Since 2019, the Victory International Film Festival has aimed a spotlight on emerging talents and sent some onto bigger things — including the Academy Awards. Learn how the festival is making a name for itself far beyond the River City.
A Starring Role
Although Evansville was founded in 1812, it had an impact on the U.S. even before the revolution. From Native American tribal grounds to the fight for civil rights, learn how Evansville contributed to the American story.
An East Side home for sale six years ago reminded Joshua Armstrong of his native Southern California. He snatched up the Mission-style property and got to work turning the nearly century-old home into a Golden State-influenced jewel.
ON THE COVER To celebrate America’s semiquincentennial, Las Vegas, Nevada-based illustrator Ryan Olbrysh assembled images capturing Evansville’s various roles throughout U.S. history and gave them a patriotic hue. Check out the key on page 13. Illustration by Ryan Olbrysh
10 In Every Issue
From the Editor Happy Birthday, America -- 250 Looks Pretty Good on You ... Conversations with readers … Meet this issue’s contributors Where in the world is Evansville Living? … Subscriber Walter Wiandt covers both ends of Indiana … Vann Park remembers a cherished neighbor
19 The Bend
Otters baseball owner Bill Bussing goes to the mound for his team … Check out an original Declaration of Independence print in Bloomington, Indiana … Give a salute to Wabash Avenue of Flags … Regional botanical gardens are natural sights to behold … Rev your engine at an Indianapolis 500 exhibit … Prowl the great outdoors at the Interlake State Recreation Area … Kick up your heels with the International Folk Dancers Ireland and Holland aren’t as far away as you think … Set your schedule with our events calendar
75 Dwell
Art and gardening live in harmony in Valerie Settle’s backyard … Peek inside Mesker Park Zoo’s Family Garden … An outdoor oasis awaits at this Henderson Kentucky, home for sale … Sandy and Dave Schmitts’ English-style cottage gets a boost from manicured landscaping … A tribute to Isabella Sullivan, the city’s first female homebuilder … Learn the stories behind a trio of historic homes in Rockport, Indiana … Plus, don’t miss the Home of the Issue
89 Savor
Visit Alesia Flint’s home test kitchen … Frozen, sweet treats help beat the heat … Sip these boba-licious teas … Discover Bloomington’s global flavors
Tim Joyce offers a quirky, inside look at area eateries through Meals in a Snap … Wrap it up with our directory of area restaurants, eateries, and bars
136 Final Detail
Mark 50 years since the Four Freedoms Monument was installed on Riverside Drive
Sponsored Content
HENDERSON
Southern Hospitality
44 JUST FOR KIDS
The area has plenty of spots for children to learn, play, and explore
AFTER PAGE 48 VISIT HENDERSON, KENTUCKY
Discover dining, recreation, culture, and more in our city’s southern neighbor
109 DINE
Dig into the area’s newest cuisine, best restaurants, and most craveable menus
130 WNIN
Explore WNIN’s upcoming program highlights, guide listings, and stationwide happenings for August and September
Coming Soon
2026 BEST OF EVANSVILLE
Celebrate the best the River City has to offer, as chosen by voters and Evansville Living editors
EVANSVILLE’S AUTHORITY
The area’s experts on health care, service, and more share why they should be your first call
DRIVE: AUTOMOTIVE PREVIEW
Learn about the latest in automotive trends and services
Connecting People to the Natural World
Editor & Publisher
Kristen K. Tucker
President, Tucker Publishing Group, Inc.
Todd A. Tucker
Editorial
Jodi Keen
Managing Editor
John Martin
Senior Writer
Maggie Valenti
Staff Writer
Design
Laura Mathis
Creative Director
Sarah Morgason
Senior Graphic Designer
Lindsey McIntosh
Western Kentucky University Photography Fellow
Advertising
Jessica Hoffman
Senior Account Executive
Jackson Tucker Account Executive
Taylor Ayers
Sales and Marketing Coordinator
Digital
Maxwell Tucker
Digital Operations Manager
Distribution
Gregg Martin
Distribution Manager
Contributors
Pete Burzynski, Kelley Coures
Mitzi S. Morris, Rayn Olbrysh
Chanda Ramsey, Chuck Stinnett
Donna Stinnett, Audra Straw
Zach Straw, Timothy S. Weir July
SUBSCRIPTIONS
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CALENDAR ITEMS, COMMUNITY UPDATES, AND DINING GUIDE
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MISSION STATEMENT
The staff of Evansville Living strives to inform, instruct, amuse, and entertain our readers, helping them get the most out of living in Evansville and the surrounding area. With each issue, we provide a targeted audience of active, well-educated consumers for our advertisers. We look to positively chronicle the many unique aspects of living in Evansville and the Tri-State to benefit our community.
Happy Birthday, America — 250 Looks Pretty Good On You
This issue of Evansville Living is not designed to suggest how to celebrate the Fourth of July. There will be fireworks, flags, family gatherings, cookouts, parades, concerts, and no shortage of red, white, and blue to go around. The digital events guides we publish weekly in the Thursday newsletter Insider, as well as on our website, include all the regional semiquincentennial events. As our country marks its 250th birthday, we wanted to consider Evansville’s place in America’s story — how a Midwestern river city has reflected, contributed to, and been shaped by the nation. The feature package, “Our Chapter in the American Story” beginning on page 34, does a very good job of tracing the city’s footprint on U.S. history. The cover illustration by Las Vegas, Nevada-based artist Ryan Olbrysh and commissioned by Creative Director Laura Mathis ties it all together. (Please see the cover key on page 13 for details on Olbrysh’s illustration.)
In Evansville, as across the country, it was celebrated with ceremonies, school projects, patriotic programs, and the kind of community enthusiasm that lodges itself permanently in a child’s memory.
I remember collecting items, along with my Caze classmates, for a time capsule buried at the base of the Four Freedoms Monument in Downtown Evansville. (Please see Final Detail on page 136 for Kelley Coures’s reflections on the iconic monument.) Putting together this issue, I was determined to chase down the time capsule memory. What, exactly, had we contributed? What did grade school students in Evansville, Indiana, think should be preserved for the future in the bicentennial year? At the time, it was reported the time capsule would be opened in 2176.
This curiosity led me back to Caze. The network of retired teachers here is strong, and Becky Griepenstroh, a former Caze gym teacher and friend of mine and my mother, made some calls to locate a Caze 1976 yearbook. My mother, Mary Reeder, taught at Caze and was very organized and likely had the yearbook herself, which means I would have that copy in storage somewhere in my basement. After striking out — and not speaking with any fellow retired teachers who recalled the time capsule — Becky suggested I reach out to Caze Principal Kendra Renfrow and Media Aide Lindsey Schneider. Lindsey kindly met me at the school. When she came to Caze from Vogel three years ago, she was shown some storage tubs by the prior media aide and told to “guard them with her life.” I soon understood why. She showed me numerous tubs of carefully preserved archival items from the school’s history, dating back to its opening in 1926
(happy 100th birthday, Caze!), including the school’s yearbook from 1976.
For me, the approach of America’s 250th naturally takes me back to 1976 and the bicentennial. I was 12 years old, a sixth grader at Caze Elementary School, and I have vivid memories of the excitement surrounding America’s 200th birthday. kristenktucker
I did not find a reference to the time capsule. But I did have a marvelous stroll down memory lane. (And, to my great delight, the reminder that I won the Caze spelling bee that year!) The clearest memory I have about the bicentennial is from the neighborhood where I grew up, Greencove Acres, on the East Side. Bicentennial excitement was palpable for my patriotic mother, and she encouraged her daughters to organize an Independence Day parade. The Instamatic pictures she took that day make an annual appearance on the Fourth of July and continue to be sort of a glue that holds together the friends, now in their 50s and 60s, who rode their decorated bikes around the “D-shaped” neighborhood, perfect for a parade. We may not be in frequent touch, but we all feel we shared something very special, totally Americana.
Happy Independence Day!
As always, I enjoy hearing from you!
Kristen K. Tucker Publisher & Editor
Don’t forget to open the time capsule in 2176!
Thank you for all that your magazine does to share and show what a wonderful place Evansville is to live or visit. You do it beautifully!
– David and Chris Brown, Evansville
MAY/JUNE ISSUE
Most Beautiful Homes
Thank you so much for showing our home! The article was perfect. We feel very honored for you to have chosen our home to be in your magazine!
– Sandy Feagley, Evansville
Home Again
It’s a beautiful home! I loved reading about it and seeing the stunning photos.
– Phyllis Bussing via Facebook
It truly is beautiful. I was fortunate to work with Kay Cox and Kip Farmer. The wallpaper that was chosen I was lucky to help hang. It makes a bold fun statement in the pool house.
– Melinda Joy Mitchell via Facebook
More Than Cars
Thank you all so much for the opportunity to share Rick Vaal’s story. I had a great time learning all about cranks, shafts, and bearings! ... I hope your readers enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
– Janet Keller, Evansville
Devotion Without Borders
I enjoyed seeing your article on Father Jerry. You beautifully captured essential highlights of the book and Father. Thank you.
– Mary Ellen Ziliak, Evansville
CITY VIEW ISSUE
On The Cover
I was sent the recent cover of Evansville Living City View, our premier and beloved magazine. To my surprise and definitely to my delight, my sculpture, “Bend in the River,” is gracing the cover. Thank you for this wonderful honor!
– Amy Musia via Facebook
Joel and I are incredibly honored and grateful to have our family featured. A sincere thank you to Tucker Publishing Group, Inc., Kristen Tucker, Zach Straw, and the team behind Evansville Living for capturing our family.
– Jen Kerns via Facebook
Bethel Gresham, an Evansville resident who was among the first three Americans killed in action in World War I. 6. “Bend In The River,” Amy Musia’s sculpture depicting Evansville founder Hugh McGary and Col. Robert Morgan Evans. 7. William Miller plaque memorializing the original curator of the Evansville African American Museum. 8. Onlookers cheering for veterans at the May 2, 2026, welcome home parade for Honor Flight of Southern Indiana’s 20th mission. 9. 1976 bicentennial button from Margaret and Dennis Haire’s private collection. 10. 1943 Chrysler M4A4 Sherman Tank, named “Rosie’s Revenge,” on display at the Evansville Wartime Museum. 11. Civil War refugee camp historical marker near Haynie’s Corner. 12. Evansville Shipyard button. 13. Rosie the Riveters Betty Reynolds, Margaret Evans, and Woanetta Osborne, photographed in spring 2011. 14. Veterans Memorial Coliseum, designed by Clifford Shopbell & Company to honor veterans of the Civil War and Spanish-American War. 15. USS LST-325, the world’s last originally functioning landing ship-tank and now a memorial permanently docked in Evansville. 16. “E” pin. 17. 411-foot-by-210-foot American flag produced by Anchor Industries for the bicentennial in 1976. 18. Hydroplane from the races held each summer at the Freedom Festival.
Lindsey McIntosh
“Each person I have taken photographs for has been so kind and understanding. Evansville is a friendly city, and I’m delighted to be taking photos for this community.”
Hebron, Kentucky, native Lindsey McIntosh is a rising senior visual journalism/photography and journalism major at Western Kentucky University. Spot her work throughout this issue.
Pete Burzynski
“Being outdoors and interacting with the world around me is an essential part of my life; photojournalism is a way of sharing my journeys with others.”
Former Courier & Press writer Pete Burzynski enjoyed venturing into the world of off-roading at Interlake State Recreation Area. Read his story on page 24.
Donna and Chuck Stinnett
“The spirit of collaboration among community leaders, private businesses, and others is making this a better and more fulfilling place to live.”
Chuck and Donna Stinnett have been residents of Henderson, Kentucky, since 1980. The former longtime Gleaner newspaper writers’ insights on the southern city begin after page 48.
1. Col. Robert Morgan Evans, the city’s namesake. 2. Four Freedoms Monument, constructed from stone pillars at the former Chicago & Eastern Illinois train depot. 3. Korean War Memorial on Riverside Drive. 4. Hoosier Spirit II, a P-47 Thunderbolt built at the Republic Aviation plant. 5. James
COVER KEY
Seas The Day
Sam Garau and Courtney Garau of Evansville, Denise Oxby and Bill Oxby of Elberfield, Indiana, and Sammy Garau, Claire Holtz, Ali Garau, Emi Garau, and Sophia Zirkelbach enjoyed a spring break Caribbean cruise, along with the March/April issue.
Gold Bus is Priceless!
Veterans, guardians, and Gold Bus Captain Tonya Hanson were ready to show the City View issue the sights May 2 in Washington, D.C., during Honor Flight of Southern Indiana’s 20th mission. Eightysix veterans made the trip to the nation’s capital.
Italian Vistas
In March, Jacob, Amy, Hallie, and Tim Spurling of Evansville visited Sydney McClary of Newburgh (second from left) in Umbertide, Italy, during her physical therapy internship. The March/April issue joined them at Nikis Resort, a 1000s fortress re-envisioned as a modern resort.
The View From Up Top
During a March vacation to the Southeast, Senior Graphic Designer Sarah Morgason and the March/ April issue perched outside the quirky Dead Dog Saloon waterfront seafood restaurant in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.
Future Writers of America
Teacher Shanna Kelly’s yearbook students at North Posey Junior High School in Poseyville, Indiana, got a front-row seat to magazine production — and walked away with copies of City View — during a May visit to Evansville Living’s office.
SUBSCRIBER OF THE ISSUE
WALTER WIANDT
WALTER WIANDT is enjoying life on opposite ends of Indiana. The graduate of Central High School and Purdue University splits time between Evansville and Shipshewana since retiring from Mead Johnson Nutrition.
“A lot of people in Evansville have never heard of Shipshewana,” Wiandt says. “What I tell them is we are as close to Michigan as Evansville is to Kentucky. And a lot of people in Shipshewana don’t know about Evansville.”
Readers Ready to Rumble
Co-chairs Lola and Suzanne Perkett pose with the March/April issue in front of the crowd gathered in April for the 10th annual Battle of the Books reading competition for fourth and fifth graders at McCutchanville Elementary School.
Behind the Old Iron Curtain
Evansville resident and contributing writer Art Woodward and his wife, Monika, flipped through City View while visiting the Zwinger fortifications during a May vacation to the former East German city of Dresden, Germany.
While back in the River City, Wiandt catches up with a pair of former coworkers, and that’s where Evansville Living’s dining guide becomes indispensable. The trio chooses a restaurant starting with the next letter of the alphabet. They are on their second journey from A to Z; their recent selection for the letter “r” was Rooster’s Den in Newburgh. Wiandt also flips to the magazine’s stories about local homes — he looked forward to the May/June issue’s Most Beautiful Homes feature. “I’ve taken it for several years and enjoy getting the new editions, and seeing Evansville Business, too,” he says. – John Martin
To Another Dose of Sweetness
Vann Park dedicates a pavilion and a sign honoring Susan Haynie
By John Martin
Joy Payne, the Vann Park neighborhood “is just the sweetest little part of town,” and it’s been enriched by two recent additions: a pavilion available for activities and a sign dedicated to a cherished late resident.
The Vann Park Neighborhood Association raised $7,500 to build the pavilion and found partners in the JD Sheth Foundation, Evansville Parks Foundation, architect Sarah Schuler, Boyd Electric, local sheet metal workers, and Kight Home Center.
“We wanted to have a central covered location where we could set up a microphone and be the focal point of the park,” says Payne, vice president of the neighborhood association. It’s already shown its value hosting the Bunny Bonanza Easter egg hunt, yoga sessions, and neighborhood meetings this spring. It will be the epicenter Oct. 17 for the Neighbors Fest; launched in 2021, the day of family fun has become a signature event for Vann Park.
Along Vann Avenue, a new sign honors Susan Haynie, the longtime real estate agent who was slain Aug. 27, 2025, at her home two blocks away. The sign is one of many that have gone up in city parks;
For Payne, the sign and the pavilion reflect the neighborhood’s vibrant embrace of community, which Evansville Living spotlighted in the November/December 2025 issue. They “enhance what was already there, which was already really nice,” she says.
Vann Park’s was sponsored by former mayor Lloyd Winnecke and his real estate agent wife, Carol McClintock, both longtime friends of Haynie.
hether you’re splurging on something special, or enjoying a bottle over conversation with friends, The Wine Vault offers a fine selection of wine, craft beer, olive oil products, chocolate truffles, gifts, and accessories that everyone will love. Owners Holly and Scott Edmond and their staff are very knowledgeable about their products and provide excellent customer service when selecting the perfect wine. Visit the shop today and indulge in something unique.
We have wine dinners at local establishments: Products from Olive & Vine Oil Company: More than 40 premium Olive Oils and Balsamic Vinegars offered exclusively within The Wine Vault.
• Marida
• Sazón y Fuego
• Just Rennie’s
...And More
• Thai Bistro & Bar
The Bend
POINT OF VIEW
BASEBALL BOSS
A near-constant presence at Bosse Field — often with rolled-up shirtsleeves — Bill Bussing has been a hands-on owner of the Evansville Otters for 25 years, sustaining the city’s professional baseball industry on and off the diamond. The career attorney, now 70, talks about his retirement plans (hint: there are none), his thirst to win, and how the Otters are “trustees of a national treasure.”
The Bend
Leadoff Man
Bill Bussing steers Otters baseball with passion and purpose
How does Bosse Field fit in the American story?
Baseball is so intricately connected to who we are as a nation, and Bosse Field is a national landmark. I cannot tell you how many people come to see that stadium from all over. Maybe they’ve seen it in the movie. [“A League of Their Own” filmed at Bosse Field in 1991.] We get guests not just during the season, but in the off-season. I’m often there on the weekends in November and December, and people show up and peer through the gates because they want to be there. If I’m there, I’ll let them in. They walk around, and for some of them, it’s a life-changing experience. … I’ve had people cry because they’ve heard so much about Bosse Field. … We’re trustees of a national treasure.
You’re a Saint Louis Cardinals fan. Who was your favorite player growing up?
Joe Torre. We share the same birthday, July 18. The first year I listened [to Cardinal games on the radio], he won the MVP in 1971, hitting .363.
What motivates you to be so hands-on with the franchise?
We can’t control weather, what else is going on in the community that night, how well our team is playing, how well the other team is playing. We can control how that stadium looks. It’s important to me to project the most attractive facade we can. Fans don’t care who picks up the hotdog wrapper, but they notice it if it’s on the ground.
Speaking of hotdogs, what’s your go-to concession food? I rarely eat anything out there because I’m usually working. … I’m more valuable picking up hotdog wrappers or making sure the lights work than I am watching the game. Not that I don’t follow it, because even throughout the game, if I’m working, I keep track of the score. But I don’t sit and watch.
And yet, winning is critically important to you.
It’s paramount and why I do this. We’ve won two Frontier League championships and came close to a third in 2023. It’s my No. 1 priority.
What do you think of the Savannah Bananas?
I’ve always felt that we need to enlarge our audience by incorporating more of those aspects into what we do. We’re not an athletic event. We’re an entertainment event. … So, to survive, we’ve had to add components that appeal to non-baseball fans or even non-sports fans as well as the basics — cleanliness, friendliness, good food. To that extent, I applaud what the Savannah Bananas have done, and in fact, we’ve had several players go on to play for them. … It is a phenomenon which has been healthy for baseball, and I wish I had thought of it.
What’s the future of Otters baseball?
We’ve been here 31 years, and we have no plans to leave.
By John Martin
The Frontier League is not just healthy, it’s growing. It’s the largest independent league in North America, and it is well-positioned to cement its relationship with Major League Baseball. [Editor’s note: It’s also rebranding as the National Association of Professional Baseball starting with the 2027 season.] Major League teams each only have four minor league affiliates, so the big leagues have become reliant on independent baseball. The Otters are well-positioned to continue to flourish. … We’re going to be here as long as the community wants.
evansvilleotters.com
EXTRA INNINGS
Beyond two Frontier League championships, Bill Bussing is proud of the club’s greater impact. “I like to think that we have made a significant contribution in terms of the opportunities we offer,” he says. “It’s about 1,000 players and 1,500 other people. … The vast majority of our players are going to wind up doing other work, but we want to equip them with skills and values that they can use for the rest of their lives. … Even in the years that we haven’t won, we’ve done a lot of good for the community. I find that really gratifying.”
PHOTO OF BILL BUSSING BY ZACH STRAW. TROPHY PHOTO BY LINDSEY MCINTOSH
WORTH THE DRIVE
Capturing a Moment
Bloomington snares an original Declaration of Independence
By Jodi Keen
the hundreds of copies of the Declaration of Independence that printer John Dunlap likely printed July 4, 1776, only 26 — known as Dunlap Broadsides — are thought to still exist. Although many are housed on the East Coast, one has made its way to the Hoosier State, and through Dec. 18, it is on display in Bloomington at Indiana University’s Lilly Library.
“It does give me chills to stop and read the words, because it is a piece of paper there at the beginning” of America, says Erika Dowell, Lilly Library’s Executive Associate Director and Curator of Modern Manuscripts.
Dowell curated “The Declaration of Independence: The Motives, The Moment,” an exhibit examines the events leading up to American colonists breaking free from England. “I wanted to hone in on the Declaration as an inflection point in history. How did the colonists, part of the largest empire known, decide that this was something advisable or possible? How did they get to this point? … That was a compelling and prescribed chunk of time to look at,” she says.
The Dunlap Broadside has been part of the library’s permanent collection since the 1950s, when Josiah K. Lilly Jr. donated a
vast set of materials to Indiana University. Lilly had purchased the Declaration in 1951 from New York book dealer David Randall. He paid $13,500 for his copy of the Declaration, but it likely would fetch over seven figures today: Another original Dunlap Broadside sold for $8.14 million in 2000.
Although the Lilly Library’s Dunlap has been exhibited only a few times since 2000, it has been readily available for viewing by smaller groups, students, and hands-on weekly tours at 2 p.m. ET Fridays. “This moment in time, it was 10-12 years of developing sentiment that ended up in a relative consensus,” says Dowell, who hosts monthly curator talks on the exhibition through October. “Untangling that (for the exhibition) was a real leap of imagination.”
WHEN YOU GO
“The Declaration of Independence: The Motives, The Moment” On display through Dec. 18; check library’s website for open hours
Lilly Library at Indiana University 1200 E. Seventh St., Bloomington, IN Free admission
libraries.indiana.edu/lilly-library/visit
LINED WITH PRIDE
Wabash Avenue of Flags is a unique, colorful city streetscape
By John Martin
With nine blocks of red, white, and blue waving overhead, Wabash Avenue of Flags is one of the city’s most distinct streetscapes and a notable gateway to the West Side. A 1982 City Council resolution added “of Flags” to the street name at the request of the West Side Improvement Association and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1114, which sits at Wabash’s intersection with Indiana Street.
Formal dedication ceremonies occurred on Nov. 11, 1986 — Veterans Day — where donors’ names were added to a sign at Wabash and West Franklin Street. WSIA handles landscaping and maintenance. A major refresh came this spring when the city, using a grant from the Evansville Forest Alliance, removed 43 invasive callery pear trees in the grassy median and replaced them with 29 native shade trees.
The median’s flags, flying atop 27 poles from Lloyd Expressway to Maryland Street, are ordered annually by the VFW. Although he calls the flags’ annual cost substantial, Commander Jerry Blake wouldn’t have it another way: “We are very proud of it,” he says.
WE WERE CURIOUS
Erika Dowell
The Bend
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Summer’s Blooming Explore the floral features of regional botanical gardens
By Mitzi S. Morris
From new developments to beloved landscapes, botanical gardens are thriving. Even if you’ve visited before, there are novel attractions to see at these evolving landmarks within two hours of Evansville.
Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden
Start your journey at the local zoo, where the botanical garden covers the grounds. Check out pink pentas, daylilies, and sweet coneflowers before stopping by Amazonia, the 10,000-square-foot tropical rainforest. “It always has something fun or blooming in there that you won’t see around here because most everything should be from South America and the Amazon rainforest,” Botanic Curator Misty Minar says. The Chinese lantern
festival Wild Summer Lights returns July 30 and runs through Oct. 4. meskerparkzoo.com
Hartman Arboretum
Northwest of the zoo are family-cultivated gardens for hydrangeas, pollinators, wildlife, and a variety of annuals. In August, stop by for Butterfly Day and get up close with caterpillars, chrysalises, and butterflies. Visitors also can attend Master Gardener volunteer sessions on Thursday mornings or schedule private tours. hartmanarboretum.org
Western Kentucky Botanical Garden
Distance from Evansville: around 35 miles When daylilies peak in July at Owensboro’s 13.5-acre garden, visitors can dig a clump
to keep for $15. The hosta garden showcases nearly 100 varieties, while the rose garden was cultivated by Master Rosarian Ron Daniels. “It’s just beautiful everywhere you look,” Executive Director Laurna Strehl says. “Every dollar makes an impact because so much of it goes directly back into the garden.” Summer events include Monarch Day on Aug. 29. wkbg.org
Azalea Path Botanical Garden and Arboretum
Distance from Evansville: 35 miles
Hydrangeas, hostas, and ornamental trees are blossoming at the Azalea Path Botanical Garden and Arboretum following the spring azalea season. The 6,000-plus azalea collection just over the Pike County line
Waterfront Botanical Gardens
Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden
Hartman Arboretum
stems from Jamie Bartlett’s mother, Beverly Knight, a former Evansville UPS driver. “Old ladies [on her route] would say, ‘Take my flower and go plant it at your property,’” Bartlett says. “She went a little crazy.” From June to April, the 80-acre garden is open for public visits by appointment only. facebook.com/azalealady
Waterfront
Botanical Gardens
Distance from Evansville: 120 miles
Aug. 29’s Kaleidoscope Family Festival is an excellent time to explore the property’s perennial beds and a bonsai courtyard near Downtown Louisville, Kentucky. “The vision is to bring families out to experience the gardens and a lot of cultural and nonprofit partners in Louisville that support the broader green industry,” says Director of
Marketing and Communications Megan Bibelhauser. In 2027, a new bonsai area will expand the urban oasis to six acres. waterfrontgardens.org
Yew Dell Botanical Gardens
Distance from Evansville: 130 miles
In Crestwood, Kentucky, the 60-acre gardens are celebrating the first blooms of Castle Gardens after a $5.1 million renovation. The gardens exhibit hydrangeas, black-eyed Susans, perennials, and sunflowers. Guests also can enjoy the Bourbon and Botanicals live music series on Thursday nights in July and August. “You can bring a lawn chair, or you can come in and find a bench,” Executive Director Paul Cappiello says. “The evening is an amazing time to be out in Yew Dell.” yewdellgardens.org
DISPLAY
START YOUR ENGINES
Exhibit spotlights River City connections to Indy 500
By John Martin ON
The Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science is enjoying life in the pole position by hosting an exhibit showcasing the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.
A centerpiece of “500 Miles to Go: Recalling Select Milestones & Moments of the Indianapolis 500” is the white racecar Jimmy Bryan drove to a second-place finish in 1954. “You can tell it was only turning left because the tires’ treads are much more worn on the left side,” says Chief Curator and Curator of History Tom Lonnberg. Next to the car are bricks from the Brickyard.
Helmets and other memorabilia of four-time winners Helio Castroneves, A.J. Foyt, Rick Mears, and Al Unser Sr. are displayed. Snapshots explore the legacies of Evansville natives such as the late Edwin Wilbur Aleon, who drove in the race in 1916, 1919, and 1922; and the late Mary Fendrich Hulman, who married future Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Tony Hulman Jr. in 1926 and, after his death, took over his “Gentlemen, start your engines!” command.
There’s also a tribute to racing pioneer Charlie Wiggins, a Black Evansvillian barred from the Indy 500 who nevertheless stacked victories in the parallel Colored Speedway Association’s Gold and Glory Sweepstakes.
“500 Miles to Go” primarily features material provided by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and the IMS Radio Network/INDYCCAR Radio with the support of local sponsors. It’s the Evansville Museum’s first exhibit of its type, and it stays until the checkered flag drops Aug. 23. “We started a conversation with them two or three years ago about doing this, and they were very gracious and generous,” Lonnberg says. emuseum.org
Yew Dell Botanical Gardens
The Bend
AENTERTAINMENT CENTER
Rugged Adventures
Outdoor activities dominate Interlake Off-Road State Recreation Area
n under-the-radar attraction, straddles the intersection of outdoor adventures and recreational activities. Sitting on an expanse of land near Lynnville, Indiana, Interlake Off-Road State Recreation Area is about a half-hour drive from Evansville.
Open year-round, this 3,550-acre property featuring woods, lakes, and trails lies in a former surface mine operation that in 2007 came under the domain of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Dirt bike riders and off-road vehicle operators spend countless hours traversing the 39 miles of single track trails and around 50 miles of multi-use trails starting at $15 per vehicle per day.
Outdoor enthusiasts who want to get away from it all have discovered that Interlake is one of the best places to go. “Jan. 1 is our busiest day of the year” thanks to its First Day Ride event, says Property Manager Joe Compton. “Anyone who wants to can come out and ride; no reservations are required in advance. We don’t limit the number of people who come — at least, we haven’t so far.”
Other opportunities for unique riding experiences are scheduled throughout the year. According to Interlake Office Manager Brandi Verkamp, Night Rides that last from sundown through 3 a.m. are scheduled for Aug. 1 and Oct. 3. “We also have Evansville- and Owensboro-based organizations, like the Evansville Area Jeepers, who come out here for rallies or group rides,” Verkamp says.
“It’s a real thrill … a rush,” says Terry Richeson, a dirt bike rider from Princeton, Indiana, who frequents Interlake. “Plus, I enjoy being outside. … We see deer, foxes — it’s just nice being outside.” Chris Bailey, a fellow dirt bike rider from Petersburg, Indiana, says, “There’s no worries in the world here. You can’t worry about politics, what’s going on in your job … you’ve just got to focus on what’s in front of you.”
