Come Visit Owensboro!

My hometown of Owensboro, KY has many different attractions that would cause anyone to want to come and visit. Owensboro has many different events that appeal to a variety of people, so if you look closely, you will find something that you like. Owensboro also has a beautiful river side location (as seen in picture above). Some of the major attractions that might cause you to come and visit are the food, festivals, museums, and theater.


It is not uncommon to be driving down a street in Owensboro and begin smelling the sweet-hickory smell of barbeque. One of the major things my hometown is known for is our food. Owensboro is said to be the “barbeque capital of the world.” We have several different barbeque restaurants to fit anyone’s barbeque tastes. Some examples would include: Moonlight, Old Hickory, and Old South. You will find delicious barbecued meats like mutton, pork, and chicken. All of those restaurants also serve burgoo; a hearty soup made of mutton, chicken, and a variety of vegetables. Bill Clinton ate at one of our most famous barbeque restaurants, Moonlight. Owensboro should be the first place you go when you are in need of an amazing barbeque meal.




Owensboro also puts on two major festivals a year that always draw a big crowd. The first one is the International Barbeque festival. It is held in our downtown streets and the saying is, “come for the food, stay for the fun.” This event hosts the Classic Cook-off to find out who makes the best barbeque in town. There are also tons of rides and games for the whole family. If you’re a music lover, then you should come and see the variety of performances held each day of the festival. This festival also features a large car show, homemade crafts for sale, and a petting zoo. This event is always the second week in May, so come and check it out!


The second festival is the Apple Fest; it is a more small-town festival feel. This event is held the third weekend in October, so it is a great way to celebrate autumn. It is held at one of Owensboro’s largest orchards, Reid’s Orchard. There is always great food like apple sundaes, apple turnovers, apple cider, and caramel apples. There are games, rides, and the famous corn maze that will excite the whole family. You can also buy the locally grown pumpkins, corn, and of course, apples. This event was chosen as one of the Top 10 festivals in Kentucky. You will defiantly feel right at home at the Apple Fest.


Owensboro is also home to two different museums. The first one, International Bluegrass Museum, pays tribute to Kentucky being the “Bluegrass State.” If you love Bluegrass, or even if you don’t, you will find this museum very interesting and eye opening. You will learn about the history of bluegrass and several major figures of that genre. The museum also showcases vintage instruments. We are also home to the Owensboro Museum of Science and History. It is located in the downtown area and the admission is just $3.00 per person. The museum can be an educational and fun experience for the whole family. This museum is especially exciting for children, because they feature an indoor playground and it even goes on top of the street. There is something for everyone at Owensboro’s museums.


Lastly, Owensboro is home to a wonderful theater, the Riverpark Center. This center is located downtown on the river front, creating a beautiful location. This place shows anything from Broadway to gospel groups. It also features different workshops and ceremonies. The Riverpark also puts on “Winter Wonderland" every December for Christmas. There is an outdoor ice skating rink and large movie screen. They also have children’s rides; this is a really fun way to celebrate Christmas with your whole family. Just check out the website to see what is showing at the Riverpark soon.


As you can see, Owensboro is filled with different events and attractions for the whole family. It has great food, festivals, museums, and a great theater. It is a beautiful place that you must come and see. It is a truly great place to visit, and I promise that you won’t be bored.