4 minute read
Weekend Getaway: Bowling Green
BY ANNIE LUST
It’s hard to think of anything but the university when you hear the words Bowling Green, but you don’t want to overlook the lively city itself. At its founding in 1832, Bowling Green was part of a massive wetland called the Great Black Swamp. Initially, the city’s growth was slow because of the difficult marsh conditions, but the wetlands were drained in the 1850s, allowing a bustling town to grow. Today, BG offers something for everyone — from the foodie to the history buff. Events, parades and plenty of local attractions make this a delightful destination for a mini vacation.
EXPLORE: There is so much variety in the fun things to do in Bowling Green Snook’s Dream Cars is a must-see for car or history enthusiasts It features a recreated 1940s-era Texaco gas station, a showroom of extensive automobile memorabilia and a car collection presented within period scenes ranging from a 1930s general store to a racetrack from the 1960s Visit Carter Historic Farm, a Depression-era working farm and living history center, to experience rural agricultural life in the 1930s and 1940s Bowling Green is a haven for winter sports, offering both Slater Family Ice Arena, where you can skate, play or watch hockey, and Black Swamp Curling Center, where anyone, young or old, can try their hand at curling The university offers no shortage of exciting things to do, but one of the most interesting is the Bowling Green State University Planetarium . The 114-seat public science theater offers a 40-foot dome with video that can immerse you in the cosmos The city hosts two nationally known events in warmer months: the National Tractor Pulling Championships in August and the Black Swamp Arts Festival in September.
PRAY: St. Aloysius Parish has served the community since its founding in 1881 The original church, built by local farmers in the 1880s, became too small soon after Bowling Green State University was founded in 1910 In 1926, the current Spanish Gothic church was dedicated Visit stalbg org for Mass times and events . St. Thomas More, the parish serving Bowling Green State University, has roots stretching back much further than 1968 when it became a parish A Catholic apostolate was present on BGSU’s campus as early as 1916 Encouraged by the St Aloysius pastor, the Newman Club gathered for faith enrichment and eventually, St Thomas More Parish was founded Today, they proudly serve the students of Bowling Green, “Drawing in and sending out disciples with the heart of Jesus Christ ” Visit sttomsbg org, for more information.
SHOP: Unique and interesting stores are a staple of Bowling Green Just take a look in the beloved Bowling Green shop, Ben’s It began as an old-fashioned variety store in 1976 and evolved into several specialty stores under one roof, including crafts, toys and fudge . Rock ’em Sock ’em Retro not only sells video games and comics, but the store also has a coin-operated arcade! Book lovers should stop by Grounds for Thought, the charming shop where you can sip coffee and flip through your favorite book For Keeps Gifts is the perfect place to purchase a unique gifts; it’s impossible to leave empty-handed
EAT & DRINK: A perfect morning in Bowling Green begins at Novel Blends . This charming coffee shop offers delicious drinks and baked goods in a warm and cozy atmosphere where patrons can linger while listening to music or reading . And lunch options are plentiful, but you will not regret trying the stuffed bread sticks at Campus Pollyeyes If pizza is not what you want, try the french onion soup at Easy Street Cafe For dinner, you cannot find better food and service than Sam B’s The eclectic and ever-changing menu offers many delights Visit Clay Pot Bistro for a mouth-watering chicken piccata or a creamy mushroom risotto.
