Frankfort

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Kentucky's Capital

A travel journal to Frankfort by dglawless Best of IgoUgo

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Frankfort Kentucky is the state's capital and has a population of about 27,000. While it is not the largest city in KY it is one of the richest in historic sites. The city is on the KY river and this made it a logical place for early settlers.

  • 10 reviews
  • 13 photos

Kentucky's CapitalBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Inside Dome
The Capital building and grounds are beautiful. There are many historic sites in Frankfort as well as great restaurants and specialty shopping. Because it is the capital of the state it caters to visitors and tourists and there is plenty to do and see.

Quick Tips:

Having your own car is the only way to get around. There are several suggestions in this journal about places to get information about your stay. Frankfort is about a 35 or 40 min. drive from Lexington and is a great day trip if you are in the area.

Best Way To Get Around:

The downtown area is a great place to walk around and see the sites and do shopping. Much of the downtown area has been renovated and turned into a great place for tourists and locals to browse.

Daniel's Fine Food and SpiritsBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Inside
This is a fine dinning experience Kentucky style! As you walk in the doorway you see the charm of this elegant restaurant at the heart of historic downtown. There are tables covered with white linen tablecloths and wooden booths made of beautiful cherry. At lunch you will have selections such as fried catfish sandwiches and Bibb Cobb salad, named for the Frankfort man that developed Bibb lettuce. Rebecca’s chicken salad is a delightful treat with celery, walnuts and grapes to provide a rich combination of flavors.

At dinner Kentucky favorites such as sweet potato encrusted trout, the famous hot brown, or pork chops, pan seared with a vermouth reduction are served. Remember to save room for one of the spectacular desserts. With offerings like ginger apple crisp, berry flan, and chocolate decadence it is hard to resist. For reservations call 502 875-5599.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by dglawless on March 30, 2001

Daniel's Fine Food and Spirits
243 West Broadway Frankfort, Kentucky
(502) 875-5599

Kelly's Garden CafeBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Kelly's Garden Cafe
Kelly’s Garden Café is a very popular lunch spot for Frankfort business people and state government workers. The restaurant has whimsical atmosphere with an old piano, a bike hanging on a shelf and KY crafts adorning the walls. In good weather the outdoor dinning patio is filled with colorful flower baskets and pots. The food is great with homemade soups, deli sandwiches made to order and a wide variety of salads. The dessert offerings are also homemade cakes, cookies and brownies. This is a great spot to take a break from the shopping and site seeing in downtown Frankfort. The service is very speedy so if you want a good lunch but don’t want to waste too much of your day doing so this is the perfect selection for you. State Street is closed to car traffic and the street is lined with wonderful shops and tables to stop and take a break or have a soda. This is a delightful strip and a great shopping area in historic downtown Frankfort.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by dglawless on March 30, 2001

Kelly's Garden Cafe
State Street. and West Broadway Frankfort, Kentucky

Kentucky State Capital BuildingBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Statue of Lincoln
The Capital building is one of the most beautiful capital buildings in the U.S. It is a Beaux Arts style with 70 iconic columns. When you walk in the front entrance you will be met with a staff to give you information and offer a guided tour. Walk on up the stairs to the center hallway to see a very impressive bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln, a KY born president. Be sure and look up at the incredible dome directly above the Lincoln statue. There are several displays including a collection of First Lady Dolls with a small doll dressed in a replica of the each of KY’s first ladies inaugural gown. As you climb the marble stairs you will reach the second floor, which house the Senate chambers and the House of Representative chambers. If you visit while the legislature is in session during the months of Jan, Feb and March you can view law making in action from the third floor balcony. In the spring, summer and fall the landscaping is gorgeous with a rose garden and a giant floral clock planted with thousands of beautiful flowers. Take a minute to throw a coin in the fountain of the floral clock for good luck! Guided and self-guided tours are free and open to the public M-F 8 to 4:30, Sat. 8:30-4:30, and Sunday 1-4:30.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by dglawless on March 30, 2001

Kentucky State Capital Building
1024 Capital Center Drive Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
(502) 573-1555

