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.
Vegan and vegetarian doesn’t have to be boring. Hard to believe? Then check-out The Spicy Plant-Based Cookbook. Featuring 200 easy-to-make, plant-based recipes that transforms everyday meals from “blah” to “bam,” this book is perfect not only for vegan and vegetarian eaters but for anyone wanting to increase the number of plants into their diet and are looking to kick things up a notch by adding spicy flavors.
From Jalapeno Hash Browns to Mango Chili Sorbet, this book has recipes for every meal of the day and also includes a beginner-friendly guide to the plant-based diet (plant-based is plant-forward, but doesn’t necessarily require followers to cut all animal product options).
Here are some recipes to try.
Bourbon and Chili Brownies
yields 12 big brownies
This recipe yields dense, chewy brownies with spicy hints of chili and bourbon. Sprinkle extra chili powder on top after baking for extra heat.
4 ounces vegan chocolate, roughly chopped
1 stick vegan margarine, softened and cut into small cubes
1 cup granulated sugar
Egg replacer equivalent to 2 eggs
1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1⁄4 cup bourbon
1⁄2 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1⁄8 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1⁄2 teaspoon ancho chili powder
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8″ square baking pan.
In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate and margarine. Microwave 20 seconds at a time until melted; stir until smooth. (You can also melt the chocolate and margarine in a small saucepan on the stove over low heat.)
Transfer chocolate mixture to a large bowl. Add sugar and stir to combine.
Add egg replacer and stir until smooth. Add vanilla and bourbon, then stir.
Add flour, salt, cinnamon, and chili powder. Stir gently until smooth.
Pour mixture into prepared baking pan and bake for 20–25 minutes, until just set in the middle and a toothpick stuck in the center comes out clean.
Let brownies cool before cutting.
Per Brownie
Serves 2
Calories: 218 | Fat: 11g | Sodium: 31mg
Cajun Tempeh Po’Boy
This hot and spicy recipe makes two very large sandwiches, so bring your appetite—or you can save some for later.
1 (13-ounce) package tempeh, cut into small, bite-sized squares
1⁄2 cup olive oil
5 medium cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 medium yellow onion, peeled and chopped
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
1 medium loaf French baguette, sliced crosswise and then lengthwise in half
2 cups shredded lettuce
2 medium tomatoes, cored and sliced
In a 4-quart slow cooker, combine all ingredients except bread, lettuce, and tomatoes. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours.
Assemble the sandwiches on bread by layering the tempeh, lettuce, and tomatoes.
Note: All “dressed” up
Traditional New Orleans po’boys are served either plain or dressed. Dressed means it’s topped with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and mayonnaise, but you can substitute Vegenaise to keep the sandwich vegan.
Mango-Citrus Salsa
Yields 2 cups
Salsa has a variety of uses, and this recipe adds color and variety to your usual chips and dip or Mexican dishes. Garnish with extra chopped cilantro and enjoy with tortilla chips.
1 medium mango, peeled, pitted, and chopped
2 medium tangerines, peeled and chopped
1⁄2 medium red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and chopped
1⁄2 medium red onion, peeled and minced
3 medium cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1⁄2 medium jalapeno pepper, stemmed, seeded, and minced
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Gently toss to mix well.
Allow to sit for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend. Store any leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
These decadent cream-filled rich Belgian chocolates in the shape of beavers are more than just a gag gift–they’re a delicious candy with a sly sense of humor. A box of six contains three dark chocolate filled with rum truffle and three milk chocolate with champagne cream. It’s the perfect blend of adult humor, liquor, and indulgence, check out the Cream-Filled Beavers by Liquor Whaaat?!
Using the finest Belgian chocolates and freshest cream fillings, these craft candies taste as good as they look.
“If it doesn’t have cheesecake in it, it should” is the baking motto that Jocelyn Brubaker lives by. Over the years, she has baked thousands of cheesecakes and challenged herself to work cheesecake into any and every dessert for the millions of readers who try and trust the recipes on her blog.
