I spent a fair amount of yesterday at a meeting with representatives of tourism departments from around the state. Each touted
his or her region's attractions--from Lincoln Amphitheatre (back in action
this year) to the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, from riverboat casinos to the new quilt
gardens in Amish country. While some struggled to make a compelling case for even a day trip, much of what I learned yesterday
has me looking forward to this summer's excursions.
My question, as we head into the better-weather months: What are some of your favorite places to visit in the state? Where have you found culture, cuisine, canoeing...or anything worth leaving home for?
Further, how far afield are you willing to go for a promising arts experience? I often write about activities in Bloomington and West Lafayette, but what would prompt you to go even further? For the right concert, would you go to the Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville (don't bother checking-- there's not much is on the lineup right now)? Which headliners would inspire a trip south to the Horseshoe Casino? ("30 Rock"/"SNL" star Tracy Morgan is coming in May.) Is there a favorite play you'd be willing to trek to see at Theatre at the Centre in Munster or the New Harmony Theatre?
Your thoughts?
My question, as we head into the better-weather months: What are some of your favorite places to visit in the state? Where have you found culture, cuisine, canoeing...or anything worth leaving home for?
Further, how far afield are you willing to go for a promising arts experience? I often write about activities in Bloomington and West Lafayette, but what would prompt you to go even further? For the right concert, would you go to the Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville (don't bother checking-- there's not much is on the lineup right now)? Which headliners would inspire a trip south to the Horseshoe Casino? ("30 Rock"/"SNL" star Tracy Morgan is coming in May.) Is there a favorite play you'd be willing to trek to see at Theatre at the Centre in Munster or the New Harmony Theatre?
Your thoughts?
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What's not to love?
When you walk along the river and the Walk of Fame you can feel the presence of the music. The history of this site has never been duplicated anywhere else. You owe it to yourself to visit!
As mentioned in Lou's post: the award-winning Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is open and welcoming visitors. Don't miss the NEW African Journey and Sky Safari ride opening June 6.
Visit Fort Wayne!
I haven't been to the amphitheatre in years, but your post is just the push I needed to get me back there, Lou. Thanks!
Feel free to chime in on future blog posts. But please let us know if you are affiliated with the group you are talking about.
Thanks,
Lou Harry
The Depot District has
One of the most beautiful historic train depots with a striking, giant Abe Lincoln peering out of one of the windows, and across the street
Mama Mitrione's Italian Market on one corner and Joe's Pizza on the other.
A block away is Paullee's counter where you can get one of the best traditional breakfasts in America and actually meet some of the locals.
Across the street is the Historic Furniture Gallery where the owner, Roger Richert might be firing up his 1924 fire truck, and has three stories of furniture and displays of jazz murals and his collection of political memorabilia that makes you think you are in an historic museum created by the folks at Disney. He has way too much fun with the trains on his third floor, and kids who visit will too.
Across the street from the Furniture Gallery are a whole line of great shops and even an edgy skateboard shop.
Little Sheba's has a banquet room, but I took one of my best customers there with his wife, and he had the bison burger. He had never eaten bison before and said it was the best burger he had ever had in his life.
For dessert or a gelato this summer, around the corner is Ghyslain Bistro = hand made chocolates and cakes that are like sculpture, and great meals from a master chef and all reasonably priced.
On Main Street there is Tom's NY Deli for a home cooked meal, and Readmore for Chai teas and coffees and one of the best mocha expressos, and Tony's mom makes all the pies from scratch. Norma will bake a pie for you if you order in advance, and on Sunday mornings there is nothing better than picking up a Can't Leave it Alone bar (half brownie and half chocolate chip cookie dough) warm just out of the oven to enjoy over the Sunday NY Times. There is a lot more, and we welcome you to come and enjoy it and discover your own favorites.
I may be prejudiced because I work at Lincoln Amphitheatre, but Spencer County is an ideal family getaway. There's Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, Lincoln State Park, Lincoln Pioneer Village, Buffalo Run and the Colonel Jones Home. Plus, adding Lincoln Amphitheatre back into the mix can't hurt!
Of course we have Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, Santa's Candy Castle and the Santa Claus Museum.
Lincoln meets Santa Claus ... what more can you ask for?