Showing posts with label Roadtrips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Roadtrips. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
#270: A South Bend RV Trip
The RV industry is very important to the economy of northern Indiana. Ever wonder what the region looks like from the perspective of "recreational vehicle"? Check out today's guest post featuring someone who knows a thing or two about RVs, Joe Laing, Marketing Director for El Monte RV Rentals. He also contributes to Monty's Musings RV Travel Blog.
Take an RV trip to South Bend, Indiana for a vacation filled with outdoor fun. You will discover so many activities for the whole family to make it a getaway worth remembering. This will be an appealing trip, especially in an RV. You will have your "home" right along with you so in between adventures you can relax surrounded by the familiar and comfortable things you love.
If coming from Chicago, enter Indiana on Interstate 80 heading east. Follow I-80 and after passing Gary, Indiana, you can take a short side-trip on the Dunes Highway. This will take you to Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. An amazing and enchanting time awaits you here, with a sandy beach, miles and miles of trails to hike and wetlands and forests to explore. The visitor center is open from 8 am to 6 pm in the summer and from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm in winter months. Be sure to visit the West Beach with only a fee of $6 per car per day.
Further on, you will find a great golf course so you can perfect your game. At Michigan City Golf Course you'll discover a lovely 18-hole course in a beautiful wooded setting. Any level of skill is welcome. Browse the pro shop for a full choice of equipment. If you don't play golf, now is surely the time to take it up as a thrilling hobby.
Cut back over to Interstate 80 and on your route to South Bend, stop at Hudson Lake. Get out on the lake on your personal watercraft, and go fishing. You'll catch some largemouth bass or bluegill or both. You can also make this spot your home base for your trip to South Bend. Find RV camping at Lakeside RV Resort. Here you will find a boat launch, horseshoe pits, a swimming pool and much more. You're right on the lake with great views.
Next stop is South Bend, Indiana, your actual destination on this RV vacation. Tour the downtown area by enjoying a horse drawn carriage ride. Catch a ride any Friday evening from 7 to 10 pm. Another popular stop is the East Race Waterway, an artificial whitewater course. Here on the east side of the St. Joseph River, you can ride the rapids. If you are visiting South Bend anytime between 9 June and 12 August, don't miss this special adventure. It is open on weekends only from 12 to 5 pm on Saturdays and 1 to 5 pm on Sundays.
Throughout South Bend you'll find many parks where you can get out into the sunshine. Go to Wheelock Park or Merrifield Park in town. This latter one has a number of sports fields and an Olympic size swimming pool with water slide. If kids are with you (or even if there aren't children on this trip), you will love this park.
Thirty minutes to the west, you will find Bendix Woods County Park. Here is a popular place to go to see wildflowers in bloom during the springtime. Hike the trails and stretch your legs. Enjoy the historic sites available to visit too, such as the original clubhouse and the famous Studebaker pine tree sign. If there in March, stop by the Sugar Camp Days Festival (see 365-SB post #150). Hours vary for this park so call when planning your trip. The number is 574-654-3155.
Other places of interest are the Chamberlain Lake Nature Preserve in South Bend and Potato Creek State Park about twenty-minute drive to the southwest. But you can't neglect the many festivals that are held in and around South Bend all year round. Events in and around South Bend can fill in the times when you need a little change from all that physical activity. In June there are two favorites, Notre Dame's Cleveland Shakespeare Festival and the South Bend Blues & Ribs Festival (see 365-SB post #202).
If coming to South Bend in August, you simply must include the South Bend Reggae Festival on your itinerary. Held annually at the Saint Joe County Fairgrounds, this fest is the best for live entertainment and great food. Gates usually open around 2 pm, and kids under 12 are free.
A South Bend, Indiana RV trip will prove to be quite an entertaining excursion, with all the outdoor recreation you can imagine as well as some history and festivals thrown in. The time will be memorable and you are sure to have experiences that you will share with future generations.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
#257: Adventure Racing
Looking to challenge yourself this summer? Get 'off the beaten track' and train for one of the adventure races happening around the area.