Story and Photos by Pete Burzynski
Several other activities can be pursued at Interlake, Compton says. “While off-roading is the Number 1 operation, hunting is our next biggest operation, with deer and turkey, as well as small game like rabbits and squirrels,” he says. Horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, and day camping also are popular. With 17 lakes, “fishing is common, too, with people drawn to our 20-acre bass lake. There’s bluegill, crappie, bass, redear — there’s pretty good fishing out here.”
International Folk Dancers explore global cultures through weekly sessions
By Jodi Keen
“And five, six, seven, eight!” Every Thursday evening, around eight friends gather on the second-floor studio above Tri-State Bearing Company, Inc., crank up some music, and kick up their heels. Their style? Folk dancing.
Gardner Weber introduced international folk dancing to Evansville in 1971 through a beginner’s class at the YWCA. Over time, the group became more recreational but still focuses on reviving dances that have been forgotten.
“We are not a professional performance group. We prefer to say we ‘demonstrate’ and hopefully get people participating and enjoying the music and movement,” says dance leader Barb Gillespie, whose parents helped found the Evansville International Folk Dancers group in the ’70s.
The group’s playlist is heavily influenced by Israeli and Eastern European music, with many tunes drawn from Greece, Romania, Serbia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Macedonia, and Turkey. Although some dances require partners, many can be performed solo. Member Mary Engelland often introduces new steps she has learned while teaching line dancing at the YMCA of Southwestern Indiana. Members also request their favorites; the playlist is flexible.
Some members, like Julie Pyle and Carol Grimm, are interested in learning about other cultures. “I like the different music and learning the steps,” says assistant dance leader Grimm, a member since 1978. “Plus, it’s good exercise!”
The group’s welcoming environment also makes dancers at all skill levels comfortable with joining in. “It’s the one place I can dance and it’s OK,” says 20-year member Brenda Meyer. “I don’t always get the steps, but I can do the rhythm.”
Each session ends with dancers holding a flameless candle bearing the name of a late group member and then performing “Erev Ba,” an Israeli dance, in their memory.
Local members attend Kentucky Dance Institute workshops each summer as well as folk dancing events in major Midwestern cities. And they heartily welcome new dancers to join them on Thursday nights; they accept $3 freewill offerings to help cover costs. Feel you have two left feet?
Get a crash course in folk dancing July 25 at a Bierstube Bootcamp two weeks before Germania Maennerchor’s annual Volksfest — a heritage celebration that aligns with the International Folk Dancers’ mission.
“We’re keeping the history alive, of people getting together and socializing over food and dance,” Engelland says.
HOOSIER FACT
NO PASSPORT REQUIRED
Indiana town names from around the world By
Jodi Keen
With a map dotted with towns named Africa, Brazil, and Cuba, you may feel like you’re traveling the globe without ever leaving the Hoosier State. Several global-inspired towns are within a two-hour drive of Evansville.
Ireland (Dubois County)
Distance from Evansville: 65 miles
Established: 1816
The unincorporated community was supposed to be named America City, but instead honors founder John Stewart, a native of Ireland, and Irish settlers in the region.
Holland (Dubois County)
Distance from Evansville: 47 miles
Established: 1859
Another Dubois County town with a worldly name, Holland (population: 619) was founded by German settler Henry Kunz and named after the region in the Netherlands.
Siberia (Perry County)
Distance from Evansville: 65 miles
Established: 1869
Intended to be named after the birthplace of Saint Martin of Tours, Sabaria became Siberia after a post office error, and it stuck.
Brazil (Clay County)
Distance from Evansville: 124 miles
Established: 1866
The metropolis on this list with 8,181 residents, Brazil got its name in 1838 when Massachusetts settler William Stewart suggested an easy-to-remember moniker. In 1956, the Brazilian government gifted the town an ornate replica of the Chafariz dos Contos fountain, built in 1745 in Ouro Preto. The monument was installed in Forest Park.
Barb Gillespie, Carol Grimm, Ginger Franz, Mary Engelland, Joe Zimmer, Julie Pyle, and Susan Wilkie
SCREENING
ROOM
On a Red-Carpet Roll
Victory International Film Festival is building an Oscar-winning reputation
By Timothy G. Weir
Evansville has stretched a red carpet — metaphorically speaking — straight to the aisles of Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre and the Academy Awards.
When director Sam Davis stepped onstage March 15 to accept his Oscar for Live Action Short Film in a historic tie, the Victory International Film Festival had helped him get there. The local festival’s jury awarded Davis its Grand Prize and Best Director awards in September 2025 for “The Singers,” his powerful story of an impromptu singing contest in a dive
bar. The hardware won in Evansville was among 35 awards that “The Singers” earned at 50 film festivals on its way to the 98th Academy Awards. “I didn’t know that was a thing — to tie — but we’re happy to be up here,” Davis said while accepting the Oscar.
Called an “emotionally resonant sledgehammer” by critics, the film’s win flashed Victory’s power to support Oscar-worthy films. But there is more to its story. “The Victory festival also provides an avenue for local filmmakers to exhibit their work,” says Tim Black, President and
CEO of festival partner WNIN. “Public media can assist in bringing this cultural opportunity to our community.”
Emmy Award-winning director Jakob Bilinski is one of those filmmakers. “I’m a firm believer in bringing the things you want to experience to you, rather than going somewhere else for them,” says Bilinski, whose two Emmys for “The American Dream Car Show” were earned in 2019 via the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences’ Ohio Valley Chapter. “Victory has spent years doing that, creating a genuine draw with its mix of international and locally made films. They bring filmmakers and community together on a grand scale.”
Now in its seventh year, the festival has become a fixture in a cultural firmament already stacked with stars. Festival Director Matthew Ulm is excited to support the area’s film community. “It’s great to see Evansville-, Tri-State-, and Hoosier-made films growing stronger since we started,” he says. “We’re getting more submitted, and their quality has increased dramatically.”
Take the dystopian thriller “Wet Bulb Temperature.” Its world premiere was at the 2025 Victory festival, where it won Best Narrative Film and Best Hoosier Film for director Joe Atkinson. “Premiering it where I live was special,” says Atkinson, who has led the University of Evansville’s NewsLab since February after serving two years as Mayor Stephanie Terry’s Communications Director. “We had a full crowd in the auditorium and a great post-screening Q&A. I enjoyed the experience of watching my film with an audience.”
Ulm says providing Atkinson and others a quality venue and audience helps them share their passion for filmmaking. It also is a key reason Victory and other smaller film festivals are resurgent after the pandemic. Data tracked online festival platform Eventive shows more than 4,800 indie festivals operating now, with ticket sales at all-time highs. Virtual screening, streaming, and online film-submission platforms like FilmFreeway add to that growth.
PHOTO BY JORDAN BARCLAY
Local filmmakers DeAndre Wilson, Matthew Packman, Lance Hyneman, Emily Jean Durchholz, Jakob Bilinski, and Jake Clark at the Indiana Spotlight Q&A in 2025
“It’s great to see Evansville-, Tri-State-, and Hoosier-made films growing stronger since we started. We’re getting more submitted, and their quality has increased dramatically.”
Festival Director Matthew Ulm
Ambitious local filmmakers are driving Victory’s expansion. Ulm, plus photographer and filmmaker Jordan Barclay and an enthusiastic team of volunteers, have built its buzz, audience, and global engagement.
Ulm, who has served as director since 2023, has ties to Evansville’s film scene that go back a decade to the Alhambra Film Festival. When the theater building’s 2017 sale ended the festival, Ulm and friends moved out of the Haynie’s Corner Arts District and pivoted to the Victory Theatre, which opened in 1921 and screened the first sound film in the city in 1928. The group held the first Victory festival in 2019, raising funds to help restore the theater’s marquee in 2023. Early success helped the festival become a nonprofit in 2022.
“With the Victory, we found a great home and a chance to contribute to the cultural vibe Downtown,” Ulm says. “Being on Main Street also gave us access to screening venues like WNIN. Here, you can see great independent films that expose you to other cultures, get a bite to eat, and stop in the shops.”
After several years of growth, Ulm bolted a turbocharger onto the festival in 2025 in the form of Barclay. The new Artistic Director has gone all-in to help. He arrived fresh off a successful festival run with his short documentary, “Sack Races with Knives: The Curious Art of Kevin Titzer.” It was selected by 22 festivals and won seven awards, culminating with Best Documentary at Victory in 2024. “I saw what worked and didn’t at those festivals and took mental notes,” Barclay says. “I saw things we could improve to make the Victory festival not just stronger, but special.”
Ulm credits Barclay for elevating Victory’s game. “Jordan brought a lot of energy and ideas to us, and I can’t thank him enough for his hard work,” Ulm says. “He helped us to our best year yet in terms of the quality of films screened and how we can scale the festival in the future. We’re building momentum.”
Some of that push comes from Barclay’s launch of new festival branding, an upgraded social media footprint, and additional film categories such as Best Horror Film and Best Music Video.
These steps have not only attracted Oscar-caliber films like “The Singers,” they also curated a richer assortment of high-quality, award-winning global films from top festivals including Tribeca
HOMEGROWN TALENT Seven years in, the Victory International Film Festival’s reputation continues to rise. Success stories include Sam Davis’ acclaimed “The Singers” which in March tied for Live Action Short Film at the 98th Academy Awards, and rising local filmmaker Jake Clark’s “If Possible,” a short that premiered at the 2025 festival.
Josh Weiland, Matthew Ulm, and Jordan Barclay
The Bend
in New York City; South by Southwest in Austin, Texas; and Sundance, formerly in Park City, Utah, but moving to Boulder, Colorado in 2027. Even Grammy Award-winning performers are submitting their music videos now.
Overall, submissions nearly doubled in 2025 and are on track to grow significantly this year. By early June, submissions to the 2026 festival had come from 50 countries.
Barclay engaged local graphic designer Aaron Tanner to develop the new branding. No stranger to pop culture, his limited-run coffee table books on rock bands The Pixies and Butthole Surfers can be seen at New York City’s Museum of Modern Art and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.
“Our goal was growing the festival by reaching talent from outside the region,” Tanner says. “The new logomark is an abstract letter ‘V’ that doubles as a spotlight, a symbol associated with movie premieres.”
The rebrand launched last year on global festival hub FilmFreeway as well as Victory’s website and social media accounts. Bold and contemporary, it achieved its goal. “We immediately saw a different tier of filmmakers submitting their work,” Barclay says. “It’s taken the festival to the next level. In 2025, we set records for film submissions and ticket sales, and we’re already on track to exceed that pace this year.”
Maintaining that will take continued support from its theater partners. Victory Theatre — a movie theater from 1921 to
“The films coming in this year will blow you away. They’re full of emotion and talent.”
Jordan Barclay
1979 before becoming a night club and, now, a concert venue — makes nearly 2,000 seats available to the festival. It also hosts the closing awards ceremony. Farther down Main Street, WNIN has supplied its 48-seat Old National Public Theatre and support staff from the beginning. “We’re glad to help the festival succeed by providing this support and promoting it to the audience most likely to be interested,” WNIN’s Black says.
Showplace Entertainment has been there from the start, too, screening festival films and hosting an opening night red-carpet event. It also replays screenings of festival award-winners at Showplace Cinemas East on East Morgan Avenue. “Movies are meant to be seen in a theatre setting, so we’re glad to donate to the festival for this to happen,” says Mick Stieler, President of Showplace Entertainment.
Bilinski’s feature film “Compression” won Victory’s 2024 Grand Prize. WNIN hosted its sold-out screening. “The lobby was packed with people who couldn’t get in, crowded around a monitor to watch the film,” Bilinski says. A follow-up “Victory Lap” screening at Showplace East sold out, too. “Seeing ‘Compression’ welcomed on such a grand scale in my hometown to packed, cheering audiences, that was the biggest gift I could’ve received,” Bilinski says. “It toured cities throughout 2024, with Evansville the final stop on its festival run. It definitely felt like a homecoming.”
Volunteers are the festival’s behind-thescenes engine. Many of its all-volunteer staff are filmmakers too, including Ulm, Barclay, and Technical Director Josh Weiland. Lynn Kinkade and more than a dozen screeners do more heavy lifting by reviewing every film submitted.
Beyond using a 10-criteria rating system, “I also weigh intangibles, such as how a film makes me feel, and what its attraction might be,” says Kinkade, a longtime festival supporter who has acted in two short films. “I
might recommend a film with a lower technical score but a deep feeling of satisfaction.”
From the screeners’ picks, a jury makes the official selections of the films that will be shown and compete for awards. “The caliber of films Victory brings in today far exceeds where they started, and their credibility among filmmakers has gone way up,” Atkinson says. “Securing participants from other states — and even other countries — is significant, because that wasn’t always so. They’ve struck a good balance between local and national films.”
Credibility earned, Ulm and Barclay keep reaching. One ambition: to become an Academy Award-qualifying festival that can help its winners get to the Oscars. The qualifying festivals closest to Evansville are the Indy Shorts International Film Festival in Indianapolis and the Nashville Film Festival in Tennessee. “This has been our goal from the start,” Ulm says. “It’s why we try to curate the best films from around the world.”
Award-winning Victory festival participation already strengthens the case for Oscar-worthy films shown here, as it did for “The Singers” in 2025. When the film got its Oscar nod on Jan. 22, the celebratory billboards placed around Los Angeles and in New York’s Times Square included its Victory Grand Prize. “Their win was huge for us,” Barclay says. “It legitimized the festival and encouraged other serious filmmakers to submit.”
He notes that becoming an Oscar-qualifying festival is a rigorous, multi-year process. “We’re now in our seventh year, which meets the Academy’s application threshold,” he said. “And we expect our submissions to reach eligibility in our tenth year, so we need to keep growing before we apply.”
That means more exciting filmgoing in the meantime. “The films coming in this year will blow you away,” Barclay says. “They’re full of emotion and talent. They’re like catching lightning in a bottle, then waiting to release it in September.”
WHEN YOU GO
2026 Victory International Film Festival Sept. 10-12
Victory Theatre and supporting venues victoryiff.com
The Bend
Scene
Editor’s Note: Event information was accurate as of press time. Before attending, check with the organization or venue for updates. A full calendar of events is available at evansvilleliving.com/events.
Horse Racing Season
▪ JULY 2-AUG. 23
Place your bets on live racing in person and via simulcast wagering. Ellis Park Racing & Gaming, ellisparkowensborogaming.com/racing
A Death for All Seasons
▪ JULY 10-12
This murder mystery comes to life through dance and theatrical storytelling.
STAGEtwo@321, stagetwoevansville.org
C-47 “Hairless Joe” Weekend
▪ JULY 11
The Michigan Flight Museum lends its restored World War II transport aircraft for rides and ground tours. Evansville Wartime Museum, evansvillewartimemuseum.org
Movies at the Museum
▪ JULY 11, AUG. 15, SEPT. 12
Experience “National Treasure,”“Guardians of the Galaxy,” and “Toy Story,” respectively, on the Koch Immersive Theater & Planetarium’s 40-foot hemispherical projection. Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science, emuseum.org
St. Wendel Bierstube
▪ JULY 16-18
Enjoy live music, a nightly beer garden, and dine-in dinners at this German festival.
St. Wendel Knights Home, Wadesville, Indiana, knightshome.org
Jazz Fest
▪ JULY 17-18
WNIN’s event spreads out Downtown and adds a second evening of music. Catch sets by Jon Lutz & The Sleepwalkers, New Harmony Jazz Duo, and more Friday, then return Saturday for family-friendly activities and more tunes.
Main Street, wnin.org/jazzfest
Keys & Cocktails
▪ JULY 18
Ashton Wolf Dueling Pianos duke it out at this fundraiser for the nonprofit serving older adults. SWIRCA & More, swirca.org/keys-cocktails
Urban Hikes
▪ JULY 18, AUG. 15
Join group treks along the Walnut Street Corridor and the Northwoods Trail.
Check with Evansville Trails Coalition for specific meeting sites, walkbikeevv.org/activities
Vanderburgh County Fair
▪ JULY 20-26
Waiting at the 150th fair are tractor pulls, demolition derby, pageants, carnival rides, and livestock, produce, and baked goods contests.
Vanderburgh 4-H Center, 201 E. Boonville-New Harmony Road, vanderburghcountyfair.com
The Women’s Hospital Classic
▪ JULY 20-26
Pro tennis players vie for $100,000 in prize money, and spot rising talent as competitors accumulate points to qualify for the U.S. Open draw. EvansvilleTennis Center at Wesselman Park, 551 N. Boeke Road, itftennis.com
Music in the Park
▪ JULY 23, AUG. 6, AUG. 20
Local bands Better Than Nothin’, Georgia Funkadelic, and Corduroy Orbison headline the final three shows of this season’s free concert
series hosted at city parks. Several locations, evansvilleparksfoundation.org
Jurassic Quest
▪ JULY 24-26
Journey to the age of the dinosaurs with one of North America’s largest collections of moving, roaring, and breathing animatronic beasts. Old National Events Plaza, jurassicquest.com
Sandy Lee Watkins Songwriters Festival
▪ JULY 29-AUG. 1
This free music fest features four nights of intimate, acoustic performances by Nashville, Tennessee, singer-songwriters. Downtown Henderson, Kentucky, sandyleesongfest.com
Nerd Night
▪ JULY 30, AUG. 27
Speakers dish on their passions and interests at this entertaining series.
Arcademie, evansville.nerdnite.com
Wild Summer Lights
▪ JULY 30-OCT. 4
You’ll be dazzled by the glow of 40 Chinese lantern displays at this immersive festival staged by Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc.
Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden, meskerparkzoo.com
Night Market
▪ JULY 31
Shop after work at booths for independent regional artisans, growers, and small business owners.
Downtown Evansville, downtownevansville.com
Vanderburgh County Fair
Wild Summer Lights
St. Wendel Bierstube
Annie
▪ JULY 31-AUG. 1
Little orphan Annie’s story is staged at this annual musical production by the Foundry Center for the Arts. Epworth Community Church, foundryarts.org
Pickleball Classic
▪ AUG. 1
Don’t get caught in the kitchen at this benefit for Jacobsville nonprofit Dream Center.
3rd Shot Pickleball, dreamcenterevansville.org
Summer Book Sale
▪ AUG. 1-2
Browse hundreds of books, movies, CDs, and more at this annual public library fundraiser where each sale is a bargain. Washington Square Mall, evpl.org
Holidays in the Sky
▪ DAILY THROUGH AUG. 3
Five hundred synchronized drones — some with pyrotechnic capabilities — entertain along with a DJ dance party and fireworks finale. Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, holidayworld.com
National Night Out
▪ AUG. 4
Meet law enforcement personnel and local organizations at this community event featuring food, games and activities, and giveaways. Courtyard behind the Civic Center, facebook.com/ NNOEvansville
Shakespeare in the Park
▪ AUG. 7-9
Local actors fall into a love triangle during this outdoor production of the Bard’s “Twelfth Night.”
Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library West Branch lawn, Evansville Shakespeare Players on Facebook
Baptisttown
Saint Philip Summer Social
▪ AUG. 8-9
Enter a world of fried chicken dinners, quilt raffles, and oldfashioned family fun at this parish event.
Saint Philip Catholic Church, Mount Vernon, Indiana, facebook.com/ st.philipsocial
Volksfest
▪ AUG. 13-15
Wash down your dinner of kraut balls and fried bologna with a stein of frothy beer at this tribute to German heritage. Don’t miss the brat-throwing contest, ceremonial keg tapping, and brass bands playing polkas. Germania Maennerchor, evvgermanclub.com
Princess Day
▪ AUG. 15
Meet and greet fairytale royalty and enjoy stories, songs, dances, crafts, games, and photo oppportunities.
Geek Con
▪ AUG. 22
Fandom enthusiasts to first-timers celebrate geek culture with panels and presentations, hands-on activities, board games, a vendor room, and a cosplay contest. Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science, emuseum.org
Star Wars Night
▪ AUG. 22
Honor the force and Otters baseball during the home stretch of the Frontier League’s season. Bosse Field, evansvilleotters.com
Vintage Vines
▪ AUG. 22
Savor a multi-course gourmet dinner followed by a live auction of rare bourbon, wine, and spirits. Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden, meskerparkzoo.com
YWCA Women’s Equality Day Luncheon
▪ AUG. 26
Yale Assistant Professor of Public Health Chelsey R. Carter is the keynote
speaker at this annual celebration. Bally’s Evansville Riverfront Event Center, ywcaevansville.org
Frog Follies
▪ AUG. 28-30
E’ville Iron Street Rods close out summer with more than a thousand pre-1949 vehicles from all over the country. Vanderburgh 4-H Fairgrounds, frogfollies.org
Front Porch Fest
▪ SEPT. 5
Around 50 musicians take over front lawns at this annual festival with free admission, food truck fare, and an hours-long after party the next day.
Haynie’s Corner Arts District, frontporchfestevv.com
Asian Night Market
▪ SEPT. 11
Get a taste of the Far East — plus live music, karaoke, shopping, and more — with this international spin on Downtown Evansville’s evening marketplace. Carpenter Street, downtownevansville.com
Emancipation Festival
▪ AUG. 8
This year’s celebration includes a historical marker dedication, preliminary showing of the renovated Porter House, and an address by Lamont Collins, founder of Louisville, Kentucky’s Roots 101 African American Museum. Evansville African American Museum, evvaam.org
Old National Events Plaza, facebook.com/ prettyprincesspartiesusa
Bellemeade Park
Wiffleball Bash
▪ AUG. 22
Hit a home run at this tournament benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Evansville. Bellemeade Park, bgclubevv.org
Volksfest
Princess Day
2026 INDIANA STATE GAMES
The Indiana State Games local 501(c)(3) non-profit annually hosts events for persons age 50+ to compete in a choice of 25 sporting events by gender, sport, and five-year age increments: 50-54, 55-59, and so on up to 100+. Participants compete recreationally and competitively for Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals.
• Volleyball – July 25, Jeffersonville, IN
• Swimming – August 16, DAC, Evansville, IN
• Archery – August 23, Noblesville, IN
• Basketball – September 12, Indianapolis, IN
• Badminton – September 12, Indianapolis, IN
• Golf – September 14, Indianapolis, IN
Interested in registering, volunteering, or sponsorship opportunities? Contact Holly Schneider with questions: 812-297-9568, indianastategames@gmail.com, indianastategames.org
AMERICAN Our Chapter in the STORY
From indigenous roots to resilience, Evansville has displayed patriotic mettle
By Evansville Living staff
Although Evansville didn’t exist during the American Revolution, it certainly exists because of that struggle. Ever since the city’s founding in 1812, its residents have championed and fought for freedom, whether across regional and global battle fields or in shipyards and factories at home. From celebrating the city’s heritage to paving the road for future generations, we’ve upheld those three unalienable rights — life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness — that our Founding Fathers declared they were ready to fight for. As Wesselman Woods Co-Executive Director Kristina Arwood remarks, “Every day, I’m reminded that I’m just one small chapter in a much longer story.” Two hundred fifty years later, America’s story isn’t finished — and neither is Evansville’s.
Where Evansville and
1776
Through the Declaration of Independence, American colonists break away from the British Empire. The area that is now Evansville, Indiana, was untamed wilderness.
America’s
Milestones Intersect
1803
Soon after the Louisiana Purchase is finalized, land encompassing the future Evansville is relinquished by Native Americans to Gen. William Henry Harrison.
1812
Hugh McGary Jr. purchases 441 acres along the Ohio River — initially naming the settlement McGary’s Landing — one month before America enters a two-year-plus war with England.
1816
Fourth U.S. President James Madison signs a congressional resolution making Indiana the 19th state. Evansville is incorporated in 1817 and designated the county seat in 1818.
1837
The neighboring town of Lamasco (named for four proprietors) is platted just west of Pigeon Creek, 10 years before Evansville receives its city charter and 33 years before Lamasco is annexed.
1853
The city’s first railroad line opens the same year that the Wabash & Erie Canal finishes construction here, cementing Evansville’s status as an important regional transportation artery.
1861
The Civil War breaks out. Indiana sides with the Union, while Kentucky declares neutrality and never legally secedes from the North. Evansville serves as a stop on the Underground Railroad.
BEFORE IT WAS THE RIVER CITY
Only two centuries years old, Evansville sits on land with a long memory
What did Evansville look like in 1776?
As America was taking form, this bend in the Ohio River was surrounded by untamed wilderness. There was no city; the site was the ancestral homeland of indigenous peoples, including the Shawnee and Miami tribes. At the time, the land was claimed by the British as part of the American frontier, just a few decades before the City of Evansville was founded by Hugh McGary Jr. in 1812.
All around the Ohio River bend, a forest of hardwood trees was thriving. Now confined to 310 acres about five miles east of the river, the area known as Wesselman Woods was still in its youth in 1776. Oak and tulip poplar trees that had grown since the 1650s witnessed the aftermath of America’s birth, as settlers and explorers moved West. And because it was never cleared or logged, Wesselman Woods remains the nation’s largest urban virgin old-growth forest, offering a rare glimpse at what Southwestern Indiana looked like before European settlement.
“It’s very humbling to stand among trees and a landscape that was already here when America celebrated its first birthday,” says Co-Executive Director Kristina Arwood. “This forest has quietly persisted while generations of people have come and gone.”
In fact, the area’s earliest inhabitants arrived far earlier than the forest. Mississip-
By Jodi Keen
on the Ohio River near the present Vanderburgh-Warrick County line. Between 1100 and 1250 A.D., they constructed 11 flat-topped earthen mounds and produced corn, creating an important center among the Mississippian River Valley villages of Native Americans. By 1450, the civilization was abandoned as its inhabitants moved elsewhere. Four hundred years later, Mathias Angel began buying the former Mississippian land, which he operated as a working farm. The mounds remained, and in 1938, Angel’s descendants sold 480 acres to the Indiana Historical Society to preserve the site. Named in his honor, Angel Mounds is a state-protected site and considered one of the best-preserved Mississippian sites.
“Angel Mounds is a glimpse into what came before what we now know as the United States,” says Mike Linderman, who oversees Angel Mounds State Historic Site as the Western Regional Director for Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites. “It is a touchstone of an era very different from our current world.”
Through it all ran the Ohio River, Evansville’s earliest settler. Meaning “good river” in the Iroquoian language of the Seneca tribe, the Ohio had cut through forests and prairies since prehistoric times. A few colonists explored it and traded with the river valley’s indigenous residents in the 17th century
A Picture in Time
GET A GLIMPSE of what Southwestern Indiana looked like in 1776 by visiting the MaximilianBodmer collection in New Harmony. Twenty-six years after the Lewis and Clark Expedition to explore the Louisiana Purchase ended, a Rhenish naturalist named Alexander Philip Maximilian, Prince of Wied, led a scientific expedition toward the Missouri River. The expedition arrived in New Harmony in October 1832, soon after both the Harmonist and Owen-Maclure experiments ended. While Maximilian spent six months convalescing, Swiss artist Johann Karl Bodmer documented the region’s lush landscapes and frontier life. His paintings are part of a permanent collection maintained by Historic New Harmony and the University of Southern Indiana. usi.edu/hnh
his “Notes on the State of Virginia,” published in the early 1780s, Thomas Jefferson called it “the most beautiful river on earth.” Two hundred fifty years later, we still agree.
Lucia Blount holds the first meetings for the Evansville Equal Suffrage Society at her Downtown home, 34 years before the 19th Amendment guarantees women the right to vote.
1937 A swollen Ohio River floods five states, leading federal officials to invest in permanent levees. Evansville’s extensive system spans more than 26 miles and costs $55 million to build.
1942
Shortly after the U.S. declares war on Japan (and then Germany and Italy), the Evansville Shipyard and Republic Aviation plant begin to produce massive volumes of war matériels.
1950s
Local factories switch back to making consumer goods — and a lot of them — after the war ends. As a major appliance manufacturer, the city earns the moniker “Refrigerator Capital of the World.”
1962
One year before Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, the last all-Black class graduates from Lincoln School as the local education system starts desegregating.
1976
As America celebrates its 200th birthday, local residents erect a riverside monument dedicated to the four freedoms mentioned in President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1941 State of the Union address.
2023
To honor Evansville’s significant wartime contributions, the National Park Service proclaims it a World War II Heritage City, the only city in the state of Indiana that can bear the distinction.
DEFENDING A NATION
The city stakes its claim in American history by fighting for global freedom
By John Martin
The River City takes its patriotism seriously, with justification. U.S. Census figures show that nearly 6,000 military veterans lived within city limits in the past six years. Through service both home and abroad, Evansvillians have made significant contributions to the daily freedoms enjoyed by generations of people both in America and abroad.
Evansville resident James Bethel Gresham, 24, was one of the first three Americans killed in action in World War I on Nov. 3, 1917. His memorial house at Garvin Park is used now by ECHO Housing & Community Development as the home base of the agency’s Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program.
Strolling the Riverfront Esplanade Downtown, you’ll notice memorials to veterans of wars in Vietnam and Korea near the stoic Four Freedoms Monument dedicated in 1976. A monument to those who served in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm is at Main Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Earlier this year, the graves of around 20 Civil War veterans were moved off a site near Mater Dei High School and relocated to Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
When the future of freedom around the world hung in the balance in the early 1940s, Evansville — still reeling from the Great Depression — secured nearly $600 million in government defense contracts and switched from manufacturing commercial products to military equipment.
The Evansville U.S. Navy Auxiliary Shipyard, around where Mead Johnson Nutrition stands today at the bend in the Ohio River, churned
By
The Numbers
1942
Year the USS LST-325 was launched in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 167
Landing Ship-Tanks produced at the Evansville Shipyard
6,242
P-47 Thunderbolts assembled by Republic Aviation
3.5 billion
Rounds of .45-caliber ammunition produced by the Evansville Ordinance Plant; it was 96 percent of the nation’s World War II supply
9,467
out Landing Ship-Tanks that ferried servicemen, vehicles, and heavy equipment into hostile zones. Republic Aviation assembled P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft. Not to be outdone, Red Spot Paint & Varnish Co. whipped up olive paint for the U.S. Army, Hoosier Cardinal Corporation manufactured parts for B-29 Superfortress planes, and the Chrysler Corporation (renamed Evansville Ordinance Plant during the war) led the way in steel bullets production.
