Kentucky
Plan A Fall Weekend Full Of Bourbon, Hiking Trails, And Good Eats In This Kentucky Gem
Key Takeaways
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Frankfort, Kentucky, is the state’s capital, but it has a small town feel, with mom-and-pop businesses in a historic downtown and plenty of opportunities to spend time in nature.
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Plan a fall weekend with tours at area distilleries, hiking trips on scenic trails, and fine dining.
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Several new hotels, like The Delegate Hotel and The Ashbrook Hotel, offer new upscale places to stay.
Besides the enticing aroma of freshly made muffins and croissants, what’s most striking about Andy’s Artisan Bread—a husband-and-wife-run bakery that sits within a block or so of the Kentucky State Capitol—is the eclectic mix of foot traffic coming through the door. Legislators and lobbyists in suits chat with families while a city councilman exchanges first-name pleasantries with constituents, young and old, in line. The staff greets everyone with the same warm welcome, and customers leave smiling, with a half dozen pastries in hand, knowing the goodness they’re about to enjoy.
This is Frankfort in a nutshell. Because of its smallish size, Kentucky’s capital (population 28,000) is a city where neighborliness and politics go hand in hand. It has, at times, been overshadowed by larger nearby destinations like Louisville or Lexington, but thanks to its ideal location as a hub on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, that could be changing.
Over the past two years, a host of downtown businesses that cater to bourbon-minded visitors have opened—including new cocktail bars like House of Commons: A Bourbon Library (above left), with curated shelves that sparkle with high-end and hard-to-find bottles and Howser Tavern, a speakeasy-themed bar inside the St. Clair hotel, where they have an aged pour on hand to suit any taste.
Recently, there has also been a boom in upscale boutique lodging options. The Delegate Hotel (above right) breathes new life into a former warehouse downtown, and The Ashbrook Hotel is a 14-room inn located in the one-time home of E.H. Taylor, who’s called the “father of the modern bourbon industry.” It’s easier than ever to find a well-crafted place to stay in Frankfort that feels in step with the artisanship evident along the trail itself. Once the leaves start to change and the weather turns cool, it’s the prime time to experience it for yourself.
Enjoy A Distillery Day
There’s no such thing as a bad distillery visit—because they all end in tastings—but the Old Taylor Tour at Buffalo Trace Distillery offers a solid introduction to Frankfort’s deep ties with the spirits industry, in both a literal and figurative sense. The tour begins with a captivating overview of E.H. Taylor’s personal history and explains his massive influence on bourbon’s rise in the region. Then, guides lead groups to overlook the sunken “Bourbon Pompeii,” the site of fermenting vats from Taylor’s original 1870s O.F.C. (Old Fashioned Copper) Distillery. Covered in concrete and lost to time for decades, the vats were rediscovered and excavated in 2016 within a building that hugs the Kentucky River.
A short drive away, Castle & Key Distillery is the modern reincarnation of another of Taylor’s business ventures, the Old Taylor Distillery Company. It was built in 1887 as one of the industry’s first bourbon destinations, complete with elaborate European-style gardens, an ornate covered springhouse, and—best of all—a distinctive limestone castle as the hallmark structure. The beautiful grounds have been carefully restored, and the Adirondack chairs that flank picturesque Glenns Creek as it passes through the property offer the perfect spot to savor a cocktail or a boxed lunch from Taylorton Station, a former train depot turned walk-up bar.
Frankfort’s central location puts the bulk of the more than 70 stops on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail within about an hour and a half of the city. As you chart your route, carve out time for an afternoon at Frankfort’s own Whiskey Thief Distilling Co., which is set on a 127-acre working farm that’s like a postcard tribute to Kentucky’s scenic rolling hills in the fall. Fill your own bottle by “thieving” (or pulling) the spirit straight from the barrel. Then grab a cocktail and lunch of smoked wings and truffle fries on the back patio, and enjoy the bucolic view.
This is not a place where you’ll want to rush, because there’s a strong chance of running into CEO Walter Zausch, who loves to share the benefits of single-pot distillation (which includes Whiskey Thief’s work to grow all their own corn and other grains on-site) with anyone who asks. “We offer every single customer five barrels to taste from—usually four bourbons and one rye—at barrel strength. So we’re not cutting it down with water or proofing it down. It’s the way nature intended,” Zausch says.
