Pack your bags and get ready for your next vacation in Bowling Green, Kentucky. You heard me right. Bowling Green Kentucky. I know, I know, probably wasn't your top pick for a family vacation… until I persuade you otherwise. Recently, myself and a little over 40 other publishers from across the country, were hosted to a few days of fun, and we were not disappointed.
Bowling Green. Where the heck is it? It's only about eight hours from Cedar Rapids - a very doable car trip for a great family fun vacation!
Probably my favorite part was our visit to the National Corvette Museum and GM Plant Tour. Maybe it’s because some of my family back East have always been Corvette collectors and enthusiasts. Or maybe it was because this place was just that cool.
A true tribute to “America’s Sports Car” with over 70 Corvettes on display including the one and only 1983 Corvette in the world. In 2014, there was a sinkhole that destroyed 8 Corvettes, and they are all on display.
After our trip to the museum we were off to the GM Plant where… wait for it… we got to watch Corvettes being built from start to finish. We literally watched them drive right them right off the line. Each Corvette is completely custom ordered to the owner's specs. Did you know a Corvette is never built until it is paid for? I better start saving now - I will be the coolest 87 year old!
If you know me, you know I am not a fan of murky water, bugs or dark places. I thought I was going to have a hard time while visiting the Lost River Cave, but all I kept thinking about is how much fun my kids would have on this experience! Our tour guide was fun with his one liners and very informative about the history of the Cave and area. The Lost Cave is Kentucky’s only underground boat tour that truly is the coolest area in Bowling Green. No really, it stay’s a cool 55 degrees all year round. All ages will love this boat tour and great treasure of Bowling Green.
Another part of Lost River Cave is The Butterfly Habitat! This quaint exhibit is only open during the summer months (late May - mid September), full of winding beautiful trails and a butterfly house. Our group of publishers were lucky enough to actually release adult Monarch butterflies. See my little buddy I got to release?
Chaney's Dairy Barn in Bowling Green is a family owned farm and resturaunt. We were able to meet the Chaney’s along with wagon ride to the farm that included a tour of the the dairy barn. To see how the cows are milked and cared for shed a whole new light on how dairy products get on our shelves.
Their new Robotic Milker has been life changing for them, and the cows! The girls (cows), seemed to love being releived of their milk whenever they fancied. Or it could be because they know there is a sweet treat waiting for them when they do. This is a stop you don’t want to miss with your family. Stop for a delicious lunch and hand dipped ice cream cone and enjoy on your wagon ride to the tour. A really beautful farm and gracious family.
I’m a foodie. So I could not wait to visit Boyce General Store for an authentic catfish dinner. Glad I packed my flip flops in my bag because this is a real general store with true southern hospitality and charm.
Located about ten miles outside of Bowling Green, you don’t want to miss this little gem where you just know “everyone knows your name”.
The owners were beyond kind and welcoming and it comes through in their food. The catfish was seriously the best I have ever had, but the show stopper was desert. You will never have pie as good as the pie from The Pie Queen of Bowling Green. Her pies were the talk of our trip. Hands down best shortbread and flaky, buttery pie crust I have ever tasted. I will be ordering from her for the holidays. That good people.
Located about ten miles outside of Bowling Green, you don’t want to miss this little gem where you just know “everyone knows your name”.
The owners were beyond kind and welcoming and it comes through in their food. The catfish was seriously the best I have ever had, but the show stopper was desert. You will never have pie as good as the pie from The Pie Queen of Bowling Green. Her pies were the talk of our trip. Hands down best shortbread and flaky, buttery pie crust I have ever tasted. I will be ordering from her for the holidays. That good people. 
Some of the other places we visited:
My kids would absolutely LOVE this park. Let me introduce to you, the most twisted wooden roller coaster in seven states, the Kentucky Rumbler. Yes, I went on it. And yes, I screamed the whole time. This park also has a large waterpark that includes four colossal slides, a wave pool and many other attractions.
Our hotel for our stay was close to all the attractions we visited, family-friendy, incredible customer service, and who doesn’t love free breakfast?!
Learn about Duncan Hines; a native of Bowling Green, play dress up in Civil War clothes, and learn much about Kentucky history. A great place for families to go and learn a little history.
You know it had to be in our itinerary somewhere. I mean what kind of trip would it be to Kentucky without whiskey? The Corsair Distillery is a small distillery is a great quick stop for the husband - and family friendly! Take a tour and sample some of their flavors. Let me know what you think of the Red Absinthe and Vanilla Bean Vodka.
The Minor League Baseball Team of Bowling Green Kentucky! If you are a fan of the Minor League Baseball like our Cedar Rapids Kernels, then your family will love to visit the Hot Rods!
I was pleasantly surprised at everything that Bowling Green had to offer and look forward to going back again someday with my family. Maybe we will add on a detour to Nashville too!
From the publisher:
The Bowling Green Area Convention & Visitors hosted Macaroni Kid for a three-day press trip. Accommodations and some meals and activities were complimentary. No other compensation was received. All opinions are my own.
