Travel Indiana Summer Issue 2021

SUMMER2021

We want you to pick us up!

With more than 1,000 distribution points in these zip codes throughout Indiana, we make it easy for travelers like you to find each and every issue of Travel Indiana magazine!

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Vol. 11 No. 3

Summer 2021

Indiana’s Travel and Lifestyle Magazine

See past issues and plan your weekend getaway at

Telling the Stories of Authentic Indiana

travelindiana.com

President

Jeff Brown

features

Publisher + Editor

Stephanie Nicol op er at i ons + d i g i ta l m a n ag er

Andrea Pearce A s soc i at e Publisher

Jan Hoffman

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Indiana Camping

Famous Hoosiers

Summer’s Culinary Trails

A s soc i at e Publisher

Amy DeLong design + production c o n s u lta n t s

Mediaworks design + marketing c o n s u lta n t s

MyersCroxton Group

highlights

Special Sections

50 Reinventing Lagro

culinary

30 Famous Hoosiers

82 Summer’s Food Trails 90 Brew & Wine Events

41 Mascot Hall of Fame in Whiting

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42 Chesterton

Carmel Guide to Summer Events

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destination

52 Indiana Beach’s 95th Season outdoor 73 Creating the Perfect Campfire

Indiana Festivals

arts 94 Bob Ross Art

96 Art Galleries

For comments or advertising information:

travelindiana

500 Franklin St. Columbus, IN 47201

make payments to: Travel Indiana LLC PO BOX 1472 Columbus, IN 47202

94 Bob Ross Art

(812) 955-0613

travelindiana.com

apearce@ travelindiana.com

f e at u r e d c o m m u n iti e s

Bloomington .. .................... 64

Hamilton count y. . ................. 2

Michigan Cit y..................... 49

shelby count y.. .................. 67

Carmel . . ..........................37, 46

Hammond. . ........................... 45

Montgomery count y.. ........ 28

South shore ...................... 17

Carroll count y................. 57

Hancock count y................ 48

Morgan count y.................. 68

Steuben count y................. 77

Chesterton......................... 42

jackson count y................. 35

Noble count y. . .................... 76

Valpar aiso.......................... 79

Columbus............................ 66

jay count y.......................... 34

Parke count y...................... 93

vincennes . . .......................... 33

Dek alb count y................... 70

jennings count y................ 21

Perry count y...................... 24

Wabash count y.................. 50

Dubois CO. .......................... 92

kokomo................................ 36

Pose y count y..................... 22

Washington CO. ................. 25

fort wayne . . ....................... 46

Kosciusko Count y.. ....... 13, 18

pul aski count y.................. 27

White count y . . .................... 52

French Lick......................... 80

L afaye t te............................ 51

Richmond............................ 32

Whiting. . .............................. 41

Fulton Count y .. ................. 20

Marshall count y................ 3

Scot t count y............... 54, 59

Published

by Travel Indiana LLC All rights reserved.

No part of the publication may be reproduced or duplicated without the written permission of the publisher.

Publication Date: July 2021

Summer 2021

Publisher’s Letter My first camping experience several years ago was a relaxing one—we rented an RV, headed to Paynetown Campground on Monroe Lake in southern Indiana, set up camp, and didn’t move for three days. I read five magazines, completed no less than 30 Sudoku puzzles, and cooked every meal over an open fire. Pure bliss.

Telling the Stories of Authentic Indiana

...many campers are looking for—and finding—more active endeavors surrounding their camping experience.

In this issue’s cover story, you’ll read about Indiana campgrounds and recreational areas that offer boating, biking, hiking, swimming pools, nearby shopping, concerts, and even a theme park.

But today, many campers are looking for—and finding—more active endeavors surrounding their camping experience. In this issue’s cover story, you’ll read about Indiana campgrounds and recreational areas that offer boating, biking, hiking, swimming pools, nearby shopping, concerts, and even a theme park. We’ll also introduce you to Larry and Retha Parsley, a Carmel couple who, along with their rentable Airstream Bambi, are featured on this issue’s cover.

We’ve included a piece on famous Hoosiers like Madam C. J. Walker, John Mellencamp, and Orville Redenbacher, and how you can learn more about them by visiting their homes, hometowns, and museums…and even how to have an overnight visit in the house where Cole Porter spent his early childhood years.

And what better time is there to take a road trip to celebrate summer’s culinary delights? Check out our article on “Summer’s Food Trails” to learn about the Indiana Foodways Alliance and two of their popular trails: “I Scream for Ice Cream” and “Just Cruisin’.” These trails will take you around the state to enjoy some good old-fashioned drive-ins, along with some of the state’s best ice cream treats.

You’ll also read about two treasured Indiana towns. Chesterton, in northwest Indiana, has become a popular destination not only for its proximity to the shores of Lake Michigan, but also for its history, shops, eateries, and art scene. Lagro, in Wabash County, is a tiny town who’s coming into its own with its revitalization efforts that include a speakeasy and “rustic chic” overnight lodging.

on the cover

Patona Bay Marina and Resort on Lake Tippecanoe in Kosciusko County

Be sure and check out all the features in this issue. And as always, visit our website, www.travelindiana.com for even more trip ideas.

Happy and safe travels!

PHOTO: Jeff Brown

Stephanie Nicol, Publisher + Editor

cover story

story by Glenda Winders

Put down the S’mores and pick up the oars—today’s campers are looking for, and finding, a boatload of activities to do while still enjoying the authentic camping experience.

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Camping has become understandably more popular than ever, but the scene is pretty different from what today’s campers remember doing with their families when they were kids. While many still delight in pitching a tent and savoring time in nature, others want to be close to lots of activities both in and near the area where they are staying.

They’re looking for a campground that is a destination in itself. And in Indiana, campers can find everything from boating and biking, to concerts and theme parks.

“We’re seeing campers and RVs with people who are looking for places that have a lot of amenities,” said Mitchell Randall, marketing communications manager at the Kosciusko County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “They want to be around lakes, but they also like to be able to get to things to do very quickly. They’ll come into town for meals and shopping and then go back to their campground for the evening.”

He said lake life is big in the northern part of the state, with the population of his area swelling from 79,000 to 125,000 — a whopping

“We’re seeing campers and RVs with people who are looking for places that have a lot of amenities.

They want to be around lakes, but they also like to be able to get to things to do very quickly. They’ll come into town for meals and shopping and then go back to their campground for the evening.”

FAR LEFT: Kayaking at CERAland Park and Campground in southern Indiana near Columbus.

PHOTO: CERAland Park and Campground.

ABOVE: Angola/Hogback Lake KOA Holiday Campground in Steuben County.

PHOTO: Steuben County Tourism Bureau

– Mitchell Randall Marketing Communications Manager Kosciusko County Convention and Visitors Bureau traveliN Summer 2021

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“Steuben County is a great place to camp because there is a lot to do, both in and outside of our campgrounds.

In fact, Buck Lake Ranch is known as “the Nashville of the North.”

– June Julien Executive Director of the Steuben County Tourism Bureau

LEFT and BELOW: Buck Lake Ranch in Angola.

PHOTO: Steuben County Tourism Bureau

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57% — in the summer months.

Fortunately, several camping areas are ready to accommodate those who come to play in the water.

Hoffman Lake Campground, for example, is located on a secluded 200-acre lake outside of Warsaw where you can swim and fish, but it’s not far to restaurants, shops and entertainment. Pike Lake Campground is next to a beach and trailhead but still close to activities in town. When you get back, wind down by a fire ring. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Campground, the largest of the franchise in the United States, is on 136-acre Ridinger Lake. Besides great fishing here you can swim in two heated pools, rent a boat, and play miniature golf and tennis. At Patona Bay Marina and Resort, guests can

ABOVE: Campers in Kosciusko County are close to amenities, including kayaking through Winona Village.

PHOTO: Kosciusko County Convention and Visitors Bureau BELOW: Playing Crossnet at CERAland Park and Campground.

PHOTO: CERAland Park and Campground

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rent camping lots or cottages, right on 880-acre Lake Tippecanoe. Pier space is also available which allows for boating, water skiing, and fishing.

Manapogo Park on Lake Pleasant in Steuben County rents boats and offers good fishing, but the best part is that they also provide entertainment throughout the summer — from bingo and cornhole contests to live musicians, card tournaments and a sand-sculpting competition.

“Steuben County is a great place to camp because there is a lot to do, both in and outside of our campgrounds,” said June Julien, executive director of the Steuben County Tourism Bureau. In fact, Buck Lake Ranch, known as “the Nashville of the North,” offers country, rock and bluegrass concerts, and in the event you don’t have a

Camp at the Sugar Creek Campground in Montgomery County in just about any way you want. They have room for everything from primitive tent camping to full-on RV living.

ABOVE: Paynetown campground at Monroe Lake. right: Camping at Turkey Run State Park.

PHOTOS: Indiana DNR

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Discover Kosciusko County’s

OUTDOOR SPACES Explore preserves, trails, lakes, parks, and beaches in Kosciusko County using our downloadable brochures.

View these digital brochures and the 2021-2022 Experience Guide by using your phone’s camera to scan this QR code or go to VisitKosciuskoCounty.org.

VisitKosciuskoCounty.org @VisitKosciuskoCounty #VisitKCounty

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tent or RV, you can stay in one of their cabins. Your pets are welcome at Angola’s Hogback Lake KOA, and there’s so much to do onsite — volleyball and basketball courts, boat rentals and horseshoes — that you may decide not to go anywhere else.

While you’re in this part of the state, be sure to make a stop at the RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum. In the center’s RV Founders Hall you can literally walk through the history of RVs and motor homes from before World War I to the present. Exhibitors Hall is devoted to the companies that have provided parts and services to the RV/MH industry.

In Fulton County, the familyowned Tippecanoe River Run campground is situated on 1,300 feet

ABOVE: A life-size chess board is one of the popular activities at Sleeping Bear Retreat near French Lick.

PHOTO: Sleeping Bear Retreat LEFT: The Fancy Camper is set up with everything its renters might need.

PHOTO: Jeff Brown

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of river frontage. You can fish and boat here; then when you’re ready for a break, plan to sit in the shade and read a book from their lending library. Many sites at the Rising Sun Campground in neighboring Pulaski County are also on the Tippecanoe River. The fishing is good here, too, but you might also choose to bike, hike, go tubing or kayaking, swim in the pool or play in the game room.

The Tall Sycamore campground in Cass County offers lots of amenities, including kayaking, rafting, a playground and basketball court, and it is close to lots of entertainment and more things to do. Visit the Dentzel Carousel in Logansport, the Circus Days Museum in Peru or the Grissom Air Museum in Kokomo.

At Indiana Beach in White County your family can have fun in the water or thrills on the rides in

At Indiana Beach in White County your family can have fun in the water or thrills on the rides in the theme park. For the best access to the attractions, pitch your tent or park your vehicle on the grounds.

TOP: Yogi Bear greets guests at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Pierceton.

PHOTO: Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park below: The new Steel Hawg ride at Indiana Beach.

PHOTO: Indiana Beach Amusement and Water Park 16

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Sips and slots for the adults. Take a flight of craft brews at one of our many breweries or try a wine slushy while enjoying live entertainment at a winery. Try your luck at one of the South Shore’s casinos or catch a comedian or music artist.

Embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure exploring the most diverse landscapes in the Midwest. Hike the towering dunes and through forests, cycle miles of trails and paddle and fish on our open waters. Keep your eyes open for rare birds and native plant life you won’t find anywhere else.

Indulge in everything from sweet and sugary funnel cakes and cotton candy to the pierogi – a potato filled dough at the South Shore’s summer festivals.

Enjoy amusement rides and games all afternoon and rock with live bands into the night.

Jump, splash, soar at one of our two waterparks. Have fun while learning at Bellaboo’s Play & Discovery Center and the Mascot Hall of Fame. Relax on the sandy shores, build sandcastles, and make memories along the southern shores of Lake Michigan. traveliN Summer 2021

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Larry and Retha Larry and Retha Parsley enjoying some quiet time at Patona Bay Marina and Resort in Kosciusko County.

PHOTO: Jeff Brown

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Campgrounds

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Patona Bay Marina & Resort

1916 N 850 E, Pierceton, IN 574-594-2124 • piercetonjellystone.com

2EMS T33B Ln., Leesburg, IN Resort: 574-453-3671 Marina: 574-453-3970 • patonabay.com

America’s largest Yogi resort. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts are a chain of over 75 family campgrounds throughout the United States and Canada.

Large spacious sites w/picnic table & fire ring, Yogi Bear™ Comfort Cabins, and two heated pools. Located on 136-acre Ridinger Lake, the resort also has bait shop, boat and pontoon rental, paddle boats, sparkling restrooms, laundries, mini golf, and tennis courts and more.

Rough it in a tent or live large in a cabin – everything for a sun-soaked vacation is available at Patona Bay on Lake Tippecanoe. Rent cottages, camper lots, pier space and boats at the marina, where boat sales and service are also fully staffed. Basketball, volleyball, boating, fishing, swimming and water skiing will keep everyone busy, while an arcade and game room, restaurant with snack bar, picnic area and playground cover all ages.

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the theme park. For the best access to the attractions, pitch your tent or park your vehicle on the grounds. Several other campgrounds in the immediate area also make it easy to get to the fun. Lost Acres provides access to fishing, boating and golf, all within a mile away, and at the Indiana Beach/ Monticello KOA some members of your party can enjoy golf, basketball, swimming and fishing while the rest are having fun on the rides.

In Delphi, the Wabash & Erie Canal Camping and RV Park is conveniently located next to a beautiful trail system and historical area including an award-winning Interpretive Center museum.

Besides traditional camping sites, the park also offers rustic canal sleeping cabins.

Family fun at S&H Campground in Hancock County.

PHOTO: S&H Campground

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Campers can play golf and miniature golf at Heartland Resort, and while you’re in the Greenfield area be sure to take a tour of the James Whitcomb Riley Home and Museum for a peek at the life of Indiana’s favorite poet.

Campers at Tall Sycamore Campground in Cass County enjoy a variety of special events.

PHOTO: Tall Sycamore Campground

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Camp at the Sugar Creek Campground in Montgomery County in just about any way you want. They have room for everything from primitive tent camping to

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Camping near Chesterton.

PHOTO: Town of Chesterton

full-on RV living. While you’re here, plan to canoe, kayak or tube down the creek. Visitors to Camp Waveland can enjoy fishing, swimming and boating, and the hosts at the Crawfordsville KOA invite you to hike, ride horses, swim in their pool, enjoy the game room and have fun at the playground. If you bring along your pets they’ll be greeted with a treat, and a dog-walker will be happy to take them off your hands.

Then you can visit the nearby covered bridges in Parke County along with old mills and shops that sell antiques and quilts.

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During the photo shoot for this issue’s front cover, Cooper the dog—whose owners were camping at Patona Bay Marina and Resort—wanted in on the action.

PHOTO: Jeff Brown

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Farther south, the S&H RV Resort in Hancock County welcomes families with swimming, fishing and hiking — and lots more. Their activity center is the place to be for crafts, pingpong, face-painting and jumping on a bungee trampoline.

They also operate a 12-acre park that will delight children with an inflatable playground and miniature golf, and they organize such events as outdoor movies and live music.

Concessions for groceries, hot meals and homemade ice cream will come in handy if you’re in a rush. Or visit family-favorite Tuttle Orchards for seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables from their farm as well as locally sourced ingredients at the Farm Store to dress up your campfire meals.

Campers can play golf and miniature

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The Fancy Camper’s cozy interior space.

PHOTO: Jeff Brown

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One of the many thrill rides at Indiana Beach.

PHOTO: Indiana Beach Amusement and Water Park

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golf at Heartland Resort, and while you’re in the Greenfield area be sure to take a tour of the James Whitcomb Riley Home and Museum for a peek at the life of Indiana’s favorite poet.

Woodland Hills Campground in Orange County is just half a mile from peaceful and relaxing Lake Patoka and ten miles from French Lick, where you can take in an indoor water park and go-karting as well as go shopping, visit the famous hotels, or try your luck in a casino.

The Sleeping Bear Retreat accommodates tents or small campers, or you can sleep in one their tepees. And just wait until you

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RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum in Elkhart.

PHOTO: FMGphoto.com

find out what all there is to do: hike, bike, fish, dig fossils, photograph wildlife, play disc golf, go birdwatching or play paintball. Nearby are horseback-riding, zip-lines and wine-tasting.

The Hardy Lake campground in Scottsburg provides access to a whole different landscape and choice of things to do. You can swim, boat, ski and fish as you would at other lakes, but this one is surrounded by limestone and rocky bluffs, caves and fossils. The raptor rehabilitation center here rescues injured birds, and staff members teach visitors about hawks, owls, falcons and vultures.

Delaney Creek Park has facilities for volleyball and basketball along with swimming at its sand beach and fishing for blue gill, bass, cat ear and

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red. If you’re in for a real workout, however, head out onto Knobstone Trail, the longest in Indiana at 58 miles, with one of its trailheads right in the park. If you plan to hike overnight, be sure and let the staff know. They want to do a good job of looking after you.

For those who want to enjoy a “comfy and luxurious” camping experience, check out WonderTree Farm in Zionsville, where “glamping” is the name of the game. This working farm, which also has a farm

“Camping was the perfect solution for our family to be able to get out and have adventures together...”

– Retha Parsley

market on site, has set up a “glamourous camping village” with high-end canvas bell tents that are completely ready upon

“Glamping” at Wonder Tree Farm in Zionsville.

PHOTO: Wonder Tree Farm

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The Fancy Camper’s kitchen is just big enough to accommodate all its guests’ cooking needs.

PHOTO: Jeff Brown

guests’ arrival. They’re fully outfitted with hand-selected trimmings including linens, lanterns, and lights— even ice and firewood if needed.

If you want to dip your toe into the camping experience, you might consider renting an RV or camper.

In fact, the adorable camper on this issue’s front cover, named “The Fancy Camper,” is available for rent.

Acting like an Airbnb on wheels, the owners provide just about everything you’ll need to make your camping experience seamless, including towels, sheets, kitchenware, and more. Owners Larry and Retha Parsley, from Carmel, purchased the camper during Covid to provide an active and enjoyable outlet for their son, who’s disabled. “Camping was the perfect solution for our

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family to be able to get out and have adventures together, in a safe environment for my son,” Retha explains. “We wanted to be able to share the camping experience with others, so we decided to turn the Fancy Camper into a rental.” The Carmel couple fell in love with the camping experience and are currently restoring another Airstream.

“Camping provides the relaxing getaway we need to unwind from our normally busy life,” says Retha. For more information or to book a rental, visit their website, fancycamper.com, or their Facebook page, facebook. com/thefancycamper. You can also call 317-501-0866, or email retha@thefancycamper.com.

SOURCE: RV Industry Association • www.rvsmoveamerica.org

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For More Information

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Angola/Hogback Lake KOA www.koa.com/campgrounds/angola (800) 562-5645

Heartland Resort www.heartlandresort.com (317) 326-3181

Sleeping Bear Retreat www.sleepingbearretreat.com (812) 936-2354

Buck Lake Ranch www.bucklakeranch.com (260) 665-6699

Hoffman Lake Camp www.hoffmanlakecamp1964.com (574) 268-8997

Sugar Creek Campgrounds www.sugarcreekcanoetrips.com (765) 362-5528

CERAland www.cerland.org (812) 377-5849

Indiana Beach Amusement & Water Park www.indianabeach.com (574) 583-4141

Tall Sycamore Campground www.tallsycamorecampground.com (574) 753-4898

Crawfordsville KOA www.koa.com/campgrounds/ crawfordsville (765) 230-0965

Patona Bay Marina and Resort AS FEATURED ON THE COVER! www.patonabay.com (574) 453-3970

Wabash & Erie Canal Camping and RV Park www.wabashanderiecanal.org (765) 564-2870

The Fancy Camper Rental AS FEATURED ON THE COVER! www.thefancycamper.com 317-501-0866

Rising Sun Campground www.risingsuncamp.com (574) 542-4780

Wonder Tree Farm www.wondertreefarm.com (317) 732-8930

RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum www.rvmhhalloffame.org (574) 293-2344

Woodland Hills Campground www.patokalakervpark.com (812) 797-4290

S&H Campground www.sandhcampground.com (317) 326-3208

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park www.piercetonjellystone.com (574) 594-2124

Hardy Lake Campground www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/ hardy-lake (812) 794-3800

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destination

Hoosier Fame Hit the road to visit sites related to famous Indiana celebrities story by Julie Campbell

From Hollywood stars and best-selling authors to pop icons and past presidents, Indiana has been called “home” by a plethora of famous names.

This summer is the perfect time to hop in the car for a spontaneous road trip to visit sites related to your favorite celebrities from the past or present.

Madam C. J. Walker and the Madam Walker Legacy Center in Indianapolis.

PHOTO: Indiana Historical Society 30

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James Dean has a museum in his hometown of Fairmount.

PHOTO: The James Dean Gallery

Last summer, HGTV’s “Good Bones” star Mina Starsiak Hawk opened a new store—Two Chicks District Co.—on the south side of Indianapolis.

The home décor store and bistro has been a wildly popular destination for fans of the show, which is filmed in the Fountain Square area of Indy. If you’re a super fan, you might even want to do your own self-guided drive-by tour of some of the homes that were renovated on the show. You can find locations and photos at this link: www.hgtv.com/ shows/good-bones/photos While you’re in Indy, be sure to stop by the Madam Walker Legacy Center, which was once the

headquarters of Madam C.J. Walker Hair Care and Beauty Products.

Walker, a daughter of former slaves, was the first woman in America to become a self-made millionaire.

Another driving tour will take you on a trip through Seymour, the hometown of rock star John Mellencamp.

Stop by the Jackson County Visitors Center to purchase a CD for an audio tour called “The Roots of an American Rocker,” which features stops at many of the stomping grounds of this Grammy awardwinning artist.

John Mellencamp signing one of his murals.

PHOTO: Jackson County Visitor Center

Another driving tour will take you on a trip through Seymour, the hometown of rock star John Mellencamp. Stop by the Jackson County Visitor Center to purchase a CD for an audio tour called “The Roots of an American Rocker,” which features stops at many of the stomping grounds of this Grammy award-winning artist.

The tragic death of 1950s movie star James Dean catapulted him even further into the hearts of his fans, and an entire museum is dedicated to Dean memorabilia in his hometown of Fairmount. Established in 1988, The James Dean Gallery is the private collection of Dean archivist David Loehr, who began collecting in 1974.

