Make a Day Out of Downtown Frankfort: A Local Guide to Something a Little Different

You don't always need to head downtown Chicago to find something fun to do.

Sometimes a great day is hiding right in the suburbs.

Historic Downtown Frankfort is one of those places where you can park the car, start walking and see where the day takes you.

So whether you live in Frankfort, you're thinking about making a move here or you've simply never spent much time downtown, here's my idea:

Make a day out of it.

Start With a Stroll Through Historic Downtown Frankfort

Downtown Frankfort has been a community gathering place since the 1800s, yet, it doesn't feel like a downtown that's been preserved just to look at.

People actually use it.

Shops, restaurants and local businesses surround the historic district, while Breidert Green sits right in the middle of much of the activity.

Depending on when you visit, you might stumble across a market, live music, a festival or another community event.

That's part of the fun.

Pour a Candle Inside an 1895 Bank

Here's something you don't find in every suburb.

At The Candle Vault, you can create your own custom candle by choosing and blending from more than 100 fragrances.

And the setting may be just as interesting as the candle.

The experience takes place inside Frankfort's first bank building, dating to approximately 1895.

Pick your scents, pour your candle and then head back outside while it sets.

Now you have the perfect excuse to keep exploring downtown.

Or...Make Dinner Instead of Ordering It

If you'd rather create something edible, Whisk & Flame offers hands-on cooking experiences right downtown.

Their classes include everything from handmade pasta and sushi to date-night dinners and family cooking experiences.

You actually prepare the meal with instruction and then sit down and enjoy what you made.

And here's something I especially like: they also have a public lounge with cocktails and small plates, so you don't necessarily have to book a cooking class to stop in.

Walk—or Bike—Some of It Off

One of Frankfort's best features runs directly through downtown.

The Old Plank Road Trail: White Street gives you an easy way to turn lunch or shopping into a walk or bike ride.

That's one of the things I particularly like about downtown Frankfort.

The trail isn't something you have to drive somewhere else to find.

It's part of the downtown experience.

Grab coffee, wander the shops, walk part of the trail and come right back into town.

Check What's Happening at Breidert Green

Breidert Green Park is really the heart of downtown Frankfort.

Throughout the year, the area hosts community events and seasonal activities, including markets, concerts and festivals.

So before you visit, it's worth checking the Village calendar.

Sometimes "let's go walk around Frankfort" turns into something much more interesting simply because of what's happening that day.

Find Something You Didn't Know Was There

This may be my favorite part of exploring a downtown.

Don't plan every stop.

Wander.

Historic Frankfort has independent shops and some wonderfully unusual places tucked into a relatively small area.

At Heirloom (Home of Frankfort Candle Co.), for example, you'll find vintage-inspired home goods and Frankfort Candle Company.

Or step into The Family Hearth General Store, which occupies an 1870s-style general store with original wide-plank pine floors. You can browse vintage-inspired gifts, old-fashioned candy and other finds—and even sit down for a game of checkers.

That's considerably more interesting than another trip through a big-box store.

And, Of Course, Eat Something

This is where you have choices.

Downtown Frankfort has everything from casual stops to places that can turn the afternoon into date night.

You might try The Wine Thief Provisions & Bistro for wine and a meal, Sensō for a more contemporary sushi experience, or simply grab something sweet from Short & Sweet-Tasty Treats before heading home.

The point isn't that you need to visit every place on the list.

Pick one or two—and discover something else along the way.

Why I Like Downtown Frankfort

When people talk about choosing where to live, we understandably spend a lot of time talking about the house.

Price.

Taxes.

Square footage.

Bedrooms.

Updates.

Yet, lifestyle matters, too.

There's something appealing about living somewhere where you can spend an afternoon walking around your own community, find locally owned businesses, catch an event, have dinner and take a walk on the trail without turning it into a major excursion.

That's part of what makes a community feel like home.

And if you're thinking about making Frankfort your home—or wondering what your current Frankfort home may be worth—I'm always happy to talk real estate, too.

Joanne Dal Santo, REALTOR®, SRES®, SRS®, ABR®

You Can With Joanne!™

Licensed in Illinois & Indiana

Local Sources

Village of Frankfort / Historic Downtown Frankfort — Downtown history, community activities and events

The Candle Vault — Custom candle-pouring experience and historic location

Whisk & Flame — Hands-on cooking experiences and lounge

Old Plank Road Trail — Downtown Frankfort trail access

Businesses, hours, classes and events can change. Check directly with individual businesses or the Village before making plans.