Governor's MansionBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Mansion
The Governor’s mansion, also in the Beaux Arts style, is located next to the Capital building and is very elegant. The mansion overlooks the Kentucky River and is modeled after Marie Antoinette’s summer home, the Petit Trianon. It is a special treat to visit during the holidays when the home is decorated with several Christmas trees and hundreds of bright red poinsettia plants. During the spring, summer and fall the landscape is adorned with beautiful flowers and in the winter a maze of evergreen shrubs grace the entrance of the Mansion. With reservations you can take a guided tour of the downstairs of the Mansion. Call 502 564-8004 for reservations
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by dglawless on March 30, 2001

Governor's Mansion
702 Capitol Avenue Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
(502) 564-8004

Completely KentuckyBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Hand Blown Glass
Completely Kentucky is a quaint shop in the historic downtown area that sells handcrafts and gourmet foods made by Kentuckians. The store is fun to explore with a rich variety of fine handcrafted treasures. You will find hand blown glass, lawn ornaments, jewelry, dolls, stuffed animals, and hand woven baskets. The store also carries afghans, baby blankets and scarves crafted by the Churchill weavers. The beautiful wooden crafts are works of art using Kentucky woods.

There is a gourmet food section that offers such Kentucky favorites as burgoo mix, bourbon syrup, hand beaten biscuits and of course mint julep mix. They also carry candies, jellies, jams, pure cane sorghum, sauces and country ham slices. They have a selection of food baskets and will also put together a custom basket with your own selections.

This store gives you a flavor of Kentucky tradition and history as well as a perfect place to do your gift shopping or something special for yourself. They ship and orders can be placed by calling 800 457-1990 or visit their web site www.completelykentucky.com and experience a virtual Kentucky shopping trip.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by dglawless on March 30, 2001

Completely Kentucky
237 West Broadway Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
(502) 223-5240

Historic Downtown and RiverfrontBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Historic downtown Frankfort is a great place to take a stroll and view the many renovated buildings that now house shops, restaurants and some private homes. The architectural integrity of the beautiful old buildings is something Frankfort takes a great deal of pride in. The downtown area, which includes the riverfront, is the location of many special events such as the pumpkin festival, candlelight tour, summer concerts and a Historic Home Tour. You can call the Downtown Frankfort association at 502 223-2261 for more information about special events and tours available while you are there.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by dglawless on March 30, 2001

Historic Downtown and Riverfront
Main, Broadway and Riverfront area Frankfort, Kentucky

Old Capital AntiquesBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

As you walk into this store it has hard to know where to start. It isn't an antique mall but it does have booths that different merchants have their wares. They have lots of great KY collectibles and antiques but also some old pottery, glass, and even McDonald's happy meal toys. I enjoy this shop because I always seem to find one treasure I can't leave without. The prices are very good and the staff is helpful and friendly. The store itself winds around through several rooms and is fun to explore. If you enjoy collectibles and antiques this is worth the stop.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by dglawless on March 30, 2001

Old Capital Antiques
231 West Broadway Frankfort, Kentucky

Wilma's Linens and LaceBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

This is a great little shop. They specialize in vintage linens and quilts. I have a friend that collects vintage linens so I always stop here when shopping for his Christmas gift. They also carry a lot of art glass and antique china as well as some furniture. The prices are fair and sometimes you can find a real steal. I love antique shops and this one is always a joy. The merchandise changes quickly, so no two stops here are ever the same. If you would like to phone ahead the number is (502)223-1976.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by dglawless on March 30, 2001

Wilma's Linens and Lace
202 West Broadway Street Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
(502) 223-1976

Ron-Jo's Antiques and CollectiblesBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

This shop is in the strip of Broadway where there are several fun shops. Ron-Jo's caters more to collectibles than antiques and for you McCoy collectors, this is a great stop. There are lots of 40's, 50's and 60's collectible pottery as well as vintage toys, books and posters. I even found a box of wonderful old hats that I ended up buying for a song. I often visit this shop when I am in the area. It is very entertaining and fun to browse. The shopkeeper is very friendly and helpful. Phone 502 223-5466.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by dglawless on March 30, 2001

Ron-Jo's Antiques and Collectibles
227 West Broadway Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
(502) 223-5466

About the Writer

dglawless
dglawless
lexington, Kentucky

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