KENTUCKY: THE BLUEGRASS STATE
BY CLAY
LARROY
BOWLING GREEN
According to the website, the tourism scene in Bowling Green is so much more than just fast cars! A thriving university town with a progressive population helps drive Bowling Green’s ability to entertain. As the 3rd largest city in Kentucky and the dining and shopping mecca for a dozen surrounding counties, we’re brimming with restaurant and splurging options. The first of only two cities in Kentucky to be named a Dozen Distinctive Destination by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, we show off our past through numerous historic districts and restored landmarks.
Bowling Green is bustling with a diverse economy, award-winning schools, affordable housing, and a low crime rate. First-class attractions that tell our stories, natural wonders that inspire exploration, and neighboring communities that invite you in are all right here. Top it all off with friendly folks who understand the value of community and who enjoy sharing it with others, and you have one great destination. Get more information about the city of Bowling Green here including facts, history and accomplishments, or head to our Experience section to get a feel for the town.
Aviation Heritage Park
A memorial to all distinguished
aviators who have called South Central Kentucky home, Aviation Heritage Park
currently features a F-4D Phantom II 550, a plane with historic significance.
Brigadier General Dan Cherry, a Bowling Green native, was at the controls on
April 16, 1972 when he shot down a North Vietnamese Mig-21 during the Vietnam
War. Also on display is a Grumman F9F-5 Panther. It is a representation of the
plane Johnny Magda, Kentuckian, WKU alumnus, Commander of the Blue Angels and
Korean War hero, flew.
Ballance MotoX
The
first state-of-the-art motocross facility in the southeast. The natural terrain
1.3 mile lighted track was designed by nine-time GNCC National Champion Bill
Ballance. Riding schools for quads and dirt bikes are available for all skill
levels by highly trained instructors. Call or visit website for more
information, directions and schedule of events.
Basil Griffin Park
Enjoy
fishing at the 33 acre lake complete with boat ramp and fishing deck. Four
playground areas, two walking trails and much more will help you get back to
nature. Park also includes tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball,
baseball and softball fields, disc golf and picnic shelters.
Beech Bend Amusement Park and Splash Lagoon
Enjoy
this family-owned and operated park that repeatedly appears among the Top 5
Friendliest Parks from Amusement Today magazine! Don't mess with the long lines
and the high prices of the huge theme parks... at Beech Bend, you get FREE
parking, FREE sunscreen and FREE innertubes all day, every day!
Beech Bend Park and Raceway
Beech
Bend has an auto racing facility that is nationally recognized for its drag
strip as well as an oval track for stock car racing. Race car enthusiasts can
enjoy Stock Car racing on Saturday nights, Fun Racing on Tuesday and Friday
nights, NHRA drag racing on Sundays and national automotive events throughout
the year.
Bowling Green Skatepark
Over
20,000 square feet, consists of a street course area, three bowls, and a sidewalk
with small moguls for beginners. The street course has three main sections. The
first consists of a section of staircases with handrails, hubbas, a bank, and
multi-level blocks. The second is a standard street course setup with a
two-level pyramid with blocks and two wide banks, one with a wall-ride/Jersey
barrier extension. The third section holds three banks with two ledges and a
small spine mini section with bowl corners. Bowl One is a six-foot flow-bowl
consisting of three round and one square pocket with a roll-in and pump-bump.
Bowl Two consists of two seven-foot pockets - one square and one round - , a
roll-in, and an eight-foot no-flat “turkey shoot” into an over-vert pocket.
Bowl Three is a combi-bowl consisting of a seven-foot square shallow end
between a 10-foot square pocket and an 11-foot round pocket. All bowls have
steel coping and the street course blocks are straight concrete.
Boyce General Store
Travel
10 miles outside the city limits past tobacco farms, Drakes Creek & fields
of Kentucky Bluegrass to experience simpler times and great home-cooking.
Standing in the very spot as it did in 1869, you'll find the same honest,
rustic simplicity that has been the keystone of the operation for generations.
