (502) 695-1800 or (800) 322-1802. 61 rooms. Cable TV with HBO, complimentary continental breakfast, outdoor pool, senior citizen discounts, rooms with refrigerators, non-smoking rooms.
• Capital Plaza Hotel, 405 Wilkinson Blvd., (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.
• Days Inn Motel, 1051 US 127 South, (502) 875-2200 or (800) 329-7466. 122 rooms, outdoor pool, continental breakfast, non-smoking rooms.
• Fairfield Inn & Suites Frankfort, 40 Chenault Drive, +1 502 695-8881 (fax: +1 502 848-0870).
• Hampton Inn, 1310 US 127 South (I-64 at Exit 53B), (502) 223-7600 or (800) HAMPTON. 123 rooms. Interior corridors. Meeting facilities for up to 80 people. Outdoor pool and exercise room. Handicap accessible. Complimentary Continental Breakfast.
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, 1000 Vandalay Drive (I-64 at Exit 53B), (502) 352-4650 or (888) HOLIDAY. 67 rooms, 3 jacuzzi suites, indoor heated swimming pool, 24 hour guest laundry, fitness center, business center, and meeting room.
• Suite Transition, (502) 223-0002 or (502) 223-5373 (Weekly Accommodation). Completely furnished, three rooms, plus large bath, walk-in closet and fully-equipped kitchen. Convenient west-end location. Private, quiet, luxurious and safe. Suites: 3 Available.
• University Lodge, 711 East Main St., (502) 223-2041 or (800) 251-1962. 50 rooms. cable TV with HBO, senior citizens discount.

Campgrounds

• Elkhorn Campground, 165 Scruggs Lane, US 460 East, (502) 695-9154. At the forks of Elkhorn Creek, campground offers electric, water and full hookups. Tent and trailer sites, camp store, swimming pool, showers, dump station, fishing, miniature golf, LP gas, laundry, playground and pavilion.
• Kentucky River Campground, Steele Branch Rd. off US 127 North (6 miles north of Frankfort), (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. Check out the
• Lakeside Arena Campground, 1385 Duncan-Millville Rd., (859) 873-9155. Campground shares facility with Lakeside Arena .
• Still Waters Campground, Marina & Canoe Trails, 249 Strohmeier Road, US 127 North, (502) 223-8896. Located on the Kentucky River, at the mouth of Elkhorn Creek. RV & tent areas have water/electric at all sites and sewer to most RV sites. Two primitive camping areas. Camp store, concessions, dump station, and bathhouse. Boat ramps, bait, canoeing and kayaking on the Kentucky River and Elkhorn Creek. Fishing, skiing, hiking, and old fashioned recreation.

Contact

Newspapers

• Frankfort State Journal, 1216 Wilkinson Blvd, 227-4556.

Radio Stations

• WFKY 115 W. Main St., 875-1130.
• WKED, 115 W. Main St., 875-1130.
• WKYW, 115 W Main St., 875-1130.

Television

• WKYT Frankfort Bureau, 700 Capitol Ave., 875-5151.

Get out

• Lexington
• Louisville