2023-12-29 09:36:27
Drift on down the River of Sound . . . at Owensboro’s Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum, with exhibits paying homage to the pioneers who played a role in bringing a uniquely American sound to the world and showcasing musical instruments held in the hands of the masters.
Journey to Jerusalem Ridge in Rosine, where it all began at the Bill Monroe Homeplace and other sites connected to the singer/songwriter who described his music as “Scottish bagpipes and ole-time fiddling.” Stops include Uncle Pen’s Cabin, the home of one of Monroe’s greatest musical influences, fiddle player Pendleton Vandiver, and the Bill Monroe Museum, steward of the legacy.
Owensboro celebrates two Kentucky traditions over two days in May. Savor the flavor with BBQ & Barrels, pairing barbecue booths and food trucks with bourbon tastings and classes, plus a side of live music, car shows and more.
Barbecue also plays a role in one of the nation’s largest free music festivals during the W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival. Held on Henderson’s scenic riverfront, the June celebration honors the life and legacy of the Father of the Blues who spent a decade here.
Love the outdoors? So does this region, with opportunities for birding and fishing at Rockford’s Peabody Wildlife Management Area, a stretch of reclaimed coal-mined land that contains a waterfowl refuge, and a chance to stop and smell the roses, herbs and other plants at the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden in Owensboro.
Got wheels? Head to Madisonville’s Grapevine Lake Mountain Bike Trails and pedal the loop over bridges, along the lake and around obstacles. In Central City, the Kentucky Motorsports Hall of Fame & Museum honors the inspirations of Kentucky motorsports history, like 2022 inductee “ace driver” Billy Menser, who raced go-karts and motorcycles.
At Morganfield’s James D. Veatch Camp Breckinridge Museum & Arts Center, see a 20-by-30-foot mural of the Castle of Werneck, located in the Franconia region of Germany. Kentucky’s version was painted during the museum’s Prisoner of War and Army camp days during WWII.
Low and Slow
Eat your weight in barbecue from Henderson to Pilot Oak to Tompkinsville, with a hearty stop in Owensboro on the Western Kentucky Barbecue Trail. Mutton and sop (sauce), pork, chicken and other slow-cooked classics are served up in signature stylings from more than 15 restaurants.
Lazy Days, Meandering Blueways
In Dawson Springs’ Tradewater River Wildlife Management Area, paddle the gentle 80-mile-long Tradewater River to spot Lover’s Leap and the Devil’s Dining Table against a scenic backdrop of bluffs, small waterfalls and forest. You might chance upon your own private swimming hole along the way.
Jackpot!
Owned and operated by Churchill Downs Incorporated, Henderson’s century-old Ellis Park Racing & Gaming offers live thoroughbred horse racing in the summertime and simulcast wagering all year long. Breakfast and comfort food classics from grill and griddle are served at the Dade Park Grill.
Hands-On History
At Green River Distilling Co. in Owensboro, sip bourbon that has been aged onsite and on land where a distillery has stood since 1885. Taste bourbon pulled directly from the barrel. Wield the tools and techniques of the trade to craft a bourbon cocktail. Take a souvenir glass home.
Hometown Musicians
“Bye Bye Love.” “Sixteen Tons.” “Paradise.” You know the songs. Now learn the history behind the singers and songwriters who immortalized them. Sibling harmonizers, the Everly Brothers, thumbpicker Merle Travis, lyricist extraordinaire John Prine and others are honored at the Muhlenberg Music Museum.
What’s Your Jam?
Bring your fiddle to the Rosine Barn Jamboree, the historic barn not far from where Bill Monroe spent his childhood days. Musicians come from all over to play bluegrass, country and gospel music on this stage. Enjoy free Friday night concerts from April through mid-December, including lawn chair concerts during summer.
Beaver Dam: 270-274-7106, beaverdamtourism.com
Central City: 270-754-9603, cityofcentralcity.com
Greenville: 270-338-1895, tourgreenville.com
Hancock County: hancockky.us
Henderson: 270-826-3128, hendersonky.org
Madisonville/Hopkins County: 270-821-4171, visitmadisonvilleky.com
McLean County: 270-273-9760
Muhlenberg County: 270-641-0276, visitmuhlenberg.com
Ohio County: 270-298-0036, ohiocounty.com
Owensboro/Daviess County: 270-926-1100, visitowensboro.com
Union County: 270-997-1007, unioncountyky.org/things-to-do
Webster County: 270-639-5042, webstercountyky.com
Plan your regional road trip!
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