AROUND TOWN

The Best Weekend in Owensboro

Written by JACQUELINE JORDAN

ONE OF THE BEST THINGS ABOUT OWENSBORO IS THAT THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE. WHETHER YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A FUN FAMILY WEEKEND OR A COZY COUPLES GET AWAY, WE’VE GOT THE PERFECT PLAN FOR YOU.

Couples Weekend

SATURDAY

Breakfast at Gramps Cofee & Donuts

Start your morning at Gramps Cofee & Donuts, located in the heart of downtown Owensboro, in a gorgeous historic building that’s been updated to have a chill, modern vibe. Follow the sweet smells to the ordering counter and choose one (or three!) of their many unique donuts to enjoy with a beautifully crafted latte or an iced specialty drink. Then cozy up at one of the window-facing tables and enjoy people watching as you indulge.

Boutique Shopping at Bella Ragazza and The Earle

Treat yourself and your special person to a morning of boutique shopping at some of Owensboro’s best shops. For her, pop into Bella Ragazza Boutique in Wesleyan Park Plaza and enter a world of everyday casual styles and perfectly curated outfts for when you want to look your best. Don’t feel like trying on clothes? Have no fear - their accessories alone are worth the stop.

For him, stop at The Earle - conveniently located in the same shopping center - and fnd something new to step up your wardrobe. Whether you need something for the ofce for date night, the Earle has got you covered.

Lunch at Great Harvest

Once you’ve shopped up an appetite, venture over to Great Harvest Bread Co. at 3211 Frederica Street. Whether you’re seeking a light lunch or a flling sandwich, this bakery and cafe is sure to please. A community favorite since they opened over 20 years ago, Great Harvest uses only natural, whole foods in their scratch-made breads and sweets. With healthy salad options and daily specials, there’s something for everyone. The tomato bisque soup (served daily) is not to be missed.

Take a Tour at Green River Distillery

Experience the “whiskey without regrets” on a tour of Owensboro’s Green River Distillery. The westernmost point on the legendary Kentucky Bourbon Trail is open daily for distillery tours and tasting experiences. Start with a specialty drink from the cocktail lounge, where your whiskey education will begin. The tour of the historic distillery encompasses each stage

of whisky production, and you’ll end your visit with a session in the tasting room and a browse through the gift shop. Even those who aren’t whisky fans should enjoy the fascinating tour and beautiful grounds.

Grab Dinner from J’s Good Grub

Mix things up for dinner and think outside the traditional restaurant. Find local favorite food truck J’s Good Grub, where you can get a variety of items to share with one another. From chicken and wafe sandwiches to Philly cheesesteak egg rolls, this truck is full of unique eats. Take your food down to Smother’s Park on the river and enjoy it snuggled up on a swinging bench, soaking in the light show from the “blue” bridge.

End With a Drink at The Pub On Second

Top of your night with drinks at The Pub On Second. Featuring 100+ craft and domestic beers, an extensive bourbon list, inventive signature cocktails and martinis to please all tastes, the Pub On Second ofers something for everyone in an eclectic and cozy setting.

SUNDAY

Brunch at Lure Seafood and Grille

Sleep in, then roll up to a delicious brunch experience at Lure Seafood and Grille, located on the Owensboro riverfront. This local gem is known for continental seafood dishes, combined with American regional specialties – all of which are best enjoyed with live music on the waterfront patio. Weekend brunch features everything from oysters and lobster with eggs, to southern breakfast dishes and sandwiches. And of course, mimosas and bloody marys.

Catch a show at the RiverPark Center

Visit Owensboro’s premiere performing arts and civic center, the RiverPark Center and take in a show. Depending on the day, you may fnd entertainment from local organizations such as the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra, Encore Musicals and Owensboro Dance Theatre, or traveling Broadway shows.

Wrap Up the Weekend at The Brew Bridge

Head down Second Street to end your weekend at Owensboro’s local brewery - The Brew Bridge. The spot ofers regular events and live music, as well as 30+ taps to choose from. Here you’ll fnd a full bar, brewery and restaurant, as well as what may be the best patio in town.

Family Weekend

SATURDAY

Start With Breakfast at Dee’s Diner

What’s not to love about breakfast at a down-home diner with pancakes as big as your head? Children and adults alike will delight at the delicious breakfast oferings and large servings of food and friendliness at Dee’s. Start your day here and you likely won’t be hungry until dinner.

Visit Trunnell's Family Fun Acre and Farm Market

Take a drive just a few miles outside Owensboro and you’ll fnd an iconic spot for family fun. Trunnell’s ofers visitors a taste of the country, with a unique farm market and a farmthemed play area called the Fun Acre. The play area changes with the

seasons, but it’s always loaded with activities for little ones. There’s even a picnic area for trying out some of your market purchases.

