Have you ever had an experience that felt perfectly orchestrated? Where everything came together so flawlessly that you knew you were meant to be there at that exact moment? Like the world was teaching you a lesson or showing you the way? That’s how I felt about my trip to Bowling Green, Kentucky. At every destination there was something that spoke to my core, something that made me realize I was not there for a vacation, I was there to be enlightened.
Here are 5 things Bowling Green, Kentucky taught me:
1. Family First - One of the places I visited in Bowling Green was a dairy barn. Being a Central Pennsylvania girl I was less than thrilled to be visiting yet another dairy barn. I recall almost every elementary school field trip visiting a dairy barn (except for that one time we went to a fruit farm). I assumed this excursion was geared more toward city girls on the trip, but I could not have been more wrong. Upon arrival to Chaney’s Dairy Barn we ate the most delicious homemade chicken salad and potato salad I have ever tasted. I almost wish I never experienced it because I find myself craving it all the time now. As we were finishing up lunch, Farmer Carl Chaney came to speak to us and then proceeded to take us on a tour of his dairy farm. Carl is funny and full of personality, but most of all, passionate. He began our journey with a wagon tour of the property and then walked us through the dairy barn. Here he demonstrated his new robot milking machine, introduced us to his cows, and by the end of it had me in tears. It seriously took every ounce of inner strength I had not to ugly cry. It became quite clear that Farmer Carl loved his cows but he loved one thing above all else, his family. During the entire tour, Carl weaved in the most heartwarming stories about how he is transforming and modernizing his farm to support both his children and grandchildren’s dreams. Every story was more endearing than the next. So yes, Chaney’s Dairy Barn is an excellent place for food, ice cream, visiting cows, jumping on the infamous inflatable pillow and family movie night. However, the greatest blessing would be to meet Farmer Carl Chaney and his heart of gold. It truly was an experience I will never forget.
2. It’s Never too Late to Start Over – The outing I was most excited about was the underground boat tour. When we arrived at Lost River Cave our tour guide took us through picturesque woods and turquoise lakes as we were being lead towards the cave. It appeared to be a preserved and thriving section of nature that had never been disturbed. I was absolutely shocked when our guide revealed that up until 1990 the place had been an actual trash dump. People would pull over on the highway and toss bags, washing machines, or anything else they wanted to get rid of into the water and cave below. I was stunned that this beautiful cave and forest had been a “Mount Crumpit” just a short time ago. It took them over a decade to remove the abundance of trash from the area and restore it to its natural beauty. Our tour guide then expressed something that really struck a chord, “It’s never too late to start over. It’s never too late to change.” So as we continued our boat tour everyone awed at the beauty within the cathedral-like cave. I was awing at the impressiveness of change.
3. Life Moves at its Own Pace –Lost River Cave also had a butterfly garden and we were scheduled for a butterfly release. I had never released a butterfly before and contemplated it would be similar to a dove release. I figured I would cup the butterfly in my hands, then open them, and it would fly away. Wrong I was! Our butterflies came individually wrapped in envelopes from the butterfly farm. The butterflies arrive sleeping and you carefully shake them into your hand. The butterflies then slowly feed from the salt on your skin and fly away when they are ready. Some of them left quickly, but mine remained. After five minutes of my friends exploring the butterfly garden, I was still standing there waiting for my butterfly to leave. Secretly I wished he would hurry up, get his strength, and just fly away. And in that moment it hit me. This butterfly was like my daughter in the morning, slow moving, going at her own pace, and not liking to be rushed. And here I was playing mom, up, ready to go, and begging her to hurry up. The parallel between my daughter and the butterfly had me all choked up. This butterfly needed a little more nurturing before flying, just like my daughter. Life moves at its own pace and it should never be rushed … even if we are running late.
4. Pie is an Art Form – Now I know you may disagree with me on this matter and that is fine. I have always been a cake girl and my most prized piece of art is hanging on my refrigerator with a letter “Y” magnet so I am by no means a pie or art expert. But let me tell you, pie is an art form. While at the rustic Boyce’s General Store for a cat fish fry and live bluegrass music we were introduced to Bowling Green’s, town-proclaimed, Pie Queen. The Pie Queen makes the most delicious, melt in your mouth, pie crusts filled with equally scrumptious fillings. I had chosen the Kentucky Pie which proved to be unbelievable. If only I could put into words how amazing these pies were. Please just trust me and go try one for yourself. I ended up bringing home a variety of mini-pies to share with my family and they were equally impressed. So, all hail The Pie Queen of Bowling Green! You have rightfully earned your crown.
5. Dreams do Come True – Jen, my traveling companion who happens to absolutely love baseball, was ecstatic when she had learned we had been invited to attend a Bowling Green Hot Rods game. Eagerly anticipating the game she purchased a Bowling Green Hot Rods tee shirt, in advance, to wear to the game. Outwardly impressed by such a high-spirited out-of-town baseball fan, decked out in Hot Rod’s gear, the stadium representatives determined she would be the one to throw out the first pitch! She was both joyous and honored having been selected for this once-in-a-lifetime occasion. As I watched her throw that pitch, grinning ear to ear, I felt privileged to have witnessed her baseball dreams come true.
Bowling Green, Kentucky is best known for the Corvette and is the only place in the world that manufactures Corvettes. It should come as no surprise that it is also the home of the Corvette museum. And while Corvettes are a beautiful representation of American machinery, I believe Bowling Green’s allure goes much deeper than that. It is a charming and community focused town full of history and culture. Plus, you never know how Bowling Green is going to inspire you.
The Bowling Green Area Convention & Visitors hosted Macaroni Kid for a three-day press trip. Accommodations and most meals and activities were complimentary. No other compensation was received in consideration of this article and all opinions are that of the writer.