Now, in her debut cookbook, Jocelyn will show you all the wild and wonderful ways you can go beyond traditional cheesecake. You’ll find creative and mouthwatering cheesecake desserts like:
* Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Brownies * Cookies-and-Cream Cheesecake-Stuffed Strawberries * Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Cookie Bars * Marshmallow S’mores Cheesecake * Apple Crumb Cheesecake Pie
With over 75 delicious recipes, dozens of easy-to-use baking tips, gorgeous color photos, and Jocelyn’s warmth and bubbly personality on every page, this cookbook will become the go-to source for all things cheesecake, perfect for new and experienced bakers alike. With Jocelyn by your side in the kitchen, every dessert can become a blank canvas for a little cheesecake love.
About the Author
JOCELYN BRUBAKER is the baker, photographer, and writer behind the popular blog Inside BruCrew Life, which she started in 2008. Jocelyn’s recipes regularly appear on Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post, and Cosmopolitan.com, among other sites.
Orange Cream Cheese Cheesecake
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN MAKING THIS ORANGE CREAM CHEESECAKE RECIPE:
Make sure you set your cream cheese out ahead of time. It’s so much easier to beat it when it is softened.
Toast the macadamia nuts in a skillet for a few minutes, then let them cool before pulsing them in a food processor. Just do not over pulse the nuts, or you will end up with macadamia butter.
Place a large baking sheet on the very bottom rack in your oven. Fill it halfway with water and let it heat up. This creates a steam effect as the cheesecake bakes. No water baths ever happen in my kitchen!
Do not over mix the cheesecake batter because it will add air bubbles into the batter which could cause cracks as it bakes.
When the cheesecake comes out of the oven the second time, let it cool for 5 minutes, then run a knife around the edge. This loosens the cheesecake from the pan, so it doesn’t crack as it cools.
For the Crust:
1 ½ cups chopped macadamia nuts
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup melted butter
For the Cheesecake
1 – 10 ounce can mandarin oranges
3 – 8 ounce packages cream cheese
1 cup sugar
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
1 teaspoon vanilla
¼ cup flour
3 eggs, beaten slightly
Zest of 1 large navel orange
For the Topping
1 ½ cups sour cream
2 Tablespoons sugar
2 Tablespoons fresh squeezed navel orange juice (from orange that was zested)
1 – 8 ounce container Cool Whip, thawed
maraschino cherries with stems, patted dry
1 navel orange cut into small segments
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place a piece of parchment paper on the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan.
Place the macadamia nuts in a skillet and toast over medium heat for a few minutes. Remove and dump the nuts onto a tray to cool completely. Once cool place the nuts in a food processor and pulse until they are finely chopped. Do not over pulse and create butter.
Mix together the chopped nuts, crumbs, and butter. Press firmly in the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8 minutes. Remove and let cool.
Place a large baking sheet on the bottom rack of the oven and fill it halfway with water. Let the oven reheat to 350 degrees.
Drain the can of mandarin oranges very well. Place the orange segments onto paper towels to drain even more. Cut each segment in half and press with a paper towel. Set aside.
Beat the cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Add the sour cream, orange juice concentrate, vanilla, and flour and beat again.
Add the eggs and beat again until mixed in. Do not over beat the mixture. Gently stir in the orange zest and mandarin orange pieces.
Pour the batter onto the prepared crust. Place the pan on the oven rack directly above the pan of water. Bake for 55 minutes.
While the cheesecake is baking, whisk together the sour cream, sugar, and orange juice. Place in refrigerator.
When the cheesecake is finished baking, remove from the oven and spread the sour cream mixture evenly on the top of the cheesecake. Bake another 5 minutes, then remove and place on a wire rack.
Let the cheesecake cool 5 minutes, then run a knife around the edges of the cheesecake to loosen the sides from the pan. Let the cheesecake cool for 2 hours on the wire rack, then place it in the refrigerator to chill completely.
Loosen and remove the springform pan sides. Gently lift up the cheesecake and remove the parchment paper. Place the cheesecake on a serving plate.
Use a piping bag and icing tip 1M to swirl Cool Whip around the top of the cheesecake. Top each swirl with a maraschino cherry or orange piece.
