Honestly, if you think you know Kentucky, you don't have Francisville on the radar yet. This small piece of land, officially known as Census-Designated Place, is located in the tranquil Boone County and has more history in the sleeve than one would suspect at first glance. Originally an agricultural village dating back to 19th. The area has slowly developed into a suburb of Louisville without completely losing the charm of its roots.
I don't quite understand the hype around the big cities, but here, between the gentle hills and the old fields, you can feel the real Kentucky feeling. The arrival is a Klack: a short detour to the I-64, then a few minutes on the US-42, and you are in the middle of the happening – no stress, no crowd, just the quiet humping of the cars that reminds you that you are no longer in nowhere.
When you finally arrive, you will notice that the “Francisville Sights” are not hidden in shiny shop windows, but in the small cafés, the local artisans shops and the spontaneous encounters with the neighbors who like to reveal their favorite places to you. And that's what makes this place a real secret tip for me – a bit rustic, a bit surprising, and definitely not a joke.
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Advantage:
You can assess light, perspective and location before visiting the site – ideal for photography, sunrises and sunsets.
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The first place I have to mention is the Big Bone Lick State Park – a piece of original wilderness that extends only a few minutes drive south of Francisville. Here you can not only marvel at huge mammoth bones, but also marvel at well-developed hiking trails through the forest area, with the razing of the leaves being almost as loud as the occasional squeaking of the visitors who try to get a selfie with a prehistoric fossil. Parking is usually easy as long as you do not arrive at the weekend with the whole family – then the small visitor centre becomes the Stau‐Hotspot.
A short detour to the east leads to the Creation Museum in Petersburg, which splits the minds with its blend of biblical creation history and modern attractions. I don’t understand the hype around the “world in six days”, but the interactive exhibitions are really great, especially the huge dinosaur model that you can see from the inside. Admission is not exactly a bargain, there is a huge parking space that is almost always free, because most visitors prefer to visit the adjacent Ark Encounter.
Looking for something green that is not surrounded by huge concrete structures, the Boone County Arboretum is just the right thing. I once made a picnic there, while a squirrel tried to steal my sandwiches – a real showdown between man and Nager. Arboretum is free of charge, and parking is directly at the entrance where a small but well organized parking is waiting. The trails are signposted so that you don't accidentally run in circles, which unfortunately often happens in some other nature parks.
A bit further south, almost towards Lexington, lies the Kentucky Horse Park – a paradise for horse lovers and for those who like to take photos of majestic animals without spending a fortune. I visited the International Museum of the Horse there and was surprised how little I knew about the history of horse breeding in Kentucky. The park offers free parking, but during the summer holidays it can quickly be filled there, so prefer to be there early before the tourist flows move.
A jump over the Ohio River takes you to the heart of Newport, where the Newport Aquarium lures. I have to admit that I was initially skeptical – an aquarium near Bourbon? – but the sharks swimming through the glass tunnel pool have completely tied me up. Parking is at the main car park right next to the aquarium, and although the fees are not cheap, you save the annoying search for a free space in the city centre.
For those who love the water, a walk along the Cincinnati Riverfront is a must. The Smale Riverfront Park offers extensive green spaces, interactive water games and stunning views of the Cincinnati skyline. I once made a campfire at the BBQ place at sunset – that was almost too romantic until a passing van destroyed the mood with loud country music. Parking is a bit tricky here: there are several small car parks that are quickly full, so better get a bit earlier.
Another highlight that is often overlooked is the John A. Roebling Bridge over the Ohio River. This historic steel bridge, which later served as a model for the Brooklyn Bridge, is a real photo pot. I crossed the bridge with my bike once, while a group of tourists tried to catch the same picture with their selfie sticks – a classic example of how history and Instagram culture collide. Parking is best on the Ohio side, where there is a small parking lot that is usually free as long as you don't get to the Rush hour.
Whether you're a fan of prehistoric bones, biblical museum art, green oases, noble horses, underwater world, river landscapes or historical engineering art, Francisville's surroundings offer a colourful mix that enthuses every modern traveler. And the best thing about it: all these experiences can easily be reached by car without having to torment you through endless traffic jams. So your journey becomes a real adventure you won't forget so quickly. Francisville Attractions not only a name, but a promise for varied discoveries.
So, next time you're in the area, let's go first Francis Creek Park bend – this is my personal favorite place because it presses the whole “small suburban paradise” in one piece. I tried a picnic with my buddy the other day, and while we complained about the weather, a squirrel almost stole our sandwiches. The park has a small lake where you can fish in the summer (I've never caught a fish, but that doesn't make the attempt any less exciting), and a network of hiking and cycling trails that swell through dense trees. Parking is usually a Klack, except on Saturday afternoons, when the families with strollers occupy the seats – then the whole becomes a small car park.
Directly next to the park Francisville Town Center, a shopping complex that houses more than a few large chains. I don't quite understand the hype around the endless storerooms, but the mix of well-known brands and a few local boutiques makes the whole surprisingly charming. If you're lucky, you'll stumble over a pop-up stand selling handmade candles – a real find if you're looking for a souvenir that doesn't come from a plastic box. And yes, the car park is huge, so no stress to find your car as long as you don't get there on Friday night after the movie "Blockbuster".
A short detour to Francisville Library is almost obligatory if you are interested in a bit of culture. The library is modern, with large windows that allow the daylight, and a cozy reading corner, where I once crumbled with a coffee and a book about local history – until a loud children's choir pulled me out of my sleep. The staff is super friendly, and the WLAN actually works what is a miracle in some suburbs. If you want to borrow a book, you only need your library card at the reception.
Another highlight I always mention is that Francisville Community Center. There is a swimming pool that is almost always overcrowded in the summer because the kids from the surrounding area are pulling their tracks. I took part in a yoga course there – that was an interesting mix of relaxed music and the occasional squeaking of my neighbor's sneakers. Admission is free for residents, there is a small fee for visitors, but this is worth the money if you are looking for a place to move a bit without running into the gym.
If you're in town in the summer, you can Francisville Farmers Market do not miss. Every Saturday morning, from about 8 am to 12 pm, local farmers fill the stands with fresh vegetables, honey and homemade treats. I once tried a glass of homemade cider that was so good that I drank almost the whole glass empty before I realized I had to go to the park. The market is close to the city center, so parking is a children's game – a few free places right in front of the entrance, as long as you don't come to the main traffic time.
A bit away from the usual tourist trails lies the Francisville Golf Club, a private 18-hole course accessible to members and guests with invitation. I played a friendship game there with a colleague from Cincinati; The fairways are well maintained, and the clubhouse has a bar that serves surprisingly good cocktails. If you are not a member, you can still admire the clubhouse from the outside – the building has a classic look that reminds of the good old golf clubs from the 60s.
And yes, if you’re looking for a quick overview, simply tap “Francisville Sights” into your search engine – you’ll notice that most of these places are exactly what I’ve described here, only without my easy cynical comments. But this is the beauty of this little town: It has enough charm to surprise you, and enough everydayness to not overwhelm you.
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