U.S. military veterans living in Vanderburgh County in 2020-24
Sources:
Today, the Evansville Wartime Museum — near the site of the former Republic Aviation plant — explores the roles local men and women played in preserving global freedom. “Every year, we add more and more exhibits to explain what happened on the homefront,” says Dona Bone, a museum docent and lecturer. The museum has several special events throughout the year, including warbird weekends and monthly lunch-and-learn presentations. The USS LST-325, itself a memorial moored on the riverfront since 2005, also hosts guided tours and makes an annual voyage to Midwestern communities.
The city’s history as a war production capital has become part of its identity and branding. In December 2022, the U.S. National Park Service designated it a World War II Heritage City; only one community per state may receive the distinction.
The region’s contributions to freedom are documented in books, on signs, and in expanding digital archives, but Bone says the wartime museum takes seriously its mission to keep promoting that message: “We’ll tell anyone who walks through.”
evansvillewartimemuseum.org lstmemorial.org
U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command, U.S. National Park Service, P-47 Foundation, Indiana Landmarks, U.S. Census Bureau
Funeral of James Bethel Gresham
FREEDOM’S FOOTPRINTS
Fights for civil liberties factor into the region’s stories By Maggie Valenti
Southwestern Indiana’s place in the global fight for freedom includes stories of intra-country battles, with residents playing important roles from the Civil War through the Civil Rights Movement.
CIVIL WAR
Skirmishes occurred regionally around the Ohio River — think Adam “Stovepipe” Johnson’s 1862 supplies raid on Newburgh. A historical marker near the Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science marks where a home guard protected Evansvillians from Confederate raids and gunboats. Another outside Woods & Woods veterans law firm at 808 S.E. Third St. describes a 16-acre refugee camp called Blackford’s Grove that was a temporary home to pro-Union residents fleeing southern states that had seceded.
“A Confederate army under (Gen.) John Hunt Morgan had crossed the Ohio River above Owensboro, and Evansville was perceived as a possible target,” says Vanderburgh County Historian Stan Schmitt. “For most of a week, almost everything was closed down in Evansville, and its men were armed and placed in camps for training. When the threat ended, everything returned to normal.”
LYLES STATION AND THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD
Liberated brothers Joshua and Sanford Lyles came to Gibson County from Tennessee in the 1840s, buying land that by 1886 was known as Lyles Station. Formerly enslaved
people and their descendants built and sustained the community a little more than five miles northwest of Princeton.
Current residents and those who grew up in Lyles Station have worked to tell its stories. Built in 1919, Lyles Consolidated School opened in 2003 as a museum of local history. Wayman Chapel, built in 1886, is being restored with a $500,000 grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Preserving Black Churches program.
“We all have pride in our history,” says Denise Jamerson, a lifelong Lyles Station resident and member of Wayman Chapel. Her husband, John, is the minister. “I’m a piece of the generations of history of Lyles Station.”
By the 1820s, some formerly enslaved people resided in Evansville, while many continued north via the Underground Railroad. Philanthropist Willard Carpenter’s house and the Old North United Methodist Church were stops, and residents Charles McJohnston, Judge A. I. Robinson, and Samuel McCutchan served as “conductors,” lighting the path to freedom.
CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT AND BAPTISTTOWN
“We are better off today because of the perseverance and collective fight for equality of those who came before us,” says Kori Miller, Executive Director of the Evansville African American Museum.
Educator Sally Wyatt Steward, NAACP leader Willie Effie Thomas, County Recorder Estella Moss, school board member Cola King “C.K.” Newsome, pastor W.R. Brown
Sr., Human Rights Commissioner Jacqueline LaGrone, newspaper editor Sondra Matthews, and City Councilor John Caldwell Jr. helped advance civil rights in Evansville. Many of those efforts took place in Baptisttown, the city’s historically Black neighborhood. More than 200 businesses, civic organizations, churches, and social clubs were located there between the 1930s and ’60s.
“Much of the leadership came as a result of a group of prominent citizens in Baptisttown who were educators, administrators, clergy, and civic leaders ... who were connected to Lincoln High School and dedicated to improving life in the area, pushed for equal rights,” Miller adds.
That history is preserved in institutions like Liberty Baptist Church, formerly segregated Lincoln School, and the African American museum, located in the former Lincoln Gardens housing project.
WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE
Although Lucia Blount’s name may not be widely known, she was instrumental in the local women’s suffrage movement. She organized the Ladies Literary Club in 1874, during which discussions about suffrage were frequent. After helping form the Evansville Equal Suffrage Society, she moved to Washington, D.C., and joined the national movement. The 19th Amendment was ratified in 1920, giving women the vote, although it would be years before Native Americans and Black people shared that right.
Civil Rights activist Sondra Matthews
BEACON OF FREEDOM
In tending to worn flags,
Mike Schopmeyer puts his patriotism into practice
By Jodi Keen
Mike Schopmeyer’s position on displaying the American flag is clear: “If somebody spent that much money on a flag pole, it should have a flag on it.” For around 20 years, anytime the Kahn, Dees, Donovan & Kahn attorney spots a bare pole or tattered American flag, he stops his car, removes a new flag from the trunk, and raises it. “It didn’t really start as a mission,” he says. “I just do it.”
Raised in Winchester, Indiana, with a father who served in the Korean War and a grandfather who served in World War I, “This country represents freedom, and the flag is a beacon of freedom for the world,” he says. His ability to afford reinforced flags made of high-quality nylon, his knowledge of flag etiquette, and his longtime support for Keep Evansville Beautiful also fuels his passion.
Schopmeyer estimates that he replaces 4-8 flags each year. Ones slightly torn are sent to a seamstress or fixed by Schopmeyer himself. Ones beyond repair are given to a local Boy Scout troop, which performs flag retirement ceremonies.
Himself a dedicated Boy Scout, Schopmeyer tries to follow the official protocols for handling the American flag. “It’s hard to keep them from touching the ground or to fold a flag properly by yourself,” he says.
Schopmeyer admits he doesn’t always ask the property owner for permission — “I’ll just pull up, take the flag down, and put a new flag up” — but recipients are nearly always grateful. “Sometimes they apologize for not getting around to it. Some are too busy. Think of a nursing home — they have their hands full!” he says.
Torn flags particularly draw his ire. “Ninety percent of vets, if they see a ripped flag, it tears at their soul. It’s a little minor piece of respect we can show,” he says. His motto? “Don’t walk past a torn flag and just do nothing,” Schopmeyer says.
Need to retire your American flag? The Eykamp Scout Center, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1114, Charles Denby VFW Post #2953, and St. Philip Catholic Church accept flags for ceremonial disposal. Browning Funeral Home offers to dispose of flags with deceased veterans who choose to be cremated.
Galen Deig honors America by performing the national anthem
IF YOU’VE ATTENDED the West Side Nut Club’s Fall Festival since 2022, chances are you’ve heard Galen Deig belt out “The Star-Spangled Banner” at noon. Resurrected that year as a daily tradition, he and fellow Nut Club members felt performing the anthem was important, but were floored by the response. “Franklin Street froze. It was the middle of the lunch rush, and thousands of people had their hats off and their hands over hearts, looking at the nearest American flag,” Deig recalls. “No one told them to do
that; it just happened. The park even shut down rides. From Saint Joseph to Wabash, everything stopped.”
The lyrics, penned by Francis Scott Key in 1814, had long been familiar to Deig, a baritone who was first trained by former F.J. Reitz High School choir director James Haygood. “The anthem is way harder to sing than most people realize,” he says. “Starting out on the right note is crucial (because) the first part hits the low range and the end has the high range. You have to be very confident
in the melody, then the words.” Some crowds sing along, but “more often than not, it’s silent,” he says.
Between Otters baseball games, youth sports matches, and other events, Deig estimates he has performed the anthem about 50 times.
A Nut Club member since 1994, Deig sings it once or twice at each Fall Festival. “I’m no Mariah Carey,” he laughs. “I don’t pretend to be the best singer by any means, but I enjoy doing it. This song is a tribute to what makes America great.”
SUMMERS OF FREEDOM
A patriotic tribute sparked a decades-long festival
Celebrating Independence Day in Evansville was very different in 1970. The old flood wall along Riverside Drive blocked any surface-level view of the river. Crowds moved around it and below to Dress Plaza and the undeveloped areas along the Ohio River levee to watch the city’s first Fourth of July fireworks that summer. Hosted Downtown at the old Press Club, it was attended by many workers in the local news industry, which sponsored a beer garden in an empty block. Sherrianne Standley, wife of the late Evansville Courier writer Barry Standley, remembers him proudly wearing bell-bottom jeans featuring a patriotic flag pattern.
Witnesses described the scene as “controlled chaos.” A young Sunday Courier and Press reporter named David Longest — now known as David James from his longtime broadcasting career — wrote that the 75,000 people crowded into the riverfront looked like a “conservative Woodstock.” It was, at the time, the largest such display in the nation. Patrick Wathen, then a 19-year-old Sunday Courier and Press staffer, helped set up and man the beer garden, known regionally as a “bierstube.” He recalled no fencing around it: “It was ‘Katy bar the door,’ except there was no door!”
Former Evansville Press editor Bill Jackson remembers the arrest of a prominent citizen who volunteered to serve but didn’t have a bartender’s license. “I had the responsibility of bailing him out,” Jackson says. He also recollects the club trying to sell brats but only having one crockpot. “One customer questioned whether his brat was done. I spent the rest of the event worried if we were poisoning the community!” he laughs.
From that celebration in 1970, Evansville’s Freedom Festival was born. As the event grew, a foundation was set up to help fund it each year. In 1975, metal buttons were sold to raise money for the fireworks and also admitted the wearer to events and discounts at vendors. In 1976, as the nation celebrated its bicentennial, Evansville
By Kelley Coures
joined the festivities. In April, President Gerald Ford stopped in town during his ultimately unsuccessful re-election campaign and rode in a motorcade up Main Street. Mayor Russell Lloyd Sr. presented Ford with his own Freedom Festival pin as well as a mug created by Louisville Stoneware Co. featuring the soonto-be erected Four Freedoms Monument. Late Convention and Visitors Bureau President Bill Brooks wanted the festival to generate national awareness, and in 1979, Evansville became a site for hydroplane racing. Thunder on the Ohio attracted major network sporting attention, and the new names it brought to the city continued impacting Evansville even after local hydroplane racing ended in 2009.
Two years later, the Hadi Shriners got involved, and the event was rebranded as ShrinersFest.
PATRIOTIC FESTIVITIES Independence Day celebrations birthed new traditions and lasting memories in 1970s Evansville. Entrance to each summer’s Freedom Festival came via a commemorative button. In 1976, star-spangled floats paraded for the nation’s bicentennial. To raise funds for turning columns from the former Chicago & Eastern Illinois train depot into a new monument, 494 sets of mugs and decanters were sold for $25. At the end of the decade, hydroplane racing was added to the festival’s lineup and remained a summer staple until 2009.
A BIGGER MISSION
Honor Flight organizers want veterans to feel appreciated
By Jodi Keen
With more World War II and Korean War servicemen and women dying each year, Honor Flight of Southern Indiana is determined to make sure American veterans are thanked — loudly, frequently — for their service.
Twice a year, HFSI ferries U.S. military veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit memorials of the wars they served in. HFSI’s 20th mission took off for the nation’s capital at dawn on May 2 with nearly 200 seats filled on a chartered American Airlines flight. One of nearly 140 Honor Flight hubs in the U.S., Southern Indiana’s chapter is extremely busy: More than 1,000 veterans are on HFSI’s waiting list. The nonprofit can only solicit veterans from its 14-county area, but it accepts applications from outside the region, such as from Navy veteran Steven Hill, who traveled from Volusia, Florida, to Evansville for Honor Flight EVV20.
Veterans are feted every step of the way, starting with handshakes and a heartfelt send-off at Evansville Regional Airport. Touching down at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, their plane receives its second water cannon salute of the day, and passengers disembark to the sound of patriotic music, a gate decorated in military flags, and cheering throngs of Honor Flight volunteers and fellow travelers.
A HERO’S WELCOME More than 1,000 flag- and poster-waving onlookers pack Evansville Regional Airport for Honor Flight’s welcome home parades. Veterans receive a rose and a youth escort as they move along the receiving line. At the May 2 parade, Bob Hulsey’s escort, a young man he helped find a permanent home through Vanderburgh County CASA, wore Hulsey’s old Air Force shirt.
Veteran Bob Hulsey and guardian Brian Hulsey
Onlookers at the welcome home parade May 2
Guardian Craig Blessinger and veteran Stephen Vogler
PHOTOS
ZACH STRAW
From the Air Force Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery to memorials for American casualties in Vietnam, Korea, and WWII, passersby go out of their way to thank veterans for their service. Army vet Ira McGuire was stunned when a Vietnamese man approached and expressed gratitude for McGuire helping liberate his home country. “I wasn’t sure which direction that was going when he walked up to me,” says McGuire, a Henderson, Kentucky, native who toured the monuments May 2 with his grandson, Ricky Dukes Jr.
Some veterans go to Washington, D.C., with a mission. U.S. Army veteran Ellis King recalled befriending a man named Dan Bullock during basic training in California in late 1968. Both were young when they were sent to Vietnam. King made it back home to Evansville, while Private First Class Bullock, a Marine from Brooklyn, New York, did not. Unbeknownst to military officials and his fellow servicemen, Bullock had backdated his birth year when applying to join the military. King was devastated to learn that Bullock was just 15 years old when he was killed in action on June 7, 1969. “It hurts to know that you got to come back home, and he didn’t,” King said, his voice breaking. Helped by his son, Wes, King now has a pencil rubbing of Bullock’s name from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
As a guardian for her father, a World War II veteran, on HFSI’s first mission in 2014, Sue Bengert says she saw “a bond and a camaraderie, both spoken and unspoken, among all 68 veterans that I will never understand. … For some, this was their first time to talk about their service.”
On the flight home, veterans look through a fraction of the 5,000 letters and cards written by loved ones and community members. It’s an apt precursor to the welcome home parade at Evansville Regional Airport — an HFSI staple — which regularly draws more than 1,000 relatives, friends, and members of the public. Most veterans on EVV20 served during the Vietnam War, a controversial conflict that often resulted in jeers when they came home from Southeast Asia. HFSI’s parade is the hero’s welcome they did not receive then.
“Even WWII veterans did not receive thanks when they returned to their hometowns,” says Bengert, who now serves as a captain for one of HFSI’s four tour buses. “This is why I chose to volunteer — to give every veteran the opportunity to receive their due gratitude.”
EVV20 veteran Bob Hulsey served as the guardian for retired Army Air Corps Sgt. Irving Levine during EVV2 in 2015. Twelve years later, Hulsey’s turn was expedited after
II
veteran Jim
wanted photos by all the state names where he had resided.
a diagnosis of terminal cancer. Touring the capital with his son, Brian, Hulsey’s constant smile broadcast his joy about their journey together. Participating in an Honor Flight as both a guardian and a veteran gave him a fuller perspective of the program. “It’s such a special thing,” Hulsey said before boarding the flight home to Evansville and reuniting with his family. “I hope it never goes away.” He passed away peacefully at home 10 days later.
honorflightsi.org
IN TRIBUTE Passersby shook veterans’ hands as they toured war memorials in Washington, D.C. Several veterans, including Ellis King and Jim Luking, searched for specific names to turn into pencil rubbings at the Vietnam War Memorial. At the World War
memorial, 96-year-old Korean War
Wilson
Guardian Wes King and veteran Ellis King
Marine Corps War Memorial
Groundsworker John and veteran Ira McGuire
Veteran Jim Lucking
Veteran Jim Wilson
BUILT TO LAST Area landmarks offer snapshots of generations of American life
By Jodi Keen
A city’s landmarks act like chapters in a book. Evansville’s story is interwoven with four dignified properties that have stood watch over the city since the 1800s. “Homes are ways to learn about the beauty of our history and architectural treasures,” says Reitz Home Museum Executive Director Joseph Lutz.
REITZ HOME
“There are few families in town with as prominent a name as Reitz,” Lutz says, and lumber baron John Augustus Reitz’s French Second Empire-style family home at 112 Chestnut St. is one of the region’s best glimpses of daily life in a turn-of-the-century prominent family. “Our goal is to make you feel like the family just stepped out,” Lutz says. Second-floor bathrooms are evidence of indoor plumbing that was relatively new in 1871. The chandeliers switched fuel sources because electricity wasn’t available 24 hours a day. The family entertained guests among handcrafted furniture and hand-painted china. The home-turned-museum is an anchor for the Riverside Historic District as well as one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks and tourist attractions. In 2025, 2,500 visitors and nearly 500 students walked through the museum, many drawn by connections to their own American stories. The Reitzes, Lutz says, “are a quintessential American family: The parents both emigrated from Prussia, found each other in Evansville, married and had 10 children, built businesses and invested. … It’s a good, civic-minded family” — with direct descendants living here today — “who made a lot of money but gave it back to the people who got you there.”
CARPENTER HOUSE
Vermont native Willard Carpenter went West to find new opportunities and ended up creating them for generations of Evansvillians. Joining his dry goods wholesaler brother here in 1837, Carpenter’s business success and civic leadership connected Evansville to the
Reitz Home
Willard Library
Thomas Stockwell Home
Carpenter House (Now Catanese Real Estate)
Wabash and Erie Canal and a regional railroad system. His family relaxed on the 1848 Greek Revival home’s large piazzas and porches, and its position at 413 Carpenter St., close to the river’s bend, allowed it to be a stop on the Underground Railroad. It hasn’t been a residence since the Great Depression, but its turns hosting the American Legion Funkhauser Post 8, WTVW, Medco, and WNIN have kept it connected to community endeavors. Now, Catanese Real Estate uses Carpenter’s old residence to help others find their new homes, and the old TV studio behind the main house serves as overflow space for Willard Public Library.
WILLARD LIBRARY
Known locally as a “pioneer of public charity,” Carpenter’s namesake library at 21 N. First Ave. testifies to his benevolence and love of knowledge. Featuring steep roofs, turrets, and arcades, it’s also a gorgeous piece of Gothic Revival architecture built in 1881 by James W. Reid, who designed San Diego, California’s grand Hotel Del Coronado. Established for, as Carpenter stated, “the improvement of the moral and intellectual culture of the inhabitants of Evansville,” Willard Library now also is an acclaimed regional hub for genealogical materials that help us trace our roots.
THOMAS STOCKWELL HOME
Arguably the oldest existing structure in Downtown Evansville, this Federal-style duplex at 313-315 S.E. First St. dates to 1839 and was first occupied by Thomas Stockwell and the Rev. Joseph Wheeler. Unlike most of its structural neighbors from that era, the Stockwell Home remained a residence through the 1980s, when it became the office of Roy Cobb, CPA and Associates, which merged with Riney Hancock in 1989. Investors Jeff McGowan and Jonathan Lee bought the building in 2022 and renovated the second floor into an apartment and rental units for a photography studio and an esthetician. First-floor spaces are rented to Clean Suite commercial cleaning company and Blue Fern, a salon, esthetician, and cosmetic tattoo shop. Still sporting the original symmetrical facade, the slate blue former home’s round-arched corner entrances with sunbeam windows are framed with molding accented by a wooden keystone, paying tribute to its builders’ vision.
BEYOND THE FOURTH
Explore 250 years of American history at these regional events
By Jodi Keen
Events
celebrating America’s semiquincentennial are not just confined to July 4. Throughout the year, museum exhibitions, military re-enactments, and guest speakers across the region spotlight how the U.S. has evolved since 1776.
PIECES OF THE PAST: AMERICA AT 250 YEARS
Through Oct. 4.
Start at the Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science, whose “Pieces of the Past: America at 250 Years” synchronizes Evansville’s milestones with those of America. In a timeline combining the museum’s permanent collections across its specialties, color-coded artifacts walk visitors through Evansville’s last two centuries and localize America’s story.
Key items on display include a painting by Georgia O’Keeffe, prints by Andy Warhol and Robert Indiana, a letter written by city namesake Robert Evans, an amputation kit from the Civil War, a 1950s flight suit, the heat shield core of Gemini III, a foam panel from Apollo I, and a COVID-19 vaccine vial.
Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science emuseum.org
SPEAK LECTURE SERIES: PATRICK GRIFFIN
July 21
University of Notre Dame history Professor Patrick Griffin presents “The Revolutionary War in Three Paintings,” ranging from colonial portraits to scenes of Irish and British culture. Griffin shares insights that link the people and cultures on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.
Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science, evpl.org
REVOLUTION & REFLECTION
Through July
This self-guided tour includes viewing Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of George Washington at the Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art, Thomas Hart Benton’s iconic murals “The Social History of Indiana” at Indiana University’s Auditorium, and
“The Declaration of Independence: The Motives, The Moment” — which includes an original Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration printed on July 4, 1776 — at the Lilly Library. Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana bloomington.iu.edu
MESS AND MUSTER
Sept. 12
Imbibe in the food and drink served during the era of the American Revolution at this culinary event. 21+. Monroe County History Center, Bloomington, Indiana monroehistory.org
AMERICA 250 JURIED ART EXHIBIT
Through Sept. 25
From landscapes and landmarks to family traditions, this juried exhibition of 2D and 3D artwork depicts what the creators love most about their home country.
Dick & Sheila Beaven Art Gallery, Henderson, Kentucky, ohiovalley.art
250 YEARS OF VALOR: FROM THE GROUND TO THE STARS
Oct. 24
Recounting the aftermath of America’s space race, astronaut Robert “Hoot” Gibson shares stories of his five Space Shuttle missions between 1984 and 1995, as well as his five years as NASA’s Chief of the Astronaut Office, at this gala for the Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Old National Events Plaza, veteranscoliseum.org
Traveling Vietnam War Memorial
THE WALL THAT HEALS
Oct. 29-Nov. 1
A motorcycle escort ushers into town this traveling three-fourths-scale replica of Washington, D.C.’s Vietnam War Memorial dedicated to the 58,281 service members lost in the conflict. Open to the public, the exhibit also accommodates private visits from Vietnam War veterans 24 hours a day.
A mobile education center joins the exhibit. University of Southern Indiana, usi.edu
AMERICANA AT THE SYMPHONY
Nov. 14
The Marcus Roberts Trio — made up of pianist Marcus Roberts, drummer Jason Marsalis, and bassist Rodney Jordan — takes a jazzy approach to American musical standards.
Carson Center for the Performing Arts, Paducah, Kentucky, paducahsymphony.org
Evansville Museum of
Walther’s Golf & Fun
2301 N. First Ave. 812-464-4472 • golfnfun.com
Locally owned and operated for 30 years, Walther’s Golf & Fun is the area’s go-to spot for kids and adults of all ages. Attractions include indoor and outdoor minigolf courses, mini-bowling, action packed lazer tag, an expansive arcade with virtual reality options, and made-to-order-food from Coconut Cafe. Not to mention, just next door is Evansville’s premier golf driving range. Come check out what’s going on at Walther’s Golf & Fun. Whether you’re looking to host a birthday bash or just have a fun day out, go wild at Walther’s!
951 Walnut St. 812-435-0916 • evscfoundation.org
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2121 N. Green River Road 812-476-3121 • fireduppaintspottery.com
Fired Up! Joe Shmoe’s Art Studio is Evansville’s creative destination for paint-your-own pottery, canvas, and door hangers. No appointment needed and no artistic talent required — we’ll help every step of the way! Perfect for date nights, family outings, girls’ nights, birthday parties, and team-building events. Choose your project, get creative, and leave the mess to us. Come make memories and discover why Fired Up! has helped Evansville create for 24 years!
1313 Washington Ave. 812-477-5339 • handhmusic.net
Serving the Tri-State for 71 years, H & H Music is your complete music store. Our staff of professional musicians are ready to help you with instruments, accessories, sheet music, repairs, and lessons. Visit us in-store and experience old-school customer service.
• Pianos, Digital Pianos, Synthesizers, Keyboards
• Band, Orchestra
• Guitars, Basses, Mandolins, Ukuleles
• Drums, Percussion
• Sheet Music, Accessories
• Lessons
• Professional Repair
Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation
812-435-EVSC • EVSCschools.com
At the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation, students are inspired to dream big, explore their passions, and achieve their goals. Caring teachers, safe and welcoming schools, and outstanding academics create the foundation for success. From statechampionship athletic teams and award-winning fine arts programs to countless clubs, STEM opportunities, and extracurricular activities, EVSC empowers every student to discover their strengths, build lifelong skills, and thrive in school and beyond.
The Road to Henderson, Kentucky
There are plenty of reasons to explore Evansville’s Southern neighbor
enderson, Kentucky, basks in a rich personality all its own. Since the 18th century, the seat of Henderson County has made its mark as a destination for quality food, music, and the Great Outdoors. In fact, in 2024, the city earned accolades as one of Southern Living magazine’s “Top 20 Friendliest Towns in the South.”
Get a taste of locally sourced food and some of Kentucky’s best barbecue while savoring a variety of flavors from Southern fare to Mexican and Asian cuisine. Partake in regional staples like bourbon and whiskey, and don’t miss locally brewed craft beer and coffee.
Be entertained by the many renowned annual music events –– the long-running W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival is one of the largest free music festivals in the nation –– celebrating rock, bluegrass, blues, jazz, and country. Regional musicians take center stage each June along picturesque Main Street during Henderson’s annual PorchFest.
Marvel at Western Kentucky’s rugged nature by hiking or birdwatching at John James Audubon State Park and learn more about its namesake naturalist. Stroll along the Ohio Riverfront and visit one of five parks along its shores, plus many more throughout the city. Find charm in Downtown Henderson’s locally owned small businesses and along its historic streets and neighborhoods.
W hatever your tastes, there’s an opportunity to find something new in Henderson.
RIVERFRONT PARK SPLASH PAD
The Colony That Wasn’t
As America was being founded, big plans by Henderson’s namesake were fading
BY CHUCK STINNETT
Two hundred fifty years ago — just as America’s Declaration of Independence was being signed — the gleam was likely fading from the eyes of Richard Henderson.
Henderson was a North Carolina judge-turned-land speculator. He had a vision of acquiring a huge swath of wilderness across the Cumberland Mountains, west of the colonies of Virginia and North Carolina, land that would eventually make up about half of Kentucky and a portion of Tennessee.
Henderson and his investors intended to enrich themselves by then selling that land to settlers. They even hoped that land would become another British colony, which they wanted to call Transylvania (Latin for “beyond the forest”).
In 1774, he organized Richard Henderson and Company (later called the Transylvania Company) with a group of investors. With the help of frontiersman Daniel Boone, Henderson and other representatives of the Transylvania Company in March 1775 met and made a treaty with Cherokees to buy some 20 million acres bounded by the Ohio, Kentucky, and Cumberland rivers. They then hired Boone and a company of axmen to hack a trail (which would become the Wilderness Road) through the wooded mountains via Cumberland Gap to the Kentucky River, where Boone founded a settlement called Boonesborough. It was there, in May 1775, that Richard Henderson issued a call for representatives of a handful of frontier forts to meet and hammer out a framework of laws for his empire.
Virginia by “increasing its inhabitants, and establishing a barrier against the Indians.” So it gave Henderson’s company a grant of 200,000 acres where the Green River flows into the Ohio River.
That was probably the high-water mark of Henderson’s scheme. The governors of both Virginia and North Carolina promptly disputed Henderson’s claims to control the land, and the Virginia General Assembly in 1776 declared the lands due west of Virginia to be its new Kentucky County. With Virginia and North Carolina opposed to Henderson’s plans, the Continental Congress declined to recognize Transylvania as the 14th colony.
As a consolation, the Virginia General Assembly in 1778 recognized that “Richard Henderson, and company, have been at very great expense in making a purchase of the Cherokee Indians” that, though declared void, benefited
The land known as Henderson’s Grant sat empty for a generation, aside from a few squatters along with occasional bandits and river pirates. In April 1797, survivors and heirs of the Transylvania Company dispatched Major Samuel Hopkins and a surveyor to lay out a town. They selected the highest ground on the Ohio — a place then called Red Banks — and drew out the first streets of what they named Henderson.
It was a place Richard Henderson never laid eyes on: He died in 1785, two years after the American colonists’ war against the British Empire concluded in victory.
RICHARD HENDERSON
Flavor Central
Diners are satisfied by a multitude of cuisines
BY DONNA STINNETT
Henderson’s culinary scene has blossomed around a handful of longtime favorites, offering a robust menu appealing to many tastes. Anchoring the lineup are the four local restaurants on the West Kentucky BBQ Belt: Homer’s, Chef What BBQ & More, Taylor’s Grill On Wheels, and Thomason’s Barbecue.
Downtown Henderson is abuzz with diners thanks to more than a dozen places offering food and drinks, sweet treats, and coffee within walking distance of the Second and Main streets crossroad.
The dining scene is strong in other neighborhoods, too. The pioneering Crust & Roll features the unlikely combination of pizza and sushi on the west edge of town. There’s also the appealing combo of well-established favorites like Thomason’s Barbecue, Metzger’s Tavern, and The Dairiette, along with unique Mexican restaurants including Medina’s Mexican Store and Bodega Market Luncheria & Groceries, in and around Henderson’s East End.
According to the Henderson Tourist Commission, favorite “tastes” recommended by locals include extreme milkshakes from The Dairiette, a filet mignon and Arabian salad from Rookies Sports Bar & Grill, The Bridgeview ESB from Henderson Brewing Co., street tacos from Bodega Market Luncheria & Groceries, strombolis from Rockhouse on the River, a Silk Velvet Cucumber Whiskey Sour from Cap & Cork, and award-winning burgers from Metzger’s Tavern.