These competitions generally have unusual obstacles, ranging from belly-crawling through mud to stacking kegs -- not your typical 5k. They have been mainstays in areas where extreme sports are more popular, but the local area has plenty of opportunities to demonstrate how hardcore you are. Here are some of our suggestions. Make sure to pay attention to whether you need any special gear (eg. mountain bike and helmet), early registration dates to avoid price hikes, and whether it's team or individual.
These competitions generally have unusual obstacles, ranging from belly-crawling through mud to stacking kegs -- not your typical 5k. They have been mainstays in areas where extreme sports are more popular, but the local area has plenty of opportunities to demonstrate how hardcore you are. Here are some of our suggestions. Make sure to pay attention to whether you need any special gear (eg. mountain bike and helmet), early registration dates to avoid price hikes, and whether it's team or individual.
- June 9 - Wild Goose Chase, Warsaw: Features hiking, biking, and orienteering; part of the Northern Indiana Lakes Festival so you can keep on celebrating all day. http://www.metzgeroutdoors.com/WildGoosechase.php
- June 16/17 - Tough Mudder, Badlands Offroad Park (Western Indiana): The course has a collaborative spirit and the goal is to finish the grueling 10-12 miles of obstacles. Benefits Wounded Warrior Project. http://www.warriordash.com/register2012_indiana.php
- July 21 - Mudathlon, : Their tagline is "Mud - Obstacles - Beer." Seems like that about sums it up? http://www.mudathlon.com/ There is also an Indianapolis race on June 30.
- July 28 - Urban Adventure Games, South Bend: A competitive two-person race that takes all over the South Bend area. Featured last year by 365 South Bend: http://365southbend.blogspot.com/2011/08/211-urban-adventure-games.html. Avoid high fees by registering now for 2012: http://urbanadventuregames.com/
- August 11 - Warrior Dash, Crawfordsville (Central Indiana): Three miles of running over walls, under ropes, and amongst obstacles...in other words, for those looking to prove they have cojones. http://www.warriordash.com/register2012_indiana.php
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| Looks like fun, right? |
Sunday, June 3, 2012
#255: Niles Bluegrass Festival
I'm happy to report that one of the "365 South Bend" founders will be moving back to the Bend in a week's time, and as such, from here on out, this blog will be updated on a regular basis until we reach our goal of 365 posts about all the wonderful things to do in the community.
Last summer, as all bloggers were away, we didn't really highlight much around the community. Yet summer is, in my opinion, the best time to be here. (And yes, summer includes the first ND football of the season.)
Being on the very edge of the Eastern Standard Time zone blesses St. Joe County with incredibly long hours of daylight. And simple math here: more hours of daylight = more fun outside = more fun.
Some of the most fun to be had in the summertime are the unplanned events -- those impromptu pick-up soccer games, or lazy afternoons wasted out on the nearest patch of grass or beach, or just hanging out on the deck until someone realizes the beer's gone and it's way past midnight. However, just in case some boredom sets in, this blog might give you some suggestions how to shake up your summer. And of course, feel free to send your suggestions in as well!
Not ready for the work week yet? How about closing out the weekend with a free music festival?
Today marks the last day of a festival that's been going on all weekend - the Niles Bluegrass Festival. And I think bluegrass goes with summer almost as well as lemonade does. Now in its tenth year, the festival hosts more than 20 bands to jam from morning (10am) till night (9pm). There are two stages, both on St. Joseph River -- the perfect place to sit back, relax, and listen to some music.
When: Thursday, May 31 -Sunday, June 3, 10am - 9pm
Where: Riverfront Park, Wayne Street, Niles, Michigan (Niles is only about 20 minutes north on Route 31 for most residents of the 574 code)
Website: http://www.nilesbluegrass.com/
Cost: Free!
Last summer, as all bloggers were away, we didn't really highlight much around the community. Yet summer is, in my opinion, the best time to be here. (And yes, summer includes the first ND football of the season.)
