Bowling Green is home to 60,000 of the fine people of Kentucky. Not a state given to large cities, that population actually makes it the third biggest center in the state. The name is a bit of a source of local mystery, with several conflicting stories accounting for how it came to be. Manufacturing is a major industry here, with General Motors being one of the largest players. The second largest public university in the state is found in Bowling Green. Western Kentucky University is well over a hundred years old, and hosts a large student population of roughly 21,000 per year. The campus is considered to be extremely scenic, as its vantage point from on top of a hill offers stunning views of the Barren River Valley
When to Search
Housing in Bowling Green is available throughout most of the year. If you want to get the best prices, shop sometime between April and July. The lack of rental pressure in those months can sometimes make a deal become available. You will also have your pick of a larger number of apartments.
Staying in the Know
Let your landlords know that you're willing to make a commitment in Bowling Green. High availability like this shows that landlords will be eager to have people commit to longer leases. If you're willing to sign a year-lease, it will definitely help you secure accommodations faster.
Life in Bowling Green
Transportation
Within Bowling Green, the Bowling Green Public Transit system provides bus routes throughout the town. There is also a Greyhound station that connects the town to other local communities. There are also busses which serve the campus area, and which connect to lines that carry students to off-campus housing located in town.
Where to play
Sports fans in Bowling Green flock to Hilltopper games throughout the year. If you're a car lover, don't miss the Corvette Museum, or the GM factory where this American sports car legend is made. An amusement park called Beech Bend Park and Splash Lagoon makes for a great afternoon of family fun. Tidball's is the best local bar for good drinks and good music.
Attractions
Fans of classic sports cars all tend to head one place as soon as they roll into Bowling Green. The National Corvette Museum is part of any great American road trip that passes through Bowling Green, as anyone with an appreciation for cars will love the tribute to one of the greatest American sports cars ever made. You can also tour the factory where the cars are currently made. Staying with the transportation theme, another attraction that brings in a lot of visitors in the area is the Historic Railpark and Train Museum. By allowing visitors to actually tour inside antique rail cars, you gain a unique perspective into what was once the most important means of transportation in our country.
Dining
For a night out with a Cajun twist and a good wine selection, head to 440 Main. If you just want a sandwich and a casual environment, the Home Café & Marketplace on Nashville Road is a very good bet. There are actually several restaurants that serve food that is strongly influenced by Louisiana cuisine. Tea Bayou is another well-respected local establishment that brings New Orleans flavours to Kentucky. It should come as no surprise that BBQ is one of the favourite local flavours, and Smokey Pig Bar-B-Q and Whitt’s Barbecue both fill that niche nicely.
Bars
For the best nachos in town along with a drink of your choosing, head to Double Dogs. They carry craft beer that is extremely good, while also maintaining a casual, sports-bar type atmosphere. That way, you can enjoy great food, great drink, and the game all at the same time. If you're looking to find a bar with some good live music, Crossroads Bar & Grill or Tidball’s are both good best. Reverend’s Bar & Grill is another establishment worth mentioning. While it’s nothing fancy, it’s the type of place where you can count on the food always being good, the beer always being cold, and the service always being excellent.
Culture
The aforementioned Wood Country Historical Center and Museum is an excellent place to learn about local history, while also taking in a regular program of rotating exhibits. The University is also a hotbed for cultural activities. The BGSU School of Art has a gallery that frequently hosts shows that are open for free to the public. There is also a unique museum celebrating construction equipment found on Liberty Hi Road in Bowling Green. The proprietors have restored several pieces of antique construction equipment so that guests can view it in what is close to it's original operating condition.
Events
The Cruisin’ for a Cure Car Shows are organized to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The show is an ongoing event throughout the spring and summer in the Bruster’s Ice Cream parking lot, and the efforts of the group have raised more than a half-million dollars to combat the disease. The four-wheeled theme carries over to the youngsters as well, as the city is home to the BB7T All-American Soap Box Derby each year. Another important event takes place at the beech Bend Raceway. In May of each year, the annual SPORTSNational Open takes place. This drag racing event draws competitors from across the state.
Shopping
The easiest place to get all your shopping done at once is the Greenwood Mall on Scottsville Road. This mall has anchor stores that include a J.C. Penney, Sears, Macy’s and Dillard’s, so whatever you're looking for, you can probably find it between the department stores and the roughly 100 other merchants in the mall. If you're looking for the furthest thing from the mall experience, then you need to get out of the city and head a few miles north to Smith’s Grove. This is a city that has built it's reputation on unique shops and antique dealing, and you can find treasures in Smith’s Grove that are truly one of a kind.
Sports
Rodeo is an important sport in Bowling Green. The E.A. Diddle Arena, which is the venue for several of the teams from Western Kentucky University, has also been used to host a number of travelling high-profile rodeos, and local interest in rodeo is high. Racing is also popular, with the Beech Bend Raceway holding frequent events.Bowling Green is also home to the Bowling Green Hot Rods, a Single-A farm team for the Tampa Bay Rays. Basketball fans also have someone to cheer for, ad the local Hornets are a member of the Central Basketball League. Western Kentucky University is home to the Hilltoppers, and the people of Bowling Green are strong supporters of the Division I athletics programs.
Outdoors
Disc golf is a very popular outdoors activity in Bowling Green. The city maintains eight separate courses throughout the city, and during the spring and summer months they are usually in use. In addition to the racing, there is also a campground at Beech Bend Park that is popular with people coming in from out of town to take in the races. The Lost River Cave system has more than seven miles of river running through the underground network of caves. Boat trips are available that take visitors down the river route. The caves are on land that is co-owned by Western Kentucky University.