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Country Adventure

Daviess County has a rich history with agriculture being one of our largest industries. Step into the countryside with us, pick your own produce and enjoy the simple things in life.

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: July 22-24

Daviess County Fair    

It’s that time of year again, folks! The Daviess County Lions Club Fair will be bringing you all the rides, food and good times you could ask for July 20-23. You can click here to check out the four-day schedule, which will include events such as an open dairy show, petting zoos, inflatables, laser tag, live music and a monster truck show. Trust us – no matter which day you attend, you’re guaranteed to have a blast. Be sure to bring some cash and pack some sunscreen because it’s expected to be warm and sunny this year! 

Splash Pad at Horse Fork Creek Park      

You can find one of the best spray parks in Owensboro at Horse Fork Creek Park, located on the east side of the city. This spray park opened only a couple years ago and is a guaranteed hit for anyone traveling with kids. The 80-by-60-foot splash pad is nearly double the size of other splash pads in the area and includes 23 individual spray features – 13 ground-mounted sprays and 10 above-ground features. Kids can also enjoy a frog, Cattail Twirl and a 20-foot dumping bucket. You could spend the entire day at this splash pad and have so much fun, without spending a dime!

Dinner at Sassafras     

Owensboro’s newest restaurant is garnering tons of positive reviews, and there’s good reason for that. Located at 420 Frederica Street, Sassafras was named after Owensboro’s famous Sassafras tree (the largest in the world!) and focuses on authentic southern and Appalachian dishes made from scratch. Whether it’s smoked meat, charcuterie, chicken and dumplings, or Kentucky succotash you’re in the mood for, Sassafras has it all, and then some. 

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: May 6-8

Dailey & Vincent  

If you’re in the market for a concert from some high-profile, multi award-winning musicians, then we’ve got you covered this weekend. On May 6, the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum will host Dailey & Vincent to perform live for a night of amazing Bluegrass music. Individually, Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent have won five Grammy awards each and, together, they’ve taken home three Grammy nominations. They’re also four-time DOVE Award winners, and the pair have earned 35 IBMA Awards altogether. Backed by one of the best bands on tour today, Dailey & Vincent are some of the most reputable and elite entertainers in American music, with songs and styles that range from bluegrass to traditional country, to gospel. Tickets are $40.50 each and the show starts at 7 p.m.

Downtown Cruise-In      

It’s that time of year again, and we know you can’t wait for it! Car shows are back in downtown Owensboro, and we’ve got a full lineup of top-notch vehicles for you to see this summer. This weekend’s Downtown Cruise-In will feature all things Mopar (any Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge, DeSoto, Ram or Jeep vehicle with an emphasis on classic or vintage models). Head to the entrance at the corner of Third and Daviess Streets to see some of the hottest classic cars in the tristate. There will be great food, prizes, activities and more at this family-friendly event. The show runs from 4-8 p.m. on May 7.

Tours at Western KY Botanical Garden   

One of the most beautiful places in Owensboro, Western Kentucky Botanical Garden is the perfect place to escape the daily hardships of life and take some time to relax, reflect and regroup. Check out the historic WeatherBerry house before taking a tour along the beautiful pathways that meander through the garden’s landscape. Here, you can find herbs, roses, daylilies, a huge variety of plants and trees, ponds, cottages and so, so much more! And this year, WKBG has implemented a new system of QR codes that can be scanned via phone to provide information to tourists. You can visit the garden Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and on Sundays from noon-4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and veterans, and $1 for students and children.

 

Your Two-Day Itinerary for Owensboro

Owensboro is the perfect place to spend a weekend getaway. Whether you’re on a cross-country roadtrip to a city like St. Louis (only three hours away) or Nashville (only two hours away), or you’ve just decided to get out and explore the great state of Kentucky, our northwestern city should absolutely be a destination on your radar. 

In a matter of 48 hours, there is so much to do, see, hear and experience in Owensboro. We’ve crafted a two-day itinerary for those wanting to get in as many sights, sounds and smells as possible. 

Day One: 

Once you arrive in Owensboro, you’ll probably want to drop off your luggage at your hotel of choice. We have so many amazing hotels to choose from here – many of them new! You can find a list of hotel properties here, including two that overlook the Ohio River and are located in our beautiful downtown area. 

Now that you’ve started settling in, it’s a great time to get out and try something new. That’s the whole reason you traveled to a new place, right? 

One of the top spots on your list should definitely be Green River Distilling Co. After launching their flagship bourbon (to great reviews, mind you) in 2022, there’s never been a better time to take a tour of our historic bourbon distillery. You can book a tour for $20 Monday-Saturday at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. These one-hour tours include a tasting of three different bourbons produced at the facility and are led by some of the best tour guides in the state. 

While you’re in the downtown area, there are some great places to check out for lunch. We often hear the question, “Where should we eat?” from tourists. And honestly, it depends on what you like! But you can find amazing lunch and dinner options at Mellow Mushroom (known for its pizza and craft beer), The Famous Bistro (Greek cuisine – amazing food, but a little pricier), Fetta (pizza by the slice – including mashed potato pizza), Don Mario’s (Mexican cuisine and amazing outdoor dining), Lure Seafood and Grille (seafood on the riverfront), The Brew Bridge (a brewery featuring southern-style cuisine), The Creme Coffee House (coffee and great breakfast/lunch sandwiches) and Colby’s (American cuisine). 

After lunch, head downtown to Smothers Park to explore one of the greatest playgrounds on the planet, along with a beautiful riverfront that includes fountains, a walking trail and Bluegrass music played on speakers along the way. 

This is also a great chance to check out The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum (when planning your trip, check their schedule to see if a concert will be playing!) in downtown Owensboro, as well as Western Kentucky Botanical Garden. 

At night, grab a ride on the Downtown Trolley to Brasher’s Lil’ Nashville for some live music. Stop in at the Pub on Second for a beer or a specialty martini before. If you’re visiting Owensboro over the weekend, you don’t even have to leave downtown for a night of entertainment, as Friday After 5 and Downtown Live will both be in full swing on Friday night. 

Day 2: 

After seeing all that downtown Owensboro has to offer, it’s time to get out and explore a little further! 

Head to Preservation Station for breakfast and one of the coolest shopping trips you’ll ever take, as this retail venue is housed in a former elementary school and includes more than 60 different shops! 

While you’re out that way, stop by The Cottage for a quick lunch on your way back to town, and take the bypass to the other side of Owensboro (only a 15-minute drive) to Reid’s Orchard, famous for its annual Apple Festival. You can shop at the onsite market for all kinds of farm grown goodies you just won’t find anywhere else. 

 

When you get back to the city, be sure to swing by the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art for one of the best art museums in the state of Kentucky. Not only is admission free (though donations are appreciated), but one of the largest folk art galleries in the country can be found right here. 

And once you’ve entered city limits again, it’s time to try our world-famous barbecue for dinner. Whether you swing by Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn, Old Hickory Bar-B-Q or Ole South Bar-B-Q, you will not be disappointed by the array of mutton, pork and ribs we offer here in Owensboro. Our annual Bar-B-Q Festival is famous for a reason, and these restaurants have garnered worldwide fame for their delicious flavors. 

If your second day in Owensboro is a Saturday, head back downtown to enjoy Live on the Banks, a free summer outdoor concert series held at Smothers Park from 7-9 p.m. You can grab a drink from any establishment and ask for a plastic green cup to carry it in to and from different sights within The District, if you prefer. This is your chance to take in the color-changing lights on our downtown bridge while you sip a cocktail and enjoy everything that makes our city so wonderfully unique and beautiful.

 
 
 
 

Trunnell’s throwing Adult Easter Egg Hunt in Owensboro

Who said Easter egg hunts were only for kids?!

Trunnell’s Farm Market is breaking all the rules this year with an Easter Egg Hunt for ADULTS!

At Cottontail & Cocktails, you can discover your inner child by chasing down eggs filled with prizes. And by prizes, we mean cold, hard cash.

Trunnell’s is giving away over $3,500 in both cash and other prizes (including Smart LED TVs, Apple Watches, Bose speakers, Dinner in the Blooms tickets, gift baskets and more!) at this adult-only event.

Head out to the Utica location and enjoy bonfires, live music, a bar and the Farm Grille from 6-10 p.m. on April 15. The Egg Hunt will take place at 7:30 p.m.

According to those at Trunnell’s, this will be a “mad dash hunt,” and eggs will be hidden all over the farm. Each person can collect an unlimited number of eggs for 45 minutes. All eggs will either contain a number for a chance to win a prize, candy or gift cards/free appetizer cards. Once you’ve got your eggs, head to the pavilion any time after 7:30 to see if any of the numbers in your eggs are prize winners!

It might get dark out there, so Trunnell’s recommends bringing some sort of light to better navigate your egg-finding journey.

General admission tickets are $29 and VIP tickets are $89. With a VIP ticket, you’ll get a reserved picnic table with assigned seating (up to six people per table). Those tables will be close to live entertainment, a free entree and side from The Farm Grille, a free plastic souvenir cup with the added benefit of an “All You Can Drink” experience, and complimentary domestic beer refills throughout the evening. 

 

Best places to sled in Owensboro

On the heels of our city’s first big snow event this year, we think it’s time to talk about sledding! 

Where to get your best sledding experience in Owensboro is something all the locals know about, but for visitors, it might be more challenging to find that perfect place to slide down the snow-covered grass. So we’re here to help! 

In the city, there’s no doubt that Chautauqua Park is the ultimate sledding site. By far the most popular and well known hills are located at 900 Baseline Road, where you can find families, friends and children of all ages whooshing down the slope that’s commonly referred to as “Chautauqua Hill.” This hill is wide enough to let several people sled at once, and it’s steep enough to give you top-notch speed on the way down. Generations of families have gone sledding at Chautauqua Park for the fun experience. 

