I wanted
to start 2021 off on the right foot, so Friday January 1st we headed north to
see some new spots. We took back roads that I was delighted to have never been
on before. Seeing charming homes and farms that I was delighted with. We went
through Huntingburg both directions. They have one of the most charming Main
Streets ever. It was all decorated for Christmas and I loved it.
So many
of the little towns have a Town Square. They pretty much all look the same, but
I sure love driving around them and seeing all the little shops and
wonderful architecture.
Heading
to Jasper...I have been to Jasper several times in the past. We have had dinner
on the "Spirit of Jasper" before. The train was restored beautifully,
and the experience was great! Jasper has a wonderful old German restaurant
called the "Shnitzelbank." It is a charming spot with great food and
fun trinkets. One of my favorite sights in Jasper is the Jasper City Mill. The
craftmanship is so amazing and beautiful. I really think it is my favorite spot
to visit in Jasper, Indiana.
From
Jasper, we headed to French Lick, Indiana. This is a darling little Resort
Town. There is the French Lick Resort and Casino and the West Baden Springs
Hotel. These two buildings are beyond lovely. A must see for sure. I like to
take the little road behind the resorts, along the golf course, it is beautiful
there. There is also the French Lick Winery and Vintage Café and several
restaurants and shops. There is the French Lick Scenic Railway... no dinner but
a nice rail trip with an awesome rail hold up! There is a family friendly
hotel/water park called Big Splash Adventure. It is super cool!
From
French Lick, we headed over to Paoli, Indiana. Paoli is a very rural area with
hills and woods. But, there is one great hill that is sculpted for winter fun.
They have manmade snow for skiing, boarding, tubing and sledding. A really need
spot!
After leaving
Paoli Peaks, we took a back road and found the most picturesque area. Forest
covered hills and a creek running through it. I was IN LOVE!
We drove
northward, through Brown County State Park. It was very cloudy and over cast
all day. In some spots there was some major fog. As we crossed Lake Monroe we
couldn't see anything on either side of the bridge, the fog was so thick. But
it was magical for sure!
Bloomington,
Indiana is a college town. It is really a nice spot. I loved how artsy it is
and how the architecture reflects the past and the present. We stayed at the
Springhill Suites. They had parking below the hotel, which was very nice since
it was such a cold drizzly day. I asked for a room on the top floor, and I am
so glad I did. The view from my window was wonderful. Right next to the hotel
was a great little eatery called Bub's Burgers & Ice Cream. Well you know I
needed to check it out. I had a great salad and John had an Elk Burger. The
food was great and so was the service. I recommend it! The following
morning it started to snow! Happy!!!! We tried to get donuts at Square Donuts,
but they were closed!!! We toured the town and bought a picnic style
brunch.
We headed
to Nashville, Indiana next. And boy was I surprised. I had no idea it would
be so charming! It reminded me of a small Gatlinburg, with a fraction of the
people, but all the charm and beauty. There were so many little shops and spots
to visit. The whole vibe was that eclectic, back woods, so inviting charm. I cannot
say enough about the area. It is a must see for sure.
Side
note: There are lots of cabins and resort type places to stay
in the area. I will be looking to stay there in the Spring. But also... several
months ago I blogged about another drive I took to STORY, IN. This spot is only
about a 20-minute drive from Nashville, IN. Well worth looking into, because it
is absolutely charming, and worth the trip!
After Nashville we wandered
our way southward back to Owensboro. As always, I love taking drives. I love
seeing new places and learning about the spots close to home. I encourage
everyone to see what is within your driving parameters. At this time in
history, driving is a cheap form of entertainment and it is an easy way to get
away without being around too many people.
Take advantage of what is
in your own back yard.
There are so many things to
see, so many places to fall in love with.
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