Best of Lexington in October

Experience the best sights and tastes of the Bluegrass this October.

HORSES

Keeneland Fall Meet

You can’t talk about October in Lexington without Keeneland’s Fall Meet. With races Wednesday-Sunday every week in October, you can experience the best of Thoroughbred horse racing at this picturesque National Historic Landmark. Don your race day best, grab a Keeneland cocktail, and bet on some Thoroughbreds for a uniquely Lexington experience.

Visit Horse Country

Want to see a behind-the-scenes look at the equine industry? Check out one of Fayette County’s 450 horse farms on a tour with local tour providers or Visit Horse Country. If you want an itinerary laid out – we’re loving the weekend-long Fun in Fayette County itinerary – but any of the horse farm tour options they have are a must!

BOURBON

While some of the big names in bourbon are in the counties surrounding Fayette County, Lexington has a multitude of craft distilleries right in the heart of the city—like Barrel House Distillery which offers tours Wednesday-Sunday. The tour includes a tasting but be sure to pop into Elkhorn Tavern to grab a cocktail using Barrel House bourbon and delicious bar bites.

Catalpa Road

OUTDOORS

Lexington is repeatedly listed as one of the best places in the country to see fall foliage. Get a unique view of the changing leaves on a zipline tour with Boone Creek Outdoors. Experience stunning views on 6 ziplines, 3 skybridges, a rappel, a spiral, and a floating staircase—it’s fun for the whole family!

Toward the end of October, locals flock to Catalpa Road, right near Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate to see the street’s Gingko trees turned gold. The whole area is a great place to walk and snap some pics.

Drive the quick hour to Red River Gorge – lovingly called the Gorge or The Red by locals – and get breathtaking views of the Cumberland Mountains in the Daniel Boone National Forest. With natural sandstone arches, sweeping vistas, natural waterfalls, creeks, and the Red River, the Gorge has something for everyone – hiking, climbing, kayaking and more.

Untitled by Fintan Magee

CREATIVE CULTURE

Lexington has beautiful, imaginative, and thought-provoking street art just about everywhere you look—with more than 50 street murals and counting. From creative, whimsical doodles to sky-high commissioned works of art, street artists from all over the world are turning our entire city, piece-by-piece, into a vibrant art gallery. Earn prizes just for stopping by our murals by downloading the Lexington Mural Challenge Pass. Visit 6 murals and then pick up your screen-printed poster prize at the Lexington Visitors Center.

Salt & Vinegar

LOCAL FOOD

Lexington has something for everyone’s tastes, from down right delicious Southern fare to the freshest haute cuisine. Some local favorites include barbecue from County Club, and the indulgent flavors of Dudley’s on Short. Check out a full list of the best local Lexington restaurants here.