The early morning air is beginning to feel a little more crisp, the kids are off to school, coffee shops are preparing their pumpkin flavors and soon the leaves above our heads will be changing colors and carpeting the ground beneath our feet. 

Fall is on it’s way to Kentucky!

Dust off your knee high boots, freshen up the scarves you stored away in late spring and get your calendar out to make your fall-in-Kentucky plans!

Check out some of our favorite things to do in Kentucky during this cool and colorful season.

Have you visited Whispering Woods Riding Stables yet? If not, gather some friends of all ages and plan a day to horseback ride through true Kentucky woods. It’s such a unique and fun way to enjoy nature and spend a little time with the magnificent creatures our state is known for. I’ve been on many trail rides in my life – on mountainsides, on the beach, in pastures…but this was definitely my favorite equine adventure. 

Visit http://whisperingwoodstrails.com for information on how to plan your fun, fall horseback riding experience!

Another fun horse themed escapade during fall is visiting Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Facility where retired race horses now reside, grazing on Kentucky bluegrass and freely galloping through beautiful green pastures. Fall is the best time to visit Old Friends because the heat and humidity of summer has given way to cooler temperatures and wilted leaves, making your walk between the fences much more comfortable. Be sure to visit Little Silver Charm, who we think is just as entertaining and interesting as all of his taller companions on the farm.

Visit http://www.oldfriendsequine.org  for information on attending a tour.

Sometimes you need to get away from the fast-paced worlds of work, school, and kid sports schedules. Take a break by strolling along downtown streets filled with unique boutiques, florists, an antique store, a super charming hardware store, a coffee shop, a town museum, restaurants and a brewery. Grab a beer, a bite to eat, take pictures in front of towering murals and if you time it right maybe also catch a movie in one of the oldest movie theaters still showing first-run movies, Roh’s Opera House. (Photo by Shonda Judy)

Our family favorite pumpkin patch is Bi-Water Farm in Georgetown. We’ve made so many family memories on the hayrides, searching for the perfect pumpkins, watching the bunnies hop around their little town and watching the little ones climb around on the playground. Bi-Water provides fun for the entire family and we suggest picking up a jar of homemade apple butter before you head back home with your wagon full of pumpkins!

Visit https://biwaterfarm.com  to view operating hours.

It’s difficult to pin down a single bourbon distillery as being the best. There’s a reason the Bourbon Trail is known throughout the world! Visitors never forget the beauty of the countryside witnessed not only at individual distilleries, but also on scenic drives to the distilleries. One of our favorites to visit is the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles. This world renown bourbon has built it’s own reputation as a near-perfect whiskey, but we believe whole-heartedly (and try hard to live up to this belief at Ashford Acres Inn with our own guests) that the quality of your experience makes everything taste better. Tasting your Woodford Reserve bourbon AT the stunning piece of Kentucky property where it’s made might just make it the best bourbon you’ve ever savored.

Visit https://www.woodfordreserve.com/distillery/tours/  to set up your tour.

To us nothing says fall better than parking in a grass field, shopping for crafts under big, white tents and searching for that once-a-year delicious treat of freshly made doughnuts sold out of a trailer, (which happens to sit very near the blacksmith’s cabin toward the back of the festival. We’ve done this once or twice before). The particular festival we’re referring to is Kentucky’s famous Wool Festival in Falmouth. This juried craft festival is a favorite for Kentuckians and cannot be missed! With endless booths of crafts, live music, a wool and sheep tent that gives the festival its name, shearing and herding demonstrations, and more yummy food trucks than we have room to list, this is the epitome of fall festivals!

Visit  http://www.kywoolfest.org  for more information about this year’s Wool Festival.

There are countless hiking trails throughout the state showcasing diverse and exquisite scenery. Various ability levels of trails throughout the state will lead you to natural bridges, flowing streams and stunning waterfalls. Very close to Ashford Acres Inn is Quiet Trails State Nature Preserve, which provides an easy 1.7 mile loop, making it perfect for family hikes, with views of the Licking River. Fall is the perfect time of year to renew your love and fascination with Kentucky’s countryside! We suggest packing a picnic and enjoying an entire afternoon in nature!

Tell us some of your favorite things to do during fall in Kentucky!

Annastasia’s favorite season is fall and so of course, she has a Kentucky fall bucket list! 

• Visit the pumpkin patch
• Make chili
• Have hot cocoa on the front porch
• Have a picnic in the cool fall air
• Go hiking
• Watch Hocus Pocus with friends
• Roast pumpkin seeds
• Go to fall festivals
• Bake a pie
• Take a family fall photo
• Decorate the house for fall
• Go star gazing
• Take a scenic drive
• Have a bonfire