Things to Do in New Albany

Before venturing into Deere Farms’ labyrinthine corn maze, visitors are equipped with a map, a short orientation, and—as a last resort—the farm’s cell-phone number. Groups work together to seek out all the checkpoints scattered across 8 miles of twists and turns. Even with an acute sense of direction, adventurers usually take about 45 minutes to navigate their way to freedom.

The checkpoints are one of many ways that Deere Farms infuses traditional fall activities with creative twists. Shortly after Halloween, the farm hosts an annual pumpkin-smashing festival, inviting visitors to drop overripe pumpkins from a 50-foot platform. And at the concession stand, chefs serve gourmet treats such as apple-cider slushes and pumpkin-caramel cheesecake.

The farm also hosts classic fall adventures on its 170 acres. Visitors can take an idyllic hayride through the woods or hop aboard an antique tractor and ride into the 12-acre pumpkin patch in search of the perfect gourd for carving or stomping into a pie. Before departing, they stop to see the menagerie of farm animals, including cows, alpacas, and piglets.

From its site on Bowman Field, Eagle Aviation lets humans defy gravity by slicing through the skies in a Piper Warrior airplane. Though experienced pilots can rent the aircraft for themselves, instructors escort novices in supervised trips to the clouds, sharing tips on taking off, landing, and avoiding midair collisions with basketball players.

Alpine Ice Arena grants blade-borne guests from well-padded tots to aspiring pros a friction-free winter haven. Stands hold up to 500 spectators while a snack bar warms their bellies with hot dogs, hot cocoa, and other delectable treats. Staff in the pro shop or figure- and hockey-skating lessons arm gliders with gear, grace, and grit. Spectators dropping by the arena might cross tracks with Kentucky's first adult skating team, Moms on Ice, synchronized ice dancers The Belles, or wistful zambonis donning sequins during downtime.

Audiences enjoy the cultural euphony amidst the Spanish baroque themes of the Louisville Palace. In the lobby, a vaulted ceiling sculpted with historical faces looms above columns swirling with flashes of cobalt and crimson. Once inside, patrons can marvel at the deep-scarlet proscenium or pull out their collapsible telescopes to gaze at the simulated night sky above.

K.A.S. Gallery—or Kentucky Art Speaks—adorns its walls inside the 360,000-square-foot Mellwood Arts & Entertainment Center with colorful, innovative art pieces from local, out-of-state, and international artists. The gallery’s walls host thoughtful paintings, photographs, and modern-dance reenactments of famous still-life paintings, and the facility hosts classes that foster an artistic and thoughtful community. Registered yoga instructors lead meditative Ashtanga, beginners, slow flow, and Vinyasa classes amid the artwork, tailoring instruction to each student's needs, abilities, and fitness goals while incorporating breathing exercises and relaxing music. The Arts for Kids classes introduce youngsters to various creative mediums such as fiber and textiles, self portraits, and dance.

The beautiful RiverPark Place marina accommodates up to 150 gently bobbing boats in its modernized slips. Each docking space can hook up vessels to electricity, water, and cable services, and parked boats also gain access to the marina's pump station, laundry services, showers, and restrooms. Gated docks add security to the marina and prevent ogling from passing garbage barges.