Chaney’s Dairy Barn
Rolling
farmlands, Jersey cows and the best ice cream in Kentucky, according to USA
Today, are only the beginning at Chaney's. Settle in for lunch or dinner and
enjoy a full array of favorites with homemade soup, hot sandwiches and desserts
for later in the day. Choose from a wide selection of Kentucky made products in
our gift shop. A new dining area and additional restrooms are available, plus a
playground with two monster slides and an enclosed pavilion that can be rented
for special events. Catering, parties, and farm tours are available; please
call ahead for meeting space, concession trailer and tour appointments.
Circus Square Park
Outdoor
amphitheater and site of many festivals and events throughout the year. Park
includes refreshing water feature. Free Concerts in the Park Friday nights in
July and August.
Covington Woods Park
This city park is located right in
the heart of town and features multiple athletic courts, a playground, picnic
tables, a gazebo, and adjacent golf course.
eHotAir.com
Let's
fly, Southern Kentucky! See the world travel beneath you from a hot air
balloon. One of the south's busiest balloon ride companies boasts a 100% safety
record...eHotAir.com flies everyday (weather permitting) around sunrise and two
hours before sunset. We offer tethers and flights. Visit eHotAir.com for more
information. We fly out of Bowling Green.
Eloise B. Houchens Center
This
lovely, old Greek Revival mansion was built in 1904 by Francis Kister, onetime
Mayor of Bowling Green and co-builder of St. Joseph Catholic Church. The
Houchens Center, an unique, non-profit organization, was created in 1975 for
the purpose of restoring and preserving the house for the use of the community.
The Historic House, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is open
for free tours on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10am to 2pm. Occasional
art displays are available for viewing and a small gift shop carries local
crafts.
Fountain Square Park
While
laying out the town that would be called Bowling Green in 1796, brothers George
and Robert Moore designated two acres for the construction of public buildings.
Those two acres today make up Fountain Square Park, a green and peaceful focal
point for the revitalization of downtown Bowling Green.
Greenwood Mall
Shop one of our four department stores including Dillard's, Macy's, JCPenney and Sears and over 100 specialty shops including Aeropostale, Bath & Body Works, Dunham's Sports, Forever 21, Victoria's Secret and The Great Escape Greenwood 10 Theatre. Choose from a wide variety of food selections in our family-friendly food court and take a ride on our carousel.
Historic Downtown Bowling Green
Downtown
offers many one-of-a-kind restaurants, a wide array of unique shops, historical
tours and memorial sites. The charming Fountain Square Park was named one of
the Top Ten Public Spaces for 2010 by the American Planning Association. The
new Circus Square features an outdoor amphitheater complete with a refreshing
water feature the kids are certain to enjoy.
Historic Railpark and Train Museum
Long
before interstates, people visiting Bowling Green arrived at the L&N
Passenger Depot constructed from Warren County limestone. This 1925 structure
has been restored and revived to house a two-story museum where visitors can
learn the history of the tracks by asking questions of a "real
Railroader" through state-of-the art interactive galleries. Exhibits
highlight the African American experience during segregation, the Civil War and
the Railroad, the Business of the Railroad, and showcase items used in the
individual railcars.
Jackson’s Orchard
The
Jackson family invites you to visit their orchard and nursery to select your
favorite spring plants during April and May. Try our delicious apples, peaches,
honey, pumpkins, freshly made apple cider and many more in-season specialties
throughout the year. We'll even mail your favorite products anywhere in the
USA.
John Carpenter’s Reel Sites, Real Scary
Driving Tour
Bowling
Green native and master of horror John Carpenter made numerous area references
in a few of his movies, using local street and community names like the
fictitious Warren County- Smiths Grove Sanitarium from where Michael Myers
escapes in Halloween.
Visitors and residents can follow the “Reel Sites, Real Scary” brochure map to
17 different locations around town including the log cabin where Carpenter
lived as a boy on Western Kentucky University’s campus.
Kentucky Museum
If
you think the Bluegrass state is only horses and bourbon, then step into this
80,000 sq. ft. museum dedicated to the history of Southern Kentucky. Housed in
the historic Kentucky Building, highlights include the new Instruments of American Excellence
exhibit featuring Tony Hawk, Jimmy Carter, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Sandra Day
O’Conner, and many other famous Americans who have used ordinary objects to do
extraordinary things.
