COUNTY LAKE LIFE | Town Profile
midwestern:
Mentone by Haiden Hibbert | photos by Sue Pais
Mentone is a small town of about 2,000 residents, nestled within Kosciusko County— and just a short drive to many of the county’s most beautiful lakes, including Palestine Lake, Winona Lake, Pike Lake, and Center Lake. Whether you're seeking relaxation by exploring the small town or making friends at small-town festivals, it won't take long before you see why residents call this quiet Midwestern small town, home.
M
entone was founded in 1882 and is a place that offers a splash of urban amenities among loads of rural charm. Known as “The Egg Basket of the Midwest,” Mentone has a long history (140 years!) of commercially-produced eggs distributed throughout the country. To celebrate that history, in downtown Mentone stands a 3,000-pound concrete egg. The concrete statue is just one way Mentone celebrates its legacy of commercial egg production; they also host the annual Mentone Egg Festival every summer. This year's family-friendly event took place on June 3-5, and featured lots of entertainment including a car, truck, motorcycle, and tractor show. There was also a parade, flea market, and activities for kids. From the ‘cutest baby’ contests to the Miss Mentone Pageant, there are big celebrations in the small Mentone community. Mentone may be home to only a few banks, doctors, and churches, but they’ve got some must-visit local businesses, including Java Jacks, Pete & Freddy’s, Teels Family Restaurant, Little Shop in the Woods, and the Lawrence D. Bell Aircraft Museum. Java Jacks Coffee House, 111 E. Main St. This quaint coffee shop is exactly what you’d want out of a small town, family-owned business. Java Jacks was started by a man named Jack, who runs the shop with his wife. They’ve got all the classic coffees, teas,
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LAKElife Magazine August 2021
