Frankfort
Around Frankfort
Photo: Daderot · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons
Town and around · Kentucky · 77k people
Frankfort
Where Kentucky’s bourbon, horses, and history meet.
Kentucky State greenKentucky State gold
Welcome to Frankfort, the heart of Kentucky's capital region! Whether you're here for the bourbon, the history, or the river, you'll find a friendly community that loves its traditions. Take a stroll along the riverfront and say hi to your neighbors.
Clubs for Frankfort
No clubs for Frankfort yet.
The room
One room for everyone around Frankfort. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.
Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Frankfort. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- Kentucky State Capitol Seat of state government with a grand rotunda and tours.
- Old State Capitol 1830s Greek Revival building, now a museum.
- Kentucky History Center and Museum State history museum with exhibits on Kentucky life.
- Buffalo Trace Distillery One of the oldest continuously operating distilleries, offering tours.
- Wild Turkey Distillery (Lawrenceburg) Iconic bourbon distillery in nearby Lawrenceburg with tours.
- Kentucky River Scenic river with walking trails and riverfront parks.
- Outdoors Hike the Kentucky River Trail
- Outdoors Explore Cove Spring Park
- With kids Visit the Kentucky History Center
- With kids See the animals at Salato Wildlife Education Center
- Evenings Sip bourbon at a downtown distillery bar
- Evenings Listen to live music at a local venue
- Locals love distillery tasting rooms
- Locals love riverfront walking paths
Through the year
- Frankfort Fall Festival September Arts, crafts, food, and live music in September.
- Kentucky Book Fair November Author signings, panels, and book sales in November.
- Capital City Classic December College basketball game featuring Kentucky State University.
- Frankfort Christmas Parade December Holiday parade through downtown with floats and lights.
Frankfort has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and cold, wet winters. Best: Spring and fall are the best times to be out, with mild temperatures and blooming landscapes.
Getaways
- Lexington Horse farms, urban energy, and more bourbon.
- Louisville Big city attractions, museums, and the Bourbon Trail.
- Danville Historic downtown and a growing arts scene.
- Richmond Outdoor recreation and lake activities.
Local flavour
Teams
- Kentucky State Thorobreds NCAA Division II (SIAC)
Also rooting for Kentucky Wildcats (University of Kentucky, Lexington)
Eat and drink
- Hot brown Open-faced turkey and bacon sandwich with Mornay sauce, invented in Louisville but beloved statewide.
- Burgoo Thick stew of meat and vegetables, a Kentucky tradition often served at Derby parties.
- Bourbon balls Chocolate and bourbon confection, a staple of local candy shops.
- Beer cheese Sharp cheddar and beer spread, a Kentucky snack with a strong local following.
- Derby pie Chocolate and walnut pie, a Kentucky classic (though trademarked, locals make their own).
Where people go
- Distilleries Historic bourbon distilleries along the Kentucky River, part of the Bourbon Trail.
- Horse farms Rolling bluegrass pastures with white fences, home to thoroughbred breeding operations.
- State capitol The Kentucky State Capitol building, a Beaux-Arts landmark on the riverfront.
- Historic downtown Brick streets, antique shops, and local diners that feel frozen in time.
Heritage and traditions
Frankfort and Lawrenceburg are proud of their deep bourbon heritage, the Kentucky River's scenic beauty, and their role as the seat of state government, all set against the rolling Bluegrass countryside.
This time of year in Frankfort
- Fall foliage on the Kentucky River Palisades October October brings vibrant colors to the limestone cliffs, popular for scenic drives and hikes.
- Kentucky State University Homecoming October October festivities include a parade, football game, and alumni gatherings that celebrate the university's heritage.
Say it like a local: “Coke” — a soft drink (generic term)
Festivals
- Bourbon on the Banks September A September festival celebrating bourbon heritage with tastings, live music, and food vendors along the Kentucky River.
- Anderson County Fair July A classic county fair in Lawrenceburg with carnival rides, livestock shows, and local food.
