For the month of October, you might as well start calling Kentucky’s third-largest city “Boo-ling Green,” because this is a destination that truly gets goosebumps when it sees October 31 approach on the calendar. That makes perfect sense, considering that Bowling Green is the hometown of filmmaker John Carpenter, who created classic horror flicks like “Halloween.”
It’s not all about gore and goblins, mayhem and monsters, though. There are plenty of family-friendly ways to celebrate all the things that go bump in the night. And around here, the creatures that get the most seasonal attention aren’t bats … they’re the rare white squirrels that populate the city. The rodents, which are particularly active now because they’re stocking up on snacks for the winter, look like tiny ghosts already jittery from the trick-or-treating sugar rush.
Here are all the ways you can get into the Halloween spirit in Bowling Green:
JOHN CARPENTER EXPERIENCE
John Carpenter, a filmmaker and composer who grew up in Bowling Green, is widely considered one of the masters of the horror-film genre. His most notable films include “Halloween,” “The Fog,” “The Thing,” “Christine,” “They Live” and “Village of the Damned.” Though he was born in New York state, Carpenter moved to Bowling Green when he was just 5 years old. He became obsessed with cinema shortly thereafter, and he made his first short horror film before he entered high school. Carpenter began college at Western Kentucky University, where his father chaired the music department, then left to pursue his career in California. Though none of his films were shot in his hometown, the people and places around Bowling Green remained influential to his filmmaking.
Fans of his films may already feel like they know sites around the city, though those places are a lot less creepy in broad daylight and without the foreboding music. (Fun fact: Carpenter wrote his own scores.) Horror fans can pick up a brochure called the Reel Sites, Real Scary Driving Tour at the visitor center (or download your own PDF here) and take a self-guided trip to 17 spots that were meaningful or inspirational to Carpenter or mentioned in his movies.
ATTRACTIONS
Skeleton’s Lair Scream Park:Open on weekends through early November, this popular attraction is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The park is located – appropriately enough – on Cemetery Road and features haunted woods, a haunted hayride, a two-story haunted house and a 3D haunted maze. It’s staffed by live actors but also offers plenty of pyrotechnics and special effects, all adding to the fear factor.
Lost River Cave: This attraction offers a glimpse into the darker side of Bowling Green … because it’s one of Kentucky’s famous caves, and the only one that’s explored by boat. Though tours take place year-round, at this time of year you can participate in a special nighttime tour called “Lost Tales of the Underground,” on which guides blend history and fun as they share the cave’s ghost stories. The tour takes place nightly from October 21 through 31 and costs $35 per person. Even if you’re afraid of the dark, you can still explore the exterior of the cave, walking along the Scarecrow Trail and voting for your favorite of the scarecrows that have been crafted by members of the community. They come in all shapes and sizes and can be viewed from dawn to dusk each day through October 27. There’s no admission fee for that family-friendly experience.
HAUNTED SITES
Old Richardsville Road Bridge: Located just off Highway 185, the bridge dates to the late 1800s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s also on locals’ list of Most Haunted Places. As the story goes, a young woman either jumped off, drove off or was pushed off the bridge – that part of the tale is unclear – and died at the site. It’s said that if you drive onto the bridge at night and shift your car into neutral, some unseen force will push your vehicle to the other side of the bridge.
Local legend claims it’s the young woman, trying to safely escort travelers across so they don’t suffer the same fate that she did. Many brave souls have tested the theory over the years, and some have even sprinkled baby powder on their bumper before driving onto the bridge. They report seeing a handprint in the powder when they reach the other side.
TOURS
Hilltop History and Haunts Tour: This 90-minute walking tour explores the campus of Western Kentucky University, which is situated on “The Hilltop.” The university has such a reputation for ghostly encounters that it has been featured on the television show “Ghost Hunters.” The tour is led by former WKU professor Dr. Tamela W. Smith, who describes a variety of mysterious phenomena, focusing not only on the university but also the history of “The Hill” and what may have happened there to result in all the spiritual activity. The tour is intended for guests ages 16 and older and is offered on Friday, Saturday and Monday nights at 8 p.m. A special Halloween version that includes the opportunity to use paranormal investigation equipment is scheduled for at 11 p.m. on October 31. As an added bonus, WKU is a great place to see those aforementioned white squirrels.