The collection is housed in a beautifully restored 1903 Victorian home, just about a mile away from Dean’s final resting place.

“We have the original gate from the fence in Rebel Alley from Rebel Without a Cause. Visitors like getting their pictures taken with it,” said Loehr.

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approximately 10,000 visitors per year.

Since The Gallery first opened in 1988, over 400,000 people from all over the world have toured the exhibit.”

If you’re looking for an immersive historical experience, home tours of famous Hoosier abodes offer a unique way to walk in their past footsteps.

Seeing what life was like for famous writers like Gene Stratton-Porter (Cabin at Wildflower Woods in Rome City and Limberlost near Geneva) and James Whitcomb Riley (Riley Museum Home, Indianapolis and Riley Birthplace and Museum, Greenfield), aviation pioneer Wilbur Wright (Hagerstown), and even past presidents like Abraham Lincoln (boyhood home in Lincoln City), Benjamin Harrison (Indianapolis), and William Henry Harrison (Vincennes) will make history come

Hungry for a snack after all your adventures?

Mark your calendar for Sept. 11 for a visit to the Valparaiso Popcorn Festival, named for the city’s “popcorn king” Orville Redenbacher. alive before your eyes. In the quiet town of Peru, you can even stay in the actual birthplace of Cole Porter, which has been renovated into an inn containing four suites named after Porter and his famous songs.

Hungry for a snack after all your adventures? Mark your calendar for Sept. 11 for a visit to the Valparaiso Popcorn Festival, named for the city’s “popcorn king” Orville Redenbacher.

Orville Redenbacher built his popcorn empire in Valparaiso.

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Cole Porter and the Cole Porter Inn. PHOTOS: Cole Porter Inn and Cole Porter Festival

Also Famous

Tomato juice was first served as a beverage in 1917 by Louis Perrin at the French Lick Springs Hotel in southern Indiana, when he ran out of orange juice and needed a quick substitute. His combination of squeezed tomatoes, sugar and his special sauce became an instant success as Chicago businessmen spread the word about the tomato juice cocktail.

Five years before Wilbur and Orville Wright began their aeronautical experiments, Parisian-born civil engineer Octave Shanute spent the summer of 1896 in Miller Beach, Indiana, conducting tests with gliders in the Indiana Dunes that ultimately served as the model for the first successful motorized airplanes.

Two famous Hoosiers were from Jay County, including Lawrence “Jack” Imel who was an American musician, dancer, singer, and television producer who is best known for his work on the Lawrence Welk Show. From Portland, legendary NFL player and coach Darrel Brewster accumulated two NFL championships, 210 receptions, 21 touchdowns, and around 3,758 yards while playing with the Cleveland Browns. He continued in the NFL coaching for multiple teams and earning yet another Super Bowl ring with the Chiefs in Super Bowl IV. traveliN Summer 2021

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Lawrence “Jack” Imel, best known for his work on the Lawrence Welk Show, is from Jay County.

PHOTO: Jay County Visitors and Tourism Bureau

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“Orville Redenbacher attended the festival nearly every year prior to his death in 1995,” said Kaye Frataccia, interim director of Valparaiso Events.

While you’re in the area, visit the Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy, which honors the legacy of one of America’s greatest comedians.

The 16th Annual Red Skelton Festival is also set for July 16 and 17 on the grounds of the museum in Vincennes.

Up in northwest Indiana, you can drive past another funny man’s childhood home. Jean Shepherd, who wrote the iconic holiday tale-turned-movie,

James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home and Museum in Greenfield.

PHOTO: Hancock County Tourism and Visitor Center

“A Christmas Story,” grew up at 2907 Cleveland Street in Hammond. Shepherd changed the name of his hometown to the fictional setting of “Hohman, Indiana,” and many sites around town bear a

striking resemblance to landmarks ruthmere.org in the movie.

Like Mina Starsiak Hawk, many celebrities have roots in the Hoosier state.

Tours on the hour Tuesday Saturday 10am - 3pm & Sunday

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Visit the Mascot Hall of Fame in Whiting!

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Nestled in the northwest corner of Indiana along the Lake Michigan shoreline is historic Whiting, Indiana.

With its beautiful beach and parks, plentiful restaurants, and quirky shops it is a summer destination spot unlike any other in the state. The city of Whiting, famous for its summer events, plays host

to parades, concerts, festivals, and a floating water park on Lake Michigan that keep the summer busy. This little city by the lake is now home to its newest family attraction…The Mascot Hall of Fame Children’s Museum!

Opened December 26th, 2018 The Mascot Hall of Fame was created to pay tribute to the unsung heroes of sports – the mascots. These funny, furry creatures we created to bring happiness, positivity, and hilarity to the world of sports. It is only fitting that their hall of fame be designed to bring your family the same.

Upon entering the 25,000 square foot museum prepare to be greeted by larger than life mascot heads of our 24 inductees. These floating tributes to the masters of mascoting are suspended

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from 3 stories above and are a certain wow factor for visitors. The inductees as well as many mascot greats are honored throughout the museum with artifacts, stories, videos, and integrated into our S.T.E.A.M. based exhibits. Follow along with the exhibits to see if you have what it takes to be a mascot! With challenges like “Fit to be Funny” kids will learn what it takes to get healthy. Mascot Audition will bring out the performer in everyone.

Create any mascot your imagination can dream up in the Mascot Laboratory!

Immerse yourself into the exciting, colorful, magical world of Mascots.

Whether you are a kid – or just a kid at heart, it is a FURTASTIC trip for all!

Visit www.mascothalloffame.com to plan your trip!

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A destination for the arts, specialty shops, dining, trains, history, and the dunes on Lake Michigan story by Elizabeth Granger

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Kay Cherepko didn’t grow up in Chesterton. But, she says, it feels like she did because her family visited so often. She talks of Christmases and parades and snow falling on the bandstand in the park. “It’s like being in a Hallmark movie,” she says.

Cherepko owns the Flying Mermaids on South Calumet Road in Chesterton. It’s beachy/vintage/ consignment, with a lot of mermaids.

Behind her shop, tucked into the back of the building, is ArtZ: fine artZ & antiqueZ. “This town supports its artists,” co-owner Bridget Nadolski says.

“They value having art in this town.”

Thus the galleries. One is the

The Chesterton Art Center is on South 4th Street.

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Chesterton’s location next to Lake Michigan and the Indiana Dunes is a huge draw for visitors.

PHOTO: Indiana Dunes Tourism

Chesterton Art Center on South 4th Street.

“We’ve always been an artsy community,” says Wendy Marciniak, president and CEO. “The dunes have a lot to do with it. They’ve always inspired people to come out and paint. This community has always been proud of its arts.”

The motto for the town of 14,000 is “the art of living.”

The European Market on summer Saturdays is ultrapopular. In late July it will be joined by the Upsadaisy Local artists often set up shop outdoors at ArtZ. Market on Sundays. The PHOTO: ArtZ: fine artZ & antiqueZ Coffee Creek Farmers’ veteran-owned restaurant and brewery.

Market is on Wednesdays, a vintage car For a unique experience, make an show the last Saturday of each month. appointment at the Evexia Salt Cave, The Chesterton Art Fair is Aug. 7-8, the where visitors experience a 45-minute Hooked on Art Festival Sept. 18. wellness session in a simulated cave ArtZ’s Nadolski calls Chesterton “a made from 20,000 pounds of Himalayan destination.” In addition to the arts, salt. The area’s beach on Lake Michigan there are specialty shops like Pieces of provides opportunities for birding, Jayde, which carries a variety of unique, biking trails, and trains. earthy items; Circles in the Wind, Ah, the trains. There’s more than a where you can find handcrafted Amish century of rail history here; today furniture including more than 5,000 more than 90 trains go through town customizable pieces; and Three Moons each day. “And no one complains,” Fiberworks, a fiber arts studio, store, Nadolski says. and school. The town’s culinary scene “We are a destination for a lot of includes restaurants, breweries, and train buffs,” adds Town Manager wineries. Hunter’s Brewery is Porter David Cincoski.

County’s oldest continuously-operating “Downtown is a bit of a jewel,” says taproom, and Chesterton Brewery is a

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Kevin Nevers, Chesterton’s public affairs toy shop carrying the best lines from all liaison. Many of its quaint buildings were around the world from old favorites to constructed after the 1902 fire with the newest product lines. bricks from the local brickyard.

Sweet Stitches Quilt Shop owner Walk into the past at O’Gara & Joan Crookston advises customers Wilson Antiquarian Booksellers – about fabric, and she steers them to it’s been around since 1882. It’s full of vintage items, old documents, history. “This store is for people who want some serendipity in their life,” says owner Doug Wilson.

Continue to re-live the past at any of the antique stores. Fill up at Oh Gee Doughnuts or Dog Days Ice Cream Parlor. Return to the basics at Chesterton ISO Unique is part of the fun of browsing through downtown Chesterton.

PHOTO: Elizabeth Granger Toys, an imaginative

Saturday’s European Market in downtown Chesterton offers not only farmers market items but also arts, crafts, more.

PHOTO: Town of Chesterton

other local sites like the dunes on Lake Michigan. “We’re just three miles away,” she says.

Because of the lake and its iconic dunes, the area is known as Duneland.

Lake Michigan has long been a draw for artists, beach lovers, campers, hikers, cyclists, fishermen, birders, ….

Just add shopping, dining, lodging.

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Check out these

Chesterton Destinations & Attractions

Circles in the Wind Pieces of Jayde

ArtZ: fine artZ & antiqueZ

1501 Broadway, Suite B 219-779-7325 • piecesofjayde.com

206 South Calumet Rd. Suite E 219-370-9926 shopartz.square.site

Pieces of Jayde is an eclectic shoppe, filled with unique, earthy items you won’t find anywhere else! From founder Jayde’s one-of-a-kind wearable art to crystals, loose teas, handmade soaps and hand blown glass pieces, there’s something for everyone’s gift list. Also offering workshops, drumming circles, jewelry making classes and more!

ArtZ: fine artZ and antiqueZ is located in beautiful downtown Chesterton, IN. ArtZ represents over 40 different local artisans in it’s gallery. ArtZ offers art classes throughout the year and will design an evening of art for you and your friends! Considered “The Best Kept Secret” in Chesterton, you can find us on Facebook & shop online https://shopartz.square.site.

Chesterton Art Center 115 S. 4th St. 219-926-4711 • chestertonart.org Make plans to attend the annual Chesterton Art Fair, one of the largest juried art fairs in the area happening August 7 & 8. Sponsored by the Chesterton Art Center, located in the heart of downtown. The Art Center features three beautiful galleries, hosts new exhibits monthly, and has an Artisan Gift Shop where you’ll find one of a kind, unique art in many mediums and every price point.

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Chesterton Toys 201 S. Calumet Rd. 219-728-3030 • chestertontoys.com Chesterton Toys believes that an active imagination is the key to a successful childhood.

Our shop is a wonderland of classic and wooden toys, as well as unique, modern playthings, all with a strong focus on “kid powered” entertainment. Our goal is for children to grow their minds while actively engaging in play, without the need for batteries and computers.

Just like the good ole days!

