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The Wooks playing on a farm outside Owensboro, Kentucky
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Take a tour of this legendary Kentucky town with the native Bluegrass Band.

Kentucky is home to bourbon, BBQ, and bluegrass, and for The Wooks who call Owensboro home, they are right in their element. “The community of Owensboro continues to come together to jam out to good old bluegrass, so we’re in fine company here,” the band says. For those just getting acquainted with the Kentucky city, The Wooks is here to lend some pointers.

Where to start your day

“Start your day at the Creme Coffee House on 2nd Street for customized coffee and tea, tasty breakfast sandwiches and pastry.” With Ohio River views, this indie coffee shop is a great place to unwind in a quirky, but friendly setting.

The Wooks posing with a mural in Owensboro

The Wooks posing with a mural in Owensboro
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Where to zen out

The Western Kentucky Botanical Gardens offers expansive outdoor gardens (there are 7, each with its own nature theme!) with plenty of zen appeal to clear the mind and recharge the soul. If the Daylily Garden isn’t enough for a recharge, perhaps the Butterfly, or the Fruit & Berry Gardens will do.

Boating on a lake near Owensboro, another popular local pastime

Boating on a lake near Owensboro, another popular local pastime
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Where to stop for lunch

Hit up Famous Bistro for Mediterranean-influenced American fare, or Gary’s Drive In for greasy goodness followed by a dreamcicle shake. Both places are super casual and locally owned. Be prepared to wait for a table on any given day at Gary’s.

Make time for Kentucky Bluegrass

No Owensboro visit is complete without a pit stop at the Bluegrass Hall of Fame and Museum, where the past comes to life in a town steeped in bluegrass culture. Follow this by seeking out some live music. The Theatre Workshop of Owensboro and the Owensboro Symphony are equally top notch spots to do just that.

Bill Monroe's Birthplace just outside Owensboro

Bill Monroe's Birthplace just outside Owensboro
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You’ll want to try the BBQ

The annual BBQ Festival kicks off in May if you’re looking for quintessential Kentuckian events to plan around. Since 1979, local culinary teams compete for the festival’s Governor’s Cup, an Owensboro honor for “best secret bbq recipe”.

A pitmaster at work during the Kentucky BBQ Festival

A pitmaster at work during the Kentucky BBQ Festival
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End the day on a high note

As for dinner, make a reservation at The Miller House, which is located in a gorgeous landmark mansion downtown, that’s full of old southern grandeur charm. The restaurant offers nightly live music along with upscale southern-style American fare, and a bourbon-focused bar with 600 whiskeys to choose from.

Sampling Kentucky bourbon in an Owensboro tasting room

Sampling Kentucky bourbon in an Owensboro tasting room
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