Frankfort,KY (KFFT)

FRANKFORT, KY (KFFT)

Located in central Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region, Frankfort is the capital of the commonwealth and the Franklin County seat. The city was founded in 1786 on the site of what had been a ford across the Kentucky River – originally called Frank’s Ford after Stephen Frank, a settler killed in an Indian skirmish in 1780. Early settlers reached the region by traveling along buffalo trails that served as the highways of the day.

Today, Frankfort is a city of 28,000 and the home to Kentucky State University. Its historic downtown features many brick buildings in the Italianate style, erected after a fire ravaged the area in 1870. Among the attractions are the Old State Capitol Building, a Greek Revival structure that served as the capitol from 1829-1909; the Beaux-Arts Governor’s Mansion, completed in 1914, and the Fort Hill Civil War Site, where the local militia repelled an attack by Confederate cavalry raiders in 1864. The Frankfort Cemetery provides scenic views of the city and may – or may not – contain the remains of Daniel Boone.

Distilled spirits have long played an important part in the economy of the commonwealth and continue to do so today. Buffalo Trace is a working distillery that is open to the public and offers tours. Alcoholic beverages have been distilled on the site since 1787. Buffalo Trace was the only distillery in Kentucky allowed to continue producing spirits during Prohibition – for “medicinal purposes.” Also offering tours is the Rebecca-Ruth candy factory, founded in 1919, whose signature confection is the bourbon ball. (Remember, eight hours bottle to throttle!)

One mile southwest of Frankfort is Capital City Airport, owned and operated by the commonwealth. This nontowered airport has a VOR, FFT, on the field and adjoins the Boone National Guard Center. Elevation is 803, pattern altitude 1,800. The field has one asphalt runway, 6-24, 5,900x100 feet, and is home to state government and Army National Guard operations, corporate flights and general aviation.

Airport and FBO information: 502-564-3714.

http://www.buffalotrace.com

http://www.rebeccaruth.com

http://www.visitfrankfort.com

http://frankfort.ky.gov

http://cca.ky.gov