Move Over Louisville! This Charming Kentucky City Is Surging In Popularity

Share The Article

Craving small-town charm away from the hustle and bustle of main cities?

Effectively, there’s one down-home riverside metropolis surging within the nice state of Kentucky.

Better of all, you do not have to put on a 1800s gown or hats wider than my house sq. footage to slot in such as you do in Louisville ( you, Derby).

This Kentucky neigh-bor is understood for welcoming locals, reasonably priced costs, stunning surroundings, and most notably ‘the culinary and cultural hub of western Kentucky’. Sorry, Colonel Sanders…

We at Travel Off Path love showcasing the lesser identified, however we caught this one simply in time earlier than it turns into mainstream as its had 5 straight months of record-breaking tourism numbers to kick off 2025.

Summer time sometimes sees vacationers fork over paychecks to flock to their favourite seashores, however this time round, do your self a favor and provides this excellent waterfront getaway an opportunity.

You will uncover contagious Southern hospitality, sensational meals, world-class leisure, and affordability throughout the board, in contrast to the paradisal beach town you’ve got been scoping out.

Owensboro’s Riverfront Delights

Downtown Owensboro has undergone a glow-up lately, including new motels, a conference heart dubbed an architectural marvel, quite a few eating places, and the primary native brewery in a century, which is odd because the state is globally famend for booze.

As summer season temps warmth up, you will wish to be as near the Ohio River as potential. With the addition of latest eating places, current native favourite Smothers Park, and enjoyable boat excursions cruising the river, Owensboro continues to be a summer season draw regardless of the humidity.

Simply know most of the boat excursions depart from neighboring cities and even neighboring states. For those who clue in on the title of the river, Owensboro is on the final sliver of Kentucky land, hugging Indiana and additional down Ohio, clearly.

The colourful riverfront makes for an effective way to get to know town, and it nonetheless feels model new. Better of all, summertime see one of the vital well-liked occasions each Friday.

Named a ‘Greatest Group Occasion’ and a ‘High Ten Summer time Pageant’, Friday After 5 is dwelling to free concert events held all through summer season alongside the river.

Owensboro Places The “Bluegrass” In The ‘Bluegrass State’

Talking of music, a visit to Owensboro with out dabbling within the music scene can be like going to New York with out grabbing a slice or visiting Memphis with out indulging in barbecue or going to a blues membership.

The perfect option to achieve a way of Owenboro’s identification is to go to the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum, which is situated alongside the river.

It is solely $12 to enter. This facility is the one ode to Bluegrass, which originated proper right here in Western Kentucky.

It’s also possible to look ahead to visiting ROMP Music Festival held right here, simply considered one of Owensboro’s 20 annual festivals.

This yr, it is headlined by nation music legend Wynonna Judd, however you’d higher get a transfer on with journey plans because it takes place June 25 -28 this summer season.

For those who miss out on this yr’s ROMP, you’ll be able to at all times go to Brasher’s Lil’ Nashville, arguably town’s hottest stay music venue, you guessed it, as Chris Farley would say “down by the river!”.

Western Kentucky’s Culinary Capital

You may’t declare to be a culinary capital with out speaking about meals, proper?

Whereas little-known Paducah is undoubtedly Kentucky’s rising culinary star, Owensboro has but to be overcome as Western Kentucky’s go-to spot for foodies with menus far exceeding overrated fried hen (yeah, I mentioned it!).

Barbecue, although? That is a unique story, and Owensboro is aware of the best way to hearth up the grill, whipping up mouthwatering mutton and hearty burgoo.

Nope, that is not a typo for burgers. Burgoo is a wealthy stew and a staple of Kentucky delicacies, notably well-liked in locations like Owensboro.

Moonlite Bar-B-Cue Inn was named the most effective within the state. In fact, nothing tops off a Kentucky meal like some regionally distilled bourbon, and there is no higher spot in Owensboro than Green River Whiskey.

There isn’t any doubt when you come hungry to Kentucky, you will go away comfortable.