31W Bypass

From the Barren River Bridge on the North to the southern city limits, 31W functioned as the first bypass around downtown Bowling Green. In the 1960s, it marked the eastern edge of the city. Growth is now out to the interstate, Scottsville road has become the main business artery, and 31W almost seems like the outer edge of "downtown," but the old state highway still has over a hundred businesses and its own share of good restaurants. As you circle around the city center, you can always glance up to your right and see "The Hill" and Western Kentucky University, the view in the photo above. The 31W bridge over the Barren River, built in 1930, is shown at right. When the water's right, kayakers like to run the drop, and the river is a favorite canoeing route. In the 1800s, paddlewheel steamboats came up from the Ohio River to Bowling Green. The city exists because this was the furthest upriver the boats could navigate, and their cargo and passengers had to be unloaded here. Other older bridges, both highway and railroad, have been updated and function now as pedestrian only walkways, as seen in the example upper right.

The Barnyard Cafe, which used to be called Murray's, is a favorite among Western Kentucky University students. It's a low key, down home 1950s style restaurant featuring all the dishes your mother used to fix. The ladies that work there get to know repeat customers by name and even learn what they usually order. It's a warm, personal atmosphere with reasonable prices and good food. They still make real mashed potatoes from real potatoes, and real gravy from scratch. The menu includes a lot of basics : Meat Loaf, Open Face Sandwiches, Chicken, Pot Roast and fresh from the oven pies. Whatever their Soup of the Day is, order a cup to get you started. Don't be surprised if at the next table several students have their books or laptops open and are working on assignments for their college classes as the waitresses refill their coffee cups.

The Country Mill has closed. The space is for sale. If a new restaurant opens there we'll leep you posted.

Judy's Castle has operated in its present location since 1967 and has just implemented a No Smoking policy, which offended some longtime patrons but pleased others. Realize this is a small restaurant with a large loyal clientele so seating is cramped, especially for breakfast. This is traditional Mid South cooking done very well. Many of the daily crowd insist Judy's serves the best breakfast in town, and the $5 special is the classic Eggs, Sausage, Hash Browns, Pancakes, Biscuits and Gravy. These are excellent biscuits, freshly made, light, fluffy and flavorful. Most locals consider Judy's Barbeque and Broasted Chicken their signature items, but they also have great Pork Chops and Catfish. Save room for dessert. Their Coconut and Chocolate Pies are famous all over town and the Banana Pudding is pretty good, too.

Zaxby's was born in 1990 when two basketball playing buddies decided their small town didn't have restaurants to suit them. They focus mainly on chicken fingers with fries. This combo comes in various platters and forms. There are four salads, each incorporating sliced chicken fingers with lots of greenery. Sides include wings, mushrooms, cheddar cheese bites, house fried tater chips, onion rings, celery, cole slaw and fried pickles. You have your choice of ten sauces ranked according to heat. If you think of meals as wars between you and your food, order the Insane Sauce. It's guaranteed to light your fire. Dessert is your choice of ice cold, purely ice cream milkshakes.