Fall in Kentucky: A Guide To Lawrenceburg in Autumn

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  • Fall Foliage
  • Fall Festivals
  • Tastings and Tours
  • Autumn Races
  • Fun on the Farm
  • Stay at Bourbon Barrel Cottages

Welcome to Lawrenceburg, KY

When the Bluegrass state turns red and gold, you know fall has come to Kentucky. 

The crisp evenings and mild days set the stage for bourbon tastings, harvest festivals, and live music, with Appalachian charm. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, Lawrenceburg is the perfect place for an autumn escape. Here are a few reasons why you should visit Kentucky in the fall.

Fall Foliage

When you picture Kentucky, you’re likely imagining the iconic bluegrass hills that rise and fall like waves on the sea. While that is the beautiful sight you’ll see all summer long, it has nothing on the fiery foliage of autumn. 


Lawrenceburg is surrounded by trails and natural spaces that show off the season’s vibrance. Here are a few of the top locations where you can immerse yourself in the stunning Kentucky landscape.


  • Jefferson Memorial Forest: Panoramic overlooks provide endless views of treetops awash in color.
  • Cove Spring Park: Gorgeous views in a quiet location, perfect for a peaceful, intimate experience.
  • Raven Run Nature Sanctuary: Enjoy miles of hiking trails through meadows and along the Kentucky River.
  • Cedar Brook Rails to Trail: Perfect for a peaceful bike ride or stroll framed by fiery maples and oaks
Girl pulling a wagon of pumpkins at a pumpkin patch. People browse in the background.

Fall Festivals

Fall is the perfect time to celebrate Kentucky Culture, and Lawrenceburg takes that in stride. All autumn long, Lawrenceburg hosts fairs and festivals of all kinds, so you can join in the fun. Here are some of our favorites.


Harvest Festivals

Nothing says “autumn” like a harvest festival– it’s a tradition as old as time! As the warm growing season comes to an end, the chilly fall air announces the arrival of the harvest season festivities.


Stave Fest

While not officially a harvest festival, September kicks off with Stave Fest in downtown Lawrenceburg. This seasonal celebration boasts local art, live bands, and food trucks, setting the mood for fall. 


Harvestfest at Shaker Village

For something a bit more immersive, head to Harvestfest at Shaker Village in nearby Harrodsburg, a charming event with historic flair. While families flock for hayrides and pumpkin painting, adults can appreciate the craft vendors, history tours, and artisan foods that round out the weekend.



Music Festivals

Kentucky is the birthplace of Bluegrass Music, and it carries that musical legacy with pride. Lawrenceburg’s music festivals bring together incredible talent with a relaxed, Kentucky-style atmosphere. 


Wildfolk Music Fest

The Wildfolk Music Fest in September blends Americana, Bluegrass, Country, and Rockabilly music with local wines, craft beers, and bourbon tastings.  It’s a quintessential Kentucky experience.


Boots and Bourbon Festival

By October, the focus turns to songwriting at the Boots and Bourbon Festival, a Nashville-style showcase of storytellers and musicians. Imagine sipping bourbon under the stars while listening to intimate sets from rising and established songwriters.

Autumn Eats and Drinks

Group of friends at a table, toasting with beer glasses. Smiling faces, outdoor setting.

If you’re a foodie, you know that fall is the season of food festivals. Maybe it’s the abundance of fresh produce at hand, or maybe it’s the seasonal chill, but appetites soar during the autumn season. 


Anderson County Burgoo Festival

The Anderson County Burgoo Festival celebrates a regional dish with deep roots. This hearty, flavorful stew pairs perfectly with a crisp fall day and a pint of local beer or a glass of bourbon.


Oktoberfest on Main Street

Okay, this one isn’t in Lawrenceburg, but it’s close! Oktoberfest on Main Street transforms historic Harrodsburg into a slice of Bavaria in Kentucky. The biggest Oktoberfest in Kentucky, this event features seasonal brews, German-inspired fare, and lively entertainment.

