Roam the acres of endless sunflowers, place a bet on a thoroughbred, dance the night away with Everclear or relax on the links with your friends.
August is a busy time in Franklin, Kentucky and you can take your pick of adventurous fun.
The sunflowers at Ruby Branch Farms begin blooming in late July and will bloom all of August. Stroll through the largest sunflower maze in Kentucky and pick a few to take with you. A visit to the farm will also give you plenty of photo opportunities. The kiddos can enjoy the farm playground and you can even buy local beef to take home for supper. Local vendors and a special gift for the first visitors of the day will be on hand on Saturday, Aug. 17. For more information go to www.rubybranchfarms.com.
Get a few friends together and hit the links at Kenny Perry’s Country Creek Golf Course. The 28-hole public course offers beautiful landscape and a challenging course to try your golfing skills. Be sure to stop by the pro shop and see some of PGA Tour Golfer Kenny Perry’s memorabilia. For tee times and pricing go to www.kpcountrycreek.com
If you love live music, then you will not want to miss the Summer Vibes Music Festival on Aug. 24. The free event kicks off at 1pm in the historic downtown square with local musicians, and country artist Kelsey Hart takes the stage at 3pm. Rounding out the rest of the music fest are Fritz Hagar, Gyasi, Gravel Switch, Sister Hazel and Everclear! Beer garden and food trucks open at noon. www.summervibesfranklinky.com
Hear the thunder of the hoofbeats on the turf track at Kentucky Downs Race Course when live horse racing returns for seven days in Franklin, Kentucky. Don’t miss opening day on Aug. 29 as priceless horses and award-winning jockeys make their way to Franklin for the most exciting time of the year! Live race dates are Aug. 29, 31, Sept. 1, 5, 7, 8 and 11. Free general admission and two ticket prices will be part of the races this year. Be sure to go to www.themintkentuckydowns.com for more information.
While you are in Franklin, stroll the boutiques downtown and shop local. Stop in at one of our many restaurants for a bite to eat, take in the local art with our new #franklinwallflowers mural and be sure to make a wish and place a lock on the lock tree.
Tour Dueling Grounds Distillery and taste a bit of pure gold Kentucky bourbon. Hear the tale of how Franklin’s dip in the state line came to be and learn the proper etiquette of dueling at Sandford Duncan Inn. While you are getting some history lessons, be sure to visit the African American Heritage Museum, Simpson County History Center, Old Jail and Octagon Hall. You will find all of the info and links at www.visitfranklinky.com.
-by Amy Ellis
Executive Director
Simpson County Tourism Commission