LOOK HERE FOR INSPIRATION
DATE NIGHT: Cap & Cork, Farmer & Frenchman Winery, Rookies Sports Bar & Grill
COMFORT FOOD: Hometown Roots, Cairo Country Cafe, Eastgate Family Restaurant, Papaw’s Poole Mill Restaurant, Geneva Store
FOOD WITH A SIDE OF FUN, LIKE TRIVIA, SINGO, OR MUSIC: Rockhouse on the River, Henderson Brewing Co., Firedome Wood Fired Pizza & Wings, Boucherie Winery, Homer’s Barbecue, On Deck Riverside Bar & Grill
BURGER TIME: Metzger’s Tavern, John Earl’s Ice House & Fine Foods, Mr. D’s, JJ’s Burgers & Pies
A START TO THE DAY: Sidewalk Cafe, Brown Bag Burgers, North South Truck Stop
SOUTH-OF-THE-BORDER FLAVOR: Agaves Mexican Grill, Bodega Market Luncheria & Groceries, Burrito Express Mexican Grill, Cancun Mexican Restaurant, El Sabor de La Abuela, Los Toribio, Medina’s Mexican Store, Tacoholics Kitchen
ASIAN FLAIR: Yum Yum Chinese Restaurant, Koi, Crust & Roll, Mandarin House
PIZZA FOR THE PARTY: Dave’s Pizza, Kelsey G’s Pizza & More, Mama’s Pizza, Mister B’s Pizza & Wings, Algonquin’s Bar & Grill, Rick’s Una Pizza
BAKERY GOODS AND A CUP OF JAVA: Roast Coffee Bar, Antler Specialty Goods, Golden Glaze Bakery, Mom’s Kitchen & Bakery, Donut Bank
ICE CREAM TREATS: Coffee + Cream, HT’s Ice Cream and Grill, Butler’s Apothecary, The Dairiette
CAP & CORK
HOMETOWN ROOTS
EL SABOR DE LA ABUELA
CRUST & ROLL
Built on hard work, strong relationships, and a commitment to exceptional service.
For the past six years, Simply Comfort has proudly served Henderson as an independent, locally owned HVAC company. While honoring the experiences that came before, the focus remains on providing homeowners with another reliable local option for their heating and cooling needs.
A heartfelt thank you to our community for all of your support!
On Display
Henderson’s arts scenes can be enjoyed in many forms
BY DONNA STINNETT
eyond all the festivals and attractions that lure tourists, Henderson has plenty in the arts and culture category to promote quality of life.
Like most performing arts presenters, Henderson Area Arts Alliance continues to rebuild its audience following the pandemic. In its 2026-27 season, it offers a seven-event performing arts series that includes the touring Broadway musical “Hadestown,” a “Blue Suede Christmas” Elvis tribute, “Artrageous” showcasing visual art presented as performing art, and a concert by country music star Deana Carter. The shows take place at Preston Arts Center.
For its Theatre Summer Camp , HAAA Director Kensington Eck wrote a play based on the “Gnomes of Audubon Forest,” a family scavenger hunt created for John James Audubon State Park by the Henderson Tourist Commission. Campers auditioned, rehearsed, and performed the show in just one week.
The Ohio Valley Art League presents open juried art competitions and artist exhibits at Gallery 101 on Water Street and at the Dick & Sheila Beaven Gallery in Henderson County Public Library. Through Sept. 25, the library gallery hosts an open exhibit titled “America 250.” OVAL also hosts the popular Art Hop, in which “pop-up galleries” open in Downtown Henderson the first Friday evening of November.
AUDUBON MUSEUM PHOTO BY AUDRA STRAW.
PHOTOS
HENDERSON AREA ARTS ALLIANCE
OHIO VALLEY ART LEAGUE
AUDUBON MUSEUM
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ARTS& CULTURE
Another visual arts group, the Henderson Society of Art, offers speakers and workshops to artists. It annually presents the long-running exhibit “A Fresh Perspective,” showcasing Tri-State artists at Audubon Museum.
Audubon Museum presents art exhibitions focusing on nature and local history year-round in the Friends of Audubon meeting room. That’s a nod to the famed artist/naturalist’s own artistic work that resulted in the “Birds of America” and other nature-inspired art. The museum has more than art, though it does house Audubon’s famous double elephant folio. Audubon lived in Henderson from 1810 to 1819, and the museum interprets his life with a collection that’s considered world-class. Films run on a loop in the theater, and the Nature Center has a wildlife observatory leading to boardwalks and trails. Not simply a place to check out books and other media, Henderson County Public Library has claimed a role in community history by housing the collections of the defunct Henderson County Genealogical and Historical Society. The local history department hosts exhibits, workshops, and speakers, plus offers hands-on assistance with genealogical research. Historians also run a tombstone restoration program that has targeted gravestones in the city’s historic Fernwood Cemetery. This year, to take library services outside bricks and
mortar and connect with non-patrons, a Story Walk was added to the city’s RiverWalk trail. The story changes regularly to encourage families to read while getting fresh air, sunshine, and exercise.
HENDERSON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
PHOTO
Plenty of Ways to Play
Henderson offers a big basket of recreation options for all interests
BY CHUCK STINNETT
For its more than 44,000 residents, Henderson County offers an impressive robust array of recreation options.
John James Audubon State Park is the recreational gem, featuring hundreds of wooded acres, miles of trails, a fishing lake, tennis courts, picnic areas, cabins, a golf course, and a museum with original wildlife art and artifacts from the ornithologist who the park is named for.
The City operates more than two dozen parks and facilities supporting picnicking, boating, hiking, playground play, tennis, soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, pickleball, weightlifting, and group gatherings. Give the disc golf course a spin, hit the court Downtown at the Doc Hosbach Tennis Complex, or stroll along the 2.5-mile picturesque River Walk. The city’s Atkinson Pool features an L-shaped main pool, a wading pool, a mushroom waterfall, a water slide, and more. The city also operates two spray parks, including the Riverfront Water Feature
The newest of the city’s sports facilities is the Deaconess Henderson Sportsplex, which features four fully turfed and lighted 200-foot baseball/softball diamonds that draw regional tournaments, plus three multipurpose fields. The city also has developed a parks master plan with recommendations for improvements over the next decade.
The county offers three rural parks, including the 500-plus-acre Sandy Lee Watkins Park and community green spaces in Baskett Park and Charles Alexander Park. The Donald “Hugh” McCormick Henderson County Fairgrounds, near the junction of Interstate 69 and the Audubon Parkway, hosts the county fair each July.
BLUE MOON STABLES
The Henderson County Family YMCA serves all ages with facilities such as a multiple-room fitness center, gyms, indoor tennis/pickleball courts, lap pool, warm water therapy pool, racquetball courts, and more. Its programs range from group and virtual exercise classes to coaching and training, youth camps, swimming lessons, and child care.
There are numerous boating and fishing opportunities on the Ohio and Green rivers and various public lakes, and the sloughs of rural Henderson County provide some of the best waterfowl hunting in the country. Meanwhile, Blue Moon Stables west of Geneva offers horseback riding lessons and other equine experiences.
Youth sports leagues include PCMA baseball, softball, ABA basketball, the Henderson Soccer Club, and soccer, basketball, archery, and swim teams via the YMCA.
In addition to a host of school athletic teams, each summer the Henderson Flash features college baseball players competing against regional teams using wooden bats, as professional players do.
Golf lovers can tee off at three public courses, including The Bridges, Bent Creek, and Audubon Park, plus a private course at Henderson Country Club. Over at the Scott Audas Jiu Jitsu Academy, children and adults can take jiu jitsu classes in the Japanese martial art.
At the remodeled Echo Lanes, bowlers can take part in both open and league play, while Showplace Cinemas Henderson offers first-run movies across eight screens for cinephiles.
Besides its large collection of mainstream books, Henderson County Public Library has both children’s and teen libraries, a makerspace, computer lab, genealogy and local history services and resources, passport services, a specialty tool-lending service, meeting rooms, and an art gallery.
Senior citizens center The Gathering Place offers bingo, billiards, card games, an exercise room and classes, dances, the annual Senior Games, and other activities and special events in addition to a hot lunch each weekday.
ECHO LANES
RiverValley Behavioral Health is proud to be the first thought, first choice for behavioral healthcare in our communities, serving the Green River area since 1967. We offer a full range of mental health services and supports, in addition to substance use treatment, and services for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
RiverValley Behavioral Health is proud to be your employer of choice, offering a welcoming environment where you can grow and make a meaningful impact on the health and wellness of our communities.
RiverValley is a state-designated Community Mental Health Center, serving the Green River region in Kentucky since 1967. We offer a full range of mental health services and supports, in addition to substance use treatment, and specialized care for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Southern Spirits
Bourbon brands join wineries and brewery in Henderson
BY CHUCK STINNETT
Henderson County produced a variety of alcoholic beverages in the 19th and early 20th centuries. An early winery operated here, and at the turn of the last century, Henderson was home to a large brewery and two distilleries with national reach.
But Prohibition brought an end to that. For generations, Henderson was considered “wet” — meaning it allowed package liquor sales — but it didn’t produce any beer, wine, or spirits.
That’s changed in recent years. Newest to the scene are a resurrected Henderson whiskey brand and a distillery about to open near Downtown.
Silk Velvet was a whiskey produced at the Winstead Distillery from 1880 until the 1910s, and advertised nationally. Henderson brothers Zach and Zeb Hargis, along with their father, Mark, revived the brand about 18 months ago, using a label nearly identical to the one from the 1900s. The brothers had years of industry experience, Zach at distilleries and Zeb at a major distributor.
They’ve reintroduced Silk Velvet, a bourbon produced by eighth-generation distiller Jacob Call. Zach has worked with Call since 2019, first at Green River Distilling Co. in Owensboro, then at Western Kentucky Distilling at Beaver Dam, where Call is Master Distiller.
LOCALLY MADE SPIRITS ALSO ARE AVAILABLE AT THESE BUSINESSES
BOUCHERIE VINEYARDS & WINERY opened a decade ago at 6523 Keyway Drive in Spottsville, Kentucky, and produces nearly a dozen varietals as well as wine slushies. It also hosts events.
FARMER & FRENCHMAN WINERY, 12522 U.S. 41 S., Robards, Kentucky, has been known for its French-Italian cuisine and wine since 2016. It serves F&F branded wine produced under co-owner (and Frenchman) Hubert Mussat’s direction at another Kentucky winery, plus wines from around the world.
HENDERSON BREWING CO., 737 Second St., produces more than a dozen craft beers — from lagers to IPAs and bitters — that it serves at its taproom, where food trucks regularly drop by (and carry-in food is welcome).
MASTER DISTILLER JACOB CALL WITH A BOTTLE OF SILK VELVET
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Their initial market was regional — Henderson, Owensboro, and Bowling Green. But when they served their whiskey in September 2025 at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, the brand took off. Today, Silk Velvet’s single barrel and small batch whiskeys are available at liquor stores and cocktail lounges in three states (with more in the works) and available for direct-to-consumer online ordering in most U.S. states.
Meanwhile, backed by a group of Henderson investors, Andrew and Meredith Powell broke ground in October 2024 on Rhythm River Distillery. The $5 million craft distillery — Henderson’s first in more than a century — will produce a variety of spirits. Its vodka and gin will be available immediately, while its bourbon and rye whiskey will require years of aging in charred barrels. In the meantime, it will offer aged bourbon and rye produced at other distilleries under its Rivertown brand. Rhythm River will offer tours, tastings, and cocktail-mixing experiences, and will operate a bar as well as an event venue at 405 N. Main St.
RIVERTOWN BOURBON FROM RHYTHM RIVER DISTILLERY
OWENSBORO OFFICE
3000 Highway 144, Owensboro, KY 42303 (270) 926-0210
owensboro@greenriverafcu.com
HENDERSON OFFICE 902 Second St., Henderson, KY 42420 (270) 826-0927
henderson@greenriverafcu.com
GREENVILLE OFFICE
Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital 440 Hopkinsville St., Greenville, KY 42345 (270) 377-5157
Scene and Heard
Henderson is dialing up its hospitality through activities, events, and attractions
BY DONNA STINNETT
Being named by Southern Living as “one of the friendliest towns in the South” in 2024 came with pressure, but local officials are rising to the challenge. In fact, Henderson’s tourism office and its collaborators have aspirations of being “the world’s most hospitable locale.” In May, 600 people attended Henderson’s first “Hospitality Summit” and heard bestselling author Will Guidara explain how hospitality can be part of everything we do. How is Henderson making a name for itself? By diversifying its portfolio.
CRUISE STOPS
After emergency “auditions” during 2024 and 2025 Mississippi River seasons, international cruise line Viking will offer scheduled stops in Henderson on a new 2027 Ohio River itinerary. In two consecutive seasons, the river level on the Mississippi made it impassable for Viking’s fleet, causing the cruise company to divert to the Ohio River. Henderson stepped in to provide port services and quality replacement excursions that included a garden-themed tour, visits to Audubon Museum, and wine, bourbon, and barbecue tastings. That last-minute hospitality apparently made an impression. In 2027, the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi ship will stop here twice in June and twice in November.
BARBECUE
Henderson serves as a northernmost point on the West Kentucky BBQ Belt, which includes more than 40 regional barbecue joints in Bowling Green, Hopkinsville, Mayfield, Murray, Paducah, Owensboro, Cadiz, Franklin, and the Land Between the Lakes area. Henderson Tourism was a trailblazer for adding the Ohio River town to the trail. The Belt offers a challenge: Sign up for a mobile pass, and with a visit to each barbecue joint on the map, you’ll eat your way to a reward. Find Henderson’s stops on the Belt at Homer’s Barbecue, 128 Second St.; ChefWhat BBQ & More, 422 Seventh St.; Taylor’s Grill on Wheels, 130 N. Water St.; and Thomason’s Barbecue, 701 Atkinson St.
VIKING CRUISE LINE
MUSIC FESTIVALS
The town’s “Songs of Summer” campaign shines a spotlight on a vibrant four-month music festival calendar. SummerFest in May offers 1980s and ’90s music. PorchFest stages local bands in front of historic Main Street homes in June. Later that month, the W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival brings an acclaimed lineup of blues musicians for a multi-day event based at Audubon Mill Park. July offers Sandy Lee Watkins Songwriters Fest, which spotlights songwriters from Nashville, Tennessee. August basks in the glow of the Bluegrass in the Park Folklife Festival. With the exception of the songwriters’ festival, all these events are free to attend.
PUBLIC ART
Last summer, the “Gnomes of Audubon” art display moved into John James Audubon State Park. Each piece has a gnome-sized front door tucked inside the park. Families can take a scavenger hunt to find the door, hear its story, and spot the new gnome that moved into the “neighborhood” this year.
ACCOMMODATIONS
There is a growing number of vacation rentals. Modern meets industrial Downtown at The Nest Loft, The Lifeboat Loft, and The Brokerage Loft. Tranquil getaways await at The Cabin and Little House on the River. Families can fish in the lake next to The Farm, which sleeps 10. Farmer & Frenchman Winery is expanding its three-cabin lodging with a bed and breakfast offering five rooms.
TIP TOP DESIGN CO. 270-860-1717 tiptopdesigncompany.com
WIN HOME INSPECTIONS 270-277-8249 wini.com/evansville
W.C. HANDY BLUES & BARBECUE FESTIVAL
PHOTO BY CHUCK SUMMERS
Dwell
PLANTS IN, WORRY OUT
After her parents passed away, Valerie Settle’s greenhouse became her sanctuary. What started as a stress reliever has grown into a passion project and a cozy space in her backyard — and has found a following on TikTok.
GET INSPIRED
A Green Escape
An artistic soul finds an outlet inside this tranquil greenhouse By
Maggie Valenti
alerie Settle considers herself an artistic person, and that interest carries over to her gardening. After purchasing an Amish-made wooden storage barn, she poured her creativity into transforming it into a backyard getaway. “It started as a stress reliever and grew into something I made with passion,” she says. “It’s my way to reset and cope.”
A 2007 art graduate from Kentucky’s Morehead State University, Settle has created ceramics under the name Muddepuddle Pottery. The Phelps, Kentucky, native also took after her mother, Linda Stacy, and sister, Jeannie Dotson, in her love for gardening. With the deaths of her father, Johnny Stacy, in 2012 and her mother in 2017, Settle and her husband, Greg, relocated to his hometown in 2018. When not working as a District Human Resources Leader for Kroger, she gardens around her Newburgh home, around which she planted ferns, sunflowers, and calla lilies.
In September 2025, Greg got her that storage barn. Settle got to work filling it with plants purchased from Colonial Classics Landscape & Nursery. She often incorporates native plants, but there also are vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes, coneflowers, coral bells, hydrangeas, bugleweed, marigolds, small ferns, and a baby herb garden with purple and green basil. She plants and decorates
“It started as a stress reliever and grew into something I made with passion.”
Valerie Settle
everything herself, but Greg helps with some of the work, such as watering the plants.
Decor in wood, metals, and ceramics was selected with the mindset of hygge, a Danish word referring to the coziness of life’s simple pleasures. The greenhouse is cooled with an exhaust fan, while curtains and open windows provide a breeze. After a lengthy discussion with her sister, Settle decided to call the garden Ferns & Fairy Lights, a tribute to her mother’s affection for ferns and her own love of whimsy.
“You get to define what makes you feel cozy,” Settle says. “I wanted it to be a space to enjoy. I am out here every day, even if it’s just to go out there and look at it.”
Garden beds and Dutch doors she handmade provide a fancy entrance to the greenhouse. Using thrift stores and Facebook Marketplace, she found different antiques to
decorate with. She repurposed a candleholder to house small potted plants and surrounded it with a chandelier, dressers, shelves, desks, terracotta pots, wooden windowboxes, and a fireplace mantel with more planters and pots. Inside a wooden frame are the introductory lyrics to Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World,” her mother’s favorite song. A sign reads “It’s a Wonderful Life,” nodding at her mother’s favorite movie. Twinkling from string lights helps the space feel whimsical at night. Small chairs offer places to sit and reflect.
Documenting her creation journey on TikTok has gained Settle nearly 9,300 followers.
“The garden I’ve created gives me that connection to beauty and peace, and a creative outlet,” she says.
Find Ferns & Fairy Lights on TikTok @valerie.n.bloom.
LUXURY AT HOME
An outdoor sanctuary awaits in
Henderson, Kentucky
By John Martin
Situated on nearly three shaded acres in Henderson County, Kentucky, this traditional brick estate offers ample privacy at the end of a winding driveway. Amenities include a saltwater pool with a hot tub and tiki bar, plus a new detached garage.
Calling the architecture “a major draw,” listing agent Tracey McElya also points to the “private outdoor sanctuary” off the primary suite. Enclosed by brick walls, the courtyard features a TV, fireplace, and pair of fountains.
The kitchen comes with new appliances, butler’s pantry, and double overs, while the guest suite is open to interpretation as separate living quarters or a game room.
Minutes from Downtown Henderson, McElya says the property’s balance of family space and luxury “is what makes it unique.”
3644 KY-351 E. Henderson, Kentucky
Year Built: 1987
Vital Stats: 7,278 square feet, six bedrooms, four full and one half bathrooms
Listing Price: $949,000
Listing Agent: Tracey McElya, Keller Williams ELITE Realty
GARDEN STYLE
A Bug’s Habitat
Mesker Park Zoo’s Family Garden buzzes year-round By
Maggie Valenti
Amid the giraffes, jaguars, and komodo dragons, a dedicated Family Garden in Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden offers a quietly bustling respite. Planted 34 years ago, its location has shifted closer to Lake Victoria in the center of the zoo.
“It has kept me very busy, which I love,” says master gardener and Family Garden co-chair Karen Green. “We try to change something every year.”
The Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener Association maintains the herb, pollinator, daylily, shade, perennial, and native plants; all are sectioned off into mini-habitats with something blooming each season. Pollinators have a “bug inn” plus old logs, trees, thick-growth ferns and shrubs, and intentionally unkempt areas to attract wildlife.
In 2024, it became a Monarch Waystation for butterflies to feast and lay eggs on more than 10 swamp milkweeds. “Every plant has its own microbiome that it grows in best. It’s such a learning curve,” says master gardener Candy Tolliver, who has tended the garden for 10 years.
More than 20 volunteers lend a hand twice a month. The family-friendly site includes a wishing well and toddler labyrinth. SWIMGA also hosts educational programs, youth engagement through games like hopscotch and Tic-Tac-Toe, and informational kiosks, all designed to familiarize the community with their environment. Upcoming presentations include hummingbirds on July 18 and monarch butterflies on Aug. 1. “It’s a wonderful place to bring the kiddos,” Tolliver says. Green agrees: “The kids love the games.”
Find tips for planting your own pollinator garden at evansvilleliving.com. swimga.org • meskerparkzoo.com
Left to right: Vicki Bernard, Lisa Marts, Candy Tolliver, Bernette Locklar, Janice Kidder, and Karen Green
PHOTO BY LINDSEY MCINTOSH
Cottage Core
Country life suits the Schmitts’ west county home By Maggie Valenti
Dave and Sandy Schmitt love living among the rolling hills of Saint Joseph in the county. It’s where they grew up and reside today in their cottage-inspired home on Saint Wendel Road. “We’re proud to live out in the country,” Sandy says.
The Schmitts bought their corner lot in 1978, and five years later, Sandy approached H.G. McCullough Designers with photos of regional homes she liked. The Schmitts moved into their Bill Gries-built home with their two children, Jacinta and Phillip, in January 1984; their younger son, Joseph, was born after they were settled.
Sandy says its cozy and inviting feel defines their home, with cream trim highlighting the red brick, tall windows,
light cyan door, and chimney. “We wanted it to look like a cottage with a courtyard out front,” she says, but it “took us a while to plant anything.”
She wanted an English garden feel for the landscaping and was inspired by TV host and garden designer P. Allen Smith as well as articles in Victoria Magazine, a women’s lifestyle publication. In 2013, Sandy had hyacinths, lenten roses, peonies, hydrangeas, a ginkgo tree, and a yellowwood tree planted. A fountain in the front courtyard, outlined by boxwoods, also was installed. In late winter, “the lenten roses are the first flowers that bloom,” she says. “I always look forward to that because I know spring is coming.”
In 2015, the Schmitts expanded the footprint to 4,000 square feet by adding a
breezeway and a three-car garage featuring a louvered cupola and horse-topped weathervane. They installed a brick mailbox using extra masonry from the original homebuilding, plus pine trees, a sundial, flagpole, and Old World cobblestone path leading to the front courtyard. A gate with brick columns opens to the backyard, which Sandy calls “the canyon.” Brian Wildeman, who founded Wilde Horticulture in 2016, maintains the landscaping. Dave mows the lawn, emphasizing manicured, back-and-forth lines and rotating directions with each mow.
“He loves the outdoors and plants,” Sandy says of Dave, who learned by helping his grandfather and parents tend to their gardens. “Over the years, we’ve had a lot of compliments.”
CURB APPEAL
ENCYCLOPEDIA EVANSVILLIA
Eaves of Influence
Remembering Isabella
Sullivan, pioneering female homebuilder By Kelley Coures
would be impossible to imagine the local real estate industry without women today. In fact, the majority of real estate brokers and agents are women. But if you look back from the 1930s to the ’60s, it was a vastly different picture: Men accounted for nearly 100 percent of the sales and broker force.
Enter Isabella Sullivan. The first woman elected president of the local Board of Realtors, her career spanned only 16 years but cemented her legacy as a sales professional and home designer. In a mid-1950s column, Evansville Press Editor Ed Klinger called her “a formidable and respected opponent of the men who ran the business.”
Sullivan moved from Paducah, Kentucky, to Evansville in 1935 with her husband, Samuel, and two young sons in tow. She took a clerical job for Walter Stumpf, a real estate broker developing homes in the new East Side subdivisions of Lincoln Manor and Arcadian Acres. Stumpf was impressed by how Sullivan interacted with homebuyers and encouraged her to get her real estate license.
A few years later, she put her pencil to work and designed a nearly 2,000-square-foot Cape Cod-influenced home for her family at 2110 E. Chandler Ave. Shortly after moving in, she got an offer to sell. While that sale progressed, she built a 2,760-square-foot brick home next door and moved in. Even tually, she decided to sell that one and came up with her sales strategy: decorate simply, and before showing the home, put cookies in the oven to fill the house with a welcoming scent.
Homebuilder Wilbur Harrell was also developing Arcadian Acres and, impressed with Sullivan’s abilities, hired her in 1941 as his agent and designer. Her design philosophy was simple: make the home attractive to the wife. “After all,” Sullivan was quoted in a September 1953 Evansville Press article, “it’s the wife who spends the most time in them.” Sullivan brought the laundry room up from the cellar and out of the garage and into the home. Kitchens became more streamlined, and she helped popularize the mid-century use of a veneer made of Bedford, Indiana, stone, because she felt it exuded a warmth that simple brick did not.
380 homes. If you live in Arcadian Acres or Hebron Meadows in a home built before 1953, chances are you reside in a Sullivan design.
When Harrell opened up the new Hebron Meadows subdivision in the late 1940s, most of the initial homes were designed by Sullivan, who worked primarily with post-war, newly affluent families. While Gale Bradford and Guthrie May built small starter homes for returning servicemen, Sullivan focused on households seeking a more exclusive location with wider lots and upgraded styles featuring low-slung ranch designs with wider eaves and large picture windows. She ultimately designed
In the 1950s, her tenure on the local and state real estate boards marked the first leadership by a female member. Like other wellknown women at that time, newspaper readers knew her simply as “Mrs. Sullivan.” Her June 1947 spine operation and her October 1947 divorce filing from husband Samuel both appeared in the Evansville Press.
Sullivan left the business in 1953 and spent her last working years owning and managing several motels along U.S. 41. She also helped her sons, James G. Brown and Kye Rorie, establish their own real estate businesses before passing away in August 1973.
HOMES OF NOTE
Abiding on the Bluff
History lives on in these Rockport homes
By Mitzi S. Morris
Ona warm evening in October, curious guests gathered at the Mathias Sharp House in Rockport, Indiana, to roam the property on the bluff and soak in panoramic views of the Ohio River.
Molly Marsh had opened her private home to the public as a fundraiser hosted by Indiana Landmarks, with proceeds going to the Association for a Better Rockport and earmarked for historic preservation.
“The folks in Rockport are excited about their historic district,” says Stephanie Richard, Indiana Landmarks’ Southwest Field Office Director. “It’s been great to work with them, to be surrounded by all this energy and excitement. They love their community, and they’re making things happen.”
The Mathias Sharp House is only one of several historic residences with stories to tell that sit above the city’s Rocky Side Park. Marsh and some of her neighbors shared those narratives with Evansville Living.
Mathias Sharp House
“[The previous owners] saw a woman in a white dress on the stairs. I’ve had work people who say that they don’t want to come anymore because they have seen things or felt things. So who knows?” Marsh says. “Just depends if you believe it or not. I’m afraid I don’t have that gift.”
Marsh has owned the Mathias Sharp House on Second Street since 1989. The Italianate-style brick residence has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1983. “It was the first house in the county designed by an architect,” Marsh says, adding that their name remains unknown. “One of the main features is that the front of the house faces the river. That was unusual for the time.”
Sharp had the house built in 1867 for his second wife, Catherine, about a decade into their marriage. Though Sharp was a prosperous farmer and prominent citizen, Catherine achieved
greater notoriety after Sharp died inside the home, and Catherine’s second husband, Samuel Batchelor, later passed away from similar causes.
“There was a lot of controversy in the town because there was one faction that said, ‘Oh, this beautiful woman, there’s no way she could have done this.’ And then there was another faction, friends of Batchelor’s, especially freemasons, who wanted to have her put away,” Marsh says.
Catherine was tried for and acquitted of the deaths, but because of her connection to the house, some people believe it is haunted.
Hardy-Baumgaertner House
The Hardy-Baumgaertner House, owned by Donna Ayer since 1980, also sits on the bluff on Walnut Street. The Queen Anne, wood-constructed home received its National Register distinction in 2019.
“When we got in here and saw the woodwork, the parquet floor, stained glass, I said, ‘We’ve got to try and save this,’” Ayer says. “[My husband] just wanted to be up here on the river. He didn’t think the house would be fit to save.”
Ayer reports that the home was built in two stages.
Mathias Sharp House
Molly Marsh
Dining Room
Sometime before 1879, Thomas Hardy, a businessman who became a bank president, built a small frame house on the property. In 1890, John Baumgaertner bought the home and expanded the structure into its Victorian style by 1895. Baumgaertner “was a Swiss immigrant, and he had originally been in Tell City. Then he moved to Rockport, and he operated the Veranda Hotel Downtown, which was the first place in Spencer County that had a telephone,” Ayer says.
It took more than a year to renovate the house 45 years ago, which verified the different phases of the private home’s development. “The contractors that redid the house for us said, in the center of the house, all the wooden laths on the wall were done by hand with square nails. The two ends were milled with round nails. So, that indicates two different time periods,” Ayer says.
The Stauffer House
Across Walnut sits a Gothic brick home. Owner Karen Stauffer says her predecessor, Ruth Seydel, renovated the home before Stauffer and her husband bought the property about five years ago.
“She was the woman with the vision to save it. It was going to deteriorate. She did all these beautiful renovations that you see, keeping with the feeling of the house, the history of the house. But she modernized it so we have all the best conveniences,” Stauffer says.
The house was built in 1861 for Civil War Capt. Samuel Laird and his wife, Irena. Laird sold goods on a storeboat along the Ohio River until the vessel was damaged by ice, and then he set up shop in Rockport. He later worked as a brickmaker and flatboat operator and served as county auditor.