206D Calumet Rd. 219-464-9572 • circlesinthewind.us Circles in the Wind Amish Furniture has been supplying NWI and SW Michigan handcrafted furniture for over 20 years all built

by First Order Amish Craftsmen from Elkhart and LaGrange Counties from their Chesterton location. You can select from over 5,000 different pieces which can be customized with different woods and stains to perfectly compliment any décor. From Bedroom, Dining, Kitchen or Media it all be supplied by Circles in the Wind in Chesterton all handcrafted from Indiana.

Three Moons Fiberworks 402 Broadway • 219-841-5387 threemoonsfiberworks.com Three Moons Fiberworks LLC is a unique fiber arts studio, store, and school.

Stop in to visit our gift gallery, pick up some hand-dyed yarn or hand-spun yarn produced by local artists, see our weaving yarn, or explore our extensive collection of looms.

Have 3 hours in your schedule? Schedule a weaving class to make a rug or other project! .

Hunter’s Brewery 1535 S. Calumet Rd. 219-728-6729 • huntersbrewing.com Hunter’s Brewing is Chesterton’s first craft brewery and Porter County’s oldest continuously operating taproom. Under new ownership as of March 2021, Hunter’s focuses on flavor and range of style from traditional to creative. Hunter’s also offers familyfriendly seating, an outdoor patio, snacks and desserts, ciders, wines, cocktails, and guest beer options to please everyone.

Evexia Salt Cave 1583 S. Calumet Rd. 219-728-6791 • evexiasaltcave.net Evexia Salt Cave is a simulated cave made with 20,000 pounds of Pink Himalayan Salt.

The customer relaxes in a zero-gravity chair during the 45-minute session while a special generator disburses a precise amount of dry salt into the salt cave. This is a natural, safe and effective wellness practice. Evexia also offers the Ionic Foot Detox, another great way to detox.

Chesterton Brewery Family Restaurant • 1050 Broadway Suite 36 219-728-6558 • chestertonbrewery.com Veterans Brewing for Veterans is our motto! Chesterton Brewery is a veteran-based family restaurant with a brewery. Not only specializing in smoked meats but have great burgers and pasta specials too. Our mission is to give back to veteran-based charities and our local heroes. Visit us today!

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Carmel Guide to Summer Events

Summer events in the City of Carmel are special and highly attended. From the beloved CarmelFest on the days surrounding the Fourth of July to late summer’s International Arts Festival, there is never a shortage of things to do in the warm months. This summer, after a year like none other when everything was put on hold, the City is thrilled to bring back its full line-up of events. story by Kate Lustig

Carmel Arts & Design District The Arts & Design District is Carmel’s retail, restaurant and gallery district.

With nine galleries and a growing list of international fare, the District continues to be a favorite Carmel destination.

The second Saturday of each month is Allied Solutions’ Meet Me on Main.

Galleries extend their hours, feature guest artists and open their doors for an evening gallery walk but the event goes a few steps further and includes craft stations for kids, musicians performing at multiple locations and live interviews with the merchants featured on Facebook and YouTube.

After a year hiatus, the party really starts up again as Late Night on Main returns to Main Street. Starting at nine o’clock and going strong until midnight, Late Night features a big stage and exciting bands. Local restaurants’ patios are booming as the street becomes the city’s largest dance floor for one of the most popular events of the year.

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The District, with its balconied buildings, ample sidewalks and outdoor seating for diners, is the perfect location for some of the City’s most unique events and festivals. Where can you find Supercar, Exotic, Sports Cars, Classic, Racers, Historically Preserved and more? Artomobilia has quickly grown in popularity, and, in 2019, expanded its footprint to accommodate more than 500 of the most stunning and eclectic cars. Streets are lined with car owners standing by to talk with visitors who range from the serious enthusiast to young kids on their parents’ shoulders.

As festival season starts to wind down in late September, the District transforms into a sea of booths and tents filled with art in a vast range of mediums, from all over the country. The Carmel International Arts Festival, a longstanding, family-friendly annual event, also features live music from local bands, a kids’ area and food and beverages from more than a dozen vendors.

More than just an art festival, it is truly a cultural celebration and just one of the many ways that Carmel distinguishes itself as a world-class city.

Midtown Plaza A stroll south on the Monon Greenway from Main Street, Midtown Plaza is the ultimate public gathering space. This unique area, filled with relaxed seating, games and outdoor amenities, was designed as a place for everyone to meet up and enjoy time together. Grab food and a beverage from the neighboring Sun King Spirits, Fork + Ale House or Java House and enjoy Allied Solutions’ Movies at Midtown Mondays on the big screen or live music on the stage for Midday at Midtown Tuesdays and Thursdays. Big screen programming includes everything from high school musical performances to college sports and even the occasional professional sports game. Kids and adults can play ping-pong, cornhole or pool and even scale the whimsical climbing apparatus along the Monon Greenway.

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When you are looking for something to do, look to the east – where you can “Create Your Story” in beautiful Hancock County for summer fun and frivolity.

6. In New Palestine, visit the Frosty Boy Drive-in and get a quick snack or some yummy ice cream.

5. Visit one of the parks in Greenfield – walk a nature trail, play basketball or tennis, swim in the pool and play in the splash pad.

Here are some of the top ten things to see and do this summer…

4. Go to the farm, and visit Tuttle’s Orchard – play outside, buy some produce from the farm store – and get an apple cider slushy.

10. Go to Fortville and get your picture taken with the giant Pink Elephant - a famous roadside attraction.

3. Tour the Riley Boyhood Home in Greenfield – and don’t forget to check out the gardens in back – there are rumors that a Pixie named Tilly lives there.

9. Visit Shirley where you can tour the Jane Ross Reeves Octagon House.

8. In Greenfield, you can visit the World’s Largest Hallmark Store – Cynthia’s Hallmark. They have more than cards – collectibles, home décor, and a boutique.

7. Throughout the county you can ride your bike on the Pennsy Trail or one of the other community trail systems.

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2. Visit Youngblood’s Natural Animal Care in Wilkinson and see their new dog dock diving facility.

1. Check out one or more of the great festival and events that are happening this summer.

For more information about how you can complete your Top Ten things to do in Hancock County – go to www.visitinhancock.org

Check out these

Michigan City Destinations & Attractions Zorn Brewery 605 E. Ninth St. • 219-243-7157 zornbrewworks.com Zorn Brew Works Co is located in Historic Elston Grove in Michigan City at the site of the original P.H. Zorn Brewing founded in 1871.

Restored in 2015, our tap room features 24 craft beers, seltzers, ciders & sours on tap - most of which is made on site. With a full food & bar menu, 2 dog friendly, oversized beer gardens, Zorn is a great place for live music and good times for everyone!

unsalted no sharks® 523 Franklin St. Michigan City, IN 20 N. Whittaker St. New Buffalo, MI nosharksgear.com

Beachwalk Vacation Rentals 202 Beachwalk Lane beachwalkvacationrentals.com

Unsalted no sharks® is apparel with purpose; our line of products are designed to celebrate the lake you love. Passionate about the sustainability of our freshwater lakes; ten percent of our profits are donated to clean water charities. #GetUnsalted the best of the past, present, and future.

Beachwalk Vacation Rentals gives you the peace of mind that your vacation rental is professionally prepared for your arrival.

All of our vacation rentals are located in the heart of Indiana Dunes National Park and Harbor Country. With a collection of over 90 unique homes, you are sure to find the perfect-fit vacation rental for your next getaway.

Whether you’re planning a week-long vacation or a weekend escape, our staff is ready to assist you before, during and even after your stay.

Our area offers endless activities both on and off the water, all seasons of the year. We are here to help. Family reunions, weekend getaways, golf retreats, if you can dream it, we can help make it happen.

Remember, in addition to our large collection of beautiful Beachwalk Resort homes, we also manage a number of other nearby Lake Michigan properties. Beachwalk Vacation Rentals is your vacation cottage connection.

Friendship Botanic Gardens 2055 E. US Hwy 12 friendshipbotanicgardens.org Forge a lifelong connection with nature at Friendship Botanic Gardens! Explore our 105 acres of formal gardens, wooded hiking trails, paved pathways, educational children’s garden, health and wellness garden, and more! Open to the public 9-5 Tuesday through Sunday from MayOctober. $9 general admission. Children 12 and under are always free.

Uptown Social 907 Franklin St. • uptownsocialmc.com NWI Premier Event Venue! Socialize within our incredible sound and light enhanced ballroom. Enjoy local wines and craft beers, or indulge in a signature cocktail handcrafted to perfection by one of our mixologists while immersing yourself in one of our live concert experiences, or reserve private space in our fully transformed venue for special occasions. traveliN Summer 2021

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The tiny town of Lagro in Wabash County may have a population of only about 500 people, but thanks to a local revitalization effort, it is making its mark on the tourism map in a big way. A historic lodging option, Riparian House, tops the list of fresh possibilities here.

Two residents interested in reinventing their hometown partnered to restore the only one of six remaining canal houses in town that retains its original structure.

Built in about 1835, these small dwellings housed Irish immigrants who came to the United States to work on the Wabash and Erie Canal.

The new owners used reclaimed wood, stained glass, and steel from the original roof to fashion a rustic-chic getaway. They then outfitted it with all the amenities of a modern hotel, and now it’s offered as an AirBnB property. A new deck affords their guests the opportunity to relax outside and enjoy a view of the river. “It would be perfect for a couples’ getaway, a solo traveler, or maybe a couple with a child,” said Whitney Millspaugh, marketing and brand manager at Visit Wabash County. “It is definitely a unique experience.”

One of the Riparian House partners has also renovated the vintage home next door into the 950 Speakeasy Bistro. The bar is located in the walkout basement, so 50

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patrons have the option to enjoy the fire pit as well as outdoor seating with a view of the river. The upper level will eventually be a family-style restaurant with seating available outside on a balcony.

While you’re staying here why not get out on the water yourself? White Rock Recreation in Wabash will rent you the kayak or canoe of your choice and shuttle you to the Lagro drop-off point from which you can float or paddle back to your car. Or walk, run or bike the recently completed seven-mile Wabash River Trail between Lagro and Wabash.

The Salamonie River State Forest, the Hanging Rock National Natural Landmark, and Kokiwanee Nature Preserve will afford you the luxury of totally immersing yourself in nature.

Millspaugh suggests that any of these

950 Speakeasy Bistro

ABOVE: Boat Ramp in Lagro to Wabash River ABOVE & RIGHT: Riparian House

followed by a stop at the speakeasy would make for a perfect afternoon.

Lagro’s proximity to Fort Wayne and Wabash make it a great place to stay to explore those historic places, but it can boast a great deal of history that is all its own. The community was named for Miami Chief Le Gris, and its post office has been operating since 1893. St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church was listed on the National Register of Historic places in 1999.

With an eye to preserving even more of the town’s past, the Lagro Canal Foundation is working to restore the 19th-century town hall and bank and at the same time introduce businesses that will encourage people to gather downtown, such as restaurants and stores.

“If you want to get away and experience natural beauty and small-town charm, then this is the place to go,” Millspaugh said.

“We have all the amenities of a bigger city but with the rural beauty that encompasses Wabash County.”

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Indiana Beach’s 95th Season

Off to a Grand Start Under New Ownership It’s 1926 and Earl Spackman had a vision. A vision that, unbeknownst to him, would continue to last for the next century and beyond. That vision? Start a small lakeside beach with a bath house and refreshment stand. It was then that “Ideal Beach” was started.