Chocolate Cookies and Cream Cheesecake
Crust
8 Oreo cookies with filling
2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
Cheesecake
2 8-ounce packages cream cheese room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
▢4 ounces bittersweet baking chocolate melted
2 large eggs
Mousse
1 8-ounce package cream cheese room temperature
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 8-ounce container Cool Whip thawed
20 mini Oreo Cookies with Filling
Instructions
Place a large rimmed baking sheet onto the bottom rack of the oven. Fill halfway with waterPreheat the oven to 350° F. and line a cupcake pan with paper liners. Line 8 wells of a second cupcake pan with paper liners as well.
Crust
Place the Oreo cookies into a food processor and pulse until they become fine crumbs.
In a medium bowl, mix together the butter and the cookie crumbs. Evenly distribute the crumb mixture into the cupcake liners. Press the crumbs down firmly.
Cheesecake
In a mixer, beat the cream cheese until creamy. Scrape down the sides and add the sugar. Beat again until smooth.
Add the sour cream and vanilla and beat again until well incorporated.
Pour in the melted chocolate and mix thoroughly.
Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat well after each addition. Fully incorporate the eggs and be sure to not overbeat the batter.
Evenly distribute the batter over the cookie crusts. Place the cupcake pans on the oven right directly above the tray full of water. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes.
Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Cool the cheesecakes in the pan for 10 minutes.
Gently remove the cheesecakes from the pan and place them on the wire rack. Cool for 1 hour and refrigerate for 2-3 hours or until completely chilled.
Mousse
Beat the cream cheese until creamy. Scrape down the sides and add the sugar and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
In a food processor, pulse the 7 regular size Oreos until they are crumbs.
With a rubber spatula, gently fold the Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture. Then gently stir in the cookie crumbs.
Using a piping bag and a 1M icing tip, swirl the mousse onto the top of the cheesecakes. Top each one with a mini Oreo cookie.
“If it doesn’t have cheesecake in it, it should” is the baking motto that Jocelyn Brubaker lives by. Over the years, she has baked thousands of cheesecakes and challenged herself to work cheesecake into any and every dessert for the millions of readers who try and trust the recipes on her blog.
Now, in her debut cookbook, Jocelyn will show you all the wild and wonderful ways you can go beyond traditional cheesecake. You’ll find creative and mouthwatering cheesecake desserts like:
* Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Brownies * Cookies-and-Cream Cheesecake-Stuffed Strawberries * Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Cookie Bars * Marshmallow S’mores Cheesecake * Apple Crumb Cheesecake Pie
With over 75 delicious recipes, dozens of easy-to-use baking tips, gorgeous color photos, and Jocelyn’s warmth and bubbly personality on every page, this cookbook will become the go-to source for all things cheesecake, perfect for new and experienced bakers alike. With Jocelyn by your side in the kitchen, every dessert can become a blank canvas for a little cheesecake love.
About the Author
JOCELYN BRUBAKER is the baker, photographer, and writer behind the popular blog Inside BruCrew Life, which she started in 2008. Jocelyn’s recipes regularly appear on Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post, and Cosmopolitan.com, among other sites.
Orange Cream Cheese Cheesecake
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN MAKING THIS ORANGE CREAM CHEESECAKE RECIPE:
Make sure you set your cream cheese out ahead of time. It’s so much easier to beat it when it is softened.
Toast the macadamia nuts in a skillet for a few minutes, then let them cool before pulsing them in a food processor. Just do not over pulse the nuts, or you will end up with macadamia butter.
Place a large baking sheet on the very bottom rack in your oven. Fill it halfway with water and let it heat up. This creates a steam effect as the cheesecake bakes. No water baths ever happen in my kitchen!
Do not over mix the cheesecake batter because it will add air bubbles into the batter which could cause cracks as it bakes.
When the cheesecake comes out of the oven the second time, let it cool for 5 minutes, then run a knife around the edge. This loosens the cheesecake from the pan, so it doesn’t crack as it cools.
