/blog/entry/ en info@visitbgky.com Copyright 2012 2012-05-15T21:43:41+00:00 http://www.visitbgky.com/blog/entry/national-hot-rod-reunion-is-perfect-fathers-day-treat/ http://www.visitbgky.com/blog/entry/national-hot-rod-reunion-is-perfect-fathers-day-treat/#When:20:43:41Z This past Mother’s Day weekend was all about mom, but don’t lose sight of dad! It’s not too early to start thinking about that special gift for dad. And why not give him something he’ll cherish and remember for years to come – a three-day ticket to the 10th Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion presented by AAA, June 14-16? “The National Hot Rod Reunion is the real deal – an authentic, one-of-a-kind American car lover’s dream. It’s like visiting a drag racing museum and watching it all come to life before your eyes,” said Steve Gibbs, Reunion Competition Director. “The Reunion is a unique gift for all dads and grads. Even the ladies – moms, wives, girlfriends - enjoy the annual hot rod gathering! It’s an experience like no other.” Held at the historic Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Ky., the Hot Rod Reunion has just been named by the Kentucky Travel Industry Association as one of the “Top 10 Festivals & Events for Summer 2012.” The Reunion includes a wide variety of activities and events, including Hot Heads nostalgia drag racing, and the SoffSeal Show ‘n’ Shine with thousands of gleaming pre-1972 hot rods, custom cars, and muscle cars. There’s the 10th Anniversary Cruise-In and Heacock Classic Insurance Reunion Party on Thursday, as well as the National Hot Rod Reunion Reception on Friday evening, June 15. The Reunion concludes on Saturday evening with racing final eliminations and the Cacklefest where nitro-burning historic top-fuel dragsters are push started just like in the “old days”. Plus, all three days there is a huge swap meet and Reunion Midway filled with manufacturer exhibits and demonstrations. There’s even an old fashion amusement park with rides and games for all ages adjacent to the Raceway. Tickets are available for the 10th annual Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion presented by AAA (Thursday through Saturday, June 14-16, 2012) at Beech Bend Park in Bowling Green, Ky. Purchase three-day credential prior to June 1, 2012 and receive a goody bag and $10 discount. Purchase online at http://www.nhratix.com or call 1-800-884-NHRA (6472). Events 2012-05-15T20:43:41+00:00 http://www.visitbgky.com/blog/entry/historic-railpark-highlighted-by-pbs-nationwide/ http://www.visitbgky.com/blog/entry/historic-railpark-highlighted-by-pbs-nationwide/#When:13:31:49Z The “All Aboard” miniseries highlighting the story of railroad history as illustrated by the Historic RailPark & Train Museum here in Bowling Green, KY, has been picked up by 135 PBS stations nationwide.  The 3-part mini-series will air locally on Thursday evenings at 9PM and Saturdays at 3:30PM on WKYU-PBS between May 3 and May 27, 2012. “We are proud of the volunteer commitment that has allowed us to preserve and highlight the story of the railroad as told through our E8A locomotive, the L&N Railway Post Office Car, and the L&N “Towering Pine” sleeper car,” states series producer Dorian Walker, President of Peridot Pictures.  “Each of the three half-hour series is a portal to the national story of the importance of the railroad in American history.  Within each story are never before seen archival images. National railroad dignitaries and area volunteers who have shown tremendous support in helping establish the Historic RailPark & Train Museum appear in the documentary.” “We are thrilled that PBS thought our story worth sharing”, states Dick Webber, President of the Friends of L&N Depot and owners of the Historic RailPark & Train Museum.  “It’s amazing the talent of our volunteers who have allowed us to restore this collection of railcars.  We have many visitors from across the nation that see our train personally.  