Traveling Through Time and Cultures in Bowling Green, Ohio

Heading to Bowling Green, Ohio? Knowing where to stay can be your biggest decision of a trip. Most of us realize that not all lodging experiences are created equal. The places that make us feel welcomed and give that cozy feeling are the ones that create a vacation that ranks high on our lists.

The Refreshing Mid Century Modern Airbnb does just that. The owner goes above and beyond. The little touches of convenience, along with pops of era décor, create a wonderful vibe.

We were graciously hosted for a girls’ overnight excursion. This was our launching ground for exploring Bowling Green. It is here, in northwest Ohio, that we found a quintessential All-American town with decades of history and culture intertwined.

Bright and colorful with Mid Century decor

Refreshing Mid Century Modern Lodging

To dive a little deeper into our lodging, follow along through the carousel of pictures that highlight some of the home’s features.

Overview of this Mid Century Modern home:

  • 3 bedrooms (2 queen, 2 twin)
  • 1 bathroom
  • Dining area
  • Fully equipped kitchen
  • Fenced in backyard patio which includes: table/chairs, firepit and hammock
  • Basement is stocked with board games, fitness area, foosball, and Xbox 360 w/racing wheel

The little details are so appreciated.

  • A personalized welcome sign when you walk in.
  • Notes in the kitchen.
  • Outlets attached to the bedside stand.
  • Nostalgic key ring.

These are just a few of the thoughtful touches found throughout the home.

A person can stay here, eat in, and be completely entertained. It’s a wonderful getaway destination. Whether you grew up in the 1960s or just find the nostalgia entertaining, you’ll love being immersed.

But then again, the town is so cute! So, let’s explore.

Food in Bowling Green, Ohio

Kabob It

Our first cultural flavor comes from a Lebanese menu. Kabob It serves flavorful platters that are not only good but good for you. We ordered their most popular dishes: Chicken Kabob Platter and Loaded Gyro Fries. Both were very tasty!

We could tell this business is very involved in the BG community by the signs and flyers hanging around the restaurant. With a slogan like ‘Spread hommous not hate’ you can concur that they are aiming for a community that works together for the good of all. You can even purchase t-shirts with this slogan.

Kabob It 132 E. Wooster St. Bowling Green, OH 43402

Eric’s Ice Cream Factory

Made in house, this creamy ice cream is packed with tastiness. You can go traditional, seasonal or crazy with the variety of flavors available. Here are a few to get your tastebuds geared up: s’mores, pina colada, twinkie, Oreo coffee, and Boston cream pie. You MIGHT just have to go for that triple scoop after all!

Eric’s Ice Cream Factory 215 E. Wooster Bowling Green, Ohio

Myla Marcus

It’s so inspiring to hear stories from business owners explaining their ‘why’. A person has no idea what lies ahead in life. We have no idea how what we are doing today is going to impact and build on what will happen months and even years from now.

The owner of Myla Marcus had no idea what a positive impact his best friend and his dog would have on his future wine business. But here he is, thriving in downtown Bowling Green. The bottle labels and name play ode to the two major influencers. Inside, you’ll find many handcrafted items for sale made by family members, along with local honey harvested by a family member as well.

Myla Marcus is a proud supporter of local artists. With a gallery style look, multiple works of art are on display for ambiance and purchase. It’s a great collaboration that leads to diverse conversations.

Myla Marcus Winery 133 S Main St. Bowling Green, Ohio

Grounds for Thought

Being a college town, you can imagine that there is no shortage of caffeine. What sets Grounds for Thought apart from the other coffee shops is the additional shopping and seating area. After you order your favorite drink, you can head back to the tables and chairs where you will be surrounded by used books, vinyl records and 8-tracks. This coffee shop attracts not just college students working on their computers but all ages from the community. You’ll see elderly men putting a puzzle together, middle-aged women chatting away, and young children bellied up to a good book.