Fast forward to 2021 and “Ideal Beach” is now Indiana Beach Amusement and Water Park, located on beautiful Lake Shafer in Monticello, Indiana. The new season opened under new ownership on Saturday, May 22nd, and people came from all over to experience the updates to the park, which includes new rides and a host of new concessionaires.

In the 2020 off-season, Indiana Beach

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announced plans to add new rides as well as released details for all the available concession stands. Partnering with many local businesses, the Beach is working

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extremely hard at being a friend to the community as well as showcasing everything that Monticello and White County, as well as the State of Indiana, has to offer. Everything from attractions to food services to shopping, they’ve thought of just about everything a visitor will need. Whether coming for the day or staying for the week, odds are guests won’t even need to leave the premises.

Do you want to turn your trip in to an overnight stay or destination vacation?

Indiana Beach offers a wide variety of accommodations. Park side has motel style rooms, cabins, cottages, and townhomes (one, two and three bedrooms available), while right across the street there are two massive campgrounds that offer anywhere from daily to season stays.

Indiana Beach Amusement and Water Park is home to close to 50 rides and

attractions. It boasts five roller coasters, three of which are wooden coasters. Its lineup also includes the world-famous Cornball Express as well as Indiana’s first custom steel coaster, Steel Hawg (voted #4 on Indiana’s 20-for-20 Thrill Rides in 2020!). In addition to thrill rides, park-goers will be blown away by their everyday ride lineup that is the perfect fit for everyone of all ages. Take a relaxing 30-minute ride on the Shafer Queen (a complimentary paddle boat that tours Lake Shafer hourly), hop on the CP Huntington Train for scenic views only available during this trip around the park, go for a spin on the amazing Gondola or walk-through Frankenstein’s Castle and get your Haunted House fix at any time of the season. And if all of this is not enough, there’s also a full water park. Soak up the sun on an amazing beach, hop in the pool to cool off, or float along the Lazy River

that is sure to wash your stress away. You want a little more action? There are six different water slides to choose from.

Indiana Beach Amusement and Water Park is conveniently located in between Chicago and Indianapolis, just off of I-65. For more information, go to: www.indianabeach.com

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F e s t i v a l s TM

summer 2021

NOTE: Be sure and check websites to confirm events will be taking place.

Festivals were up-to-date at press time, but may have changed.

Jul. 9-10

Martinsville Morgan Co., Central Reg. Artie Fest Downtown. Family-friendly.

Entertainment, outdoor movie, 5k, craft fair, car show, trike race, cornhole. Artie Fest Bounce Town.

Baby contest, chalk art, and more! artiefest.org

Jul. 9-11

Howard County Fair

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Crown Point Lake Co., North Reg. Vintage Tractor and Farm Festival Lake County Fairgrounds.

Family-friendly antique farm festival with demos, kids’ activities, antique equipment, flea market, model railroad, blacksmith, carvers, sawmill, food and homemade pies. slcahs.org

Jul. 9-16

Rockville Parke Co., West Reg. Parke County 4-H Fair Fairgrounds. Great rural county fair! Parke County’s largest parade on Thursday at 6 p.m. parkecountyfairgrounds.com

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Jul. 9-17

Fort Wayne Allen Co., East Reg. Three Rivers Festival Headwaters Park. Families and friends will create great memories at this nine-day celebration.

Over 80 events held in beautiful downtown Fort Wayne. Enjoy live music, junk food alley. threeriversfestival.org Jul. 10 West Lafayette Tippecanoe Co., West Reg. Wabash Riverfest Tapawingo Park. Free, all ages celebration of the Wabash River.

Canoe races, music, educational and conservation exhibits, 5k run, bike events, food trucks, river float, children’s activities, and more! wabashriverfest.com

Jul. 12-17

Greentown Howard Co., East Reg. Howard County Fair Howard County Fairgrounds.

One of the largest county fairs in Indiana! 4-H exhibits and shows, live music, food, live daily entertainment, pioneer village, rides, vendors and family fun! howardcofair.com

Jul. 12-17

Warsaw Kosciusko Co., North Reg. Kosciusko County Community Fair, inc.

In the heart of Warsaw on beautiful Winona Lake. Join our community fair for exciting grandstand events, outstanding 4-H exhibits, fair food and thrilling midway rides. kcfair.com

Famous St. Joe Pickle Festival

Jul. 14-18

Hammond Lake Co., North Reg. Festival of the Lakes Wolf Lake Pavilion. Annual festival including nationally-known musical entertainment, carnival, food vendors, 5k walk/run, polka party, hot rod show, fishing derby, senior day and more. festivalofthelakes.com

Jul. 15-17

Saint Joe Dekalb Co., East Reg. Famous St. Joe Pickle Festival Riverdale School. Everything pickles!! Pickle people, pickle pepper poker walk, pickle derby, pickle tastings, fish fry, vendors, live music, parades, kids’ area, contests, fire-works! stjoepicklefestival.org

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Jul. 15-18

Winamac Pulaski Co., North Reg. 20th Northern Indiana Power From the Past Antique Power Show & Flea Market at Pulaski County Fairgrounds.

Family-oriented event featuring antique farm equipment, horse pull, children’s games, large flea market, shaded grounds and many demonstrations. winamacpowershow.com

Jul. 16-22

Reynolds White Co., West Reg. White County 4-H Fair White County 4-H Fairgrounds.

Fun, family-oriented fair! 4-H exhibits, livestock, antique tractors, food, live entertainment, kids’ activities, auction, queen contest, 5K, camping. whitecoag.org

Jul. 17-24

Peru Miami Co., East Reg. Circus City Festival Downtown. Circus City Festival in Peru, Indiana, celebrates its 62nd year. All youth circus performances, rides, food booths, parade, more. perucircus.com

Jul. 24

North Webster Kosciusko Co., North Reg. 12th Annual Dixie Day Festival & Art Fair Downtown SR 13, fairgrounds, town park. Extra cruises on Dixie sternwheeler, 5K, arts/crafts fair, open air market, antiques, food court. Car, truck, bike and tractor show; area boat dealer show. northwebster.com

Jul. 29-31

North Manchester Wabash Co., East Reg. Fun Fest by the River Downtown. Large family festival.

Free kids’ activities, car, tractor and motorcycle show, variety of food and craft vendors, parade, live music, 5k and much more! manchester-alive.org

Aug. 5-8

Jasper Dubois Co., South Reg. Jasper Strassenfest Downtown and Citywide. Family-oriented, German- themed street festival with German music. Lots of great entertainment for all on three stages. Great food, dancing, rides, games, beer and wine garden, run/walk, events. Hot air balloon launch, tractor and car show, arts and crafts booths, church tours. jasperstrassenfest.org

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Aug. 28

Nationally and internationally known artisans, the Hinshaw family has been creating beautiful jewelry and decorator pieces since 1961. Unique jewelry designed and created by silversmith, Merrill Hinshaw.

Named by Lapidary Journal as one of the top ten stone polishers in the nation, the Hinshaws cut and polish stones by hand to create a work of art.

DAILY, 11-5:30 AND BY APPT. 1232 S. COUNTY ROAD 650 W. FRENCH LICK, IN 47432

812-936-7255 HinshawRockNGems.com For visitor info: 812-936-3418 or VisitFrenchLickWestBaden.com

Crawfordsville Montgomery Co., West Reg. Taste of Montgomery County General Lew Wallace Study & Museum. Live musical acts, local food vendors, wine and craft brews representing the best of Montgomery County. Proceeds benefit the General Lew Wallace Study & Museum. tasteofmontgomerycounty.com Indiana State Fair

Aug. 6-15

Crown Point Lake Co., North Reg. Lake County Fair Fairgrounds. Daily horse shows, entertainment for all ages, thousands of exhibits, carnival rides, food and vendors of all types. lake-county-fair.com

Aug. 6-22

Indianapolis Marion Co., Central Reg. Indiana State Fair State Fairgrounds & Event Center. The Indiana State Fair is the Greatest Showcase of Education, Agriculture and Entertainment. indianastatefair.com

Aug. 10-15

Tell City Perry Co., South Reg. Schweizer Fest 600 Block of Main Street, Tell City. Amusement rides, games, food, beer garden, wine tasting, exhibit market, live entertainment nightly, talent show, queen pageant, and road run. pickperry.com

Aug. 14

Shelbyville Shelby Co., East Reg. Big Blue BBQ Fairgrounds. World-class KCBS BBQ teams compete in this sanctioned event, while local BBQers serve up tasty treats. Live music, kids’ activities and car show. visitshelby-county.com 60

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Aug 27-28

Centerville Wayne Co., East Reg. Archway Days Festival Maplewood Park. Events for all. Craft, art & food vendors.

Live music & entertainment.

Car show, parade, K-9 and taser demonstration. Bounce houses, pedal tractor pull, movie. archwaydays.org

Aug. 28

Carmel Hamilton Co., Central Reg. Artomobilia Carmel Arts & Design District.

Enjoy automotive art while embracing the artwork of local galleries. See the design and presentation of iconic automobiles. carmelartsanddesign.com

Aug. 28

Delphi Carroll Co., West Reg. Indiana Bacon Festival Downtown Square & Central Plaza. Bacon, bands and brew at this 8th annual event. Live music, local foods, craft beer and wine, Backyard BBQ cook-off, family fun zone and bacon eating and hog calling. indianabaconfestival.com

Nappanee Apple Festival

Marshall County’s Blueberry Festival

Sep. 3-6

Plymouth Marshall Co., North Reg. Marshall County Blueberry Festival Centennial Park. 54th Annual Kids’ activities, food, crafts, carnival, parade, 15K/5K run, motorcycle and classic car shows, garden tractor pulls, sport competitions, Historic Americana, bike cruise, open swim, HA balloons, fireworks, free entertainment. blueberryfestival.org

Sep. 9-11

Wabash Wabash Co., East Reg. Roann Covered Bridge Festival Downtown. Three-day festival.

Great music! Fun for the whole family. Sat. parade, 2pm, featuring the Culver Military Mounted Color Guard. roanncoveredbridgefestival.com

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*Loans currently financed at IU Credit Union are not eligible for this offer. Offer excludes commercial vehicles. Minimum loan amount for this offer is $10,000. Cash Back Bonus will be credited to the Membership Savings of the Primary Borrower within 7-14 days of the loan closing date. Bonus is considered dividends and will be reported on IRS Form 1099-INT. Offer subject to change without notice.

APR or annual percentage rate is accurate as of 6/18/21, and is subject to change at any time. Rate stated is based on a 66-month loan in the amount of $30,000; a vehicle model year of 2019 or newer, and a $25 VSI fee. Payment would be $16.45 per thousand borrowed. Rates, terms and conditions vary based on creditworthiness, qualifications and collateral conditions. Check other available rates and terms online at iucu.org or give us a call. All loans subject to approval.

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We started a credit union and created a community.

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festival s

Sep. 17-19

Sep. 10-12

Paoli Orange Co., South Reg. Paoli Fall Festival Historic Courthouse Square.

Food, arts, crafts, music, carnival. Entertainment on Courthouse Lawn Fri. Band playing Sat. Car show Sun. Parade. paolichamberofcommerce.com

Sep. 11-12

Ligonier Noble Co., East Reg. Stone’s Trace Pioneer Festival & Fall Rendezvous SR 5 & US 33 across from West Noble School. Stone’s Trace is the home of Richard Stone, the second white settler in Noble County.

