Gifts, Gears & Gadgets
Satisfy both the guys and the gals with a trip to the Bowling Green, Kentucky area.
Your first day will take you all aboard seven restored railcars, including an E-8 Locomotive Engine, and past tools from a bygone era at the Historic Railpark and Train Museum. Take home engineer’s hats, model trains, apparel and collectibles from their shop.
Next, travel to the Kentucky Museum to see an impressive collection of historic artifacts including a vintage automobile in the Duncan Hines exhibit, Civil War weapons in the "A Star in Each Flag: Conflict in Kentucky" exhibit, and handmade quilts in the Richardson Quilt Gallery.
Then you’ll head to the heart of downtown where several locally-owned eateries are open for lunch. After a relaxing stroll in Fountain Square Park, browse the art galleries, boutiques, and specialty shops on the square. Visit with artists at the Pots Place Gallery & Co-op Studio, or head to the edge of downtown where Mitchell Rickman create beautiful pottery in his studio, to take away dinnerware, gifts and one-of-a-kind pieces made by hand on the potter’s wheel.
That evening, head out to Beech Bend Raceway for nostalgia drag racing or a Bowling Green Hot Rods baseball game for Minor League baseball action. The Derby Piano & Dessert Bar at the Kentucky Grand Hotel is another off-season option along with several live music venues and concert series.
Your second day begins with a tour of the first class National Corvette Museum and some fun competition at the NCM Kartplex. Ladies, the Corvette Store contains more automotive memorabilia, collectibles and apparel than you can stuff into one of the world-famous sports cars! If your plans include a weekday, be sure to check to see if there are any tours available of the GM Corvette Assembly Plant.
Have lunch there in the Stingray Grill before you head just up the road to Vette City Antiques Mall where over 250 booths offer something for everyone. That afternoon, head to South Union for a tranquil tour of the South Union Shaker Village where old-fashioned gadgets like spinning wheels, butter churns and kerosene lamps are displayed. Peek in the Gift Shop for handmade items like baskets, boxes, toys, candles and more to round out the day.
The third day begins with a visit to Aviation Heritage Park where restored vintage aircraft are displayed in the outdoor plaza. Next, take in the Wild Bird and Nature Store featuring an assortment of garden and nature oriented gifts. Lunch will be southern specialties at Cambridge Market & Café.
Head out in the country that afternoon for a behind the scenes visit to Chaney’s Dairy Barn. You’ll see a high-tech robotic milker, the loving creation of sweet treats and can browse even more Kentucky gifts. Then head to Greenwood Mall where you can shop over 100 stores and ride an antique-style carousel for a bit of nostalgia before you depart.