But for those who want a little more space (as Chautauqua can get crowded when the snow’s just right), Ben Hawes State Park is where it’s at. Located just beyond the city limits on the west end of Daviess County, Ben Hawes has multiple hills at varying heights that are perfect for a good sled ride! And with different slopes to choose from, kids of all ages can get in on the fun. 

Another good sledding spot is at The Summit, located at 6501 Summit Drive. At this east Daviess County golf course and country club, there are plenty of snow-covered hills to get your sled on during the off-season. 

One other place that’s got you covered for sledding is Yellow Creek Park, located at 5710 KY-144. As you drive into the park, you might think it’s not fit for sledding as the entryway is pretty flat. But once you drive into the heart of the park, there are a couple of hills that are perfect for sledding and snow tubing. Just park your car and take a short stroll on the park’s walkway to find yourself at the top of a hill that’s just calling to be sled down. 

ROMP bringing amazing lineup of Bluegrass artists to Owensboro

“There’s just no other place like it” is a phrase we hear from ROMP-goers year after year. And this year, we expect to hear that very same sentiment.

With tons of chart-topping headliners and enough musical talent to change the mind of almost any naysayer regarding Bluegrass music, we couldn’t be more excited for this year’s roots and branches music festival to kick off.

Held on 152 acres of land at Yellow Creek Park, Owensboro’s 19th ROMP festival brings in visitors from all over the world (including all 50 states) each year. This year, ROMP will be held June 22-25 for four days of magical, eclectic, family- and pet-friendly fun in the beautiful outdoors.

While you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more naturistic setting for a music fest, it’s the AMAZING lineup those at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum have put together that’s got us so pumped for ROMP 2022.

Live music on Wednesday will happen at the Jagoe Homes After Party Stage, with Brennen Leigh and the Theo & Brenna Band kickin’ things off.

On Thursday, we’ve got Grammy-winning band Punch Brothers taking the main stage, along with Leftover Salmon, Dan Tyminski (of O Brother, Where Art Thou? fame), multiple award-winning band The Gibson Brothers and The Quebe Sisters, who have performed with some top-notch musicians including George Straight, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Kacey Musgraves and The Avett Brothers.

Friday brings us an entirely new lineup of world-famous Bluegrass artists, with headliners The Del McCoury Band (with 31 International Bluegrass Music Association awards, multiple Grammy awards and a National Heritage Fellowship award to McCoury’s name), Grammy-winner Rhiannon Giddens, and We Banjo 3 rockin’ the main stage all day and night.

You’ll also get performances from Cole Chaney & Wolfpen Branch – this year’s band contest winner — and East Nash Grass on Friday.

Saturday headliners include Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, with Stuart himself having toured with Lester Flatt and Johnny Cash before going on to win five Grammys over the course of his long, illustrious career. The Fabulous Superlatives have been together since 2002.

On Saturday, you’ll also hear from musical legend Tommy Emmanuel, who’s known across the world for his talent on the guitar strings. Grammy-winning bands Steep Canyon Rangers and The SteelDrivers will also hit the main stage Saturday, along with Lindsay Lou (dubbed a “Can’t Miss Act” at AmericanaFest), Grammy-nominated The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, and Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road, winner of the 2019 IBMA Award for Momentum Band of the Year.

Like we said, this year’s lineup is absolutely amazing, and it’s guaranteed to be a ROMP to remember. You can camp out at this four-day festival, or you can buy tickets for a single day or all four days!

 

Experience the unique charm of Preservation Station during Holiday Market Day

Preservation Station’s One Day Holiday Market Day will take place on November 13 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., featuring over 100 vendors and a delicious restaurant buffet.

First of all, Preservation Station is one of the coolest places in Daviess County because of the history behind its location. The 39,000 square foot building was formerly West Louisville Elementary School before the school relocated. If you walk around the back of the building, you can see where the old playground used to be!

And the interior of Preservation Station reflects the building’s history as well. The bathrooms have been updated a little, but owner Jennifer Higdon kept the stalls, sinks and tiling the same as before. Even more, each classroom offers something different, and the gymnasium and stage have been converted into shopping areas too!

With so much space to roam and such a unique landscape to do it in, shoppers will have a huge selection of antique, unique, boutique and handcrafted items to choose from during Market Day.

Maybe we’re just hungry right now, but let’s talk about that buffet for a second because it sounds almost as good as the shopping selection. From 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Preservation Station will be serving hand-carved, oven-roasted turkey, Kentucky Legend ham, gravy, cornbread dressing, sweet potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, southern green beans, sweet corn, carrots, fried apples, buttered rolls, a garden salad bar, banana pudding, pasta salad, potato salad, watermelon and a variety of pies and desserts.

But back to the shopping. For those needing (or wanting) more Christmas décor for their home, Preservation Station has you covered. We’re talking tree ornaments, wreaths, poinsettias, outdoor décor, kitchen appliances, garland, stockings, Christmas cards and more Santa figurines than you can count.

But if your house is already exploding with holiday decorations, no worries. Preservation Station has a ton of inventory unrelated to Christmas. Find that one-of-a-kind gift from a selection of handmade soaps, jewelry, jams and jellies, old quilts, desks, shelves, chairs, dressers, beds, farmhouse décor, signs, outrageously cool junk, glassware, barnwood and salvaged pieces, candles, designer furniture, old tools and…well, the list goes on, but you get the idea.

“Come celebrate the beginning of the holidays with us and the return of our legendary Market Day events,” Higdon said.  

There is no admission fee for this event, but Higdon said shoppers should “definitely bring a truck.” Buffet prices run from $14.99 to $4.99 for kids five and under.

Preservation Station is located 10 miles west of Owensboro at 9661 Highway 56.

Spring Break events in Owensboro

Whether you’re a visitor or a local, spring break in Owensboro is a great experience. Not only is there a ton of stuff to do during the week, but the Dogwood trees and Azaleas have started to bloom. The days are getting warmer, outdoor patio seating is getting fuller, and the entire city comes alive with the excitement of getting out and experiencing it all.

With our spring break running April 4-8 this year, we’ve got you covered on what to do, what to see, and where to go. From sporting events, to petting zoos, to live music, there’s no better time to check out what Owensboro has to offer than during Spring Break 2022.

Maybe you’re in the market for a little athletic competition this spring break, but don’t know where to find it. We’ve got you covered here in Owensboro with the 2022 Showdown in the Bluegrass Quads Indoor Volleyball Tournament. The tournament is only one day—Sunday, April 3–and there’s cash prizes to be had, so why wouldn’t you sign up?! There’s also a 6 vs. 6 Co-Ed tournament the day before on Saturday, April 2! Both events take place at the Owensboro Convention Center.

Experience Artrageous at the RiverPark Center on April 2. What is Artrageous, you ask?

Imagine an artist creating a masterpiece before your eyes in mere moments, coupled with a palette that mixes captivating vocals, intricate choreography and exciting audience interaction. This show takes you on a unique, visual journey packed with inspiration, creativity and fun! This one-of-a-kind experience brings you a crossover of artists, musicians, singers and dancers. Even better, tickets are only $12.

Kids will have two chances to see some super cool animals at Daviess County Public Library’s “Exotic, Aquatic and Backyard Creatures with Brad Reynolds.” The first show will take place from 2-3 p.m. and the second from 4-5 p.m., both on April 5.

There’s a weeklong Spring Break Camp (#KidsCamp) at the Owensboro Family YMCA running April 4-8. Kids can spend the week swimming, doing crafts, playing games and sports. Children 5-12 years of age are welcome and the event costs $28 per day for non-members and $35 per day for members.

Music legend and multiple Grammy Award winner Dwight Yoakam is performing all of his greatest hits (and there are a lot of them) at the Owensboro Sportscenter on April 7. Tickets are $100 and selling fast!

A fun event for adults and kids alike, an Easter Scavenger Hunt and Petting Zoo will be held at Cecil Farms Produce on April 8 and 9. Get out and explore the farm before taking a scavenger hunt! Be sure to check out your favorite ferns or plants from the greenhouse while you’re there! Tickets are $5 per person and the event runs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. both days.

The Boro Brawl Nationals is pretty much exactly as it sounds. It’s a national wrestling competition bringing in roughly 500 student athletes to Owensboro to duke it out on the mat. Held at the Owensboro Convention Center on April 9, this is a great event for anyone interested in wrestling. And for those who participate, the Boro Brawl Nationals is also a great way to impress college recruiting scouts who will be in attendance!

Trunnell’s Farm Market is kicking the spring season off with its Egg-Ceptional Easter Egg Hunt & Bunny Fun. And who can say no to bunnies?!

This event will take place at the Utica location, where kiddos of all ages can hunt down Easter eggs and get all their bunny cuddles on April 9 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tickets are $14.99 per child and $10.99 per adult. Those 12 months and younger get in free!

Tickets include a meet-and-greet with the Easter Bunny, face painting, a close look at tons of baby animals and nonstop egg hunts with prize packs for kids!

While you’re in town, be sure to check out Brasher’s Lil’ Nashville for a weekend of live music, as well as Escape Today for some of the best axe-throwing and escape rooms you can find anywhere in the state!

 

 

See Grammy-Winning Oak Ridge Boys Live in Owensboro

With a huge fan base that spans decades, the Oak Ridge Boys will be bringing you a night of Grammy-winning country music at the RiverPark Center on September 9. 

 

The Oak Ridge Boys have been touring and making music together for 50 years, creating one of the most distinctive and recognizable sounds in the music industry. Their four-part harmonies and upbeat songs have resulted in dozens of country music hits, many of which have earned Grammy, Dove, CMA and ACM awards. 