Being on the very edge of the Eastern Standard Time zone blesses St. Joe County with incredibly long hours of daylight. And simple math here: more hours of daylight = more fun outside = more fun.
Some of the most fun to be had in the summertime are the unplanned events -- those impromptu pick-up soccer games, or lazy afternoons wasted out on the nearest patch of grass or beach, or just hanging out on the deck until someone realizes the beer's gone and it's way past midnight. However, just in case some boredom sets in, this blog might give you some suggestions how to shake up your summer. And of course, feel free to send your suggestions in as well!
Not ready for the work week yet? How about closing out the weekend with a free music festival?
Today marks the last day of a festival that's been going on all weekend - the Niles Bluegrass Festival. And I think bluegrass goes with summer almost as well as lemonade does. Now in its tenth year, the festival hosts more than 20 bands to jam from morning (10am) till night (9pm). There are two stages, both on St. Joseph River -- the perfect place to sit back, relax, and listen to some music.
When: Thursday, May 31 -Sunday, June 3, 10am - 9pm
Where: Riverfront Park, Wayne Street, Niles, Michigan (Niles is only about 20 minutes north on Route 31 for most residents of the 574 code)
Website: http://www.nilesbluegrass.com/
Cost: Free!
Sunday, January 8, 2012
#243: New York Central Railroad Museum
It started off as a trip to Amish Acres. I have never visited this popular Nappanee tourist attraction, so I thought today, on this lazy, sunny Sunday, it would be a great brunch destination. With thoughts of homebaked pies and pastries in mind, my cohort and I jumped in the car, and the 28 miles to Nappanee passed in a flash. Following the signs, we arrived at Amish Acres...where there was only an empty parking lot to greet us.
A phone call confirmed that they were closed until March (disputing the hours listed online). We decided that playing one round of 'the ring game' on the deserted grounds did not suffice for an adventure, and we got back into the car determined to find an alternate destination.
I admit that sometimes I hold local businesses to a double-standard. I want the charm and authenticity of a place whose owner seems to be part of the community, a real person; on the other hand, I want convenience --why aren't most restaurants open in DTSB past 9PM!?!-- and clarity--why hasn't the website been updated in months?!? Yet I must place my frustrations aside and remember that just as I cannot work 24/7, I cannot expect businesses to. Owners need vacations and days home with the family just like I do.
We kept this in mind as we drove around looking for a local restaurant open on a Sunday. Soon enough, somewhere near Bremen, we spotted a restaurant with a parking lot filled with American-made cars and a 'OPEN' sign in the window: Country Cafe. The special was chicken and noodles, and the regulars were eating it up. I myself was delighted by the hush puppies and sweet tea on the menu. We filled up on the downhome cooking, so much so, no room for homemade pie was left. But the day was still young, and we were still hungry for adventure.
We took the long way home, through Elkhart, and thanks to smartphones, we realized that the National New York Central Railroad Museum was nearby, just across from the Amtrak station downtown. I didn't know any more than that, but that was enough reason to drive past. And I am so glad we did. Although the parking lot was rather empty, this time, the neon 'OPEN' sign was on to welcome us inside.
The museum recounts the history of railroads, both in the region and nationwide, and appropriately, is housed in 1915 passenger coach. The gift shop is in 100 year old freight house. There are artifacts and photos in a timeline sequence that show how railroads were built and operated, what it was like to travel via rail, and when and where trains went.
I found this museum wonderfully interactive, and to be honest, I was more excited by the Brio set and functioning conductor's bell as much as the historical displays. The indoor museum ends in a wonderful model train room, which features models of the trains displayed outdoors.
If one enjoys playing around inside, the outside holds even greater fun. The "rolling stock" consists of (at least?) five trains. First is the Mohawk, #3001, the only one remaining in the world, which is the largest piece of steam equipment this line featured. It is jaw-dropping. The wheels are taller than an average adult.