Now,  even more people can view the Historic RailPark from their living room.” Attraction News 2012-04-27T13:31:49+00:00 http://www.visitbgky.com/blog/entry/colorful-quilts-conjure-memories-and-emotions-at-the-ky-museum/ http://www.visitbgky.com/blog/entry/colorful-quilts-conjure-memories-and-emotions-at-the-ky-museum/#When:16:22:21Z The latest permanent exhibition at WKU’s Kentucky Museum, the Richardson Quilt Gallery, opened to visitors February 24. With two dozen quilts and historic textile samples collected by Elizabeth Richardson and donated by her daughter, June McGuyer, in addition to 15 Star pattern quilts from other donors, you are surely in for a treat when you visit this gallery. As I waited to shake Ms. June McGuyer’s hand before entering the gallery for the first time, a bystander in front of me thanked her for sharing such precious memories with total strangers and without another thought, Ms. McGuyer whispered, “Well, I didn’t have any daughters.” In just a single sentence, it took me back to my childhood, and the countless quilts my grandmother has made me. You enter my Mamaw’s home, and the first thing you’ll see is thread, needles, and all kinds of various colors of material. Growing up, I never really thought of these quilts as precious or priceless, they were just my usual gift from Mamaw. However, after entering the Richardson Quilt Gallery, I realized my Mamaw wasn’t just giving me a gift, she was giving me memories I could cherish forever.  At the Richardson Quilt Gallery, you’ll feel as if you stepped back in time with some of the quilts displayed on the Museum’s collection of antique beds.  The quilts appear much more real and useful in this way, just as I’m sure Ms. McGuyer’s mother intended them to look when she made the quilts. The dark oak walls and hard wood floors of the gallery add so much character to the various colors of quilts, and make the reds look redder, the blues look bluer, and whites look whiter. I enjoyed reading the inserts to each quilt and finding out where they came from and what year they were likely made. A quilt can be just any old quilt to a stranger, but each one has a story waiting to be untold, and I think the Richardson Quilt Gallery allows just that opportunity.  When you are in Bowling Green, stop by and visit the Kentucky Museum to view the new gallery, and maybe, just like me, you’ll learn a whole new appreciation for your grandmother. Attraction News 2012-03-02T16:22:21+00:00 http://www.visitbgky.com/blog/entry/barren-river-imaginative-museum-of-science-coming-to-greenwood-mall-for-lim/ http://www.visitbgky.com/blog/entry/barren-river-imaginative-museum-of-science-coming-to-greenwood-mall-for-lim/#When:21:59:33Z Exciting news for children all across the region as well as future generations was announced today! The Barren River Imaginative Museum of Science (BRIMS) is relocating for a limited time to Greenwood Mall while the organization seeks more permanent housing. After announcing they were closing last August, lots of people have stepped in to help find creative funding sources. We are so happy that this valuable community attraction is finding new life! While in the new location, BRIMS directors hope to receive community input and suggestions to lead them in their new direction. A lot will be kept while they are looking at how they can grow the learning opportunities they provide to thousands of regional children each year.  Learn more by reading the full press release here. Announcements, Attraction News 2012-02-03T21:59:33+00:00 http://www.visitbgky.com/blog/entry/first-hike-of-2012-at-shanty-hollow-lake/ http://www.visitbgky.com/blog/entry/first-hike-of-2012-at-shanty-hollow-lake/#When:21:39:25Z Shanty Hollow is one of my all-time favorite places to hike. And I would have to consider the Smokies, Rockies, Tetons, Yellowstone and over a hundred other locations when saying that. Warren County and the surrounding area has a real natural showpiece nearby, yet most of its residents might dismiss it without even knowing what lies inside the woodland there. The karst topography blessing the triangular junction of Warren, Butler, and Edmonson County is no doubt “a land of a thousand waterfalls.” All but a few are on private land. However, one precious falls can be seen in due season as the pinnacle of a great hour of hiking. Shanty Hollow Lake is a national park style wilderness compacted into a four mile round trip hike. Come in the winter and see a lake frozen solid and an icicle display among the cliff line. Wait until spring and partake so many white blooms on the forest floor you would think it was still snowing. Summer provides a healthy lush green canopy that gives you a lost feeling—lost in the freedom only woodlands provide. And then there is the autumn of the year. Shanty Hollow in the fall is a bucket list must for any person that considers themselves outdoorsy. The colors of the trees under a crisp blue beyond are as vivid as our human eyesight will allow. Pause at the cliffs, admire the canyon, smile at the waterfall, and breathe in deep. If you live around Bowing Green or are just passing through, you share an awesome backyard for a moment in Shanty Hollow. Happy Hiking! Visit Cory’s website at http://www.CoryRamseyOutdoors.com to read about his other hikes and favorite trails in Kentucky. Just for Fun 2012-01-10T21:39:25+00:00 http://www.visitbgky.com/blog/entry/Give-the-gift-of-good-times/ http://www.visitbgky.com/blog/entry/Give-the-gift-of-good-times/#When:21:33:12Z Unless you really have your stuff together and are finished with your holiday shopping, you may be looking for some last minute gift ideas.  