UnSeen Bowling Green Tours: This company focuses on the city’s histories, mysteries, scandals and ghost stories, and is offering three fall-themed tours that run throughout the month of October. The “Murders and Misdemeanors” walking tour focuses on Bowling Green’s dark side and reveals a variety of bone-chilling tales. Tickets are $24 per person.
DINING
Bowling Green’s chefs and bartenders have been busy at their bubbling cauldrons, creating all kinds of eats, sweets and liquid treats to soothe the howling in your stomach. Some lean into the creep factor, and others are simply celebrating fall.
For example, at Rafferty’srestaurant you can order a slab of sweet potato pie that’s heavy on the butter, brown sugar and pecans. And though you might think that makes it a dessert, they serve it as a side dish! At Mary Jane’s Chocolates in the town square, they’re coating crisp, tart Granny Smiths in sweet and sticky caramel and hoping that a tricked-out apple a day does indeed keep the doctor away.
Over atLost River Pizza Co., though, their Killer Garlic Knots are brushed with enough garlic butter to keep away all the vampires.
Speaking of Dracula and his buddies, at Toro, the mad scientists behind the bar are busy concocting El Vampiro, a decidedly devilish drink made with tequila, orange liqueur, blackberry puree, honey-infused simple syrup, lemon juice and black salt.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Boos & Brews at The Capitol: You missed it this year, but note it for the future: If you’re interested in a big-screen scream, The Capitol performing arts center provided the perfect venue to watch a double feature of John Carpenter’s “Halloween” and “Halloween II” last Friday night. White Squirrel Brewery(yes, even businesses around here are obsessed with the little spectral creatures) served some of its beer, and we hear that the audience members tried their best not to spill any when they jumped out of their seats. And … the theater itself is reported to be haunted, with plenty of stories of ghostly footsteps and apparitions to keep your spine tingling.
Downtown BGKY Harvest Festival:This free, family-friendly event will be held on Saturday, October 19 in the heart of downtown Bowling Green. In addition to kid’s activities, live music, craft vendors, and food trucks, the event is home to Downtown BGKY’s annual “pumpkin drops.” There are no tricks but plenty of treats at this fall-themed, scare-free street festival.
Boogeyman Ball: On October 26, White Squirrel will open its downtown brewery for a costume party and contest that features live (not dead) music and some wicked cocktails. There’s a $20 cover charge for the event, which runs from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Choose Chicago is delighted to announce that Chicago has been selected to host the Democratic National Convention in August 2024. Following last year’s historic seventh consecutive win as Conde Nast Traveler’s “Best Big City,” we know the below tally of exciting new hotels, inventive restaurants, dynamic exhibitions, and eclectic festivals offers just a taste of what’s in store this winter/spring of 2024.
Come and discover big city culture, Midwestern hospitality, and urban adventure; visit ChooseChicago.com for more information.
Recent Accolades:
Chicago and its businesses were honored in multiple categories of USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards:
Two Chicago hotels ranked in the Top 10 of The Best Hotels in the World: 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards by Condé Nast Traveler.The Peninsula Chicago earned the No. 9 spot.
Chicago restaurant Smyth was awarded its third MICHELIN Star.
Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport was named Best Airport in North America by Global Traveler for the 20th consecutive year. The award is voted on by readers in the publication’s GT Tested Reader Survey, which counts more than 20,000 write-in votes.
To read more about Chicago in the news, click here.
Join Indiana Humanities on Wednesday, February 21, as we ask the question, “What’s on Your Plate?” during a special Unearthed-themed Chew on This. Sign up for one of eight locations around the state where you’ll share a meal from a local restaurant and a fun, insightful conversation with other curious Hoosiers. Each table will be led by a knowledgeable facilitator, someone to help us grapple with questions about what we consume, how we consume, and the impact of what we put on our plates. Your ticket price includes your meal and an unforgettably engaging experience.
