Bowling Green (Kentucky)

By car

Bowling Green is accessible by car, primarily from I-65, which connects it with Nashville to the south and Louisville to the north.
Two roads in the state's parkway system of former toll roads serve the Bowling Green area. Interstate 165 (formerly the William H. Natcher Parkway, and still earlier the Green River Parkway) connects I-65 in Bowling Green with Owensboro, 70 miles to the northwest. I-165 intersects with the Western Kentucky Parkway near Beaver Dam, giving Bowling Green easy access to Paducah and the Land Between the Lakes. The Cumberland Parkway connects I-65 northeast of Bowling Green to Somerset, 80 miles to the east. From there KY 80 provides access to I-75 at London.
Another major road in the area is U.S. 68. To the east of the city, it is a two-lane road that largely parallels I-65 and the Cumberland Parkway before taking a sharp turn toward central Kentucky. However, to the west, it is a four-lane divided highway (though with at-grade intersections) until the town of Cadiz, near Land Between the Lakes.

By plane

• Bowling Green - Warren County Regional Airport

  phone: +1 270 842-1101
  address: 1000 Woodhurst St
  Full flight service, all weather capability, FBO 24 hours 7 days a week, rental cars, aircraft maintenance, free parking, courtesy car, two flight schools and charter service.
• Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport Approximately two hours north of Bowling Green. Eastern Time Zone.
• Nashville International Airport Approximately one hour south of Bowling Green. Central Time Zone.

By bus

• Bowling Green Public Transit. Provided by Community Action of Southern Ky. +1 270 782-3162.
• Greyhound Bus Lines, 55 Parker Ave., +1 270 842-5131.

By rental car

• Avis, 560 US 31W Bypass, BP Service Station, +1 270 842-1700 or +1-800-831-2847.
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car, 1125 US 31W Bypass, +1 270 782-5600 and 1851 Scottsville Rd. +1 270 782-7700, .
• Hertz Rent-A-Car, 899 US 31W Bypass, +1 270 782-2215 or +1-888-782-2215.
• U-Save Auto Rental, 740 US 31W Bypass, +1 270 783-3000 or +1-800-272-8728.

Arts

• Capitol Arts Center

  phone: +1 270 782-2787
  Located in the historic downtown district, the Capitol Arts Center features an 800-seat auditorium and two art galleries. The civic auditorium hosts a full schedule of local and touring arts performances and civic events. The center houses the Houchens and Mezzanine galleries for year-round exhibits.

• Memphis Marsha's Art Gallery & Classes

  phone: +1 270 843-1726
  address: 524 E 12th Ave
  Award winning art from six states, including: jewelry, ceramics, paintings, photography, gifts and notecards. Classes available.

• Public Theatre of Kentucky, Phoenix TheatreLocated downtown off Chestnut St, this 147-seat facility is a professional, non-Equity, not-for-profit theatre company founded in 1987.

Museums

• Kentucky Museum

  phone: +1 270 745-2592
  address: 1444 Kentucky Street
  Just off US 68/KY 80. Kentucky Museum houses rich collections and offers exciting and educational exhibits that invite visitors to revisit the past to learn about Kentucky history and heritage. The Kentucky Library houses collections of genealogical materials, published works, manuscripts and folk life information. Public programs include workshops, lectures, family events and prearranged guided tours.

• National Corvette Museum

  phone: +1 270 781-7973
  address: I-65 & US 31W exit 28
  Showcase to America's Sports Car features over 75 Corvettes. Make a stop on Route 66 to see the cars that shaped our country's history. You'll see classics in mint condition, one-of-a-kind prototypes that never went into production, racetrack champions and modern-day wonders of engineering and design. Interact with educational hands-on exhibits, enjoy a film in the Chevy Theater. Sit behind the wheel of a Corvette and register to drive one home. Corvette Store offers a wide selection of apparel, collectibles home and gift items.