Explore Downtown Frankfort
There’s plenty to do beyond bourbon too. Frankfort’s historic downtown district has ample free parking and is very walkable, with cute shops selling fine linens, Kentucky-made crafts, pottery, clothing, antiques, and more.
Start your morning on West Main Street at Engine House Coffee, which opened in 2023 after a 19th-century fire station was transformed into a bustling source for great drinks and conversation. Then head to the Frankfort Visitor Center, where staffers can point you to the best ways to see the city, including free trolley tours (offered from April through October), a public art walk, a history cruise with Kentucky River Tours, or a self-guided audio journey that retraces E.H. Taylor’s rise to fame through six stops.
Explore the mix of stores along St. Clair Street until it hits West Broadway, where Kentucky’s Greek Revival-style Old State Capitol—in use from 1830 to 1910—is hard to miss. Go in for a visit, or (for a unique vantage point) walk across the street to Frankfort’s well-loved independent shop Poor Richard’s Books. Their upstairs room full of antique tomes provides panoramic views of the historic statehouse and its statue of former governor William Goebel, who was assassinated on the grounds in 1900.
For a blast from the past, take note: The $8 admission to the Old State Capitol will also get you into the Kentucky Historical Society’s Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, which is just a short stroll away and worth the visit to admire Abraham Lincoln’s pocket watch as well as exhibits on Kentucky’s early settlement—including Daniel Boone artifacts. Free self-guided tours of the state’s current capitol building might be paused due to the structure’s ongoing restoration, but if they’re available, take one. The beauty and scale of the soaring interior rotunda, completed in 1910, is inspiring.
Break For Bourbon Balls
Nearby is another hallowed Frankfort landmark: Rebecca Ruth Candies, the birthplace of the bourbon ball. The company was founded in 1919 by Ruth Hanly Booe and Rebecca Gooch, but Booe later took on full ownership before developing her famed candy recipe in 1938. The family-run business still operates and offers public tours of its factory. Inside, a small team of workers places a pecan on every chocolate-coated confection as it goes down the production line. Farther along, candies are packed into boxes by hand, readying them to join the roughly 3 million treats Rebecca Ruth sells each year. Much of the factory equipment has been in use since the 1960s, making the production floor feel like a throwback to the past.
Looking ahead, a new visitors center addition is in the works. Sarah Booe, Ruth’s great-granddaughter, now serves as Rebecca Ruth’s operations manager. While offering a sneak peek at the new space (which has displays of memorabilia and vintage candy-making tools as well as windows that look onto the factory floor), she admits she has big shoes to fill but says carrying on her family’s legacy is a blessing. “We have guests from every continent coming to this little pocket of Kentucky to visit with us,” she says.
Enjoy The View
Frankfort has both steep hillsides and low valleys along the Kentucky River, which runs through the heart of the city. Several spots around town provide stunning overlooks of the modern state capitol framed by fall foliage and the winding riverbank, including—perhaps most notably—Daniel Boone’s grave site, which sits on a hillcrest at the Frankfort Cemetery.
Cove Spring Park has 3 miles of hiking trails on a 240-acre preserve right in the city. Even non-outdoorsy types will like a quick trip here because there are picnic tables and a lovely waterfall to enjoy within eyeshot of the entrance parking lot. Just a short drive away, Josephine Sculpture Park sprinkles accessible displays of more than 70 creative works along well-maintained paths, so you can get in your steps for the day and net some art-appreciation points at the same time.
If that isn’t quite your style, West Sixth Farm delivers an alternative: a post-hike beer. Located less than 10 miles from downtown, the large site features its own hop field, an apple orchard, a fishing pond, and 4 miles of trails that are open for public hiking or mountain biking—plus, easy access to brewery favorites such as its ever-popular West Sixth IPA.
Finish With A Fine Meal
Fresh from a walk in the woods (and, hopefully, showered and in clean clothes), cap off your day with an upscale dinner at Limewater. It operates out of the Glen Willis house, a renovated 1815 home that has patio views of the Kentucky River just a stone’s throw away. The restaurant opened in 2022 and features a rotating seasonal menu as well as craft cocktails like their signature old-fashioned, The 1815. It’s run by husband-and-wife co-owners chef Axl Wheeler and Isabelle Hay. She is a direct descendant of—you guessed it—E.H. Taylor, proving once again that in Frankfort, bourbon history runs deep.
