Family Guide to Bowling Green, Kentucky: Part 1

Looking for a fun place to take the family? Bowling Green, Kentucky is fun, very family friendly and only located one hour from Nashville, Tennessee. I was there last month and can’t wait to take my family the next time. Bowling Green is Kentucky’s third largest city, but still retains the small town feel. The people were very welcoming and there was so much to do. Bowling Green, Kentucky bFamily Guide to Bowling Green, Kentucky: Part 1 Family Guide to Bowling Green, Kentucky: Part 1

Fly into Nashville and pick up a rental car. Just remember that Bowling Green is on Central Time. The drive to Bowling Green is pretty easy and should take around an hour. 

When I visited recently, we stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn, which was very family friendly (with a pool) and located centrally. You can get breakfast for around $10 each (with waiter service for your entree and a buffet). The room was spotless and offered a desk with plenty of outlets, Keurig, and a fridge.

If you have any trouble finding a hotel room, the Bowling Green Kentucky Conventions and Visitors Bureau will help you.

Places to Visit:

Lost River Cave:

Lost River Cave has a cool story. It’s been used a speakeasy (Dinah Shore sang there), but for years after, it had served as a local dump. In 1990, a volunteer group started cleaning it up and started offering tours.

 

We had a guide that told us the history and a guide who gave us the boat tour. Strollers can be used for the walking portion of the tour (first 20 minutes); however, it must be left at the entrance of the cave before boarding the boat.

To go into the cave, you have to get in a boat and then duck down for several minutes (it’s REALLY low).
If you are traveling with young children (I wouldn’t take a baby), you may actually have to hold their heads down.

Lost River Cave
2818 Nashville Road
Bowling Green, KY 42101

http://www.lostrivercave.org/
Hours: Lost River Cave is open 7 days a week, 10am-4pm except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. Boat tours subject to weather, please call ahead.

After we left Lost River Cave, we went to Lost River Pizza.
The food was terrific and owner Keith was a hoot.

Don’t miss his fried buffalo pickles (if you like spicy).

And their fantastic pizzas! Keith has studied his craft and you’ll dig them. They have a great deal on a personal pizza and a salad (and it’s still a ton of food).

 

Lost River Pizza
2440 Nashville Road
Bowling Green, Kentucky 42104
Hours: Mon-Thurs, 11am-11pm and Fri & Sat, 11am-1am

Beech Bend Amusement Park

If you’re a coaster fan, don’t miss The Kentucky Rumbler Rollercoaster. It’s not for the faint of heart and even though I had been at Disney World the weekend before, this roller coaster is definitely comparable to anything at Disney. Such a wild ride!

Beech Bend is expanding into a water park also.

Cool fact: All active and retired military get free admission to park with military photo ID.

Beech Bend Amusement Park
798 Beech Bend Road
Bowling Green, KY 42101
http://www.beechbend.com/
Hours: Houea vary by season — check the website for more info.

Drag Racing at Beech Bend Raceway Park

I have to admit, I’ve never seen drag racing before. There’s a Raceway right in Bowling Green and the day we were there, we saw the 15th Annual Quick Fuel Technology NMCA (National Muscle Car Association) Bluegrass Nationals.

We met several of the drivers and sponsors, and watched a few races. Bring ear plugs. It was really exciting and the kids that were there, absolutely loved it.

Check out my short video. We spoke to driver Daniel Pharris briefly.

Beech Bend Raceway Park (located right next to Beech Bend Amusement Park)
798 Beech Bend Road
Bowling Green, KY 42101
http://www.beechbend.com/dragschedule.htm
Hours: Check the website.
General Admission $10, children 12 & under Free with adult. $5 for Tech Card and unlimited Time Trials.

That night, exhausted after our very full day, we headed to Montana Grille. The food was outstanding.

We all shared the skillet cornbread and then I had a salad, and then the main course. I opted for the ribs, Spike’s BBQ Beans, and chicken.

Montana Grille
1740 Scottsville Road
Bowling Green, KY
http://www.montanagrille.com/
Hours: Monday-Thursday 4:00pm to 10:00pm
Friday 4:00pm to 11:00pm
Saturday 3:00pm to 11:00pm
Sundays 11:00 am to 9:00pm

Stay tuned for the next part of this trip. What did you think? Is Bowling Green, Kentucky somewhere you’d want to visit? Family Guide to Bowling Green, Kentucky: Part 1

Thank you to the Bowling Green Visitors and Convention Bureau who hosted my trip. As always, all opinions are uniquely my own. 

 Bowling Green, Kentucky bFamily Guide to Bowling Green, Kentucky: Part 1 Family Guide to Bowling Green, Kentucky: Part 1