The Stauffers own not only the house on the bluff but also the cave below in Rocky Side Park. The dwelling was the home of Rockport’s first residents, the James Lankford family. The park also features historical markers regarding Abraham Lincoln’s first flatboat trip to New Orleans in 1828 and the tavern he visited after a political speech at the courthouse in 1844.
Stauffer’s home is not on the National Register, but she’s contemplating pursuing the recognition.
“It is all done at the owner’s expense. That’s something to consider if you’re thinking about having your house registered,” she says. “But we would like to do it to learn more about the house and to preserve its history.”
MAKE THE DRIVE
The 32-mile trek from Evansville to this Spencer County town connects State Route 66 with the Ohio River Scenic Byway, a 300-mile-plus route displaying Southern Indiana’s natural beauty from Mount Vernon to Lawrenceburg, Indiana.
Kitchen
Stauffer House
Hardy-Baumgaertner House
Donna Ayer
Original stained glass window
Karen Stauffer and her tandard Parti Poodle, Moses
A California Dream
The East Side and West Coast meet at Joshua Armstrong’s home
BY JOHN MARTIN • PHOTOS BY ZACH STRAW
Joshua Armstrong isn’t nostalgic by nature — “I live in the future more than the past,” he explains. But in 2020, he saw potential in a Spanish Mission-style house on Saint James Boulevard that jogged memories of his upbringing in San Gabriel, California. It needed some work, and a determined Armstrong embraced the challenge of making the single-story property his new home.
“It reminded me of the house I grew up in,” Armstrong says. “That was a house from the late 1920s. I walked into this one, and the door was in the same spot. The dining room was in the same
spot. The breakfast room was in the same spot. … My childhood house was a little bit bigger, but this house instantly reminded me of my childhood home in terms of the natural light, and being on a street of older homes that are all unique.”
The house had been flipped in 2019, and its condition was uneven. “Some things were OK, but a lot of things were not,” he says. He signed on the dotted line, then rolled up sleeves and got to work, with help from several area businesses. The roof was one area that needed immediate attention; it had been repeatedly patched over the years.
“The roof on the pitched portion of the house is an ‘architectural’ asphalt roof, colored to add some texture and shadows,” Armstrong explains. “About a third of the house has a flat roof surrounded by a parapet wall. That roof was removed, and a new rubber roof was installed. A rubber roof should last about 50 years as long as nothing causes a puncture, like a tree limb.”
Other critical tasks included replacing the HVAC system, adding electrical outlets, and replacing cast-iron pipes with polyethylene tubing. While remodeling the kitchen, Armstrong removed walls and doors to create a more free-flowing design while preserving the character of arched doorways and a telephone caddy built into the wall. Remodeling contractor MCF Construction of Newburgh also restored much of the exterior stucco and tuck-pointed the underlying brick during that process.
“Most of the credit goes to Josh because he’s got really good taste, from the layout to the color selection,” says Mike Freeman, president
WEST TO MIDWEST From landscaping to color schemes, Joshua Armstrong remade his Evansville home with California in mind. A green hue went on the house’s face, covering what had been stale gray and white, while interior spaces such as the stylish dining room with an arched ceiling were reimagined with brick red and offwhite color schemes, accented by a creation by artist Joshua Bronaugh.
of MCF Construction. “He’s got a small, restricted floor plan, so we used his ideas on the entryway and a rear hallway to just open it up.”
It all clicked, says Armstrong, who previously served in executive positions at the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership and Downtown Economic Improvement District. He moved to Evansville in 2005 in part to search for a simpler life away from California; more than 15 years later, he found the perfect residence. “It’s kind of a modified Spanish Colonial home here in the Midwest. Some of the tile roofs, exterior tile work, and unique wrought iron features were not widely used in the Midwest — I can only think of a few homes in Evansville that have a full tile roof, but the house, certainly in terms of arches and its general presence, felt very Southern California.”
Having finished handling chores essential for preserving the home for its next century, Armstrong began adding touches — inside and out — needed for making the residence feel like his own. He repainted each room, giving most a warm white look. Outside, an earthy sage green covers the slate gray and white trim that used to color the stucco walls.
The new hue blends with the home’s natural assets: a twist on Palladian windows, plus a low-pitched roof with a parapet of red clay tile and a cross gable sloping down
ARTFUL DESIGN Armstrong was drawn to the home’s spacious living room with its curved ceiling and stylish vertical windows, and he infused the space with a Serge Mouille ceiling lamp and the eclectic works of local artisans such as Joshua Bronaugh, Cole Cartwright, and Christina Robinson.
over the recessed entryway. Alongside the arched, multi-pane front door is an open-air terrace featuring a bistro table and chairs. The adjacent windows — rectangular and symmetrical, with semi-circular tops — catch the eye and allow natural light into a homey living room featuring original hardwood flooring, plus a fireplace Armstrong has restored. A curved ceiling reaches 10 feet at its apex. “In a modest-sized home, you rarely get ceiling heights like this, and they’re throughout the house,” Armstrong says.
Custom Sewing Service provided sheer cafe curtains, which Armstrong says achieve a delicate balance between privacy and light. Farmhouse-style lighting fixtures in the living room were replaced
with a structural, insect-like three-arm ceiling lamp by Serge Mouille, bringing mid-century modern elements to a property dating to 1926.
The kitchen makeover was substantive, too. Derek Reidford of HWD Custom Cabinetry in Wadesville, Indiana, hung inset door cabinets with minimalist knobs and recesses. Reidford describes the color as a low tone, “mellow yellow,” but with “a little more shine to the finish” than homeowners typically request. Paired with black veined granite countertops and stainless steel appliances from Wayne’s Appliance and Lowe’s, “it turned out well,” Reidford says.
sunroom while Armstrong’s lone bathroom features a black-and-white basket-pattern tile floor, aqua and black tiling on walls, and white marble countertops. Neutral-colored Roman shades came from Grateful Threads Fabric and Furnishings, Inc. Tiles came from Louisville Tile’s Evansville showroom.
“I can only think of a few homes in Evansville that have a full tile roof, but the house, certainly in terms of arches and its general presence, felt very Southern California.”
— Homeowner Joshua Armstrong
The cabinets and subway tile on the walls make a muted canvas for the bolder diagonal checkerboard of brick-red-and-cream tile placed by Steve Adams of Elite Tile and Marble, Inc. — “he did a fantastic job,” Freeman says. The same pattern is in the back
Adjacent to the kitchen is a breakfast nook with an arched entryway. Armstrong decorated it with a bistro table and chairs as a nod to the house’s backstory.
“My understanding of customs of the ’20s is that the family would eat breakfast and lunch (in the nook), keeping the dining room clean for dinner, or whatever entertaining the housewife may be doing,” he says.
A highlight of the dining room is the early 20th-century table. “I got it in a trade for a really cool chinoiserie coffee table,” Armstrong says. The sideboard is from the 1950s, designed by Paul McCobb. The light fixture is a
TILE STYLE Armstrong liked the checkerboard flooring from Louisville Tile and installed by Elite Tile and Marble Inc. so much that he put it in multiple rooms, including his rear sunroom as well as his kitchen and breakfast nook, which has its own furniture and is a nod to the East Side home’s 1920s origins. The sunroom provides ideal space for relaxing and also for Armstrong’s bicycle.
handmade “Akari” lamp by Isamu Noguchi and was purchased at The Noguchi Museum in New York City’s Queens borough. “My vision for the space was to create something dramatic, yet earth-bound, which is represented by the red-brown walls,” Armstrong says. “A neighbor once told me my light looks like the moon in the window at night.”
The sunroom has comfortable wicker seating and is the home base for Armstrong’s television and bicycles — he’s an avid cyclist. Local artists’ acrylic, oils, and multi-media works are found throughout his home: Nudes are courtesy of Joshua Bronaugh, while Cole Cartwright and Christina Robinson’s abstract creations are sprinkled throughout the two-bedroom home, which covers 1,537 square feet.
Armstrong says he’s discovered practicality as well as nostalgia in the house, which he calls “Casa en Progreso” — “it’s always in progress of some type,” he explains. He’s redone the driveway, removed a large dying tree, touched up the landscaping, and feels at home in the Vann Park Neighborhood. Armstrong says the 100-year-old property delivers an air of Southern California to his Hoosier surroundings, with elements from 1926, 1976, and today: “What it does bring to me is a feeling of connection that I wouldn’t have had if I was in a home from the ’80s or ’90s or a new home.”
Design and Construction Vendors
Appliances: Wayne’s Appliance and Lowe’s
Art: Josh Bronaugh, Cole Cartwright, Christina Robinson
Blinds fabric: Grateful Threads Fabric and Furnishings, Inc.
Cabinets: HWD Custom Cabinetry
Countertops: Tri-State Countertops
Curtains: Custom Sewing Service
Electric: Head’s Electric
Exterior painting: Ashlock’s Clear Cut Painting
Remodeling Contractor: MCF Construction
Landscaping (annuals and perennials): Colonial Classics Landscape & Nursery
Landscaping (trees and large shrubs): Combs Landscape
Tile flooring: Installed by Elite Tile and Marble, Inc., tiles from Louisville Tile showroom
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Ray Butler, Nick Wood, and Cherie Simpson u
Savor
LOCAL FOODIE
TEST KITCHEN
Alesia Flint’s home features a research lab of sorts. On a weekly basis — sometimes more frequently — she whips up something healthy or tasty (preferably both), shares it with her husband, Chris, and posts photos on social media. Her favorite meal? “The thing I’ve never had before.”
Prosciutto, burrata, and stonefruit salad served with Tequila Mockingbird cocktails
LOCAL FOODIE
C Cooking Up a Following
Creativity drives Alesia Flint’s homemade meals and cocktails
By John Martin
rafting meals at home is a way of life for Alesia Flint. For three years, she’s offered a public glimpse into her kitchen via Instagram, regularly dropping photos of meals she concocts, whether it’s a pimento cheese BLT, maple-mustard glazed salmon, or French toast topped with apricots.
“I’ve always cooked, even since I was a kid,” says Flint, a mail services specialist with Old National Bank. “When my son was younger, I stayed home for his first five years and got bored. I’d go to the library to get cookbooks and would try a new meal a week, and I learned a lot from that.”
Believing meals should look attractive while also satisfying the palate, Flint tries to stuff each meal with as many different colors, flavors, and textures as possible. She also plans around what’s already stocked in her freezer and pantry. “I tend to cook meals that are more labor or time intensive on weekends and quick easy meals on weekdays,” she explains, adding that her husband, Chris, “is a willing taste-tester.”
Nutrition is always considered. Flint strives for a wide variety of foods while incorporating plenty of fresh, seasonal vegetables, and local growers play a prominent role. “Urban Seeds has a Nourish program, and it’s incredibly good value,” she says. “You get nice, beautiful, local produce, and I take advantage of that. Sometimes, I’ll go to the Market on Main and the Franklin Street Bazaar, and I’ll see what’s there.
I lean more toward choosing the meat first and then picking sides. I’ll get a grab bag of produce and figure out what I can make with it. … It’s forced me to get creative.”
Creativity also applies to Flint’s cocktails. She photographs plenty of those for Instagram, sometimes pairing them with certain dishes or sipping one as she cooks. Each is poured into thrifted vintage glassware so it doesn’t just sit on the shelf. Her go-to mixes? “I’m a bourbon girl sometimes, and I do a smoked old-fashioned,” she says. “I’m not really a gin girl, but I did do a blackberry gin fizz that was delicious. I love a classic margarita, and you can put in any fruit you want — I’ve done a jalapeño margarita and an avocado margarita. The jungle bird” — typically made with rum, Campari, pineapple and lime juices, and a sweetener — “is one of my favorite cocktails.”
Flint says her next step in sharing her love of cooking is likely a podcast.“I don’t know if I want to focus on recipes or techniques, but how you learn and how you can adapt,” she says. “There are a lot of people who don’t know how to start (cooking) and are intimidated.” She’s already chosen a name — Speaking in Tongs — and hopes to have episodes out by the end of the year.
The podcast will promote ideals that Flint says she’s learned in her own kitchen: There’s always something new to try or discover, she says, and “you can make something out of almost anything.”
Follow Alesia Flint on Instagram @321alesia.
TESTING AND TASTING Alesia Flint loves to scour cookbooks for something new. Her husband, Chris, is her taste-tester, and she’s even known to pass along a recipe when asked. Flint says her recent Chili Colorado and Arroz Roja dishes were a big hit with Chris: “He said it was the best thing I ever made.”
THINK DRINKS
It’s All In The Pearls
Boba gives tea drinks a burst of flavor
By Maggie Valenti
rom its emergence in 1980s Taiwan, bubble tea has gone mainstream and expanded around the globe. Fancy a taste? Try different combinations of traditional tapioca or flavored filled gel boba with fruit and milk teas at these East Side shops.
Mr. Bubble Tea
503 N. Green River Road
We recommend: taro milk tea with tapioca boba, which includes the ground root vegetable, giving the tea a purple hue and a sweet potato taste
The menu includes yogurts, smoothies, and shaved ice, but what this store specializes in is its namesake. Milk tea choices include chocolate, matcha, tiramisu, and lavender. Feeling fruity? Add pops of blueberry, mango, green apple, pomegranate, or 14 more flavors. For a caffeine kick, mix coffee boba pearls with a cappuccino, latte, mocha, or Vietnamese coffee. Good luck picking a flavor!
Bubble Teatalk
619 N. Burkhardt Road, Ste. G
We recommend: soothing, floral Rose Garden milk tea with mild tapioca or strawberry boba for a fruity pop
Here, you’ll find flavors that look as good as they taste. Tapioca pearls add sensation to a crème brûlée milk tea that includes yogurt and cream cheese foam, topped with a layer of roasted sugar. Brown sugar gives the “dirty” version a marble look. Coffee-flavored gels boost the banana, chocolate drizzle, and chocolate foam topper in the Funky Monkey. Another milk tea comes with your choice of boba and a scoop of caramel pudding. Also on the menu are cotton candy, birthday cake, cookie and cream, bubble gum, and piña colada milk tea bases.
Yang’s Shabu Shabu
4700 Vogel Road
We recommend: jasmine-based white peach tea with mango gels for a calmmeets-bold flavor combination
Alongside a menu of steamed dumplings, spring rolls, crab rangoon, and General Tso’s chicken, this sit-down restaurant also serves drinks with refreshing boba. Start with a base of taro, coconut milk, mocha, fruit, or Thai tea, then add bubbles in flavors like tapioca, strawberry, and mango.
NOW THAT’S SWEET
FROZEN FLAVORS
Beat the heat with these snacks on a stick
By Maggie Valenti
Need to cool off from the sweltering air of a Southwestern Indiana summer? Custom ice pops can bring the temperature down. Give one of these a try.
Cookies and Cream
Lollys Pops, $4
Offering artisan iced creations for nine years, treat yourself to dessert with this food truck’s popular pop with a cream base and stuffed with Oreo cookie pieces. Find this frozen delight at Reimann’s Farm Market in Darmstadt or at the truck’s pop-up events.
Piña Colada
Helados Ice Cream, Antojitos, and Snacks, $2.50
It’s the second anniversary of this colorful East Side snack shop, which offers frozen “paletas” inspired by owner Ana Lopez’s upbringing in Jalisco, Mexico. This heavy-on-the-coconut variety conjures a tropically chilled experience.
Strawberry Popsicle
La Plaza, $4.15
Known for its authentic Mexican cuisine, the East Side restaurant and food truck started by Carlos and Veronica Riviera in 2020 balances spicy entrees with frozen treats featuring seasonal flavors made with fresh fruit.
Orange Lic’scicle
Lic’s Deli and Ice Cream, $4.15
Locally owned since 1950, this version creates a twist on an old favorite. Whether your push pop is filled with sorbet or ice cream, it’s licked the same way. Find it at Lic’s five locations between Evansville and Newburgh, and one shop each in Vincennes, Indiana, and Owensboro, Kentucky.
BUBBLE TEAS PHOTO BY LINDSEY MCINTOSH.
LIC’SICLE PHOTO BY MAGGIE VALENTI
Mr. Bubble Tea
Bloomington’s World of Flavor
The Hoosier city ‘punches way above its weight’ in international cuisine
By Kristen K. Tucker
Bloomington, Indiana, may be best known as the home of Indiana University, but the city’s identity stretches far beyond its famous Sample Gates. Tucked among limestone buildings and Midwestern charm is a global community shaped by generations of immigrants, international students, restaurateurs, artists, and cultural institutions.
During a press trip hosted by Visit Bloomington, I discovered a city where Tibetan prayer flags flutter just minutes from the town square; where Thai, Burmese, Indian, and Korean restaurants line a single street locals call “International Row;” and where conversations about food center on heritage and nostalgia.
Set just a few blocks from Downtown Bloomington and the IU campus, the Grant
Street Inn is a good base for exploring on foot. The inn spans five buildings and offers 40 one-of-a-kind rooms. A breakfast buffet served in the elegant Ziegler House dining room featured freshly prepared quiche, rotating breakfast meats, baked goods, oatmeal, yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit.
A Conversation with A Bloomington Foodie
If one person embodies Bloomington’s community-driven food culture, it is Jordan Davis, director of operations at The Chocolate Moose. Since moving to Bloomington from Carmel, Indiana, in 2009, Davis has become a vocal advocate for the city’s culinary scene. During a conversation at the nearly century-old ice cream institution, Davis described Bloomington as a city that “punches way above its weight” when it
ROAD TRIP
PHOTOS BY KRISTEN K. TUCKER
Jordan Davis of The Chocolate Moose
Grant Street Inn
comes to international cuisine. He pointed to the concentration of Tibetan, Burmese, Thai, and other globally inspired eateries packed into a Midwestern college town, crediting the restaurant owners’ stories and the quality of the food for making Bloomington an “embarrassment of riches” for diners.
Davis is credited with helping launch Food Truck Friday, which began 13 years ago in The Chocolate Moose’s parking lot. Now it is held in Switchyard Park on Fridays from April through October. Davis also helped revive the Taste of Bloomington — “The last hurrah of townie summer,” Davis says — held on Kirkwood Avenue. Up to 65 food vendors are expected to be visited by around 20,000 festivalgoers on Aug. 1.
The Chocolate Moose
The Chocolate Moose began in 1933 as May’s Café. In the 1950s, the owners downsized the restaurant into a smaller ice cream stand known as “The Penguin,” operating out of the quirky A-frame building that became a beloved local landmark. The iconic structure famously appeared as the Tastee Freez in John Mellencamp’s 1982 music video for his hit song “Jack & Diane,” bringing the song’s small-town Americana imagery to life.
In 1983, the shop was rebranded as The Chocolate Moose. The original A-frame building was demolished in 2016 during redevelopment, but the business remained on Walnut Street, serving homemade ice cream from the same machine long associated with the brand. The modern location expanded the concept to include coffee service, vegan offerings, and partnerships like Darn Good Soup, while still maintaining staples such as walk-up ordering and the famous “moose horns” – frozen bananas dipped in chocolate.
Today, under owner Justin Loveless and with Davis serving as director of operations, The Chocolate Moose serves as the de facto hub for Bloomington’s food community.
Cooking Class at In the Kitchen
Located on the square, the cooking school In the Kitchen was a highlight of the culinary press trip. Coordinator and co-owner Ava Collins instructed participants on the complete process of making risotto. Locals recognize Collins as a longtime staff member of Goods for Cooks, the street-level retail space above the cooking school owned by In the Kitchen co-owner George Huntington and his sister, Samantha Eibling.
Collins explained the risotto class is an example of In the Kitchen’s Weeknights Inspired series, which highlights quick, wholesome one-pan meals that feel achievable. “In general, but especially in Weeknights Inspired, our goal is to equip students to spend more quality time in their kitchens and dining rooms,” Collins says.
The class began with Collins walking us through the steps to make a bright spring pea risotto inspired by the cover recipe from a recently published cooking magazine. Collins explained that the foundation of the dish was her own stock, a beef bone broth simmered with vegetables. Ready to try the techniques ourselves, the nine students broke into three groups to improvise with the ingredients Collins had assembled. My group gravitated toward earthy mushrooms and tangy artichokes, building a risotto that was savory and creamy. The best part was the collaborative atmosphere.
International Row: Bloomington’s Culinary Passport East Fourth Street in Bloomington is known locally as “International Row,” a compact stretch of restaurants reflecting the town’s global character. Storefronts on both sides of the street invite
diners to sample cuisines that would feel at home in Bangkok, Delhi, Lhasa, or Seoul. Among the many options, Siam House caught my eye with its fanciful bronze elephants flanking the entry. I ordered Pad Thai that was both beautiful and delicious.
Dinner at The Uptown Café
Open since the mid-1970s, The Uptown Café has built its reputation on New Orleans–influenced cooking: Jambalaya, étouffée, crawfish dishes, and blackened fish bring the flavors of Louisiana into the middle of Southern Indiana. The restaurant features the vibrant paintings of New Orleans outsider artist Wayne Manns,
WHEN YOU GO
who resided in Bloomington for a time.
I started with the smoked salmon pâté and overheard a server explain to a neighboring table that her first suggestion will always be Louisiana-forward entrees. Following that lead, I ordered shrimp and grits. The good food was matched with good service. Returning to Evansville, Bloomington felt a little farther away than the miles suggested. No doubt many people in Southwestern Indiana have strong IU connections and will already have experienced what this article suggests — that is a good thing, because so many of these institutions are standing the test of time. For those without a connection to the university, worry not. Summertime, minus the tens of thousands of students, is a great time to visit Bloomington.
Read about the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center and more global dining options in Bloomington at evansvilleliving.com.
PHOTO
International Row
Pad Thai from Siam House
GOOD EATS
Recipe for Success
Tim Joyce takes his taste buds
on the road for Meals in a Snap
By John Martin
Trying to decide where to eat, or looking for something new or different? Tim Joyce is happy to help. The Vincennes, Indiana, resident created Meals in a Snap on a whim. Spurred by his children, he had already done some TikTok cooking videos. “I cook for the family all the time,” he says. A September 2025 video at Monical’s Pizza in Vincennes reached 9,000 views. Another one, at Arby’s, soared to 38,000.
Posting as Meals in a Snap, Joyce has visited dozens of regional restaurants, leaving crumbs on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. The name evolved from Ginger Snap — he’s a redhead. “I pay for all my meals,” he says. “I’m not a food critic and want to make sure everyone knows that. I just go highlight local restaurants.”
A typical week might take Joyce to historic Nisbet Inn in Haubstadt for rib gumbo and mac and cheese, cozy Dee’s Diner in Owensboro, Kentucky, for a “pancake the size of a basketball,” and R’z Cafe & Catering in Fort Branch for brunch — he suggests trying the Creole Chicken Benny.
During a recent family vacation at Walt Disney World, Joyce sampled a hot honey chicken sandwich that he opined “wasn’t so hot,” and he advised the restaurant’s owner to consult Vincennes’ Linneweber’s Sauce Company on how to spice things up. Another Knox County spot, Procopio’s Pizza & Pasta, is among his favorites.
Most of Joyce’s social media feedback is upbeat, but he got some pushback after ordering his steak medium well at House of Como — a reminder of the passionate viewpoints many have about food. “I took a lot of heat,” he says. “A lot of people thought I should eat it rare or medium rare. But that’s not me.”
The son of parents who loved to cook, Joyce, who works full-time in manufacturing, doesn’t just go out to eat. At home, he often fires up his Big Green Egg grill courtesy of Bassemiers Grill Supply Co. Perhaps he’s fulfilling his destiny: “I took four years of food classes at Lincoln High School (in Vincennes), and in second grade, I wrote a book with a friend that said we would open a restaurant when we got older,” he says.
Restaurateurs send Joyce branded T-shirts to wear in videos and gift
“I’m not a food critic and want to make sure everyone knows that. I just go highlight local restaurants.”
Tim Joyce
cards for him to give away to followers (36,000 on Facebook, 17,700 on TikTok, and counting). He’s seeking more traction on YouTube in the form of longer-form videos.
“Restaurants have messaged me days after a review telling me they were packed or sold out and the people came in saying they saw the review,” he says. “I have restaurants reaching out to me everyday to come and give them a try.”
Find Meals in a Snap on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
TASTE MAKER Tim Joyce’s Meals in a Snap social media pages highlight area restaurants and provide grilling tips. His culinary adventures sometimes extend beyond the Tri-State; Joyce even checked in from eateries at Disney World during a family trip this year.
Dine
Fine Dining
Cavanaugh’s on the River Indulge in steak and seafood on a threecourse menu that includes prime rib, pork chop, blackened neptune, verlasso salmon, and king crab legs. Live entertainment Wednesday-Sunday at Cavanaugh’s Piano Bar. Reservations recommended.
A new menu of steaks and seafood, including oysters, sea bass, halibut, wagyu, ribeye, and burgers plus duck breast, gnocchi a la rosa, and french onion soup. 415 Main St.
Upscale Dining
Belly of the Wolf
The scratch restaurant offers a wine-driven menu of smoked salmon, Iberico pork loin, shareplate ribeyes, steak frites, Curacao creme brulee, and more. 1112 Parrett St.
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano
Find monthly chef’s specials and homemade dishes for lunch and dinner. Try baconwrapped dates, seafood scampi, french onion soup, braised short rib or butternut squash ravioli, eggplant parmesan, dijon salmon, and grilled mahi mahi. 6401 E. Lloyd Expressway, Ste. 3
i Cap & Cork
Find a menu heavy on steak and seafood, with several handheld choices, a lengthy cocktail menu, and a cigar and bourbon bar. 104 N. Water St., Henderson, KY
The Collective
Entrees like seafood stuffed mushrooms, barbecue pork sliders, crispy skin salmon, chicken cordon bleu, and porterhouse steak are complemented by curated wines, original
cocktails, and a whiskey selection. 21+. 230 Main St. (above COMFORT by the Cross-Eyed Cricket)
Cork ’N Cleaver
With its menu etched on literal cleavers, this longstanding restaurant is known for steaks, seafood, burgers, and sandwiches, an extensive salad bar (complete with anchovies), and mud pie for dessert.
650 S. Hebron Ave.
Cosmos Bistro
This French-inspired menu, concise with a broad variety of options, offers a la carte dishes that change seasonally.
101 S.E. First St.
Entwined Wine & Cocktail Bar
The wine and cocktail bar has an intimate setting and offers a rotating selection of small plates including charcuterie and cheese plates, salads, flatbreads, and desserts. 303 Main St.
i Farmer and Frenchman Winery
French and Italian cuisines live in harmony with seasonal small bites, focaccia, vol au vent, braised beef pasta, beet and burrata salad, beef bourguignon, and roasted butternut squash. An extensive wine menu is available. 12522 U.S. 41 S., Robards, KY
The Foundry Room
Nod at local traditions while tucking into elevated American cuisine like Lamasco Landing Catfish Bites, Reitz Hill Blackened Catfish, Haynie’s Corner Smoked Wings, and Willard Library Fried Chicken.
601 Walnut St. (inside DoubleTree by Hilton)
i Haub Steakhouse
Housed in a 125-year-old former grain warehouse, find hand-cut meats, including trimmed steaks and fresh seafood, alongside desserts and signature cocktails.
101 E. Haub St., Haubstadt
Rivers Restaurant and Bar
Dine inside or outside, fire pits included, at this festive, fun spot, while dining on steaks, seafood, pasta, burgers, and a full salad bar. 1 S.E. Ninth St.
Casual
Bar Louie
The Midwest gastrobar chain offers bar bites like fried pickles and bone-in wings before entrees including Monterey chicken, citrus grilled salmon, beer-battered fish and chips, shrimp and grits, flatbreads, and craft burgers and scratch-built sandwiches. Catering available. 7700 Eagle Crest Blvd.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
The family-friendly chain serves pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, burgers, tacos, and specialties like New Orleans Jambalaya and Enlightened Cherry Chipotle Glazed Salmon, plus craft beer.
1000 N. Green River Road
Bonefish Grill
A local favorite for seafood, find hand-cut and wood-grilled specialties like Chilean sea bass, parmesan-crusted rainbow trout, and bourbon-glazed salmon, plus chicken, pork, steak, or linguine dishes.
6401 E. Lloyd Expressway
BRU Burger Bar
The historic former Greyhound bus terminal offers endless takes on the burger — dress it up with bourbon sauce, Provencal cheese, double bacon, chipotle barbecue sauce, a Mexicali spice mix, and mushrooms and Swiss cheese — plusf sandwiches, milkshakes, and signature cocktails also are served. 222 Sycamore St.
Bubba’s 33
This family restaurant/sports bar fusion was started by Kent “Bubba” Taylor, the founder of Texas Roadhouse, in 2013, and
came to Evansville in 2022. Enjoy dishes like the Bacon Burger and Meaty Meat pizza, plus garlic knots, pastas, salads, and sandwiches. 1 N. Burkhardt Road
i Carriage Inn
Housed in what originally was a 19th-century livery renting horses and carriages, this Southern family-style restaurant serves hand-breaded fried chicken, chicken livers and gizzards, grilled salmon, and catfish filets, plus sandwiches and burgers.
103 E. Gibson St., Haubstadt
Catfish Willy’s Seafood & Comfort Cuisine
This eclectic menu includes a Grippos cheeseburger, meatloaf, coconut shrimp, crab stuffed whitefish, fried frog legs, a seafood ramen boil, loaded gator fries, freshshucked loaded or raw oysters, deep fried crab cakes, and a create-your-own seafood steampot, all served with the help of robots. 5720 E. Virginia St.
Chef Lo on the Go
Find a range of classic smashburgers — including pineapple bacon, surf and turf, and brunch variations — plus a shrimp po’boy, fajita tacos, ribeye cheesesteak sandwich, and a variety of loaded fries.
900 Main St. (inside Main Street Food & Beverage)
COMFORT by the Cross-Eyed Cricket Dine in a historic former hotel on one of the city’s most varied menus. Country entrees
BIAGGI’S PHOTO BY ZACH STRAW
Biaggi’s
include meatloaf, roast beef, and chicken and dumplings, or select from loaded salads, thick sandwiches, fish and fowl dishes, and steaks. Belgian waffles, skillets, omelets, and more breakfast items are served all day. 230 Main St.
