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NEWS -- Please Note: Cities & Towns Follow After the News
Corydon Offers Many Events (Scroll below to Corydon)
Harrison County region now boasts five wineries
The opening of two new wineries in and around Harrison Country, Indiana brings the area‚s total winery offerings to five, providing visitors plenty of opportunity to experience winery tours and sampling. Huber's, open for more than 150 years, and Turtle Run, open for more than a decade, are now joined by Best Vineyards, Indian Creek and Winzerwald wineries, with another winery opening at Scout Mountain Farm & Hideaway next year. Complete information and a free visitors guide are available at thisisIndiana.org or (888) 738-2137.
Just opened, Best Vineyards is a relaxing family owned oasis that is open Friday through Sunday, noon to 7:00 p.m. Located in Elizabeth, Indiana, Best Vineyards offers unique wines labels, such as Hummingbird Red and Black Raspberry Mead. Owned by Wilbert Best and his two sisters, Rachel and Berretta, the trio is anxious to tell the bizarre story of how Best Vineyards came to be.
Also new to the area, Indian Creek Winery in Georgetown started as a hobby and turned into a full-time wine-making business. Indian Creek is currently making eight varieties of wine, including dornfelder, white chambourcin, Cardinal Red and raspberry wine. This new winery offers complimentary tastings in a relaxed setting Friday through Sunday.
Founded in 1997 by Jim and Laura Pfeiffer, Turtle Run Winery guests are greeted by an arbor of chambourcin grapes that flank the driveway. Wine tasting is always free and visitors will discover how the palate will absorb and detect different flavors. Turtle Run Winery is open Tuesday through Saturday from noon until 6 pm and is located at 940 Saint Peters Church Rd. Northeast in Corydon.
Indiana's oldest winery and largest wine grape producer, Huber's Orchard, Winery and Vineyards, were launched in 1843, when Simon Huber settled a southern Indiana farm. Huber brought years of experience in fruit growing and wine making with him from Baden-Baden, Germany. From its humble 80-acre beginning, the farm has expanded to more than 600 acres and 18 different varieties of grapes, and the Huber fruit and wine business is now in its 7th generation.
Just a little further from these three wineries, Winzerwald Winery (German for vintners of the forest) celebrates area heritage, offering more than 25 varieties of German and Swiss-style wines, including Lemberger, Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Muller-Thurgau, as well as ice and fruit wines. A gift shop, festivals, educational tours add to the popularity of Winzerwald‚s family wine garden.
Beyond the area's memorable wineries, Corydon visitors enjoy a vast collection of sites and attractions, from spectacular historic caves: Wyandotte, Marengo and Squire Boone, to nostalgic old-time ice cream parlors. The State Historic Site marks Corydon's place as Indiana‚s first capitol, while the Constitution Elm, a Civil War battlefield and tours of one of the nation's oldest standing early African American schoolhouses fascinate visitors. Diverse dining and accommodations include a historic B&B, affordable modern hotels, country cafes and even a luxurious riverboat casino.
BROWN COUNTY
What to See & Do
Art Gallery and Studio Candlelight Strolls --
take place the first Friday of each month in the Village of Nashville from 5:30-8:30 pm. Participating galleries and studios will provide refreshments, live music and special promotions.
Downtown Saturday Nights
Downtown Saturday Night is a free, fun-filled weekly event for all ages. Every Saturday from 2:00-7:00 pm over 75 show cars fill the streets, live entertainment and various activities including a dog show; Humane Society adoption night, Habit food sale; Rotary cake walk, working and demonstrating artists. Shops stay open later, many providing discounts and specials. The event is held every Saturday at the Village Green Gazebo located on the four corners of W. Main and Jefferson Streets.
For a complete listing of all events, visit web site www.ilovebrowncounty.com
or call 800.313.4703 to request a free Events Guide. .
Coachlight Musical Theatre --
premiers a new, musical original show, “America the Music”, a celebration of the spirit of the American people. Cast members take you through some of our nations most recognized songs and tributes to America. Bring your patriotism and lots of tissue, this show reaffirms everyone’s loyalty. The summer season schedule has 51 performances featuring four original musicals from last year and a sequel to The Higher the Hair, The Closer To Heaven II . The ladies of song are back in a country music marathon filled with laughs, music, dance and even "Higher Hair."
