A Day at Devine's Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch

Taking my girls to the area apple orchards and pumpkin patches is one of my most favorite fall activities. I love spending the day outside, and the girls love the farms and the playgrounds. Every year, we make the rounds through Boyds Orchards, Evans Orchard and Cider Mill, and Bi-Water Farm.

This year, we discovered a new one: Devine's Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch. Devine's is located in Harrodsburg, Kentucky--about a 40 minute, beautiful drive from Lexington through the Bluegrass Parkway.

My daughter and I went to Devine's on a class field trip. I'm used to extremely crowded farms this time of year, packed with kids from all over central Kentucky on their own field trips. There are generally rows and rows of school buses in the parking lot. At Devine's, there was one other bus there besides ours. It wasn't crowded at all.

Like most of the area farms, Devine's offers tractor rides, pumpkin picking, a petting zoo, a playground, and concessions. And then, there's the corn maze.

The Corn Maze has three levels: the kiddie level, the first-timer/4-H level, and the featured FFA level. Since I was with Lauren's class, we went through the kiddie level. I'd love to go back and explore the FFA level. It seems like such a classic, fun fall activity that I've never gotten to do before. The corn stalks are much taller than me, and I'm absolutely, 100% positive I would get lost in the middle of them, but even that sounds fun. (Also, they turn the corn maze into a Field of Horror on Halloween weekend and the next weekend--I'd love to check that out sometime.)



The kids' favorite part, of course, was the play area. They had several of the attractions I've seen on playgrounds at other farms--large slides, human hamster wheels, tire mountains, tricycle paths--but the absolute best part was another Devine's exclusive: the bouncing pillow.

Just so you know, dear readers, I did a highly scientific study of the bouncing pillow just so I would be able to adequately describe it for you here. It went like this:

Me: Are adults allowed to jump on that too?
Staff: Sure.
Me: Like, right now? With the kids on there?
Staff: Yep.
Me: *TEARS OFF SHOES AND TAKES OFF RUNNING*

It was basically the most fun I've had in weeks. If you go, you have to jump on it. It's a must. Adults can jump REALLY HIGH, you guys.

I'm thrilled that Lauren's school discovered this place. We'll definitely be adding it to our yearly tour of area farms. What are some of your favorite local fall activities?

Pumpkin Picking Means Fall

Every year since we moved back to Kentucky we've gone pumpkin picking. We've been to all the local favorites in Paducah - Wurth Farms, The Pumpkin Barn, and Schmidt Farms. 

Every year through cold weather and warm we pick the perfect pumpkin (or pumpkins) for our family.

Every year we take hayrides and buy candied apples and pose for a family picture. 

Every year as our family grows and changes, we come together to a pumpkin field and welcome another autumn with open arms. 

~ Sarah Stewart Holland

The HerKentucky Guide to the Keeneland Dress Code

Happy Horse Racing Season, y'all! One of the questions that we receive most here at HerKentucky is "What should I wear to Keeneland?"  We hear from a whole lot of folks who wonder about the dress codes for the Paddock, the Clubhouse, and all spaces in-between. Tomorrow is Opening Day -- one of Lexington's biggest autumn holidays -- so we thought we'd revisit the HerKentucky Guide to Keeneland's Dress Code to get you ready.  

Of course, if you're still in doubt, you can always visit our favorite Lexington boutiques -- AJ's Casuals, Bella Rose, Monkee's and The Peppermint Palm -- and get some ideas! Most of all, I hope you look nice, win big, and enjoy the races!! -- HCW

Every year, in springtime and autumn, it seems that tons of new visitors arrive at HerKentucky  with variants of the same search: "What should I wear to Keeneland?"  I always want to reach out through Google, find all of y'all in Jacksonville, Ontario, and everywhere in-between, give you a hug and say "look nice and be yourself."

Now, the dress codes for Keeneland vary pretty wildly according to your location.  That really is my favorite thing about this racetrack.  There's a way to have fun at any budget, and at any level of dress.  But, as we've said before here at HerKentucky, visitors to Keeneland just try a little harder.