• Historic RailPark & Train Museum

Attractions

• Western Kentucky University

  phone: +1 270 745-2497
  Founded in 1906, Western Kentucky University is recognized as one of the most beautiful college campuses in the nation. The area of the university known as College Heights commands an impressive view of Bowling Green and the Barren River Valley. A statue of Dr. Henry Hardin Cherry in front of Cherry Hall provides Bowling Green with an impressive landmark. The historic colonnade, which was part of the old football stadium, serves as a backdrop to an outdoor theater and the Guthrie Tower and Plaza has become the centerpiece of the south campus area. WKU has over 18,000 students and 66 major buildings on the 200 acre main campus, with another 785 acres on the University Farm. Western has produced educational opportunities to more than 70,000 alumni who proudly claim the name Hilltoppers.

• Lost River Cave and Valley

  phone: +1 270 393-0077
  Boat tours subject to weather so call ahead. Kentucky's only Underground Boat Tour and the enchanting Butterfly Habitat. Ripley's Believe It or Not claims is the shortest, deepest in the world. The walking tour along the river's edge will bring alive stories of Native Americans, Early European settlers, Civil War troops and the notorious Jesse James. Enjoy Treetop Bridge, nature trails, bird watching stations, picnic area, gemstone sluice, Old Mill Gifts and the rock climbing wall.

• GM Corvette Factory

  phone: +1 270 745-8419
  address: I-65 & US 31W exit 28
  Group tours by reservation only. Every Corvette made today in the world is produced in Bowling Green. Here you can see the step by step production of America's favorite sports car along with Cadillac's XLR.

• Smiths Grove Historic District10 miles north of Bowling Green, I-65 exit 38. Smiths Grove, an antique shoppers' paradise, was an important railroad town in its earlier day (1859-1950s) when the L&N Line ran through the area and contributed greatly to its growth. It claims 1,000 residents today making it Warren County's second largest city. Many historic buildings, churches and homes remain with architecturally significant designs, many on the National Register.

• Fountain Square ParkFountain Square Park has been the focus of downtown Bowling Green since 1798. By 1812 a two-story brick building replaced the original log courthouse. In addition, the public square was the location of the town's jail and market house. The park was built in 1871-1872. The original stone fountain was replaced in 1881 by the present cast iron fountain along with statues of the Four Seasons, benches and urns. The landscaped public park has retained much of the same appearance since 1881.

• Beech Bend Park & Splash LagoonOpen Memorial Day to Labor Day, weekends only in May and September. Amusement park that offers more than 40 rides. Other favorites include antique cars, a miniature golf course, giant swimming pool, water slides, interactive children's water play pool, games and go-carts.

• Sloan Convention Center

  address: I-65 & US 231 exit 22
  With 35,000 sq. ft. of meeting and pre-convention exhibit space, the center has a capacity to seat up to 1,700. Room configuration includes a grand ballroom, five break-out rooms, registration desk, ticket window and coat room. Located in the Hartland Business Park and adjoining the Holiday Inn University Plaza and CrossWinds Golf Course.

• Carroll Knicely Conference Center

  address: 2355 Nashville Rd
  This 40,000 sq ft facility offers seminars, workshops, receptions, training sessions, conferences and other social and educational programs.

• Hardin Planetarium

  phone: +1 270 745-4044
  address: 1906 College Heights Blvd
  WKU Campus. The planetarium is open to the public. Many of the shows are free, and highlight photographic and other work of WKU faculty members. In the evenings, nearby street parking is usually available.

• Leonard D. Brown Agricultural Exposition Center

  phone: +1 270 843-3542
  address: WKU Farm, 4 miles south of Bowling Green off Nashville Road (US 31W)
  Events held year-round include livestock shows, sales, clinics, machinery shows, rodeos and other public events. The Center's main arena seats 2,000 with a sales arena seating 315. There are also meeting and banquet rooms.

• Civil War Discovery TrailThirteen sites are available to the public and include earthworks, a cave, a house museum, monuments and markers. With Kentuckians divided between North and South, the state adopted a policy of neutrality at the beginning of the Civil War. Bowling Green's reliable and defensible transportation network and the collection of hills that surrounded the city made it one of the most strategic cities in the state. In November 1861, Bowling Green was declared the Capital of the Confederate State of Kentucky but by mid-February 1862, fell into Union hands. Bowling Green was also the site of a federal government campaign to enlist slaves as Union soldiers.