Joybell Theater --
is the only handbell soloist theater of its kind in the United States. Tucked inside a small niche of shops and galleries, Kristine Stout greets you with an energy and excitement rarely found these days. As she ushers you into her cozy theater, her level of enthusiasm builds as she talks about her 32 bells and the journey that brought her to Brown County. You sit back and become amazed as she singly performs Christian, patriotic and seasonal music with her 32 brass handbells. Her shows are performed multiple times each day lasting up to one hour per show.
Brown County State Park
New activity is generating excitement at the Park. Abe Martin Lodge will start construction very soon on a 12,000 square foot indoor water park to be built between the lodge and the annex building. This will feature a zero entry pool, water slide, water channel, fountains, water volleyball and basketball, and a whirlpool with a waterfall.
The Main Lodge, built in 1932 of hand-hewn native stone and oak timber cut in the park, has 30 guest rooms, a unique gift shop, and two spacious and comfortable lobbies, one with a fireplace. Native sandstone and warm woods surround you in the restaurant, reminiscent of the 1930’s. The lodge has beautiful outdoor verandas overlooking the sloping back lawn, park and the hills. The lodge also features fifty-four rooms in the Annex building along with twenty housekeeping cabins and fifty-six rustic cabins.
Hoosier Mountain Bike Association --
has been hard at work building some of the best single track trails around. With two fully completed loops, as well as an out and back trail to Hesitation Point, Brown County has approximately 12 miles of trail, with much more to come. With the award of the RTP (Recreational Trails Program) Grant, 10-12 additional miles will be professionally cut, and then finished by hardworking volunteers. This is an exciting time for mountain bikers in Indiana, as Brown County is sure to become a well known destination, with some of the best laid trails in the Midwest!
For more information visit the official Brown County Visitors web site at www.browncounty.com or call 800.313.4703 for information and to request a free visitors guide and event guide.
Brown County Ranked #6 Best Small-Town Getaways
Brown County, Indiana, located one hour south of Indianapolis, recently received multiple recognitions honoring “The Art Colony of the Midwest™” and the Centennial Celebrations.
Coachlight Musical Theatre presents 5 original plays:
“America the Music," a celebration of the spirit of the American people.
Mystery, Mayhem and Music”, mystery and music from the 1940’s including the Andrew Sisters, Irving Berlin and Cole Porter.
“Frankie, Annette, Elvis and Me”, flashback to the great 1960’s.
“The Road to Gnaw Bone”, vaudeville humor and melodrama at its best.
“The Higher the Hair, the Closer to Heaven” I & II, join the girls at the Heaven Beauty Barn and Boutique, parts I & II.
CORYDON
What to See & Do
Historic Corydon Over 200 Years Old as Indiana's Hometown
Now is the perfect time to experience Historic Corydon and surrounding Harrison County as the Southern Indiana community, the state's first capitol and site of the state's only Civil War battle.
Located along the Ohio River 30 miles west of Louisville, Corydon offers visitors a wide variety of historical attractions; hiking in dramatically scenic caves; other outdoor fun; family activities; unforgettable eateries, including old-fashioned ice cream shops that lure locals and visitors alike; and an abundance of nurseries and gardens that have attracted the attention of national publications such as Better Homes & Gardens.
Founded in 1808 when a government surveyor platted land that was settled by the family of Edward Smith, Corydon became popular when General William Henry Harrison, then the Governor of the Northwest Territory and later the ninth president of the US, would visit the area while en route to Vincennes, IN. In 1816, Corydon became the state‚s first capitol, which was when Indiana became the nation‚s 19th state. Corydon remained the capital until it moved to Indianapolis in 1825.
The city'‚s unique place in Indiana history will be celebrated throughout 2008 during the town's Bicentennial Celebration. Several special events are planned, including an honorary event in June that will feature the dedication of a memorial to former Gov. Frank O‚Bannon.
'Corydon and Harrison County have been popular tourist destinations for many years, and now we are eager to use the Bicentennial Celebration to invite those who have not visited our community in the past,' said Jim Epperson, executive director of the Harrison County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Corydon and Harrison County feature an abundance of caves, hiking trails and O'Bannon Woods State Park that entice visitors to spend hours exploring the area's natural beauty. Other outdoor fun includes golf, outdoor putt putt, indoor mini golf, bicycling. Three old-time ice cream parlors have served up frozen confections, along with a big scoop of Americana, for more than 50 years. Shopping, special events and a riverboat casino also attract visitors to the region.
