articles

Bowled Over by Bowling Green

Country, Corvettes, Caves, Cows, Catfish

By Kayt DeMerchant (Sponsored Advertising Content) September 20, 2016
Each year, the top publishers of local Macaroni Kid editions are invited on a Boondoggle (a fun trip under the guise of work). We head to a beautiful place and are treated to a few days of fun activities, great food and camaraderie. Several months ago I received the much-anticipated invitation to our 2016 Boondoggle in which it was announced that we were headed to Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Wait. Bowling Green? 

We have had Boondoggles in places such as Orlando, San Jose and Key West. I did a double take when I read Bowling Green. What is there even to do in Bowling Green? It was certainly not a destination that was ever on my bucket list. But then I read further about the upcoming trip and started to get excited. Really excited. 

That excitement was well-founded. When I spent several days in Bowling Green in August I was truly—well—bowled over. The city has so much to offer and is filled with the nicest people I have met in a long while. 

Here’s why I was bowled over by Bowling Green:

Country— Bowling Green is in southern Kentucky, just an hour or so from Nashville. It is considered part of the upper south (not the deep or lower south) and comes with all the charm I expect from the south. Let’s start with some of the nicest people on the planet—always welcoming, friendly and humble (paired with a touch of a southern accent and a whole lot of charm). Then you have the country music—it’s in abundance—and not just on the radio stations. There are indie and start up country music bands everywhere you go from the Hot Rods baseball games to the general stores to street-side entertainment. Finally, you have the actual country-side with gorgeous green rolling hills, horse farms and pretty little residential neighborhoods. 


Corvettes—Bowling Green is home to the National Corvette Museum and the only GM Assembly Plant to produce Corvettes in the world. And, you can tour both. To be honest, this was one of those itinerary items that gave me pause as I truly have very little interest in cars nor how they are made. Yet, the tour of the Museum and GM Assembly Plant was one of my favorite parts of our trip. I was fascinated by the history of this beauty of a car and how it is manufactured. I’m still saving my pennies so I can purchase a 2017 Corvette in Sterling Blue Metallic


Caves—Lost River Cave is the only place in Kentucky you can tour underground caves by boat. Not only does Lost River Cave provide some relief from the heat at a lovely 57 degrees year-round but you will be fully charmed by the beauty of the caves and surrounding woods as well as the very knowledgable and humorous tour guides.


Cows—A trip to Bowling Green would not be complete without a visit to a local dairy farm. This was another stop on our itinerary that I wasn’t overly excited about (I’ve visited many farms in Maine) but, again, I was most pleasantly surprised when I stepped foot on Chaney’s Dairy Farm. We enjoyed amazing homemade sandwiches and ice cream (that USA Today named the best in Kentucky) then set off for a hayride and farm tour. We were lucky enough to meet the family that owns Chaney’s and I was smitten. The family clearly loves their jersey cows and is excited to talk to visitors about farm life. A visit with some calves and jumping on the giant inflatable pillow on-site was the highlight of the day.


Catfish— I was especially looking forward to some southern cooking during my visit to Bowling Green and I was not disappointed. From the pimiento cheese sandwiches at Chaney’s to the “chicken and buttons” at Mariah’s to—honestly—everything at White Squirrel Brewery, the food and beverages to be found in Bowling Green are delicious. My favorite, however, was the catfish and pies we indulged in at Boyce General Store. An evening at Boyce General Store may include “Pickin’ on the Porch” (remember that great country music?), a catfish fry (the best I have ever had) and homemade pies. You will be totally charmed by the sweet family that owns Boyce and the food will have you wondering if you can head back for more again the next evening. No wonder Boyce has been around since 1869.


Ready to be bowled over by Bowling Green? A great place to start planning a trip is with the Bowling Green Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The Bowling Green Area Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted the author for a three-day press trip. Accommodations and most meals and activities were complimentary. No other compensation was received in consideration of this article and all opinions are that of the writer.