- Kentucky State University Homecoming October October festivities include a parade, football game, and alumni gatherings that celebrate the university's heritage.
Landmarks with a story
- Kentucky Governor's Mansion The official residence of the governor, built in 1914, offering public tours that showcase Kentucky history and décor.
- Capital Avenue Historic District A neighborhood of 19th-century Victorian homes, many listed on the National Register, reflecting Frankfort's early prosperity.
- Frankfort National Cemetery A military cemetery with graves from the Civil War through modern conflicts, including a section for Confederate soldiers.
- Four Roses Distillery A historic distillery in Lawrenceburg, known for its Spanish Mission-style architecture and continuous operation since the 1880s.
Food traditions
- Spoonbread A soft cornmeal casserole, often served with butter, a Kentucky specialty that appears at holiday dinners and church suppers.
- Country ham biscuits Salted, cured ham on a hot biscuit is a breakfast staple, often served at gatherings and Derby parties.
- Bourbon pecan pie Locals add a splash of bourbon to this classic Southern dessert, making it a favorite at potlucks and family meals.
- Mint juleps A refreshing bourbon, mint, and sugar cocktail traditionally enjoyed during the spring, especially around the Kentucky Derby.
- Bourbon and branch Many locals enjoy bourbon with a splash of spring water, a simple tradition that highlights the region's distilling heritage.
Music and arts
- Bluegrass music scene Local musicians gather for jam sessions and performances at bars and community events, keeping the region's bluegrass heritage alive.
- Kentucky State University Marching Band Known for spirited halftime shows and community performances, the band is a source of pride for the university.
A little history
- 1792 Frankfort became the state capital
- 1862 Confederate forces briefly occupied Frankfort during the Civil War
- 1886 Kentucky State University was founded as a normal school for African Americans
- 19th century Bourbon industry grew along the Kentucky River, with distilleries like Buffalo Trace dating to the 1800s
- 1910 The current Kentucky State Capitol was completed, replacing the Old State Capitol
Rivalries
- Kentucky Wildcats vs. Louisville Cardinals College basketball showdown that splits the state.
- Game day Capital City Classic
- Game day High school football rivalries
- Outdoors Paddling the Kentucky River
- Outdoors Hiking the Kentucky River Trail
- With kids Kentucky State University farm
- With kids Capitol grounds
People in Frankfort speak with a Southern accent, often with a slight Appalachian twang. You'll hear 'y'all' used naturally, and the 'r' in words like 'wash' may be dropped or turned into 'warsh' by some older residents.
Only here
- Frankfort is the only U.S. state capital with a working distillery within city limits (Buffalo Trace).
- The Kentucky River Palisades, a series of dramatic limestone cliffs, are a unique geological feature found only along this stretch of the river.
- The Old State Capitol is one of the few remaining Greek Revival government buildings in the country.
New here? A few tips
- Be ready for humid summers and mild winters; spring and fall are delightful.
- Take a bourbon distillery tour (Buffalo Trace in Frankfort, Wild Turkey and Four Roses in Lawrenceburg) to understand local pride.
- Learn to pronounce 'Frankfort' as 'FRANK-furt' with emphasis on the first syllable.
- Traffic can be heavy during legislative sessions (January–April) when the state government is in full swing.
- The Kentucky River can flood; check flood maps before buying or renting near the river.
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Part of Lexington area
Nearby
Every areaLexingtonKentuckyWhere horses and bourbon set the pace of life.HarrodsburgKentuckyWhere Kentucky's story begins.CynthianaKentuckyWhere the burgoo is always simmeringDanvilleKentuckyWhere the Bluegrass beginsRichmondKentuckyWhere the mountains meet the bluegrassCarrolltonKentuckyRiver bends and country roadsLouisvilleKentuckyWhere the bourbon flows and the horses run.MadisonIndianaA river town with a storied past.
Frankfort, KY. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.