As summer winds down, September offers the perfect opportunity to experience all that the Bluegrass region has to offer. Whether it's horse sales, food tours, paddling adventures, or patio dining, Lexington is the ideal spot to kick off the fall season!
Keeneland Yearling Sale
Nothing captures the behind-the-scenes excitement of Lexington’s racing industry like morning workouts at Keeneland and breakfast at the Keeneland Track Kitchen. Start your day by watching Thoroughbreds thunder down the stretch, then head over to grab a bite for breakfast. You might even find yourself alongside a jockey or trainer. Fueling up trackside is just a part of daily life in Lex—no reservations required.
Every September, Keeneland hosts the Yearling Sale, the premier global marketplace for Thoroughbred yearlings. This two-week event is one of the world’s most significant Thoroughbred sales, where future Derby winners are auctioned to the highest bidder. Join the excitement from September 9-21 at the Keeneland Pavilion—admission is free!
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 offer a delightful journey through history, art, architecture, and, of course, mouthwatering cuisine. Over the course of three hours, you and a knowledgeable guide will explore local restaurants, vibrant murals, and iconic landmarks, all while savoring the rich flavors of Southern cuisine.
Outdoors
September in the Bluegrass is still sunny and warm, making it the perfect time to enjoy the 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 and Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill are always a good options. 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.
Patio Dining
As summer winds down, so does the extreme heat—making it the perfect time to gather your favorites and enjoy patio dining at one of Lexington's many local spots. Here, you’ll find number of restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and bistros serving eclectic fare and fresh takes on Southern classics.
Need some food inspiration? Check out the photos below to see restaurants visitors and locals love in Lex.
