13 October Things: your guide to autumnal adventures in Kentucky
Will you be spending time in Kentucky this October? We have 13 things not to be missed.
(This list is in no particular order.)
- James Bennett’s Orchard – If you are looking for apples, just a good old-fashioned apple orchard, then Bennett’s is the place for you. Five generations of thIs sweet family have tended the trees, picked the apples and provided all of that vitamin A for so many people in Kentucky. They have sample apples for you to try before you buy. They almost always have irregular apples and grade A for sale. Right now they have several varieties of apples, home-grown sweet potatoes, honey, sorghum, and jellies. They are located at 591 Bennett Road, Buffalo, Kentucky. They are open Monday-Friday 8 to 6 EST, Saturday 8 to 4 EST. Bring cash or checks because they do not accept debit or credit cards.
2. Big Mike’s Rock Shop has offered a tour of their Mystery House since the 1970s! It is not to be missed and at only four dollars for admission, it’s also a great deal! We can’t spoil all the fun, but a portion of it is the classic kitschy wonderful slanted spaces of the mid-century. IYKYK. There are also whackado corridors of trick mirrors and optical illusions. Tours are available daily, but it never hurts to call and make sure before heading their way. You’ll also love the rock shop and many gift items they offer. They are located at 566 Mammoth Cave Road, Cave City, Ky.
3. As the weather grows cool, you might find yourself needing a drink to warm your bones. We recommend heading to the Jeptha Creed Distillery. Go ahead and reserve a spot soon for their Barrel Tasting Experience. Their barn full of recliners, furry throws, bourbon barrels, and whiskey thieves will give you an October day to remember.
4. There’s a new central Kentucky coffee shop that will fulfill all your autumn dreams this fall. Ace Coffee in Cave City is right down the road from Mammoth Cave National Park. They have all the spooky vibes ready for you on top of their already cozy environment. The baristas always serve us delightful cups of coffee and tea, and every bite of food we’ve had has been scrumptious.
5. Kentucky’s only national Park offers over 80 miles of trails and miles and miles are beautiful roads to travel during October. Enjoy the trees, changing color in the pristine, protected park that is also an international biosphere. Looking for a few spooky vibes? Mammoth Cave National Park has those too! Take a tour way down into the Earth, where they will explain to you how those caverns once held a tuberculosis hospital in the nineteenth century. Not all of those patients made it out alive. And while you may think those hundreds of stairs might kill you too, they probably won’t.
6. Hops are for the harvest, right? The West Kentucky Brewery Hop is a great option for your October in Kentucky. There are 13 breweries to explore, and you can grab your pass for this hop online.
7. If you are looking for the MOST festive Halloween experience of them all, grab some tickets to The Jack O’Lantern Spectacular in Louisville. A few years back we got to go behind the scenes to watch the carvers and see the storyboard that inspires them each year. We’ve been several times and the imagination and design that go into this IS spectacular – you’ll see true works of art. Also, your Jack O’Lantern Spectacular ticket purchase directly supports the non-profit Parks Alliance of Louisville and their community-driven projects in Louisville’s 120+ public parks and community centers.
8. Want a quintessential pumpkin patch experience? Then head to Dennison’s Roadside Market in Hart County. Do not sleep on the caramel apples, they are hand-dipped daily by Kathy Dennison herself and they are literally the best you’ll ever have. They have added a 5 acre corn maze for 2024. Make sure you plan time to explore it before you hop on the wagon ride to the pumpkin patch! So let’s review: caramel apple, corn maze, wagon ride to the pumpkin patch, find the perfect pumpkin – oh and yes, there is a playground. Their market is also full of fresh fruits and vegetables, gifts and more. They are located at 5824 South Jackson Highway in Horse Cave, Kentucky and they are open Monday-Saturday.
9. My Old Kentucky Home has three events that will introduce you to the Shadows of Federal Hill. Want a super spooky shadowy sensation? The regular Shadows tour is happening on October 26th – tours go off every 15 minutes from 6:30 to 11 pm – but these will sell out fast so grab them while you can. Need something that is a bit more spooky family fun? Then grab tickets for the Shadows Family Night on October 24th. Ready to don your masks for a masquerade? Then the October 25th Shadows Masquerade Ball is for you. Tickets to all three can be found here. Can’t make that weekend in October work? No worries, the campus of My Old Kentucky Home is beautiful on any given day of the fall. Enjoy rocking on the lawn, under the falling leaves.
10. Looking to visit one of the most haunted places in the South?? Octagon Hall is located in Franklin, Kentucky. If you enjoy all things paranormal, Civil War history, or just an interesting stop, we highly recommend going. Artifacts, historical displays, and evidence of paranormal sightings can be found throughout the home. Reservations are not required for a regular visit to the Octagon, but it would be good practice to call in advance to make sure the space is not rented as a venue. They are open from 9 am to 3 pm Wednesday through Saturday. They ask for $5 per adults as a cash donation. Novice paranormal hunts are also possible, just reach out to their team at octagonhallmuseum.com
11. Need some animal encounters with your pumpkins? Crawford Farms in Elizabethtown, Kentucky has goats, alpacas and more farm animal fun. They also offer train rides, two corn mazes, hay rides and pumpkins. All the fun has already begun and runs through October 31st.
12. Looking for some true tales of the past? Try a Spirit Stroll at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. These stories of Death and Tragedy are told each Friday and Saturday in October, plus October 31st. Many dates are already sold out, but take a chance by checking out their schedule here. If you can’t grab a tour reservation for this year, the Village is still a beautiful place to spend some time in October. Did you know: there are accommodations available in the Village; you can enjoy an alcoholic drink at the Trustees Table; and there are over 30 miles of multi-use trails in their 3000 acre preserve of streams, forests and wide open spaces.
13. With around 29,000 acres to explore, the Red River Gorge National Geological Area is the perfect place for almost anyone to spend a fall day. The Red River Gorge Scenic Byway is 46 miles long – making it one of the most beautiful drives in autumnal Kentucky. Along the way, stop at the Gaddie Visitor’s Center, one of the many roadside stops, or even hop on a trail for awhile. There are well over 70 miles of hiking trails in the gorge – do educate yourself about the trails before heading out, pack a map with you and let a buddy know your plans!
HONORABLE MENTION: We got to visit Kentucky’s newest Haunt recently and it’s full of so many things we love – namely woodlands and a good trail! Check out the Haunted Oaks of Bon Ayr if you love a good scare!