Rainy Day Ideas in Frankfort
When the weather rules out the trails and the sculpture park, Frankfort still has plenty under a roof. Most of it is downtown, close enough together that you won't spend the day running between the car and the door.
The Kentucky Historical Society campus
The Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History at 100 W Broadway is the Kentucky Historical Society's main museum, and it can fill a good part of a wet afternoon. One general admission ticket also covers the Old State Capitol, the 1830 Greek Revival building a short walk away with its self-supporting stone staircase, and the Kentucky Military History Museum. All are open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM. Some areas of the Old Capitol may have limited access during restoration work.
A rainy day is also a good excuse for family history. The Clark Center's research library is a real resource for tracing Kentucky roots. The Historical Society's own pages list different library days, so call (502) 564-1792 to confirm before you go.
Capital City Museum
The Capital City Museum at 325 Ann St covers Frankfort's own story, from its river town days through state government and bourbon. Admission is free, it is open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM, and there is free parking in the lot right next to the building, which counts for a lot when it is pouring. Call (502) 696-0607 to set up a guided tour.
A candy factory tour
Rebecca Ruth Candy at 116 E 2nd St in South Frankfort has been making chocolates since 1919. Its tours run about 30 minutes, Monday through Saturday, and end with a chocolate sample. Book online at least 12 hours ahead, or walk in and join one. Candy production is most likely Monday through Thursday between 10 AM and 3 PM and isn't scheduled for Friday or Saturday tours. The shop itself is open every day from 10 AM to 6 PM.
A distillery tasting
Buffalo Trace Distillery offers free tours and tastings. Parking is limited and you may walk a bit from your car, so bring an umbrella. Tours are reserved online up to eight weeks ahead, with limited walk-up spots. The guided tastings at the gift shop need no reservation, and you'll need an ID to taste. The John G. Carlisle Cafe on site makes it easy to stay for lunch. If anyone is tasting, line up a driver who isn't.
Settle into a coffeehouse
Kentucky Coffeetree Cafe at 235 W Broadway is lined with bookshelves and has plenty of room to sit, which makes it the place to wait out a storm with a book or a laptop. It opens at 6:30 AM on weekdays and 7 AM on weekends, serves light food through the day and stays open until 9 PM Monday through Saturday (7 PM on Sunday). Some nights bring cocktails and live music.
Engine House Coffee and Crepes at 307 W Main St is the other downtown option, with crepes and espresso from 6 AM on weekdays.
A movie or a show at the Grand
The Grand Theatre at 308 St Clair St shows classic movies and hosts concerts, comedy and community shows. Showtimes vary, so check the schedule or call the box office at (502) 352-7469 (open Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 3 PM). An afternoon or evening show is about the best answer there is to a gray day.
A long lunch indoors
Sage Garden Cafe at 3690 East-West Connector serves salads and sandwiches inside a plant nursery, and you can browse the plants after you eat. It is one of the easier places in town for vegetarian and gluten-free diners. Downtown, Bourbon On Main and Doc Crow's Social sit side by side on W Main St, and both have room for a group.
End with something sweet or a nightcap
Wicked Whisk Cake Co. at 238 W Main St sells cake by the slice Tuesday through Saturday. For grown-ups, House of Commons: A Bourbon Library at 245 W Main St opens at 2 PM daily, and The Kentucky Hug on St. Clair Street pairs bourbon with live music and is open Monday through Saturday from 2 PM.
A rainy Sunday or Monday
Plan carefully on these two days. The Historical Society sites are closed Sunday and Monday, and the Capital City Museum and Rebecca Ruth tours are closed Sunday. On Sunday, Buffalo Trace (11 AM to 5 PM), Kentucky Coffeetree and the Rebecca Ruth shop are your best bets. On Monday, the Capital City Museum, Rebecca Ruth tours and Buffalo Trace are all open.
More indoor stops are on our Things to Do page, and restaurants are on Eat & Drink. Check the events calendar for indoor concerts and shows the week of your visit.