LOCATIONS | FACILITATORS
Conversations will take place at different locations around Indiana, all at 6:00 p.m. local time. When selecting your ticket, please pay careful attention to the restaurant cuisine and your dietary preferences/restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.). All locations will have these different dietary options available. Your ticket will serve as your entrance to the restaurant. Your ticket price includes a meal, non-alcoholic drink, and tax and tip at one of the locations. Alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase directly from the restaurant. Refunds are not available after 72 hours in advance.
Half Liter (5301 Winthrop Ave Suite B, Indianapolis, IN 46220) | Facilitator: Genesis McKiernan-Allen, Full Hand Farm
Cobblestone (160 S Main Street, Zionsville. IN 46077)
The Cordial Cork (911 N E St, Richmond, IN 47374) | Facilitator: Lucy Enge, Miller Farm Manager, Earlham College
Walt’s Pub & Grill (1050 Kalberer Rd, West Lafayette, IN 47906) | Facilitator: Nathan Shoaf, Urban Agriculture State Coordinator, Purdue Extension
Food days–and food months–celebrate our favorite foods so don’t miss out on what’s going on this month in Phoenix.
National Chicken Month (September)
Just in time for National Chicken Month, Bar Louie unveiled five new dinner items including two new chicken dishes. Guests can try the Monterey Chicken made with two grilled chicken breasts, roasted cremini mushrooms, artichoke hearts, roasted tomatoes, lemon herb sauce, roasted baby potatoes and asparagus. Guests can also indulge in New Orleans Chicken and Shrimp Pasta made with blackened chicken, jumbo shrimp, andouille sausage, red and green bell peppers and house-made Cajun cream sauce.
International Bacon Day
Actually International Bacon Day was September 2nd but I’m a firm believer that every day is a great day to celelbrate bacon. So check out Twisted by Wetzel’s where guests can indulge in the Everything Bacon Twisted Signature Dog, featuring Wetzel’s signature hot dog and pretzel bun, topped with twisted sauce, wetz cheese sauce, bacon bits, slaw, and green onion. Not to be missed either is their unique Bacon Ranch Twistz, a tasty Wetzel’s garlic pretzel dough twisted and filled with bacon, mozzarella, parmesan, sun-dried tomato pesto, ranch, and green onions. Their Maple Bacon Topped Pretzel is a sweet-and-savory must-try–an original Wetzel’s pretzel topped with a drizzle of maple glaze and a generous sprinkle of crispy bacon bits, linked HERE.
National Beer Lover’s Day (Sept. 7)
Celebrate National Beer Lover’s Day on September 7th at Bar Louie. That’s when guests can enjoy a wide range of local, rotating, and seasonal beers, along with various tapped options including IPAs and imports. Happy hour is from 4-7 p.m. (Monday-Friday) with 16 oz domestic drafts at $4 and craft drafts at $5. Late night happy hour (Sunday-Thursday, 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.) offers $4 beers, $5 shots, and $6 liquor. Location-specific offers and times apply.
National Guacamole Day (Sept. 16)
On National Guacamole Day, guests can indulge in the delicious flavors of Tocaya’s signature guacamole! For one day only, with every order of $15 or more, restaurant goers will receive a complimentary serving of freshly made chips and guac.
National Cheeseburger Day (Sept. 18)
National Cheeseburger Day on Sept. 18 at Bar Louie includes the sweet but smoky Bourbon BBQ Burger! Guests can enjoy a juicy patty layered with applewood smoked bacon, cream cheese, Tillamook white cheddar, crispy onion strings and house-made bourbon BBQ sauce. Keep the celebration going the following day and satisfy your craving for juicy cheesy burgers stacked high with 50% off all burgers on Burger Tuesday. Prices and offers vary by location.
National Cheeseburger Day (Sept. 18)
September 18th is National Cheeseburger Day! Dog Haus, a biergarten that specializes in gourmet hotdogs and sausages is highlighting its cheeseburgers on this day. Guests can enjoy a cheeseburger for only $5.99 by texting “cheeseburger” to 833-440-1110 to claim a coupon. See the official graphic HERE.
