Barges moving steadily downstream, the low rumble of a train crossing the bridge, a sip of sweet tea (or bourbon) here and there. In Henderson, the days unfold without much hurry, and that’s part of our charm. If we were planning a weekend getaway without the rush, this is precisely how we’d spend it.
This three-day itinerary brings together some of our favorite escapes, including:
- Strolling the Downtown Riverwalk
- Sipping local bourbon and biting into Western Kentucky barbecue
- Exploring John James Audubon State Park and the Sloughs Wildlife Management Area
- Enjoying Kentucky wine and French-inspired cuisine at Farmer & Frenchman
And more…
Day One
Arriving in Our Rivertown
After settling into your overnight stay, begin downtown along the riverfront. Park the car and take a stroll through Audubon Mill Park, sit on a bench, and watch barges glide along the Ohio River. Take some time to spot a train ride along the railroad bridge.
Sip on Some Bourbon
For dinner, we would stay close to the riverfront at Cap & Cork. Enjoy riverfront views and one of the largest allocated bourbon collections in western Kentucky.
Sit outside if the weather allows, or head upstairs for a wider view of the water. For an appetizer, we suggest the bone marrow butter with rolls or the Tex-Mex eggrolls! While waiting for your entree, sip some local Kentucky bourbon like Rhythm River Distillery or Silk Velvet Whiskey. After dinner, stroll the quiet downtown streets or return to your hotel and enjoy an early night in.
Day Two
Breakfast Like a Local
Metzger’s Tavern is the oldest continuously operating tavern in Kentucky, and it’s a Henderson classic. Breakfast is served until 10:30 am, making it an easy first stop of the day. Order the good old Southern biscuits and gravy, or go a little bolder with the Cowboy Hash.
Explore a Kentucky State Park
Point yourself toward John James Audubon State Park. Explore wooded trails, find hidden gnomes, and visit a museum filled with Audubon history.
From there, continue to the Audubon Wetlands Boardwalk Trail. Walk through the forest. Spot wetland wildflowers, birds, and the occasional river otter, if you’re lucky enough.
Western Kentucky Barbecue
When hunger sets in, lean into a Western Kentucky classic: barbecue. Here, barbecue is cooked low and slow. Henderson is known for its mutton, a regional specialty you will not find at most barbecue joints across the country. Local pitmasters take real pride in the craft, and lunchtime often turns into a happily belt-loosening affair. You can find local BBQ joints here.
After lunch, let the afternoon remain open. Wander downtown and step into Gallery 101 or the nearby historic Carnegie library with a beautiful Rotunda Mural.
Wine & Dine
As the day winds down, end it outside city limits at Farmer & Frenchman. Enjoy a glass of estate-grown wine, share a farm-to-fork meal, and watch the sky change color as the sun sets and the stars shine over the vineyard.
Leaving Town?
A Morning Stop at Golden Glaze Bakery
Before you head back home, try a Henderson staple for over 60 years: Golden Glaze Bakery, which makes fresh doughnuts daily and serves freshly ground coffee and in-house-baked cinnamon bread. A classic breakfast stop before your final day in Henderson, Kentucky.
Explore the Path Less Paddled
And if you’re still looking to get away from it all, head to Sloughs Wildlife Management Area. This quiet stretch of wetlands is filled with cypress trees and wildlife you can’t see in many other places in Kentucky. If you desire absolute isolation, bring your kayak and explore the slough system by paddle.
Move at a Henderson Pace
Henderson offers the space to Discover Your Nature. In a world that often encourages a faster pace and fuller schedules, Henderson invites you to slow down and take it all in.
Plan your visit and book your stay, here.
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