Frankfort Favorites
The longer I live away from my hometown, the more I seem to appreciate it. I guess we all tend to take the places most familiar to us for granted. Don’t get me wrong, I have always been proud to be from Frankfort but as I get older, I realize it is quite the jewel. On a recent visit to visit my Dad I was reminded how fortunate it was to grow up in my charming hometown of Frankfort KY. Maybe a diamond in the rough to some but a dazzling gem, nonetheless.
Frankfort has changed through the years. There are several new favorites and several places that remain the same. The architecture of the older buildings is extremely diverse and if you look closely at some of the new storefronts, there are glimpses from the past. I so enjoy my trips home and look forward to seeing even more development.
Frankfort is a great destination. Nestled along the Kentucky River, there is much to see and do.
Here are a few of my favorite places and the memories surrounding them:
Frankfort is the capital of Kentucky and we are so fortunate to have two capital campuses. The Old State Capitol, the anchor of downtown Frankfort, is a National Historic Landmark and served as Kentucky’s Capitol from 1830 to 1910. Its Greek Revival Style features a unique, self-supporting stone staircase and a gorgeous front lawn with shady trees and a fountain. Today, the capitol is located across the Kentucky River and is nestled in a beautiful neighborhood. It is one of the most impressive capitol campuses in the nation with its Governor’s Mansion and the world’s largest floral clocks flanking each side. The Capitol is surrounded by acres of beautifully landscaped green space, shade trees, and a small rose garden. There’s a business office, called the Annex, behind the capitol building but the majority of state government offices and agencies are dotted throughout Frankfort and Franklin County.
Just a short drive from downtown, right on the banks of the Kentucky River, sits a beautiful old mansion. It’s been there as long as I can remember it has been there. The Glen Willis House has gone through several facelifts and there have been several business attempts. When I heard a new restaurant, The Limewater, was open, I hoped for the best and it proved itself to be a creative and delicious restaurant. I have been there several times and each time has been memorable. The interior is lovely. Whites, pastels, and very subtle appointments make this the perfect place for a quiet lunch with girlfriends, a business lunch, or a nice evening out. The menu is features local flavors with a flair, and changes up from time to time. Standouts include their homemade crackers and their version of an old-fashioned, The 1815, featuring marmalade simple syrup.
When I was a little girl growing up, a trip downtown for a new pair of shoes or a new dress always meant a stop at Magee’s Bakery. You could smell the cakes, pastries, cookies, and treats a block away! It was a true fixture in downtown. Everything they created was delicious. Birthday parties just weren’t the same if there wasn’t a birthday cake from Magee’s. But all good things must come to an end. Several years ago, after new owners gave it their best attempt, Magee’s shut its doors forever. Its location on the corner of Lewis Street and West Broadway, is now home to the Main Street Diner. During a recent girls’ weekend trip, we had breakfast there. The memories flooded back. I could just picture the glass display case full of goodies. However, I wasn’t disappointed in the diner. The breakfast, complete with sunny side up eggs, and biscuits and gravy was delicious, and I am so pleased to see another business thrive in that location.
This is a museum that was near and dear to my mother. She was very passionate about Frankfort and its rich history and this little museum was one of her favorites. This downtown museum explores more than 200 years of politics, architecture, enterprise, and everyday life in Frankfort. You tour on your own, taking your time to look through the artifacts and photos to get a feel of what Frankfort is all about. It’s free and located in the heart of downtown–right across the street from the Kentucky History Museum, which takes visitors from pre-historic times in this area to modern times–and everything in between. The Frankfort Cemetery, just up the eastern hill leading to downtown, is also another history lesson waiting to unfold–and Daniel Boone’s Grave is the featured attraction. Busloads of school children and tour buses always make a stop there.
Distilleries, breweries, and dozens of other attractions make my hometown a destination. In the Curious Kitchen products are available in Frankfort, too. Stop by Local’s Food Hub and Pizza Pub on Wilkinson Boulevard and The Linen Closet on West Main Street to pick up your favorites.
Thanks for letting me share my walk down memory lane.
Cheers!
MK