If you're going to stay near the Paddock -- General Admission, Grandstand, or Equestrian Room -- there's no need to dress up very much.  Guys are fine in khakis and polo shirts, and girls can wear slacks.  In fact, you may even see folks wearing (gasp!) jeans.  These are the areas nearest the track itself, and people are truly there to watch (and bet on) the horses. With that said, don't be surprised to see a lot of dresses and sport coats in the lower-levels.  In recent years, a culture of dressy tailgating (think Steeplechase) has popped up among college students and twenty-somethings, and the second floor (General Admission) Sports Bar often resembles a campus bar or fraternity semi-formal.  While the dress code says "casual", there's plenty of Vineyard Vines and Lilly Pulitzer to be seen.

If you'll be dining in the upper-level, enclosed dining rooms-- The Lexington, Kentucky, or Phoenix Rooms-- then expect to dress for a business event.  The Lexington and Kentucky rooms -- dining rooms often reserved for business and social gatherings-- have a "business formal" dress code; these areas require men to don a coat and tie, and skirts/dresses/dressy slacks for ladies.  The Phoenix Room-- another reserved dining room-- is "business casual", requiring collared shirts and slacks for men and dresses/pantsuits for ladies.  During the week, many professionals take long business lunches in these areas, as is reflected in their dress code. 

The members-only Clubhouse similarly requires coat and tie for men and dressy pants/skirts for ladies.  I find that a skirt suit or a dress paired with a pretty cardigan or wrap is always appropriate for the upper levels.  In general, if you'd wear it to church or a business meeting, you're golden.  Most of all, remember to look nice because you'll see plenty of people!

What do y'all wear to Keeneland?

{all images via Keeneland.}

Mitochondrial Disease Hits Home

When we started HerKentucky, it seemed like a fabulous way to share snippets of Kentucky life. I didn't realize that the writers would come to feel like family. I've been so proud to hear of their new blogs and publishing contracts and professional opportunities, even if it sometimes meant a shift in our editorial schedule. The HerKentucky girls are my clan. Then, something happened that I never expected.

One of our writers -- and, by extension, the HerKentucky clan -- has received some heartbreaking news. Glenda McCoy's amazing daughter Katherine is currently undergoing testing for a possible Mitochondrial Disease.

Now I have to say that I didn't know much about this condition until quite recently. But, I'd never underestimate the power of a Kentucky woman, especially one of our writers. Glenda is on a mission to inform us all about this awful category of diseases, which affects somewhere between 1,000 and 4,000 children every year, severely compromising their everyday lives.

I'm going to let the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation provide a better explanation than I ever could:

Mitochondrial diseases result from failures of the mitochondria, specialized compartments present in every cell of the body except red blood cells. Mitochondria are responsible for creating more than 90% of the energy needed by the body to sustain life and support growth. When they fail, less and less energy is generated within the cell. Cell injury and even cell death follow. If this process is repeated throughout the body, whole systems begin to fail, and the life of the person in whom this is happening is severely compromised. The disease primarily affects children, but adult onset is becoming more and more common.

Diseases of the mitochondria appear to cause the most damage to cells of the brain, heart, liver, skeletal muscles, kidney and the endocrine and respiratory systems.

Depending on which cells are affected, symptoms may include loss of motor control, muscle weakness and pain, gastro-intestinal disorders and swallowing difficulties, poor growth, cardiac disease, liver disease, diabetes, respiratory complications, seizures, visual/hearing problems, lactic acidosis, developmental delays and susceptibility to infection.

Governor and First Lady Beshear recently undertook efforts to educate all Kentuckians about Mitochondrial Disease. The Governor declared last week Kentucky Mitochodrial Disease Awareness Week, and First Lady Beshear has used her official social media platforms to raise Mitochondrial Disease awareness. Here at HerKentucky, we hope to use our blog and social media as a source of ongoing information about Mitochondrial Disease treatments and resources.

