Kentucky, like its neighbor, West Virginia, is in geographic purgatory, as it’s viewed by Southerners as The North, and by Northerners as The South. Other commonalities include ties to the coal industry, and Appalachian culture. But unlike West Virginia, those things are only part of the story in Kentucky. And also unlike West Virginia, there is a wide swath of beautiful, bluegrass-covered land in Kentucky, full of white-fenced horse farms that reek of bourbon—and money.
Kentucky State Capitol
The old joke goes, “How do you pronounce Kentucky’s capital… ‘Lewey-ville’ or ‘LOU-uh-vul’?” The answer, of course, is Frankfort… although if you’re looking to reference the state’s largest city, the latter pronunciation is correct. It speaks to Frankfort’s obscurity, and indeed, this tiny place along the banks of the Kentucky River is easy to overlook. It’s not a bad place to put the capital, located roughly between Louisville and Lexington (Kentucky’s second-largest city). But even natives might need a few seconds to find it on a map, or to name what else it’s known for besides what they learned in school. (The answer to THAT riddle? Rebecca Ruth Candy, home of the famous bourbon chocolate balls.)
The capitol is located in a lovely, park-like part of town, surrounded by modest homes and not much else. The building is very beautiful, though it doesn’t break any molds. Be sure to visit the floral clock, located near the back. All this is separated from downtown Frankfort by the river. Downtown contains a few state office buildings, a street or two of storefronts (disappointingly, not much in the way of restaurants or shopping), the phenomenal Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, the old state capitol and a few other attractions. Although it’s possible to walk between the two districts, that’s not to say that it’s a short walk. Chain hotels and Applebee’s-type restaurants are adjacent to the Frankfort exits of I-64; if that type of environment meets with your approval (I thought it was just fine), then by all means, dine and stay in Frankfort. Otherwise, make the short trek to Lexington (heart of horse country and home to the University of Kentucky) or Louisville (a city I find rather unremarkable, sort of Cincinnati- or St. Louis- or Indianapolis- or Nashville-lite).
Tags: Frankfort, Kentucky, Kentucky State Capitol