Tastings and Tours:

The only thing that could make an autumn day better is a good drink. Whether you like whiskey or wine, Lawrenceburg has the perfect spirit to sip while admiring the view. Here are a few locations that will give you a richer taste of what makes Kentucky’s craft culture so special.


Bourbon Trail

No autumn trip to Lawrenceburg is complete without exploring the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and the cooler months make the experience even more inviting. Two legendary distilleries call Lawrenceburg home:


  • Four Roses Distillery: Known for its Spanish Mission–style architecture and smooth, floral bourbon, a tour here feels like stepping back in time. The tastings highlight both small-batch and single-barrel offerings.
  • Wild Turkey Distillery: Perched above the Kentucky River, this distillery offers stunning autumn views alongside full-bodied bourbons crafted under the guidance of legendary master distillers.


In autumn, the warehouses are framed by golden hillsides, and sipping a rich bourbon after a tour feels like the perfect way to warm up on a crisp afternoon. 


The best part? You don’t have to plan the tour yourself. Bourbon Barrel Cottages and Tours can take care of all the logistics for you, so you can enjoy your autumn retreat.


Vineyards

Not a fan of bourbon? No problem! Bourbon may be Kentucky’s most famous export, but the same climate that makes the region perfect for bourbon also makes it ideal for wine. Lawrenceburg is home to one of the state’s emerging wine-trail stars.


  • Lover’s Leap Vineyards & Winery: From dry reds that pair well with hearty fall meals to light, refreshing whites for an afternoon on the patio, Lover’s Leap has a wine for every palate. 


The scenic vineyard views make it an ideal stop for people looking to enjoy a slower-paced afternoon.



Fun on the Farm

If you are looking for some good, old-fashioned fun, local farms are the way to go. Imagine wandering through a corn maze, picking pumpkins, and wrapping it all up with hot cider (or a stiff drink) at the end of the night. Whether you are looking for an ideal family outing or a romantic date night, here are a couple of locations to visit.


  • Buckmeadow Farm Fest: This place has become a local tradition! Enjoy the u-pick pumpkin patch (included in admission ticket!) and corn maze. Dates: September 21st - October 27. Hours vary by day. 
  • Devine’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch: located in Harrodsburg, KY, this fall favorite is open all season long, and even includes some spooky attractions around Halloween! September 12 - November 2. Hours vary by day.



Bourbon Barrel Cottages & Tours

A cabin with a fire pit and chairs in front of it.

Nature's Symphony

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Lawrenceburg delivers a fall getaway that combines the best of the season: fiery landscapes, bourbon culture, vineyards, and a calendar full of lively festivals. There’s no better place to experience it all than Bourbon Barrel Cottages and Tours.


Spend the day exploring all that a Lawrenceburg autumn has to offer, then come back to a private, luxury cabin to unwind. You can enjoy a glass of seasonal wine or bourbon on the porch or around the campfire, while you plan your next Kentucky adventure.

Slow down, savor every sip, and celebrate the spirit of autumn in true Kentucky style when you stay with us at Bourbon Barrel Cottages. Book Now!

A man and a woman are sitting on a boat in the water

Meet the Owners!



We are Jay and Angie Ballard, parents to five and grandparents to two, lovers of music, traveling, the outdoors, and all things bourbon.


In preparation for retirement and becoming empty nesters, plans of building a tiny home on our beautiful land--Finnel Farm--led us to where we are now. We thought, how wonderful would it be for others to experience what we get to call home? Guests can immerse themselves in a serene atmosphere surrounded by wildlife and enjoy sitting by the tranquil koi ponds. We're confident you'll love the luxury accommodations that each cottage offers, and there's no doubt you'll leave feeling more relaxed!


Over the past couple of years, the bourbon market has exploded worldwide, and what we offer at Bourbon Barrel Cottages helps attract Bourbon aficionados to our beautiful town, boosting our economy. With our customizable Bourbon Trail Tours, we will provide you with the ultimate bourbon experience you're seeking