 

Some of the Oak Ridge Boys’ most popular songs are “Elvira,” “Bobbie Sue,” “Leaving Louisiana in Broad Daylight,” “Thank God for Kids” and “American Made,” but there are many, many more classics this quartet is famous for. 

 

Also members of the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Oak Ridge Boys have also been performing songs from their recent album “Front Porch Singin’” on this tour. This album was produced with one of the hottest producers in Nashville, Dave Cobb, at the historic RCA Studio. 

 

Tickets to see the Oak Ridge Boys perform live in Owensboro are $43 and the show runs from 7-9 p.m.

Visit Owensboro’s historic Rudy Mine Trails for hiking and biking

One of Owensboro’s most famous hiking and biking trails, the Rudy Mine Trails are also full of incredible, historic relevance. The parking lot and trailhead is located at the old George H. Rudy Mines and Saw Mill!

Located in west Daviess County as part of Ben Hawes State Park, the Rudy Mine Trails for hiking are comprised of three looped trails that interconnect, giving hikers four miles of easy-to-moderate trails to explore.

For mountain bikers, the Rudy Mine Trails are a little longer, and a little more difficult. Designed “by mountain bikers for mountain bikers,” these scenic trails are 8.2 miles long and comprised of amazing terrain.

A 2012 revitalization project between the City of Owensboro, Owensboro Parks & Recreation, and the Kentucky Mountain Biking Association has been a major success for the Rudy Mines Trails.

The entire family can enjoy a hike along the Yellow Trail – a safe pathway without big hills, but still adventurous enough for great speed and flow. With plenty of road connectors along the way, you can always exit the trail if needed, but the scenic beauty surrounding the trail makes it hard to bail.

Beginning bikers can take the 2.5-mile Green Trail, and advanced bikers can take the Green Trail to the Blue Trail – a 6.5-mile loop that was designed for intermediate bikers. The Green Trail connects to the Blue Trail along the way.

Hikers and bikers alike have been known to find tons of frogs, butterflies, hummingbirds and plant life on the Rudy Mine Trails, making it a great outdoor experience for the entire family.

To get to the Rudy Mine Trails, just take Highway 60 West past the Ben Hawes State Park entrance and to Overstreet Road, where you’ll find the parking lot.

Enjoy millions of sunflowers, live music at Sunflower Music Fest

Bringing together two of the very best things about Owensboro, the Sunflower Music Festival will highlight the talent of local and regional musicians, as well as Daviess County’s flourishing agritourism industry. 

 

Held for three days at Trunnell’s Farm Market on September 23-25, the Sunflower Music Festival is a chance to enjoy over a MILLION gorgeous sunflowers (and tons of varieties!) during the peak blooming season, all while listening to amazing live music and exploring more than 35 different attractions. 

 

Guests will have so much fun (and lots of Instagram-worthy opportunities) as they graze through the sunflower fields, taking in a brilliant variety of colors, shapes and sizes in their search for the perfect sunflower to take home. 

 

Musicians will play live music for two full days, and you can also camp at this year’s Sunflower Music Fest! You can choose between camping at the Trunnell’s Farm Experience or staying at one of several hotels in Owensboro, only seven miles away from the farm. 

 

You’ll hear music from the Josh Merritt Band, Cynthia Murray & The End Times, Dustin Taylor on the Rocks, Andy Brasher Band, Jerrett Davis and Colt Rickard, Elliott Sublett, Troy Miller, Uncharted, Nick Cheek & The Golden Hour, Skylar Cain, Dakota Hayden and Cam Thomson. The schedule for this music lineup can be found right here. 

 

The Sunflower Music Festival will open at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 23 and run until midnight. It will run from 11 a.m.-midnight on Saturday. The campgrounds will close on Sunday at 10 a.m. and campers should make their way out of the area by 11 a.m. 

 

Tickets for the Sunflower Music Festival will not be sold at the gate, but you can purchase tickets for this family-friendly fest right here.

Owensboro to host inaugural Strawberry Festival

A brand new festival is coming to Owensboro-Daviess County, and it’s already gotten the attention of thousands of people! 

The inaugural Strawberry Festival will be held at The Cottage Farm Stand & Baking Co. June 11 and 12 this year, bringing you all the strawberry covered, flavored and themed treats you could ask for. 

We’re talking strawberry shortcakes, ice creams, smoothies, lattes, muffins, cheesecakes, preserves, salsas and, of course, good ole’ homegrown strawberries by the dozen. 

The Cottage will also have tons of fun stuff to do at this event! Your entire family can enjoy arts and crafts booths, games of Chance, live entertainment and a petting zoo. All game proceeds will go toward the Airport-Sorgho Fire Department Christmas Program. 

More than 80 vendors will be at The Cottage selling all kinds of treasures, including custom ID tags and collars for your pups. How cool is that?!

This is guaranteed to garner a huge turnout and, if there’s one thing we know about The Cottage, this Strawberry Festival will be ripe with all kinds of delicious goodness. 

The Cottage Farm Stand & Baking Co. is located on a beautiful piece of land right in west Daviess County at 6869 KY-56. The Strawberry Festival will run June 11-12 from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. both days.

Owensboro Burger Week returning in a big way

After a very successful inaugural event in 2021, Owensboro Burger Week is back! And it’s already bigger and better this second time around, with over 30 different restaurants across Owensboro-Daviess County showcasing their best burger and selling it to customers for $7 March 1-5.

This year’s event is sponsored by the Kentucky Beef Council, Independence Bank, Hill View Farms Meats and Green River Appliance.

“With more than 11,000 burgers sold last year, we knew Burger Week needed to become a staple here in Owensboro, Daviess County.  It brought so much joy to customers and a much needed boost to our local restaurants during the pandemic,” said Dave Kirk, Visit Owensboro Destination Management.

According to Tim Ross, the City of Owensboro’s Public Events Director, Burger Week was a “tremendous success” last year, setting an example of the Owensboro community coming together for a good cause.

“Thousands of people were able to enjoy some amazing burgers and they helped our restaurant owners during a much-needed time.  We are excited about Burger Week 2022 and look forward to some more scrumptious creations from our restaurants,” Ross said.

During Owensboro Burger Week, each participating restaurant will sell a burger of their choosing for $7 including tax.  Each restaurant will decide how large the burger will be and if it comes with any sides.

“We are so excited to be able to participate in Burger Week this year.  Although every week is Burger Week at Wonder Whip, this event gives us an opportunity to think outside the box and create something special for our guests.  Most importantly, Burger Week is the perfect event to showcase all the wonderful dining options in Owensboro,” said Seth Woodward, Owner at Wonder Whip.

A tasting panel of local celebrities and food critics will blindly judge all the burgers from each of the participating restaurants throughout the week without knowing which restaurant the burger came from. 

Judges will tally all of the scores to select an overall winner who will receive a traveling trophy and bragging rights for the Burger of the Year.  Last year’s winner was O’Bryan’s Bar & Grill.  Burger Week will also have a contest featuring a fabulous prize for everyone who participates and shares their Burger Week experience on Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #owensboroburgerweek.

For more information and a map of the participating restaurants once they are finalized, check out Owensboroburgerweek.com.

If your restaurant would like to participate, please email Dave Kirk at [email protected] to enter by February 5. 

 

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: May 27-29

Memorial Day Rodeo and Terry Lee Ridley  

Diamond Lake Resort will be celebrating Memorial Day weekend with a bang this year. On May 26, head to the beautiful outdoors for a touching flag-raising ceremony in front of the Pit Stop Grill at 11 a.m. before heading to the campground’s Golf Cart Rodeo in the afternoon. You can bring a golf cart of your own or rent one onsite! On May 28, you can catch Terry Lee Ridley & Million Dollar Band from 7:30-10:30 p.m. for a night of live music and fun entertainment. Campers can watch the show for $10 and the general public can see the band perform for $15 apiece. 

Downtown Live      

The RiverPark Center is hosting Downtown Live this weekend from 6-11 p.m., bringing you all kinds of exciting entertainment for the adults to enjoy. This weekend’s theme is “Race Into Summer,” and RPC is celebrating all the local educators out there! If you have a school ID, definitely bring it with you, because you can get a drink discount at the bar. You can also enjoy a selfie station in the lobby, the Community Jukebox at Truist Plaza, live music at the Atmos Courtyard from 6-8 p.m. and even a Drunk Spelling Bee at the GhostLight Lounge from 8 p.m.-midnight. Outdoors, RPC will be holding the Owensboro 500 Tricycle Race, where teams can win all kinds of awards for competing. 

Live on the Banks    

Owensboro is all about live music, and you can catch two performances this Saturday night at Live on the Banks! Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the downtown riverfront as you listen to the 101st Airborne Rock Band at the Overlook Stage, then swing over to the Allen Street Gazebo to hear Madeline Wilkerson perform. Both performances are free to the public and will be held from 7-9 p.m. at Smothers Park.

 

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: March 25-27

Red Hot Chili Pipers      

A little background story: The Red Hot Chili Pipers are a Celtic rock band from Scotland. Formed in 2002, the group gained international popularity after winning the BBC talent show, “When Will I Be Famous?” The band’s lineup features three highland bagpipers and traditional marching snare, backed by a five- to seven-piece band consisting of guitars, drums and keyboards. Shows also include impressive vocal performances and highland dancing! The band performs a fusion of traditional pipe tunes and contemporary pieces, so there’s a little bit of music for everybody here. Notable covers performed by the Chili Pipers include “We Will Rock You,” “Clocks” “Smoke on the Water” and “Don’t Stop Believing.” The group even appeared on the How to Train Your Dragon 2 soundtrack! This Scottish bagrock band will perform at the RiverPark Center on March 25 from 8-10 p.m. and tickets are only $19, so get them while you can!

