Things to Do, Eat, Drink and Stay in Frankfort, Kentucky
- Posted on June 15, 2024
If you’ve not been to Frankfort, Kentucky recently, you must visit to discover what you are missing! Frankfort’s downtown and surrounding area are bustling with so many emerging businesses that you’ll want a long weekend just to experience them all. Read on to learn of some of the new hot spots for things to do, eat, drink and stay in Frankfort, Kentucky to add to your bucket list.
THINGS TO DO IN FRANKFORT
I need some retail therapy!
One of the cutest new shops in downtown Frankfort is Miss Bee’s, established by the owner of B’s Bakery, Beth Greenwell-Carter. (For more about her sweet shop, see my blog here). Beth’s dream of opening an antique store has finally come true and now residents and visitors can share her vision!
Stepping in you are greeted with a large, antique lace umbrella that looks as if it was plucked from a picnic at Martha’s Vineyard. Shop an abundance of home décor including candles, throws, pillows and flowers vases. There is so much more, you must see for yourself.
Mosey on back to the well designed stalls for local vendors, overflowing with vintage ware and antiques such as cookie jars, dinner sets, pitchers and tackle boxes. Many pieces will bring back sweet memories of Nanna’s house. You’ll find items ideal for entertaining and gardening. Treat yourself or a friend. Additional vendors include Tim Farmer of Tim Farmer’s Country Kitchen!
While you are in the shopping mood, round the corner to the Linen Closet home and garden store. This adorable little spot on Main Street carries high quality, ethically sourced textiles. I can’t imagine a better housewarming or baby shower gift than what you will uncover among their attractive embroidered pillows, tea towels, potholders and napkins to snugly, organic cotton sleepers and blankets for the little tykes.
River City Provisions is in partnership with the Linen Closet. Locally printed T-shirts with a focus on historic preservation, bourbon themed items and bar ware line the walls. They also offer jewelry and pottery from local artists which awards double shop local points when you purchase there in my book!
Choose silky lotions and bath bars, along with clean burning candles. Be sure to pop out back and snap a selfie by the colorful horse mural before you go.
Don’t miss shopping at these two charming gift shops for something fun to do in Frankfort, Kentucky.
WHERE TO DRINK IN FRANKFORT
All this bargain hunting is making me thirsty!
Enjoy a beer or cocktail break at Dicey’s Pub on St. Clair Street. Conveniently situated in the middle of the action, Dicey’s is the only location on St. Clair with a built-in patio out front. Relax with a cold brew and people-watch to your heart’s content.
Dicey’s has ties to McCarthy’s in Lexington and Cliffs of Moher in Bowling Green. Dicey’s serves pints of Guinness and offers a nice whiskey and bourbon selection. Attend live music revues on the weekends and kick back with friends in this neighborly establishment – one of the best hot spots in Frankfort.
You’ll find Kentucky inspired craft cocktails at the Howser Tavern on St Clair Street. Choose from over 125 bourbon options lining their shelves. You’ll definitely want to spend some time here sipping and savoring their menu items.
Start with a Trio Platter or Bavarian Pretzel with house made beer cheese. Then graze on one of their boards ranging in flavors from American, Italian or around the world that are perfect for sharing with friends.
Can you keep a secret? They offer a speakeasy that the average guest would never know existed. Entry is upon membership only through a door marked “Maintenance” in the back. An amazing space opens up where members can rent their own bourbon lockers housing their own favorite bottles. Lush seating, custom lighting and a private bar await.
How about a night cap?!
HOUSE OF COMMONS: A BOURBON LIBRARY
House of Commons Bourbon Library is a notable stop in Frankfort. From the moment you pass through the stunning, wooden front doors you enter the comfort of luxury. Your gaze will be drawn upward to the stylish chandelier that covers the entire ceiling, providing gentle, ambient lighting.
Choose from a luxurious couch or a place in the bar where you can observe the meticulous creation of cocktails, made to order from the finest ingredients.
As the name implies, tall, ascending shelves filled with over 250 bottles of tantalizing bourbons are accessed with a rolling ladder. This tavern is the go-to for “impress your date night”. My favorite cocktail is their old-fashioned, complete with a hot branded cube of ice. Keep an eye on their social media for special events and appearances by local distillers.
WHERE TO EAT IN FRANKFORT
All of this imbibing has my stomach rumbling!
We discovered this culinary gem on a couples’ trip and absolutely loved it. Owners Chef Axl Wheeler and wife/general manager Isabelle Hay run this lovely bistro on the banks of the Kentucky River. The Hay family are direct descendants of Colonel E. H. Taylor, former owner of what is now Buffalo Trace Distillery, located around the bend from Limewater Bistro.
Originally built in 1815, this Glen Willis House was decorated by the award-winning Kathleen Hay Designs. I suggest taking a little time to explore the captivating style. Look up! The lighting is amazing.
Everything on the Limewater menu will have your tastebuds dancing! I recommend the Cheddar Scallion Fritters and Pork Belly Lettuce Cups as starters. The Greek Salad, Falafel Plate, Steak Frites and Kentucky Hot Brown are all popular entrees. Don’t hesitate to order the appetizing specials of the day, created with seasonal ingredients. Enjoy lunch, happy hour and dinner, including a full bar and wine list. Dine outside on the pleasant back patio with a serene view of the Kentucky River. Reservations are recommended
I know you’ll delight in a visit to Dicey’s Pub, Howser Tavern and Limewater Bistro as three of the budding hot spots in Frankfort, Kentucky.
For other delicious dining options, read more in my other Frankfort blog.
WHERE TO STAY IN FRANKFORT
Time to call it a night! A day in Frankfort is wonderful, but a weekend is better!
Book a lodging at Capital Ave Rentals, one of the newer sweets spots to stay in Frankfort. Located on Capital Avenue, this cozy cottage is just blocks from the state capital, visible from the front door. Downtown is an easy, ten minute walk away. Other highlights are Andy’s Artisan Bread and Rebecca Ruth Candy.
This inviting, little mint house is divided into two Airbnbs, plus another in the carriage house out back next to the fire pit. We opted for The Loft on the second floor and felt right at home. The decor was beautiful, with consideration given to every nook and cranny.
Bonus points for extra embellishments:
Deep clawfoot bathtub
Big stocked kitchen
Coffee nook and real coffee maker (not a fan of Keurig)
Welcome basket with waters and mini alcohol
Record player with retro albums
Basket of items commonly forgotten (like my toothbrush!)
Huge comfy couch
Balcony
Large rooms
Lots of natural light
Local art on the walls
Great location
I always recommend rooming at a locally owned bed and breakfast or Airbnb. I find these welcoming homes so much more personalized for the area, comfortable and convenient. Think outside the corporate, big box businesses and keep your money in the local economy when you travel. Your patronage is always very much appreciated by these small communities!
As the list of new hot spots in Frankfort, Kentucky continues to grow, follow me @bluegrassblog on Facebook and Instagram for the latest attractions in our capital city. Read about even more about things to do, eat, drink and stay in my blog here.
Frankfort is filled with public art that adds so much to a visit and makes such colorful photo ops. Click this link to experience Frankfort’s offering of murals, sculpture and architecture.
Drive to Frankfort from:
Lexington- 39 mins
Louisville- 53 mins
Georgetown- 28 mins
Versailles- 24 mins
Covington- 123 mins
If you’ve not been to Frankfort, Kentucky recently, you must visit to discover what you are missing! Frankfort’s downtown and surrounding area are bustling with so many emerging businesses that you’ll want a long weekend just to experience them all. Read on to learn of some of the new hot spots for things to do,…