National Coffee Day (Sept. 29)
Bar Louie invites guests to try its Mean Bean Martini in celebration of National Coffee Day. A mix of morning fuel and evening thrill – the Mean Bean Martini is made with Smirnoff Vanilla, Kahlua, brown sugar espresso syrup and a shot of espresso. Additionally, all signature martinis are available for just $7 during happy hour from 4 to 7 pm Monday – Friday. Pricing and participation may vary.
Guinness Open Gate Brewery (OGB) Chicago is opening its doors to the public this coming summer, bringing locally-inspired brews and community collaborations to Chicago’s vibrant West Loop neighborhood. This is Guinness’ second brewing facility and taproom in the United States, the first of which is the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Baltimore, Md.
“Chicago and Guinness have been part of each other’s stories for more than a century, and OGB Chicago has been a dream throughout – we are thrilled to open our doors to the West Loop community this summer,” said Ryan Wagner, national ambassador of Guinness. “As we grow closer to the opening date, we are looking forward to the brewery becoming a part of our new neighborhood with a lively food and beverage program, unique retail offerings and impactful community partnerships.”
Located in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood at 901 W. Kinzie St., the Guinness Open Gate Brewery Chicago will deliver an American craft beer experience that is authentically Guinness and distinctly local. The taproom will showcase local collaborations that highlight the rich history and flavors of Chicago, bringing the style of each of Chicago’s 77 unique neighborhoods to life within the taproom walls.
“Guinness has a long history of hospitality, communion and bringing people together from all walks of life, and that fits so well with the spirit of Chicago,” said Rodney Williams, president, Diageo Beer Company. “This is a great moment in time for Guinness in America, and we can’t wait to tap into all the different flavors and variety of heritages represented in this great city.”
The brewery’s name takes inspiration from the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Dublin – the brand’s original location, where it has innovated and experimented in beer for more than a century. And since the first barrels of its famous Extra Stout rolled into the Windy City in 1910, Guinness’ story has also been a part of Chicago’s rich history. Arthur Shand, Guinness World Traveller, remarked in 1911 that Chicago has and will always be an important point for Guinness Stout. Over a century later, the iconic brand is proud to further that statement as it extends its reach in the United States.
Community Engagement
“At the Guinness Open Gate Brewery, we are engaging with the community through a number of local Chicago partnerships, and we’re just getting started,” said Wagner. “It is extremely important that we highlight the diversity of our new home and continue to lead in sustainability initiatives that work towards the greater good.”
The Open Gate Brewery Chicago is committed to working with diverse business owners, leading in energy and environmental design, and empowering the next generation of hospitality professionals. The brewery will feature solar panel arrays and will pursue Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Platinum certification for the site. The brewery is also strengthening an existing relationship with Open Water, a Chicago-based bottled water company committed to reducing single-use plastic and carbon emissions. The company’s products have been featured at the OGB Baltimore for the last several years.
The OGB Chicago also plans to work with Chicago-based coffee company Intelligentsia on developing and implementing its coffee program and will continue its partnership with Baltimore’s Cane Collective on the development of both beer cocktails and non-alcoholic cocktails.
Additionally, Guinness will bring parent company Diageo’s Learning Skills for Life program to Chicago. The program, which provides unemployed and underemployed individuals with free hospitality and employability skills training, is currently running in five locations across North America, and will launch in Chicago this spring.
For more information on the Guinness Open Gate Brewery Chicago, visit www.guinnessbrewerychicago.co and follow @GuinnessBreweryChi on social media channels to keep up to date with the latest news ahead of the summer opening.
About Guinness
The Guinness brand was established in 1759, when Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000 year lease on St. James’s Gate Brewery in Dublin. Brewed using four main ingredients, water, barley (malted & roasted), hops and yeast, Guinness is the world’s most popular stout brand. The iconic beer is brewed in 49 countries worldwide and sold in over 150 with almost 9 million glasses of Guinness beers enjoyed everyday around the world. The most Guinness is sold in Great Britain, Ireland, USA, Nigeria and Cameroon. More information can be found at http://www.guinness.com.