You can bring in your gently used books and records and receive store credit to acquire new titles to take home with you. Everything is neatly displayed. It’s a great concept for community connection and environmental responsibility. On top of that, they serve their drinks in real mugs!

Grounds for Thought 133 W. Wooster St. Bowling Green, Ohio

Pisanello’s

As with caffeine, pizza tops the list as a must-have for college students. Pisanello’s has been a Bowling Green staple since the 1970s. While you wait for your pizza to cook, you can play some classic old school games: Ms. Packman and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles pinball.

Pisanello’s 203 N. Main St. Bowling Green, Ohio

The Stones Throw Tavern & Grill

Adding to the mix of international flavors is The Stone’s Throw Irish pub. Hearty meals are served in a full restaurant setting adjacent to a typical Irish tavern. This is your chance to try some flavors of Ireland or reminisce over a past trip abroad. The pasties passed our flavor inspection. Yum!

The Stones Throw Tavern & Grill 176 E. Wooster Bowling Green, Ohio

Fun Times in Bowling Green’s Downtown

Ben’s

Did you shop at a Ben Franklin’s back in the day? If so, you’ll remember the wonderful variety of practically everything for the home. Well, here’s your chance to relive those memories and do some hearty shopping at the same time. Now called Ben’s, this store is almost like walking back in time yet with all the popular items of the day. The candy counter is just a big and plentiful as ever with classic and new sugary items to tempt your palette.

Ben’s 154 S. Main St. Bowling Green, Ohio

Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em

Oh, what fun we had at Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em. We’re still no better at Mario Cart than we were 20+ years ago, but it’s just as fun now as it was then. We donned our Mario and Luigi hats and had a ball playing all of the retro arcade games. It’s a workout and a pile of laughs all in one – what could be better?!

Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em also sells an extensive variety of video games from Atari to current editions. The arcade games are for sale as well and they are always changing.

Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em 192 S. Main St. Bowling Green, Ohio

Eden Fashion Boutique

Beautiful and stylish clothing greet you from the outside window display all the way to the back of the store. The variety at Eden’s is a fashion diva’s dream. Along with chic clothing, they offer silly stickers, candles, jewelry and other small gift items. It’s a great place to find those one-of-a-kind outfits and gifts.

Eden Fashion Boutique 186 S. Main St. Bowling Green, Ohio

Murals

Throughout the downtown area, you’ll come across a variety of murals. Some can be found on the main strip. Others are tucked in down an alley or on the back of buildings. The hunt is all part of the fun. While walking the downtown, keep looking up and across the street. The variety of architectural details are quite amazing. A lot of combinations not typically found in downtowns of this age.

Destination: Bowling Green, Ohio

Between a wonderful stay at the Mid Century Modern home, great food at every turn and a long list of downtown entertainment, our visit to Bowling Green was quite fulfilling. It’s so nice to visit a community that shows its pride through collaboration and dedication to each other. The end product is a great atmosphere for those who live there and those who visit.

So, the next time you’re going on a college visit, looking for a getaway destination or simply visiting the area, know that all of these treasures await.

Looking for additional Ohio destinations, click on the following articles:

Tuscarawas County

Middletown

Amish Country

Looking for lodging that makes for a destination as well? Here you go!

Tennessee

Yurt

Hilton Head

A big thank you to the owners of the Bowling Green businesses that hosted our visit and made us feel welcome. Midwest hospitality at its best!

As with all articles, opinions are my own and I only write about what I experience.

Follow along on my Facebook and Instagram accounts for all the latest travel tips, ideas and inspiration.

bountifulblessingstravelblog

Many passions fill my life but my family, friends and travel top the list by far. Combining them, or at least two of the three, makes it even better! I love being home and working in my garden but the urge to see and experience something new is always bubbling to the top. I love the researching part of planning a trip almost as much as the actual experience. I also like the challenge of seeing what kind of deals I can get so money is left over for even more trips!