For the Crust:
1 ½ cups chopped macadamia nuts
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup melted butter
For the Cheesecake
1 – 10 ounce can mandarin oranges
3 – 8 ounce packages cream cheese
1 cup sugar
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
1 teaspoon vanilla
¼ cup flour
3 eggs, beaten slightly
Zest of 1 large navel orange
For the Topping
1 ½ cups sour cream
2 Tablespoons sugar
2 Tablespoons fresh squeezed navel orange juice (from orange that was zested)
1 – 8 ounce container Cool Whip, thawed
maraschino cherries with stems, patted dry
1 navel orange cut into small segments
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place a piece of parchment paper on the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan.
Place the macadamia nuts in a skillet and toast over medium heat for a few minutes. Remove and dump the nuts onto a tray to cool completely. Once cool place the nuts in a food processor and pulse until they are finely chopped. Do not over pulse and create butter.
Mix together the chopped nuts, crumbs, and butter. Press firmly in the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8 minutes. Remove and let cool.
Place a large baking sheet on the bottom rack of the oven and fill it halfway with water. Let the oven reheat to 350 degrees.
Drain the can of mandarin oranges very well. Place the orange segments onto paper towels to drain even more. Cut each segment in half and press with a paper towel. Set aside.
Beat the cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Add the sour cream, orange juice concentrate, vanilla, and flour and beat again.
Add the eggs and beat again until mixed in. Do not over beat the mixture. Gently stir in the orange zest and mandarin orange pieces.
Pour the batter onto the prepared crust. Place the pan on the oven rack directly above the pan of water. Bake for 55 minutes.
While the cheesecake is baking, whisk together the sour cream, sugar, and orange juice. Place in refrigerator.
When the cheesecake is finished baking, remove from the oven and spread the sour cream mixture evenly on the top of the cheesecake. Bake another 5 minutes, then remove and place on a wire rack.
Let the cheesecake cool 5 minutes, then run a knife around the edges of the cheesecake to loosen the sides from the pan. Let the cheesecake cool for 2 hours on the wire rack, then place it in the refrigerator to chill completely.
Loosen and remove the springform pan sides. Gently lift up the cheesecake and remove the parchment paper. Place the cheesecake on a serving plate.
Use a piping bag and icing tip 1M to swirl Cool Whip around the top of the cheesecake. Top each swirl with a maraschino cherry or orange piece.
Chocolate Cookies and Cream Cheesecake
Crust
8 Oreo cookies with filling
2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
Cheesecake
2 8-ounce packages cream cheese room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
▢4 ounces bittersweet baking chocolate melted
2 large eggs
Mousse
1 8-ounce package cream cheese room temperature
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 8-ounce container Cool Whip thawed
20 mini Oreo Cookies with Filling
Instructions
Place a large rimmed baking sheet onto the bottom rack of the oven. Fill halfway with waterPreheat the oven to 350° F. and line a cupcake pan with paper liners. Line 8 wells of a second cupcake pan with paper liners as well.
Crust
Place the Oreo cookies into a food processor and pulse until they become fine crumbs.
In a medium bowl, mix together the butter and the cookie crumbs. Evenly distribute the crumb mixture into the cupcake liners. Press the crumbs down firmly.
Cheesecake
In a mixer, beat the cream cheese until creamy. Scrape down the sides and add the sugar. Beat again until smooth.
Add the sour cream and vanilla and beat again until well incorporated.
Pour in the melted chocolate and mix thoroughly.
Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat well after each addition. Fully incorporate the eggs and be sure to not overbeat the batter.
Evenly distribute the batter over the cookie crusts. Place the cupcake pans on the oven right directly above the tray full of water. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes.
Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Cool the cheesecakes in the pan for 10 minutes.
Gently remove the cheesecakes from the pan and place them on the wire rack. Cool for 1 hour and refrigerate for 2-3 hours or until completely chilled.
Mousse
Beat the cream cheese until creamy. Scrape down the sides and add the sugar and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
In a food processor, pulse the 7 regular size Oreos until they are crumbs.
With a rubber spatula, gently fold the Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture. Then gently stir in the cookie crumbs.
Using a piping bag and a 1M icing tip, swirl the mousse onto the top of the cheesecakes. Top each one with a mini Oreo cookie.