About Diageo Beer Company
Diageo Beer Company USA (formerly Diageo-Guinness USA) is the U.S. beer and flavored malt beverage business of Diageo. Brands within Diageo Beer Company include the iconic Guinness, Harp, Smithwick’s and Smirnoff ICE.
About Diageo
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness. Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE), and products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, its people, brands and performance, visit www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives and ways to share best practice.
Earlier this summer, Governor Whitmer signed House Bill 4842 which cuts costs for small Michigan distilleries and supports Michigan grain farmers by lowering mark up costs associated with the purchase of Michigan grain, increasing the number of bottles distilleries and produce while saving them and their customers money. It is the latest legislative change she’s made in recent years to assist small business distilleries in competing with other Michigan craft beverage producers as well as their distilling counterparts across the country.
Michigan’s craft spirit distillers are a key component of the state’s agricultural and processing industries, contributing more than $1 billion dollars in total economic impact and collectively utilizing more than two million pounds of Michigan grown grain and fruits in their products each year.
As part of the state’s thriving craft beverage sector, Michigan distilleries are also a vital component of community placemaking efforts and the state’s tourism industry.
Throughout the month, Michigan distillers join with Michigan consumers in support of the “craft spirits in moderation” concept and encourage adult residents and tourists in Michigan to visit the distilleries of our great state and enjoy Pure Michigan-made craft spirits and cocktails.
The Michigan Craft Distillers Associationwas formed in October 2014 as a non-profit organization charged with marketing the individual member businesses, their products and events, but also help bring a voice for the industry when it comes to legislative issues that affect the overall beverage industry.
MCDA currently represents nearly 40 craft distilleries with over 50 unique tasting room locations around the state, as well as a handful of distillery in-planning members and nearly 20 Allied members, providing goods and services to the distilling industry.
Brian Schultz, Founder & CEO of LOOK Dine-In Cinemas, is offering an entirely new cinema experience, taking it many steps above popcorn and soda pop. Schultz is credited as the innovator of in-theater dining and a champion for the cinematic experience with his LOOK Dine-In Cinemas – a technology-first luxury cinema brand with locations in Chandler, Arizona, California, Florida and Texas with more to come.
Drawing upon his time as an aide to Arlen Specter, the late United States Senator from Pennsylvania, Schultz took in a film at the Bethesda Draft House in Maryland and was totally taken with the idea of combining dining and watching a movie. The experience led to him establishing what became Studio Movie Grill, his first in-theater dining company. The first such theater opened in 1993 and was soon followed by other locations.
Schultz, who currently lives in Texas and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Finance from California State University, is an advocate for conscious capitalism, aligning his business practices with his own personal philosophy. With the mantra, “the more you give, the more you get,” he designed LOOK Dine-In Cinemas as a way of creating jobs that pay living wages while providing a shared space for the community to come together.
Sushi and Movies? Yes!
Menu offerings include jumbo chicken wings tossed with buffalo, Thai chili, honey BBQ, garlic Parm or mango habanero. Served with chilled celery and ranch dressing; slides ranging from cheeseburgers, Buffalo chicken, blackened salmon, to plant based and Spicy Tuna Rolls, Coconut Shrimp Roll, and Smoked Salmon Philly Roll. There are also pizzas, sandwiches, desserts like New Orleans beignets and fried peach pies.
Cocktails, Beer, and Wine
Even better, there are craft cocktails like their Sugar Bacon Old Fashioned madewith Brown Sugar Bourbon 103, candied bacon, orange peel, and a Luxardo cherry or Blueberry Lemonade with Western Son Blueberry Vodka, simple syrup, Sierra Mist, and fresh blueberries, draft and bottled beer, and wines.
But for those who want their movie experience to coincide with tradition cinema snacks, not to worry. LLO Dine-In Cinemas has you covered. There’s candy, soft drinks, and popcorn.
The others are located in California, Florida, and Texas.
