A Trip to Owensboro
Owensboro is a charming destination filled with a variety of activities and delicious dining options. Whether you're exploring the scenic downtown area, indulging in local cuisine, or enjoying the vibrant music scene, Owensboro offers something for everyone. From award-winning parks and historic restaurants to boutique shopping and cultural attractions, this city provides a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.
Downtown In A Day
Noon - Arrive in downtown Owensboro and have lunch at Famous Bistro featuring yummy salads and one of the best cheesesteak sandwiches you’ll ever eat.
2 p.m. - Take a stroll at the award-winning Smothers Park and get an afternoon pick me up at The Crème Coffee House.
3 p.m.- Check out a couple of the downtown boutiques like Byron and Barclay
4 p.m. - Check in at the Hampton Inn and Suites Downtown Owensboro/Waterfront or the Holiday Inn Owensboro Riverfront.
4:30 p.m. - Grab a drink at Lure or Burger Theory which are located in the Hampton Inn and Suites Downtown Owensboro/Waterfront and the Holiday Inn Owensboro Riverfront.
5:30 p.m. - Step into your southern side and have dinner at The Miller House.
6 p.m. – If you’re in town on a Friday between Memorial and Labor Day, don’t miss the free concert series downtown called Friday After Five. Five free stages of music!
6:30 p.m. - Enjoy a rare bourbon at Spirits, one of the largest bourbon bars in the country conveniently located in the basement of The Miller House.
7 p.m. - Go catch a bluegrass concert at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Head over early to take a tour of the museum before the concert.
9:30 p.m. - Still thirsty? Try grabbing a fresh craft beer at Pub on Second Brewing for a nightcap.
Smothers Park - There’s no better place to enjoy the outdoors along the Ohio River in downtown Owensboro than Smothers Park, home of Lazy Dayz Playground named the "Top Playground In The World" by Landscape Architects Network.
The Crème Coffee House - They're locally owned and operated, with a warm and inviting atmosphere. They have a wide variety of specialty drinks, delicious treats, and yummy sammiches.
The Miller House - This historic Sears-Roebuck house was brought back to life in 2008 when it was transformed into a fine southern cuisine restaurant.
Country Adventure
9 a.m. - Start the day at Trunnels Farm Market and Family Fun Center and don’t miss out on the apple or pumpkin donuts. Your kids will love all of the activities at the Fun Center.
11 a.m. - Check out the one-of-a-kind Preservation Station Market, Restaurant, and Event Center housed in an old elementary school. Grab lunch in their restaurant which was once a school cafeteria and shop till you drop with each classroom featuring a different store.
1 p.m. - It’s time to head out to Diamond Lake Resort for some putt-putt, fishing and drift cycle riding.
3 p.m. - It’s picking time at Reid’s Orchard. Check out what’s in season and pick your own fruit or take a pony ride. Our personal favorite are the strawberries in summer.
4 p.m. - Check into hotel on the Southside with Hampton Inn South, Best Western Plus, Wingfield or the Comfort Inn and Suites.
5 p.m. - Enjoy a stroll through the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden.
6 p.m. - Enjoy one of the best BBQ buffets around at Moonlite BBQ or Ole South BBQ.
Western Kentucky Botanical Garden - Owensboro Kentucky's premier place for lovers of gardens and flowers!
Moonlite BBQ - Revered BBQ mainstay known for its smoked meats (including mutton), plus lunch & dinner buffets. Named by Southern Living as Kentucky’s Best BBQ.
Ole South BBQ – Owensboro and Western Kentucky’s best kept BBQ secret featuring an incredible buffet with delicious pulled pork.
Bourbon, Bluegrass and BBQ
9 a.m. - Eat the biggest pancakes you have ever seen at Dee’s Dinner.
10 a.m. - Head on over to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail’s Green River Distillery where you’ll learn and taste how Green River is making bourbon unlike anywhere else in the world.
11:30 a.m. - Grab lunch at the locals favorite Old Hickory BBQ. Try the mutton and burgoo.
1:30 p.m. - Just a 30-minute drive away, check out the Bill Monroe Homeplace and museum where bluegrass music was invented.
3:30 p.m. - Check into one of our hotels located on Highway 54 with the Courtyard Marriot, or the Towneplace Suites.
5 p.m. - Grab a bourbon or wine at Brew Bridge or SIP Wine Room.
6 p.m. - Enjoy a bourbon inspired meal at Colby’s Fine Food and Spirits or Callas Tavern & Restaurant.
7 p.m. - It’s time to visit the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum to catch a show and tour the museum.
9 p.m. - Time for a nightcap at Spirits, one of the largest bourbon bars in America. It’s located in the basement of The Miller House.
Green River Distillery - Tradition at this new Kentucky Bourbon Trail distillery. Here you’ll enjoy a tour and tasting where you’ll learn about how this historic bourbon distillery was brought back to life to make bourbon.
Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum - Home to the only bluegrass music hall of fame, this brand-new facility hosts world-class bluegrass, newgrass and Americana artists every weekend in its 450 seat state-of-the art theater. While you’re there catching a show, check out the hall of fame and the incredible exhibits dedicated to the home of bluegrass music.
The Miller House - This historic Sears-Roebuck house was brought back to life in 2008 when it was transformed into a fine southern cuisine restaurant. Each dining room is decorated with a different color and unique art. Located in the basement of The Miller House, Spirits is a cozy little bar with an eclectic mix of patrons. Anyone coming to Spirits for the first time will surely feel right at home. As a bourbon-focused bar, they always have more than 600 bourbons in stock, making it one of the largest Bourbon Bars in the United States.
