Frankfort Tourist Information and Tourism

(Frankfort, Kentucky - KY, USA)



Kentucky's tiny capital of Frankfort is certainly a small city, but despite its size it does have many redeeming features and qualities, which together currently draw upwards of 500,000 visitors and tourists each year, meaning that tourism is now an integral part of the local economy. Located within the state's Bluegrass region and only a little over a half hour's drive from nearby Lexington - the biggest city in Kentucky, Frankfort grew up around the banks of the Kentucky River and today boasts a charming historic downtown core.

The S-shaped Kentucky River runs in a northwesterly direction and roughly divides the city into four main regions. Forming the heart of the city is the historic downtown district, while South Frankfort is where you will find the rather hidden architecture Beaux arts gem that is the Kentucky State Capitol Building. The East and West districts lie either side of the city's main valley and form more modern and more recently developed parts of the city.

This pretty county town would certainly look at home on postcards and its charming appearance is a big part of its overall appeal and popularity. If you are planning to fly into this part of Kentucky, you will most likely choose to arrive at the nearby Blue Grass Airport in Lexington (around 23 miles / 37 km to the southeast) or perhaps at the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport at Hebron (some 75 miles / 121 km to the north). Once you arrive in the Kentucky capital, try to make time to pay a visit to the riverside Frankfort / Franklin County Tourist Information and Convention Commission on Capitol Avenue, just a stroll down the road from the Dolly Graham Park.





Frankfort Tourist Information and Tourism: Top Sights

Sightseeing tourists exploring Frankfort will discover that this really is a very walkable city, although some attractions worth visiting do reside on the outskirts of the city, such as the Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary to the south. Regular guided tours of the city depart from the centrally located Capital City Museum on Ann Street, while if you have something of a sweet tooth, you may like to take a guided tour of the renowned Rebecca Ruth Candy Factory. A trip to the Buffalo Trace Distillery of Frankfort also comes highly recommended and this distillery ranks amongst America's most historic. If it is a sunny afternoon and you fancy a drive, then the nearby Scenic Overlook offers some magical views and photogenic sunsets, and after that, you could round off your evening watching a movie at the Franklin Square Cinema. More information about Frankfort Tourist Attractions.

If you are on holiday in Frankfort and planning a day of sightseeing, then both the current Kentucky State Capitol on Capital Avenue and the Old State Capitol on West Broadway Street should be added to your list of landmarks to visit. However, there are in fact over 70 historical sites of note within Kentucky's capital city, many of which stand proudly within the core of downtown Frankfort, such as the Kentucky Governor's Mansion. Also situated in the city center, on Wilkinson Street and next to the main bend of the Kentucky River, is the Liberty Hall Historic Site, which was constructed here in 1796 by a successful American statesmen and is now listed as a US National Historic Landmark. Today, the Liberty Hall Historic Site welcomes visitors between March and December, along with the nearby Orlando Brown House, with both hosting various family themed events throughout these months. More information about Frankfort Landmarks and Monuments.

Although Frankfort can boast the accolade of being a state capital, it doesn't have much to offer when it comes to museums. The Capital City Museum really is the main place to come if you are interested in regional Kentucky history and information about how the city grew to become the capital, with numerous artifacts illustrating its growth and rise to power. Also worth visiting is the multi-million dollar Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, with this expansive attraction standing on West Broadway and featuring an eclectic assortment of exhibits, ranging from portraits of freed African Americans from the 19th century and period fabrics, to the pocket watch of Abraham Lincoln and the coat worn by Governor William Goebel when he was shot and assassinated. During fine weather, tourists often flock to the Josephine Sculpture Park on Old Lawrenceburg Road, to take a walk around the landscaped grounds whilst appreciating the outdoor collection of contemporary art on exhibit here. More information about Frankfort Museums.

Since Frankfort is far from being a big city and only has a total population averaging some 30,000 individuals, anyone spending more than a few days here may find the need to venture outside and explore some more of Kentucky's attractions. If you only have time for one excursion, then it simply must be a day trip to Lexington, with its most popular tourist magnets including the Kentucky Horse Park, the Mary Todd Lincoln House, the University of Kentucky Art Museum and the Waveland State Historic Site, not to mention a wealth of shopping and dining opportunities. From Frankfort, Lexington is easy to reach and the journey is as simple as following the East-West Leestown Road (Highway US-421). Alternatively, Louisville is just about close enough to warrant a day trip and this metropolis is connected by the I-64 interstate. In Louisville, the Kentucky Derby is a particularly notable attraction and this exciting equestrian event takes place each year in May, attracting in the region of half a million spectators. It is even possible to plan an excursion to Cincinnati, although at 76 miles / 122 km away, an early start will ensure a fuller day exploring the sights and sounds of 'Cincy'. More information about Frankfort Attractions Nearby.

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Frankfort, USA - Information and Tourism - Last updated 7/9/2019 - gprofile - Google+

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