Come visit his home, and see what it was to live in the 1800s. Crafts, food, music.stonestrace.com

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Block Bash in French Lick

Sep. 11-12

Anderson Madison Co., East Reg. Andersontown Powwow and Indian Market Athletic Park. Native American Powwow. Woodland Indians camp, tipi village, birds of prey, exhibition and inter-tribal dancing, music, cultural demonstrations, storytelling. andersontownpowwow.org

Sep. 16-19

Nappanee Elkhart Co., North Reg. Nappanee Apple Festival Downtown, Depot Plaza, Municipal Airport. Free, family friendly and located in downtown Nappanee featuring a 7-foot apple pie, Wings & Wheels Show, antique tractor and engine show, Napple store, exhibitors, food, three entertainment stages, carnival rides and contests. nappaneeapplefestival.org

French Lick Orange Co., South Reg. Block Bash Town Green. Cutting edge fun in downtown French Lick!

The world’s top chainsaw carvers live and in action for three days. Live auction, artists of other mediums, food, music & more! bearhollowwoodcarvers.com

Sep. 18

Martinsville Morgan Co., Central Reg. Fall Harvest Celebration Hunter’s Honey Farm. We have harvested our honey and invite you to watch us extract and bottle this year’s crop.

Free tours, eat at our Honey Café and enjoy many more family activities. huntershoneyfarm.com

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period before Potawatomi Indians were removed from the area in 1838 on the Trail of Death. fultoncountyhistory.org

Sep. 18-19 Parke County’s Model T Covered Bridge Tour

Sep. 18

Wabash Wabash Co., East Reg. Wabash Founder’s Day Festival Downtown, Paradise Spring Historical Park. Celebrating rich history and community. Entertainment with food trucks, vendors, children’s games, and parade. paradisespring.org

Sep. 18-19

Rochester Fulton Co., North Reg. Trail of Courage Living History Festival Fulton County Historical Society, US 31 and CR 375 N. Pre-1840 event commemorating the time

Fort Wayne Allen Co., East Reg. Johnny Appleseed Festival Johnny Appleseed and Archer Parks. Celebrate the life of Johnny Appleseed! Traditional mid-1800’s crafts and food, entertainment, children’s games, demonstrators, pioneer encampment, antiques. johnnyappleseedfest.com

Sep. 18-19

Muncie Delaware Co., East Reg. Old Washington Street Festival Near Downtown 500-900 E. Washington St. Three entertainment areas, arts and crafts, food, car show, demonstrations, kids’ area, historic home tours, and Emily Kimbrough’s Home Museum. oldwashingtonstreetfestival.org

Sep. 25-26

Centerville Wayne Co., East Reg. Warm Glow Fall Festival Warm Glow Outlet. Pumpkins, mums and gourds, vendors, food, wine tasting, free parking and trolley service, in-store sales and more! Family fun! warmglow.com/events2/fall-festival

Sep. 25-26

Carmel Hamilton Co., Central Reg. Carmel International Arts Festival Carmel Arts & Design District.

Over 130 diverse juried artists with live entertainment spotlighting international dance and music! A weekend of fun for the whole family. chg.carmelartsfestival.org

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Sep. 25-29

Rockville Parke Co., West Reg. Model T Covered Bridge Tour Parke County Fairgrounds.

Model T owners spend five days touring the covered bridges and Amish businesses on scenic drives in Parke County. westcentralindianamodelters.com

Sep. 30-Oct. 2

Seymour Jackson Co., South Central Reg. 48th Annual Seymour Oktoberfest Downtown. Huge variety of food, crafts, entertainment, and a Biergarten. Enjoy our German band, stein hoist, parade, 5k, hot air balloons, and much more! seymouroktoberfest.com

art on the green friday

2PM - 6pm

saturday

10AM - 6pm

sunday

10AM - 4pm

This will be our 15th year!

Artists and craftsmen displaying for sale pottery, lamp work glass, hand-made jewelry, lapidary art, paintings, photography, primitives, soaps, handmade brooms, wood carvings, handmade bags and much more.

downtown french lick, in 877-422-9925

visitfrenchlickwestbaden.com

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story by Marion Mason, Hoosier National Forest Public Affairs Specialist

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What does the word “wilderness” mean to you? It may conjure an image of pristine nature far away, or bring to mind the smells and sounds of a fall day in a forest.

While we may have our own personal interpretation of wilderness, there are places across the United States that have that official designation from Congress, an authority given by the Wilderness Act of 1964. One of those areas lies just southeast of Bloomington, Indiana, at the northern edge of Hoosier National Forest.

In fact, the 13,000 acre Charles C. Deam Wilderness is the only Congressionally designated wilderness in Indiana. It is a place protected and managed to preserve its natural conditions and to have

outstanding opportunities for solitude.

Unfortunately, it is being “loved to death”.

Bordering Indiana’s largest and most popular lake, Monroe Lake, easy access attracts many visitors with a lack of knowledge of wilderness values and regulations. Artifact looting, destruction of cultural historic sites, littering, cutting trees and vegetation, camping in inappropriate areas, and over crowding are taking a toll on the wilderness character, thus diminishing the experience it was created to provide.

A few simple reminders from the Leave No Trace principles will help bring Indiana’s wilderness to a more sustainable state.

Visitors should plan ahead and prepare for a visit to Indiana’s only wilderness.

It’s so easy to call Bloomington home.

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elephant a bath or see grizzly bears up close at Wilstem Wildlife Park. Play all day at Big Splash Adventure indoor water park. And with go-karts, mini golf, laser tag and escape room also nearby, the kids will be surprised that vacationing in Indiana is this much fun.

Planning a Trish Sterling Romantic Escape Owner/Broker Savor the view from your own private balcony at West Baden Springs Hotel. It’s a truly breathtaking experience the first time you open the

509 East Hillside Drive #101 • Bloomington, IN 47401 • (812) 333-1966 • SterlingBloomington.com

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ABOVE: Live trees cut for firewood kills the tree and makes poor fuel.

LEFT: If you’re not in a designated campsite, your site must be 100 feet from the shoreline to prevent erosion.

Plan Ahead and Prepare – visit the website, get a map, review the regulations, follow the best practices, have a backup plan if you arrive and the area is full.

Leave What You Find – leave artifacts in place, don’t cut or damage live or standing trees, put the site back the way you found it when you leave.

Minimize Campfire Impacts – keep your fire small, make sure it is cold when you leave, don’t build rock structures.

Dispose of Waste Properly – pack out your trash, travel 200 feet from water to deposit and bury human waste, pick up after your pet.

Public lands belong to all of us and we all play a role in taking care of them.

Help keep the Deam Wilderness the special place it was meant to be.

For more information visit: https://go.usa.gov/xfTSP

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Columbus

Columbus is located within the Indianapolis, Louisville, and Cincinnati triangle, right on your way if you are heading just about anywhere in the upper Midwest. It is a great getaway for enjoying architecture, public art, green spaces, and a first-rate park system.

shop / dine / stay / play / live / work

Gramz Bakery and Coffee Bar The place to go for a great cup of coffee and sweet treats in downtown Columbus, serving espresso drinks, pour-overs, and an extensive coffee brew bar and fresh baked goods.

409 Washington St. Columbus, IN 47201 812-378-3046 Info@gramzbakery.Com 66

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Visit family-friendly

Morgan County

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Just southwest of Indianapolis, you’ll discover Morgan County, a place that’s full of friendly small towns, scenic backroads and secluded forest trails. With unexpected experiences, family-friendly festivals and the state’s only winery that’s also home to a brewery and distillery, a trip to Morgan County is more than you expect – and exactly what you need!

Summer in Morgan County is in full swing with loads of live outdoor music from the Drink at the Creek Concert Series at Cedar Creek Winery, Brew Co. and Distillery as well as Pioneer Park in Mooresville and Downtown Martinsville! The weekly Cruise-in the Square keeps things hopping in downtown Martinsville and patio dining is back on the menu at Black Dog Brewing Company, Gather Around BBQ and other local eateries.

Enjoy the outdoors with a hike at MorganMonroe State Forest or Ravinia State Forest, or choose a leisurely stroll along the paved White River Greenway Trail at Old Town Waverly Park. Be sure to check out the new family fun area at the park with games and activities!

Extend your visit with a stay at the brandnew Brickhouse Loft, an all-suite boutique lodging option just steps from the courthouse square in Martinsville.

Visit a family farm to see how they produce honey, lavender or even wine! Enjoy shopping independently owned boutiques in a picturesque Main Street setting, featuring handpicked styles and works from local artisans.

Indulge in your choice of chef-inspired flavors or old-fashioned home cooking… and don’t forget to visit the 100-year-old candy and ice cream shop!

You can do it all in Morgan County, Indiana.

Find more information about things to do, places to eat and upcoming events in Morgan County, log on to visitmorgancountyin.com.

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Hunter’s Honey Farm

Berries & Ivy Locally owned, this fun store features beautiful home decor items and local artwork in a historic downtown setting.

Find home décor and accessories, jewelry, antiques and more.

28 N. Main St. Martinsville, IN 46151 765-342-7722 Facebook.com/ berries&ivycountrystore Mon & Fri 10-5, tues-thurs 11-5 and sat 10-4

A family-owned and operated farm featuring honey, beeswax, bee pollen, candles, honey soap, moisturizing cream, lip balm, gourmet food and much more. Tours available year round (reservations required).

6501 W. Honey Ln. Martinsville, IN 46151 765-537-9430 HunterHoneyFarm.com Mon-Sat. 9-6

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Celebrating

Car Culture in DeKalb County

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Car culture is alive and well in the Midwest and more specifically in Auburn, Indiana, where we pride ourselves in honoring the classics, yet also welcoming the innovation of the modern ‘Fast & Fabulous’ vehicles. 365 days a year there are ways to submerge oneself in the history of the automobile in the world-renowned Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, the National Auto & Truck Museum (NATMUS), the Early Ford V-8 Museum, and the International Monster Truck Museum & Hall of Fame. Yet the annual tradition we hang our hat on is the 65th Reunion of the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival which we always welcome into town Labor Day Weekend!

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Amber Caccamo, Executive Director DeKalb County Visitors Bureau

The International Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Club comes rolling into town each year from all parts of the world to showcase their Auburn, Cord or Duesenberg on 9th Street, in the Parade of Classics, or through one of the other 50+ events that we have over the course of the weekend. September 3rd & 4th are the

days you simply must experience! We give FREE rides in the Classics in our ‘Ticket to Ride’ event, host 800+ cars for the Friday Cruise-in (along with music, food, and spirits around the square), two major car auctions, swap meets, and car corrals galore. This year’s theme of “Women Behind the Wheel” has granted us the opportunity to host racing legend Lyn St. James September 3rd & 4th and will graciously be our Grand Marshal as well as host other appearances and meet and greets Friday and Saturday. I do hope you can join us for this year’s spectacular event.

If not, then another time soon! Email me, amber@dekalbcvb.org, or search www. visitdekalb.org for more information!

Check out these

Indiana Destinations & Attractions Lofts on Main

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Located in Cambridge City • theloftsonmain.com 765-969-4824 or 937-609-8451 Located on the National Road in east central Indiana, Lofts on Main are the two secondfloor lofts in an 1890s building, providing overnight accommodations with solitude and privacy. Both are open and bright with full kitchens, modern baths, and spacious sitting areas. Often referred to as “hip and urban,” these lofts are infused with their own unique charm and elegance, and provide the perfect location in Cambridge City’s walkable downtown.