As Bowling Green grows and the opportunity for great experiences explodes, why not give the gift of local leisure to be redeemed in 2012?!  Whether it’s tickets to a Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center show or a season pass to Beech Bend Park, a VIP tour of the National Corvette Museum and Corvette Plant or BG Hot Rods baseball game packs, the experience will stick with them longer than the latest gadget! SKyPAC individual tickets will go on sale in February, but they do have a “Pick Three” subscription available that is perfect for those who may not be committed to all the shows in one series.  For the young at heart, Beech Bend Amusement Park just announced the addition of a new ride in 2012… a 140-foot drop tower!  I imagine the view from up there will be breathtaking, not to mention the ride! With revolving exhibits in the new exhibit hall and new cars displayed regularly, the National Corvette Museum is constantly changing and worth a re-visit every once in a while.  Consider their latest offering as a gift for any Corvette enthusiast- a VIP tour for four people of the Museum and the Plant.  Meanwhile, the Bowling Green Hot Rods are offering up Holiday Packs including vouchers for any 2012 game and some cool team merchandise. Of course, if you are looking for that perfect ‘item’ to give, there are a ton of local options with all the great gift shops around town.  Lost River Cave recently expanded their gift shop, Wildflower Gifts, to be one of the finest in town.  Find beautiful decor, jewelry, and apparel in addition to cave-centric items and specialty food items.  All proceeds from Wildflower Gifts go towards the planned Nature Center at Lost River Cave. The Museum Store at the Kentucky Museum has a great array of fine gifts with Kentucky ties including collectible white squirrels, perfect for that old college roommate with whom you used to sit and count the cute critters.  At the Historic Railpark & Train Museum, find gifts for the little conductor in your family or give a glimpse of the past with nostalgic railroad items. Riverview at Hobson Grove has lovely merchandise in their quaint shop as does the South Union Shaker Village where you can purchase several hand made items like baskets, brooms and toys.  To give a truly unique Bowling Green gift, check out the ‘i love bg’ merchandise at BlueCotton Retail including the new Tervis Tumblers featuring the proud logo.  Other than a few things from Amazon and Zulilly, my money is staying local this year.  My husband requested a leather belt with our last name, so a quick trip to FleaLand for a local dealer and that item will be checked off the list.  We already have one thing under the tree… our ‘Pick Three’ subscription to SKyPAC’s inaugural season!  What experiences will you give to share in 2012? Just for Fun 2011-12-06T21:33:12+00:00 http://www.visitbgky.com/blog/entry/bowling-greens-bustling-holiday-scene/ http://www.visitbgky.com/blog/entry/bowling-greens-bustling-holiday-scene/#When:14:40:52Z It’s still a few weeks away from ‘looking a lot like Christmas,’ but we have been busy collecting holiday event information for almost a month now!  We know the holidays mean lots of family and friends may be visiting Bowling Green, so we hope to help with the entertaining plans by providing a comprehensive list of activities for the whole family to enjoy.  For a quick glance, jump over to our Holiday microsite here or keep reading about why we love the holidays in BG! The first weekend in December is by far the best bet for a bustling few days of holiday fun.  There are a ton of events scheduled for December 2-4 and if the flexibility is there, this should be when you plan a visit or extend the invitation to guests.  From the annual Bowling Green Christmas Parade downtown and Christmas in Kentucky to the Festival of Trains and Candlelight Tours at Riverview at Hobson Grove, holiday cheer can be found all around town.  