Kentucky, just a state away, has a wealth of opportunities for families. Just last week I was in Bowling Green, Kentucky with a group of Macaroni Kid Publishers and did they show us a great time! I can't wait to take my family back and show them everything we did!
From Northeast Ohio, Bowling Green, Kentucky is a 7-hour drive straight down I-71 South through Cincinnati. It couldn't be easier. Here are some of the fun things we did:
Corvettes
Bowling Green is all-things-Corvette and they are proud of it! We toured the National Corvette Museum which is beautifully laid out. I am not a car-enthusiast by any means but I really enjoyed myself. There is so much to see and learn! There is even a kids zone to help engage the little ones. Right across the street from the Museum is the GM Bowling Green Corvette Assembly Plant. I had never seen anything like this. It was amazing watching cars being built on an assembly line. (Fun Fact: Each Corvette is fully paid for before it hits the assembly line.) I will wait to take my family until our youngest is 10 since that is the minimum age allowed on the tour. Can't wait? Someone can always stay and play with the little ones at the Museum while others go to the Plant! It works well that way! They even have package tickets.
Whiskey
What is a trip to Kentucky without learning a bit about whiskey? The Bowling Green houses the original location of the Corsair Distillery, an official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Tour. This small distillery is a great quick stop for families of all ages. Looks, kids, science! Grown-ups, don't be shy if you choose to sample some of their wonderful products. My favorite was the Vanilla Bean Vodka and Red Absinthe.
Culture and History
Everything is a learning opportunity when traveling with kids. The Kentucky Museum on the Western Kentucky University campus is a small but nice stop. The kids and adults a-like will love dressing up in Civil War-era costumes.
Baseball
We love minor-league baseball games. If you are a fan of the Lake County Captains then this is a great stop for you. Go Bowling Green Hot Rods!
Nature
While some associate Kentucky with bourbon, others associate it with caves and caverns. We visited the Lost River Cave for an underground boat tour and butterfly release. The boat tour was a blast. I had never been on a river underground! Our guide was helpful as he pointed out all of the must-sees in the cave and even told the story of how famed bank robber Jesse James hid out right in this very cave. After the boat tour, we went to a butterfly sanctuary where we released monarchs into this little world that is built just for them. There is everything they need to eat, sleep, mate and live happy lives. It was great to be so close to such majestic creatures.
Agriculture
Chaney's Dairy Barn may serve some amazing ice cream but the real treat is the farm tour. The Chaneys truly care about their cows and treat them like royalty. It's a true joy to hear a farmer talk about his herd in terms of family. With over 60 cows, he knows every single one, how many times they get milked a-day and their personal preferences. This is how our food-system should look, folks. Don't forget to take some jumps on the bouncy pillow on your way out (adults, too!).
Local History
Every small town has their general store. The one in Boyce, Kentucky was up for sale when a young local couple decided it should stay local and keep up with the novelty of the General Store. They turned it into a restaurant that serves a mean catfish fry and pies that you will want to mail order for the holidays. A definite treat for the whole family. Welcome to the kindness of the south, y'all.
Oh, Kentucky, you are just south of us and hold such treasures! I highly recommend everyone take a journey with their family!