1 Greensburg Located in Decatur County visitgreensburg.com Famously known for their Tower Tree (yes, there’s a tree growing out of the courthouse tower), the city of Greensburg is so much more than that. Small-town charm, local vintage shops and boutiques, and an incredible line-up of locally-owned restaurants. Festivals and events throughout the year bring even more visitors to the area.

Cambridge City Located in Wayne County • cambridgecityindiana.org Historic Cambridge City is located on the National Road in the heart of Antique Alley. This vibrant and historic town is the home to more than 12 quality antique shops and malls, beautifully restored homes, Museum of Overbeck Art Pottery, cozy local eateries, and downtown quality lodging. With both a rich historical heritage and quality, well-planned growth, Cambridge City combines the best of the past, present, and future.

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4 5 Fountain Park Chautauqua 6244 W 1600 S., Remington fountain-park.org Come relax and unwind at the 126th season of Fountain Park Chautauqua.

It will take place July 17-August 1.

Fountain Park is located in Remington.

Live entertainment, kids activities, art classes, quilting classes and devotions daily. Stay in our historic hotel or campground.

Harrison County Discovery Center 233 N. Capitol Avenue, Corydon 812-734-0030 discoverycenterexperience.com Fun family destination! High-tech experience featuring- five interactive galleries highlighting early Indiana. 360° theater presentation recreates the Battle of Corydon. More than just a museum! Senior and Group rates available.

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Whiting whitingindiana.com Experience the City of Whiting, a beautiful corridor to Lake Michigan. With its lovely new and redesigned streetscape, 119th Street in Downtown Whiting is flourishing with quaint shops, a historic movie theatre, a microbrewery, a wide variety of cuisine, and family attractions all within walking distance. A stroll along the boardwalk in Whiting Lakefront Park is the perfect way to end the day.

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Creating the

Perfect Campfire story by Scott Roberts photos by indiana DNR

A group of friends sitting around a campfire with sticks and marshmallows or their favorite foods stuck on the end, roasting them to perfection while swapping stories of the day’s activities is an iconic scene.

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Maryellen Steward of Columbus said there’s something about campfires that just makes them soothing, though she can’t put her finger on what.

“There’s no better way to relax and put your troubles aside then sitting by a fire,” she said.

She has a favorite recipe for those times. She uses hamburger or sausage, adds potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, onions, and any other vegetables she traveliN Summer 2021

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ABOVE: Camping at Versailles State Park.

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and her party feel like eating, adds some olive oil and herbs, wraps it in aluminum foil, and lets it cook— no need for a stick. She calls her concoctions “hobos”, and she says they are delicious.

Creating the fire to get the experience you want can be challenging, especially for first-time campers. Aaron Douglass, interpretive naturalist for Turkey Run and Shades state parks, described three ways campers can set up their fire to get it burning fast and get the hobos—or whatever else—cooking.

The first way is the teepee method.

Put your kindling materials on the bottom and your wood in a teepee shape on top so when the flames start, they will reach

...Put your kindling materials on the bottom and your wood in a teepee shape on top so when the flames start, they will reach all of your wood. The second way is the log cabin.

To use this method, build your wood like a cabin you would make out of Lincoln logs in a square around the fire. all of your wood. The second way is the log cabin. To use this method, build your wood like a cabin you would make out of Lincoln logs in a square around the fire.

The third method is the one Douglass prefers because he considers it the easiest. It’s called the lean-to option and is created by

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Pike State Forest consists of 4,444 acres in southwestern Indiana.

putting a log in the center of the firepit, then leaning a couple of other logs leaning against it so the fire will spread from the central log to all of the logs touching it.

When starting your fire, Douglass said to avoid using lighter fluid. While it can help bring about flames easier, the fire can also get out of control much quicker.

Make sure the fire you create is not too tall. Fire rings are placed in campgrounds to stop fires from spreading, and if a fire is too tall, it can leap over the rings and catch leaves, grass, or other flammable materials outside the fire area.

Never leave your fire unattended.

Fires are unpredictable and can quickly get out of hand if the wind changes or a log falls out of the ring.

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in Indiana can live and be moved in firewood, including emerald ash borer.

Indiana has firewood regulations to stop this spread. Firewood brought into DNR properties must be kiln dried scrap lumber with no bark, or come from an Indiana location with all bark removed. If the wood contains a USDA or state compliance stamp, it can also be brought in. Most DNR campgrounds sell firewood on site, so it may be easiest to buy it while on property, ready to burn.

When you’re finished with the fire, be sure to put it out correctly. Douglass said the best way to extinguish a fire is with cold water, and there should be a spigot nearby if you’re at a state park. Just fill up a bucket and dump it on the fire.

“That makes a pretty sweet and satisfying sound,” he said.

Then get a stick and stir water, ashes, and coals together to make sure the water gets everywhere and put the back

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of your hand near the coals to feel if it is still warm. If so, get more water and repeat until cool.

When you’re finished with your fire, make sure the area is clean for the next campers. Douglass said he’s seen too many campsites where trash is piled in firepits instead of taken out of the campground and disposed of. Burning the trash is discouraged because it can leave bad remains for others to deal with. Some plastics, when burnt, emit noxious fumes that can hurt campers and the ecosystem.

By following a few safety tips, you can repeatedly create your own ideal campfire scene. Use your own recipes or make the classic s’mores.

A Dutch Oven is a great way to cook over an open fire.

Start your adventure by finding a campsite at camp.IN.gov or calling 1-866-622-6746.

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Su m m e r’s story by Elizabeth Granger

food trails

Ice cream, hot dogs, frosty mugs of root beer, and a bit of nostalgia.

Perfect summer pleasures.

The small lemony yellow building on Mounds Road in Anderson – with a matching lemon drop on the roof – is big on tradition. Even bigger on taste and customer loyalty.

The Lemon Drop restaurant’s four booths and eleven counter stools seat a total of just 27. Covid added thick plastic sheets and acrylic partitions that helped ensure diners’ safety, and kept the tradition going throughout the past year.

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The Oasis Diner in Plainfield is well-known for their American comfort food.

PHOTO: Visit Hendricks County

Big Wheels at Ivanhoes, home to more than 100 flavors of shakes and sundaes.

PHOTO: Grant County Visitors Bureau

The Oasis Diner in Plainfield opened in 1954. By 2010 it was on Indiana Landmarks’ “10 Most Endangered” list.

But locals Doug Huff and Don Rector bought the diner – moved it, restored it, and in 2014 reopened it.

“We’re one and only,” says assistant manager Sheree Titley. “You can’t get us anywhere else.”

And, she adds, “We have customers who come in multiple times in one day.”

Customer Bryan Lacey of Anderson touts the cheeseburger on sourdough bread. Others swear by the tenderloin.

Onion burgers are wildly popular.

The Lemon Drop has been around since 1954 – and it’s still got that “Happy Days” kind of feel.

That same feel is at Gene’s Root Beer Drive-In in Anderson, founded in 1964. Also at The Original Frozen Custard and both Igloo Frozen Custard sites in Lafayette, founded in1932. There are 16 eateries on the Indiana Foodways Alliance “Just Cruisin’ Trail” that just shout “summer.” There’s hometown history here with generation after generation of patrons making their own personal histories.

The Oasis Diner in Plainfield

Voted Indy’s best for over 20 years, featuring fresh made doughs, over 50 toppings, and a great selection of local craft beers and wines. Beautiful dining rooms, outdoor deck and rooftop seating!

Downtown Indy 329 Mass. Ave. 317-636-7662

Carmel 111 W. Main St. 317-848-4488

Broad Ripple 811 E. Westfield Blvd.

317-255-5711 www.Bazbeaux.com

The Lemon Drop in Anderson is an iconic eatery, in business since 1952.

PHOTO: Anderson Madison County Visitors Bureau traveliN Summer 2021

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opened in 1954. By 2010 it was on Indiana Landmarks’ “10 Most Endangered” list. But locals Doug Huff and Don Rector bought the diner – moved it, restored it, and in 2014 reopened it.

Huff said patrons “usually come for the experience first, and then they come back for the food.”

When the Triple XXX in West Lafayette opened in 1929, it was the state’s first drive-in. Eventually there were more than 100 Triple XXX Thirst Stations throughout the

LEFT: Triple XXX’s most famous burger, the Duane Purvis, which includes peanut butter.

It’s named for a 1930s’ Purdue football player who “ate peanut butter on everything.”

PHOTO PHOTO: Visit Lafayette-West Lafayette

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country. Now the West Lafayette site is the only one left.

The root beer recipe is original.

The chopped steak is like it’s always been. The most popular burger is the Duane Purvis, which includes peanut butter. It’s named for a 1930s Purdue football player who “ate peanut butter on everything.”

Real Food, Real Indiana.

The Indiana Foodways Alliance tagline says it all, as it goes about celebrating, preserving and promoting Hoosier foods. Its members are often small, familyowned eateries with heartfelt histories as well as delicious foods.

Its growing lists of trails now number 21.

The “I Scream for Ice Cream Trail” has 25 stops. Soft serve,

Classic hot dogs with all the trimmings are on the menu at Gene’s Root Beer and Hot Dogs in Anderson.

PHOTO: Anderson Madison County Visitors Bureau

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One of the newest ice cream flavors at Frazier’s Diary Maid in Anderson is the blue moon.

PHOTO: Anderson Madison County Visitors Bureau

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frozen custard, hand-dipped – often in homemade cones. When you see a line of people at the window, you know it’s gotta’ be good.

The blue moon is popular at Frazier’s Dairy Maid in Anderson.

A distinctive pale blue soft serve with hints of lemon and raspberry.

It’s a new-ish flavor at this popular stop that has lured ice cream lovers since 1954.

Taylor’s Dairy Store in Elwood teases those driving by with goofy signs; a recent one read, “Ice cream is cheaper than therapy.” It offers 72 flavors of hard ice cream that include puppy chow, elephant ear, seaside caramel, American fireworks, and carrot cake. Tuesdays are crazy busy – with $1 coneys – but the store stops at serving 700 of them. Some patrons

IT’S THE PERFECT TIME TO ENJOY OUR BEAUTIFUL NEW 3ͲSEASON PORCH! Red, White, Sweet, Dry, there’s something for everyone at ANDERSON’S WINERY AND VINEYARDS Live music every Saturday and Sunday Open 12Ͳ6pm TuesdayͲSunday all year

430 East US Highway 6, Valparaiso, Indiana

CLOCKWISE: Jerry’s Diary Freezer in Park City is one of Randolp County’s most popular spots.

PHOTO: Indiana Foodways Alliance Gilstraps Big Berry in Parke County.

PHOTO: Parke County Visitors Center Taylor’s Dairy Store in Elwood entertains customers with goofy signs.

PHOTO: Anderson Madison County Visitors Bureau

Huber’s

Orchard, Winery & Vineyards

Starlight, Indiana

www.AndersonsWinery.com

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choose the usual coney sauce with its hint of spiciness, others choose sweeter sloppy joe sauce to cover the hot dog, and others order boats – that is, sauce but no hot dog at all.