• Duncan Hines Scenic BywayThis 82-mile route, which runs through Warren and Edmonson counties, passes many historic homes and churches. Beginning in Bowling Green at the former home and office of author Duncan Hines, it then runs through several small towns and Mammoth Cave National Park where it crosses the Green River by ferry. Along the route are stately mansions, quaint homes, antique shops, one-room school houses, an old train depot, historic cemeteries, Civil War battlefields, an old grainery and a stagecoach stop which was once the home of Patrick Henry's sister.

• Bowling Green International Festival

  address: Circus Square Park, 601 State Street
  A celebration of cultural diversity for the entire family featuring music, dance and demonstrations from around the world, authentic foreign foods, an international bazaar and free edu-tainment activities. The festival takes place the last Saturday each September.

• National Corvette Homecoming

Sports

• Beech Bend Raceway

  phone: +1 270 781-7634
  address: I-65 & US 31W exit 28
  Raceway open March–November. Beech Bend has an auto racing facility known for its drag strip as well as an oval track for stock car racing. Race car enthusiasts can enjoy Stock Car racing on Saturday nights, Fun Racing on Tuesday and Friday nights, NHRA drag racing on Sundays and national automotive events throughout the year.

• Priddy Boys Fishing Guide Service

  phone: +1 270 597-7356

• WKU Hilltoppers and Lady Toppers

  phone: +1 270 745-5222
  The sports teams of Western Kentucky University, competing in NCAA Division I as members of Conference USA. Teams include football, men's & women's basketball, women's soccer, men's & women's golf, baseball and seven other sports.

• Bowling Green Hot Rods

  phone: +1 270 901-2121
  address: 300 8th Avenue
  The Bowling Green Hot Rods are a Class A minor league baseball team, affiliated with the Tampa Bay Rays and playing in the Midwest League.

Golf Courses

• CrossWinds Golf Course

  phone: +1 270 393-3559
  address: 1031 Wilkinson Trace
  An 18-hole golf course operated by the city of Bowling Green.

• Paul Walker Golf Course

  address: 1044 Covington Ave
  A regulation length 9-hole, par 36 golf course set in the center of town. It is a mature, 5847 yard course with large trees and smaller greens. This course allows golfers of all ages and abilities to experience a relaxing yet challenging round of golf.

• The Golf Course at Riverview

  phone: +1 270 393-3877
  address: 1200 W. Main Ave
  The Golf Course at Riverview is a 3239 yard, 9-hole course located on the northwest side of town. This par 36 course is set on a more rolling terrain with mature trees and undulating greens.

• Western Kentucky University

  phone: +1 270 745-0111
  address: 1906 College Heights Blvd

• Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College

  address: 1845 Loop Dr

Tattoos

• Carter's Tattoo

  phone: +1 270 843-1122
  address: 948 US 31-W Bypass
  Carter's Tattoo Company is located at 948 US 31-W Bypass in Bowling Green, KY. It is owned and operated by Wes Carter & his wife Cara. For appointments call +1 270-843-1122 or just stop in.

Shopping centers

• Greenwood Mall

  phone: +1 270 782-9047
  address: 2625 Scottsville Rd
  Four department stores including Dillard's, Macy's, JCPenney and Sears and over 100 specialty shops including Bath & Body Works, Pacific Sunwear, Buckle, Sunglass Hut, New York and Company, Victoria's Secret, Yankee Candle and The Great Escape - Greenwood 10 Theatre. Choose from a wide variety of food selections in the family-friendly food court and take a ride on the carousel.

Specialty Stores

• Camping World SuperCenter & National Outlet Center

  phone: +1 270 781-5366
  address: 725 Bluegrass Farms Rd. Ste 2
  Everything for your RV, plus a full selection of camping and outdoor living accessories. Full service and installation facilities.

• Harley-Davidson Bowling Green

  phone: +1 270 846-4488
  address: 251 Cumberland Trace
  Accessories, motorcloths, motorcycles, parts, full service dealership.

