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

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

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

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

This Kentucky neigh-bor is understood for welcoming locals, inexpensive 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 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 usually sees vacationers fork over paychecks to flock to their favourite seashores, however this time round, do your self a favor and provides this glorious waterfront getaway an opportunity.

You’ll 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 in recent times, including new inns, 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 need to be as near the Ohio River as doable. With the addition of latest eating places, current native favourite Smothers Park, and enjoyable boat excursions cruising the river, Owensboro remains to be a summer season draw regardless of the humidity.

Just know most of the boat excursions depart from neighboring cities and even neighboring states. If you 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 vibrant riverfront makes for a good way to get to know the town, and it nonetheless feels model new. Best of all, summertime see one of the vital widespread occasions each Friday.

Named a ‘Best Community Event’ and a ‘Top Ten Summer Festival’, Friday After 5 is dwelling to free live shows held all through summer season alongside the river.

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

Speaking 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 finest option to acquire a way of Owenboro’s id is to go to the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum, which is situated alongside the river.

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

You may also stay up for 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.

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

Western Kentucky’s Culinary Capital

You cannot declare to be a culinary capital with out speaking about meals, proper?

While 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’s a unique story, and Owensboro is aware of learn how 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, notably widespread in locations like Owensboro.

Moonlite Bar-B-Cue Inn was named the most effective within the state. Of course, nothing tops off a Kentucky meal like some regionally distilled bourbon, and there isn’t any higher spot in Owensboro than Green River Whiskey.

There’s little doubt if you happen to come hungry to Kentucky, you will go away glad.