The Surprising Kentucky Town That Makes An Excellent Weekend Getaway
By Andrea Limke|Updated on July 06, 2024(Originally published July 31, 2018)
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Andrea Limke
Author
A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.
Kentucky is a state that surprises many… except, of course, for those of us who call it home. But even for locals, the Bluegrass State has a few tricks up her sleeve that we get to discover from time to time. There are many places throughout our state that make ideal getaway destinations, and one happens to be the town of Owensboro. This city in western Kentucky is known for its riverfront location and world-class barbecue, but there’s so much more to it than that. It may surprise you that Owensboro makes an excellent weekend getaway in Kentucky, so check out some of what this delightful town has to offer.
Located right on the Ohio River in western Kentucky, Owensboro is our state's fourth-largest city by population.
This lively city is known for many things, and yet many don't consider it a destination for a small-town getaway in Kentucky. While areas like Red River Gorge, horse country, and the Bourbon Trail surely make great destinations, Owensboro offers a little bit of everything in a small town, riverfront setting.
There are several hotels in the Owensboro area, but if you want something a little different, check out a campground. Diamond Lake Resort (pictured above) is open all year long and is not far from town.
Or, you may even want to consider searching on Airbnb, which has many unique listings for Owensboro.
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Once you've decided on a place to stay, it's time to check out all of the attractions around town. There are so many things to do in Owensboro! Smothers Park on the river, for one, is definitely a must-see.
It's been called the best playground in the world, and it's easy to see why. This large waterfront park is not just for the kids - although they will definitely love it. Plan on spending plenty of time here, wandering around and taking in the scenery and unique features.
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Another great stop when in town is the O.Z. Tyler Kentucky Bourbon Distillery.
This distillery recently opened to the public and is the only one in Owensboro. Grab a drink from the cocktail lounge and take a behind-the-scenes tour of this fascinating destination.
Located in the 2100 block of Frederica Street, this stunning tree is about 300 years old and is the oldest known Sassafras tree in the world.
When choosing a weekend to visit, check out the town's events calendar and see what exciting festivals, concerts, or entertainment may be taking place.
Owensboro hosts several events throughout the year, from the well-known International BBQ Festival each May to ROMP Fest in June. These exciting events are just a few of the fun options and there are plenty of chances to get in on the action all year long.
While in Owensboro, you simply must try the BBQ. If you ask a local, you'll likely get a very passionate opinion on which place to try.
Old Hickory Bar-B-Q and Moonlite Bar-B-Q are two hometown favorites. If you can, go ahead and try both to form your own opinion! There are several other favorite local dining destinations in Owensboro, so you definitely will not leave town hungry.
The Creme Coffee House is a delightful local spot to stop in for a cup of coffee before heading out to explore for the day.
Owensboro, Kentucky, is definitely a beautiful riverfront town with excellent barbecue, but there’s plenty of fun and excitement to keep you busy here all weekend long. These ideas just skim the surface of what is available in this fun-filled city. For more information on the fun activities, tasty restaurants, special events, and great places to stay, check out the Visit Owensboro website for inspiration.
Have you taken a trip to Kentucky’s fourth-largest city? If you’re from Owensboro, what are your can’t-miss destinations in town? Share with us in the comments!