• Wild Bird and Nature Store

  phone: +1 270 746-0203
  address: 901 Lehman Ave
  Midtown Plaza. Wild Bird and Nature Store offers a full line of bird houses, bird feeders, specialty seeds and bird baths. Herb Festival held each April features hundreds of plants for sale including antique roses, hard-to-find herbs and perennials which attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

• 440 Main Restaurant & Bar

  phone: +1 270 793-0450
  address: 440 E. Main Ave
  Located in the historic downtown district, overlooking Fountain Square Park. Relax in a historic building that compliments the rich heritage of the Deep South. Featuring hand-carved steaks, fresh seafood, New Orleans cuisine and an award winning wine list.

• Cambridge Market & Cafe

  phone: +1 270 782-9366
  address: 830 Fairview Ave
  Bowling Green's most distinctive delicatessen. Specialties include homemade chicken salad, pimento cheese & desserts.

• Chaney's Dairy Barn

  phone: +1 270 843-5567
  address: 9191 Nashville Rd
  Also visit Chaney's at 830 Fairview Avenue. +1 270 842-6020. Premium homemade ice cream, lunch or dinner daily, homemade soup, sandwiches and desserts. A wide selection of Kentucky-made products in the gift shop. There is an outdoor pavilion and a batting cage.

• Hickory & Oak

  phone: +1 270 705-9268
  address: 705 State St
  A fine dining establishment located in downtown Bowling Green. They are open for dinner service on the weekdays and offer weekend brunches. The Sunday brunch is pretty spectacular and reservations are recommended.

• Montana Grille

  phone: +1 270 746-9746
  address: 1740 Scottsville Rd
  Enjoy good food in a beautifully structured log building featuring a warm, open atmosphere with great food and service. Entrees include Bourbon Tenderloin Filet, Pacific Northwest Salmon, and Fire Roasted Rotisserie Chicken.

• Rafferty's

  phone: +1 270 842-0123
  address: 1939 Scottsville Rd
  Specialties include hickory smoked barbecue ribs and chicken, choice cuts of steak and prime rib, salads and soups, burgers and sandwiches.

• Riley's Bakery

  phone: +1 270 842-7636
  address: 819 US 31W Bypass
  The most popular items include brownies, cream horns, Hungarian coffee cake and the children's favorite - tea cookies. They also make delicious sandwiches. Fillings to choose from include chicken, tuna, ham and egg salad; olive nut cream cheese and pimento cheese.

• Taj Palace Restaurant

  phone: +1 270 843-2233
  address: 2800 Scottsville Rd
  Taj Palace is a place where you will enjoy Indian authentic Food

• Teresa's Restaurant

  phone: +1 270 782-6540
  address: 509 Gordon Ave
  Teresa's has home cooked food served at hometown prices. This restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch during the week and stays open later for dinner service on Friday and Saturday. For the price and quality, their breakfast menu is hard to beat.

Barbecue

• Smokey Pig Bar-B-Que

  phone: +1 270 781-1712
  address: 2520 Louisville Rd.
  A great barbecue restaurant overlooking the Barren River.

• Split Tree BBQ

  phone: +1 270 842-2268
  address: 115 Wilson Rd Alvaton KY 42122
  The best slow smoked barbecue anywhere around! Menu includes sandwiches, chicken, ribs and barbecue by the pound.

Alcohol

Bowling Green is a wet community. However, the rest of Warren County is dry.

• Cliffs of Moher Irish Pub

  phone: +1-270-904-1819
  address: 410 E Main St
  A clean and cozy Irish pub. They usually have live music on the weekends.

• Tidball's

  phone: +1 270 793-9955
  address: 522 Morris Alley
  Tidball's is Bowling Green's premier venue for live music. It is located adjacent to historic downtown Bowling Green.

Coffee

• Spencer's Coffee House

  phone: +1 270 393-7060
  address: 915 College St.
  Residing in historic downtown Bowling Green, Spencer's is a local favorite from high school students to professionals.

