Why I love where I live – Bowling Green

Bowling Green has been my home for a little over 9 years now. I never thought I’d end up in the “College Town of BG.” But here I am loving this town and all it has to offer. My husband grew up in Bowling Green. When we met his warning to me was. “I plan on starting a family and moving back to my hometown.” Well, after year 1 of dating my husband we bought a house and started our life here in good ‘ole BG.

As a young mom, I love that both the city and the University host activities and events throughout the year for my kids. If there is one thing I can promise a new family looking to move to Bowling Green it is that your kids will never bored. From sports programs to music lessons, you can almost always find something here in town.

Schools

Bowling Green has so many options when it comes to choosing a school for your child. I’m sure you have seen the struggles we have been facing over the last few years as a School District. But, Bowling Green as a town is Proud. We love and care about the kids in all the buildings: public or private. Our teachers work hard and as a parent I love them for that!

We have 3 of our 5 (almost 6) kids attending BGCS now, an 8th, 5th, and 2nd grader. Our 5-year-old starts Kindergarten this coming fall, and she is beyond excited to go to school with the other kids.

Each Elementary offers before and after-school programming called STARS to help working parents out. The after-school program is designed to help kids get their homework done, participate in enrichment activities, and improve reading and math skills. Our older two kids were in this after-school program and loved being a part of it.

Local Schools

• Conneaunt Elementary (PreK-5)
• Kenwood Elementary (K-5)
• Crim Elementary (K-5)
• Bowling Green Middle and High School (6-12)
• Bowling Green Christian Academy (PreK-12)
• St Aloysius School (PreK-8)
• Sleek Academy (K-12)
• Montessori School of Bowling Green (K-8)

Bowling Green State University

The excitement of a Falcon game is always a good reminder that we aren’t the only people living in Bowling Green. Now, I know what some of you may be thinking. “Oh gosh, college kids? No way that can be good for a town!” And honestly, some days I would agree. But, so many of our local businesses rely on the students to run their shops on a day-to-day basis. I know my kids and their Daycare have had the chance to work with some amazing Education major students. My mother-in-law runs an assisted living home here in town and many of her employees are students at BGSU.

A part of the Community

Not only does the school provide the town with amazing workers, it also provides our kids and locals the chance to be a part of the learning experience before college. BGSU runs weekly summer camps for kids ages 5-12 and offers summer programs for pre-college-aged kids. Some of the programs are offered to Elementary and Middle school kids as well!

As a hockey family, we selfishly love having access to the players and coaches because we are a smaller community. I know all the athletes here at BGSU have spent time with our local kids in the sports arena and in a classroom setting. I love that my kids get to meet players and coaches from around the States and around the world!

Parks and Rec

Growing up I never knew Bowling Green was such a family town. The Parks and Rec offer the town many options when it comes to getting your kids outside and active. Shelter house rentals for family cookouts and parties are always a fun time in our city parks too. We were so excited when we hear Bowling Green was getting a new inclusive playground. With the warmer months ahead of us we can’t wait to see more of our friends enjoying this new addition to our town!

Our community pool offers swim lessons and early members only swim hours, plus we have a great splash pad that my kids grew up on! Many local daycares love spending an hour or two during the summertime for school-aged kids to be able to have some summer fun too.

Fitness for All

I am a health and wellness enthusiast and love that Bowling Green has a gym option for every BODY! From Planet Fitness down to our Newest gym addition to the town FitBody Bootcamp, you are sure to find the perfect fit for your schedule.

The Bowling Green Community Center is more than just a gym, they also have year-round sports programs and leagues for all ages. Our family has been a part of their Volleyball, and Tennis programs for years. Make sure to check out what they are offering this Summer!

Eats and Drinks

Bowling Green has always been known for its local pizza spots. Campus Pollyeyes, Pisanellos Pizza, are two of our family favorites, and if you were lucky enough to get Myles pizza before they retired and headed down south you know how good it was! But, BG’s dinner scene is so much more than a college pizza! With our downtown getting the outdoor parklets up more restaurants are able to extend their dining experiences. A few of our family go-to spots are Sunset Bistro, Becketts, Juniper, and Trotters. If your family is more of a breakfast family you have to try Everyday People, Kermits, or Falcon Family.

Adults Only

Here in town, we have not one, not two, but FOUR breweries! Most weeknights you can always find a good food truck parked outside any of the 4 breweries. Brewing Green is a nice walk from downtown, but close enough to still feel like you are in the heart of the town. Aryln’s Good Beer has an amazing outdoor seating area and live music for summer and fall nights! They are also the host of the newest attraction in Bowling Green, BG Pedal Bike.

Juniper is a newer brewery that also doubles as a coffee and breakfast spot. During week nights name that tune is always a hit and their live music always brings in a fun crowd. Aistear Brewing is a hidden gem, hosting live music, and comedians, and always has the best food trucks.

Bowling Green is also a DORA friendly town.

Fun For All

Hands down the best thing about Bowling Green is our festivals. The Farmers Market. Black Swamp. FireFly Nights. The Wood County fair and the many Vendor shows they host throughout the year. And of course, The National Tractor Pulls.

Every third Friday June and July FireFly Nights is the only place to be in NWO. Local artist are able to showcase their talents. Food trucks fill up the huntington parking lot. Kids are able to dance in the streets to local musicians, make chalk masterpieces, and then head over to the recently opened green space for bounce houses, popcorn and an outdoor movie!

The Black Swamp Arts Festival has been around as long as I have been! Celebrating it’s 30th year I have no doubt that this year will be a good one. If I had to describe the Black Swamp to someone who has never been I would use the words; Music, Art, Food. The Black Swamp Fest is something I think everyone in NWO needs to experience. Your kids will love all the hands on activities and art projects they can do throughout the weekend. The tie dye Black Swamp Tees my kids have collected over the last 8 years are never allowed to be donated because they love them so much.

See you soon

Bowling Green is our home and we would love to share the town with everyone! I couldn’t imagine raising our kids anywhere else. There is so much more I could add to this blog post but I really think you should come check out BG for yourself. If you’re looking for good food, community, a fun date night I hope you consider my hometown, Bowling Green.