Mix in a couple of holiday performances like “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” at the Phoenix Theatre, WKU’s WinterDance: A Holiday Extravaganza, or “Two From Galilee,” Rich Pond Baptist’s Christmas Musical, and you have the best of the season.  Be sure to visit Fountain Square Park in the evening to see the dazzling light displays and catch a horse-drawn Carriage Ride around our old-fashioned square. Another favorite of the season is just across the county line at the South Union Shaker Village, the Christmas at Shakertown Holiday Market, also on December 3.  For other shopping opportunities, don’t miss the BG Gallery Hop on Friday, December 2 to browse one-of-a-kind pieces.  Holiday tree exhibits at the Kentucky Museum and the Houchens Center plus the Landmark Association’s Christmas Tour of Homes round out a delightful weekend. With many of these events continuing throughout the month and several more additions in the following weeks, December is such a glorious time in Bowling Green, offering visitors a true taste of the town.  For me, I am looking forward to taking our 14-month-old to his first Christmas Parade, to see the model train displays at the Festival of Trains, and to have Breakfast with Santa at least once! Events, Just for Fun 2011-11-17T14:40:52+00:00 http://www.visitbgky.com/blog/entry/skypac-announces-its-inaugural-season-of-performances/ http://www.visitbgky.com/blog/entry/skypac-announces-its-inaugural-season-of-performances/#When:15:00:46Z It was a very exciting morning for the cultural scene in Bowling Green as the new Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center, opening in March 2012, announced its inaugural season.  From CATS and MAMMA MIA to Bowling Green native Sam Bush, Sesame Street Live, and Riverdance, the citizens of South Central Kentucky have over a dozen opportunities to experience outstanding performing arts in the short inaugural season of just three months.  Click here to view the lineup.  Subscription series tickets are available now by calling the ticket line at 270-904-1880. Series ticket prices range from $46 - $209 depending on the series and seating location.  There is even an “I Want Everything” ticket package that features twelve shows with prices that range from $280 - $396 per person.  Single event tickets will go on sale in February 2012 and prices will range from $11 - $65 per person. On hand at the news conference was Representative Jody Richards who said, “We see SKyPAC as an outstanding asset to our community and our entire region.  It will help transport the arts into every facet of business and industry as its programs delight, entertain and inform this generation and all future generations.”  Warren County Judge Executive Mike Buchanon echoed that sentiment by stating what an important part SKyPAC will be in the education of our region’s children, helping to broaden their horizons. Our Executive Director, Vicki Fitch, gave her thoughts on how this new facility will create a ripple effect on tourism, attracting patrons who are ready for an ‘evening out’ complete with babysitter, dinner, possibly shopping and maybe an after-show drink or dessert.  The Convention & Visitors Bureau will use SKyPAC as another layer in its efforts to attract new meeting, convention and leisure traveler business in Bowling Green.  For my husband and I, we’re heading to Sam Bush, Leon Russell and CATS… my first Broadway show was CATS when I was 14, so I couldn’t pass it up, and Sam and Leon are sure to be fabulous shows!  Of course, with a one-year-old, hitting up more than three shows would just be too much.  But then, the in-laws did get the ‘I Want It All’ package, so here’s hoping we get a few extra opportunities to hire that babysitter! See our full listing for the SKyPAC here or visit them online at http://www.theskypac.com.  For general questions, call 270-390-0080.  Events, Announcements, Attraction News 2011-11-01T15:00:46+00:00 http://www.visitbgky.com/blog/entry/geaux-toppers-wku-homecoming-2011/ http://www.visitbgky.com/blog/entry/geaux-toppers-wku-homecoming-2011/#When:20:07:35Z Here in Bowling Green, October means more than leaves changing, pumpkin hunting, and haunted houses; it means it is time for WKU Homecoming! Homecoming is a special occasion for WKU alumni, friends, and family to reunite. Sharing their memories of college years and reliving the WKU spirit by cheering on the Toppers at the football game, many alumni look forward to this day all year. This year’s Homecoming Cajun-inspired theme is “Geaux Toppers!” Festivities begin on Tuesday, October 18th in Glasgow at 11 am for a Chili and Cheese Luncheon and Pep Rally.  