Frankfort Fall – Visit Frankfort – Official Travel Guide for Frankfort, Kentucky (original) (raw)

Frankfort Fall Written by Julia Koslowsky

Published August 5, 2024

Getaway to Frankfort This Fall

Fall has almost arrived in Frankfort, and it might just be our favorite season. With fall comes lovely temperate days to explore the city, calm nights to indulge a glass of bourbon on the riverfront, and beautiful colors that cover the Kentucky landscape. Frankfort is full of small-town charm, outdoor adventures, and fascinating history perfect for an autumnal vacation. Whether you’re looking for a weeklong family adventure or a weekend getaway with friends, there’s no need to look further than Frankfort for your next vacation destination!

Experience Fall Colors on the Kentucky River

The Kentucky River runs right through the heart of downtown Frankfort, and if you wind along its S-shaped curves you’ll encounter some of the best parts of the city as the trees change with the colder temperatures. For an up-close look at the river’s history, hop on a double-decker boat with Kentucky River Tours to learn about the origins of bourbon and the famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail as well as fascinating stories you won’t hear anywhere else. As the only water-based bourbon tour in the nation, you can’t miss it when you come to visit.

If you prefer to cruise the river at your own pace, self-guided kayaking tours are available through Canoe KY to give you a taste of the river’s bourbon history. You might even catch a glimpse of Daniel Boone’s famous hilltop gravestone from the river!

One of our favorite ways to take it slow in the fall is to camp at one of Frankfort’s three campgrounds located around the city: Still Waters Campground & Canoe Trails, Elkhorn Creek RV Park, and Kentucky River Campground. You’ll find fantastic amenities, hiking, and swimming at all three sites. Pitch a tent under beautiful Kentucky skies or bring a camper for an extended stay.

After a day full of adventures in and around the city, nothing beats a waterfront meal. Frankfort boasts many incredible restaurants that overlook the peaceful Kentucky River. For fans of hearty pub food, Bourbon on Main and Goodwood Frankfort are favorites of locals and visitors alike.

Just around the riverbend from Buffalo Trace Distillery, Limewater Bistro offers delectable lunch, dinner, and drinks. You can’t visit Kentucky without trying a signature glass of bourbon, and you can find that around almost every corner. Check out our five unique distilleries — Buffalo Trace, Castle & Key, Glenns Creek, Whiskey Thief, and J. Mattingly 1845 — for delightful tastings and tours.

Bourbon on the Banks

One of the best events in Frankfort is the Bourbon on the Banks festival, always on the first Saturday in October. This year, join us on the banks of the Kentucky River at River View Park on Saturday, October 5th for our annual ode to the bourbon industry. Over 60 distilleries are partnering with us to celebrate our favorite drink. Sample a delicious variety of bourbon whiskey, meet bourbon experts and fellow enthusiasts, and enjoy a night of great music, friends, and food. Early access begins at 1pm, and the festival will run from 2-6pm. We hope to see you at the river!

Plan Your Perfect Getaway

Frankfort boasts many amazing getaways to keep you cozy this fall. From campgrounds to vacation rentals to hotels, there’s an option for everyone. Most hotels are located downtown, and many vacation rentals — like Bourbon on the Hill, Carriage on Capitol, Kentucky Bleu, Kentucky Bourbon and Horses, Loft on Capital, and Kentucky’s Blend — are located within walking distance of downtown. Many are bourbon themed, so fans of Buffalo Trace and other nearby distilleries will be immersed in all things bourbon. Bourbon Under the Stars was formerly owned by Colonel Blanton, making the bourbon-themed house a destination for any hardcore bourbon fans. BnB’s BnB at the Meeting House is a must for any fans of local history and is located right in the heart of the Historic District. For those who prefer to stay just outside the city, Highgrounds Modern Cabin offers a stylish stay just ten minutes from downtown.

Find Fall Fun in Downtown Frankfort

There are so many opportunities this fall to join in with local fun this year. From its museums to its historic mansions, Frankfort is full of opportunity to experience the city’s storied past. Trolley tours run through October every Tuesday through Saturday through the city on a 45-minute loop that brings you all the way from downtown to the Capitol to Buffalo Trace. Almost every Monday and Tuesday, find the history hidden all around Frankfort on our Bourbon and History Walking Tours led by Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr.

This October is packed with spooky events that you won’t want to miss. On October 11, join your favorite gals for a ladies night on the town with Witches Night Out. Come for the cocktails and food and stay for the bewitching costume contest.

With October 25 comes a ready, set, go for the 2024 Black Cat Chase! This Halloween 5K has fun and festivities for the whole family and will be hosted on the Old Capitol lawn in downtown Frankfort.

On October 26, pull out your best spooky grins for our Downton Halloween/Thriller event. For those looking to celebrate Halloween in a safe and family-friendly environment, downtown is the perfect place to hang out with your friends!

For those courageous enough to brave the dark, check out the Liberty Hall Ghost Hunt to investigate the historic house and its spooky inhabitants as the clock strikes midnight. Only a limited number of tickets remain, so book your spot to catch a glimpse of the infamous Gray Lady today! And don’t miss Capital City Museum’s Murder and Mayhem tours every Tuesday in October, where you’ll hear stories from Frankfort’s spooky past.

For more information about our upcoming events, check out our Events page. We can’t wait to host you, your family, and your friends in Frankfort this fall. See you soon!