Capital Cities: Frankfort, Kentucky

Kentucky Governor's Mansion
Kentucky Governor’s Mansion

Take a walk through a bygone era in Frankfort, where the layers of yesteryear merge with the promise of a thriving tomorrow.


It’s said that Frankfort is where Kentucky’s history comes alive. Born as a humble settlement on the banks of the Kentucky River, this small but robust city has weathered fire, flooding, political turmoil, and more throughout its 230 years—yet its gracious mansions and monuments endure and prosper. Though Frankfort bears the same inimitable bourbon-and-bluegrass flavor that has made neighboring Louisville and Lexington famous, its devotion to its roots and robust cultural scene give this enterprising town a character all its own. 

See the full feature on Frankfort, part of our yearlong Capital Cities travel series, in the March/April 2016 issue. As a bonus, we’ve offered a glimpse of additional city highlights below.