Lost River Cave
Kentucky's
only Underground Boat Tour and the enchanting Butterfly Habitat await you at
Lost River Cave. Daylight disappears from view as you board the boat on the
river that Ripley's Believe It or Not claims is the shortest and deepest in the
world. A comfortable 57 degrees year round, the boat tour offers a visit into
the timeless world of a Kentucky Natural wonder. The guided walking tour along
the river's edge will bring alive stories of Native Americans, Early European
settlers, Civil War troops and the notorious Jesse James.
Mammoth Cave National Park
There
are caves all around the world, but none compare to Mammoth Cave! As the world’s longest-known cave system with over 400 known
miles of passageways, this natural wonder and World Heritage Site should be on
everyone’s list of must-have experiences. Mammoth Cave National Park is just 30
minutes from Bowling Green, Ky. and can easily be added to any Bowling Green
itinerary.
N-tense Sports Paintball Field
An
excellent place for the whole family to enjoy the fun. N-tense is a paintball
field that is owned and operated by Brent Sanford. To schedule a group party,
head to our website or call our field hotline at 270-792-6246
Pelly’s Farm Fresh Market
The
Pellys invite you to their 3rd generation Family Farm & Kentucky Proud
Market. You'll find Kentucky Made products, seasonal produce, flowers, pumpkins
in the fall and a free visits with the farm animals. Plus, antiques, a covered
picnic area and plenty of photo opportunities. Look for us on Facebook and
please visit us on the farm!
Riverview at Hobson Grove
Enjoy
spectacular views from the cupola while seeing how the upper class lived at
Bowling Green’s historic house museum, Riverview at Hobson Grove. Built by
Atwood and Juliet VanMeter Hobson on a hill overlooking the Barren River, this
historic landmark has been restored to its original splendor and is listed on
the National Register. An official site on the Civil War Discovery Trail, the
house was used for storage of Confederate munitions when the Rebel forces held
Bowling Green.
Russell Sims Aquatic Center
Come
make a splash at the largest water playground in South Central Kentucky.
Children of all ages will enjoy the zero depth entry, palm trees, water
buckets, lemon drops, splash playground, and beautiful beach area. How can we
forget the 50 meter pool, two breathtaking water slides, and two diving boards
where you can amaze the crowd.
Scottsville/Allen County
Founded
in 1815, this progressive community just south of Bowling Green offers
small-town hospitality with access to metropolitan amenities. Fishing, hunting,
antique shopping, great festivals, a breath taking countryside, with a
historically restored downtown is all part of our “Naturally Inviting” charm.
Shanty Hollow Lake Hiking Trail
Enjoy
this beautiful 2- mile hike along the shore of Shanty Hollow Lake in northern
Warren County to a breathtaking waterfall and see prominent overhangs, bluffs
and rock formations. Hundreds of waterfalls can be seen after a heavy rain
throughout the area, but the one at the trail's end is mostly active from
November to April.
Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center
Kentucky's
newest performing arts venue in downtown Bowling Green, the Southern Kentucky
Performing Arts Center, seats 1,800 people with an expansive stage and
best-in-class theatrical and sound equipment suitable for Broadway shows,
classical music, bluegrass to newgrass, lectures, touring comedians, and more
as well as large corporate gatherings.
Warren County Quilt Trail
The
Warren County Quilt Trail displays quilt artwork at several locations across
the county. Property owners paint quilts onto their barns and construct quilts
of painted metal to attach to their barns. When visitors take the tour of
quilts, they can also enjoy the scenic beauty. The Quilt Trail adds another
layer of sightseeing to the Bowling Green area and shows visitors another
glimpse of local culture. Happy trails!
REFERENCE SITES
Travel to create marvelous
memories for you and your family or friends!
The first music I remember hearing was the traditional songs of Kentucky
- things like 'Roll Along Kentucky Moon.'
Harry Dean Stanton
Harry Dean Stanton
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