An incredible collection of sites and attractions also await travelers, from an historic Civil War battlefield to the Wyandotte and Marengo Caves, where enormous passages are highlighted by dazzling formations. The State Historic Site marks Corydon's place as Indiana's first capitol, while travelers are fascinated by the Constitution Elm and tours of the Leora Brown School, one of the nation's oldest standing early African American schoolhouses. Plenty of diverse dining and accommodations include a historic B&B, affordable modern hotels, country cafes and even a luxurious riverboat casino. Complete information and a free visitors guide are available at thisisIndiana.org or (888) 738-2137.
The region offers a variety of ways in which to experience the season’s hidden escapes.
The getaway includes:
• Four family passes to tour the Corydon Capitol State Historic Sites
• $25 Gift Certificate to Best Vineyards Winery
• Four Cavern Tour Tickets to Squire Boon Caverns
• Four Tour Passes to Marengo Cave
• $25 Gift Certificate to Magdalena’s Restaurant
• $15 Gift Certificate to Golf Shores Fun Center
• One Night Stay at Hampton Inn Corydon
• One FREE Meal at the Paula Deen Buffet
• One FREE Value Basket and One FREE Frozen Custard Dessert at Culver’s of Corydon
• Gift Certificate for a collectible Wine Cork Wreath at Scout Mountain Winery
Butt Drugs: Palate-Pleasing Prescription
The classic soda fountain tucked inside Butt Drugs returns visitors to the laid-back days before cell phones and MP3s. Locals and out-of-towners alike are attracted by the refreshing simplicity of Butt Drugs‚, where ever-present „regulars‰ enjoy their daily 35-cent cup of morning coffee. Since opening in 1952, Butt Drugs has been dishing up the friendly convenience of a home-town pharmacy, blended with a classic old-time soda fountain.
Besides malts, shakes, cones and a secret recipe vanilla cream soda, Butt Drugs also serves gourmet confections: fudge, malt balls, chocolate toffee pistachios and a signature caramel-covered marshmallow candy concoction called modjeskas. Its timeless tradition as a quality, family-owned business makes the Butt Drugs soda fountain a must-see (and must-taste) experience for travelers visiting the Corydon area.
Following her father and grandfather, both pharmacists, Katie Butt Beckort is now the third-generation owner of Butt Drugs. She brings a business management degree to the job.
Emery's Ice Cream Parlor -- Neon, Nehi & Champagne Sherbet
Founded by young widow Frances Emery in 1937, Emery's Ice Cream Parlor is open March through November, but is always worth a visit. Forties-inspired flavors such as lemon chiffon, maple nut, tin roof, lemon custard and orange pineapple keep visitors coming in and regulars coming back. Not only does Emery‚s serve skyscraper scoops, but their banana splits are dressed so fancy that folks come for miles just to watch them being made. And Emery's renowned turtle sundae features a homemade caramel-fudge brownie, topped with praline ice cream, fudge and caramel sauces, whipped cream, nuts and, of course, a cherry.
After a brief closure in the 1990s, Kevin Paul brought Emery's back to life, creating a perfect replica, down to every inch of neon, of the original Emery's. Paul stocked shelves with 'penny' candy like soft sugar sticks, Slo Pokes and Good N‚ Plenty, designed to take guests back to the 'good ol days.'
Just as they did back in 1937, the friendly 'Emery's girls' scoop up 26 flavors of ice cream every day, plus 10 different sherbet flavors, including, champagne, grape, cherry, peach, fruit punch and fall favorite, cranberry.
When asked his favorite flavor, Paul proclaims it a tie between Almond Joy and old-fashioned vanilla-strawberry. When asked what keeps visitors lining up for Emery'‚s, he put it simply: 'We make you happy.'
Polly's Freeze - -Polly Want a Burger?
Polly's Freeze is a favorite 50s-era-inspired eatery just 15 miles east of Corydon in Floyd County. It features an array of homemade edibles, from the seasonal lime sherbet to the delectably creamy and rich soft-serve. At this classic, casual eatery marked by the giant, colorful parrot sign, customers order at a walk-up counter and then relax at one of the picnic tables that scatter the area.
Squire Boone Caverns
Nearby Squire Boone Caverns Director Claudia Yundt has been a customer for more than 40 years. Since she was a toddler, Youndt and her family have made it a tradition to be at Polly's Freeze on opening day. 'I'm addicted,' she says. Youndt's regular order of the saucer-sized Polly Burger, big homemade onion rings and an icy root beer, finished off with her favorite ice cream, Polly's orange sherbet. Youndt claims that Polly's is the most rich and delicious soft-serve travelers will find anywhere.
