If you’re looking for a quiet, off-the-beaten-path adventure in Kentucky Bourbon Country, the Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest is the place to go! It’s a lovely adventure year-round but particularly magical during the upcoming fall season. Fall in Kentucky is a surprisingly beautiful time of year, with vibrant colors, crisp, cooler air, and far fewer crowds in distilleries, shops, and towns.
Whether as a background to a fun bourbon-tasting adventure at local distilleries or as a complement to a romantic fall getaway with your sweetheart, you’ll the Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest is an excellent complement to your time in the area. There is, of course, a diverse variety of things to do in this part of Kentucky that goes far beyond bourbon tasting. Visit area horse farms or popular attractions like the Kentucky Horse Park, explore Civil War era history at local battlefields and museums, and spend time in the charming, small towns of Kentucky along the way.
It won’t matter much what you do while you’re here because you’ll have the peaceful, romantic vibe of our Bed and Breakfast in Kentucky to come home to at the end of the day. Visit with the friendly horses and other animals at our romantic Bed and Breakfast in Kentucky, spend time relaxing on our beautiful grounds, and let us treat you to the relaxing getaway you deserve. Our accommodations are historic, elevated, and intimate – perfect for all types of getaways in Kentucky. Book your room today!
Fall at the Bernheim Arboretum in Kentucky
Fall is a fantastic time to explore the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. In September, we celebrate this unique spirit at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, but as the season goes on, there are smaller crowds in Kentucky distilleries, leaving far more time for an intimate and more personalized tasting experience. Between all those delicious tastings at local bourbon distilleries and quiet afternoons visiting the horses at our Kentucky Bed and Breakfast, we hope you’ll take the time to visit local gems like the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest in Kentucky.
The Bernheim Arboretum in Kentucky is a 45-minute drive from our Kentucky Inn, but it is an experience that will captivate your senses and enrich your getaway in a way few places can. This expansive natural reserve, located just south of Louisville, offers a multitude of activities that showcase the best of autumn. The forest’s hiking trails are lined with trees ablaze in brilliant red, orange, and yellow hues, in a landscape perfect for hiking and exploration. Whether winding your way through the trails or enjoying the unique vantage point from the canopy above, it’s an immersive experience like no other.
Beyond marveling at the forest’s natural beauty, there are several things to do at Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest. There are various educational programs and workshops, including guided nature walks and birdwatching tours, all aimed at fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world. There’s also a forest canopy walk throughout the forest, which takes you an awe-inspiring 75 feet above the forest floor.
Famously, the forest is also home to whimsical forest trolls created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. These artistic installations are hidden throughout the forest, turning a simple hike into a delightful treasure hunt. The crisp autumn air, the rustle of leaves underfoot, and the breathtaking colors all contribute to an atmosphere of renewal and reflection – perfect for a quiet afternoon during your romantic getaways in Kentucky.
Thomas Dambo Trolls in Kentucky
Forest trails may sound like something out of a fairytale, but where Danish artist Thomas Dambo is concerned, forest trolls are a very real part of today’s public art. Thomas Dambo has been hard at work installing his popular trolls all over the world, including right here in Kentucky at the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest.
Like all of his trolls, these Thomas Dambo Trolls represent a unique fusion of art, nature, and storytelling. These colossal wooden sculptures are constructed from reclaimed materials, embodying a commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness. Each troll is unique in style and story, with distinct features and personalities that capture the imagination of visitors, young and old. Dambo’s craftsmanship and creativity transform ordinary forest trails into an enchanting journey.
The trolls at Bernheim are strategically positioned throughout the forest, inviting visitors to explore and discover. You’ll find all three along the Forest Giants Trail, approximately two miles long. Keep your eyes peeled as you make your way along the trails, as these Thomas Dambo Trolls often appear in unexpected places—peeking from behind trees, lounging on hillsides, or gazing thoughtfully into the distance. This playful interaction between the trolls and their surroundings is intentional, playing up the immersive experience of these forest giants.
To see these magnificent trolls and embrace the best of fall in Kentucky, now is the time to book your room at our top-rated Bed and Breakfast in Kentucky.