Cross-Eyed Cricket Family Restaurant
The precursor to COMFORT set the table for homestyle cooking available all day. Breakfast specials include bread pudding French toast, deep fried fruit-covered funnel cake, and garlic butter ribeye steak ‘n eggs. For lunch or dinner, try the Cricket Melt — two beef patties with lettuce, tomato, sauteed onions, and bacon on Texas toast.
2101 W. Lloyd Expressway
Diamonds Diner
An American family restaurant attached to a silo serving farm omelets, French toast, waffles, pancakes, crepes, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and homestyle cooking.
315 E. Diamond Ave.
Drake’s
The Lexington, Kentucky-based chain specializes in burgers, steaks, sushi, and a good time. The bar has 20 craft beers on tap to wash down a variety of sushi rolls and burgers, plus chicken asada tacos, fried fish, salads, chili, smashburgers, steak, and sandwiches. 1222 Hirschland Road
The Frontier Restaurant and Bar Feast on chicken wings, a “porterhouse” pork chop, and roasted prime rib, plus seafood, pasta, burgers, and sandwiches at the former cinder block saloon. 12945 IN-57
G.D. Ritzy’s
Exuding a diner feel with a 1950s playlist, on the menu are chili, “the world’s best” peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and the wellknown shoe string fries alongside burgers, hotdogs, salads, and soft-serve ice cream. Three locations in Evansville
i Hometown Roots
Explore cuisine with Southern roots by way of pork cakes, a classic Kentucky Hot Brown, Mississippi Cajun catfish, and sweet sorghum banana pudding served in a mason jar. Catering available. 136 Second St., Henderson, KY
i HT’s Ice Cream & Grill
Inside the former 2nd Street Treats, this relaxed eatery specializes in smashburgers and ice cream and offers sandwiches, milkshakes and malts, banana splits, sundaes, and more. 221 Second St. Ste. A, Henderson, KY
The Hornet’s Nest Steakhouse (Best Brunch)
Formerly a tavern, hotel, and dance hall, now the restaurant offers everything from a hot brown and beef Manhattan to Cajun chicken tortellini, French dip and Philly sandwiches, lollipop pork chop, pecan bourbon chicken, and more in a relaxed setting. From the bar, enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine, beer, bourbon, and whiskey. 11845 Petersburg Road
Jacobs Pub
This new venture incorporates many original DiLegge’s Restaurant dishes. Start with a
fungi ripieni granchio or insalata DiLegge, then dig into Gina’s fried chicken, DiLegge’s baked ziti, a chicken parmesan grinder, German bologna sandwich, double Chicago hot dog, bistecca e gamberetti, clams and linguine, scampi, or build-your-own pasta. 607 N. Main St.
Journey Fish & Chicken
Food with a Chicago flare, try Windy City twists on honey barbecue wings, chicken tenders, catfish steak, and Italian beef. 825 S. Green River Road
Juicy Seafood
Specials include boiled black and green mussels, squid, crayfish, and snow crab, plus New England clam chowder, hushpuppies, raw or steamed oysters, king crab legs, seafood fried rice, and pasta on the Cajun-inspired menu. 865 N. Green River Road
Kate’s Cafe
A place to gather — “where taste and flavor meet” — serving pancakes, crepes, French toast, omelets, sushi, pasta, steak, and more. 5625 Pearl Drive, Ste. G
i The Korner Inn
The northern Warrick County bar is open from breakfast to dinner, including for nightly specials on fried chicken, catfish fiddlers, and smoked pork chops. 15 W. Main St., Elberfeld
i The Log Inn
The Elpers family’s definition of homestyle cooking includes fried chicken legs and wings, rolls, ham, roast beef, mashed potatoes, homemade coleslaw, corn, green beans, and freshly baked pies and cakes. Erected in 1825 as a stagecoach stop and trading post, this resting point is recognized as the oldest restaurant in Indiana.
12491 S. 200 E., Haubstadt
Major Munch
Order from a menu of savory burgers and patty melts, catfish sandwiches, Philly cheesesteaks, po’boys, three types of crispy chicken sandwiches, and tenderloins.
101 N.W. First St.
Metro Diner
This chain offers comfort food like pancakes, burgers, ribs, fish and chips, and chicken pot pie in a retro setting.
945 N. Burkhardt Road
Mister B’s
Choose from fare like battered mushrooms, nacho baskets, seasoned and loaded waffle fries, loaded potato soup, reubens, strombolis, buffalo mac and cheese, baked ziti, and specialty pizzas. After your meal, stop at Club 18, an indoor golf simulator club next door to the Evansville location.
1340 Hirschland Road; 2611 U.S. 41, Henderson, KY
The New Old Mill
Family-style dinners have been made from scratch here since 1936. In a dining room sporting Old World decor, share plates of breaded cauliflower, shrimp egg rolls, Texas-cut prime rib, baby back ribs, shrimp Maui, filet of sole almandine, baked scrod, chicken ala Kiev, lasagna, weiner schnitzel, and Old Mill tenderloin and fish filet sandwiches. 5031 New Harmony Road
FRESH TAKES
NOW OPEN
Local attorney Scott Danks is opening Rivers Restaurant and Bar, One S.E. Ninth St., an upscale restaurant serving steaks, seafood, pasta, burgers, and a full salad bar, with a grand opening slated for Aug. 1.
À LA CARTE
Attendees at Evansville Otters baseball games now can order Lic’s Deli and Ice Cream’s choco cremes, soft serve, and Lic’scicles from the concession stand. Casey’s Dugout, 2900 Lincoln Ave., has launched lunch service 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, early bar service at 2 p.m. Tuesday and Friday, and pizza sales by the slice. DosBros Fresh Mexican Grill has paused operations and intends to reopen under new ownership at 3351 N. First Ave. NANDO WoodFired Steak & Seafood, 415 Main St., has added happy hour specials and a bar menu featuring charbroiled oysters, Miyazaki Wagyu sliders, King Crab corn fritters, filet carpaccio, and Wagyu meatballs. Both are available 4-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 3-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday.
DEARLY DEPARTED
Owner and chef Charisa Perkins has closed Copper House, 1430 W. Franklin St. after listing it for sale in April. Señor Burrito Mexican Grill, 606 N. Main St., paused business May 1 with plans to relocate. Chicken Stop, 411 N. Saint Joseph Ave., and Kung Fu Chicken, 325 S. Green River Road, shuttered in April. Salsarita’s Fresh Mexican Grill, 3910 E. Morgan Ave. Ste. 2244, shut down in June. Nachos Grill, 821 S. Green River Road, Ste. B, closed May 31 so the owners could focus on their Henderson, Kentucky, Mexican restaurant, El Sabor de la Abuela. Osaka Japanese Hibachi and Sushi closed its Newburgh restaurant at 4222 Bell Road on June 15. It still operates a location on Pearl Drive. After 15 years, ROPPONGI Japanese Steak & Sushi, 7221 E. Indiana St., will close July 31. Playa Azul Estilo Sinaloa, 270 N. Green River Road, has closed.
Rivers Restaurant and Bar
Casey’s Dugout
Savor | DINING GUIDE
Pangea Kitchen
This East Side restaurant combines Thai and Italian dishes to create its eclectic menu of Neapolitan and Detroit-style pizzas, housemade pasta, pad ke moa, kao soi, pad ka poa and rice, torta milanesa, and a rotating taco special. Gelato and Italian pastries are available for dessert. 111 S. Green River Road
Pip’s Pub
Did the silvery diner exterior catch your eye as you exited Interstate 64? Weary travelers and local diners alike stop by for classic and creative twists on pub cuisine, including catfish bites, fried pickles, Bavarian pretzel sticks, and the mac and smash attack burger, Philly cheesesteak, pork tenderloin sandwich, and a citrus chicken rice bowl. 19501 Elpers Road
Prime Time Bar & Grill
The prime rib is a house specialty, but there’s plenty more here: burgers, rice bowls, and crunchy potato chips to snack on while waiting for an order. Choose from about 45 bourbons and 25 beers on tap. 8177 Bell Oaks Drive, Newburgh; 12301 U.S. 41 N.
Random Fill-Ups
The food truck’s brick-and-mortar shop sells brisket sandwiches, pulled pork sandwiches, chicken wings, and more. 900 Main St.
Ray Leo’s at Lamasco
Partake in ribs, sandwiches, hot dogs, and focaccia from Parella Petit, plus live entertainment. 1331 W. Franklin St.
Robert’s by the River Homestyle menu featuring sandwiches, fried chicken, and seafood alongside hush puppies and country fried apples. 6 Walnut St.
Rockin Chicken Indi
Sample a variety of marinated meats like grilled chicken, jumbo wings, skirt steak, pulled pork, and rack rib, plus street and soft tacos and burritos with housemade sauces and sides. 2519 N. First Ave.
The Rooster’s Den
Passed-down family recipes are the backbone of this menu, which offers biscuits and gravy, a loaded haystack, Rowdy Rooster, French toast, pancakes, breaded pork tenderloin, Hawaiian chicken salad, and chicken strip basket. A soup and salad bar is available at lunch. 38988 Haley Drive, Newburgh
Samuel’s
You’ll know this Downtown eatery by its red exterior. Inside, and on the outside patio, diners enjoy smashburgers, truffle fries, and cocktails. 21+. 113 S.E. Fourth St.
i Say’s Restaurant
Comfort food made with seasonal local ingredients, including chicken salad in a croissant and Italian beef stew with slaw.
518 Main St., New Harmony, IN
The Rooftop
Whether inside or with a view on the elevated outdoor patio, dine on an expansive menu with breakfast choices as well as a Rooftop smashburger, Richie’s Fried Chicken, build-your-ownpizza, buffalo chicken mac, chicken on the beach, and a brisket mac and cheese taco. 112 N.W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
The Tin Fish
Fill up on calamari, crab cakes, mahi-mahi, swordfish, trout, and filets like orange roughy, catfish, tilapia, and walleye are offered alongside New England clam chowder, tacos, burritos, and sandwiches. The two-story, pink salt-walled seafood eatery includes an 18-seat bar.
707 State St., Newburgh
Wild Eggs
This egg-citing menu focuses on breakfast items with a stacked avocado toast, house-made cinnamon roll, Mexico City Chilaquiles, potato head or Carolina casseroles, and a dish called The Mad Platter. 1223 Hirschland Road, Ste. 105
Cafés
10-8 Café Bar & Grill
The menu inside the North Side shooting range and entertainment center winks at the law enforcement life, offering live rounds (pizza), burglers (burgers), new recruits (kids’ menu), mutual aid (sides), and sandwiches like the dayshifter BLT and the billy club. 4209 U.S. 41 N. (inside Lawman Tactical Guntry Club)
Kite & Key Café
Breakfast and lunch options include omelets, breakfast burritos, eggs benedict, French toast, crepes, avocado toast, skillets, sandwiches, burgers, wraps, quesadillas, soups, and salads. Try the cinnamon roll bread pudding, and stop in the coffee bar. 2301 W. Franklin St.
i Sidewalk Café
This local favorite lunch spot features sandwiches like grilled pimento cheese and hot ham and cheese, and daily specials, plus soups, salads, and desserts. Catering available. 228 Second St., Henderson, KY
Sunrise Café Family Restaurant
Select from several spins on pancakes, waffles, French toast, and omelettes, plus hearty lunches like catfish, chicken strips, and chopped sirloin. 8401 N. Kentucky Ave.; 864 S. Green River Road
i That Place
This spot is all about homemade food, including pita pizzas, pickle pockets, paninis, burgers, and biscuits and gravy. 2630 U.S. 41, Ste. B, Henderson, KY
Diners
The Diner by Mele’s
Offering a wide mix of American and Mexican cuisine, order the funnel cake, chicken and waffles, tilapia mango, enchiladas, tacos, taquitos, fajitas, chicken on the beach, Mexican chicken, or cheesecake chimichanga. 550 N. Green River Road
Frankie’s Restaurant
Discover both Mexican and Midwestern comfort food, including chilaquiles, churro waffles, tres leches pancakes, cajeta French toast, fried catfish, and Wisconsin cheese curds and fried pickles. The bar serves cocktails, wines, and beer plus weekly drink specials. 6840 Logan Drive
Friendship Diner
Enjoy comfort food including omelets, skillets, pancakes, burgers, sandwiches, and salads, plus daily specials and lunch combos. 834 Tutor Lane
Kenny’s Family Diner
Open for breakfast and lunch, find pancakes, French toast, and omelets alongside wraps, sandwiches, salads, burgers, homestyle dishes, and more.
2 Richardt Ave.
Merry Go Round Restaurant
Open since June 1946, the menu at this octagon-shaped building includes a choice of steak, smoked porch chop, grilled pork tenderloin, pork cutlet, and chicken plus eggs as well as omelets. Sandwiches make up a huge chunk of the menu, plus salads, seafood, steaks, pasta, soups, and chili. 2101 N. Fares Ave.
Nellie’s
Popular breakfast items include chicken and waffles, French toast, chicken fajita burrito, breakfast skillets, and omelets. For dinner, try the liver and onions, ribeye sandwich, pot roast, shrimp creole or tacos, and smothered pork chops. A North Side sister restaurant offering bar seating joined the family in 2024. 6600 N. First Ave.; 8566 Ruffian Lane, Newburgh
Walk-ups & Drive-ins
Big Top Drive-In
Since 1948, this is the spot for old-fashioned burgers, crinkle-cut fries, and soft serve ice cream and shakes. Also find tenderloin, Grippos chicken, and rib sandwiches, soup and grilled cheese, frozen hot chocolate, sundaes, Twinkle Kote cones, and more. 1213 W. Maryland St.
Burger Bank
The yellow, red, and white building is easy to spot. If you’re not into the sliced-thin patties served on fluffy buns with classic toppings, order the tenderloins, melts, Philly cheese steaks, burgers, soups, sandwiches, shakes, floats, and soft-serve ice cream. 1617 S. Weinbach Ave.
i The Dariette
This old-school burger joint offers lunch and dinner for a sitdown, drive-up, or drive-thru meal. Order tater kegs to start, then choose from cheeseburgers, pork tenderloin, Nashville hot chicken, fish, chili dogs, and buffalo chicken strips. For dessert, try extreme milkshakes and sundaes. 711 Atkinson St., Henderson, KY
JD Caribbean Restaurant
This South Side eatery is known for Caribbean and Haitian fare such as fried goat, jute leaves, chayote, goat stew, plantains, and fried fish. 1010 S. Kentucky Ave.
i Taylor’s Grill on Wheels
Memphis-style smoked meats are the top attraction alongside brisket, rib tips, smoked loin chops, pulled pork, smoked or barbecue pulled chicken breast, mac and cheese, baked beans, nachos, potato salad, and baked potatoes. Catering available. 130 N. Water St,. Henderson, KY
Zesto Drive-In
The family-owned sites continue the 1950s tradition of pounded-thin burgers, crinkle fries, and soft-serve ice cream. The West Side menu expands with bacon, egg and cheeses, biscuits and sausage gravy, breakfast tacos, and sandwiches like breaded tenderloin and cheeseburgers. 102 W. Franklin St.; 920 E. Riverside Drive
Pizzerias
Archie & Clyde’s Restaurant & Bar
Grab a drink and appetizer before a meal of homemade chili, gyros, pulled pork barbecue sandwich, breaded or grilled tenderloin sandwich, and a variety of pizzas. 8309 Bell Oaks Drive, Newburgh
Azzip Pizza
It’s “pizza” backward, but the mix-and-match style of pie is anything but. Personal-sized pizzas (8 or 11 inches) are prepared to order. Specialties include the West Sider (barbecue pork, Grippos, and Ski extract), the Italian Stallion, and Potato Head, as well as the seasonal March Crabness. Three locations in Evansville and one in Newburgh
Casey’s Dugout
The baseball-inspired restaurant serves cleverly monikered pies like The “Graham” Slam, Field of Greens, and “The Hitman” and Donnie MEATball, both named after Evansville native and former New York Yankees star Don Mattingly. Come for the pies, stay for the swath of sports memorabilia decorating every available surface. 2900 Lincoln Ave.
DiMaggio’s Italian Pizza
This local location of the Mount Vernon-based shop offers pizza, breadsticks, pastas, calzones, strombolis, and more. 3848 N. First Ave.
Dontae’s Highland Pizza Parlor
Sink your teeth into hoagie-style sandwiches and specialty pizzas. For pies, try the Cow & Pig, Funky Chicken, or King Fajita, or The Farva, Hines’ own spin on Evansville’s favorite strombolis. 6669 Kratzville Road
Kipplee’s
Thin-crust pizzas, sandwiches, and strombolis have been the top draw at this East Side establishment for more than 30 years. 2350 E. Division St.
Lombardi’s New York Pizza and Wings
New York City-style pizza carves its way into the Midwest with a variety of flavors and toppings, sold by the slice or whole. A meaty variety is the New Porker. 3311 N. Green River Road
Lyle’s Sportszone Pizza & Pub
Part restaurant, part dive bar, you’ll find pizza, strombolis — including Lyle’s original loaded stromboli — burgers, and sandwiches, plus live entertainment. 1404 E. Morgan Ave.
Pangea Pizzeria
Offerings include Neo-Neapolitan pizza plus breadsticks, wings, cookies, and house made gelato and sorbet. Diners also can order from the menu of neighboring restaurant 2nd Language. 401 N.W. Second St., Ste. A
Papa Johns
Pick your crust — pan, stuffed, New York, thin, and gluten-free — and dig into handcrafted specialties like Super Hawaiian, Fiery Buffalo Chicken, and Philly Cheesesteak. 4814 W. Lloyd Expressway; 4204 N. First Ave.; 5436 E. Indiana St.; 303 N. Weinbach Ave.; 12414 U.S. 41
Petersburg Pizza
Dig into pies, strombolis, sandwich baskets, wings, salads, and more at this eatery operating out of The Farm Golf Course. 6901 Petersburg Road
Pizza King
The local version of this Hoosier chain has a variety of appetizers and thin-crust pizzas, but it’s best known for its strombolis. The original boasts sausage and onion, or order a strom with a twist, like Texas barbecue and ham and cheese. Two locations in Evansville and one in Newburgh
Roca Bar and Pizza
Serving pizza since 1953, Roca Bar lays claim to being “Evansville’s Original Pizza.” Try specialty pies like Round the World, bacon cheeseburger, quesadilla, Mega Meat, and Roca Fredo, or order flatbreads, sandwiches, and pasta. 4600 Washington Ave.
Rounders Pizza
Specialty pizzas include the Nameless Special, a pie with the tomato sauce on top, and the Bavarian, served with mustard, plus strombolis and sandwiches. 510 W. Mill Road
Rounders Too
Dine in or carry out from a menu of pies, sandwiches, pizza spinners, hotzarilla sticks, and buffalo chicken salad. 12731 N. Green River Road
The Slice
Steps away from the University of Evansville campus, this neighborhood gathering place sells pies by the slice in popular choices such as the potato, ranch, and spinach. 2011 Lincoln Ave.
Spankey’s Una Café
The brand expanded in 2023 with this eatery in Haynie’s Corner Arts District. Find una-style pizza alongside cheese bread, bread sticks, wings, pretzel bites, salads, strombolis, sandwiches, desserts, and more. 15 Jefferson Ave.
Spankey’s Una Pizza
This restaurant’s first iteration grew from its una-style origins and into a popular sit-down restaurant on the West Side offering specialty pizzas — on that trademark cracker-thin crust — and build-your-own pies, plus sandwiches and specialty salads. Try the Strom Pizza or the Westsider, two options with a nod to Evansvillians’ appetites. 440 W. Lloyd Expressway
The Sportsden Bar & Grill
Dress up una-style pizzas with an array of toppings or order the Grand Slam and other specialty pies. Brat burgers, ribeye, German fried bologna, strombolis, and other sandwiches round out the menu. 701 N. Weinbach Ave., Ste. 110
Steve’s Una Pizza
Have a classic una-style experience at this 50–plus-year-old walk-up favorite. Choose from thin-crust pies, wings, strombolis, and sandwiches. 1005 S. St. James Blvd.
Turoni’s Pizzery and Brewery (Best Pizza)
Famed for its cracker-thin crusts since 1963, this restaurant also launched Evansville’s first microbrewery in 1996. Pizza, strombolis, and sandwiches, paired with a frosty pint of Honey Blonde Ale, await. Two locations in Evansville and one in Newburgh
Twisted Tomato Pizza Co.
Serving pizza on made-from-scratch pizza dough, pizza dippers, popper toast, pepperonicinis, oven-baked sandwiches including chicken alfredo carbonara and sloppy joe, and a variety of pastas. 2333 St. George Road
Barbecue
Bad Randy’s Hot Chicken & BBQ Lounge
Test your spice tolerance with eight different levels of heat for fried chicken, plus crab linguine, baby back ribs, steak frites, hog fries, smoked chicken wings, tacos, and more. 1418 W. Franklin St.
ChefWhat BBQ & More
Fresh lunch specials are made to order daily, including burritos, pulled pork sandwich and quesadilla, smoked mac and cheese, and a smoked bologna and cheese sandwich. Catering available. 422 Seventh St., Henderson, KY
Hickory Pit Stop
This local staple since 1957 cooks its meats over a hickory wood fire. Dinners include half-chicken, pork, mutton, ham, and baby back ribs with potato salad, baked beans, slaw, and fries. From the grill, try a fried bologna sandwich or double cheeseburger. Buffet-style catering available. 1521 N. Main St.
i Homer’s Barbecue
Find trademarks like smoked wings, brisket, and St. Louis-style ribs as well as specialties like chicken lollipops, briskitos, and barbecue nachos, and cheddar jalapeño sausage. Catering available. 128 Second St., Henderson, KY
Mission BBQ (Best Barbecue)
Readers named this national chain their favorite barbecue joint in the 2017, 2022, and 2023 Best of Evansville awards for its barbecue meats — and for deploying its armored catering vehicle to feed first responders during emergencies. Large Pick-Up Packs and catering available. 1530 N. Green River Road
i Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn
Famous for its lunch and dinner buffets, don’t miss the bevy of barbecued meat, country-style vegetables, corn muffins, and desserts. 2840 W. Parrish Ave., Owensboro, KY
i Thomason’s Barbecue
Since the 1960s, the family-owned business has used hickory wood to smoke barbecue pork, mutton, ribs, chicken, ham, beef, baby back ribs, and turkey. Classic sides include potato salad, slaw, and barbecue beans. Catering available. 701 Atkinson St., Henderson, KY
Asian
09 Mochi
Indulge your sweet tooth with Japanese rice cakes, flavored teas, matcha, slushies, coffee, and honeycomb cakes. 1223 Hirschland Road, Ste. 101
2nd Language
Take your taste buds on a global adventure via Japanese karaage, Asian Buffalo Bao Bun, lumpia Shanghai, chimichurri steak, Korean cucumber salad, donburi rice bowls, and at least nine choices of ramen.
401 N.W. Second St.
Big Bang Mongolian Grill
Bowls piled high with custom combinations of vegetable, meat, and noodle stir fry are the signature here. 2013 N. Green River Road
Canton Inn
The North Park Shopping Center is home to this wellknown spot offering Cantonese- and American-style appetizers, soups, poultry, beef, pork, seafood dishes, and daily lunch and dinner buffets. 947 North Park Drive
Chopstick House Restaurant
The longtime eatery in Village Commons serves Cantonese meals, including specialties such as Treasure Duck, a boneless delicacy steamed for hours in spicy sauce and topped with vegetables. 5412 E. Indiana St.
Crazy Buffet
Find fresh Chinese fare like seafood, sushi, and nigiri for a dine-in experience or order from the to-go buffet. 701 N. Burkhardt Road
Domo Japanese Hibachi Grill, Sushi, and Ramen
Get ready to roll with a lengthy list of sushi choices, plus Japanese dishes, ramen, bento boxes and more. 215 N. Green River Road
Fuji Yama
For 20 years, this North Side sushi and hibachi spot has served soups, salads, noodles, rice, sushi, hand rolls, chicken, beef, and shrimp dishes. 915 North Park Drive
Gangnam Korean
Named for the Gangnam District in Seoul, South Korea, select from rice dishes like bibimbap and dupbap, noodle options such as Korean Ramyun, and entrees including chicken and beef bulgogi, all served as K-Pop music plays in the background. 518 Main St.
Jumak
Order from traditional Korean dishes such as bibimbap, yachae twigim, and bulgogi. 5720 E. Virginia St.
Kanpai
This East Side eatery has a long list of sushi choices — such as the Zig Zag, filled with cucumber and avocado and, topped with soft shell crab, scallion, and spicy mayonnaise — lunch bento boxes, and more. 4593 Washington Ave.
Ma.T.888 China Bistro (Best Asian Restaurant - tie)
Pick from high-quality modern Cantonese and Chinese fusion cuisine choices, including house specialties such as lemongrass fish, Peking duck, and chicken lettuce wraps. 5636 Vogel Road
Noodle House
This family-owned spot has made fans with its Wok fried rice, lo mein, mei fun, ramen, pho, and more. Bao buns are made in-house. 8922 High Pointe Drive, Newburgh
Osaka Japanese Hibachi and Sushi
Hibachi-style and Indonesian cuisine is the main attraction, plus a sushi bar, poke bowls, hot plates, bento boxes, and Japanese curry. 5435 Pearl Drive
Poke River
This Hawaiian fusion restaurant serves up poke and sushi in dishes like bowls, burritos, and salads. 6240 E. Virginia St.
Sakura
Find Japanese cuisine such as sashimi, fried rice, tempura, as well as Chinese dishes. Sushi choices include a trio of specialty rolls: the Rainbow, Volcano, and Mango Tuna. 4833 Highway 261, Newburgh
Szechwan Restaurant
The extensive Sichuan menu offers Szechuan dumplings, Kung Pao Chicken, Ma Po Tofu, and crispy Peking Duck. 669 N. Green River Road (in Eastland Place)
Thai Bistro and Bar
Spice up your life with the bistro’s authentic Thai cuisine including Pad Thai, curry, papaya salad, crab rangoons, satay, and more. 5416 E. Indiana St.
Vietnamese Cuisine
This staple of Southeastern Asian cuisine offers ribeye noodle soup, a chargrilled pork sandwich, grape leaf-wrapped meats, hot pots, rice noodle dishes, and more. 4602 Vogel Road
Yang’s Shabu Shabu
The Japanese style of quickly cooking thin-sliced meat in a simmering broth is applied to lo mein, chow udon, chow mei, and more. Complete your meal with one of a dozen bubble tea flavors. 4700 Vogel Road
Yen Ching (Best Asian Restaurant - tie)
A longtime East Side favorite, this establishment is known for Mandarin, Szechwan, and Peking cuisine, served among classic Asian decor sporting red and gold touches reminiscent of Old Beijing’s summer palace. Catering available. 406 S. Green River Road
Zuki Japanese Hibachi Grill & Sushi Lounge
Both locations offer a high-end hibachi grill, gourmet sushi, and Japanese dishes in an upscale setting. 1448 N. Green River Road; 222 Main St.
German
Gerst Haus
This West Side staple nods to the surrounding neighborhood’s heritage with authentic dishes from schnitzels to stroganoff, as well as several American favorites, served in a Bavarian beer hall-style environment. As Evansville Living readers have noted, Gerst also offers some of the city’s best draft beer choices. 2100 W. Franklin St.
Haitian
Guilou Lounge & Grill
Authentic Haitian cuisine including gratin (Haitian pasta), soup joumou (pumpkin), tassot cabrit (fried goat meat), and moru (salted codfish). 750 S. Kentucky Ave.
Indian
Bites of India
Select Indian and Indo-Chinese entrees such as garlic naan, butter chicken, galouti kebab, tawa fish, okra masala, goat rezala, goat sukka, andhra fish fry, malabar fish curry, and a variety of briyanis and traditional soups. 1434 Tutor Lane
Flavors of India
Inside Swagat Indian Market is this restaurant cooking up egg biryani, naan, fried papad, and more. 105 N. Green River Road
Taj Mahal
Order buffet style or from a menu of tandoori chicken, paneer tikka, panjabi curry, kadai paneer, and more. 900 Tutor Lane
Yak & Yeti
Himalayan and Indian family recipes converge in tandoori lamb chops, momo dumplings, and several kinds of curry — choose from 10 spice levels. 815 S. Green River Road
Irish
Patsy Hartigan’s Irish Pub
Taste cuisine of the Emerald Isle, including fish and chips, Reuben sandwiches, bangers and mash, and shepherd’s pie, plus a weekend Irish breakfast. Chase them with a pint of Guinness or a new house brew. 203 Main St.
Italian/Mediterranean
Angelo’s
The lunch crowd stands in line for pizza by the slice. A full complement of Italian starters, entrees, and desserts (including silk pie) is offered. 305 Main St.
Bastoni
Little Angelo’s has transformed — named after the Ace of Batoni from traditional Italian card games or footballer Alessandro Batoni — with a menu of baked ziti, penne ala vodka, lasagna, and pizza, plus chicken, steak, and seafood dishes. 8000 Bell Oaks Drive, Newburgh
Café Arazu
A worldly mix of meals awaits, such as gyros, Tuscan grilled beef sala, Moroccan red lentil soup, and hummus and falafel platters. 17 W. Jennings St., Newburgh
House of Como (Place with the Best Steak)
The South Side staple offers a menu of Arabian dishes like shish kabobs, yebra malfoof, seneya betiajia, and kibi seneya, plus seafood, steaks, and Italian specialties. Reservations required. Payment is in cash or check. 2700 S. Kentucky Ave.
