A You + Me Kentucky Town

Welcome to

Owensboro

Kentucky· Est. 1817

Local spots: 50
Est.: 1817

Browse Owensboro:Restaurants Bars & Pubs Boutiques & Shops

The Local Heartbeat

Why we love Owensboro

Savor the smoky flavors of Bar-B-Q, tap your foot to bluegrass, and discover the river charm of Owensboro.

Where Owensboro is

Plan your visit to Owensboro

Book a place to stay in Owensboro26 local places · via Booking.com Rent a car in Owensboro9 local agencies · via Rentalcars Find things to do in Owensboro38 local attractions · via Viator

Did you know?

01
Owensboro is considered the "Bar-B-Q Capital of the World" and is home to the annual International Bar-B-Q Festival.
02
Bluegrass music legend Bill Monroe, considered the 'Father of Bluegrass,' was born near Owensboro in Rosine, Kentucky.
03
The Owensboro Bridge, connecting Owensboro with Indiana, is a cable-stayed bridge that has become a symbol of the city.
04
Owensboro was once home to a thriving carriage industry, producing carriages that were shipped across the United States.
05
The Kentucky Wesleyan College, a small but respected liberal arts school, is located in Owensboro.

Mark your calendar

International Bar-B-Q Festival - Second weekend in May
ROMP Festival (River of Music Party) - Late June
Friday After 5 - Weekly summer concert series

The story of Owensboro

Owensboro, Kentucky, a city nestled on the Ohio River, boasts a rich history dating back to its initial settlement in the late 18th century. Originally known as Yellow Banks due to the distinctive yellow clay along the riverbank, the area transformed into a significant transportation and commercial hub. The city's strategic location facilitated steamboat traffic and trade, fueling its growth and influencing its economic development. It was renamed Owensboro in 1817 in honor of Colonel Abraham Owen, a Kentucky war hero killed at the Battle of Tippecanoe. During the Civil War, Owensboro's strategic river location made it a contested area, leading to some skirmishes and the occupation by both Union and Confederate forces.

Owensboro's history is intrinsically linked to agriculture, particularly tobacco and corn. The city became a major processing and trading center for these crops, contributing significantly to Kentucky's agricultural economy. The rise of manufacturing and distilling industries, particularly bourbon, further diversified Owensboro's economic landscape. Today, Owensboro stands as a vibrant city known for its cultural attractions, including its thriving music scene (often hailed as the 'Bluegrass Music Capital of the World') and its numerous parks and recreational areas along the revitalized riverfront. This blend of historical roots and modern development makes Owensboro an intriguing destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking a taste of authentic Kentucky culture.

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Local Spots

Places in and near Owensboro

Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum

Museum

311 W 2nd St, Owensboro, KY 42301, USA

Why we love Owensboro

Where Owensboro is

Plan your visit to Owensboro

Did you know?

Mark your calendar

The story of Owensboro

Are you a chamber that loves Owensboro?

Local Spots

Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum

Bruner's Collectables

Chicken Salad Chick

Goodwood Owensboro

Kentucky abstract art gallery

La Veracruzana Restaurant

Mellow Mushroom Owensboro

Ollie's Bargain Outlet

Price Less IGA

Scooter's Coffee

The Miller House

Willow and Pine Market

1885 Cocktail Bar

320 Club

3D Realty

54 Pizza Express

AAA Tax Services LLC

Accents Salon

A&C Property Rentals LLC

Advantage Pest Management, LLC

Affordable Care Health Insurance

AHS EagleNation

Alcoholics Anonymous

Alexander & Company CPAs PSC

All Blessings Inc

ALL In One Auto Repair

Allstate Insurance Agent: Kent Banning

Allstate Insurance Agent: Paul David Hayden

American Eagle Outfitters

American Legion

AMR Owensboro KY

Amvets Post 75

Angel-Leigh Boutique

Apollo High School

Arona Home Essentials

Artisan Cafe By SFG

Asbury United Methodist Church

Ascension Medical Group St. Vincent - Owensboro Heart Care

Astro AutoShop

Audubon Animal Hospital

Azzip Pizza

Baird Private Wealth Management

Bankers Life

Bargain Hunt

Basant Indian Cuisine

BB&T - Closed

BeeBop's

Bella Ragazza Boutique

Belle Vita Salon

Benchmark Family Services

Why we love Owensboro

Where Owensboro is

Plan your visit to Owensboro

Did you know?

Mark your calendar

The story of Owensboro

Are you a chamber that loves Owensboro?

Local Spots

Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum

Bruner's Collectables

Chicken Salad Chick

Goodwood Owensboro

Kentucky abstract art gallery

La Veracruzana Restaurant

Mellow Mushroom Owensboro

Ollie's Bargain Outlet

Price Less IGA

Scooter's Coffee

The Miller House

Willow and Pine Market

1885 Cocktail Bar

320 Club