Diamond Lake Easter Egg Hunt  

Campers, grab your camping gear—and your Easter baskets–because Diamond Lake Resort is throwing its annual Easter Eggstravaganza! Not only will the kids get to participate in a massive Easter Egg hunt, but the ADULTS will get to this year as well! Diamond Lake will be throwing down Easter-style March 25-27, April 8-10 and April 15-17, so you’ve got plenty of chances to register and experience the fun. Aside from the egg hunts, you can participate in egg coloring, Easter movies, Bunny Games in the field, Free Friday Night S’mores for the kiddos, and a flashlight Easter Egg hunt. This event is only open to those camping at Diamond Lake, so if you’ve never booked a stay at this fantastic resort, now’s the time!

Murder at the Abbey   

As part of an interactive Murder Mystery Dinner series being held at the Owensboro Convention Center, “Murder at the Abbey” will be the latest installment on March 25. A cocktail hour and first course will be followed up by an interactive murder mystery before the rest of the dinner is served. Guests can dress up in their best Edwardian attire for this murder investigation, and the doors open up at 6 p.m. Tickets are $69 per person or $120 for two adults. Children can also attend for $49. Reservations are required, so be sure to book your seat today!

 

Jewelry, flowers, candy and more: Where to shop for your Valentine in Owensboro

Valentine’s Day comes but once a year, and those who celebrate it (willingly or not) know that, usually, the big V-Day comes with a price tag. And that’s OK because, here in Owensboro, we have you covered on gifts for that special someone. From chocolates and flowers to jewelry and champagne, our city has everything you need to make your Valentine feel all the love this holiday season.

First off, it’s time to start thinking about flowers. There’s nothing more hectic than Valentine’s Day for florists, so getting those orders in ahead of time is key. Some of the best florists in the business can help you design the perfect bouquet at Welborn Floral, Gary’s Fleur De Lis, Ivy Trellis Floral, Petal & Pine and Whitesville Florist.

But, hey, not everyone is a flowers person. Some people prefer the sweeter things in life, and how can we not support a holiday that supports chocolate?

Here in Owensboro-Daviess County, there are tons of bakeries and sweet shops where you can find everything from chocolate-covered strawberries to rose-covered red velvet cakes. Here’s a list of some of the best local spots for sweets: 

Trunnell’s Farm Market

Reid’s Orchard

Dalisha’s Bakery & Café

The Cup Cakery

Great Harvest

Great American Cookie & Marble Slab Creamery

Koehler’s Bakery

Rolling Pin Pastry Shop

The Crème Coffee House

Molly’s Mixins

The Family Bakery

Maggie’s Cakes & More

The Cottage Farm Stand & Baking Company 

 

There are a ton of great shopping opportunities in Owensboro, but let’s be honest. Valentine’s Day is all about the jewelry.

Some of our favorite places to shop rings, necklaces, and all things sparkly include Nick T. Arnold Jewelers, M & M Jewelers, Lance & Co. Jewelers, Ultra Gems, Riley & Co. Jewelers, HorseFeathers Gifts  and Lodan Jewelry Design Studio. 

And finally, you can’t forget the drinks. Whether it’s wine, beer or champagne you’re sippin’ on, Owensboro has an amazing variety to choose from sold by local retailers.

At SIP Wine Room, all the wines available for tastings are also available for retail sale! So you can drop in the riverfront venue and purchase a bottle for your loved one. The venue has an extensive wine list too, so if you’re not exactly sure which one to pick, grab two!

And for the beer drinkers out there, Brew Bridge sells their craft beer and cocktails packaged and ready to take home. You can purchase single servings, Growlers and four-packs of beer, wine and cocktails! The local brewery is even hosting a Valentine’s-themed Silent Disco on Saturday, Feb. 12, which is open to anyone and everyone, whether you’re single, engaged or married. Tickets are $10 at the door for couples and $5 for singles. 

And for those who appreciate the wonderful female friends in their life, Brasher’s Lil’ Nashville is hosting “50 Shades of Pink Galentine’s Day” on Sunday, February 13 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Featuring local female-owned businesses such as Grindstone Trading Co., M. Porium and Hampton & Co. Designs, this event has all the bottomless mimosas you could want. Wear as much pink as possible and enjoy balloons and decorations for days! 

 

Spring Market to feature 70+ food, craft and wedding vendors to White Chateau

White Chateau—one of the most beautiful wedding venues in Daviess County—is throwing its Spring Market in April, and we. are. here for it.

On April 23 and 24, you can find all the locally grown ferns and flowers your heart desires, as well as locally produced meats and delicious sweets. This event is all about supporting Daviess County’s local talent, including farmers, growers, crafters, business owners and food producers.

“We love this opportunity to showcase so many hard-working small businesses from the region, and even as far as Nashville,” Suzanne Cecil White, owner of White Chateau says. 

And it gets even better, y’all.

White Chateau is rolling out its beautiful green grass for some special guests, including Miss Kentucky’s Haley Wheeler! Even more, musical guests Hayley Payne and Shawn Brashear will be performing live music throughout both days.

According to those at White Chateau, there will be tons of talented vendors at the farm, so be sure to bring your credit card or cash because you won’t want to miss the opportunity to buy from some of the best crafters, artists and food producers in the business.

“This is exciting!” White said. “We’ve got NEW craftsmen/women, NEW artists, NEW boutiques, NEW food creatives and lots and lots of our good ole’ favorites returning! So much fun. So much to see!”

This family-friendly event is going to be one to remember, so be sure to schedule a trip to Owensboro in late April to experience it! The Spring Market is sponsored by Independence Bank and will be open to the public from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. both days.

 

One Month Out From ROMP: What to Know

It’s time to start packin’ your best lounge chairs and tie-dyed shirts because we are only one month out from Owensboro’s biggest music festival of the year, ya’ll! 

 

ROMP 2022 will be bringing you some of the best Bluegrass music in the world for four days on June 22-25. And when we say this year’s lineup is one of the best we’ve ever seen, that’s not an exaggeration. 

 

Held at our gorgeous Yellow Creek Park, ROMP’s headliners include Punch Brothers, Leftover Salmon, Dan Tyminski Band, The Del McCoury Band, Rhiannon Giddens, Tommy Emmanuel, We Banjo 3, Marty Stuart And His Fabulous Superlatives, Steep Canyon Rangers and The Steeldrivers. 

 

Whether or not you’re a fan of Bluegrass music, this lineup is something to get excited about. Full of multiple Grammy winners and world-renown entertainers, there’s never been a better time to check out Bluegrass music than at this year’s ROMP.

 

For first-timers, there’s no experience in the world quite like ROMP. You can find people of all ages enjoying the naturistic beauty of Yellow Creek Park as the music plays all day and night. 

 

You can shop from vendors and eat from food trucks, walk along light-adorned pathways, and bring your family and friends for an adventurous camping excursion if you so please. If you aren’t camping out for this four-day fest, we’ve got you covered with trolleys that run to and from downtown Owensboro to Yellow Creek Park, and plenty of parking spaces for those who want to drive themselves. 

 

Tickets for ROMP are still available, and you can purchase either a single day ticket or a four-day pass that gives you access to each and every day of live music. VIP tickets will also provide you with catered meals from some of Owensboro’s best barbecue restaurants.

 

Owensboro also has some wonderful, top-ranked hotels to give you a good night’s rest between those warm days at the park! Check your options out right here.  

 

Take a walk, ride or run on the Greenbelt when visiting Owensboro

With spring finally here, it’s time to talk about one of Owensboro’s hidden gems, and that’s the Greenbelt.

The Adkisson Greenbelt Park, or just “The Greenbelt” as we call it here, is a 16.5-mile-long walking/running/biking trail that wraps around the entire city of Owensboro, linking together neighborhoods, business districts, parks and schools.

Tying several different trails together through multiple entrances and exits along the way, the Greenbelt gives you the chance to hop on and off as you please, with parking spots located at many of the entry points!

Even better, the Greenbelt’s 10-foot width is enough to accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists, and the asphalt surface also meets the standards set by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Written by local naturalist Obbie Todd, this trail guide can teach you a ton of cool stuff about the historic, natural, and informative aspects of the Greenbelt, including how it came to be, where each trail will take you, and what you’re seeing as you pass by.

For those traveling to Owensboro, the Greenbelt is one of many parks we’re proud to show off here, and it’s a great way to get to know our city, while also enjoying the beauty of nature.

Christmas in the Country

There are a ton of family-friendly holiday events happening on the outskirts of Owensboro city limits this year, so we put together a list of some of the best ways to spend Christmas in the Country. From Christmas light displays to parades to fresh-cut trees, Daviess County is throwing down this holiday season, and we are here for it! 

 

Christmas at Panther Creek

“Christmas at Panther Creek” has become one of Daviess County’s long-honored traditions, and there are plenty of good reasons for that. This driving tour features more than 700,000 lights across more than 50 holiday-themed displays, and it also serves a meaningful purpose.

Located at Panther Creek Park (5160 Wayne Bridge Road), the cost to enter Christmas at Panther Creek is $5 per vehicle, and half of the total proceeds will go to five local nonprofits across Daviess County. This year’s nonprofits include Kentucky State Police Professional Association, Right to Life of Owensboro, St. Benedict’s Homeless Shelter, 90.3 WKWC Kentucky Wesleyan College and United Way of the Ohio Valley.

2020 was a record year for “Christmas at Panther Creek,” with the event bringing in around 10,000 vehicles and nearly $50,000.

The lighted driving tour is 1.15 miles long and, yes, you can stop and get out of your car along the way. So don’t worry about not getting holiday pictures because there will be plenty of chances for that along the drive!

