Author: Roadtirementvintage

Vegas Fun – 2025

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We had a blast in Las Vegas! It was the first time either of us had been there.

We stayed at New York New York

We had a nice room, very clean and nicely decorated. A nice view from the window. We could see some of the roof top roller coaster. Lots of people were riding it and seemed to be having fun. Too scary for me and Maj.

Looking out the window.

We played some of the slot machines. We would win then lose. Had fun, but no big jackpot wins.

Frankenstein slot machine
Delicious food
The Hershey Shop

So many flavors of M&M’s. We didn’t buy candy because we couldn’t decide what we wanted. I did get a Reeces peanut butter milkshake, which was so good. It even had a real peanut butter cup in it. Maj and I got a baseball cap there.

Sites as we’re walking around.

I said walking around but really it was scootering around. Both of us have trouble walking long distances so we rented scooters. It was very easy getting around with them.

One of the highlights was seeing a Penn & Teller show. They are fantastic.

We had a fantastic time, our trip was full of laughs. And, the people were all so helpful and friendly.

Good eats in Madison Indiana at the Off Broadway Taproom

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We looked this place up the day before we went on our day trip to Madison. We had several places on our list, including a place to eat. We found the Off Broadway Taproom downtown on Main Street not far from the Courthouse.

You have to look for the sign above the entrance foyer

The entrance door in the set back foyer

The menu listed on the website promised quite a large and varied list of culinary delights. Sher ordered and enjoyed the vegetarian Avocado Caprese:  Mozzarella, Avacado, Tomato, Basal oil, and Balsamic Glaze on a Ciabatta Bun

Sher’s Avocado Caprese

Maj’s Philly Cheesesteak

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maj loved the Philly Cheesesteak with Shaved Ribeye, Sautéed Peppers and Onions, Provolone, Horsey Sauce and a Hoagie Bun.  We also ordered Soft Pretzels with House Beer Cheese and Sweet and Spicy Mustard. Both sandwiches came with fresh made potato chips.

Plenty of brews on tap

We enjoyed having lunch at the Off Broadway Taproom. The atmosphere is friendly, the service was excellent and the food was great. We both agreed that this is a pub to return too. We definitely recommend the self labeled “Madison’s Living Room”. That tag fits.

A splendid 1849 Greek Revival mansion on the Ohio River

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Madison, Indiana is a wonderful town on the Ohio River between Cincinnati and Louisville. The entire downtown has been declared a National Historic site due to the remarkable number of historic buildings including the Shrewsbury-Windle House.

The Official Designation Plaque

The “back door” on city street

 

 

 

 

 

One historic home brings back fond memories for me, as the most recent owners of the Shrewsbury-Windle house were close friends of my paternal grandparents, who also lived for a while in Madison.  As a young lad I remember many wonderful visits with John and Ann in the house. I loved climbing up and down that spiral stairway! John and Ann Windle founded the Historic Madison, Inc society.

3 story free standing spiral staircase

Frank Costigan was a famous architect who designed many Greek Revival style homes in both Indianapolis and Madison. The Shrewsbury House features 16-foot ceilings, 12 foot high entrance doors, intricate plaster moldings, and ornately carved stone details. The most remarkable (and acclaimed) feature is the 3 story, 53 step free standing spiral staircase. The stair case serves as a means of letting hot air raise and vent out of attic windows in addition to providing access to the second floor rooms.

The expansive yard, Ohio River in background past the far fence

Front door faces Ohio River, columns are typical Costigan style

Tours of the Shrewsbury-Windle House are available. For details please go to this page of Historic Madison Inc. In addition, I strongly recommend checking out this article outlining both the history of the house, and the history of John and Ann Windle’s ownership of the house and founding the Historic Madison, Inc society.

Strawberry Blush at Lanthier Winery

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We enjoy going to wine tastings, especially when one of our sons, who doesn’t drink, drives us. Then Maj and I can both sample the wines.

We went to visit Lanthier Winery and Distillery, in Madison, IN. They have beautiful gardens which I wanted to see and to do a wine tasting.

Maj and I had tasted some and were deciding which we wanted.

Then. . .the sommelier brought out a bottle

Strawberry Blush

It is delicious!! Maj and I like sweet wines that we pair with cheese and crackers. This wine is perfect for us. The label says “a far away feeling, close enough to taste”. Strawberry Blush is one we came home with. One I’m sure we’ll be back for.

The gardens were beautiful even after the Ohio River flooding.

Pretty tulips
Pretty yard decor

Church Basement Ladies bring smiles and laughter to Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre

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You probably know a lady who is a Church Basement Lady. You know, one of those unselfish women who give their time to help prepare meals and other chores for a variety of occasions at their church. Indy’s Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre has brought back the iconic musical comedy to share the exploits of four ladies and their Lutheran Pastor back in 1964.

The Church Basement Ladies sing that they’ve got their aprons on, they’re ready to go.

Back from the original production at Beef & Boards are Licia Watson as the matriarch Vivian Snustad, and Karen Pappas as the unforgettable Mavis Gilmerson. Joining them in the church basement kitchen are Carrie Neal as Karin Engelson, and Anya Burke as Karin’s daughter, Signe. John Vessels joins these ladies in the role of Pastor E.L. Gunderson.

The Church Basement Ladies and Pastor Gunderson are ready to hop of to the Hawaiian Easter Holiday Furnace Fundraiser

The cast is small but the story is filled with the hilarious discussions and antics of these ladies and their pastor. Church humor, references to church events (weddings, funerals, fundraising etc) and wonderful songs fill the stage. This comedy will have you rolling in the aisles. I have never laughed so hard.

“Who made that?” Vivian Snustad (Licia Watson) asks in disgust about the vegetarian lasagna brought for a funeral at the church

Church Basement Ladies is rated G and is on stage for through May 18 in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Tickets include Chef Larry Stoops’ dinner buffet and select beverages. Children under age 3 are not admitted. They are available online at Beef & Boards or by contacting the box office at 317.872.9664. Some showings are nearly sold out, order soon.