There are boxcars, the lead car of the last east-bound 20th Century route, a 150-ton crane, and an old South Shore train car. (I found that South Shore's interior design hasn't changed much in the years.) The best part? You can hoist yourself up onto the decks and explore inside. If you've ever been to a ghost town out west, you know what I'm talking about. Passing trains add to the ambiance.
We drove back to South Bend a little more knowledgeable about railroad history. It was only appropriate that the route home paralleled the tracks. The museum was a true delight and the perfect way to spend a snowless, wintry Sunday.
Where: 721 S. Main Street, Elkhart, IN
Phone: 574.294.3001
When: Sundays, noon - 4 PM; closed Mondays; Tuesday-Saturday, 10 AM - 4PM
Cost: $5/adult; $4 for children and seniors
Website: http://www.nycrrmuseum.org/
One cool fact I remember: Elkhart once had the largest railyard in the world...and is still second overall. This picture helps:
View Larger Map
A phone call confirmed that they were closed until March (disputing the hours listed online). We decided that playing one round of 'the ring game' on the deserted grounds did not suffice for an adventure, and we got back into the car determined to find an alternate destination.
I admit that sometimes I hold local businesses to a double-standard. I want the charm and authenticity of a place whose owner seems to be part of the community, a real person; on the other hand, I want convenience --why aren't most restaurants open in DTSB past 9PM!?!-- and clarity--why hasn't the website been updated in months?!? Yet I must place my frustrations aside and remember that just as I cannot work 24/7, I cannot expect businesses to. Owners need vacations and days home with the family just like I do.
We kept this in mind as we drove around looking for a local restaurant open on a Sunday. Soon enough, somewhere near Bremen, we spotted a restaurant with a parking lot filled with American-made cars and a 'OPEN' sign in the window: Country Cafe. The special was chicken and noodles, and the regulars were eating it up. I myself was delighted by the hush puppies and sweet tea on the menu. We filled up on the downhome cooking, so much so, no room for homemade pie was left. But the day was still young, and we were still hungry for adventure.
We took the long way home, through Elkhart, and thanks to smartphones, we realized that the National New York Central Railroad Museum was nearby, just across from the Amtrak station downtown. I didn't know any more than that, but that was enough reason to drive past. And I am so glad we did. Although the parking lot was rather empty, this time, the neon 'OPEN' sign was on to welcome us inside.
The museum recounts the history of railroads, both in the region and nationwide, and appropriately, is housed in 1915 passenger coach. The gift shop is in 100 year old freight house. There are artifacts and photos in a timeline sequence that show how railroads were built and operated, what it was like to travel via rail, and when and where trains went.
 |
| The South Shore |
I found this museum wonderfully interactive, and to be honest, I was more excited by the Brio set and functioning conductor's bell as much as the historical displays. The indoor museum ends in a wonderful model train room, which features models of the trains displayed outdoors.
If one enjoys playing around inside, the outside holds even greater fun. The "rolling stock" consists of (at least?) five trains. First is the Mohawk, #3001, the only one remaining in the world, which is the largest piece of steam equipment this line featured. It is jaw-dropping. The wheels are taller than an average adult.
There are boxcars, the lead car of the last east-bound 20th Century route, a 150-ton crane, and an old South Shore train car. (I found that South Shore's interior design hasn't changed much in the years.) The best part? You can hoist yourself up onto the decks and explore inside. If you've ever been to a ghost town out west, you know what I'm talking about. Passing trains add to the ambiance.
We drove back to South Bend a little more knowledgeable about railroad history. It was only appropriate that the route home paralleled the tracks. The museum was a true delight and the perfect way to spend a snowless, wintry Sunday.
