Your Itinerary to the Perfect Fall Day in and Around Bowling Green

Spencer’s Coffee is a local favorite, and for a reason! You can get a wide variety of expertly crafted drinks along with delicious breakfast and lunch meals as well. It is important to note however that there is a slight menu difference at their two primary locations. Spencer’s on the bypass has a more extensive breakfast menu than its downtown counterpart. At this location you can build you own breakfast sandwich, which is not available at the downtown location. I, without a reservation in my heart, can say I have never ate a meal more than my breakfast order I regularly get at Spencer’s on the bypass. If you are looking for a larger lunch menu you should check out their location on the downtown square, this location also serves craft beers and has locally made popsicles!

Pro Tip: Try a seasonal menu item such as their Pumpkin Pie Mocha or their Apple Pie Croissant. And if you’re looking for my breakfast order: Get a build-your-own on an everything bagel, add egg, bacon, avocado, white cheddar cheese, red onions and pesto. Thank me later.

Baker Arboretum was founded in 1992 by Jerry Baker and covers nearly 115 acres. This gorgeous garden area serves as a space for scientific cultivation and plays a large role in conservation and preservation of a wide variety of plant species. Some of what you can expect to see is 88 species of conifers, 106 types of Japanese and other Asian Maples and countless other native Kentucky plants. I think the Fall color of the conifer varieties is especially beautiful in the fall. Not only is there a plethora of natural beauty, but the arboretum is also adorned with art pieces throughout. Looking for more art? The arboretum shares its space with the Downing Museum. You can head inside to view astounding works of art from world renowned artist and Bowling Green native Joe Downing. 
Both the Arboretum and the Museum are free to enter but donations are encouraged to keep providing plants and arts education to the public for years to come. Check their hours prior to visiting as they vary month to month and most days. 

Pro Tip: Peak fall foliage in Bowling Green is predicted to be around late October to early November so plan accordingly to travel with the season.

Pumpkin Fest is something I look forward to every year. It is the perfect place to go for families with children as they have a playground, petting zoo, wagon rides to a pumpkin patch, a corn maze and more! But as an adult I can promise you, you’ll enjoy all these things just as much as kids do. Asides from those offerings, Jackson’s Orchard also has a lunch menu of locally made and Kentucky Proud foods such as pulled pork sandwiches and delicious chicken salad sandwiches from The Hippy Hen. You cannot leave without trying an apple cider slush and a fried apple pie with some soft serve ice cream on the side! Before you leave make sure to stop by their farm store where you can buy produce from local farmers and a wide variety of fruit from the orchard, canned goods, candles from Candle Maker’s on the Square and even plants from their nursery.

Pro Tip: Jackson’s is open through the week but Pumpkin Fest is only on weekends from September 27^th and 28^th through October 25^th and 26^th.

Located about 20 minutes outside of Bowling Green is a hidden gem called Smith’s Grove or as we lovingly refer to it as our Treasure Grove. This is for the large amount of antique and thrift stores they have on Main Street. While these are only two locations you can get pre-loved goods they are local favorites for good reason. Sly in the Grove primarily focuses on clothing, so if you are looking to be on trend they can fix you up just right! They also sell some smaller décor and furniture items as well. But if you are looking for furniture galore, head across the street to Foxhole in the Grove. They carry high quality, trendy and timeless pieces they carefully curate to make the whole store feel as if it was a home and not just a furniture store. From couches and chairs to lamps, knick-knacks, coffee table books and more they have everything you need to spice up any home in your room.

Pro Tip: Sly doesn’t sell just clothes, they also have a coffee shop in the back with extremely delicious brews! You can sip and browse at both stores.

Located in Smith’s grove is two award winning places to grab a drink. For those who favor wine, Bluegrass Vineyard should be your next stop on the trip, but for those wanting a stronger pour, Balance Distilling Company is where you need to be. Bluegrass Vineyard has a wide variety of wines to choose from but some notable fall flavors include Cranberry, Apple Pie or Caramel Apple. They also have their own bed and breakfast on the property with three bedrooms that makes it the perfect size for a family or group of friends to stay. Head down the road a little further to stop at Balance Distilling. Not only do they sell the historical Mammoth Cave Bourbon but they also sell rum, gin and moonshine. Their best seller is the Mammoth Cave Caramel Moonshine which was awarded a Gold Medal at by the American Distilling institute in 2023 and has been said to be the smoothest moonshine guests have ever tasted!

Pro Tip: Grab a Charcutery board at Bluegrass Vineyards to pair with your new favorite vintage.

Located in a restored historical home in our historic downtown district, The Bistro is the perfect place for an elevated lunch or dinner. From amazing craft cocktails to a menu with notable European influence on American classics, you are sure to find something to leave you in awe. The Bistro was created by Sasa Mandrapa a prominent restaurateur in the area who owns 5 unique restaurants across town. So if you are looking for a different place for dinner, have no fear, Sasa is here! His restaurant Toro is an elevated Spanish fusion restaurant that is my personal favorite, or another great dinner option of his is Pub by Novo or Novo Dolce, both gastro pubs with an inventive menu on familiar favorites.

Pro Tip: The Menu may change seasonally and they have rotating specials so ask a server what’s new.

Unseen BG provides historical walking tours of the Bowling Green area. With each season comes new and exciting tours or familiar local favorites such as the sold-out Pauline Tabor XXX Tour, which tells a hilarious and enthralling story of Bowling Greens world-famous Madam, Pauline Tabor. This season a new tour has been added called Phantasms around Fountain Square. The story shares haunting tales rooted in our communities history as you walk around Downtown to see the sights in and around the iconic downtown area. This tour is open to all ages and is approximately 1.5 miles, with stops throughout. It is the perfect way to slowly step into spooky season in Bowling Green.

Pro Tip: This ghostly tour of downtown sells out in advance so be sure to book ahead!

White Squirrel Brewery is happening any time of the day. This bar is family friendly and is the type of place you immediately feel like a local upon entering. From line dancing classes and painting workshops to trivia and food trucks galore there is always something unique happening at the brewery! While they have amazing house made brews, some people overlook their just as delicious menu of cocktails. My personal favorite has got to be the vodka lemonade slushes but genuinely whatever you get is delicious and crafted with love! Looking for a nightcap for your nightcap? Other amazing places to grab a drink include Shake Rag Bar and Lounge which is located directly across the street from White Squirrel Brewery, The Copper Bar, Cliffs of Moher Irish Pub or Donna’s.

Pro Tip: White Squirrel Brewery has a different lineup of live music, events and food trucks each week so check them out on social media in advance to see what’s going on.