Bed & Breakfasts

• 1869 Homestead B&B

  phone: +1 270 842-0510
  address: 212 Mizpah Rd

• Cave Spring Farm

  phone: +1 270 563-6941
  address: 567 Rocky Hill Rd, Smiths Grove, KY 42171

• Victorian House B&B

  phone: +1 270 563-9403
  address: 110 N. Main St. Smiths Grove, KY 42171

Campgrounds

• Bowling Green KOA

  address: 1960 Three Springs Rd. Bowling Green, KY 42104
  A private campground featuring 116 campsites which range from primitive to full hookups. Cabins are available for rent. The campground has many amenities and is open year round.

• Beech Bend Campground

  address: 798 Beech Bend Rd. Bowling Green, KY 42101
  A private campground located on the Barren River and associated with Beech Bend Park. The campground has 415 campsites, 250 of which are full hook up along with many amenities. The facility is open year round and is first come first serve. No reservations are accepted.

Hotels

Budget

• Comfort Inn

  phone: +1 270 843-1163
  address: 4646 Scottsville Rd.

• Country Inn & Suites

  phone: +1 270 781-7200
  address: 535 Wall St.

• Home-Towne Suites

  phone: +1 270 846-3311
  address: 1929 Mel Browning St.
  A hotel chain specializing in longer term occupancy. Rooms feature full kitchens.

• Jameson Inn

  phone: +1 270 282-7130
  address: 166 Cumberland Trace Rd.
  This hotel has a huge atrium surrounding the indoor pool.

• Microtel Inn

  address: 1980 Mel Browning Rd.

• Econo Lodge

  phone: +1 270 781-3460
  address: 3160 Scottsville Rd.

• Quality Inn

  phone: +1 270 846-4588
  address: 1919 Mel Browning St.

• Ramada Bowling Green

  phone: +1 270 781-3000
  address: 4767 Scottsville Rd.

• Red Roof Inn

  phone: +1 270 781-6550
  address: 3140 Scottsville Rd.

Mid-range

• Baymont Inn and Suites

  phone: +1 270-846-4588
  address: 1919 Mel Browning Street

• Candlewood Suites

  phone: +1 270 843-5505
  address: 540 Wall St.

• Hampton Inn

  address: 233 Three Springs Rd.

• Holiday Inn Express

  phone: +1 270 843-3200
  address: 165 Three Springs Rd.

• La Quinta Inn & Suites

  phone: +1 270-783-0083
  address: 1953 Mel Browning St.

• Staybridge Suites

  phone: +1 270 904-0480
  address: 680 Campbell Ln.
  An extended stay hotel with rooms featuring a full kitchen

• The Hotel Sync

  phone: +1 270 745-0123
  address: 518 Corvette Dr.
  An extended stay hotel with rooms featuring a full kitchen

Splurge

• Courtyard by Marriott

  phone: +1 270 783-8569
  address: 1010 Wilkinson Trace
  A 93-room hotel located next to the convention center.

• Drury Inn

  phone: +1 270 842-7100
  address: 3250 Scottsville Rd.

• Hilton Garden Inn

  phone: +1 270 781-6778
  address: 1020 Wilkinson Trace
  This hotel features 133 rooms and is located next to the convention center.

• Holiday Inn University Plaza

  phone: +1 270 745-0088
  address: 1021 Wilkinson Trace
  A 218 room hotel attached to the Sloan Convention Center

• TownPlace Suites

  phone: +1 270 782-4714
  address: 1818 Cave Mill Rd.
  An extended stay hotel featuring full kitchens.

By phone

Most telephone numbers in Bowling Green consist of +1 270 plus a seven-digit number, but the region is now served by an overlay complex of two area codes, with +1 364 being the second. A local or in-state telephone call now requires all 10 digits of the local number be dialed (omitting just the leading +1 from a local landline call).
Signage on many established businesses may still display the original seven-digit numbers; dial 270 before these if no area code is indicated.

• Auburn - has antique engines
• Cave City - Gateway to Mammoth Cave National Park.
• Franklin - Has a nice bluegrass hall.
• Russellville - The Logan County seat
• Scottsville - The Allen County seat