Where This Awesome Kentucky Weekend Road Trip Will Take You Is Unforgettable
By Jenn Shockley|Published April 25, 2016
×
Jenn Shockley
Author
I am somewhat a cliche'. I grew up running around barefoot on a farm in Kentucky.
I love writing, art, sunshine, all animals and my incredibly patient husband, who tolerates my "crazy animal lady" side.
There comes a time when we just need to take a weekend road trip in Kentucky and enjoy what our beautiful state has to offer. We have some major attractions like Bardstown’s Bourbon Trail and the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, but there are some wonderful towns to visit that offer a more subtle taste of the Bluegrass. Owensboro is one such place, featuring a quiet, peaceful city, combining the perfect mix of farming and modern life.
Owensboro is one of our many river cities, and makes for an awesome weekend road trip in Kentucky:
Get in touch with our Bluegrass roots and see the history of those who created it. The IBM offers a look at all things Bluegrass in relation to music, including handmade instruments. You will see greats long laid to rest and see memorabilia cherished for decades. You can even watch a documentary on the original Bluegrass Musicians and the history of the music.
Advertisement
Check in at Holiday Inn Downtown at 701 West 1st Street.
Normally, I prefer a B&B for a more personalized visit to an area, but this Holiday Inn has a 5 star rating via guests and an amazing view to boot. It is perfect location for those that enjoy a river view and quick access to the Riverfront Park.
Have dinner at Bill’s Restaurant on 420 Frederica Street.
Bill’s is the iconic place to go for food prepared with love including favorites like prime rib, steak, varieties of chicken, foie grass, veal and even oysters made with fresh ingredients. Everything that comes out of this kitchen will prove to be mouthwatering. The fare is unique, but don’t be afraid to try new things. The Goat Cheese Fondue is a local favorite to get things started.
Dee’s has a nice assortment on the breakfast menu including big breakfasts with eggs, sausage or bacon, hashbrowns and fresh biscuits. The omelet seems to be the overall favorite for patrons, despite the variety offered. If you love a hearty, country style start to your day, stop by Dee’s.
Owensboro Antique Mall at 500 W 3rd Street:
Owesnboro Antique Mall
You will find a little bit of everything here, including friendly people with good stories. Every piece has a tale if you catch the right vendor in the shop, and some of the stories hold more interest than the piece. It’s a great place to wander about, as it somewhat represents Owensboro itself. The mall offers a beautiful variety of vintage and modern things.
Grab a late lunch at Old Hickory Bar-B-Que on 338 Washington Avenue.
There are several fantastic barbecue places in Owensboro, and Old Hickory is among the best. The delicious smoked flavor wafts through the air, giving your tastebuds a tickle long before you reach the door. Once you make your choice off the menu, you will quickly understand why this bbq spot is a must stop when in town.
Stop by Western’s Botanical Garden at 25 Carter Road.
If you are a plant enthusiast, you will want to stop by this Western University garden. It isn’t large, but it does offer a beautiful array of plants and flowers. It takes around an hour to venture through all the gardens, so it’s a nice place to stop and smell the flowers on the way out of town.
This is just one potential weekend road trip in Kentucky, but the possibilities are endless. Owensboro just happens to be a really nice place that doesn’t get a lot of attention. You can link directly to the map for our weekend getaway here. What would be your favorite city for a weekend getaway?
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