Read the original article on Southern Living
Kentucky
Demetrus Liggins disputes Fayette County board’s claim he resigned, attorneys allege misconduct
LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX NEWS) — The attorneys for Dr. Demetrus Liggins issued a press release Friday alleging the Fayette County Board of Education publicly announced a resignation that never happened, cited the wrong Kentucky statutes to justify placing him on administrative leave, and installed a replacement superintendent without legal authority to do so.
The press release, dated June 19, 2026, gives FCPS a four-day deadline to rescind the administrative leave, withdraw the replacement-superintendent designation, and correct the public record. If the district does not comply, Dr. Liggins’ legal team has reserved the right to pursue contractual, statutory, constitutional, defamation, false-light, civil-rights, and tort claims.
According to the press release, Dr. Liggins proposed discussions toward a possible separation agreement — he did not submit an unconditional resignation. His attorneys allege he expressly corrected the Board’s characterization before the Board acted, yet the Board publicly announced a “resignation notice” anyway.
The press release also notes a striking internal contradiction in the Board’s own June 11 letter: the document’s letterhead continued to identify “Superintendent: Demetrus Liggins, PhD” even while the body of the letter announced an “Acting Superintendent.”
Dr. Liggins’ attorneys argue the Board’s June 11 leave letter cited KRS 160.160 and KRS 160.370 — neither of which, according to counsel, expressly authorizes a board to indefinitely suspend a contracted superintendent, bar him from communicating with district-affiliated persons, exclude him from all school property, and install a substitute officeholder.
Counsel argues the Board deliberately avoided KRS 160.350, the statute that specifically governs superintendent terms, vacancies, acting appointments, and removal for cause, according to the press release.
The press release also invokes Lexington-Fayette’s unique status as Kentucky’s sole urban-county government under KRS Chapter 67A, arguing the Board’s legal framing is further flawed because Fayette County is not governed by the special Chapter 67C school-governance provisions applicable to a consolidated local government such as Louisville–Jefferson County.
Attorney Amos N. Jones issued a direct on-the-record statement in the press release.
“This is not administrative leave in any meaningful sense. They announced a resignation that never happened, displaced the lawful superintendent, installed another superintendent, silenced Dr. Liggins inside his own system, and then hired investigators to determine whether the result already imposed should be imposed. Kentucky law does not allow a school board to manufacture a vacancy, perform a removal first, and search for a justification afterward,” Jones said.
According to the press release, Dr. Liggins’s contract runs through June 30, 2029. His attorneys allege the Board’s actions breach that contract by stripping him of his office, authority, professional standing, and future-career value while continuing to pay his salary. The contract reportedly prohibits reassignment without Dr. Liggins’s express written consent.
The press release notes that any litigation or settlement arising from this dispute could carry significant financial consequences for Fayette County taxpayers.
The press release places individual Board members — not just the institution — on notice of potential personal legal exposure. Attorneys cite what they describe as a false resignation narrative, the alleged creation of a fictitious vacancy, concerted displacement, and a false-light portrayal of Dr. Liggins. The notice also warns Board members that attorneys retained by FCPS may not represent their individual interests and that they should have received Upjohn warnings about privilege and conflicts.
According to the press release, counsel has demanded preservation of all communications, drafts, closed-session materials, media contacts, video records, investigative instructions, succession discussions, and communications with public officials, unions, employees, activists, and outside counsel. The inclusion of “media contacts” and “communications with public officials” in the demand suggests Dr. Liggins’ legal team believes there may be involvement by parties beyond the Board itself.
As of Friday, June 19, 2026, the four-day deadline issued to FCPS is running. If the district does not comply, Dr. Liggins’ legal team has indicated it will pursue legal action.
Summer practice is full underway for the 2026-27 Kentucky men’s basketball squad. And while the on-court teaching is critical to the offseason, what’s happening off the floor is equally as important.
Earlier this week, head coach Mark Pope and the entire team made a trip to the Kentucky Children’s Hospital, where they helped put together Father’s Day goodie bags, built toys, played board games with the kids, and shared laughs all around. Watching Franck Kepnang, Mason Williams, and Jerone Morton smile ear-to-ear while losing in a board game will make your heart full.
This was more than just a quick stop, though. This was about building real relationships and putting smiles on the faces of kids who deserve it. Returning center Malachi Moreno even reconnected with one of his new friends.