Partnering up with Independence Bank, Daviess County Fiscal Court and Daviess County Parks & Recreation will also be holding an “Indy the Eagle Holiday Scavenger Hunt” for the chance to win an Apple iPad Air! You can download the scavenger hunt map at 1776bank.com or daviessky.org.

Christmas at Panther Creek will kick off November 26 and will run from 6-9 p.m. each day through January 3.

 

Whitesville Christmas Parade

On December 11, the City of Whitesville will hold its annual Christmas Parade. The parade will start at 10 a.m. at Whitesville Lumber and will finish up at Whitesville City Park.

The parade will be full of holiday spirit, featuring a variety of floats, classic cars, horses, bands and, of course, Santa Claus as the grand finale.

The Daviess County Sheriff’s Office and Whitesville Fire Department will lead this year’s parade. The event is sponsored by the Whitesville Lions Club.

 

Owensboro Christmas Lights

Along with Christmas at Panther Creek, this annual holiday event is one that makes a lasting impression in the form of hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights.

The Stonegate neighborhood has become known for its huge holiday spectacle, boasting one of the biggest drive-thru Christmas lights adventures in the entire county. From November 27 to December 26, visitors and locals alike can check out the “Owensboro Christmas Lights” at Stonegate, located off Highway 54 in east Daviess County.

You can drive or walk through the neighborhood-wide lights display at this event via sidewalks and custom-made walking paths. Each household in the neighborhood strings its own lights and sets up its own unique Christmas displays that, together, turn Stonegate into its very own winter wonderland.

The Owensboro Christmas Lights will feature a central display made up of more than 300,000 individual bulbs. Within the display is a nativity scene, penguin playground, snowman family and tons of other holiday themes you’ll enjoy seeing.

The display will also feature two 30-foot Christmas trees, one that’s decorated with over 12,000 lights!

Lines for this event can get a little long, so visiting the Owensboro Christmas Lights during the week is recommended for those hoping to avoid long wait times. You can visit the lights from 5-10 p.m. every day.

Fresh Christmas Trees

For those who love a freshly cut Christmas tree, Trunnell’s Farm Market is the place to be. You can head out to the Utica location with your friends or family and make an entire day out of it while choosing your Christmas tree.

Trunnell’s already has their trees ready for the picking, so enjoy some FREE hot chocolate and spiced apple cider while searching for your specially selected Christmas tree. With at least three varieties to choose from, you can’t go wrong finding that perfect tree (or trees!) for your home.

 

Christmas Treats at The Cottage

Whether it’s hot cocoa bombs, delicious cupcakes or specialty holiday coffees, The Cottage Farm Stand & Baking Co. has you covered this holiday season.

The Cottage has officially rolled out its holiday-themed desserts and treats, and we are pumped to start trying them out! The venue sells customized hot chocolate bombs with edible sugar logos, gingerbread man baking kits, mini muffins, Christmas cookies and white chocolate peppermint mochas.

Even more, The Cottage has stocked up on Christmas inventory, so there’s tons of products you can purchase as gifts for your family and friends.

 

Go Back in Time Visiting Our Historic Buildings

Owensboro is a city full of historic relevance. Founded in 1817, our city has a ton of structures and buildings that date back to the 1800s, many of which are on the National Register of Historic Places. 

 

So if you’re one of the many travelers seeking out historic places for your next destination, we’ve got you covered right here. From churches to houses to pioneer villages, Owensboro is a fascinating place to travel back in time. 

 

Odd Fellows Building

200-204 West Third Street 

 

Built in 1895, the Odd Fellows Building served historically as a professional building, a clubhouse, and a specialty store. At three stories high, the Odd Fellows Building represents the Renaissance Revival and Italian Renaissance Revival architectural styles, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s also been deemed one of the most architecturally complex buildings in downtown Owensboro.  

 

The Yewell House

630 Clay Street

 

The Yewell House, built in 1894, represents the Queen Anne architectural style. It was deemed significant in 1986 as “an outstanding example of Queen Anne style of architecture.” It was built by wealthy tobacco farmer Franklin Yewell, who constructed the house when he was 70 years old. It remained in the Yewell family for 72 years and is now used as a multi-family residence. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. 

 

Temple Adath Israel 

429 Daviess Street

 

This synagogue in Owensboro was built in 1877 and is the longest-running synagogue in the entire state of Kentucky, and one of the oldest synagogue buildings still standing in the United States. The Moorish Revival facade of the building features a gothic-arched door flanked by a pair of gothic-arched windows punctuated by four pilasters. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, you can see the inside of the building on Thursday nights, when services are held weekly. 

 

Trinity Episcopal Church

403 West Fifth Street

 

The Trinity Episcopal Church was built in 1875 and is deemed “a good example of the English influence on early church architecture in the United States.” The church was in regular use until 1964, when the parish built a new building due to overcrowding. The old church serves as an example of 13th century Lancet-style architecture and is laid out in the Classic Anglican design of a nave, chancel and sanctuary. It is now used by Theatre Workshop of Owensboro and, rumor has it, it’s also haunted. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. 

 

Union Station

1039 Frederica Street

 

This historic railroad station was built in 1905 and represents the Victorian architectural style. At its height in the 1920s, the station served 18 passenger trains. In 1958, the station stopped being used for passenger traffic as the L&N trains claimed annual losses of $130,000 for continuing passenger service. Since then, it’s been used as a disco, a pizza parlor, an architectural design group, a preschool, an adult daycare and a Hilliard Lyons office. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. 

 

Le Vega Clements House

1500 North Highland Avenue

 

This home was built in 1894, and was constructed in the Queen Anne style of architectural design. It is a two-story, double-pile brick house with a projecting three-story hexagonal tower. It was deemed notable as “the finest example of Queen Anne domestic architecture in Owensboro.” The house was named “Highlands” by its builder because of the commanding position on a hill overlooking the Ohio River. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. 

 

Callas Sweet Shop

420 Frederica Street

 

This building was built in 1921 in the Beaux Arts style. The National Register nomination deemed it “elegant,” adding that “the buff color terra cotta and tile decorative elements, such as brackets, shields and cornices created a simple, classical appearance.” The word CALLAS is carved into terra cotta panels directly above the storefront. It was also deemed significant for having the only surviving example of complete terracotta tile fronts in downtown Owensboro. The original owner was typical of European immigrants’ families who came to Owensboro and operated small businesses. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986 and will soon be home to Sassafras – a local restaurant serving a variety of Appalachian- and Kentucky-focused dishes. 

 

St. Stephen Cathedral 

610 Locust Street 

 

The seat of the Diocese of Owensboro, St. Stephen was built in 1926. The same year that St. Stephen’s became a cathedral – 1939 – its first parish school opened on Frederica Street with five grades. St. Stephen is built in the Italianate architectural style and also serves as a Roman Catholic Church. 

 

Jim Lambert Pioneer Village

Yellow Creek Park

 

Located in the back section of Yellow Creek Park, the Pioneer Village is designed to look like a frontier community around 1890-1910. The Friends of Pioneer Village have added a gardening project highlighting historically correct plants like flax and cotton. The foundation for Pioneer Village was laid decades ago, when Rosenwald Schoolhouse, a one-room school that served Black students at Pleasant Ridge from 1909 to 1936, was moved to the nature center in the back of the park in 1992. You can find the Jesse Jones house – a log cabin made of 15-by-15 inch square poplar logs, original clay caulking mixed with horse and pig hair, and the fireplaces made of original brick fired on the property – at the site. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. 

 

Fourth Street Baptist Church

821 West Fourth Street

 

Recently designated a Kentucky Historical Marker, Fourth Street Baptist Church celebrated its 190th anniversary in 2020, and is considered the oldest Black church in Owensboro and the surrounding area. The primarily Black congregation was once part of First Baptist Church before being given their own church to practice their faith. According to former City Commissioner Pam Smith-Wright, “The slave owners would bring their slaves to First Baptist, and the slaves had to sit in the balcony. After a while, the slaves started to outnumber the members, so they gave them their own church.” 

 
These are just a few of Owensboro’s many historical locations to check out, but a great way to get started. 

See ROMP’s amazing lineup from the skies in hot air balloon ride

It’s almost that time, folks! ROMP – Owensboro’s biggest Bluegrass music festival of the year – is just days away, and we have some extra special surprises in store for this year’s event. 

If you’re ready for an amazingly unique (and thrilling!) experience at this year’s ROMP (and who isn’t?) Don Moore Automotive is giving festival-goers the chance to ride in a hot air balloon! You can get the coolest views at the park by floating in a hot air balloon over the ROMP stage for half an hour. These hot air balloons will provide camera-ready backdrops for the festival throughout the day. And at night, they will LIGHT UP against the night sky for the coolest balloon glow show you’ve ever seen! 

Officials have also dropped the first look for this year’s ROMP festival t-shirt. This gray-blue shirt featuring the ROMP owl looks super cool, and there will be tons of other apparel available at the ROMP tent once you arrive, so be sure to bring your wallet! And FYI, you can pay via card, cash or Apple Pay at the ROMP tent. 

As if we haven’t bragged about this year’s ROMP lineup enough, we want to again remind everyone that you may not find a better Bluegrass music lineup anywhere else in the world than right here. 

Thursday’s headliners include Punch Brothers, Leftover Salmon and Dan Tyminski Band. Friday’s headliners will include The Del McCoury Band, Rhiannon Giddens, We Banjo 3 and Cole Chaney & Wolfpen Branch. Saturday will finish up with headliners Marty Stuart And His Fabulous Superlatives, Tommy Emmanuel, Steep Canyon Rangers and The Steeldrivers. 

Newcomers to this year’s ROMP include Lindsay Lou, The Quebe Sisters, Hackensaw Boys, Dark Moon Hollow, Theo & Brenna Band and Brennen Leigh. So you’ll have the chance to hear lots of new artists! 

