The leaves have almost completely fallen off the trees + the sun officially sets at 5:30 p.m. in Lexington. Yes — it now gets darker, earlier.

But if you’re a glass half full kind of person like we are, the time change has you appreciating how much earlier the stars are coming out at night.

Firepits, bourbon + stargazing? Yes, please.

And if you’re willing to venture out of the backyard — Morehead, KY will greet you with galactic views that are not only breathtaking, but truly out of this world.

An outdoor adventure

Cave Run Lake is a beautiful 8,000+ acre lake that’s surrounded by Appalachian foothills. The hills do a great job of blocking out light pollution — making this area one of the best spots for stargazing near Lexington.

The campgrounds are all closed for the winter months, but the boat ramps stay open year round. Stoney Cove boat ramp offers sweeping views of Cave Run Lake + the night sky.

When the sky is clear on a moonless night — you can even get a crystal clear view of the milky way galaxy. Don’t forget a blanket + snacks.

Pro tip: Stoney Cove is open 24/7 + free to use. Bring your kayak for a full value adventure.

The Star Theatre at Morehead State University | Photo by Morehead State University

Inside sounds nice

If you’re not into braving the cold, but still want to check out a scenic starscape, Morehead State University’s Star Theatre is the ethereal experience you’ve been looking for.

This state-of-the-art digital planetarium offers laser shows + tours of the night sky. The theatre is open to the public every Saturday from Sept.-June — making it a great winter activity. Tickets for a show start at $4.

Pro tip: Keep an eye on the theatre’s event calendar for vintage sci-fi movie screenings.