Roam through the sunflower fields, place a bet on a thoroughbred horse race, dance the night away with Plain White T’s or relax on the links with your friends.
Hear the thunder of the hoofbeats on the turf track at Kentucky Downs Race Course when live horse racing returns for seven days on Aug. 28. With $40 million in purses awarded during live races, it is the richest race horsing event in Kentucky! Franklin welcomes world-renowned jockeys and horses into the venue for three weeks of racing. Live race dates are Aug. 28, 30 and 31 as well as Sept. 4, 6, 7 and 10. Be sure to go into The Mint and try your luck at gaming and see the largest sports book east of the Mississippi, Circa Sports Kentucky. Free tailgating, plus general admission and VIP tickets are on sale at www.themintkentuckydowns.com.
The sunflowers at Ruby Branch Farms will be popping with color when they bloom in 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 while you shop for local beef or honey. Ruby Branch offers flower arranging classes throughout August, a Touch a Tractor event on Aug. 9 and you can meet local ag partners on Aug. 29 at the Ag Extravaganza event. For more information go to: www.rubybranchfarms.com.
Get your friends together and hit the links at Kenny Perry’s Country Creek Golf Course. The 18-hole public course offers beautiful landscapes, views of Drakes Creek and a challenging course. Be sure to stop by the pro shop and see some of PGA Tour Golfer Kenny Perry’s career memorabilia. For tee times and pricing go to www.kpcountrycreek.com
Wrap up summer with a free live concert featuring Plain White T’s in Franklin’s historic downtown. Spend your day grooving to the tunes at the free Summer Vibes Music Festival on Aug. 23. Beer tent and food trucks open at noon and the music begins at 12:30pm. Tyler Hilton of “One True Hill” will sing and emcee the event. Music kicks off with local songwriters Todd Caudill, Josh Thurman and Tom McClure. Also performing that day are Clare Cunningham, Clayton Johnson, Changing Direction, Van Winkle and the Spirits, and The Paradox. Plain White T’s will take the stage around 8pm. For more information go to www.summervibesfranklinky.com.
While you are in Franklin, stroll the downtown boutiques and shop local. Stop in at one of our many restaurants for a bite to eat, take in the local art and take a selfie in front of the church were June Carter married Johnny Cash.
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.
-submitted by Amy Ellis, Director, Franklin-Simpson County Tourism
