Help Designate the Corvette as Kentucky's Official Sports Car

 Yesterday at the ribbon cutting for the National Corvette Museum's new driving simulators, that stagnant bill to declare the Corvette as the official sports car of Kentucky was mentioned.  In fact, Senator Mike Reynolds read a resolution passed by the state Senate that does indeed declare the iconic, Bowling Green-made vehicle the sports car of the Commonwealth.  So why is it not official yet?  Because House Bill 104 is being held up in committee, where it will more than likely fizzle out unless we speak up. 

Now this is a tough year for our legislators with the daunting task of approving a two-year budget, and many people would argue that this a trivial bill.  Before I understood the impact of tourism on our local and state economies, I probably would have agreed.  However, we think to show our gratitude and appreciation to General Motors for keeping the Corvette Assembly Plant in Kentucky would be a simple, yet amazing, gesture in a time when the Commonwealth cannot afford to lose any more jobs.

Please help designate the Corvette as the Official Sports Car of Kentucky!  We were asked to spread this word- call the Legislative Message Hotline at 1-800-372-7181 and leave a message for Senator David Williams asking him to support House Bill 104.  You will be asked to leave your name, address and phone number, then simply urge Sen. Williams to support HB 104.  It's that easy!

To learn more about the Kentucky Legislature and to read updated legislative news, visit http://www.lrc.ky.gov/. 

Bowling Green declared the official Home of Newgrass Music

We just heard from our friends at the Daily News that a state bill submitted by Rep. Jim DeCesare that officially declares Bowling Green as the birthplace of Newgrass music has passed!  Sam Bush, one of the founding members of 70's band New Grass Revival and the father of Newgrass, is from Bowling Green and the band used to practice just up the road in Temple Hill.  In 2009, the first International Newgrass Festival was held here at Ballance Farms just north of town and the response was extremely positive.  Year Two of the three-day music festival is in the works for August 20-22, 2010 with The John Cowan Band headlining Friday night and Sam Bush Band on Saturday night. So now we are ready to be known as the home of the Corvette, Duncan Hines, Sam Bush and Newgrass Music!

For more details on the Newgrass Festival, go to http://www.newgrassfestival.com/.  Definitely get your tickets now if you have the slightest interest in this progressive genre of music... Year One was incredible!

What's Happening this Week in Bowling Green

Lost River Art Fair
There will be more than natural beauty serving as inspiration at Lost River Cave & Valley this Saturday as Artworks, Inc. gathers for its second Art Fair beginning at 9 a.m. This event is a show place and sale for some of the areas most skilled visual artisans, showcasing original art, one-of-a-kind art, and very limited editions of signed and numbered works of art. Lost River is also the first stop on Saturday's Allied Alternative Energy Bowling GREEN Tour where participants will hear about the sustainable Wetlands Project recently completed near the Valley. For more information about the Lost River Art Fair, call 270-393-0077 or visit http://www.lostrivercave.com/.

Corn Mazes, Pumpkin Patches & Fun on the Farm
The chill in the air signals the return of a few great traditions around Southern Kentucky- corn mazes, pumpkin festivals and harvest celebrations! This Saturday, Chaney's Dairy Barn celebrates its 6th birthday on Saturday from 11 am- 5 pm with a Birthday Bash featuring hayrides, a huge corn maze, pony rides, pumpkin & face painting, barnyard playground, and more. Also have 'Fun on the Farm' at The Garden Patch in Smiths Grove this Saturday where Esli's unique garden creations will be available along with pumpkins, gourds, mums, local items from their new Farm Fresh Market, scarecrow-making, and more. Then head out to Jackson's Orchard Saturday or Sunday for the annual Pumpkin Festival featuring the best fried apple pies and cider around. You're sure to find the perfect pumpkin in their huge patch and walk away with some fresh farm fruit and baking mixes for your own fall celebrations! Visit http://www.kentuckyfarmsarefun.com/ for more info about these attractions plus many more across our region.

What's Happening this Week in Bowling Green?

International Newgrass Festival
The world's first International Newgrass Festival takes place this weekend at Ballance MotoX on the Historic Ballance Farms in Oakland. Headlining the three-day festival will be the surviving members of the band that started it all, the original New Grass Revival. Sam Bush, John Cowan and Curtis Burch will each perform with their new bands alongside many newgrass performers who have followed in their footsteps like The Infamous Stringdusters, The Grascals, IIIrd Tyme Out, Cadillac Sky, and more.