ROMP runs June 22-25 at Yellow Creek Park. Purchase tickets right here! 

 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Experience the beauty of spring at Owensboro’s Dogwood-Azalea Trail

Starting in mid to late April each year, Owensboro-Daviess County becomes a sea of white and pink. The Dogwood trees begin sprouting beautiful flowers, and the blooms take over the entire area for at least a month.

In fact, Owensboro’s Dogwood trees have become so popular with tourists and locals, an entire trail throughout the city has become dedicated to them. Owensboro’s Dogwood-Azalea Trail brings the splashes of spring color that you’ve only ever seen in movies and photographs.

Though the trail meanders through much of the neighborhood off Griffith Avenue, some people say you can see the heart of the Dogwood-Azalea Trail on Littlewood Drive—a curvy road with beautiful homes and a grass-covered median that boasts dozens of Dogwoods and Azalea bushes along the way.

Other streets where you can see intense colors from the Dogwoods and Azaleas is between Frederica Street and Robin Road, Lexington Avenue and Miller Court.

But even if you don’t drive or walk the Dogwood-Azalea Trail while you’re here, there is a 100% guarantee you will see tons of pink and white Dogwood lining city sidewalks, county roads and neighborhoods all throughout the Greater Owensboro area. It’s truly a sight unlike anything you’ve seen before, so be sure to book a trip during the peak blooming season from April to early May.

 

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: June 10-12

Strawberry Festival   

This is a festival for all the strawberry connoisseurs out there! Held at the Cottage Farm Stand & Baking Co. on June 11 and 12, Owensboro’s first-ever Strawberry Festival has already gotten the attention of thousands of people and is guaranteed to be a huge hit. Celebrate the great outdoors and strawberry-flavored everything from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. at one of the prettiest places in west Daviess County at this two-day event. We’re talking strawberry shortcakes, ice creams, smoothies, lattes, muffins, cheesecakes, preserves, salsas and, of course, good ole’ fashion homegrown strawberries. There will be activities for the kiddos and live music as well! 

Nicky Hayden Day at FA5      

Friday After 5 is dedicating an entire night to commemorating the life of one of Owensboro’s hometown heroes. Nicky Hayden, “The Kentucky Kid,” will be honored with a night celebrating all the things Nicky loved – kids, giving to others and bikes. You can donate to the Nicky Hayden Foundation and enjoy live music from bands Fat Box and Insulated, as well as Karaoke Night at VFW Post 696. Friday After 5 will run from 5 p.m.-midnight on June 10. 

PorchFest   

This annual outdoor music festival is incredibly unique, bringing you a day and night of free live entertainment from the front porches of some of the most beautiful homes in Owensboro! Spend the day listening to the music from over 40 different bands, enjoying refreshments from a variety of food trucks, and walking along Owensboro’s famous Griffith Avenue corridor. PorchFest will be held on June 11 from 3 p.m.-11 p.m. This family-friendly event will showcase the best musicians in the tri-state, so be sure to move around and take it all in! 

Book a stay at Diamond Lake Resort for this awesome BBQ Cook-Off

One of Owensboro-Daviess County’s top-notch camping spots, Diamond Lake Resort, is hosting its annual Grillin & Chillin BBQ Cook-Off, kicking off this spring. And this year, the event is going to be bigger and better than ever. 

Grillin & Chillin is exactly as it sounds. You get to spend the day chillin’ outside, enjoying all the natural beauty Diamond Lake has to offer as you tend to the grill for the all-day cooking competition. 

But this year, the large-scale event will be expanded to more than the one-day event that’s been held in past seasons. There will now be three events taking place, with the first at Diamond Lake on April 22-23, and the grand finale returning to Diamond Lake on September 16-17. 

The Grillin & Chillin Cook-Off brings in over 40 teams from all over the Midwest to compete for thousands of dollars in cash prizes. Teams can pass out some of their barbecue to those watching, so it’s a great chance to score some of the best barbecue in the country! 

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: April 8-10

Dwight Yoakam     

Kick your weekend off a day early by seeing country music legend Dwight Yoakam perform live at the Owensboro Sportscenter on Thursday, April 7! Yoakam, a 21-time Grammy winner, has sold over 25 million albums worldwide, and his legacy over the last three decades includes 10 gold, platinum or triple platinum albums. The artist also boasts 14 Top 10 Billboard hits, including “Streets of Bakersfield,” “Ain’t That Lonely Yet,” “Honky Tonk Man” and “Fast as You.” This is going to be a concert to remember, so treat yourself to a night out in Owensboro and score tickets for this show at $100 a pop.

Easter Scavenger Hunt & Petting Zoo  

Spring Break is the perfect time to check out an Easter Scavenger Hunt & Petting Zoo that will be a blast for children and adults alike. Held at Cecil Farms Produce for two days on April 8 and 9, this event gives you a great reason to get out of the house after a long winter and enjoy the beauty of spring! Explore the farm with an Easter-themed scavenger hunt, pet and feed the farm animals, then head to the greenhouse to pick out your favorite ferns and plants. The event will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. both days and the cost is $5 per person.

Boro Brawl Nationals    

The Boro Brawl Nationals is pretty much exactly as it sounds. It’s a national wrestling competition that’s bringing in more than 100 student athletes from seven different states to duke it out on the mat for a day of physical skill and strength. This tournament gives wrestlers the chance to compete in more than two matches apiece, using pool play and brackets to place wrestlers at the end. The Boro Brawl will feature both boys and girls and will be held at the Owensboro Convention Center on April 9. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students and free to those five and under.

Find your favorite Kentucky golf course in Owensboro

With the 2022 Masters Tournament just days away from kicking off, it’s the perfect time to brag about the amazing golf courses you can play at across Owensboro-Daviess County. While Kentucky is known best for college basketball, our golf game in Owensboro is way above par, and here, that’s not a bad thing.

Whether you’re in the city or the county, there’s plenty of places to play a round of golf while you’re in town. Each golf course is unique, but they are all beautiful and well maintained.

If you’re in the city, you’ve got three options for golfing: Owensboro Country Club, Ben Hawes Municipal Golf Course and Hillcrest Golf Course.

While you must be accompanied by a member of Owensboro Country Club to play there, both Ben Hawes and Hillcrest are maintained by the City of Owensboro, so you can pay to play anytime you want. These courses are known for their lush green grass, tree-lined parameters and rolling hills. Even though you’re technically in city territory, you’d never know it.

Ben Hawes has an 18-hole regulation course and a nine-hole par 3 course. The front nine is built on hilly terrain and its back nine is built on flat terrain. This course offers 6,632 yards of golf and the Pro Shop offers pull carts, golf carts and rental clubs, plus a full line of golf apparel and the latest in clubs and balls.

At Hillcrest, meanwhile, you can enjoy a year-round, nine-hole golf course, as well as a pro shop, practice green and chipping green.

And if you want to stretch your legs a little and explore beyond the Owensboro city limits, you can find three of the nicest Kentucky golf courses located roughly 10 minutes outside of the city.

First off, even though Windridge is a country club, the site has opened its golf course to non-members for the last 10 years. This 18-hole facility features more than 6,000 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 71. You can enjoy a large pool, reception hall and lounge while you’re there as well.

At Panther Creek Golf Course, you can enjoy 18 of some of the toughest holes in Daviess County. Golfers of all skill levels and ages are invited to play at Panther Creek. With elevated greens and wide fairways, this course comes with spectacular views and white sand bunkers. It’s also surrounded by a wildlife habitat where you can see deer, turkey, ducks and geese along the way. 

Meanwhile, The Pearl Club is arguably one of the prettiest golf courses in the Midwest. This award-winning course is as challenging and demanding as it is fair and forgivable. Featuring wide fairways and multiple tees for golfers of all levels, you can enjoy bentgrass greens, zoysia fairways, Bermuda rough, five lakes and multiple teeing areas.

 

Sweetest Places to Grab an Ice Cream in Owensboro

Is there anything better than a cold ice cream cone on a hot summer day? 

With the heat ticking up a few notches over the last couple weeks, we wanted to highlight all of the amazing ice cream options available to you in Owensboro. 

Whether it’s vanilla covered in sprinkles or chocolate drizzled in chocolate syrup, there’s no wrong way to enjoy your favorite ice cream, and Owensboro has you covered with some amazing local options you just can’t find anywhere else. 

At the Big Dipper, you can find ice cream cones, sundaes and a variety of flavored milkshakes to satisfy your sweet tooth. 

Lic’s Deli & Ice Cream is known for providing some great frozen treats. Not only can you buy ice cream there, but they have a ton of flavors for those who like to mix it up! Lic’s Ice Cream menu includes over 20 different flavors, such as cappuccino, buttered pecan, Dutch chocolate, fresh coconut, fresh strawberry and birthday cake batter. 

Wonder Whip also makes the list for a great ice cream selection. You can snag a soft serve cone or cup, sundae, banana split or ice cream float at Wonder Whip, with flavors ranging from chocolate and vanilla to pineapple and butterscotch. 

Fun fact: Owensboro is home to the only two Ritzy’s in the country. How cool is that?! Ritzy’s is an ice cream haven, where you can get single scoops, double scoots and even a whole pint of ice cream to take home with you. Flavors at Ritzy’s range from Wild Mountain Blackberry to Amaretto Cherry to Mint Chocolate Chunk, with everything you can imagine in between. 

If you’re in the mood for a snowcone, check out Pinky’s SnowCones & Snacks, where you can choose from over 20 snowcone flavors for one of the best drinks in town to cool you down. 

