HerKentucky 2014 Summer Fun List: Henderson / Owensboro Edition
Summer is here, y'all, and Kentucky has so much fun to offer! We've found the best ways to have fun in cities and regions across the Commonwealth, and we're thrilled to share them with you! Click here to download our
2014 Summer Fun List for Henderson and Owensboro
. Print it out, check off the fun events you experience, and have a great summer!
HENDERSON
Please allow me to toot the horn of my hometown. Henderson is home to three(!) of the
, a list compiled by the Kentucky Travel Industry Association.
You've missed some of the events already, but the good news is that this wonderful festival lasts all week long!
This one is my personal favorite, since I know the founder. I call her Mom.
You don't want to miss the 29th year of the Bluegrass Festival, which has evolved
into one of the biggest bluegrass festivals in the country.
The newest of the Henderson music festivals, this one is named for the late County Judge/Executive,
who loved attending songwriters' festivals. Wouldn't he be proud of this one?
A few years (decades, whatever) ago, my grandfather was the Head Ranger and my grandmother ran the gift shop at the museum. I thought we owned the park. This was my childhood playground, and I feel such joy taking my own children to visit.
Miles of trails for hiking, a museum full of priceless Audubon artwork,
golf, water, camping. You will never be bored here!
Plan to share. Get the brussels sprouts. You're welcome.
A few years ago, my mom gave me a lovely, silver horseshoe necklace and told me
!
You-pick berries and fruit stand open in July and August.
You can even get your farm fresh eggs here!
Enjoy Fabulous Fridays at Ruby Moon!
You can purchase wine by the glass, enjoy complimentary cheese and crackers, and receive 10% off purchases.
A perfect place to relax with the best view in town. Enjoy fun events like
Yappy Hour (the next one is June 18 at 5:00) or join the party for July 4th,
when Lindsey Williams will be playing and On Deck will also be donating the gate
money to Mark Brooks, who was diagnosed with ALS. Have fun and do good!
Support local farms by patronizing the Farmers' Market, open from May through October,
every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday from 8am until 5pm.
The Henderson Riverwalk's latest section creates a 2.3 mile pathway to enjoy walking or running
along the Ohio River, past Sunset Park, Redbanks Park, and into Atkinson Park.
OWENSBORO
Before we jump into our Owensboro Summertime Bucket List, let's take a peek into the past:
This is what Veterans Blvd looked like when we left our wedding reception
at the RiverPark Center back in 1999.
Little did we know that Owensboro had some big ideas, because now that same area looks like this:
No such thing as summertime boredom!
Quickly becoming another jewel in the area's music festival crown.
This year's headliner? Hank Williams Jr. No big deal.
Pick your own fruit and try out delicious summer crops of peaches, corn, tomatoes,
and summer apples at this fantastic, family owned orchard.
Home to the world's only museum dedicated to the history and preservation of bluegrass music.
Also has my vote for best phone number. 1-888-MY-BANJO. That's awesome.
This place is on my must-try list for our annual summer visit home!
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Yes, I have a favorite. No, I won't tell you. Don't worry, you can't make a poor decision here.
Big Dipper
Order a burger through the garden or a divine BLT, and don't forget a banana shake.
Don't forget your cash, either. This place is old school.
Oooh and aaah to the sounds of the OSO, joining the spectacular fireworks display.
This one is for the kids (and the adults)! Exhibits both fun and fascinating are to be found
inside this historic building. Admission is only $3 per person.
This 9 day outdoor basketball tournament will captivate you!
This year's will be held July 18-25 at Kendall-Perkins Park.
You just missed this wonderful event, but be sure to put in on your calendar for next year!
Choose your distance and come as you are! Bike, walk, run, and stay for the party at the home of the
generous David and Jean Yewell. All your hard work and play will benefit the children
living at the St. Joseph's Peace Mission and the Yewell Home for Boys.