“There was a kid I’ve actually kept in touch with for a while. His name’s Jackson,” Moreno said Thursday. “Took some of my teammates in to meet him. I met him at Dance Blue. We’ve been playing Fortnite together. Got his PSN (PlayStation Network) tag and we’re going to play some Fortnite. Me, him, Kam (Williams), and Trent (Noah), we’re gonna play some Fortnite together.
“He’s such a cool kid. I think the guys really took in what it means to be at this brand. We walk in any room, we’re gonna brighten someone’s day. They might not be as fortunate as us but we’re taking time out of our day to go see them, and we’re having fun with it. I just wanted them to realize how much fun these kids are having with us.”
Judging by the video that UK put out on Thursday (which you can watch below) , it sure looks like everyone was having a blast. Some things are bigger than basketball.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – Severe weather across the Commonwealth has led to downed trees, traffic impacts and thousands of power outages.
Extensive coverage will be available on air and on WKYT+, where people can stay updated on the latest storm threats and impacts.
Franklin County Damage
A house fire was caused by lightning striking the attic space above two bedrooms, the Franklin County Fire Department reports.
A child was reportedly awakened by smoke, and alerted the residents to danger. Everyone was able to get out of the home safely before fire crews arrived.
Crews say they were able to contain the fire to the attic, which reduced further damage to the home.
Grant County damage
The Grant County Judge Executive Chuck Dills declared a state of emergency for Grant County due to severe weather damage.
Mason County damage
The Washington Fire Department says crews have been busy with storm damage reports from early morning storms.
The Mason County Judge Executive Owen McNeill says most of the damage seems to be west of US 68 within or near the Maysville city limits. McNeill says trees and debris are in roads county wide, with several power lines down.
Jessamine County damage
Jessamine County Emergency Management posted on social media that multiple weather-related incidents and power outages Thursday morning have taxed their Emergency service teams
Officials say crews have responded to multiple flooded out roads, downed trees and at least four damaged structures including some commercial occupancies that had collapse of roof or structures.
If you experienced any damage, you are asked to message Jessamine County Emergency Management or submit a damage assessment report.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 7 said KY 1267 at Cushingberry Lane in Jessamine County is closed due to a downed tree on a phone line.
Following severe weather, Ollie’s bargain outlet’s roof partially collapsed in Jessamine County according to emergency management. Emergency management is on the scene handling the situation.
The whole strip mall is closed due to a water leak and potential gas leak.
Show us your photos
Viewers are encouraged to submit any photos and videos of storm damage and impacts to WKYT. People can submit entries below.
Power outages
As of 8 a.m. on Thursday, June 18, over 4,000 customers in Fayette County are without power, and over 57,000 customers are without power throughout Kentucky, according to Kentucky Power Outages.
In a social media post, Woodford County said it was monitoring outages and was in coordination with utility partners to work to restore power.
The main transmission line that provides power to Falmouth was damaged, leading the city to be without power according to Pendleton County Emergency Management. An LG&E crew is reportedly enroute to fix the problem, but Falmouth will have no power until the damage is repaired.
Road Conditions
Garrard County Emergency Management says several state and county roads are being covered in water due to the weather conditions. They advise for anyone travelling to use extreme caution and be aware of flooded areas.
If encountering a water covered road, turn around and don’t drive through it, Garrard County Emergency Management says. An alternate route is the safest option.
Rolling Acres is closed between Bender Drive and Rancho Drive in Frankfort due to storm damage according to the Frankfort-Franklin County Office of Emergency Management. Utility crews are making preparations for repair onsite.
U.S. 127 Business at mile point 1.4 in Anderson County was closed due to a downed tree, according to KYTC, and Midway Road is closed between Old Frankfort Pike and US 60 in Woodford County.
KYTC reports a downed tree at mile point 3.1 on Bryan Station Road in Fayette County. The road is currently blocked. Information will be provided as updates become available.
Old Frankfort Pike is also closed between Pisgah Pike and the Fayette County line due to a tree on utility lines, KYTC said.
The Harrodsburg Police Department says that the road at Moberly Road and Scooter Avenue is not drivable due to high water, and barricades are in place to prevent drivers from attempting to cross.
KYTC encouraged drivers to use caution while traveling and watch for roadway hazard, including downed trees, debris and powerlines.
Copyright 2026 WKYT. All rights reserved.
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