Welcome to Historic Frankfort! One of several murals around town by artist Carla Canonero Phillips.
Previously on Midlife Crisis Crossover:
Every year since 1999 Anne and I have taken one road trip to a different part of the United States and seen attractions, wonders, and events we didn’t have back home. From 1999 to 2003 we did so as best friends; from 2004 to the present, as husband and wife. After years of contenting ourselves with everyday life in Indianapolis and any nearby places that also had comics and toy shops, we overcame some of our self-imposed limitations and resolved as a team to leave the comforts of home for annual chances to see creative, exciting, breathtaking, outlandish, historical, and/or bewildering new sights in states beyond our own. We’re the Goldens. This is who we are and what we do…
We were dying to get home on the last day of our vacation, but while we were in Frankfort visiting the Kentucky State Capitol anyway, we allowed for a small walk and, of course, lunchtime. We were lucky to find a particular block that surrounded us with art on every side.
A bridge over the Kentucky River on our way to lunch and art respectively.
A train sped past shortly after we parked.
But first was definitely lunch, at an Italian restaurant called Serafini, a mile-‘n’-a-half from the Capitol and across the street from the Old State Capitol. We arrived shortly before 2:00 and were surprised to grab the closest parallel space out front. It seemed odd that only two other tables were occupied. We didn’t realize they were about to close at 2:30 to prep for dinner. We appreciated their hospitality and patience with us latecomers. It might’ve been the first Italian eatery not to offer us bread, but maybe that was our slap on the wrist.
Note the bourbon barrels. Did I mention we were in Kentucky?
To be clear: BOURBON BOURBON BOURBON BOURBON BOURBON.
Anne kept it light ‘n’ summery with a goat cheese and Granny Smith apple salad.
For me, today’s special was chicken cordon bleu on penne pasta.
After lunch we stretched our legs for one last roadside art walkabout. Murals and sculptures lined the walls and sidewalks respectively.
A buffalo mural on the side of Serafini, also by the aforementioned Carla Canonero Phillips.
For those just joining us: Frankfort!
Surprise! by Giuseppe Percivati.
Wanderlust by Cecilia Lueza.
Beautiful and Brave by Anna and Paula Murphy.
A tribute to Frankfort’s own George C. Wolfe, Tony Award-winning Broadway director of Angels in America: Millennium Approaches and Bring in ‘da Noise/Bring in ‘da Funk. Art by Jimmy Joe Jenkins.
Formed to Fit, Jennifer Rubin Garey.
Tasia, Jessica Bradsher.
Delegate, Derek Ball.
Seedlings Three, Joseph Hamilton
Cultured Stone, Antionette Schultze.
Directions to all the Frankfort things.
As mentioned above, the Old State Capitol across the street. It’s been a museum since 1920.
Lawn features include a tribute to William Goebel, the only sitting American governor who was ever assassinated. The killer shot him at the then-Capitol the day before he was sworn in…which had to be done on his deathbed. Four days later, he was dead.
A historical marker notes that time when The Palladium became the first newspaper to report on Lewis and Clark’s return from their expedition.
Slightly less old: a Power Rangers Megazord in the window of an antique shop.
Another addition to my marquee collection: the Grand Theatre a venue for repertory films and concerts alike. Two years later, Ace Frehley was dead.
The Grand Theatre made their own awesome movie posters!
To be continued!
* * * * *
[Link enclosed here to handy checklist for other chapters and for our complete road trip history to date. Follow us on Facebook or via email sign-up for new-entry alerts, or over on BlueSky if you want to track my faint signs of life between entries. Thanks for reading!]
Discover more from Midlife Crisis Crossover!
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Midlife Crisis Crossover! 