Where: 721 S. Main Street, Elkhart, IN
Phone: 574.294.3001
When: Sundays, noon - 4 PM; closed Mondays; Tuesday-Saturday, 10 AM - 4PM
Cost: $5/adult; $4 for children and seniors
Website: http://www.nycrrmuseum.org/
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| Did I mention you can climb on them? (I think...) Of course, I couldn't resist striking my best conductor pose. |
View Larger Map
Friday, December 16, 2011
#241: Find a Christmas Tree
If Chevy Chase has taught us anything, it's that the best way to begin a Christmas Vacation is by cutting down the perfect tree for the living room. If you haven't already found the best six-footer in Michiana, no worries. There's still plenty of opportunities to find a nice tree in the area. Plus, the forecast of light snow over the weekend will make it the ideal wintry conditions (but not too wintry) whether you're cutting it down yourself or just packing it into the trunk.
Here are a (few) suggestions -- please feel free to comment if you'd like to add your favorite spot!
For the convenience factor and everything but the tree: Buy a pre-cut tree at the Downtown South Bend Tree & Wreath Sale, outside the College Football Hall of Fame. Keep kids entertained with the Holiday Train, screenings of holiday movies inside the Hall of Fame, and a visit with Santa (and/or the Grinch, if they're being particularly mischievous). Visit downtownfortheholidays.com for more info. Note: The sale was extended as of December 8, but selection may be limited. Cash only.
For the 'out in the country' feel with all the convenience: Head to locally-owned and operated Matthys Farm Market at 57754 Crumstown Highway just west of town. Fresh-cut Fraser and Douglas fir, Scotch and white pine, $25 and up. Open from 8:30 - 6 PM weekdays; 8:30 - 5 PM Saturday; closed Sunday. Call 574.287.1935 or visit matthysfarmmarket.com.
For the free hot chocolate and candy canes: Try Southern Plantation Christmas Tree Farm on 63727 Orange Road for precut and u-cut trees. They offer a variety of tree types and wreaths, too... and of course, free sugary treats! Open seven days a week at varying times until 5 PM . Call 574.289.7485 for exact hours.
If you are willing to head toward Three Oaks, MI, Pinecrest Farms, 4403 Spring Creek Road, off US 12, offers free hot chocolate (and coffee for the grownups), as it does open at 9 AM. Rides on the horse-drawn wagon are available in the afternoon. Call 269.545.8125.
For the full woodsman effect: Trek to Gloria's Christmas Trees, 207 E. Bertrand Road (Niles). You can have any blue spruce you like, from 6 feet to 20 feet (!!) for $25. Open 9 AM - dark, Friday through Sunday. Call 269.684.8632 and don't forget the hand saw and the Advil.
For the best swag: Roseland Garden Center on 25 Dixieway S. and Ginger Valley Garden Center off Route 23 in Granger offer a wide selection of fresh garlands, wreaths, and something called the "fancy mix." Probably named after Drake. U fancy, huh?
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
#191: Tri-Way Drive-In Theatre
Over the next month, expect a steady course of posts highlighting some of our favorite ways to take advantage of summer in South Bend. Feel free to send us suggestions about your most beloved places to post about!
Indulge in your sense of nostalgia by heading south to Plymouth, where the Tri-Way Drive-In Theatre keeps this embodiment of Americana alive.
The heyday of drive-in's are over -- no bustling lot full of rowdy teenagers you'll find here -- but here at Tri-Way, it's not hard to imagine it being otherwise. The concession stand still sells cotton candy, buckets of popcorn, and root beer floats --nothing fancy here-- and double features are the norm, not the exception. Kids can entertain themselves on the swings underneath the big screen until it gets dark enough to turn the projector on.
Even though you may feel like you're living in a past time, all the features are first run. Instead of heading to the local theater in town to see the latest flick, try taking a drive down to Plymouth when the weather's nice. For a place that's only 30 minutes away, I was surprised at how far away from South Bend I felt and how timeless I feel American summers can be.
When: Check here for the schedule. Open seven days a week, shows start at nightfall.
Where: 4400 N. Michigan Road, Plymouth (Yes, the same Michigan that runs through downtown -- just take it south for about thirty minutes!)
