According to AI, Here’s Why Owensboro Is A Must-Visit City For Summer Fun

Summer vacation season typically kicks off Memorial Day Weekend. So, as we roll through the first week of June, it's safe to say families are packing their bags and getting ready to hit the road or the friendly skies. I live in Owensboro and, for me, vacation means leaving home. If I have time off work, I'm certainly not going to spend it in my hometown. I'm out.

But, I'm curious to learn what would inspire the people who don't live here to choose Owensboro as a vacation destination. Who better to ask for the answers than the robot?

Here's what I asked ChatGPT. I can be a little bossy so I gave it a pretty specific command. I typed- Think like a travel agent and give me ten reasons why I should visit Owensboro, Kentucky.

Here's what it came up with!

1. OWENSBORO'S THE BARBECUE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

Yes. I know Memphis, St. Louis, and Texas claim to have the best barbecue, but anyone from Owensboro knows the truth. We win! As the home of 'world famous' Moonlite Bar-B-Q and the legendary Old Hickory, we have two of the best barbecue restaurants on the entire planet. Plus, we're home to the annual BBQ and Barrels event, which was formerly named The International Bar-B-Q Festival. In other words- Suck it, St. Louis.

2. BLUEGRASS MUSIC ROOTS

Uh, ChatGPT?? It's time to update those data banks. Owensboro is also the Bluegrass Music Capital of the World. We decided to call ourselves that a couple of years ago. Plus, we are home to the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum and ROMP, one of the most popular bluegrass music festivals in the entire world.

3. A BEAUTIFUL RIVERFRONT

Well, it wasn't all that beautiful in early 2025 when it was under water because of historic Ohio River flooding. But, the waters have receded and she's pretty again. Smothers Park is a picture postcard destination for tourists with kids and without them. There are fountains and stunning views of the river. It's a priceless destination for evening strolls and picnics.

4. BOURBON AND LOCAL SPIRITS

ChatGPT boldly shared the proclamation that "You're in bourbon country!" While that may be a bit of an exaggeration, Green River Distilling Co. is making its case as one of the MUST VISIT distilleries in the Commonwealth. It happens to Kentucky's 10th oldest. Green River was established back in 1885. Today, it's churning out some of the most delicious bourbons in the industry.

5. FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN

The artificial intelligence listed the Owensboro Museum of Science and History as a family-friendly tour stop. It is! Plus, the facility is getting an new injection of life due to the recent hiring of a brand new director. The AI also noted the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden, which is an official stop on Kentucky's Garden Trail.

READ MORE: Explore the Beauty of the Bluegrass on the Kentucky Garden Trail

6. ARTS AND CULTURE SCENE

ChatGPT notably plucked out the RiverPark Center and highlighted its offerings of concerts, theatre productions, and ballet. It also noted 'frequent downtown events featuring local artists and musicians.' Just think! AI hasn't seen anything yet. Later this year, Owensboro will be home to a light and art event called Illuminate.

READ MORE: City of Owensboro Announces New Illuminate Event for 2025

7. FESTIVALS GALORE

While it previously mentioned the International Bar-B-Q Festival, ChatGPT acknowledges that's there a lot more festival fun where that came from. Owensboro is full of festivals like ROMP and, of course, Friday After 5. Friday After 5 launched its 2025 season a couple of weeks ago and the crowd response has been phenomenal. If I am ever entertaining out-of-town guests on a Friday during the summer, I make sure that Friday After 5 is part of their experience. It is the literal definition of Owensboro hospitality. Speaking of which . . .

8. SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY

According to ChatGPT, Owensboro 'boasts small-town friendliness with big-hearted charm.'  And I agree with the robot. Our 'locals' are indeed welcoming.

9. CULINARY SURPRISES

While the AI didn't list specific Owensboro restaurants that you should visit during your trip, it did note our locally-owned diners, cafes and craft breweries. When I was in college, Owensboro led the nation in the number of fast food restaurants per number of people in the town. Not the greatest stat. However, while we still have a ton of fast food chain restaurants, we do have some incredibly unique and delicious locally-owned places that will happily feed your face.

10. AFFORDABLE GETAWAY

Move over, Louisville. Like a Walmart, Owensboro's rolling back the prices. ChatGPT made note of 'affordable accommodations, free attractions, and budget-friendly dining.' Add it all together and the robot's convinced- Owensboro's ideal for families or road-trippers.