Exploring Owensboro, Kentucky by Way of The Wooks

“Start your day at the Creme Coffee House on 2nd Street for customized coffee and tea, tasty breakfast sandwiches and pastry.” With Ohio River views, this indie coffee shop is a great place to unwind in a quirky, but friendly setting.

The Western Kentucky Botanical Gardens offers expansive outdoor gardens (there are 7, each with its own nature theme!) with plenty of zen appeal to clear the mind and recharge the soul. If the Daylily Garden isn’t enough for a recharge, perhaps the Butterfly, or the Fruit & Berry Gardens will do.

Hit up Famous Bistro for Mediterranean-influenced American fare, or Gary’s Drive In for greasy goodness followed by a dreamcicle shake. Both places are super casual and locally owned. Be prepared to wait for a table on any given day at Gary’s.

No Owensboro visit is complete without a pit stop at the Bluegrass Hall of Fame and Museum, where the past comes to life in a town steeped in bluegrass culture. Follow this by seeking out some live music. The Theatre Workshop of Owensboro and the Owensboro Symphony are equally top notch spots to do just that.

The annual BBQ Festival kicks off in May if you’re looking for quintessential Kentuckian events to plan around. Since 1979, local culinary teams compete for the festival’s Governor’s Cup, an Owensboro honor for “best secret bbq recipe”.

As for dinner, make a reservation at The Miller House, which is located in a gorgeous landmark mansion downtown, that’s full of old southern grandeur charm. The restaurant offers nightly live music along with upscale southern-style American fare, and a bourbon-focused bar with 600 whiskeys to choose from.