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 gown or hats wider than my condo sq. footage to slot in such as you do in Louisville ( 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 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’ll uncover contagious Southern hospitality, sensational meals, world-class leisure, and affordability throughout the board, in contrast to 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 for the reason that state is globally famend for booze.

As summer time temps warmth up, you may need to be as near the Ohio River as potential. With the addition of latest eating places, present native favourite Smothers Park, and enjoyable boat excursions cruising the river, Owensboro remains to be a summer time draw regardless of the humidity.

Just know lots of the boat excursions depart from neighboring cities and even neighboring states. If you 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 vibrant riverfront makes for an effective way to get to know the town, and it nonetheless feels model new. Best of all, summertime see one of the vital well-liked 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 time 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 could 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 greatest technique 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 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 time.

If you miss out on this yr’s ROMP, you possibly can at all times go to Brasher’s Lil’ Nashville, arguably the town’s hottest reside 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 hen (yeah, I mentioned it!).

Barbecue, although? That’s a distinct story, and Owensboro is aware of how you can 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 well-liked 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 domestically distilled bourbon, and there is no higher spot in Owensboro than Green River Whiskey.

There’s little question when you come hungry to Kentucky, you may depart comfortable.