After a hot and humid, rainy summer in the bluegrass, the signs of fall are all around us. The crisp air is coming in the mornings and evenings and now we just have to wait for the temperatures to drop a little more and the leafs begin to change. The tell-tale sings of fall leave me feeling warm and happy on the instead and ready to take on the fall semester at Kentucky. Fall in the bluegrass offers an assortment of things to do that you certainly do not want to miss out on and the scenery is absolutely breathtaking.
Tailgates.
To many people fall means one thing, and that is college football. The first games start in early September and the season runs into November. Tailgating is not limited to any one age group; if you are out on a game day you are sure to see people of all ages from children and their parents, to college students in their best clothes. Fall is the perfect time of the year to cheer on your team and hang out with your friends. I hope that if you are in Kentucky you are sporting blue on Saturdays, and not Red.
Boyd Orchards.
Boyd Orchards is located in Versailles, Ky. They are open year round but there is just something about visiting this place in the fall. You can stop by the bakery and grab lunch while you are here and take in the beautiful scenery. They offer several fall festivals. The Apple Days Festival, Scarecrow Festival, Ole Cider Days Festival, Fall Festival, Pumpkin Festival, October Festival, Harvest Festival and the Last Festival. These start Sept. 12 and run through Nov. 1. While you are here, you can take a hayride and pick your own apples, get lost in corn mazes and so much more. This place offers something for everyone and should not be skipped out on during the beautiful season of fall.
Keeneland.
In Kentucky we are crazy about three things: basketball, bourbon and horses. Keeneland has given me some of my favorite college memories and I know that I cannot wait for fall meets to start back up. The 2015 meets start on Friday, Oct. 2 and runs through Saturday, Oct. 24. Races are not ran on Monday and Tuesday, but any other day of the week feel free to go and spend the day drinking bourbon and watching the horses run! You'll see a little bit of everything while you are here, and anyone can have a great time. You definitely do not want to miss this and it seems like Keeneland is over right after it starts, so get out there and enjoy the crisp, fresh, air and have a great time watching the beautiful horses run or just standing around having a drink with your friends.
Hiking.
Kentucky offers several hiking gems from the Red River Gorge, Pentacles, the Breaks and several other places all over the state. If you truly want to see Kentucky there are few better ways to do it than on a hike in the bluegrass. The fall weather is the perfect time to go and it is the perfect escape from work or school. Hiking gives you great memories with friends and family, get out and enjoy some time spent in the nature that is all around us, you won't be upset that you did and will end the day feeling refreshed.
Hunting.
Hunting season picks up in the fall; if you are a hunter then Kentucky is the place for you. Several different seasons are about to come in and for many people hunting is their sanctuary. Wildlife in this state is truly incredible. Be sure to hunt on your own property, or have permission, and always know what is in season weapon and animal-wise, but enjoy the beautiful weather while sitting outside.
Big Blue madness.
Personally, the best thing about fall is that it officially kicks off the Kentucky Wildcat basketball season. Big Blue Madness is one of the best Kentucky events you will ever experience if you bleed blue. There is something surreal about being in Rupp with 23,500 other screaming UK fans. If anything is going to get you blood pumping for Kentucky basketball this will be it. The event is free, but tickets are hard to come by; the dedicated fans get these tickets by camping out for days to be able to watch the beloved Wildcats in their first official practice of the season. This year, the event takes place on Oct. 16 and tickets will be distributed Oct. 2. You don't want to miss this event. Go Cats!
Tour a distillery.
If you are looking for something fun and interesting to do then you cannot go wrong touring a distillery. Woodford Makers Mark and Jim Beam all do tours and they are family friendly. It is truly remarkable to learn the craftsmanship that goes into making these liquors. Fall is a great time to go to one, or all of these places. The weather is great to walk around in and you really cannot go wrong spending a day sampling bourbon.
Hunted Houses and Farms.
Starting usually the last weekend of September places all across the state will be putting on hunted houses, hay-rides, mazes and many other creepy things. If you are an adrenaline junkie then be sure to check out these events. Jacobson Park in Lexington, Ky. host Fright nights, generally having three different options set up that truly offer a thrill, if you aren't one who enjoys being scared, but likes to feel like a hero, then be sure to check out zombie paintball. Waverly Hills Sanitorium in Louisville, one of the most haunted places in the world, puts on a haunted house for those of you that are really brave. Check out your local areas to see what hunted houses are around you, they are one of the best fall activities that you can participate in, theres something about having people scare the hell out of you but knowing that you're in no real danger that is simply exhilarating.
Terrapin Hill Music Festivals.
If music is your scene then you'll want to make the short trip out to Terrapin Hill Farm in Harrodsburg. There are many different options during the fall season of festivals you can attend, the Harvest Festival, Flow Festival and Snuggleween. Pick one or all three if you want and enjoy the wonderful fall weather and the magical atmosphere that music festivals provide. This is the perfect place to escape reality. This place offers music, food and camping and is family friendly. There are few better places to relax with friends and family than at this wonderful farm. Be sure to check out the produce that is for sale while you are there too!
Thursday Night Live.
Thursday night live isn't just for summer folks, it runs until Oct. 22, starting at 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. It's held every Thursday night at Fifth Third Bank Pavilion at Cheapside Park in downtown Lexington. This event is family friendly and is the perfect place to spend a cool, crisp fall night. Meet up with friends, grab food and drinks and enjoy the free music. You really don't want to miss this, its the perfect place to unwind towards the end of your school or work week!
Kentucky basketball.
Yes, big blue madness was perviously stated, but now finally our Wildcats have started actual season games. To many Kentuckians we have only two seasons: when the Wildcats are playing ball and when they aren't. Finally, there are games a few nights a week and we get to see the Wildcats run the court. I know I wake up a little bit happier each game day. We all wait for this time of the year and when its here you cannot deny that there is nothing better.
We love our Cats and they give us many of the best memories of our life. Lucky for us some days we have what I like to call a "trifecta" where we get to tailgate a football game, go to Keeneland and then end the night watching the Cats dominate the basketball court, honestly there are few days better than these ones. When the Kentucky Wildcats are playing you can't ignore your state pride and its truly amazing to see how basketball can bring so many people together! Kentucky is a state strong in tradition, and how lucky we are to have the tradition of being the best college basketball program.
Kentucky in the fall is nothing short of excitement. You are sure to find something for everyone at any age, here. Kentucky is known for having state pride, and I know that I am damn proud of being a Kentuckian, attending the University of Kentucky and I love all that we have to offer! Be sure to travel around this fall to experience all the fun, and wake up and smile because you're in the Bluegrass State.
