How you know that Fall has arrived in Central Kentucky

Cathy Peabody • October 16, 2026

You can already feel it…autumn has finally arrived in Campbellsville and Taylor County Kentucky, and the time is right for outdoor fun and building family memories. 

·       Kentucky’s Best Place for Outdoor Adventures.

·       Where to find the Best Barbecue in Kentucky.

·       Pickin’, Pumpkins, Roosters and Fairies.

·       Plan a cozy Fall getaway.

 

Kentucky’s Best Place for Outdoor Adventures


Readers of Kentucky Living Magazine think Campbellsville is the BEST place for outdoor adventures, naming nearby Green River Lake State Park and its lakeside campground as the Best Camping or RV spot and Green River Lake as the Best Water Tourism Spot for swimming, boating and fishing.


The best Kentucky outdoor adventures, fun and recreation are only a short drive from downtown Campbellsville restaurants and shopping.


Campbellsville has the distinction of being a Certified Kentucky Trail Town based on its proximity to trailheads, equipment rentals, and lodging ranging from hotels to campgrounds and State Resort Parks.


Opportunities to get outside and experience these trails are varied, with more than 50 miles of trails for walking, hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. Choose a terrain best for you and your ability, from easy walking trails like the in-town Trace Pitman Greenway, a nature walk in the woods at Clay Hill Memorial Forest, on horseback at Green River Lake State Park or along historic paths at Tebbs Bend Battlefield State Park  and  Homeplace on Green River.


Whatever path you choose, it’s the best time to relish the cooler weather, the crunch of leaves under your feet and the sounds of birds and wildlife around you.

 

Where to find the BEST Barbecue in Kentucky


Are you ready to fill your senses with the fun and flavors of Fall----barbecue, pumpkins, bluegrass and pickin’, roosters and fairies…and everything in between? Then find your way to Campbellsville.


When you think of the most delectable aromas associated with fall, the first whiff of the pit smoke then the melt-in-your-mouth sensation of perfectly smoked barbecue comes to mind. Kentucky Living Magazine readers agree that the BEST BARBECUE IN KENTUCKY can be found in Campbellsville. Brother’s Restaurant on Main Street serves up the best barbecue you’ll find. In fact, some say that Brother’s is barbecue.


For breakfast or mid-morning coffee break, the last Druther’s Restaurant still in operation serves up its award-winning breakfast all day. And, if you’re looking for the best coffee pour around, Kentucky Living readers agree that Harden Coffee House and Grindery is your best choice.


While you walk off your breakfast, lunch or dinner, take a stroll along Campbellsville’s historic district and browse shops, boutiques and specialty stores. You’ll see why Campbellsville’ Main Street corridor was voted one of the Best Downtown Shopping districts in Central Kentucky.

 

Pickin’, Pumpkins, Roosters and Fairies.


Fall, with its cooler temperatures and colorful foliage, is the best time for festivals and outdoor events, and Campbellsville fills this laid-back, pre-holiday season with reasons for family and friends to gather for fun and live music.


Bring your chairs to Miller Park for Pickin' in the Park, Saturday October 17, for some good ole bluegrass and country sounds of Eddie Miles and The Steel Country Boys.  Your family will love the fall activities like pumpkin painting, games and lots of concessions.


Another way to spend a crisp fall day is at the annual Where the Roosters Crow Barn Affair, Friday October 24 and Saturday October 25. Plan a full day of browsing antiques and craft items, visiting with makers and artisans, maybe even getting a start on your holiday shopping.


Dust off your fairy wings or wear your costume for a family-focused day of whimsey and fantasy at Fairies on the Farm at Homeplace on Green River, October 24  Prepare yourself for a magical day of costumes, games, dancing, live music, crafts, food trucks, pumpkins and a whole lot of fun for everyone. Put this one on your calendar!

  

Plan a cozy Fall getaway, a friends retreat or family reunion.


As you are driving through the Taylor County countryside near Campbellsville, enjoy the beauty of rolling hills and scenic farms and pastures, then find your way to the Taylor County Quilt Trail for a showcase of thirteen painted barn quilts. One standout quilt pattern is the Cathedral Window Quilt, evoking the elegance of a church window…a beautiful way to pay tribute to the area’s heritage of farming, family and quilting.


Then, snuggle up in a cabin retreat, a spacious vacation home or a comfortable hotel  close to downtown Campbellsville. You’ll find a selection of vacation homes and cabins near Green River State Park, perfect for a family gathering or girls’ getaway. Or there are plenty of Campbellsville hotels  near downtown and close to restaurants, nightlife at bars and distilleries and activities at Campbellsville University.


Autumn in Campbellsville, Kentucky is the best way to say goodbye to summer and pause before the frenzy and excitement of the winter holiday season. Come breathe the fall air and enjoy the Best of Kentucky.


FAQs


Where is a family-friendly place to stay?

There are many lodging options available including full-service resorts, signature hotels, campgrounds, lakeside condos, rustic cabins and short-term rentals.


Are these Fall events free to attend?

Yes, most of the events are free to attend. For some events, there is a fee for participating.

 

Where is Campbellsville?

Conveniently located in Central Kentucky, Campbellsville/Taylor County and the beautiful Green River Lake State Park are a short drive from all directions:

Lexington KY – 83 miles

Louisville KY – 85 miles

Nashville, TN – 134 miles

Cincinnati OH – 163 miles

Indianapolis IN – 200 miles


Follow us

By Cathy Peabody • September 10, 2026
Kentucky Living Magazine readers have voted and Campbellsville is still “everything you love about Kentucky!” Best of Kentucky Awards Fall Fun at Farms and Markets Kicking off the Fall Sports Season
By Cathy Peabody • July 21, 2026
School may be starting again soon, but the calendar says it’s still summer and so does the hot, humid weather. So, pack your bags and get set for more summer fun in Campbellsville KY and at Green River Lake.
By Cathy Peabody • June 3, 2026
As we look forward to commemorating America’s 250th this summer, Campbellsville, KY is revving up for its 50 th annual July 4th celebration, their biggest and best yet.
By Cathy Peabody • April 25, 2026
Every now and then, you just want to go home…or somewhere that feels like home. As we are nearing America’s 250th anniversary of the signing of our country’s Declaration of Independence, we are really celebrating what means the most to us and what makes our nation our home. Our freedoms we treasure.
By Cathy Peabody • March 28, 2026
We’re finally emerging from one of the coldest winters in recent times, and the fun and games of Spring and Summer in Kentucky is calling! So, tally up your PTO and load your calendar for lots of fun in Campbellsville KY!
Things to do Campbellsville KY
By Cathy Peabody • January 26, 2026
Plan your 250 th Anniversary 4 th of July vacation in Campbellsville
By Cathy Peabody • November 22, 2025
If you’re looking for a good old-fashioned Christmas celebrated with “kith and kin”, Campbellsville in Taylor County Kentucky is the place to be. Gather your family – even your cousin Eddie – for a fun-filled holiday kick-off and a favorite among Campbellsville KY events.
By Cathy Peabody • November 22, 2025
As we transition to the cooler weather and get a sense of winter ahead, it’s time to pause and reflect on our blessings…family, home, freedom, and the beauty around us.
By Cathy Peabody • October 4, 2025
It’s time to focus your peepers on the beautiful fall foliage and make plans for some inspiring days of fun, history and heritage in Campbellsville and Central Kentucky.
By Cathy Peabody • September 14, 2025
Campbellsville is right in the middle of beautiful Central Kentucky, with rolling hills dotted with scenic farms and barns adorned with painted quilts. You’ll find lots of reasons to enjoy the colorful, crisp days of Fall.