Transfer Over Louisville! This Charming Kentucky Metropolis Is Surging In Recognition

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

Properly, 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 condominium sq. footage to slot in such as you do in Louisville (taking a look at you, Derby).

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

We at Travel Off Path love showcasing the lesser recognized, 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 season 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, not like the paradisal beach town you have been scoping out.

Owensboro’s Riverfront Delights

Downtown Owensboro has undergone a glow-up lately, including new accommodations, 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 time temps warmth up, you may need to be as near the Ohio River as doable. With the addition of recent eating places, present native favourite Smothers Park, and enjoyable boat excursions cruising the river, Owensboro continues to be a summer time draw regardless of the humidity.

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

The colourful riverfront makes for a good way to get to know town, and it nonetheless feels model new. Better of all, summertime see some of the in style occasions each Friday.

Named a ‘Finest Group Occasion’ and a ‘Prime Ten Summer season Pageant’, Friday After 5 is dwelling to free live shows held all through summer time 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.

One of the best technique to achieve a way of Owenboro’s id is to go to the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum, which is positioned 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.

You may as well look ahead to visiting ROMP Music Festival held right here, simply one in every 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 time.

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

Western Kentucky’s Culinary Capital

You possibly can’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 rooster (yeah, I mentioned it!).

Barbecue, although? That is a distinct story, and Owensboro is aware of easy methods to fireplace 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, significantly in style in locations like Owensboro.

Moonlite Bar-B-Cue Inn was named the most effective within the state. After all, 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 should you come hungry to Kentucky, you may depart completely satisfied.