Cost: $8 per person for the double feature
Tip: Haven't been before? Check out their etiquette guide beforehand. (eg. It costs money to bring in outside food and drink -- and they will check your trunk, so no ridin' dirty!)
Indulge in your sense of nostalgia by heading south to Plymouth, where the Tri-Way Drive-In Theatre keeps this embodiment of Americana alive.
The heyday of drive-in's are over -- no bustling lot full of rowdy teenagers you'll find here -- but here at Tri-Way, it's not hard to imagine it being otherwise. The concession stand still sells cotton candy, buckets of popcorn, and root beer floats --nothing fancy here-- and double features are the norm, not the exception. Kids can entertain themselves on the swings underneath the big screen until it gets dark enough to turn the projector on.
Even though you may feel like you're living in a past time, all the features are first run. Instead of heading to the local theater in town to see the latest flick, try taking a drive down to Plymouth when the weather's nice. For a place that's only 30 minutes away, I was surprised at how far away from South Bend I felt and how timeless I feel American summers can be.
Where: 4400 N. Michigan Road, Plymouth (Yes, the same Michigan that runs through downtown -- just take it south for about thirty minutes!)
Cost: $8 per person for the double feature
Tip: Haven't been before? Check out their etiquette guide beforehand. (eg. It costs money to bring in outside food and drink -- and they will check your trunk, so no ridin' dirty!)
Friday, March 18, 2011
#150: Sugar Camp Days
As much as yesterday may have suggested, it's not quite spring here in South Bend. It's on its way, however, and Sugar Camp Days at Bendix Woods County Park remind us that the end of winter is approaching. This annual end-of-March event celebrates the tapping of maple trees and the syrup that's made from them.
Take a road trip out to New Carlisle to take part of the many festivities happening this weekend.
There are carriage rides, old-time syrup cooking demonstrations (which smells wonderful!), ice- and wood-carving, a blacksmith, and my favorite activity, an all-you-can-eat pancake and sausage breakfast that features the star product, the delicious maple syrup. On Sunday, the Deep Fried Pickle Project (not a food related activity, surprisingly) performs folk classics using traditional instruments.
Where: Bendix Woods County Park
When: Saturday and Sunday, 8am - 3pm
Cost: $7/vehicle
Website: http://www.sjcparks.org/calendar.html#SCD
Tip: Dress warmly (you'll be standing around outside a lot) and give yourself an extra hour or so to burn off the sugar rush exploring this 27-acre gorgeous woodland. It features the second-highest point in Indiana!
Inane info: The optimal time to tap trees for syrup is at this time of year when daily temperatures are above freezing but the low temps dip below.
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| Fresh kettle corn |
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| Take a free wagon ride! |
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| Trust me, the wait is worth it. Second helpings are welcome -- just flag down one of the volunteers from the New Prairie baseball team to reload on pancakes or sausages. |
Where: Bendix Woods County Park
When: Saturday and Sunday, 8am - 3pm
Cost: $7/vehicle
Website: http://www.sjcparks.org/calendar.html#SCD
Tip: Dress warmly (you'll be standing around outside a lot) and give yourself an extra hour or so to burn off the sugar rush exploring this 27-acre gorgeous woodland. It features the second-highest point in Indiana!
Inane info: The optimal time to tap trees for syrup is at this time of year when daily temperatures are above freezing but the low temps dip below.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
#105: Hunter Ice Festival
Long, cold winters are an inescapable reality while living in South Bend. The snow isn't going anywhere any time soon, so we might as well take advantage of what the cold weather can offer: All-day ice-skating, an ice-carving competition, 25 tons of ice, a life-size ice carousel, ice-cream booths, and an ice bar.
Our neighboring Michiana city of Niles, Michigan is hosting the 7th annual itineration of the Hunter Ice Festival which features the highlights mentioned above as well as many more ice-themed activities and a few a little outside of the theme (case in point: a chili cook-off). Today is the 2nd day of the festival, which continues until tomorrow throughout downtown Niles. The Festival celebrates the locally-owned Hunter Brothers Ice and Ice Cream Company. It was founded in Niles in 1898 and plays an important role in the history of the area, even though it is now defunct.