2009 Rafferty's Bowl
It's the official kick-off of high school football season in Southern Kentucky with the 2009 Rafferty's Bowl this Saturday! Time for the rivalries to heat back up and the seat cushions to be pulled down from the closet. Scout out the talent as potential stars hit the field for these preview games between Warren Central and Pulaski Southwestern at 5 pm followed by Bowling Green and Christian Co. at 8 pm.

With the KHSAA Gridiron Bowl making its debut in Bowling Green later this year , this is truly a taste of what's to come! Make plans now to attend the Football Championships December 4-5 in the newly expanded WKU Houchens Stadium. We're even giving you the chance to watch the game in style with the IGA Gridiron Bowl Experience. A $20 raffle ticket could score you and 7 friends VIP climate-controlled seating for one of the championship games where you'll be waited on with a complete tailgate party from IGA, plus hotel accommodations, a charcoal grill, gift cards, and more!

To view the full calendar of events for the week, click here!

What's Happening this Week in Bowling Green?

28th Annual National Corvette Homecoming
Rolling into Bowling Green this weekend is the National Corvette Homecoming, the celebration that began with the GM Assembly Plant's arrival back in 1981. Cruise into the Sloan Convention Center for a weekend of Corvette camaraderie, swap meets, seminars, car corrals, marketplace, and show competition! Admission is only $10 and kids under 12 are FREE.

On Saturday, spectators will enjoy Car Shows beginning at 12:15 pm and the All Corvette Parade at 6 pm. Leaving from Hobby Lobby, the parade travels through town back to the Convention Center for fun and live music from Blue Light Special. Then on Sunday, don't miss the Reunion Show featuring '59, '69, '79 and '89 model Corvettes along with a Muscle Show at 12:15 pm followed by the Awards Presentations at 4 pm. Call 270-791-117 for more information. You can also download a poster for your business window HERE!

Heroes and Legends
Orchestra Kentucky makes history when it performs the first concert at the Bowling Green Ballpark, Heroes and Legends, on Saturday. This event kicks off Orchestra Kentucky's newest series, Young at Art. Heroes and Legends is a concert designed to be an engaging family event that celebrates American movie legends, military heroes, and sports icons with musical selections including the unforgettable themes from Superman, The Lone Ranger, Spider-man, and Indiana Jones, a medley of military anthems and the ever popular "Casey at the Bat." Tickets to this concert are just $7.00 each. Call 270-846-2426 to order your tickets today!

To see more events happening this week, go here!

Hot Rods Fever Fueling Bowling Green

I can't believe we are almost three weeks into the Hot Rods' inaugural season and I've been to eight of the nine home games thus far! Let me explain that I am not a huge baseball follower... I barely understand the game, and I am not obligated to attend for the Visitors Bureau or any other political reasons. It just happens that my husband is the site superintendent of the Ballpark for Alliance Corporation. Considering there is still finishing work to be done, he feels more comfortable being at the games just in case. And after the first game, there is no dragging, begging or guilting me into keeping him company... I am hooked on the Hot Rods!

There is so much excitement and energy bouncing off the outfield and surging through the stands that is hard to not become hooked. From laughing at the contestants in the Build-A-Burger contest and the Sumo wrestlers to cheering on every Hot Rods' hit or catch to talking and people-watching, this is truly wholesome entertainment. It is great to see so many kids in the stands, running after foul balls, jumping around in the Kids' Zone, and munching on Cracker Jacks. I love to catch them acting goofy, having a good time and just being themselves in a place that promotes family fun!

It is also wonderful that parents of the older kids are comfortable enough in Bowling Green Ballpark to let them explore their freedom a bit and make new friends. I am sure there will be some tears at the close of the season! By the third game, I was already seeing several regular patrons and enjoyed hearing the familiarity of players' names being called out from the crowd. I don't have a favorite yet, but I am certainly keeping my eyes on a few!

What can I say about the new facility?! Considering it dominated our life for eight months and I was able to see it every step of the way, I am extremely proud of it! With a overhanging roof to shield most of the seats from weather, a beautiful Stadium Club area, a grassy section for lounging with another one on the way (as soon as the rain holds up), and not a bad seat in the whole place, Bowling Green is very fortunate to have such an entertainment venue. I look forward to seeing what groups our office can lure there during the off-season.

I already have a girlfriend planning a birthday celebration on the Party Deck- totally her idea! While I may not be able to keep up my current attendance record for the entire season, I will be at every game possible... because I definitely have the Hot Rods fever!

Check out http://www.bghotrods.com/ to see which games you can attend. And follow us on Facebook and Twitter... you never know when we may be giving tickets away!

