Fall Slowly Turns in Kentucky
Fall is a beautiful, invigorating time to explore each and every part of the Bluegrass state. From the mountains in the east to the riverbed in the west, rolling hills in the north to lakes and knobs in the south, join us as beautiful color unfolds from mid-September through October.
Board one of several rail excursions or sail away on a houseboat. Paddle a canoe, take in festivals that celebrate everything from A to Z, stay at a state park lodge or cabin or visit one of our many Main Streets. Kentucky color adds to your visit.
Because of this summer’s ample rains, our landscapes are expected to present glorious red, gold and yellow foliage from border to border, beginning in the east and easing westward through bourbon country on down to our western waterways. It’s a great time of year to explore the outdoors via scenic byway or waterway and set your course for fall’s bounty at roadside stand or farmer’s market. www.kentuckyfarmsarefun.com
Kentucky’s growing number of wineries invite you to taste, sip and select your favorite vintage. Depending on your choice, you may linger over lunch or dinner, or check into a near by Bead and Breakfast. www.kentuckywine.com
Our state parks, referred to as the best in the nation, have a variety of amenities for your fall escape. There’s no better place to be surrounded by the splendid beauty of nature. Stake your claim to a cabin, campsite or at a lodge at our resort parks or visit an historic site. They are located everywhere the leaves fall.
Grab your camera, your family or your sweetheart and kick back for a fun-filled fall visit Kentucky.
Race to Kentucky’s Unbridled Spirit
Horses are king in Kentucky. We’re known throughout the world for our Thoroughbreds, racing and as home to fabulous tracks. The fall racing season is a great time to test your handicapping, do some premium people watching and see colorful landscapes that surround these magnificent animals. A variety of racing is available for every taste and budget, tailgating to clubhouse.
Of course Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, comes to mind in record time. The fall meet at the Twin Spires leaves the starting gate last, beginning November 1. Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, which played a picture-postcard part in the movie “Seabiscuit,” opens for three weeks beginning October 9th. Turfway Park in Florence just south of Covington runs evenings and weekends through October 8 (began September 9). Thunder Ridge Racing & Entertainment Complex in Prestonsburg features harness racing Friday through Sunday from October 1 to November.
And if racing isn’t your thing, check out the Kentucky Horse Park where you can have hands on experience with the horses and be inspired by daily events and attractions that exhibit the beauty, history and importance of these majestic animals.
Design your trip around these track dates and stake out places to stay, eat and explore in the Bluegrass State. You’ll quickly discover why we say Kentucky has “Unbridled Spirit” and exactly why horses here are king.
Wiggle Your Way around the Kentucky Mountains
Tradition says that the severity of an upcoming winter is predicted by the fuzziness and color of the woolly worms. Thin and brown means a mild winter to come and thick or black foretells a long, frigid season.
Main Street in Beattyville, close to the forks of the Kentucky River, is where “worm readers” have gathered for more than 20 years to celebrate the wriggly forecasters. The Kentucky Woolly Worm Festival includes games, music, prizes and a race for the furry little creatures. Crisp fall mountain air combined with captivating autumn colors add to the festival charm. Join in the fun on October 16, 17 and 18.
The three day worm racing spectacle culminates in the championship race on Sunday afternoon. Competitors climb a string and the first one to reach the top wins. No touching allowed!
While you are in the area, be sure to take in other attractions throughout the Daniel Boone National Forest. Beattyville is located minutes from the Bert Combs Mountain Parkway at the Slade exit. Natural Bridge State Resort Park is an easy, beautiful drive from the Lexington area. Small town hospitality and loads of fall fun are just as much a mountain tradition as the woolly worm.