Kabob Xpress
A go-to spot for a quick meal with a Middle Eastern flare, select from stuffed grape leaves, shawarma, falafel, fresh salads, sandwiches, gyro plates, and many kabob plate options. 3305 N. Green River Road
Lily’s Mediterranean Express
Choose from salads, falafel, bruschetta, hummus, rice bowls, wings, sandwiches, wraps, beef kabob, chicken dinger, and pizzas. 4120 N. First Ave.
Little Italy (Best Italian Restaurant)
Mix Italian and Mediterranean with fried zucchini, parmesan fried green tomato, minestrone soup, cream of potato soup, spinach ravioli, rigatoni carbonara, chicken kebab, shrimp bisque, pizzas, and Italian cream lemon cake. 4430 N. First Ave.
Manna Mediterranean Grill
Specialties include stuffed grape leaves, gyros, kebabs, beef and lamp gyros, chicken shawarma and creamy garlic sauce, baba gannoug, tabbouleh salad, harissa, and baklava. 2913 Lincoln Ave.
Marida Mediterranean Restaurant
Enjoy Turkish and Kurdish cuisine like kebabs, gyro wraps, kuzu pirzola, alinazik, sac tava, and haydari, plus steak, seafood, pasta, and vegetarian specialties, plus brunch. 1 E. Water St., Newburgh
Shah’s Halal Food
This national chain restaurant serves Mediterranean-influenced platters over rice with a choice of meat, a variety of salads, chicken sandwiches, gyros, and sides like pita and pakora chips, plus baklava for dessert.
222 S. Red Bank Road, Unit L
Smitty’s Italian Steakhouse
(Best Outdoor Dining)
Filling choices abound, from New York strip, bone-in filet, and porterhouse steaks to pasta like baked lasagna, manicotti, and fettucini alfredo, and seafood such as garlic shrimp, whitefish piccata, and pan fried grouper. Seasonal patio dining available. 2109 W. Franklin St.
Latin American
i Burrito Express Mexican Grill
Drive through, pick up, or eat in at this Mexican-inspired restaurant serving quesabirria tacos, asada fries, burrito chicken, street tacos, pollo playa, burrito steak, and more. 2539 U.S. 41 N., Ste. A, Henderson, KY
i Casa Armonia
A menu from south of the border in this former Utopian town, serving quesadillas, fajitas, burritos, enchiladas, chimichangas, and street tacos, nachos, and more.
500 Church St., New Harmony
Casa Fiesta Mexican Restaurant
Traditional Mexican entrees, family specials, and more are served among a menu of shrimp on the beach, huevos rancheros, burrito Evansville, quesadilla Indiana, fajita on the beach, huevos con chorizo, flautas Mexicanas, and nachos al pastor. For those who come hungry (or don’t mind sharing), try the two-foot Monster Burrito. 1003 E. Diamond Ave.; 1919 N. Green River Road
Chuy’s Tex-Mex
Looking for “big as yo’ face” burritos? Find them here, alongside tacos, tortilla soup, enchiladas, and entrees like green chile relleno and fried chicken, chuychanga, chicken flautas, and more. 7301 E. Indiana St.
El Charro Mexican Restaurant
Mariachi band performances occasionally punctuate the dining experience at this West Side eatery, where the menu includes chicken on the beach, fiesta California, papa grande loaded baked potatoes, and Pollo Indiana, a top seller sporting chicken breast and chorizo doused in cheese sauce.
720 N. Sonntag Ave.
i El Sabor de la Abuela
Recipes from grandma’s kitchen to the menu include mojarra frita, coctel de camaron, soups and stews, taco salad, chicken fajitas, carne asada, chimichangas, chicken on the beach, fajita Texans, and street tacos. 108 Second St., Henderson, KY
Fiesta Acapulco
One of many Mexican specialties here is the Burritos Acapulco – chicken and beef burritos topped with cheese sauce, lettuce, guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo. 8480 High Pointe Drive, Newburgh
Gollita Peruvian Cuisine
Feast on minestrone, tamales, papa a la huancaína, arroz con pollo, and more — all featuring sauces and marinades made in-house. 4313 E. Morgan Ave.
Hacienda
This Tex-Mex chain is known for its wet burrito, fajitas like garlic mushroom, chicken, steak, or shrimp, plus chimichangas, Mexican pizza, chicken strip dinner, quesabirria, and ranch dressing, which some diners buy by the tub to take home. Four Evansville locations
Helados Ice Cream, Snacks & Antojitos
Order Latin American-fused papas, conchas, tortas, ceviche, tostadas, elotes, ramen, and more, plus an extensive dessert menu featuring loaded milkshakes, crepes, banana splits, flan, ice cream dishes, iced drinks, and Mexican shaved ice. 779 S. Green River Road
La Campirana (Best Latin American Restaurant) Freshness and authenticity are hallmarks of “La Camp,” which serves Mexican and Latin American staples like tacos, gorditas, quesadillas, burritos, sopes orden, ensalada Mexicana, tortas, birrias, carnitas, flautas, enchiladas, alambres, and more. 724 N. Burkhardt Road; 900 Main St. (inside Main Street Food & Beverage)
La Plaza
This food truck also has a sit-in restaurant that serves street tacos, tortas, quesadillas, mulitas, burritos, street corn (on a stick or in a cup), birria, and more. 420 S. Green River Road
Los Bravos
Traditional Mexican dishes and drinks are served, including quesadilla Bravo with grilled shrimp and chorizo, Baja tacos with cod or shrimp, and chipotle pasta.
Three Evansville locations
Noche Cantina & Cocina
Authentic Mexican flavors permeate this menu of fried truffle yuka fries, grilled elote salad, deep-fried tres leches, tacos, and more. Dine on the second-level patio on nice days. 2215 W. Franklin St.
Sazón y Fuego
This high-end menu is inspired by cuisine from Central and South Americas, with dishes cooked on a charcoal grill. Select from pollo con mole, ropa vieja, picanha, and more, plus craft cocktails. 8666 Ruffian Lane, Newburgh
i Tacoholics
Mexican food lovers can discover a filling mix of fajitas, chimichangas, and plenty of tacos. 122 First St., Henderson, KY
Taqueria y Pupuseria Miranda
This spot specializes in authentic Salvadorian pupusas and street tacos with a variety of fillings, Plus, create-your-own burritos and quesadillas. 2008 Washington Ave.
Sports Bars
Bally Bet Sportsbook & Bar
Dig into smash burgers, fish and chips, Asian glazed shrimp, braised short ribs, and a wide selection of beer and cocktails. Catch sports action on several big screens and an LED video wall, and bet on games at the Sportsbook’s counter and kiosks. 421 N.W. Riverside Drive (inside Bally’s Evansville)
Birdies
Feast on smash burgers, pizzas, catfish, tacos, nachos, sandwiches, and more from The Rooftop next door while playing simulated golf, dodgeball, basketball, hockey, and more sports or throwing an axe down the lane. 120 N.W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Bullseyes Sports Bar
Inside the former Sidetrack Bar location, find dart tournaments alongside a diverse beer selection and nightly dinner plates like pulled pork and sloppy joe sandwiches, beef hot dogs, and more. 664 E. Illinois St.
Casa Fiesta Sport Bar & Grill
Family-owned with authentic Mexican favorites, including daily lunch specials, with plenty of TVs for sports viewing. 1602 Vann Ave.
Franklin Street Tavern
Pub grub like basco sticks, pretzels, nachos, bratwurst, popcorn, 14-inch pizzas, and more are available while you relax on the patio or catch a game on the TVs indoors. 2126 Franklin St.
Marina Pointe and Nightclub
This seasonal hotspot along the Ohio River is open May-October and is defined by live music and its open air bar and grill. Try beer battered onion rings, fried shrimp, crispy marina chicken wings, pointe burger, fried fish sandwich, wagyu dog, and smoked chicken salad. 1801 Waterworks Road
Mojo’s BoneYard Sports Bar & Grille
Bar food including chicken wings doused with housemade sauces, square steam burgers, thin-crust pizzas, the Sloppy Mo sandwich, Philly cheesesteak, chili, salads, and strombolis, plus drinks and a robust live music schedule await. Only those aged 21 and over are allowed. 4920 Bellemeade Ave.
Neighbors
Build-your-own smashburgers are a main attraction here, as well as barbecue pork nachos, fried okra, brussel sprouts,
pizza burger, breakfast burger, peanut butter bacon burger, chicken parmesan sandwich, fish sandwich, bratwurst sandwich, German fried bologna, and the smashburger wrap. 4222 Bell Road, Ste. 1, Newburgh
Newburgh Tavern
Munch on nachos, chip bags, 10-inch pizzas, a wagyu hot dog, quesadillas, chicken strips and nuggets, and more while enjoying karaoke, music, and sports viewing. 707 State St., Ste. E, Newburgh
O’Brian’s Sports Bar & Grill
Come for billiards, darts, and 22 big TVs, and stay for the Irish brews, full bar, and menu of potato skins, and bacon barbecue cheddar burger, breaded tenderloin sandwich, and more. 1801 N. Green River Road
Prime Sports
Feel at home with billiard tables, lots of TVs, and drinks. Culinary offerings come via a greaseless kitchen offering smoked wings, pretzel bites, pizza bombs, pigs in a blanket, strombolis, pizza, salad, cactus chili, chicken parmesan sandwich, toasted hot dog, baked penne with beef, and a variety of pizzas. 4944 Old State Route 261, Newburgh
i Rookies
This family-owned business serves a sports-themed menu. “Pre-game” with Fred’s fried green tomatoes and chicken buffalo eggrolls and greens like the Arabian salad before the “main event” steaks and “knockouts” like honey glazed pork chop, chicken stir fry, tortellini diablo, and chicken teriyaki. 117 S. Second St., Henderson, KY
Tiki on Main
American and Mexican fare are popular at this dive bar before and after Ford Center events. Pick from pork rinds, blackened shrimp, fried pickle chips, patty melts, rock’n shrimp tacos, street tacos, hot dogs, and sandwiches like hot dogs, battered swai sandwich, and grilled cheese and chili. Also find steak kabobs, tiki nachos, stuffed burritos, pollo playa, and a fajita plate. 524 Main St.
Tavern and Pub Food
Bokeh Lounge
Stuffed with as much food as live entertainment, the Haynie’s Corner Arts District restaurant offers Bokeh Nachos, churros, the Bokeh Burger, pepper jack cheese balls, pot stickers served hot honey, a candied bacon burger, tacos, fish and chips, personal pizzas, and Sunday brunch, as well as signature cocktails. 1007 Parrett St.
Bud’s Rockin’ Country Bar and Grill
This lively West Side country music hotspot and restaurant honors the Bud’s Harley Davidson dealership that used to be under roof and specializes in four-cheese macaroni, Saint Louis-style ribs, country fried steak, jerk chicken bowl, barbecue sundae, and cedar-roasted atlantic salmon. 2124 W. Franklin St.
Crickets
Curb your hunger with wings by the pound, “mile-high” taco fries, Cricket’s roll ups, breaded cauliflower, breaded corn nuggets, chili, thin-crust pizza, sandwiches, and ovenbaked hoagies. 518 W. Main St., Newburgh
Darmstadt Inn
This small municipality in northern Vanderburgh County is known for serving sandwiches, plate lunches, steaks, fried chicken, seafood, and more in a cozy setting. 13130 Darmstadt Road
Deerhead Sidewalk Cafe & Bar
Ostensibly the first place in Evansville to offer “double-decker pizza,” menu offerings include boneless wings, strombolis, Texas red chili, vegetable beef soup, and sandwiches like souvlakia, Polish sausage, and a black bean veggie burger. Enjoy your meal indoors or on the patios. 222 E. Columbia St.
Highland Inn
With daily specials and a big menu, this North Side spot has something for all appetites. Entrees include fried chicken, beef brisket, grilled pork steaks, and fried catfish filets.
6620 N. First Ave.
The Hilltop Inn
Fried pork brains, big ol’ tenderloins, and fried bologna are among the sandwich choices at this historic dining room on the West Side with a rustic facade and seasonal outdoor seating. Patrons also love the salad bar and seafood entrees. 1100 Harmony Way
Horstketter’s Tavern
This traditional tavern has seven decades of history under its belt. Enjoy wings, sandwiches, and food-themed nights like the annual Meatball Challenge. 5809 Stringtown Road
J.W. Hornville Tavern
Fried chicken, German bologna, tenderloins, pulled pork, chili, sandwiches, burgers, appetizers, and more. 2607 W. Baseline Road
K.C.’s Time Out Lounge & Grill
The long-established spot in Washington Square Mall has a robust live entertainment calendar, billiards, and a bar menu of salads, sandwiches, and pizza. 1121 Washington Square
Knob Hill Tavern
Best-known for its fried catfish fiddler (proudly displayed on its neon sign), The Knob offers other fish dishes plus fried chicken and an array of sandwiches. There’s plenty of history between these walls: The Knob has been around since 1943. 1016 Highway 662 W., Newburgh
Leroy’s Tavern
Feast on pizza, sandwiches, and Free Soup Saturdays during colder months of the year, plus karaoke and theme-night activities. 2659 Mount Vernon Ave.
i Metzger’s Tavern
This Henderson tradition opened in 1869, with today’s version offering traditional tavern pretzel bites with beer cheese, deep fried mushrooms and pickles, soups (try the bean soup or chili), and sandwiches like shaved steak, fried bologna, spicy pork sausage, and pimento cheese. Also open for breakfast. 1000 Powell St., Henderson, KY
i Nisbet Inn
Established in 1912, Nisbet Inn holds Indiana’s second-oldest liquor license. Visit for the sandwiches, soups, desserts, and barbecue, as well as the “World’s Coldest Beer.” 6701 Nisbet Station Road, Haubstadt
Peephole Bar & Grill
This neighborhood-style bar in the heart of Downtown has plenty of local devotees. It’s known for its cheeseburgers, onion rings, fries, and the splitter (a fried hot dog). Don’t miss Beck’s chili, named for the late Harold Beck — proprietor of the former East Side tavern Harold’s Bar. 201 Main St.
Sportsman’s Grille & Billiards
This spot on the busy West Franklin corridor features bar food choices to go with a relaxed atmosphere of billiards, sports on TV, and good times. Try the 16-ounce porterhouse, available on weekends, or the two-fisted bacon burger. 2315 W. Franklin St.
St. Joe Inn
Historic charm and modern comfort await at this tavern, whose history stretches back to 1836. Pick from soups, salads, sandwiches, plate lunch specials, fiddlers, steaks, and fried chicken dinners. 9515 Saint Wendel Road
St. Phillip’s Inn
Enjoy karaoke and tavern-style offerings out of an 1890s-era building. Choose from plate lunch specials, nightly specials, or a simple ham and cheese sandwich plus burgers, pizza, strombolis, fiddlers, and fried chicken. 11200 Upper Mount Vernon Road
EVANSVILLE’S AUTHORITY
Stockwell Inn
Stockwell Inn offers plate lunches, homemade soup, salads, sandwiches, steak, pork chops, and brain sandwiches. Check out the homestyle daily specials and themed menus for holidays like Fat Tuesday. 4001 E. Eichel Ave.
Zaps Tavern
Home of what is claimed as the original tavern burger, you’ll find a menu laden with catfish, fried chicken, sweet corn nuggets, build-your-own pizza, strombolis, zing shrimp wrap, breakfast burger, patty melt, and a half-pound burger. 3725 St. Philip Road
Delis
Chicken Salad Chick
There’s more than just chicken salad here. Also find salad, soups, and sweet treats made from scratch with fresh ingredients. 1414 Hirschland Road
The Deli at Bally’s Evansville
Grab-and-go menus of breakfast items and coffee, sandwiches, soups, pizza, and burgers, plus a late-night menu until 2:30 a.m. on weekends. 421 N.W. Riverside Drive (inside Bally’s Evansville)
The Deli at Old National Bank Downtown workers — including Evansville Living employees — line up to grab fried fish, homemade soups, paninis, and daily specials. 1 Main St. (inside Old National Bank headquarters)
Fly By Faith Café
Stop in this eatery on Ascension St. Vincent’s East Side campus for breakfast items like biscuits and gravy, egg casseroles, smoothies, and lattes, or dine on a California wrap, chicken-loaded baked potato, or smoked pulled pork for lunch. 801 St. Mary’s Drive
The Granola Jar Café & Bakery
What started with a breakfast menu has grown to include sandwiches and deli-style salads, including house-made balsamic chicken salad. Basil pesto tortellini, jalapeño macaroni, curried bulgur, broccoli slaw, soups, and desserts round out the menu. Catering available. 1022 E. Mount Pleasant Road
Just Rennie’s Cafe & Cookie Co. (Best Caterer)
Run by Marla and Doug Rennie, who started in the catering business with a Tuscan-inspired event space. They quickly expanded to a storefront offering fresh deli salads, sandwiches, pasta, coffee, and baked goods, including their beloved mound-of-dough cookies. 100 S.E. Fourth St.
North Main Annex Gourmet
Catering & Deli
Chef Narda Feather operates this catering business and deli that changes its menu items daily based on the freshest ingredients. Try breakfast food, salads, soups, entrees, and fresh-baked desserts until 2 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays. 701 N. Main St.
Old Tyme Deli & Meat Shop
Daily hot plate lunches like lasagna, beef and noodles, and spaghetti are available on weekdays. 307 N. First Ave.
Coffee, Tea, and Drinks
Agape Boba Tea & Sweet Heaven
Need a place to study on the West Side?
Find fruit smoothies, bowls, teas, ice cream, BingSu (Korean snow ice), and milkshakes at this cozy spot. 5301 Pearl Drive
Bubble Teatalk
Select from traditional and creative flavors of boba-filled bubble teas, like a crème brûlée milk tea with brown sugar that gives it a “dirty,” marbled look. 619 N. Burkhardt Road, Ste. G
Beans & Baristas
Full coffee bar, gourmet coffees and teas, Italian sodas, and pastry treats. Retail gourmet coffee beans, teas, and unique gifts. 800 N. Green River Road (inside Eastland Mall)
Dove & Twig Cafe
Operating out of Bethel Church, find coffee and sweet treats like apple bread, biscottis, Danishes, muffins, cookies, pies, and more. 4400 Lincoln Ave.
First Fruits Bowls & More
Serving acai bowls, avocado toasts, breakfast sandwiches, and fresh fruit smoothies. 8390 High Pointe Drive, Ste. 301
Honey Moon Coffee Co. (Best Local Coffee Shop)
The original shop near the University of Evansville campus has expanded into four locations plus a roastery. Offerings include its signature latte with honey and lavender, Hong Kong-style bubble waffles, fruit smoothies, and breakfast sandwiches. Three locations in Evansville and one in Newburgh
Mission Grounds Coffee
The Evansville Rescue Mission runs this coffeehouse next to its thrift store offering signature espresso-based drinks, teas, and bakery items. 1107 Washington Square
Mr. Bubble Tea
Sip on bubble milk teas in strawberry, matcha green tea, chocolate, pineapple and taro (fruity) flavors. Also on the menu also are yogurts, smoothies, shaved ice, and fruit teas. 503 N. Green River Road
Penny Lane Coffeehouse
A Riverside Historic District staple for more than 20 years with a McCutchanville location opened in 2024, specialty lattes include Instant Karma, White Rabbit, Voodoo Child, Raspberry Beret, Tiny Dancer, White Wedding, and Purple Haze. There are also teas, smoothies, and sandwiches for breakfast and lunch. 600 S.E. Second St.; 601 E. Boonville New Harmony Road
River City Coffee and Goods
Shop for local, handmade gifts and Evansville-inspired items while drinking brews, espressos, teas, or a hot chocolate. Specialties include a Fruity Pebbles Latte, Horchata Latte, and, in a nod to the Evansville are code, the 812 Latte. There also are seasonal muffins, cookies, blondies, and ham and cheese scones. 223 Main St.
River Kitty Cat Café
Play with adoptable cats and kittens while you enjoy espresso-based coffee drinks, specialty teas, and wine. This outreach of the Vanderburgh Humane Society also features desserts from Julie’s Just Desserts. 226 Main St.
i Roast Coffee Bar
Find craft espresso drinks and bagels from Frothy Monkey. Summer sips include Kentucky Summer, Strawberry Shortcake Matcha, and the Anna Banana. 136 Second St., Ste. 100, Henderson, KY
Scooter’s Coffee
The national drive-thru chain has expanded to three locations in the Evansville area. Coffee flavors include Caramelicious, Candy Bar, Mocha, and Turtle. Also try iced teas, smoothies, and breakfast items. Three Evansville locations.
Ice Cream
The Cobblestone Creamery
Serving “udderly” classic scoops, monthly special flavors, “Moo-shakes,” and loaded sundaes with fresh waffle cones. 900 Main St. (inside Main Street Food & Beverage)
Lic’s Deli & Ice Cream
Try a scoop of the brand’s old-fashioned milkshakes, floats, chocolate-covered Choco Cremes, sundaes, dessert pies, and soft-serve ice cream in 20+ flavors. Breakfast, coffee, and deli items also are available. Four locations in Evansville and one in Newburgh
Milk & Sugar Scoop Shoppe
Take a bite of edible cookie dough, add a scoop of custom-flavored ice cream on a warm Belgian waffle, or sip on a gourmet soda. 2027 W. Franklin St.
Rivertown Ice Cream and Grill
To its fans, its annual opening in March signals the arrival of warmer weather. Choose from dipped cones, banana splits, sundaes, shakes, malts, ice cream nachos, and food from the grill, including cheeseburgers, hamburgers, hot and corn dogs, tenderloins, tenders, and more through October. 521 State St., Newburgh
Bakeries
Be Happy Pie Company
These made-from-scratch sweet pies come in 26 flavors, including the signature “Be Happy” cherry. Add to your order with scones, cookies, brownies, muffins, and cheesecakes. Food truck available. 2818 Mount Vernon Ave., Ste. B; 6635 E. Virginia St., Ste. C
Bea Sweet Treats
The mother-daughter venture has drawn fans with its custom cakes, breakfast cinnamon rolls, cookies, cupcakes, and more. 4111 Merchant Drive, Newburgh
Cleo’s Bakery & Brown Bag Lunches
This homestyle bakery is a favorite stop when strolling in Downtown Newburgh. Family recipes are offered alongside soups and sandwiches. Catering available. 9 W. Jennings St., Newburgh
Cookies by Design
Find fresh-baked cookies and cupcakes for a variety of occasions, all handmade and delivered from this locally owned and operated shop. 419 Metro Ave.
The Dainty Flour
Online orders of macarons come in flavors like cookie butter, peanut butter and chocolate, and blueberry lemon. Don’t miss the batches of fresh cookies. thedaintyflour.com
Donut Bank (Best Doughnuts)
Sip fresh coffee while selecting from racks of doughnuts and other baked goods at this longtime business owned by the Kempf family. 11 locations in Evansville, Newburgh, and Henderson, KY
Panaderia San Miguel
Try not to be slack-jawed surveying Mexican and El Salvadorian puff pastries like orejas, conchas, panaderos, banderillas, cerillos, cornos, and empanadas. Breakfast and lunch menus also are offered. 2004 Washington Ave.
Parlor Doughnuts
Layered doughnuts in an array of flavors are the specialty at this Evansville-based bakery with locations across the nation. 204 Main St.; 301 N. Green River Road
Piece of Cake
Snag your stomach’s attention with whiffs of specialty cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and even dog treats. This bakery is known for its array of frosting options. 210 Main St.
Breweries & Craft Cocktails
Arcademie
Choose from craft cocktails, regional beer, and rotating food options at this Downtown spot boasting a mini-arcade stocked with vintage games. Sober bar on second floor. 22 N.W. Sixth St.
Barker Brewhouse
Human and canine visitors are welcome at this West Side watering hole with an extensive selection of beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. 96 N. Barker Ave.
The Clover Club
Open Wednesday-Saturday, find specialty cocktails — specifically gin — at this venue below Patsy Hartigan’s Irish Pub. 203 Main St.
Damsel Brew Pub
This family-friendly microbrewery offers cleverly named craft beers and cocktails with a menu of scotch eggs, chili, vegetable spring rolls, tacos, a peanut butter burger, sweet onion teriyaki wrap, beer cheese steak, and po’boys. 209 N. Wabash Avenue of Flags
Haven’s Bar
Regional craft beer, wine, domestics, scratch cocktails, and spirits, plus a small food menu await along with trivia, karaoke, and sports viewing. 300 W. Jennings St., Newburgh
Haynie’s Corner Brewing Co.
Sip from a long list of craft beers, including nonalcoholic varieties, at this popular gathering spot with quirky charm in the trendy Haynie’s Corner Arts District. Visit with friends and whip out a favorite board game. 56 Adams Ave.
i Henderson Brewing Company
Henderson’s first craft brewery, founded by five local entrepreneurs, concocts and serves IPAs, porters, farmhouse ales, and more. 737 Second St., Henderson, KY
Industry Bar
New on the Downtown scene is this dog-friendly bar with cocktails and rotating draft beers, plus billiards and bar games. Enjoy cocktails alfresco on the patio. 101 S.E. First St.
The Main Event
someone special. Sample the craft cocktails while listening to the musicians who frequently book sets. On a pleasant night, the deck here is a great place to be. 1114 Parrett St.
Myriad Brewing Company
Tip your glass to house-brewed and guest beers, as well as wine and spirits. Food trucks visit regularly, or you can also have a delicacy delivered. Come for Tuesday trivia and other special events. 8245 High Pointe Drive, Newburgh
Catering
The Barrel House Catering and Food Truck
3 BEDS | 2 BATHS 3,202 SQFT.
Quail Crossing Golf Course – Custom full-brick home by CAC Homes overlooking hole #2. Exterior maintenance covered by HOA. Modern curb appeal with painted brick, metal roof accents, dark-trimmed windows, and cedar accents. Inside features high ceilings, engineered hardwood, plantation shutters, custom built-ins, gas fireplace, and wood beam accents. The kitchen offers a tile backsplash, stainless appliances, gas cooktop, wall oven, waterfall quartz island, and pantry, open to a dining nook with screened porch overlooking the golf course and beautiful sunsets and peaceful surroundings! Bonus room upstairs plus oversized two-car garage!
$519,900 4546 SIERRA DRIVE
The dress code is upscale at this Thursday-Saturday evening spot serving specialty cocktails, beer and wine, seltzers, and curated spirits. 217 Main St.
Mo’s House
(Place with the Best Cocktails)
A chic lounge at Haynie’s Corner Arts District, this is a favorite place for Evansville Living readers to unwind with friends or
PRIVATE VENUE
• Reserve today for Parties and special events
• All Ages Welcome
• Outdoor covered seating
Savor a single-serving meal from the food truck or place an online order for a larger gathering with a variety of options, including Nashville hot chicken, sushi and hibachi, prime rib, tacos, seafood boils, and full buffet service. thebarrelhouse.com
Venue 812
A modern event space providing in-house catering via Acropolis, plus bar service and a Rolls-Royce rental for celebrations. Off-site catering is also available.
1401 N. Boeke Road
RYAN MITCHELL 812-455-7229 3
1024 HWY 662, NEWBURGH, IND. knobhillhouse.com
812-205-7039 knobhillhouse@gmail.com
CAVANAUGH’S ON THE RIVER
Located in the Riverfront Event Center, Cavanaugh’s On the River sets the stage for an elevated dining experience. Enjoy expertly prepared steaks, fresh seafood, and refined cocktails alongside scenic riverfront views. Evenings are enhanced by live local musicians at the piano bar, creating a relaxed, memorable atmosphere. Reservations are strongly recommended. Call after 4 p.m. Wednesday-Friday or make reservations anytime online at OpenTable.com.
Enjoy a beer from Gerst’s enormous tap selection as you soak up the authentic Germantown atmosphere, centrally located in the heart of Franklin Street. We’ve brought our own Nashville’s “Best” Reuben sandwich to the neighborhood. The Wiener schnitzel and bratwurst are a must try! Now under new management, call for reservations.
2100 W. Franklin St. | 812-424-1420 | gersthausevansville.com
Now under new management, a selection of classics featuring Italian recipes and spices characterizes Smitty’s menu. Whether you’re searching for the perfect date-night spot or an easy bite of lunch, Smitty’s provides a relaxed atmosphere and carefully crafted wine menu. Call to reserve our party room, or dine al fresco on our patio!
FETTUCCINI WITH LOBSTER
NEW YORK STYLE CHEESECAKE
THE BARREL HOUSE CATERING
As a locally owned and operated catering and food truck business, we take immense pride in serving our community with a passion for exceptional food and hospitality. Our roots run deep in the neighborhood, and we are committed to showcasing the diverse flavors and culinary traditions that make our region unique. Whether you’re planning a large event or simply looking for a delicious meal on wheels, our dedication to our community shines through in every dish we serve. We’re thrilled to be a part of your culinary journey.
PANGEA RESTAURANT GROUP
Four restaurants with one goal — bringing authentic global flavors to our region. Pangea Kitchen, 2nd Language, Pangea Pizzeria, and Sazón y Fuego are scattered across our Tri-State from Downtown Evansville to Newburgh. Each has a unique vision brought to life through scratch-made cuisine, culturally significant atmospheres, and a team of chefs from all over the world. Let your tastebuds travel with Pangea Restaurant Group!
ARGENTINIAN ASADO AT SAZÓN Y FUEGO
SEASONAL PASTA AT PANGEA KITCHEN
SICHUAN PORK WONTONS AT 2ND LANGUAGE HONEY TOAST AT 2ND LANGUAGE
CASEY’S DUGOUT
DUGOUT/ BULLPEN/PARTY HOUSE
Nestled in the heart of town, our cozy pizzeria is a haven for pizza enthusiasts craving mouthwatering slices. At Casey’s Dugout, we’re all about quality ingredients, from our hand-tossed dough to our fresh, savory toppings. We believe that eating isn’t just about feeding your body, it’s about nourishing the soul, too. And life is too short for mediocre food. We make sure every dish that we serve satisfies your entire being. Crispy, savory, sweet, juicy, satisfying. Whatever you crave is what we want to serve.
