In between football games yesterday I read the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer. There was a story that especially caught my eye (and stomach). A retro ’50s diner is coming to downtown Owensboro and plans to open in time for Barbecue Fest (May 7-8). Is anything cooler than ’50s decor or the type of delicious food served in these types of diners?!
There’s a real buzz of excitement about our downtown area here in Owensboro, Kentucky. While we’re all still emotionally smarting over the Executive Inn, we have plenty to look forward to on our beautiful waterfront and downtown area. Bee Bops is the latest in a string of promising good times headed our way.
According to the story, Bee Bops will have a 32-foot counter with stools and counter service in addition to booths and table service. You can expect to see a lot of the colors and decor of the ’50s including walls decorated with James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, and Elvis Presley (for an example of how much I love these stars and others of their time, check out my Hollywood Yesterday blog). The floors will apparently be like something right out of Happy Days – black and white.
As for the main event… the food…. Bee Bops will serve old fashioned milk shakes, malts, root beer floats, limeade, and burgers.
I love the quote from the director of downtown development, Fred Reeves: “The downtown restaurants are anxious to have more places to eat down here. A rising tide lifts all boats.” The tide of anticipation is certainly rising in downtown Owensboro and the residents can’t wait to see it all play out.
Bee Bops will be located at 122 W. Second Street and I’ll be there drinking chocolate milkshakes as fast as they can make them.
I just added a new category here on Genuine Kentucky: Downtown Kentucky. What can I say? I’ve fallen head over heels in love with downtowns!
Downtowns are like comfort food, warm blankets, It’s a Wonderful Life, and coffee in your favorite mug. They’re a beautiful reminder of a simpler time. When grandparents strolled along, hand in hand, with their grandchildren, headed for the best ice cream cone in town. When young ladies stared into store windows picturing themselves in the bridal gowns on display. Where boys, of all ages, steamed up the glass of toy store windows!
When I visit a great downtown, I feel like Natalie Wood’s character in Miracle on 34th Street as she watched the Christmas parade – it’s complete rapture.
Our beautiful state of Kentucky features some remarkable downtowns and we plan to visit as many as possible. We’ll provide pictures, reviews, videos, and all the information you’ll need. We’ve added a few videos featuring downtown Paducah, Kentucky and I’m working on a video featuring Owensboro, Kentucky’s downtown – home sweet home. One of the crown jewels of our downtown, The Executive Inn, no longer shines brightly. It’s actually pretty sad to most of us, but make no mistake about it: There’s still plenty to love in downtown Owensboro, Kentucky!
If you know of a special downtown in Kentucky or would like to recommend a specific coffehouse, diner, shop, bakery, etc. that’s located downtown – please e-mail me at joisigers@aim.com. I absolutely love getting e-mails from all of you and appreciate the information you share.
I look forward to you joining us as we go downtown!
* The beautiful guy at the top of the post is my buddy, a gorgeous Bison statue (Into the Wind) near downtown Owensboro, Kentucky. The bison is one of my favorite animals, I think they are simply majestic and beautiful. I actually collect stuffed bison and bison figurines. As of now, the husband and our cats frown on the prospect of live bison in our yard. Eh, party poopers.
* The beauty below is Love Song. This amazing work of art graces Second Street in Owensboro, Kentucky. I drive out of my way when I’m in this area just to see Love Song – it’s just remarkable. It’s not a bison, but it’s remarkalbe nonetheless.
I’m glad someone didn’t listen when their mother said, “Don’t draw in the walls!” If you’ve never been to the riverfront in Downtown Paducah, Kentucky – you have to go. That’s all there is to it. Notice how I didn’t give you any options or present you with an “out..” Go if you get a chance or I hope you’ll visit Paducah Kentucky one day. No, none of that mansy pansy stuff.
You. Have. To. Go.
Downtown Paducah, Kentucky is an amazing place and you’ll love every little inch. The artistic walls along the riverfront are unlike anything I’ve ever seen – and I rode a public train once from Gary, Indiana to Chicago, Illinois once. Honey, I’ve seen it all.
