It’s back to school time around these parts, and for some of us, that means taking your child to college. There are already so many unfamiliar things about moving to a new town, so we decided to lay a little groundwork for you and find out the best places to eat, shop, where to go and where to stay in three Kentucky college towns. Whether you are heading to Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Centre College in Danville or Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, we have asked the locals for their expert advice on these cities.
RICHMOND, KENTUCKY
Richmond — a small college town located about an hour and a half from Louisville and about 30 minutes from Lexington — offers Southern hospitality in the beautiful foothills of the Appalachian mountains. Eastern Kentucky University, which is in Richmond, was established in 1906 as a college for teachers and although the historic campus is located in the busiest part of the town, wander a little further down and you’ll come across beautiful farmland and rolling hills.
The Keen Johnson Building at Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky | Image: Asaad Khattab
Where to Eat
For a sit-down breakfast at a local joint, Jackson’s Restaurant is the place to go. This mom-and-pop restaurant is actually busy for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and homesick students tend to gravitate towards the comfort food and daily specials. For a great cuppa coffee, head to Purdy’s Coffee Co. It has a full menu — all locally sourced — and is a favorite destination in this town. Try the Kentucky latte, which has bourbon-infused sorghum in it.
For lunch or dinner, go to Babylon Cafe, which is known for their heaping servings of authentic gyros and schawarma and amazing French fries. If you are looking for a good steak dinner, head to Hanger’s Steakhouse for a nice dinner and a cocktail; they are known for their tomato bisque, so be sure to save room for your steak. A good bar to end your night is The Paddy Wagon, which is a bit nicer than college bars but still accommodating for the local student and their visiting family. Something to note: Many restaurants are not open on Sundays, including the coffee shop, so plan your visit, accordingly.
Where to Shop
Buy a cute present for your student from local boutique Adorabelle’s, which sells a nice array of clothing — everything from preppy to eccentric — as well as jewelry, gifts and sorority gear. The Cotton Market has lots of unique home décor items (especially Kentucky-related), as well as jewelry and accessories for men and women, clothing for women and leather products. For jewelry, glassware, gifts and a great selection of wines, go to Jillian’s. Lastly, for all your outdoor gear and apparel, shop at Mike’s Hike and Bike.
Where to Go
This is an outdoorsy community. Folks like to hike in the The Pinnacles, located about 15 minutes from town in Berea, or spend an afternoon in Jig Water creek. There’s also Lake Reba Park for more outdoor activities, such as fishing, boating and even mini golf. Beautiful farmlands and rolling hills surround the city and are the perfect backdrop for sunset drives.
Where to Stay
There are only chain hotels in Richmond. Best bets includes the Hampton Inn and the Holiday Inn Express.
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DANVILLE, KENTUCKY
The center of Danville, Kentucky is (ha-ha) Centre College, a very small school with an abundance of traditions. Located about an hour and a half from Louisville, this college town is beautiful and peaceful, and the community is very close knit. Head to Downtown Danville, which is ripe with interesting architecture, making it a picturesque small town.
Downtown Danville, Kentucky | Image: danvillekentucky.com
Where to Eat
In such a small town, there’s always that one local favorite for grabbing breakfast and coffee. In the case of Centre, it seems to be Bluebird Cafe, located 10 miles from campus. They are actually open for breakfast, lunch and dinner on weekend nights. Look for fresh meats and produce from Marksbury Farm served there. For quick donuts, there’s also Burke’s Bakery & Delicatessen — but it’s cash only, so plan accordingly!
For lunch, Melton’s Great American Deli is a big hit. Bonus: If it’s your first visit, you get a free chocolate chip cookie! For more of a sit-down lunch and brunch on Sunday, Grace Cafe is a “pay for what you can” cafe where nobody is refused a meal.