CASEY’S
GRAHAM SLAM AND PEPPERONI PIZZA
KYLE CARDIN, RUSSELL LLOYD JR., AND KEALIE HOOD
CASEY & BISSY KEOWN, OWNERS
THE FOUNDRY ROOM
River traditions meet foundry-fire flavor. Expect our signature fried chicken, blackened catfish over wild rice, and ribeyes that don’t need introduction. We’re talking smoked wings with peach bourbon glaze, short ribs with port-cherry reduction, and cornbread that tastes like home. And our cocktail menu? Just as thoughtfully crafted as everything that comes out of our kitchen.
601 Walnut St. (In the DoubleTree Evansville Hotel) | 930-212-1101 |
Located in the historic Post Office Annex, North Main Annex Gourmet Catering & Deli offers customized catering services for unique private and corporate events. The deli has fantastic breakfasts, salads, sandwiches, soups, entrees, and baked goods Monday through Saturday with a daily changing menu. Visit annexcatering.com for complete catering and deli selections.
HOUSE OF COMO
Step foot into the Middle East and enjoy a colorful menu packed with traditional Arabian plates, supplemented with Italian specialties. House of Como is noted for their hearty steak and chops menu and assortment of seafood. Bar opens at 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Dining is open 5-8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday.
S. Kentucky Ave. | 812-422-0572
LAMB CHOPS
ARABIAN SALAD
YEBRA MALFOOF
Why is Tin Fish a local favorite? We’re known for our large fish tacos and fresh oysters — always plump, sweet, and shucked to order right in front of you. For 20 years, we have served lunch and dinner with variety for all, including land lovers. Enjoy delicious seafood options with one of the smartest cocktail menus in town, including our legendary lemon drop martini.
FISH & CHIPS
THE DAINTY FLOUR
Small-batch French macarons made with care, color, and simple sweetness. We offer flavors from traditional raspberry to nostalgic strawberry crunch bar and banana pudding. Each macaron is crafted in my cottage kitchen for custom boxes, celebrations, and events. Follow us on Facebook to see where we’ll be next!
Bar Louie invites you to enjoy bold flavors, handcrafted cocktails, and an elevated dining experience. This year we’re featuring some of our guest favorites, including the refreshing Strawberry Lemonade Sangria, the Spicy Watermelon Fresca, and our signature Smoked Old Fashioned. Pair your drink with delicious scratch made shareables like Bruschetta and our Truffle Mushroom & Asparagus Flatbread, or enjoy a satisfying entrée such as our Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Whether you’re joining us for happy hour, dinner, or a night out with friends, Bar Louie offers a vibrant atmosphere and memorable flavors for every occasion.
PARMESAN CRUSTED CHICKEN
FRENCH MACARONS
Pull up a seat and stay awhile. Friendship Diner brings good food and great company together with scratch-made chicken, organic eggs, hearty plates, and cheerful service. From the first hello to the last bite, it’s a family-friendly spot that feels like home. Come hungry. Leave happy.
G.D. RITZY’S
Step into G.D. Ritzy’s and experience a delightful blend of nostalgia and flavor. This retro 1950’s diner offers classic American favorites like smashed burgers, crispy shoestring fries, and rich, hand-dipped ice cream. G.D. Ritzy’s combines friendly service with a charming atmosphere, making every visit a delicious trip down memory lane. Evansville’s Hometown favorite for over 40 years.
East Evansville | 601 N. Green River Road | 812-474-6259
North Evansville | 4320 N. First Ave. | 812-421-1300
West Evansville | 4810 University Drive | 812-425-8700 | gdritzysevansville.com
CAFE ARAZU
Cafe Arazu invites guests to slow down, savor a glass of wine, and reconnect through the timeless art of conversation. Featuring inspired Middle Eastern fusion cuisine, Arazu celebrates the flavors, traditions, and stories that bring people together. Rooted in the belief that food transcends cultural, religious, and ethnic boundaries, every meal offers an opportunity to gather, connect, and create meaningful memories around the table.
17 W. Jennings St. | 812-842-2200 | visitarazu.com
BURGER AND FRIES
LUXURY HOMEMADE ICE CREAM
DELUXE GARDEN SALAD
PATSY HARTIGAN’S IRISH PUB/CLOVER CLUB
Located in the heart of Evansville on bustling Main Street, Patsy Hartigan’s Irish Pub brings a slice of authentic Irish charm to downtown. Whether you’re savoring classic Irish fare, enjoying a perfectly poured pint of Guinness, or reveling in the lively atmosphere, Patsy Hartigan’s is the place where friends gather, stories are shared, and everyone feels at home. Step in and experience the spirit of Ireland right here in Evansville!
203 Main St. | 812-455-6272 | phirishpub.com
Celebrating 40 years in business, Rounders Pizza offers delicious, hand-tossed pies, crispy wings, fresh salads, signature sandwiches and much more. Known for its cozy atmosphere and friendly service, it’s a local favorite for casual dining and flavorful, made-to-order pizzas. Order hot and fresh favorites now on our convenient app!
TACO PIZZA
DONUT BANK
Donut Bank has been Evansville’s hometown bakery since 1967, serving fresh donuts, pastries, and bold coffee made with time-honored recipes. With 11 locations, it’s a daily ritual for families and earlymorning regulars across the Tri-State. Fresh, local, and loved.
ASSORTED DONUTS & PASTRIES
VIETH LANE LOCATION
COLD BREW WITH CREAM
DONTAE’S PIZZA PARLOR
Craving amazing pizza with great vibes? Skip the bland and forgettable — Dontae’s Pizza Parlor serves thin-crust pizzas, hearty hoagies, fresh salads, and creamy Bliss Ice Cream. Every dish is crafted with passion and flavor. Whether you dine in or take out, you’ll enjoy a delicious, memorable experience. Satisfying one palate at a time.
Taj Mahal Indian Cuisine offers delicious regional specialties made with the finest and freshest ingredients and prepared in authentic Indian fashion. We invite you to enjoy our warm setting, friendly service, and variety of traditional dishes, like our saag paneer and butter chicken. Open seven days a week. Buffet daily, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
CHICKEN TIKKA SAAG PANEER BUTTER CHICKEN
GREEK SALAD
YAK & YETI HIMALAYAN CUISINE
We founded Yak & Yeti out of a deep love for real Himalayan and Indian food, for food that is fresh, healthy, and authentic. We only use real ingredients that were used in recipes handed down from generation to generation. The history of our food is in the taste and quality.
Bubba’s 33, a locally owned and operated establishment, makes all food in-house from scratch, right down to the sauces on our wings and dressings on our salads. No kidding. Our patties are cooked medium well and served hot and juicy on a toasted bun. We are known for our hand-stretched, stonebaked pizzas as well! And don’t forget our special Late Night Bites, now served everyday from 9 p.m. – 11 p.m.! Come give this sports-themed family restaurant a try!
PATRIOT BURGER
DEERHEAD SIDEWALK CAFE
Serving Evansville since 1982, Deerhead Sidewalk Cafe is the city’s original home of the Double Decker pizza. Our extensive menu features a premium selection of pizzas, fresh salads, hearty sandwiches, and classic appetizers. Every dish is crafted with generous portions designed to satisfy any appetite.
DELMONICO RIBEYE
10” DOUBLE DECKER PIZZA
PIG MAC
PORK STEAK DINNER
Score big on flavor with our unbeatable $13 Pizookie® Meal Deal! Choose your favorite from eight mouthwatering entrees, perfectly paired with a free legendary, warm personal Pizookie® for dessert. This incredible value is available all day, every Monday through Friday. Enjoy amazing food and make unforgettable memories with every bite!
ZESTO
Family owned and operated for more than 50 years, Zesto on Riverside has been serving the Tri-State since 1952. Take a step back in time to the good ol’ days with great-tasting food made to order the old-fashioned way – burgers, tenderloins, crinkle-cut fries, shakes, ice cream, and more!
PEPPERONI EXTREME PIZZA
WE KNOW THE BEST DINING
When it comes to dining in Evansville, no one has their finger on the pulse quite like Evansville Living. For more than two decades, we’ve celebrated the flavors that make our city unique — from longtime local favorites to exciting new restaurants making their debut. Our team is constantly exploring, tasting, and sharing the best food and drink experiences the region has to offer.
That’s why our Dining Directory is the go-to guide for food lovers. Whether you’re craving a fine dining experience, a casual lunch spot, or the perfect place for brunch, our curated directory makes it easy to discover your next favorite meal. Trust Evansville Living to connect you with the very best in local dining — because if it’s delicious in Evansville, you’ll find it here first.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2026
President’s Message
I don’t go anywhere these days without people asking me how things are going at the station. It’s clear to me that budget cuts and finances are still a concern. There has been a lot of confusing news out there over the last year. The Rotary Club of Evansville recently invited me to speak at their luncheon about WNIN. I jumped at the opportunity to talk about where we’ve been in the past year, how we’ve gotten to where we are now, and where we’ll go next. I think readers here will appreciate some of the same information.
WNIN finds itself in a good position right now. Our cash flow continues to be strong. So far, we have not had to dip into our reserve fund. That has not happened without some pain. When this fiscal year began in October 2025, we had to cut more than a third of our annual budget and to say goodbye to almost 20 percent of our staff.
The budget cutting started at the state level last April. For many years, the state of Indiana had supported Indiana Public Broadcasting stations at a $3.5 million level. Those dollars were shared among 17 stations around the state. Suddenly, on a Friday in late April 2025, we learned those dollars were no more. For WNIN, more than $400,000 was missing from our local budget.
At the federal level, Congress took away even more money late last summer. First, legislators approved President Trump’s request to pull back funding that had already been appropriated for 2026, then put forward a budget that completely eliminated any future funds for the nation’s public media stations. Coupled with the loss of state funding, WNIN now faced a total budget
loss of $1.5 million. We’d always thought if the worst happened, we’d be given some time — an off ramp, not an instant loss of money.
We needed a plan. What was that plan?
• Increase the number of members.
• Increase the number of sustainers WITHIN our overall membership.
• Bottom line: Raise more money. And fast! By January 2026, we increased our membership by 14 percent. Currently, we have 4,265 local donor members.
A sustainer is a member who makes their gift to the station at a consistent amount on a monthly basis. From a local budget standpoint, it makes much more sense to encourage our donors to become consistent. We believe it helps YOUR ability to budget, and it certainly makes budgeting easier for WNIN. From 2025 to now, we’ve added some 500 sustainers to our rolls. That has increased our monthly sustainer revenue by just over $21,000. That’s money we know IS coming into our coffers each month. In addition to the one-time gifts that we continue to receive, our annual local donor revenue makes up the largest line on our budget. Thank you!
Local citizens have made it VERY clear that local, public media is important and that it needs to continue to serve this area. After learning of the state budget cuts in April 2025, local donors came to our aid in a big way to cover the $400,000 we had just lost. Then, donors helped again as we entered the 2026 fiscal year. With a quarter remaining in this fiscal year, we are on track to raise more than $1 million. Again, from YOU. Thank you!
Our donors have done their jobs and that’s how we have found our way to me being able to say we are in good shape. But we cannot make the mistake of thinking we’ve solved the problem. The community must still be there for us if they
truly want public media to continue to find a home in Evansville. We also receive revenue via special events, grants, and underwriting, but those lines of our budget are very static and are extremely difficult to change. As we move forward our focus will continue to remain on individual and corporate donors.
So, what is next? How do we find our way to some sort of stability?
We will increase and solidify the local donor base. We will increase and solidify the local corporate support. And we will immediately begin to work on establishing a larger reserve fund.
We have a daunting job in front of us. It will not be easy, but I strongly believe this community sees the importance of independent, local public media. WNIN wants to deliver that kind of content to this media market. We are producing content now that can live on all our platforms — radio, TV, and the web. We are actively pursuing opportunities that allow us to distribute more content and more information digitally. But all those efforts take people and money.
Public media is important, especially in the world in which we live today. Many of you already support what we do. Thank you for that. Please continue. Or, if you’re new, please join us. Our job is not finished.
It is critical that we continue to receive your financial support for WNIN to be able to continue providing to the community the local news and content you’ve come to expect. Look for the donation banner at wnin.org and show your support for the good work we continue to do every day. You may also make a gift by calling us at 812-423-2973. Please consider an additional gift and/or an increased annual gift. You might also consider becoming a sustaining supporter of the station or increasing your monthly gift. Thank you when you do!
Sincerely,
Tim Black, President and CEO
WNIN Kids Fest Returns Sept. 19 A Day of Family Fun and Discovery
Mark your calendar for one of the Tri-State’s favorite family events! WNIN Kids Fest returns on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., bringing a day filled with hands-on learning, entertainment, and unforgettable experiences for children and families.
Best of all, admission is completely free. Families are invited to join us at WNIN Studios, 2 Main St., to spend the day exploring interactive exhibits and activities hosted by local businesses and community organizations. From creative crafts and educational demonstrations to games and live entertainment, there will be something for children of all ages to enjoy.
WHERE CURIOSITY LEADS THE WAY
Kids Fest is designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning through play. Every activity encourages children to explore new ideas, discover new interests, and engage with their community in a fun and welcoming environment. This unique opportunity brings hundreds of Tri-State families together and shows them just how much fun learning can be! When children are engaged, having fun, and exploring new experiences, learning comes naturally.
“WNIN Kids Fest is all about bringing families together and showing that learning can happen anywhere,” says Karen Robinson, WNIN Director of Events and Theater. “It’s also a chance to connect the public with local resources they may not have known about before.”
A DAY FULL OF PLAY & LEARNING
In addition to the activities, families can meet PBS KIDS friends, tackle inflatable obstacle courses, and take home a free book to help continue the learning long after the event ends.
As excitement builds for September, families can enjoy PBS KIDS programming every morning on 9.1 WNIN PBS, all day on Channel 9.2 WNIN PBS KIDS, and find additional games, activities, and resources online through PBSKIDS.org/grownups.
COME ONE, COME ALL
For event updates and announcements, follow WNIN on social media or visit WNIN.org
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS YEAR’S EVENT INCLUDE:
• Interactive activities and exhibits
• Live performances and family-friendly entertainment
• Appearances by beloved PBS KIDS characters
• Inflatables and games
• Food trucks and refreshments
• Giveaways, prizes, and family resources
• A free book giveaway for every child
for the latest information. This is a rain-orshine event!
GET INVOLVED!
Businesses and organizations interested in supporting the event are encouraged to participate as sponsors or booth partners. For more information, contact Karen Robinson at krobinson@wnin.org.
Join WNIN on Sept. 19 for a day of learning, laughter, and family fun. We look forward to seeing you there!
WNIN’s Future is Bright
When you tune into our local programming, you may notice our hosts are sporting an extra glow: WNIN just unveiled our new TV studio lighting. For nearly 40 years, we relied on a limited and outdated lighting system that made our shows look the same. Originally installed in the Carpenter Home in the 1990s, it moved with us when WNIN relocated to Main Street, but it was still extremely inefficient and obsolete.
The new lighting system is quiet, lightweight, and increases our flexibility. After an easy installation, we can produce shows on multiple sets with less downtime in between. The constant hum associated with traditional fixtures is gone, and we can set a mood easily by changing the color with just a keystroke. What used to take multiple people a few hours can now be done with a single mouse click.
LED lights allow for a crisper, more refined picture. Because LED lights provide a purer, more concentrated light source, color filters on the screen can produce wider, more accurate, and more vibrant color palettes. They also help us save on our energy bills. LEDs emit light in a specific, focused direction and are cool to the touch, reducing not only their cost to operate but also the heat in our studio and the costs associated with keeping it cool.
None of this would be possible without the extreme generosity of our many donors across the Tri-State. Thank you so much.
We began fundraising at March’s Winter Gala, where we detailed needed improvements to our studio infrastructure and how they’d benefit the community. That night alone, we raised nearly all the money needed to fund the entire project. This lighting system upgrade raises the production quality of our local programs and will be seen in nearly every show and video we produce for decades.
As you watch WNIN-TV programs like “Shively and Shoulders,” “Newsmakers,” “Lawmakers,” or any production from our Downtown studio, take a look at the lighting. You’ll see how much your support contributes to producing high quality television in Evansville and the Tri-State.
Spotlight
MATTERS OF THE MIND
Airs at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays
Board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Jay Fawver hosts and answers viewers’ questions on a wide range of mental health concerns, including ADHD, sleep disturbances, PTSD, dementia, depression, anxiety, grief, and memory disorders.
INDEPENDENT LENS: FLOOD (PREMIERE)
Airs at 9 p.m. July 13
Returning home to California’s Inland Empire, filmmaker Katy Scoggin seeks to reconnect with her estranged father, who works as an elementary science teacher. He is the only evangelical left in the family, and as they face their differences on faith, family, and belonging, their journey becomes a portrait of empathy and resilience.
ONCE UPON A TIME IN SPACE (PREMIERE)
Airs at 8 p.m. July 14
At the dawn of a new space race, the personal stories of those who led us here offer a new and deeply human perspective on our changing world and where we are headed.
BUGS THAT RULE THE WORLD
Airs at 9 p.m. Wednesdays beginning July 15
This four-part series investigates global insect declines, exploring their diversity and critical roles on the planet. Scientists reveal the beauty of bugs, from pollinators and insect assassins to the tiny clean-up crews that purify the planet.
PATIENCE (SEASON FINALE)
Airs at 7 p.m. Aug. 2
Criminal archivist Patience Evans’ world changes when her unique talent is spotted by DI Bea Metcalf.
MASTERPIECE: GRANTCHESTER (SERIES FINALE)
Airs at 8 p.m. Aug. 2
With themes of family, forgiveness, faith, and introspection, Grantchester’s last chapter promises self-discovery, hope, and transformation.
SPECIAL PROGRAMMING
Airs Aug. 7-16; check wnin.org for times
Dolly Parton: Here I Am
The Statue of Liberty: A Ken Burns Film
Reba McEntire Live at Madison Square Garden
Masterpiece: Count of Monte Cristo (marathon)
American Experience: Woodstock: 3 Days That Defined A Generation Elvis ‘56
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2026
RESOLVE TO SOLVE WITH MILES O’BRIEN (PREMIERE)
Airs at 9 p.m. Aug. 19
The series follows acclaimed journalist Miles O’Brien as he travels around the globe meeting smart people who have resolved to solve the world’s thorniest problems.
GREAT PERFORMANCES AT THE MET: EUGENE ONEGIN (PREMIERE)
Airs at 8 p.m. Aug. 21
Soprano Asmik Grigorian returns to the Met as Tatiana, the lovestruck young heroine in this ardent operatic adaptation of Pushkin.
AMERICAN MASTERS: MARY OLIVER: SAVED BY THE BEAUTY OF THE WORLD (PREMIERE)
Airs at 8 p.m. Aug. 25
Celebrate the life and career of Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Mary Oliver, who published more than 30 collections of poetry and essays on nature, beauty, and love.
GREAT PERFORMANCES: VIENNA PHILHARMONIC SUMMER NIGHT CONCERT 2026 (PREMIERE)
Airs at 8 p.m. Aug. 28
The world-renowned Vienna Philharmonic is joined by guest soloist bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel to perform an enchanting open-air concert under the direction of conductor Lorenzo Viotti from the magnificent gardens of Austria’s Imperial Schönbrunn Palace.
MADE IN THE WEST (PREMIERE)
Airs at 8 p.m. Sept. 4
In a world of fast fashion and fast furniture, functional art invites us to slow down and appreciate the details. This is art you can sit on, drink out of, or wear on your feet. It reflects the natural surroundings, and nowhere is this clearer than in the American West. Many of today’s master artisans are aging out of the craft, and the path to preserve this uniquely American art form is at stake.
MARLOW MURDER CLUB ON MASTERPIECE (SEASON 3 PREMIERE)
Airs at 7 p.m. Sept. 6
Now an established part of newly promoted DI Tanika Malik’s (Natalie Dew) crime-solving team, retired archaeologist Judith Potts (Samantha Bond), dog walker Suzie Harris (Jo Martin) and vicar’s wife Becks Starling (Cara Horgan) are back and bringing their unconventional methods to a string of high-profile murders.
MARBLE HALL MURDERS ON MASTERPIECE (PREMIERE)
Airs at 8 p.m. Sept. 6
Editor Susan Ryeland is pulled into a new literary puzzle when she’s hired to work on a continuation novel in the Atticus Pünd series, penned by a troubled young writer. But when the assignment draws her into another very real murder case, Susan soon finds herself cast as a suspect.
ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “VINTAGE INDIANAPOLIS”
Airs at 7 p.m. Sept. 7
GREAT PERFORMANCES:
“VERDI’S REQUIEM: THE MET REMEMBERS 9/11”
Airs at 8 p.m. Sept. 11
This special performance hosted by Misty Copeland and led by Met music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin featuring soloists Ailyn Pérez, Michelle DeYoung, Matthew Polenzani and Eric Owens was recorded for the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Presented to mark the 25th anniversary.
AGES OF ICE SERIES (PREMIERE)
Airs at 9 p.m. Sept. 16
At the extremes of our planet – the polar frontiers of land, sea and sky – researchers push the boundaries of exploration. Like astronauts gazing back at our planet from space, our ‘polarnauts’ equally work with the perspective of distance and remoteness, in the harshest environments of all.
88.3 FM SCHEDULE
TODAY, EXPLAINED
DAYTIME TV SCHEDULE
MONDAY - FRIDAY
5 a.m. Arthur
5:30 a.m. Odd Squad
6 a.m. Wild Kratts
6:30 a.m. Weather Hunters
7 a.m. Lyla in the Loop
7:30 a.m. Carl the Collector
8 a.m. Daniel Tiger
8:30 a.m. Phoebe & Jay
9 a.m. Sesame Street
9:30 a.m. Work It Out Wombats
10 a.m. Donkey Hodie
10:30 a.m. Rosie’s Rules
11 a.m. Elinor Wonders Why
11:30 a.m. Alma’s Way Noon Molly of Denali
12:30 p.m. Xavier Riddle
1 p.m. Baking with Julia
1:30 p.m. This Old House
2 p.m. Specials (3 hours)
5 p.m. BBC News The Context
5:30 p.m. BBC News America
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
5 a.m. Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood
5:30 a.m. Arthur
6 a.m. Wild Kratts
6:30 a.m. Weather Hunters
7 a.m. Lyla in the Loop
7:30 a.m. Carl the Collector
Airs at 6:30 p.m. Monday-Friday on WNIN 88.3 FM
“Today, Explained” is Vox’s award-winning daily news explainer show. Every weekday, hosts Noel King and Sean Rameswaram take on one essential news story that defines our moment and bring listeners the context they need to understand it. Through on-the-ground reporting and discussions with journalists, academics, policymakers and more, the “Today, Explained” team helps us understand every story and why it matters. “Today, Explained” looks beyond its own newsroom to find the best sources and guests to tell each story. Sometimes that’s a Vox journalist with expertise on the topic, but often it’s a journalist from another news organization, a local public radio reporter, or people on the ground living the story themselves. The show won the 2021 Webby Award for Best News & Politics Podcast and the Podcast Academy’s Ambies Award for Best News Podcast. The show has been featured in The Atlantic, Vulture, Reader’s Digest and more.
WNIN BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2026
Susan Hardwick, Immediate Past Chair
Richard Kuhn, Chair
Nancy Hodge, Vice Chair
Lawrence Taylor, Secretary
Steve Bridges, Treasurer
Tim Black, President
Noah Alatza
J. Beau Dial
Stephanie Koch
Whitney Lubbers
A.J. Manion, Past Chair
Kim McWilliams
Tara Overton
Amy Porter
Ian Prinz, Student
Stacey Shourd
Thomas Silliman
Lindsay Snyder
Daniela Vidal
Gene Warren
Hope White, Student
Jordan Whitledge
Matthew Wright
AAA Travel 88
AshCreek Dumpster Rentals 70
Audubon Metals 68
Bad Randy’s 127
Bar Louie 120
Barrel House Catering, The 113
Beachbum Farms Designs & Company 72
Best Insured 49
Biaggi’s 112
BJ’s Restaurants 128
Branches of Wellness 68
Brinker’s Jewelers IFC
BRU Burger Bar 119
Bubba’s 33 126
Café Arazu 122
Casey’s Dugout 115
Cavanaugh’s on the River 110
D-Patrick Ford/Lincoln 29
D-Patrick Motoplex 2
Dainty Flour, The 120
Deaconess Health System 59
Deerhead Sidewalk Cafe ............ 127
Don Davis Aviation, Inc. 72
Dontae’s Pizza Parlor 125
Donut Bank ...................................124
Drake’s 118
e is for everyone 32
Entwined Wine & Cocktail Bar 124
ERA First Advantage/ Miller, Janice 1, 106
ERA First Advantage Henderson/ Young, Jamie 68
ADVERTISING INDEX
Surgical Associates IBC
Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation 33, 47
EVSC Foundation 44, 45
Eyewitness News
WEHT/WTVW 109
F.C. Tucker Emge BC, 50
F.C. Tucker Emge Realtors/ Diana Schnakenburg 8
Falcon Creek Boutique 72 Fired Up! Joe Shmoe’s Art Studio ..........
Faupel Ford
Kent Lexus 11
Knob Hill Tavern. 106
Landscapes By Dallas Foster, Inc. 17
Latta Insurance 70
Liberty Federal Credit Union 52
Main Event, The 108
MCF Construction, Inc. 87
Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden. 8
Midwest Communications 135
Moonlite Bar-B-Q 107
North Main Annex Catering & Deli 117
Owensboro Health 73
Papa Johns Pizza ......................... 121
Patsy Hartigan’s Irish Pub 123
Pella Windows and Doors of Evansville 87
Popham Construction 16
Prime Time Bar and Grill/ Prime Sports 98-103 Retreat at Leisure Living 14 RiverValley Behavioral Health 64 Robert’s By The River 128 Rounders Pizza 123
S.W.A.N.
Tucker Publishing Group, Inc. 47, 66, 95, 104, 106, 129 University Of Southern Indiana 3 Venue 812/The Vault/Old Post Office Event Center 9
Inc.
The Columns Remember
How the Four Freedoms became a riverfront fixture
By Kelley Coures
“In the future days which we seek to make secure, we look forward to a world founded upon four essential human freedoms. The first is freedom of speech and expression — everywhere in the world. The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way — everywhere in the world. The third is freedom from want — which, translated into world terms, means economic understandings which will secure to every nation a healthy peacetime life for its inhabitants — everywhere in the world. The fourth is freedom from fear — which, translated into world terms, means a world-wide reduction of armaments to such a point and in such a thorough fashion that no nation will be in a position to commit an act of physical aggression against any neighbor — anywhere in the world.”
— U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, State of the Union, Jan. 6, 1941
When I see the imposing Four Freedoms monument on the riverfront, my first thought is of my mother. As a high school “Victory Girl” during World War II, she and her friends served doughnuts and coffee to soldiers in the old Chicago & Eastern Illinois train depot, which also housed the city’s USO station. I can picture her walking under those columns on Tuesdays and Thursdays, when she worked three-hour shifts starting at 3 p.m. Despite there being a jukebox in the main room, my grandfather had strict rules against her dancing with the men.
The 26-foot-tall limestone columns were part of the Evansville-Terre Haute railroad (later C&EI), a beautiful passenger depot constructed in 1907 and rivaled only by the Romanesque Louisville & Nashville Depot on Fulton Avenue. The depot served thousands of passengers, as Evansville was a crossroads of sorts for both peacetime travelers and, later, soldiers in both world wars. After 1945, the USO was converted into a community center for teens (mainly from Central High School, which still was Downtown) to socialize after hours during the 1950s and early ’60s. When the decision to create a central government campus was made, all the buildings in the present area of the Civic Center and Old National Events Plaza went under a wrecking ball. Before the depot was razed, then-Building Authority Director Dale Andrews was quoted in the Feb. 12, 1967, Evansville Press newspaper as suggesting the columns be saved as “a symbol of the Four Freedoms,” as the city had very little in the way of actual public art back then. Then-Mayor Frank McDonald Sr. agreed, and for a time, two-foot sections of the dismantled columns sat in a grassy area behind the Water Works facility where Shawnee Drive turns into Waterworks Road.
then-Mayor Russell Lloyd Sr. about creating a small plaza featuring the columns, with seals of all 50 states surrounding it. The Bicentennial Tribute Fund committee set an initial goal of $117,000 and started a community drive that included selling 494 sets of celebratory mugs — 1,976 total — featuring the stone columns for $25. High school kids like me asked parents and shoppers at Washington Square Mall for their loose change. We even held school fundraisers for the memorial, with school clubs competing against one another. Akin himself donated $5,000.
The Indiana American Revolution Bicentennial Administration contributed another $5,000, and the U.S. Department of Commerce added $30,000. Eventually, $137,000 was raised — $5,000 over the actual cost to erect the columns — which tops $750,000 in today’s currency. Supporting the columns at 201 S.E. Riverside Drive was a 60-foot-diameter circular stone base representing unity. Although the columns were installed in time for the grand 1976 Bicentennial, the entire project with state markers and 13 steps representing the original colonies would not be finished until 1978. A metal ribbon that would have adorned the columns was scrapped at the last minute, as it was considered a hazard during high winds.
A highlight of the Freedom Festival on July 4, 1976, was when my mother and I joined friends and neighbors as the tribute was illuminated by 15 floodlights for the first time. I remember my mother staring up at the columns. I asked what she thought. She replied, “Well, they didn’t look so big at the depot.”
In 1975, city leaders like Civitan Club member C. Thomas Akin and Citizens National Bank Vice President Bill Brooks approached
Kelley Coures retired in January 2024 as executive director of the Evansville Department of Metropolitan Development. He has shared his vast knowledge of local history with Evansville Living readers since 2011.