Donna Eisert, and her parents before her, founders Polly and Elmer Gleitz, have owned Polly's Freeze for 28 years. According to Yundt, part of what makes Polly's so special is seeing the same familiar faces every year.
Beyond the nostalgic and gastronomical thrill of the area‚s old-time ice cream parlors, Corydon visitors enjoy much more. An incredible collection of sites and attractions awaits travelers, from a Civil War battlefield to the historic Wyandotte Caves, where enormous passages are highlighted by dazzling formations. The State Historic Site marks Corydon's place as Indiana‚s first capitol, while travelers are fascinated by the Constitution Elm and tours of the Leora Brown School, one of the nation's oldest standing early African American schoolhouses. Plenty of diverse dining and accommodations include a historic B&B, affordable modern hotels, country cafes and even a luxurious riverboat casino.
Complete information and a free visitors guide are available at www.thisisIndiana.org or (888) 738-2137.
Gardening & Food Enthusiasts Flock to Nurseries, Farms & Wineries
Visitors to Corydon, Indiana, located in the southern tip of the Hoosier state, are discovering an incredible variety of exceptional gardens, nurseries and farms. A unique combination of mineral-rich soil and a large number of urban expatriates who moved to the area to follow a dream, means Harrison County visitors have unprecedented access to a variety of exotic, native and heirloom plants; fresh produce; and expert advice. While some nurseries are open only by appointment and farms open only seasonally, planning ahead to visit these extraordinary spots provides a host of truly worthwhile experiences.
Specializing in heirloom (at least four generations old and not genetically engineered) seeds, plants and vegetables, Scout Mountain Farm features more than 20 varieties of tomatoes and 15 varieties of peppers, as well as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, herbs and other vegetables. Also offering a wonderful selection of heirloom apples beginning in August, Scout Mountain Farm is open thru November.
A masterful knowledge of hostas sets Angel Pine Nursery apart from all other landscape and gardening suppliers. Featuring an astounding collection of more than 450 hosta varieties, Angel Pine's scenic location also offers a relaxing woodland setting as well as an introduction to one of the region’s top hosta experts.
Munchkin Nursery & Gardens
Landscape and gardening aficionados relish meeting one-on-one with garden enthusiast, nature writer and nursery owner Gene Bush at Munchkin Nursery & Gardens, LLC. Noted for an incredible knowledge of plants and the nursery’s extensive collection of rare and unusual shade perennials, as well as native and non-native plant varieties, Munchkin Nursery is a must stop for seasoned gardeners and gardening wannabes alike.
Aquarius Water Gardens
More than 140 varieties of aquatic plants and a complete line of fish, including imported and domestic goldfish and koi, draw thousands of visitors each season to Aquarius Water Gardens. Aquarius visitors will find pumps, fountain heads, liners, filters, lighting, preformed ponds and, of course, expert consultation, and everything imaginable to grow their own successful water garden.
Apple Valley Greenhouses
Visitors enjoy relaxing walks through the picturesque gardens and discovering inspiration for their own gardens at Apple Valley Greenhouses. With more than 30,000 sq. ft. of greenhouse space, and more than 15,000 varieties of common and uncommon annual flowers; hanging baskets, herbs, perennial flowers and vegetables, an intriguing assortment of antiques and collectibles are found in Apple Valley’s big red barn.
Hidden Hill Nursery & Sculpture Garden
Dazzling gardens, a mini arboretum, an incredible collection of whimsical garden art, an outdoor model train and beautiful benches and fountains offer a unique free experience at Hidden Hill Nursery & Sculpture Garden. Eight acres are packed with hundreds of rare and unusual grasses, trees, shrubs and flowers, all set in the solitude of a beautiful rural setting. Organized educational tours are led by nurseryman Bob Hill at 2:00 p.m. on select Sundays.
Bryant's Blueberry Farm
Open only during blueberry season (typically mid-June through mid July), Bryant's Blueberry Farm takes visitors back in time, letting them experience the joy of picking their own berries. Favorite varieties such as Patriot, Darrow, Duke, Bluejay, Bluecrop and Blueray are grown, and the farm offers expert tips for storing and cooking with blueberries, including recipes for incredible deserts, such as blueberry sour cream cake, cinnamon-blueberry muffins and, of course, old-fashioned blueberry pie.