Glenda asked me to let the HerKentucky readers know that she will be taking a step back from the blog as she and her husband await Katherine's diagnosis and plan her medical treatments. I know that all of our blog readers and social media followers will miss the amazing photographs and lovely posts that Glenda has added to HerKentucky this year. We already know that Glenda is an amazing mother to Katherine Belle, but I have been truly amazed by the grace and strength with which she has handled such a terrifying situation.

I ask that all of you -- HerKentucky's family of writers, readers, and fans -- please keep Glenda, Katherine, and David in your thoughts and prayers. Please, take a moment to educate yourself today about Mitochondrial Disease. If you so choose, donations may be made to the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation.

(all photos courtesy Glenda McCoy.)

Handbag Heaven

Kentucky is so beautiful in October. The weather is perfect, the leaves are changing and Keeneland is open, what more could a girl want? I will not be able to make it to the bluegrass until the third weekend of October and I am feeling a little UK blue about it so I am easing my pain with some handbag shopping! Fall 2013 has some heavy hitting handbag trends and I just can't decide as I am loving all of them!

Quilted

Quilted bags have always been a southern staple but they are out to remind you how much you adore them this season. The simple studs give your old stand by an elegant update! This bag is from Mango and is $49.99.  

Color Blocking

Color blocking is a great trend but the bags in this category are sometimes too flashy for words. Kate Spade has achieved color blocking bliss with this little tweed number. It is on sale for $124!

Over Sized Portfolio

Over sized portfolio clutches are so in this season. I love how the hardware on this clutch adds a little something extra and I just adore a removable strap. This bag is by Jessica Simpson and retails for $45.56. 

Top Handle

This top handle bag by MICHAEL Michael Kors may be a little pricey at $168, but it will be wearable for years to come. The color is gorgeous and top handles are so classic. It will also transition from day to night seamlessly.  If you only buy one bag this season, it should be this one. 

COBALT

I have said it before and I will say it again, Cobalt is in this season! This Lord & Taylor bag retails for $127.50 and I love it for so many reasons; it is just about the perfect shade of UK blue, it is quilted and has elegant gold accents. It is also a cross body bag which will leave your hands free to cheer on the CATS!

Animal Print

Speaking of CATS, animal print accessories are the top trend this season. Everyone knows I love a little animal print in my life, but I know that it can easily look cheesy. This bag tackles animal print like one of UK's linebackers! It is from Nine West and retails for $79.   

Tailgate in Style with a Lilly Pulitzer Cooler from Lifeguard Press!

When I first started going to horse races, people didn't tailgate. You simply went to the race track, got some refreshments, socialized, and watched the races. These days, Keeneland Tailgates promise a full day of fun, complete with cornhole tournaments, elaborate food and drinks, and well-coordinated outfits. Oh, my, the outfits! Lilly Pulitzer dresses matched perfectly to bow ties. To party in a parking lot, y'all. I like to think of Keeneland tailgates as Kentuckians' answer to the SEC football tailgates that our friends in the deeper South so painstakingly plan.

HerKentucky has teamed up with Lifeguard Press to celebrate our birthday -- and the arrival of tailgating season -- in style with this gorgeous Lilly Pulitzer Insulated Cooler. Whether fall takes you to horse races, football games, or a weekend getaway, you can carry your drinks and refreshments in style!

You can enter to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. The winner will be announced Monday, September 30.

Good luck! And please let us know: Where will you be tailgating this fall?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Louisville Younger Woman's Club Fashion Show

If you're in Louisville tomorrow night, you should definitely plan to attend the Younger Woman's Club's Fall Into Fabulous 2013 Fashion Show.

The event will be held at 7:00 P.M. at the Gillespie, located at 421 West Market Street in Downtown Louisville. The price of admission includes refreshments and a tasting menu. Proceeds benefit the Younger Woman’s Club’s charitable works.  I hope to see you there!