The LOOK Dine-In Cinemas concert film series is ongoing and this Wednesday, January 19th at 7 p.m. MT with ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band from Texas. On Thursday, January 20 from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Check out the upcoming shows here.
Upcoming is the LOOK Brewing having a Grand Opening in Chandler. LOOK Brewing Co. adding another fascinating component to LOOK Dine-In Cinema. The Brewmaster, Marisa Bernal, is originally from New Mexico and worked in the wine industry before switching to craft beer. It was a move she really enjoys.
“Brewing allows for my self-expression,” said Bernal. “Add in movies and it’s the whole package of what I love to do with my time. LOOK Brewing Co, allows me to be creative and blend my art with movies.”
Are you ready for live music, specialty beers, games and local food trucks? Then Perrin Brewing Company’s Backyard Bash is the event for you. Celebrate the Michigan-based brewery’s 9th Anniversary Celebration and Backyard Bash on September 25 from 4-11pm. Tickets are available here.
Music
The day’s funky local music lineup will include:
The Polyphonic Element 3:15pm – 4pm
Nathan Walton and the Remedy 4:15pm – 5:15pm True to the Michigan rock and roll spirit of Bob Seger, Rare Earth and Grand Funk Railroad, the soulful West Michigan native’s original music delivers a level of compassion, understanding and depth well beyond his years.
Melophobix 5:35pm – 6:35pm Cage-free funk from Grand Rapids. Melophobix presents dynamic live performances driven by genre-bending songwriting, and fueled by depth of instrumentation and vocal capabilities.
Flexadecibel 6:45pm – 7:45pm A high-energy seven-piece funk/rock/soul band that brings the heat!
The Hacky Turtles 8pm – 9:15pm Hailing from Grand Rapids, The Hacky Turtles whip up an eclectic recipe of Alternative Funk/Rock with a decent dollop of Durty Folk.
Desmond Jones Band 9:30pm – 10:30pm A sensational midwestern jamboree complete with twangy rock and rocking twang.
Beer
Every backyard hang needs great beer, so Perrin’s brewers crafted something special for the 9th anniversary Backyard Bash: Bashtoberfest (5.5% ABV). Offered on draft and in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans, this sessionable German lager offers notes of biscuit and caramel with aromas of black pepper for a sweet, malty finish.
Malted Milk Ball (12% ABV) will also return in 2021 on draft and in 22 oz. bottles. The beer deconstructs the flavor profile of a malted milk ball treat into a malt beverage brewed with lactose and spiced with vanilla and cacao nibs and laid down to age in oak bourbon barrels.
Cornhole
While you’re enjoying a freshly crafted Perrin beer, test your hand-eye coordination! The annual cornhole tournament will take place at 3pm. Early Registration is required. Cost is $40 for a team, and the fee includes admission to the party. Register here.
Other on-site vendors will include Nothing Bundt Cakes, offering mini bundt cakes; Pop Daddy Snacks, who will sample pretzels and popcorn; Maddie Ann Soap Co., with soap, candles, bath bombs and lotion; and MMS Pottery, with pottery and beer glasses. You can also find art by Old Growth Creative; creams and other products by Purely CBD; handmade headbands from Leopard and Lotus; etched glassware and collectibles from Cheers & Happiness; and freshly printed tees from Citizen Shirts.
Bash Your Own Backyard
For the second year in a row, Perrin will offer Bash Your Own Backyard take-home kits. Can’t make it to the celebration? We’ve got you covered. The Bash Your Own Backyard box includes:
6-pack of Bashtoberfest
Two cups
Two koozies
Nothing Bundt Cake
Spotify Playlist of the Bands
Surprises from Vendors
Stickers and pin
Each box costs $28.99, and can be preordered online here. Boxes can be picked up from the Pub September 21-26 during Pub hours.
Senior Marketing Manager, Lindsey VanDenBoom said, “The Pub is a community-focused spot, and every year we look forward to putting on this fun backyard party for all of our friends and neighbors. We’re making up for missing last year’s bash, so bring your dancing shoes and come ready to party!”