Flatwood Farm
Visitors to Harrison County’s Flatwood Farm enjoy discovering the luxury of alpaca fleece, an extravagance once reserved for Inca royalty. Alpacas at Flatwood Farm offers free farm tours and close-up interactions with alpacas. The farm also features a wide variety of alpaca fleece products for sale, as well as special seasonal events.
Travelers love discovering the luxury of alpaca fleece, once reserved for Inca royalty. Alpacas at Flatwood Farm offers free farm tours and close-up interactions with alpacas. The farm also features a wide variety of alpaca fleece products for sale and special events.
Turtle Run Winery
Southern Indiana’s nutrient-rich limestone- and clay-laced soil is ideal for turning out the quality grapes that have led Turtle Run Winery to produce exceptional award-winning wine. Specializing in premium red, white, dry and sweet wines, Turtle Run offers visitors tours of its beautiful 74-acre farm, as well as free wine tastings and year-round special events, including jazz and wine events, special tastings and meals, an unforgettable stop, festivals and more.
Beyond the gardens, greenhouses and farms, Corydon, offers travelers an incredible collection of sites and attractions, from a Civil War Battlefield or an old-fashioned store-front soda fountain, to the historic Wyandotte Caves, where enormous passages are highlighted by dazzling formations. The State Historic Site marks Corydon’s place as Indiana’s first capitol, while travelers are fascinated by the Constitution Elm and tours of the Leora Brown School, one of the nation’s oldest standing early African American schoolhouses. Corydon visitors also find plenty of diverse accommodations, including a historic B&B, affordable modern hotels and even a luxurious riverboat casino.
Complete visitor information and a free visitors guide is available at thisisIndiana.org or (888) 738-2137.
WEST BAYDEN SPRINGS
Benchmark Opens West Baden Springs Hotel -- French Lick Resort Casino’s Crown Jewel Magnificently Restored!
Benchmark Hospitality International has officially opened West Baden Springs Hotel, the Indiana landmark once known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” The historic property (circa 1902) was last used as a hotel in 1932. The opening celebration of West Baden Springs Hotel marked the completed restoration of two historic hotels at the French Lick Resort Casino destination.
The mineral spring waters and the beautifully manicured gardens are what drew people naturally to the area. The West Baden Springs Hotel is the crown jewel of the $382 million resort restoration project which began in earnest in August 2005. It features what was once the world’s largest free span dome, soaring 110 feet above the atrium floor. Six circular stories containing 246 guestrooms – including eight specialty suites, three historic suites decorated with period furniture, and a lavish Presidential Suite – surround the atrium.
Located less than a mile from the French Lick Springs Hotel and French Lick Casino, the West Baden Springs Hotel offers a two-level natatorium, which was recreated based on the original plans, with a dedicated spa, fine dining restaurant and five retail outlets. The unique natatorium/spa features a 12,000-square-foot indoor pool and 8,000-square-foot spa, including treatment rooms, relaxation rooms and a state-of-the-art fitness center.
West Baden Springs Hotel guests will be able to take advantage of all of French Lick Resort Casino’s amenities, including the 42,000-square-foot casino, horseback riding, tennis, bowling and much more. For golf enthusiasts, the resort features the comprehensively restored Donald Ross Course at French Lick, which hosted the 1924 PGA Championship where Walter Hagen was victorious, as well as the forthcoming 18-hole championship Pete Dye Course slated to open in 2008. The nine-hole Tom Bendelow Course at French Lick will open later this summer to supplement the property’s practice facilities.
About West Baden Springs Hotel / French Lick Resort Casino
French Lick Resort Casino is a $382 million historic restoration and casino development project that includes the French Lick Springs Hotel, the new French Lick Casino and the West Baden Springs Hotel. The premier resort and casino destination features 689 guestrooms and suites; a 42,000-square-foot, single-level casino; 45 holes of golf, including the fully restored 1917-era Donald Ross Course at French Lick and the new, 18-hole Pete Dye Course at French Lick (opening 2008); two full-service spas with a combined 36 treatment rooms totaling 41,000 square feet; and an array of dining and entertainment options.
For more information, visit <www.frenchlick.com or call 1-888-MyHideaway (888-694-4332).
For locations of Benchmark Hospitality properties and for additional information, visit Benchmark's web site at www.benchmarkhospitality.com.