The Bluegrass shines in every season, but there’s really no place like Lexington in the fall. Colors are more vivid, flavors more intense, and all of Central Kentucky seems to put on a spectacular grand finale before the cold of winter sets in. Here’s our tips for making the most of this especially magical time of year.
1. Enjoy Breathtaking Fall Foliage
Pictured here: Boone Creek Outdoors
You swore you’d never become one of those people that travels just for fall foliage, but Lexington puts on a show that’s hard to resist. Grab a front row seat for this spellbinding performance at the city’s newest outdoor attractions, Gatton Park and Kelley’s Landing. You can also get your fill of fall color at Boone Creek Outdoors, Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, McConnell Springs, and the Lexington Cemetery, one of America’s best arboretums.
Explore the gorgeous countryside on a Driving Tour, or take a stroll down Catalpa Road where the golden gingko trees famously turn the neighborhood into an Instagram-worthy autumn wonderland. And don’t forget nearby Red River Gorge, a leaf peeper’s paradise with a stunning Natural Bridge. Our Fall Foliage Guide has more tips.
2. Experience Horse Country at Its Finest
Pictured here: Keeneland
Rolling hills of lush Kentucky bluegrass. Limestone fences. The sun’s golden glow sneaking into stables. When summer’s over, the Horse Capital of the World is in rare form. Horse Country is an invaluable resource for all things equine, and they can take you behind the scenes at many of Lexington’s iconic horse farms to meet racing’s superstars. The Thoroughbred universe descends on Keeneland in autumn, first for their world-renowned September Sales and then for the Fall Race Meet in October. And nearly 50 horse breeds can be seen grazing 1,200 acres of pasture at the Kentucky Horse Park.
3. Savor Amazing Autumn Flavors
Pictured here: Granddam
The flavors of fall abound in Lexington. Start your day with a stroll through the Lexington Farmers’ Market and a coffee from shops like The Greenery, Lussi Brown, Kenwick Table, and Manchester Coffee Co. Pick perfectly ripe apples at Reed Valley Orchard, Evan’s Orchard and Cider Mill, and Eckert's Boyd Orchard. Hit The Brewgrass Trail to find the area’s best breweries and cideries. Then grab a table at innovative restaurants like Granddam at The Manchester Hotel and Mileta where fresh local ingredients make unforgettable seasonal dishes.
4. Have the Ultimate Sports Weekend
Pictured here: Kroger Field
Lexington is famous for horse racing, but fall offers plenty more opportunities for sports fans in search of excitement. The Lexington Sporting Club brings the thrill of both men’s and women’s professional soccer to the Bluegrass. And the University of Kentucky is home to some of the greatest traditions in college sports. Tailgate all day and catch a Wildcats football game at Kroger Field. Or watch the 8-time NCAA champion men’s basketball team take the court at legendary Rupp Arena. Here’s a full schedule of every UK sporting event.
5. Check Out Spooky Attractions & Seasonal Events
Pictured here: Downtown Lexington Thriller Parade
Lexington celebrates spooky season in style. In October, zombie performers flood Main Street for a Michael Jackson-inspired Thriller Parade. The Kentucky Theatre shows hair-raising horror flicks. Scarefest Weekend takes over the convention center. PumpkinMania at Transylvania University and the Jack-O-Lantern Trail at McConnell Springs set the city aglow. And, if you’re brave enough, you can take a nighttime Spirit Stroll at Shaker Village. Check out the Bites of the Bluegrass Haunted Tour for more haunted spots and local legends with a culinary twist.
Prefer to get your entertainment from the land of the living? Lexington’s live music scene offers some incredible fan experiences. Catch local and regional talent in an intimate setting at The Burl. Or go big at an epic performance at Rupp Arena or the Lexington Opera House. Their packed fall calendar includes performances by Eric Church, Adam Sandler, GloRilla, The Jonas Brothers, and more internationally touring artists.
6. Take a Stroll Through History
Pictured here: Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate
Fall provides the perfect backdrop to discover Lexington’s rich history and charming architecture. Ashland, the wooded estate of 19th century statesman Henry Clay, boasts a gorgeous English parterre garden. The Mary Todd Lincoln House, childhood home of the former First Lady, is like a time capsule with an impressive garden of its own. Waveland and Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill are surrounded by acres of Bluegrass countryside. The colorful gingko trees of Catalpa Road, located in the historic Chevy Chase-Ashland Park neighborhood, briefly turn into a golden Instagram opportunity. And serene Gratz Park sits at the center of a downtown neighborhood largely unchanged since the 1800s.
Not sure where to start? Our Walking Tours will point you in the right direction.
7. Discover Bourbonland
Pictured here: Fresh Bourbon
Beneath Lexington’s rolling bluegrass hills, a rare limestone formation filters natural spring water for the world’s finest bourbon, fueling a magical culture of creativity and innovation that we call Bourbonland. Fall is the perfect time to immerse yourself in that culture. Enjoy tours and tastings at 18 nearby bourbon distilleries, sample rare bottles and inventive cocktails at world-class bourbon bars, and let the Kentucky Bourbon Trail guide you deep into the countryside for a look at the history and craft of America’s native spirit that can’t be found anywhere else.
Dark Arts Whiskey House, one of Bourbonland’s newest additions, has a distinctly enchanting vibe that’s perfect for the season. Expert “Spirit Guides” will lead you on a tour of this blending, rebarreling, and finishing house with the only barrel thieving experience in Lexington.