 
 
 
 

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: April 15-17

Owensboro Symphony: Superheroes      

Superhero fans, this is your time, because Troy Quinn and the Owensboro Symphony are taking you on a visual and auditory journey this weekend with their latest concert, “Superheroes: Avengers, Superman, Mahler, and More.” The Symphony will perform heroic selections from some of your favorite superhero films, from Batman to The Avengers. This is a great opportunity to introduce your kiddos to the Owensboro Symphony, as they will probably recognize several of these songs and scores! Tickets are $42.50 each and the show will be held at the RiverPark Center on April 16 at 7 p.m. 

Trunnell’s Easter Egg Hunt & Bunny Fun  

What’s a better combo than an Easter Egg Hunt and real, live bunnies to play with?! Trunnell’s will have it all this weekend with their “Egg-Ceptional Easter Egg Hunt & Bunny Fun” event at the Utica location. The egg hunt will feature non-stop egg hunts with prize packs for kiddos, a meet-and-greet with the Easter Bunny (plus photo opps), and all the adorable little bunny cuddles you could ask for. This family-friendly event will be held on April 16 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and tickets are $14.99 for those 13 months-17 years of age. Don’t forget your camera and Easter basket! 

Loose Wheel at Lil’ Nashville     

Brasher’s Lil’ Nashville is continuing to pull all the stops with another great round of live music this weekend. Head to downtown Owensboro to catch Loose Wheel perform their blend of country, blues and rock music on Saturday, April 16 at 9 p.m. Before Loose Wheel takes the stage, you can see Madeline Wilkerson perform at 2 p.m., followed by Drew Aud at 6 p.m. There is a minimal cover charge at the door, so be sure to bring some cash and plan for a fun night out! 

 

Best places to stargaze this summer

Stargazing is one of the great, naturistic pastimes that you just can’t get in a city. One of the great things about Owensboro, however, is that there are tons of great places to watch the stars in the night sky, and only a couple miles away from the heart of the city. 

 

For your best stargazing locations, you’ll need to find a place that’s away from the city lights. And only three miles away from downtown Owensboro is Yellow Creek Park. 

 

Though you’ll find a few rolling hills at Yellow Creek Park, much of the area is on the flatter side, making it the perfect place to see the vast night sky in all its glory. There are very few lights at Yellow Creek that would deter your vision as well.

 

Panther Creek Park is another great option for stargazing. Located only about five miles away from the city, there’s plenty of acreage and wide open space to get your best views of the stars. Just bring a blanket and a flashlight to navigate your walk, and you’re set for a night of amazing star, planet and constellation sightings. 

 

Ben Hawes Park is another great place to escape the city lights for a night under the blanket of stars. Located about three miles away from the city, Ben Hawes is one of the hillier locations on the list, so you can see the stars from a variety of perspectives. You can even see the stars from the famous Rudy Mines walking and biking trails, giving you an extra fun reason to get some exercise in. 

 

Diamond Lake Resort is another great place for stargazing. You can enjoy fishing, swimming and go-karts during the day, and treat yourself to a bonfire and a sky full of stars at night. Away from the city lights and tucked into a beautiful, naturistic landscape, Diamond Lake Resort is one of the best places to enjoy nature in all its mesmerizing beauty. 

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: April 22-24

KY 2A Championships      

You can catch some of the best high school athletes in Kentucky compete for a weekend of tournament play at the Kentucky 2A State Championships for both baseball and softball. Held at two different locations and featuring 16 teams from across the state, you can watch these athletes compete for the crown at Owensboro’s world-class sports complexes. Both tournaments will be held April 22-23 this year. The Girls’ Softball Championships will take place at Jack C. Fisher Park and the Boys’ Baseball Championships will be held at Jack Hicks Field. 

Darin & Brooke Aldridge Concert 

This husband-wife Bluegrass duo just released a new album that’s garnered critical acclaim, and together, Darin and Brooke Aldridge have won multiple music awards across multiple platforms. Natives of North Carolina, Darin earned the 2017 IBMA Mentor of the Year award, while Brooke won the IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year award FOUR CONSECUTIVE TIMES from 2017-2020. Their new album, “This Life We’re Livin’,” was #1 on the Billboard charts, proving that the duo’s music is only getting better over time. You can see them perform live on April 23 at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and tickets are $32 apiece.

Spring Market at White Chateau     

After a long winter that’s kept us all inside for months, t’s time to get out of the house and be reminded of how beautiful the outdoors can be! The Spring Market at White Chateau will be held on April 23 and 24, with warm temps and sunny skies expected for the two-day event. You can peruse the shops from over 70 vendors, eat delicious treats from an array of food trucks, and enjoy live music as you explore one of the prettiest farm and wedding venues in Kentucky. Shop for clothing, food, plants, flowers, locally grown farm products and more. And for those planning an upcoming wedding, there will be plenty of wedding vendors available to chat with as well. Parking is $5 per vehicle and the event runs 10 a.m.-4 p.m. both days.

 

Make Owensboro your next destination for fishing

Here in Owensboro, there are a ton of great fishing spots, and you can find them all over the city and county. While you can fish in the Ohio River with a license (and some pretty steep regulations) there are a number of other fishing sites in Owensboro that are perfect for a relaxing, outdoor experience.

As part of the Fishing in the Neighborhoods (FINS) program, the lakes at both Panther Creek and Yellow Creek Parks are regularly stocked with catchable-size catfish up to four times a year.

The three-acre lake at Yellow Creek (5710 KY-144) and the six-acre lake at Panther Creek (5160 Wayne Bridge Road) are also stocked with rainbow trout in the spring and fall. Largemouth bass and sunfish are regularly sampled and stocked, if necessary, as well. In fact, the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources added 750 rainbow trout to the lakes at both Panther Creek and Yellow Creek this year.

According to County Parks & Recreation Director Ross Leigh, a trout permit is required in order to keep the trout you catch.

“So if you are actually catfishing and were to catch a trout and release it, that’s fine. But if you are going to keep the trout, you need to be sure and have that trout permit,” he said.

There are daily catch limits put in place through the FINS program. You can catch up to five Rainbow Trout, four Catfish, one Largemouth Bass and 15 Bluegill or Sunfish per day.

Both Panther and Yellow Creek Parks are open during the spring and summer from 8 a.m.-11 p.m.

Waymond Morris Park has long been known for its fishing lake. Located at 5200 Todd Bridge Road, you can go fishing on this seven-acre lake year-round. You must have a license if you are above 16 years of age and under 65. You can fish there from 6 a.m.-10 p.m.

Also part of the FINS program, the lake at Yewell Heritage Park is stocked with fish and has become a popular place for walking too, as it offers parking and access to the Adkisson Greenbelt Trail that wraps around the city. Located at 3690 Haywood Court, a fishing license for those 16-65 years of age is required. Park hours are 5 a.m.-10 p.m.

And finally, Diamond Lake Resort offers Paylake to those staying at the resort, which is stocked regularly with a variety of fish.

 

 

Owensboro Burger Week featuring every burger imaginable March 1-5

Owensboro Burger Week is back, ya’ll! And this time, it’s bigger and better than ever, with more than 30 different restaurants selling their delicious burgers—many of which were created just for this event–for an entire week.

We’ve got every kind of burger on the list you can possibly imagine this year—and some you probably haven’t imagined, but should definitely try. 

We’ve got a breakfast burger loaded with eggs and a French toast bun. We’ve got burgers dripping with sriracha, warm beer cheese and pickled carrots. We’ve got burgers stacked with fried pickles, jalapenos and crispy onion rings.

For the barbecue lovers out there (and who isn’t?), we’ve got burgers topped with pulled pork and braised pork belly, slathered in sauces ranging from Tomato Bourbon Jam to smoked paprika and homemade coleslaw.

We’ve got a pizza burger loaded with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni and shiitake mushrooms, and we’ve got more varieties of bacon on this Burger Week lineup than you could hope for.

One exciting thing about this year is we’ve even got a couple of vegetarian burgers on the menu, and they look and sound AMAZING. A Greek Lentil Burger served with gochujang on Koulouri? Yep. We’ve got it.

Don’t forget to check out as many of these local restaurants as possible from March 1-5 during the 2nd Annual Owensboro Burger Week! All burgers are $7 and, if we’re being honest, it’s impossible to know which burgers are taking home prizes this year. That’s how good they all sound! 

Speaking of prizes, everyone who participates in Burger Week 2022 has the chance to win an awesome one! All you gotta do is take a photo of your burger at three different places (at least) and use the hashtag Owensboroburgerweek (#Owensboroburgerweek) to be entered into a drawing for a Mini Green Egg Max and wonderful meat package from Hill View Farms Meats. 

You can see a full list of burgers and participating restaurants at owensboroburgerweek.com. 

 

 

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: December 24-26

Christmas at Panther Creek 

Located off of Highway 81 at 5160 Wayne Bridge Road, Christmas at Panther Creek is a mesmerizing experience that everyone should experience this holiday season. This outdoor, lighted driving tour takes you on a journey through more than 700,000 Christmas lights and over 50 holiday displays! Visitors come from all over the state to enjoy this family-friendly event and to support five local nonprofits that half of the proceeds go to each year. The tour is 1.15 miles long, and you can get out of your car and take plenty of pictures along the way. Make sure to bring some cash with you as it costs $5 per vehicle to enter Christmas at Panther Creek. 

Hot Chocolate Bombs at The Cottage 

‘Tis the season for all things sweet, and at the very top of our list are Hot Chocolate Bombs from The Cottage. Located at 6869 KY-56 in west Daviess County, The Cottage has homemade Hot Chocolate Bombs on sale for a limited time only! These delectable dessert drinks come in a variety of flavors including milk chocolate, white chocolate or a mix of both. You can get them for yourself or as a gift, and The Cottage will wrap them up in the cutest Christmas packaging. Just drop your bomb in a mug of steaming milk and watch fresh marshmallows float to the top as the chocolate melts! These are so fun, and you can get them for $4 each or order a box of four for $15. 