Events through the week include the 2011 Summit Awards, the Hall of Distinguished Alumni Induction Ceremony, Big Red’s Roar, and Concert in the Park! Saturday is always an exciting and eventful day for Homecoming attendees! From many department and organization reunions in the morning to the Homecoming Step Show in the evening – and with football all day in between – it is a fun-filled day for students and alumni.  The annual homecoming football game kicks-off Saturday at 3 pm against the Louisiana-Lafeyette Ragin’ Cajuns at Houchens Industries L.T. Smith Stadium. Be sure to bring your red towel! Bowling Green loves WKU Homecoming too! During the downtown parade Friday night, many restaurants and businesses are offering discounts when you mention “WKU Homecoming.” Visit http://www.alumni.wku.edu/homecoming for a full list of events, tailgating recipes, and a list of business sponsors! The WKU Alumni Association looks forward to seeing you on the hill! Events, Just for Fun 2011-10-11T20:07:35+00:00 http://www.visitbgky.com/blog/entry/when-the-civil-war-came-to-bowling-green/ http://www.visitbgky.com/blog/entry/when-the-civil-war-came-to-bowling-green/#When:19:02:09Z Events that took place 150 years ago will be the focus of a community-wide commemoration Saturday, September 17, as the city of Bowling Green remembers the Civil War.  Every 50 years, the nation strives to remind the current generation about the sacrifices so many of our ancestors made when the War Between the States split our country in two.  We have a lot to learn from visiting the country’s significant Civil War sites, but this is an opportunity to see re-enactors, view exhibits, hear from experts, watch living historians, and go on special tours right here in our back yard! Activities begin at 8 a.m. at the Historic Railpark & Train Museum when the South Union Regiment will reenact the Confederate arrival in Bowling Green followed by a presentation by Dr. Michael Trapasso, a local historian.  The Railpark’s brand new exhibit, “Civil War and the Railroad,” will open at 10 a.m. as well as an outdoor living history village with period craft demonstrations that continues until 4 p.m.  The re-enactors will march from the Railpark to nearby Riverview at Hobson Grove around 9:30 a.m. where they will continue with reenactments and activities at this historic home that was once used as munitions storage.  View a special juried art exhibit, hear Dr. Trapasso discuss “The Rise and Fall of a Confederate State Capital,” and learn about the woman’s role during the war inside the mansion. At the Kentucky Museum, children will delight in learning Civil War dances, trying on period clothing, practicing Civil War writing, and participating in Scavenger Hunts in the Civil War exhibit, “A Star in Each Flag: Conflict in Kentucky.”  In addition, there will be Collodion photography demonstrations, showings of “A Call to War,” and presentations from experts.   In downtown Bowling Green, self-guided architectural tours will begin at The Presbyterian Church on State St. and continue to numerous buildings where costumed interpreters will explain a little history and hearsay about the properties.  Tours are available from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. with maps provided at the starting location. If you are lucky enough to snag a spot, Lost River Cave & Valley is offering limited Smoke writing Tours into areas of the cave not open to the public.  This practice was common as soldiers hiding or camping out held flames to the cave’s ceiling to leave their mark.  Fountain Square Players will be presenting another type of tour Saturday evening, the “Spirits of the Civil War” tour where four ‘ghostly perspectives’ will be shared with the group as they walk to different locations around the Railpark.  Find a full schedule of events, visit our Civil War Sesquicentennial page here or give us a call at 270-782-0800.  These attractions and organizations have been planning a long time for this commemoration.  We are very fortunate to have such rich history in our area and even luckier to have passionate people who want to help keep that history alive, no matter how ugly it may have been.  Events 2011-09-08T19:02:09+00:00