Explore The Greenbelt

Walk of the goodies from the market on Adkisson Greenbelt Park, 16 miles of trails that connect the city of Owensboro. The 10-footwide asphalt trails make it easy for families to explore. You can walk, run, skate or bike the trails, making it the perfect spot to get active outside.

Dinner At The Dipper

Enjoy dinner at one of Owensboro’s local treasures - The Big Dipper. Located on Parrish Avenue, the drive-in has been in business since 1954. Known for their burgers and ice cream, this spot will give you a hearty dose of nostalgia. Don’t leave without trying a pig in a blanket or a big wheel, and remember to bring cash. No cards are accepted!

Wind Down with Live Music

Head over to the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum for live entertainment on the outdoor stage. Depending on the day, you may be able to enjoy a taste of bluegrass music in a lush green space along the Ohio River. Roll out a blanket and end your day with music under the stars.

SUNDAY

Pick Up Breakfast from Rolling Pin Pastry Shop

Get in line at Rolling Pin Pastry Shop early and experience one of Owensboro’s most beloved donuts. Pick your favorites from the case— from classic glazed and cake donuts to sprinkles and long johns—and grab a chocolate milk or two on your way out. The bakery is take-out only, but that’s no issue as Owensboro has an abundance of perfect picnic spots.

Smell The Roses at The Western Kentucky Botanical Garden

Head to the east side of Owensboro and take a stroll through the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden. With more than 16 acres of themed gardens, sculptures and nature to enjoy, the garden is the perfect spot to spend a couple leisurely hours. Bring a picnic basket and enjoy a meal among the fowers, or let the little one’s play in the children’s garden.

Soak Up the Sun at Smothers Park

Spend a sunny afternoon at Smothers Park on the riverfront, a sprawling recreation area that spans fve city blocks. Adults will enjoy the swings along the waterfront and beauty of the signature fountains and waterfall, while children will enjoy the extensive playground where they can dash between the tops of giant artifcial trees. Bring an extra set of clothes for the little ones to enjoy the spray park, and don’t stress about lunch because the concession stand does not disappoint.

Try Owensboro Bar-B-Que

Once everyone is rested from their afternoon in the sun, pull up a chair at Old Hickory Bar-B-Que. This laid-back local legend has been in business since 1918, and it’s easy to taste why. Try the pork, pork ribs, beef, ham, chicken or mutton—each cooked over Hickory wood—and a variety of delicious side dishes. You’re also going to want dessert, be it pie, cobbler or banana pudding.

Mix and match these weekend itineraries to make your BEST Owensboro weekend! OL

TREE TALK 4 Tips for Planting Trees

Trees are virtually everywhere you turn, from your own backyard to nearby parks and forests where you enjoy hiking. They provide shade and beauty, and some even bear fruit. Beyond all the immediate benefts, you may be surprised to discover trees are also a critical key to the future. These facts and tips from the book “Now is the Time for Trees” ofer practical insight on the importance of trees and how to nurture one from selection to planting and beyond. A compelling and ever-growing body of evidence generated by scientists, health care professionals, conservationists, humanitarians and both public and private corporations supports the critical importance of trees and their impact on the human condition. Trees flter pollutants out of the air and water and provide protection for people and communities from dangerous heat and fooding. They lower urban temperatures, reduce energy bills and sequester carbon to slow the rate of climate change. When you plant a tree in your yard or neighborhood, that tree goes to work fltering out pollutants, intercepting stormwater and capturing carbon. With proper placement, that tree can also help lower household energy use by as much as 20%. You can engage in the tree planting movement and make a diference by planting trees around your home and surrounding community with these tips. CONSIDER THE GROWING REGION

Choosing a tree that will fourish in your growing region is fundamental to becoming a successful tree planter. Start by getting familiar with the growing conditions of your planting site, including factors like sunlight, soil condition and room to grow. The amount of available sunlight at your planting location will determine which tree species will be successful. Most trees require full sunlight for proper growth and fowering. Some do well in (or even prefer) partial or light shade, but few perform well in dense shade. Before you plant, get your soil tested by a lab to evaluate what’s happening underground. Test results, which are usually returned in a couple of weeks, provide a complete analysis of nutrients, possible contamination and pH (alkalinity or acidity), as well as directions for correcting problems. Be conscious of overhead or underground utilities, pavement, buildings, other trees, trafc intersections and other factors that may impact your planting space. SHOPPING FOR A TREE

size, fowering, color (including how colors may vary through the seasons) and your view from inside the house. While shopping, you can rely on plant labels to learn details about a tree’s growth pattern, sun requirements, watering needs and soil requirements. Two common styles of trees are container-grown trees, which spend their entire nursery lives growing in a container, and ball-and-burlap trees, which grow in the ground until they achieve a targeted size. A well-tended container-grown tree has been carefully monitored and moved into larger containers as the plant grows. Be wary of a tree with roots that circle or twist within the container, which may cause roots to die. For a ball-and-burlap tree, look for a frm, securely tied root ball that is large enough to support the mature tree; it should be about 10-12 inches wide for every inch of trunk diameter. PREPARE YOUR PLANTING SITE

Properly preparing your planting site is one of the best things you can do to get your tree of to a strong start. Before you plant, make sure your tree is thoroughly hydrated by watering the container or root ball several hours before proceeding. When planting a tree into a lawn, remove a circle of grass at least 3 feet in diameter where the tree will go to reduce competition between turf and fne tree roots.