To wrap up an evening, Cue On Main is the nicer dinner option in town, located in an historic building. It serves Southern-style food and frothy cocktails. For a nice glass of wine, head down to Jane Barleycorn Market and Bar, definitely catered towards adults and not the typical college student. If you’re feeling more of a Japanese vibe, Summer Hokkaido sushi and steakhouse would be the place for your evening meal. And finally, for a delicious summer treat, Dairy Dip offers farm-fresh ice cream — after all, this ice cream shop is located on a cow farm!
Where to Shop
If you’re looking to buy your student a fun present before you return home, head on over to Maple Tree Gallery. If you are looking for a combination boutique and gift shop, try Lee Stephens, which carries preppy Southern clothing such as Southern Tide or Vera Bradley, along with an assortment of other popular brands. According to our sources, Cerci on Main is a “hip” gift shop geared toward students and has a lot of sorority gifts. Looking for the perfect outfit? Go to Vestiary, where they have unique brands and clothing hand picked by the owner.
Where to Go
Head to Downtown Danville to explore the rich history and architecture in this town, which was founded in 1787 as part of Virginia. There are plenty of shops and cultural activities in Danville to keep you busy for the day. Head northeast to Shaker Village if you’re up to a field trip.
Where to Stay
In Danville, there are all the usual suspects of mid-range hotels such as Hampton Inn, Quality Inn and the Comfort Inn and Suites, to name a few. But we recommend driving about nine miles north to Harrodsburg and staying at family owned landmark Beaumont Inn. If you drive about 20 minutes northeast, you can stay at the lovely The Inn at Shaker Village, which is a trip unto itself.
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BOWLING GREEN, KENTUCKY
Located in Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University has quickly become known for its stellar broadcasting program and hilly campus. With roughly 21,000 students, Western Kentucky University has made its mark in the small college town since 1906. Don’t let that quaint “small town” vibe fool you, though. When it’s time for sports, this town has some of the most dedicated fans. Bowling Green is a two-hour drive directly south on 1-65 and is the third largest city in Kentucky behind Louisville and Lexington.
Fountain Square in Bowling Green, Kentucky | Image: Koorsen
Where to Eat
When asked about the best place to grab breakfast and lunch, students couldn’t stop talking about Judys Castle and Spencer’s Coffee Shop. The latter is also known for being a great study spot, located a short distance from campus. Another favorite location is JD Bakery & Cafe, with an impressive 4.9 stars and a menu that will keep students full. If you’re looking to grab a quick sandwich at a cafe for lunch, Griffs Deli is the place to go. A simple deli is a must-have in any college setting, right?
If you want a nice sit-down dinner, 440 Main is the destination for you. It is often called “one of the nicest in Bowling Green” and has an attached bar. Another local destination for a fancy dinner is Steamer Seafood, which serves a variety of delicious seafood. And finally, if you’re looking for a local brewery, the talk of the town seems to be the White Squirrel Brewery, a local hot spot that only recently opened but has become a crowd favorite with delicious food and drinks.
Where to Shop
A good local boutique to visit while you’re in town is definitely Kash Collection, with everything from very casual to dressy — all at reasonable price points. Another great boutique for clothes, gifts, shoes and accessories is Zingarella. If you are looking for gifts, jewelry and stationery, head to Nest Uncommon Goods. All the girls love Back Down South for clothes, jewelry and cute novelty items.
Where to Go
Downtown Bowling Green is referred to as “The Square” and is often the hot spot for nightly attractions. To finish off your night, it’s somewhat of a student tradition to go to Shanty Hollow Lake to check out the scenery. The waterfall is a must-see and not very far from campus, at all. If you are a car lover, the Corvette Museum is a great bet.
Where to Stay
Stay at the new Hyatt, located on WKU’s campus and within walking distance to many attractions. This hotel is the most recommended hotel in the area.
Whether dropping off your kid to start the next chapter or you’re looking to explore these three college towns, enjoy your trip and be sure to tell us if you uncover any more favorites in these towns!
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