What's Happening this Week in Bowling Green

Kentucky Proud & Strawberry Festivals
Come out and support Kentucky artists and producers, see the Jersey cows, and eat homemade ice cream at the 5th Annual Kentucky Proud Festival this Saturday at Chaney's Dairy Barn. Admission is free from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the event will take place rain or shine! Pony rides for the kids will be provided by the Warren County 4-H Club.

While south of town, why not mosey on down to the Woodburn Strawberry Festival. Browse among collectibles, crafts, primitives and antiques before grabbing some strawberries to take home from the area that once shipped more of the luscious fruit than any other place in the U.S. Don't miss Rock Garden Farm's Spring Gathering while there!

NMCA Muscle Car Nationals
Louisville won't be the only Kentucky city focused on speed this weekend! The race is on in Bowling Green with the running of the 8th Annual NMCA Muscle Car Nationals presented by NOS at Beech Bend Raceway. See more events here.

Bowling Green Gallery Hop

The weather is turning a little more spring-like, so why not get out on the town this Friday night as the 2nd Annual Bowling Green Gallery Hop kicks off! New studios and galleries have joined the line up to bring the total participants to seventeen this year. Stop by a few or try to make the whole round while you browse for one-of-a kind pieces and admire the variety of talent represented.

Featured on the Hop is The Gallery at 916, Kentucky Library & Museum, Capitol Arts Center, Memphis Marsha's, and Rickman Pottery. Click on the link on the title to see the full list of galleries, studios and museums on the Hop. Many of the locations will have light food and beverages available. If you need more information, call Jessica at VSA arts of KY at 270-781- 2518.

Bowling Green's Civil War Experience Offers Opportunities to Learn and Be Entertained

Most known for its fast cars (Bowling Green is home to the National Corvette Museum), roller coasters and college sports, Bowling Green, Kentucky also has many entertaining stories to tell that include some little-known facts about the Civil War. Local attractions have interpreted those facts in "Bowling Green's Civil War Experience," which includes opportunities to hop aboard a train, dress in period clothing, ride a boat through an underground cave, travel by car along the Civil War Discovery Trail and much more.

The South Central Kentucky city's convenient location (less than an hour from Nashville) and unique geography appeal to many travelers both presently and in the past. The Bowling Green area's productive farms and its ample quantities of fresh water promised plentiful supplies for an army during the Civil War. Access to the Louisville-Nashville Railroad, a system of roadways and the Barren River allowed for quick and efficient movement of men and supplies. Rolling hills and underground shelters offered effective opportunities to defend those transportation routes, making the area a strategic post that both camps wanted to control. Visitors today still recognize those valuable geographic traits, and now they can be entertained while they learn about how Kentucky played an important role in the war and why the Bowling Green area was viewed as such a strategic post.

Bowling Green's Civil War Experience includes:
"A Star in Each Flag: Conflict in Kentucky"The Kentucky Library & Museum on Western Kentucky University’s campus has introduced a new exhibit that encourages guests to walk through a simulated campsite, view a slave cabin, and step into a community post office. Examine period artifacts including John Hunt Morgan’s saddle, an original copy of Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriett Beecher Stowe, actual letters between Kentucky residents written during the war, various medical instruments, Civil War flags, weapons and more. "A Star in Each Flag: Conflict in Kentucky" also includes a Victorian photo studio where visitors can dress in period clothing and have a picture taken. The exhibit is the first in the region to interpret South Central Kentucky's Civil War story, with emphasis on the divided loyalties of regional families and the lives of slaves in Kentucky.

"Lincoln and the Railroad"The Historic Railpark & Train Museum will debut a "Lincoln and the Railroad" exhibit in mid-to-late March featuring rare Matthew Brady Civil War railroad photos from the National Archives and accompanying text from Smithsonian research assistant Peter Hansen. The exhibit will highlight Lincoln’s little-known 20-year career as a railroad attorney in Illinois and the expansion of the railroad during his administration. Also of interest are permanent exhibits 'Segregation and the North American Railroad' and 'The Great Locomotive Chase,' displaying a Civil War Medal of Honor.

Civil War Discovery Trail By car, visitors can listen to the newly developed audio tour for the Civil War Discovery Trail. Bowling Green was the Capitol of the Confederate State of Kentucky for approximately five months in 1861-62. Noted on the tour is the private residence that served as the capitol building. Historical markers interpret interesting facts throughout the city and Riverview at Hobson Grove Historic House & Museum offers a wonderful stopping place to learn more about how the house was used as a fort and an ammunition depot during the war. A free download of the interpretive audio is available online at http://www.visitbgky.com/. A CD version is also available for purchase at the Bowling Green Area Convention & Visitors Bureau located on Three Springs Road, just off Scottsville Rd. from exit number 22 of I-65.

