The great thing about living in central Kentucky is the wealth of unique sights and beautiful natural landscapes just outside your door. Whether you’re seeking to take a mini-vacation right here in Lexington or wanting to explore some of the surrounding adventures to be had, here’s just a few ideas to potentially put on your bucket list.
Bardstown Arts, Crafts, and Antiques Fair
Bardstown, Kentucky
Taking place every autumn, typically in early October as well as in November, the Bardstown Arts, Crafts, and Antiques Fair is a sprawling festival of sorts, showcasing everything from handmade jewelry to cigar box mandolins and home to countless food trucks and bakery stands. Besides the unique creations by vendors, the crafts fair is also a great opportunity to explore downtown Bardstown, the historic seat of Nelson County home to beautiful nineteenth and twentieth-century architecture (and great bourbon.)
Red River Gorge
Wolfe County, Kentucky
This geological area and national forest is renowned for its natural beauty, full of rolling hills and mountains largely untouched by man and covered in trees. It’s a great place for camping– as well as hiking, kayaking, or simply stopping by to take a look at the famous Natural Bridge and its surrounding state park.
Evans Orchard and Cider Mill
Georgetown, Kentucky
While visiting Evans Orchard is a pleasant activity any time in spring or summer, it’s especially worth the trip in the fall where handpicked pumpkins and apple cider donuts are up for grabs. The orchard also has a venue for events, should you be looking for an idyllic location for a party or family gathering. While there’s a ton of activities for kids, their hayrides, as well as fresh fruit and baked goods, provide a lovely afternoon for just about everyone, nearly year-round.
Raven’s Run Nature Sanctuary
Lexington, Kentucky
This woodland preserve spanning hundreds of acres resides right here in Lexington– and is essentially mandatory for any local hiking enthusiast. For those less interested in making any of the various treks available at Raven’s Run, it’s also a good opportunity for relaxing and taking in the wildlife and scenery along the Kentucky River.
Bourbon and Distillery Tours
This is one attraction that can be found virtually across the state of Kentucky, but Lexington, in particular, is famous for such tours thanks to its storied history with bourbon (and the subsequent numerous distilleries here to this day.) Regardless of your take on the local drink of choice, these tours provide an insight into the sights and backstories of many of Lexington’s historic areas.
