Local Secrets, Big Finds - IndianaLocal Secrets, Big Finds - Indiana

Local Secrets, Big Finds - Indiana

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Covered Bridge Festival
Parke County

765.569.5226
Come to the "covered bridge capital of the world" for a "wonderful festival celebrating the covered bridges of Parke County." The annual festival "has many covered bridges to tour," and "several towns in the area participate." Since the festival takes place in October "during one of the most beautiful, scenic times of the year," it's a "great event to be outdoors." Set amid "very scenic areas for fall foliage," there are "many vendors" set up "selling goods and great food" as well as "lots of crafts." Read more.

Joe Huber Family Farm and Restaurant
Starlight

812.923.5255
The drive to this family-operated farm and restaurant is both "beautiful" and "scenic." At the farm, you can "go for a tractor ride to the fields" and you can "pick your own home-grown vegetables." The crops of "strawberries, apples, pumpkins, and lots of other fabulous vegetables are all home grown." All of the "produce is fresh," and the restaurant serves up home-style cooking. Whether you come in May for the Strawberry Festival or October for the Pumpkin Festival, "it's a wonderful experience for everyone in the family." Read more.

Circus Week
Peru

765.472.3918
Circus Week
Come to Peru, "the circus capital of the world," to witness a "whole town celebration with a carnival, huge parade, and fabulous circus shows." The circus acts are "performed by local youth who train for a season, and then perform for a week" in July. These "youth performers have been invited all over the world to perform." While you're checking out all the high-flying "excitement," be sure to also pay a visit to the "circus museum." If you're staying in the area, "there are several local campgrounds, the best of which is Honey Bear Hollow." Takes place July 16 to July 23, 2005. Read more.

Town of Shipshewana
LaGrange County

260.768.4897
An afternoon in this Amish town makes for a "very nice and relaxing trip." "There are many quaint shops, including bakeries and restaurants with lots of homemade Amish food." You'll also find "clothing, handmade quilts, general stores, and woodworkers" selling oak furniture. Come in summer for the annual flea market with fresh vegetables, flowers, and plants. Be on the lookout for "homemade baked items" and "auction rings with antiques or livestock." If you plan on staying overnight, there "are many bed & breakfasts in the area to accommodate you." Read more.

Wizard of Oz Festival
Chesterton

219.926.5513
If you ever wanted to mingle with the munchkins, here's your chance to find "fun and entertainment for all from the most serious collector of Wizard of Oz paraphernalia to every child." Each year, during the third weekend in September, "this festival honors small hometown family values exhibited by the entire town of Chestertown, Indiana, which shuts down to celebrate." This is your chance to pay homage to all things Oz--just remember, you're not in Kansas anymore. Read more.

The Abbey Coffeehouse
Indianapolis

317.269.8426
For a "quaint, historic coffeehouse" with "its own character" and an "eclectic crowd," The Abbey Coffeehouse delivers atmosphere with its java. "From the four-foot tall lights you'd find in a church, to the hand-painted nightscape on the ceiling, to the wing-backed chairs that no longer offer support," the setting is an "unmatched" venue for an "after-work clientele." Be sure to "try one of the 10 cheesecakes," and take note of "the skid marks on the floor from when a car chase went bad two years ago and someone crashed through the front window (after hours, thankfully)."

Pierogi Fest
Whiting

219.659.0292
Pierogi Fest
Head "a mere half hour away from Chicago" to the "small charming town of Whiting" for "one of the nation's best food festivals." Taking place from July 29 through 31, 2005, this event celebrates the pierogi. If you're unfamiliar with the term, pierogis are Eastern European dumplings that are filled with potatoes. The festivities "kick off on Friday evening with the Pierogi Parade, one of the wackiest parades you will ever see." "On Saturday and Sunday, you can participate in Eastern Bloc jeopardy, watch ethnic dancers" and, of course, "eat tons of pierogis." Read more.

Bonge's Tavern
Perkinsville

765.734.1625
For "absolutely the best" food that "you can't get anywhere else in the world," come to this "almost 100-year old" tavern that's been "converted to a restaurant" and order up Chef Tony's "signature-recipe tomato soup" and "famous Perkinsville Pork." Even though it's located "out in the boonies," it's worth the trek for a scene "you have to see to believe," especially "during warm weather" when "you can sit outside at a table, or have a tailgate party while you wait." The restaurant's chefs "have come from some of Indianapolis's finest restaurants," and the "staff is super friendly and fun." Read more.

Cataract General Store
Spencer

765.795.4782
In operation since 1860, the "wonderful" Cataract General Store "is an old-fashioned store" where "you can poke around for ages and find something new every time you turn around." Selling "everything from ice cream to pocket knives to pottery," the store is as convenient as it is interesting, and even "the drive is beautiful." It's also a good outfitter for "hiking, fishing, and camping." Come in "spring when everything is in bloom," or in "fall when the leaves are turned." At any time of year, you can expect it to be "quiet and relaxing."

Bloomington Playwrights Project
Bloomington

812.334.1188
If you're looking for live theatre, the Bloomington Playwrights Project (BPP) "is one of a very small number of theatre companies in the United States dedicated to the production of new plays by contemporary playwrights." As a nonprofit organization that depends on donations and volunteerism, "they are not a large-budget theatre." Show times usually take place in the evenings, and there's the occasional matinee. If you go and check out one of BPP's original shows, programs, or classes, "you will see something you may never have the chance to see again." Read more.