START DIGGING

Dig a broad, shallow planting hole with gently sloping sides 3-4 times wider than the diameter of the root mass and the same depth. Mound removed soil on a tarp for easy backflling. Loosening the soil on the sides of the hole allows roots to easily expand and establish faster, but don’t disturb soil at the bottom of the hole. Once the tree is positioned, replace the soil while frmly but gently tamping the original soil around the base of the root ball to stabilize it. Create a water-holding basin around the tree by building up a ring of soil and water to settle roots. Spread protective mulch 2-4 inches deep in a 3-foot diameter around the base of the tree, but not touching the trunk. Find more tips to successfully plant and care for your trees at arborday.org.

A HANDY GUIDE FOR PLANTING TREES

A rally cry against climate change, “Now is the Time for Trees” is an inspirational and informative guide that explains the important role trees can play in preserving the environment. Author Dan Lambe, CEO of the Arbor Day Foundation, ofers compelling reasons to plant more trees while providing simple, actionable steps to get involved, choose the right tree and achieve planting success. For each book sold, the foundation will plant a tree in a forest in need. Pick up a copy wherever books are sold or visit arborday.org/ TimeforTreesBook. THE POWER OF TREES

From backyards to tropical rain forests, trees provide the necessities of life. Trees clean air and water, provide habitats for wildlife, connect communities and support human health.

Trees are a proven afordable, natural way to pull carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

Trees flter water and slow storm surge and fooding in cities. Trees provide shade, cooling cities by up to 10 degrees, which can help prevent heat-related deaths. Neighborhood trees can reduce stress, improve overall health in children and encourage physical activity. Trees support wildlife and aquatic life by providing habitats and helping keep waterways healthy, which ensures ecosystem balance and promotes biodiversity. Trees and other forest life work together to ensure a clean source of drinking water, bufer against extreme weather, provide medicines, ofer outdoor recreation and enrich human culture. OL

DOES DENTISTRY CONFUSE YOU? YOU’RE NOT ALONE.

Your Common Dental Questions Answered With Dr. Joshua Stamper At Bluegrass Dental

WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Dental implants are the closest you can get to healthy, natural teeth. They allow you to live the way you want to – confdently eating, smiling, laughing, talking, kissing and enjoying all of your everyday activities without worrying about your teeth.Think of dental implants as artifcial tooth roots, similar in shape to screws. When dental implants are placed in your jawbone, they bond with your natural bone. They become a sturdy base for supporting one or more artifcial teeth, called crowns. If you are missing a tooth, and would like to consider dental implants, surgical consultations including 3D x-ray are always free at Bluegrass Dental.

WHAT KIND OF TOOTHPASTE SHOULD I USE?

You should choose a toothpaste that can help you the most for your individual mouth. For example, if you are very prone to tooth decay, I would recommend that you use a toothpaste with sodium fuoride (an anticavity ingredient) to help prevent rapid decay. If you are prone to rapid plaque buildup or tartar, I would recommend a tartar control toothpaste. Your dentist or hygienist can help you fnd the toothpaste with a property that will be most benefcial to you.

Also, if you use a mouthwash, be sure to check the ingredients to see if it has an anti-cavity active ingredient, as mouthwashes without this ingredient are not efective in preventing tooth decay.

DOES WHITENING TOOTHPASTE WORK?

Whitening toothpastes have limited whitening abilities. They typically only remove the most superfcial surface stains and can sometimes be made of abrasive materials that are harsh on enamel. Whitening trays or in-ofce whitening procedures are the fastest, most efective, and safest way to whiten teeth. At Bluegrass Dental, we value patients who take excellent care of their oral health, so with a perfect, regular checkups, we ofer free professional whitening for our patients to incentivize them to keep their mouth healthy. WHY DO I HAVE SENSITIVE TEETH?

Mild sensitivity is mainly due to receding gums, teeth grinding during sleep and tiny fractures in teeth. You can try using a sensitivity toothpaste for athome care. If the sensitivity persists or worsens, it’s usually a sign of something more that needs attention. A visit to your general dentist ofce will help you get to the bottom of what is causing sensitivity.

CHEF: DORSEY SLAUGHTER REMAINS CONSTANT AT COLBY’S p. 118 → FLAVOR