And then there’s Ivanhoe’s in Upland with more than 100 flavors of ice cream and 100 flavors of shakes. In Rockville, Gilstrap’s Big Berry Drive-In has “walk-up” service and offers a variety of shakes, sundaes, and more than 20 flavors of ice cream.

Know that stops on these trails are also on additional Foodways trails. Look for all the culinary trails at indianafoodways.com.

And as you leave the Lemon Drop, be sure to grab a lemon drop.

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Tuesday’s are $1 coney days at Taylor’s in Elwood.

PHOTO: Anderson Madison County Visitors Bureau.

culinary

I scre a m fo r

Ice Cream Food Trail

j ust c ru isi n ’

Food Trail

• Barking Cow, Muncie

• Chocolate Moose, Farmland

• Chocolate Moose, Farmland

• Collom’s General Store, Bridgeton

• Fashion Farm, Ligonier

• Frazier’s Dairy Maid, Anderson

• Frazier’s Dairy Maid, Anderson

• Fry’s A&W, Greensburg

• French Licks Ice Cream and Coffee Bar, French Lick

• Gene’s Root Beer Drive-In, Anderson

• Gilstrap’s Big Berry, Rockville

• Gilstrap’s Big Berry, Rockville

• Gobbler’s Knob Country Store, Bloomington

• Igloo Frozen Custard, 2 Lafayette locations

• Good’s Candy Shop & Ice Cream Parlor, Anderson

• Ivanhoe’s Ice Cream and Sandwich Shoppe, Upland

• Huber’s Winery & Starlight Distillery, Borden

• Jimmie’s Dairy Bar, Pendleton

• Igloo Frozen Custard, Lafayette (two locations)

• Lemon Drop, Anderson

• Ivanhoe’s Ice Cream and Sandwich Shoppe, Upland

• Oasis Diner, Plainfield

• Jerry’s Dairy Freezer, Parker City

• Taylor’s Dairy Store, Elwood

• Jimmie’s Dairy Bar, Pendleton

• The Original Frozen Custard, Lafayette

• Martinsville Candy Kitchen, Martinsville

• The Tasty Freeze, Montezuma

• McCord Candies, Lafayette

• Triple XXX Family Restaurant, West Lafayette

• Sallie’s By The Shore, Culver

• Weenee World, New Castle

• South Bend Chocolate Company Café, South Bend • Taylor’s Dairy Store, Elwood • The Original Frozen Custard, Lafayette • The Superburger, Paoli • The Tasty Freeze, Montezuma • Tiki Hut, Rockville • Weenee World, New Castle

see IndianaFoodways.com

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Summer 2021

Festivals JULY 17

Garden Gate Festival Market Street Park, Huntingburg Featuring jazz, wine, and craft beer, as well as other fun additions! gardengatefestival.com

JULY 24

The Grape Escape Wine Festival Centennial Park, Munster Sample a selection of wines, enjoy food from around the region, listen to the sounds of live music, and browse the Market. munster.org

JULY 30-AUGUST 1

Festival of Magic: Celebration of the The Boy Who Lived Aftermath Cidery & Winery, Valparaiso; Running Vines Winery, Chesterton Visit all locations on your map to complete the scavenger hunt and win a prize!

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Each location will offer both adult potions and drinks for little wizards and witches. facebook.com/festivalofmagic

JULY 31

Brews on Buckeye Downtown Depot District, Kokomo Food trucks, live music and samples from Indiana breweries and distilleries. visitkokomo.org

AUGUST 28

Beers Across the Wabash John T Myers Bridge, Lafayette Taste an assortment of ales and lagers from 30 Indiana breweries. beersacrossthewabash.com

SEPTEMBER 4

Crown Beer Fest Bulldog Park, Crown Point Local breweries, local restaurants, and live music. crownbeerfest.com

Check out these

Indiana Culinary Destinations

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Tin Plate Restaurant 2233 S. J St., Elwood • 765-557-8231 Popular for pork tenderloin sandwiches, ribbon fries (loaded with pulled pork BBQ as an option), and their special recipe roast beef manhattans. For more than five years, this local favorite has been drawing crowds from all over the state. Varied menu for all tastes, and full-bar available.

Huber’s Orchard, Winery & Vineyards

19816 Huber Rd., Borden 812-923-9463 • huberwinery.com This family owned and operated farm is seven generations in the making. Known as much for hospitality as they are for award-winning wine and spirits, Huber’s Orchard, Winery & Vineyards offers visitors a true farm-tobottle experience. Wander almost 700 acres of farmland, savor a wines and spirits tasting, then stay for lunch at the Starlight Café.

Minnetrista Culinary Events 1200 N Minnetrista Pkwy, Muncie 765-282-4848 • www.minnetrista.net Minnetrista’s culinary team shines through with a variety of offerings. Indulge in a true interactive food experience at their “Chef Demonstration and Wine Pairing” dinners, where you’ll enjoy exquisite food prepared by their executive chef, along with a wine pairing. Also popular are their food presentation workshops, where you’ll learn about jams, hard cider, and more. There’s also monthly brunch offerings, and special kids’ culinary camps.

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5 4 Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor and Museum 329 Washington St., Columbus 812-378-1900 zaharakos.com Beautifully restored 1900s ice cream parlor, restaurant, and museum unlike any other in the nation. Delight your tastebuds with ice cream creations, hand pulled sodas, and a full menu. Listen to the sounds of mechanical musical instruments, linger over the icons of the soda fountain era, and shop the country store. Open Wednesday-Sunday.

6 Harris Sugar Bush 999 E County Rd. 325 N, Greencastle o 765-653-5108 c 765-301-0016 harrissugarbush.com Signature, all-natural maple syrup produced on-site is packaged locally in unique gift jars. Also carrying maple cream, candy and delicious nut toppings, Indiana produced honey, BBQ sauce, jams, jellies and sorghum.

Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but call first to ensure we are in the shop.

King’s Café and Bakery 109 W Main Street • Cambridge City 765-478-6500 • kingscafeandbakery.com King’s Café & Bakery serves up a wide array of coffee drinks, homemade baked goods, fresh, made-to-order food, and hand-dipped ice cream.

They also make custom cakes, pies, cookies, and nearly any kind of baked good upon request.

Guests can make themselves at home, surrounded by the rich history of charming Cambridge City.

They take pride in shopping local and supporting other Indiana businesses. Be sure and check out their weekly lunch specials! Closed Mondays. traveliN Summer 2021

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arts

Bob Ross Experience: The Next Phase story by Cathy Shouse

If travel is meant to be fun, a trip to the Bob Ross exhibit at Minnetrista in Muncie may be just the thing. Plus, The Bob Ross Experience is beyond entertaining…it’s educational and inspirational, too. Phase I opened October 31, 2020, and by the end of May this year, nearly 7,000 people had visited. Given the required social distancing at that time, the museum is gearing up for even more attendees when Phase 2 is unveiled this October.

Brett Estes, 38, works at Stoops Automotive in Muncie, and donned the Bob Ross costume he enjoys dressing up in, to attend the exhibit’s opening on Halloween. His wife Shantelle came

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Bob Ross filmed six years of his iconic show on the Minnetrista Museum campus.

PHOTO: Minnetrista

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as a “happy little tree,” the nickname Ross gave to trees in his landscape paintings. The couple not only had fun but won the Best Bob Ross Pair award, and their photo appeared in the New York Times.

“At the very end, you could see the original paint palette and the house where the show was recorded in, and you could paint your own happy little tree, about two by four inches,” Estes said. “It took me about the same amount of time to paint the little tree as it would for Bob to do a whole full canvas, which was maybe 20 minutes.

It showed you how efficient he was.”

This begs the question: Where are Ross’ thousands of paintings now?

Jessica Jenkins, vice president of collections & storytelling at Minnetrista, said Minnetrista owns 27 Ross paintings.

“You can find Bob Ross paintings in the homes of many people around the country,” Jenkins said. “It is often said that Bob ‘didn’t sell his paintings.’

While that is mostly true, he would occasionally sell a painting to someone if they really loved it. For instance, we know that he sold at least one to a Muncie resident off of his easel when he was demoing his painting style at the Muncie Mall in the 1980s.

Bob also donated many paintings to PBS stations around the country to use for their annual fundraisers. In Muncie, Bob even painted live during WIPB-TV’s Telesale – their live, on-air fundraiser. Bob also simply gave a lot of paintings as gifts to friends.”

Katy Maggart, Minnetrista communications manager, said visitors to the experience must purchase timed tickets, and residents in the seven-

Minnetrista owns 27 of Bob Ross’ paintings.

PHOTO: Minnetrista

county East Central Indiana service area qualify for the “local” ticket prices.

“People are enjoying the opportunity

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such an intimate way.”

Phase 2 will open up the second floor of the building, which will have a small art gallery with Ross paintings that will be rotated regularly. During Phase 1, painting classes have been booked ahead for months, and more will be added.

Visitors to the Bob Ross Experience can tour Bob’s former TV studio.

Jenkins said.

PHOTO: Minnetrista “When we open Phase 2, we will be increasing the to experience Bob in a way they never amount of classes we offer, and we will have before,” Maggart said. “There begin hosting them in the Lucius L. Ball is nowhere besides the Bob Ross home. Those attending will not only be Experience where you can see the able to take a class with a Certified Ross items we have and learn about him in

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Brown County Art Gallery Brown County’s original art gallery, established in 1926, featuring many of Indiana’s finest contemporary and early art colony masters.

3 blocks East of Courthouse, Main St. & Artist Dr. Nashville, IN 47448 812-988-4609 • browncountyartgallery.org Mon-sat 10-5, sun 12-5

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Hinshaw Rock’N Gems Nationally and internationally know artisans, the Hinshaw family has been creating beautiful jewelry and decorator pieces since 1961. Unique jewelry designed and created by silversmith, Merrill Hinshaw. Named by Lapidary journal as one of the top ten stone polishers in the nation, the Hinshaws cut and polish stones by hand to create a work of art.

daily 11-5:30 and by appt.

For visitor info 812-936-3418 or visitfrenchlickwestbaden.com

For more: www.visitminnetrista. net or 765-282-4848

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f r e n ch lick

1232 S. County Road 650 W. French Lick, IN 47432 812-936-7255 • hinshawrockngems.com

Instructor, but they will be able to paint in the same house where Bob filmed ‘The Joy of Painting.’”

Rita Koch of Upland took her two grandsons, Jude, 8, and Zion, 11 to the exhibit.

“I read to them as we went along,” Koch said. “In one of the rooms, you can sit down and do puzzles, and you can go around and see all these things of his that were for his daily use, such as his hair pick for his afro that was so iconic. They allow you to touch things.”

The exhibit stayed true to the kind of person Ross was.

It was more about others than about him,” Koch said. “He had a gentle way of drawing people in.”

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Classic Stained Glass & Gift Gallery, Inc. 250 E. Hoosier St. North Vernon, IN 47265

812-346-4527 888-484-5277

classicstainedglassshop.com

Discover the beauty and craftsmanship of our custom stained glass creations for your home decor or anyone on your gift list. We also restore beautiful stained glass windows to enhance the beauty of your church, home or business. IU fans? We’re licensed to make customized IU stained glass. Classes and glass supplies are available for any DIY crafter.

Tues-fri 9-5, Sat 9-2, sun-mon closed

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812-936-3418 • vflwb.com • #MyFrenchLick •