Even though Summer is coming to an end, September is a great month to enjoy all the Bluegrass has to offer. From horse sales and food tours to paddling and patio dining, Lexington is the perfect place to kick off the fall season!

September Sale at Keeneland

Mornings at the Track & Keeneland Yearling Sale

Nothing showcases behind-the-scenes of Lexington’s racing industry quite like morning workouts at Keeneland and breakfast at the Keeneland Track Kitchen! Rise and shine with the sight of Thoroughbreds hitting the track then head over for breakfast. You might even rub elbows with a jockey or a trainer while you’re there. Fueling up trackside is the normal way of life in Lex. No reservations necessary.

Keeneland’s Yearling Sale happens every September and is the global marketplace for Thoroughbred yearlings (one-year-olds). This two-week long event is one of the world’s most important Thoroughbred sales. Take part in the action and watch future Derby winners be sold to the top bidder September 11-23 at the Keeneland Pavilion. No admission cost to attend. 

 

Horse Farm Tour

Horse Farm Tours

Learn about the process of breeding and raising Thoroughbreds on one of the many private horse farm tours. From mamas and mares, stallions and breeding operations, to training and after care, horse farm tours in the Bluegrass Region are a completely unique and an authentically Kentucky experience. Paired with the Keeneland Sales, you’ll be a Thoroughbred expert by the time the month is over!

 

Bites of the Bluegrass

Experience historic downtown Lexington and some of the best bites in the Bluegrass! Your foodie... Read More

Cocktails + Bites Food & History Tour

Enjoy a sipping stroll to three cozy downtown lounges. Enjoy filling appetizers and craft cocktails... Read More

Food Tours

Bites of the Bluegrass food tours take you on a journey through history, art, architecture, and of course, delicious bites. With stops at several local restaurants, murals, and landmarks, you along with a knowledgeable guide will enjoy a two-hour tour, sampling our flavorful, southern cuisine along the way.

 

woman on kayak on the kentucky river

Outdoors

September in the Bluegrass is still warm and the perfect time to get outdoors! Rent a stand-up paddle board or kayak from Kentucky by Paddle. Go out on the Kentucky River or Elkhorn Creek with the help of Canoe Kentucky. Want to hit the trails? Raven Run is always a good option. You can also head to Pilot Knob, a state nature preserve in Clark County. It’s a quick two-mile, round-trip hike with an amazing view overlooking the beautiful Bluegrass landscape. Legend says this is where Daniel Boone first got a view of the region and was inspired to say “Heaven must be a Kentucky kind of place,” about the state.

 

Kentucky Native Cafe

Kentucky Native Café

As summer wraps up, so do the summer hours in the beer garden at Kentucky Native Café. Take advantage of the beautiful weather and enjoy small bites and homemade cocktails in this hidden garden café. 

Need some more food inspiration? Check out the photos below to see restaurants visitors and locals love in Lex.