Russell Tourism Takes Flight with Its First Ever Wings Week

Russell Tourism Takes Flight

with Its First Ever Wings Week

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

Get ready to spread your wings – literally! Russell, Kentucky, is soaring into 2025 with its first-ever Wings Week, courtesy of the newly created Wander Russell Tourism Board. This exciting event is all about celebrating the charm of Russell, from its scenic riverfront and lush nature reserves to its one-of-a-kind small businesses.

As the town's new tourism board kicks into high gear, Diamond Lewis, the Chair of the Wander Russell Tourism Department, shared, “The City of Russell Tourism and Convention Commission board was created with two main goals. First, to highlight our city’s incredible features, events, and businesses to outside communities. Second, to design and implement future events that will boost tourism and bring more dollars into our local economy.” Lewis continued, “It takes teamwork from everyone in Russell and the surrounding areas. Whether it’s good or bad, what happens to our neighbors impacts all of us, so working together is crucial. We’re excited to be a part of what the future holds for all of us!”

One of the very first events on Wander Russell’s calendar is the kickoff of Wings Week – a full week dedicated to the boldest, tastiest, most creative wings in town! Wings Week kicked of this past Sunday and will through Feb. 9, dive into a whirlwind of flavor as you taste test unique wing recipes, stamp your passport, and enter for a chance to win big prizes like gas cards, gift cards to Dunham's Sports, and more!

This competition is guaranteed to get heated up as four businesses compete for a highly sought after “Golden Chicken Wing Trophy,” which will be awarded to the restaurant with the best wings in town! So, grab your passport, prepare your taste buds, and get ready for a wing-tastic adventure in Russell!

Take a look at the four-business participating in this first ever Wings Week …

Eridanus BrewingA family-run gem, Eridanus Brewing opened its doors in 2022 thanks to Justin & Kristen Matthews. But they didn’t stop there – they’ve teamed up with Dragonfly Outdoor Café to offer three beer-infused wing flavors you won’t find anywhere else. For even more fun, join them for Trivia on Wednesday and Bingo on Thursday as part of your wings journey!

Ghostly GourmetOwned by veteran Bobby Lege, Ghostly Gourmet made its way into Downtown Russell in 2023. Known for its delicious burgers, hot dogs, salads, and, of course, wings, this local favorite is all about comfort food with a twist. 

The Train Station

Bobby’s sister restaurant, which opened in 2024 and offers up tasty steaks, chicken, seafood, pasta, and – you guessed it – more wings!

Wings Etc.A Russell staple for six years, Wings Etc. is owned by local native Ray Davis. Known for its incredible variety of wing flavors – from sweet to spicy – this is the perfect spot to hang out during game days. Plus, there’s live music once or twice a month! Pro tip: Monday is 75-cent wing day, so if you’re a wing lover on a budget, this is the spot for you.

Here’s how to get in on the action:

1.  Grab a passport at any of the participating restaurants.

2.  Taste-test the delicious wing creations at each spot and get your passport stamped.

3.  Snap some photos of your wings and tag Wander Russell on social media for a chance to win awesome prizes, including gas cards, gift cards to Dunham's Sports, and local Russell businesses like West End Jewelry, Franklin & Doodles, and more!

With Super Bowl Sunday just around the corner, Wings Week is the perfect opportunity to try out the most mouthwatering wing recipes around. Who knows – you might just discover your new favorite flavor! So, what are you waiting for? Grab your friends, your appetite, and let the wing battle begin as you “Wander” around Russell during its first ever Wing Week!