The events and activities of the Festival are really almost too numerous to list, but check out the schedule of events here. I don't know of any better way to choose to enjoy the South Bend-area winter.
Read about the history of the Hunter Brothers Ice and Ice Cream Company here.
Our neighboring Michiana city of Niles, Michigan is hosting the 7th annual itineration of the Hunter Ice Festival which features the highlights mentioned above as well as many more ice-themed activities and a few a little outside of the theme (case in point: a chili cook-off). Today is the 2nd day of the festival, which continues until tomorrow throughout downtown Niles. The Festival celebrates the locally-owned Hunter Brothers Ice and Ice Cream Company. It was founded in Niles in 1898 and plays an important role in the history of the area, even though it is now defunct.
The events and activities of the Festival are really almost too numerous to list, but check out the schedule of events here. I don't know of any better way to choose to enjoy the South Bend-area winter.
Read about the history of the Hunter Brothers Ice and Ice Cream Company here.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
#98: Discover Midwest Artists at the Midwest Museum of American Art
Once upon a time, in 1907, a man named T. C. Steele moved to Brown County, Indiana. He built a home, and a studio, on the old abandoned Bracken Hill Farm, a place a little ways outside the town of Nashville. While he kept teaching classes at IU Bloomington, he retreated to his abode and refuge, a place he named "The House of Singing Winds". His paintings captured the landscape...and the attention of other artists and collectors. Today, his works is some of the most esteemed and highly valued, but more lasting is the community of artists that sprung up in the surrounding area. Even now, artists from all media continue to keep residence here, forming a enclave of creativity in the heart of Indiana.
Find that interesting? Well, that's my synopsis-without-seeing the 27-minute film, "The Artists of Brown County", that's showing tomorrow at the Midwest Museum of American Art for their weekly Noon Time Talk on Thursdays. Not that interested? The film is sure to be easy on the eyes, especially because the trees are bare and the permacloud has settled in South Bend. And hey, if you learn something from it, what's the harm!
Take a little roadtrip to Elkhart and have a lunch break a little out of the ordinary. If you can afford to linger, spend time in the gorgeous Museum, which has a collection of American Expressionism, Impressionism, Regionalism, and lots of other -isms. From Warhol to Native American art, you'll find something there that makes you proud to be an American.
When: The film shows at noon (no surprise there!) and the museum is open from 10:00am - 4:00pm, Tuesday - Friday; 1:00 - 4:00 pm, Saturday - Sunday
Where: 249 South Main Street, Elkhart
Website: http://midwestmuseum.us/
Cost: $4.00 Adults, $3.00 Senior Citizens, $2.00 College Students
Tip: AAA and Mobile Guide members get discounts. AND there's free admission on Sundays. Even if you're an adamant European art snob, at least you can say the price is right round here.
Can't make it this Thursday? Here's a list of the other January events!
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| Pergola in Early Spring, 1918 |
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| Photograph of the Pergola, 2005 |
Take a little roadtrip to Elkhart and have a lunch break a little out of the ordinary. If you can afford to linger, spend time in the gorgeous Museum, which has a collection of American Expressionism, Impressionism, Regionalism, and lots of other -isms. From Warhol to Native American art, you'll find something there that makes you proud to be an American.
When: The film shows at noon (no surprise there!) and the museum is open from 10:00am - 4:00pm, Tuesday - Friday; 1:00 - 4:00 pm, Saturday - Sunday
Where: 249 South Main Street, Elkhart
Website: http://midwestmuseum.us/
Cost: $4.00 Adults, $3.00 Senior Citizens, $2.00 College Students
Tip: AAA and Mobile Guide members get discounts. AND there's free admission on Sundays. Even if you're an adamant European art snob, at least you can say the price is right round here.