Lost River Cave & Valley Explore more Civil War secrets underground at another stop on the Discovery Trail, Lost River Cave & Valley, and hear stories about both camps hiding out and the mysterious deaths of soldiers there. Lost River offered a natural water supply and the beauty of the cave provided a diversion from the ugliness of war. It is believed that on one of his “lightning raids” into Kentucky, John Hunt Morgan hid in the cave when escaping from pursuing troops. Visitors can learn more by taking a boat ride through the cave. In the fall, Lost River's Civil War Days recreates history and includes period re-enactors, demonstrations and interactive exhibits and activities.

President Abraham Lincoln emphasized the value of Kentucky's strategic importance in an 1861 letter, “I think to lose Kentucky is nearly the same as to lose the whole game.” Through "Bowling Green's Civil War Experience," visitors can step back in time and learn more about the legacy of a war that bitterly divided our nation, our state and our families. Area hotels and one-of-a-kind dining establishments, in addition to creative shopping venues and attractions, contribute to Bowling Green's unique charm. To learn more about Bowling Green's Civil War Experience and area tourism destinations, visit http://www.visitbgky.com/ or contact the Bowling Green Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 326-7465.

Dollar Days at the National Corvette Museum

The National Corvette Museum has named the entire month of February "Dollar Days" for residents of Kentucky who visit the Museum. All month long, Kentucky residents can tour the Museum for a $1.00 admission price per person, and will only need to show a Kentucky drivers license to take advantage of the special admission offer. Children will be admitted at the $1.00 price with adults presenting the Kentucky identification.

Guests visiting will also be first to see some of the new areas of the Museum's 47,000 sq. ft. expansion including the Library/Archives , Corvette Store, and Corvette Boulevard, which features an indoor street scene with a barrel roof, street lights and sidewalks, and provides access to many new areas of the Museum's building expansion. Enter through the new entrance around the left side of the Museum!

Area Valentine's Day Happenings

Whether you are looking for a romantic candlelit dinner for two, overnight stay in a suite or belly dancing Bowling Green has many great options for you and that special someone. Check out our new Valentine's Day Happenings web page for details on upcoming events and activities... and keep checking back as the holiday approaches. New things are added almost daily!

Know of an event or special that we don't have on our list? Call us up at 270-782-0800 or post a comment to this blog! View our list at http://www.visitbgky.com/valentines.

Entourage Tapas Bar

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our Friday night date at the new tapas bar in Bowling Green called “Entourage.” It is located downtown right off the square on College Street.

We walked into a lovely room with small groupings of upholstered chairs and sofas placed in conversation enhancing arrangements. Farther back there was a beautiful bar with seating and tables (with tablecloths) and chairs. The place is very cosmopolitan chic with mood lighting and nice artwork, along with good music that provided just the right background.

We ordered drinks from a very polite and attentive waiter. While we waited, we perused the tapas (appetizer) menu. There were several items that we wanted to try, but settled on a potato dish and a cheese fondue. The food was soon brought out and what a treat! The potatoes were delicious with a mayonnaise based dip, and the cheese fondue was beyond my expectations! It was beautifully arranged with carrots, baby tomatoes, two types of olives, sliced apples, broccoli, and two kinds of bread. I may be forgetting something, but it was all scrumptious! I can’t wait to taste some of the other choices.

In my opinion, Bowling Green has needed a place like this for a long time. It provides a pleasant atmosphere for people to enjoy a few drinks, good appetizers, and conversation with friends after work or out for the evening. We will definitely be going back to Entourage Tapas Bar! -Joyce

Beech Bend's Holiday Lights Spectacular

My daughter and I have visited Beech Bend's Holiday Lights Spectacular twice this season and she always has a ball. A carload pass is only $15 ($14 if you buy it at a Jr. Foods, Houchens IGA store, or on the CVB's website), and once you get in the park the petting farm and mini golf are free.

First you drive through over 2 miles of light displays, which is nice - but she always wants to hurry up and get to the fun stuff. They have a hayride and bus that will take you from the parking area to the park. It isn't that far so we usually walk it.

Of course, we always have to "ride rides." I bought the family pack of tickets which is $20 for 50. It was more than enough. You could probably get by with this if you have 2-4 kids (depending on how many times they want to ride the Rumbler!) New Year's Eve they have a free fireworks show and live music. They also have outdoor ice skating for an additional fee.