Stonegate Christmas Lights

As we get closer and closer to Dec. 25, the desire to see as many Christmas lights as possible gets more intense, and that’s where the Owensboro Christmas Lights at Stonegate come into play. Located off of Highway 54 in east Daviess County’s Stonegate neighborhood, you can either drive or walk through this sprawling, magical experience that features hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights for you to enjoy. Each household strings its own lights and displays that, together, turn Stonegate into its very own winter wonderland. So pack up the car, turn on the Christmas music and enjoy the ride any day of the week from 5-10 p.m. You can experience Christmas at Stonegate until Dec. 26.

 

 

Explore more than 25 parks across Owensboro-Daviess County

Our community has two amazing parks systems, which are reflected not only in the sheer number of parks we have across our city and county (28!), but in the beautification, acreage and athletic and leisure opportunities they provide for visitors.

Whether it’s golf, disc golf, fishing, hiking or biking you’re looking to do in the great outdoors, Owensboro’s parks have you covered.

You can find one of the prettiest golf courses in the area at Ben Hawes State Park.

You can play some incredible games of disc golf at Yellow Creek and Panther Creek Parks.

For those who want to cast their line in the lake, you can fish at Waymond Morris Park, Yewell Heritage Park, Yellow Creek Park, Panther Creek Park and Horse Fork Creek Park.

Some of the best hiking and biking trails can be found at Ben Hawes. The Rudy Mines Mountain Bike Trails include 7.5 miles of easy-to-intermediate mountain bike trails within the 298-acre park. But you can also enjoy some easy-to-hike trails at Joe Ford Nature Park, the Adkisson Greenbelt, Yellow Creek Park, Panther Creek Park, Legion Park and Moreland Park.

For those bringing their fur babies on the trip, a brand-new dog park at Legion Park is the perfect atmosphere for dogs and humans alike! Castlen Dog Park has areas for bigger and smaller dogs to play and roam separately, and you can let your pups run off some steam from 5 a.m.-10 p.m. each day of the week!

And maybe most importantly of all for those travelling with children – you’ve got to know where the nearest playground is. Here in Owensboro, you can find playgrounds nearby almost everywhere you go! To make it a little easier to navigate, here’s a list of all the parks with a playground:

∙ Lazy Days Playground at Smothers Park

∙ Legion Park

∙ Moneta Sleet, Jr. Park

∙ Chautauqua Park (plus a skate park)

∙ English Park

∙ Kendall Perkins Park

∙ Old Germantown Park

∙ Goose Egg Park

∙ Moreland Park

∙ Heartland Park

∙ Thompson-Berry Park

∙ York Park

∙ Horse Fork Creek Park

∙ Ben Hawes Park

∙ Yellow Creek Park

∙ Panther Creek Park

 

What to look forward to in 2022

With the new year coming in strong, there are a lot of reasons to look forward to what’s coming in 2022. Owensboro-Daviess County is producing more and more exciting reasons to visit our area each year, and we are absolutely pumped to see so many concerts, events and programs in the works for the year to come. 

There are literally so many events going on this coming year that we can’t possibly name them all, but here’s a quick list to get you started on planning your next visit (or visits!) to Owensboro in 2022. 

First off, Goodwood Brewing and Spirits is opening a new location in Owensboro, bringing you all the craft beer and cocktails you could ask for! The brand new brewpub will feature a full kitchen and brewery onsite with their award-winning beers and diverse, southern-focused food menu. A spacious patio (complete with a fireplace setting overlooking the Ohio River) will be everything you ever hoped for in a place to grab food and drinks. The brewpub will open at 101 Frederica Street in early 2022. 

On the topic of good beer, Hops on the Ohio is coming back to Owensboro this year after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. And we couldn’t be more excited! This indoor/outdoor beer festival will take place at the RiverPark Center on March 12, and you can snag TONS of craft beer, wine and spirits at this all-day event. 

Now let’s touch on some of the amazing concerts Owensboro is hosting in 2022, beginning with ROMP. This Bluegrass Music festival will run June 22-25 at Yellow Creek Park and the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum JUST dropped the initial lineup for this year’s event! Some of Bluegrass music’s biggest names will hit the outdoor stage, including Punch Brothers, The Del McCoury Band, Rhiannon Giddens, Tommy Emmanuel, We Banjo 3, The Gibson Brothers, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys and East Nash Grass. And there are still more artists to be added! 

Make sure to keep an eye out for other amazing performances held locally at PorchFest 2022, Shiloh’s Lounge and Andy Brasher’s Lil’ Nashville in downtown Owensboro. 

Other concerts we can’t wait for include Lonestar at the RiverPark Center on January 15, Rodney Dillard & The Dillards at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum on January 15, Tracy Lawrence and Clay Walker at the Owensboro Sportscenter on March 19, Trace Adkins at RiverPark Center on April 28, One Fein Night featuring Michael Feinstein at RPC on May 21 and the Red Hot Chili Pipers at RPC on March 25. 

As for Broadway shows, Owensboro has some amazing talent coming to our city in 2022. So far, we’re super excited to see Hairspray coming to RPC on March 10, Waitress at RPC on April 11 and Jersey Boys hitting the RPC stage on April 24. These award-winning Broadway shows are hugely popular and we could not be more pumped to see them live and in person!

We can also expect a record-breaking year at the Owensboro Convention Center, as well as the highly-anticipated launch of Green River Distilling Company’s barrel-aged bourbon hitting shelves. With so much to look forward to, we’re ready for one of the most exciting years to date in Owensboro! 

 

Top 6 Destinations to Visit in Owensboro

Green River Distilling Co. 

 

Enjoy and explore over 100 years of history at this newly renovated facility located on the Ohio River. After restoring the distillery to its original glory in 2014, Green River Distilling Co. has continued to impress and amaze visitors with one of the top-ranked bourbon tours in the state of Kentucky. Even better, Green River’s new Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has received amazing reviews since its launch in 2021, and you’ll get to taste the distillery’s name-brand bourbon at the end of your tour. You can schedule one-hour tours Tuesday-Saturday at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. for $20. 

 

Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum

 

Nowhere else in the world can you find a facility dedicated solely to Bluegrass music. After being declared the “Bluegrass Music Capital of the World” in 2021, there’s never been a better time to visit the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum at our city’s downtown waterfront location. You can play instruments at a pickin’ parlor, shop at an amazing gift shop and catch live performances from the best Bluegrass artists in the world at the facility’s indoor and outdoor theaters. 

 

Smothers Park

 

Smothers Park has everything you could dream of in a world-class park, and then some. Stretching over a mile along the downtown riverfront, you can enjoy a nice walk with amazing sunset views, lit-up water fountains at night, and a color-changing lighted bridge that connects Owensboro to Indiana across the Ohio River. Even better, Lazy Days Playground was named one of the best parks in the world in 2015, so you don’t want to miss it. With a spray park and more slides than you count, we can’t recommend the playground enough to anyone traveling with kids. 

 

Western Kentucky Botanical Garden 

 

This 12-acre facility is located only minutes from downtown Owensboro, but you will feel like you’ve entered a whole new world once you arrive. With plenty of beautiful walkways, event spaces and, of course, gorgeous trees, flowers and plants, it’s hard to name a more beautiful place to explore. With a new entrance and visitor center located at the historic WeatherBerry house, you can tour the garden Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is super affordable too – $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and veterans, and only $1 for children. 

 

Preservation Station 

 

One of the coolest places to check out in the entire state of Kentucky, Preservation Station Market, Restaurant and Event Center is a 39,000 square-foot retail marketplace housed in a former elementary school. The school was converted to include more than 60 shops and a gymnasium that has all kinds of unique treasures inside. Preservation Station is open Thursday-Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and a 100-seat restaurant serves southern favorites Thursday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 

 

Barbecue

 

A barbecue-lovers paradise, Owensboro has long been famous for some of the best mutton, pork and other delicious dishes on the planet. You can visit historic barbecue restaurants like Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn and Old Hickory Bar-B-Q, or newer establishments like Ole South Barbecue, for a meal that you will never forget. 

Trunnels Farm Market and Family Fun Acre 9 a.m.

Start the day at Trunnels Farm Market and Family Fun Acre and don’t miss out on the apple or pumpkin donuts. Your kids will love all of the activities.

Preservation Station Market, Restaurant & Event Center 11 a.m.

Check out the one-of-a-kind Preservation Station Market, Restaurant, and Event Center housed in an old elementary school. Grab lunch in their restaurant which was once a school cafeteria and shop till you drop with each classroom featuring a different store.

Diamond Lake Resort 1 p.m.

It’s time to head out to Diamond Lake Resort for some putt-putt, fishing and drift cycle riding.

Reid’s Orchard 3 p.m.

It’s picking time at Reid’s Orchard. Check out what’s in season and pick your own fruit or take a pony ride. Our personal favorite are the strawberries in summer.

Hotels 4 p.m.

Check into hotel on the Southside with Hampton Inn South, Best Western Plus, Wingfield or the Comfort Inn and Suites.

Western Kentucky Botanical Garden 5 p.m.

Enjoy a stroll through the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden, Owensboro Kentucky’s premier place for lovers of gardens and flowers!

BBQ Buffet 6 p.m.

Enjoy one of the best BBQ buffets around at either Moonlite BBQ, revered mainstay known for its smoked meats (including mutton) – named by Southern Living as Kentucky’s Best BBQ – or Ole South BBQ, Owensboro and Western Kentucky’s best kept BBQ secret featuring an incredible buffet with delicious pulled pork.