Can't make it this Thursday? Here's a list of the other January events!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
#49: The Niles Haunted House Scream Park
I am well aware that Halloween (officially) ends in approximately two hours. That's not going to stop me from writing about one of the most beloved local Halloween traditions. I'm not talking about carving pumpkins, apple-picking, or even trick-or-treating. No, I'm talking about talking the 20 minute drive up to Niles, Michigan to hit up one of the best Haunted Houses in the country.
Boasting Zach's Zombie Motel, the Legend of Pirate's Cove, and a Field of Screams as well as a proud membership in the International Association of Haunted Attractions, Niles' Scream Park is the place to be. Sadly, the two hours left of Halloween means that the Park will soon be closed for this year. That just means you can mark your calendars a full year ahead for when it opens up in the middle of September 2011.
If you've been to the Niles Haunted House this past year, feel free to let us know about your experience in the comments, and if you're unfamiliar check out their website here. Even though Halloween's not over yet, it's never too early to start planning your costume for next year!
Boasting Zach's Zombie Motel, the Legend of Pirate's Cove, and a Field of Screams as well as a proud membership in the International Association of Haunted Attractions, Niles' Scream Park is the place to be. Sadly, the two hours left of Halloween means that the Park will soon be closed for this year. That just means you can mark your calendars a full year ahead for when it opens up in the middle of September 2011.
If you've been to the Niles Haunted House this past year, feel free to let us know about your experience in the comments, and if you're unfamiliar check out their website here. Even though Halloween's not over yet, it's never too early to start planning your costume for next year!
#47: The Goshen Theater
Every once in a while, a spontaneous roadtrip is in order. This need to get outta town can be caused by a great weather for the beach/snow, a desire to see someone/get away from someone, or in our case, a favorite band whose closest stop was Goshen, Indiana. Thus, we found ourselves on Route 33, with no tickets in hand, rushing to get to a place we'd never been, while the opening act was likely performing.
However, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to pull off our last minute decision, and I strongly encourage you to test your spontaneity with a roadrip to Goshen, especially for a show at their theater.
The Goshen Theater is a wonderfully restored, century-old theater that seats 442 people (717 if you include the balcony!), so it provides a close setting for an intimate concert. It's not only used for music shows -- there's also theatrical productions and church gatherings that occur frequently. While we attended a benefit concert featuring Over the Rhine last Friday, there are "five-and-dime" shows --concerts that cost $5.10--a gimmick I find utterly charming. Check out the events listing here. A lot of the events are heavy on the folk and bluegrass, but hey, that's alright with me. (There's Generic and the Wander Inn for other musical tastes, but we'll get to those later...) The small venue is just the right size to enjoy the strings and vocals.
Where: 216 S. Main St., Goshen, IN
To get to Goshen, head south through downtown until you hit 33, and take it east to Goshen. The town of Goshen has some fun looking shops and eateries, although most were closed after the show. Come to town a little early to enjoy The Electric Brew, a coffeeshop across the street from the theater.
However, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to pull off our last minute decision, and I strongly encourage you to test your spontaneity with a roadrip to Goshen, especially for a show at their theater.
The Goshen Theater is a wonderfully restored, century-old theater that seats 442 people (717 if you include the balcony!), so it provides a close setting for an intimate concert. It's not only used for music shows -- there's also theatrical productions and church gatherings that occur frequently. While we attended a benefit concert featuring Over the Rhine last Friday, there are "five-and-dime" shows --concerts that cost $5.10--a gimmick I find utterly charming. Check out the events listing here. A lot of the events are heavy on the folk and bluegrass, but hey, that's alright with me. (There's Generic and the Wander Inn for other musical tastes, but we'll get to those later...) The small venue is just the right size to enjoy the strings and vocals.
Where: 216 S. Main St., Goshen, IN
To get to Goshen, head south through downtown until you hit 33, and take it east to Goshen. The town of Goshen has some fun looking shops and eateries, although most were closed after the show. Come to town a little early to enjoy The Electric Brew, a coffeeshop across the street from the theater.
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