Seymour Indiana welcome sign and CSX caboose

Intricate sign public art

This dramatic Seymour Welcome sign is located on US 50 just west of  I-65.  Made of metal on a concrete base, it includes symbols of Seymour’s history. A locomotive, plane propeller, corn, guitar, crown, bell tower and grain bins are just a few of the items on the welcome sign that was completed in 2014.


A bit west of the sign on US 50 is a somewhat faded  yellow caboose. Marked with the Chessie System logo and name, it is parked next to an abandoned grain elevator.  Seymour has a long and colorful history with railroads, so this caboose is a fitting display for the town.

Indianapolis Southwestway Park offers mountain bike and horse trails

Southwestway Park is a 587-acre park in the southwest part of Indy, outside the I-465 loop on Mann Road.  There is a long trail system that includes hiking, mountain biking, running and horseback riding. There are baseball diamonds, soccer fields and other recreational sports available here, along with the Winding River Golf Course.

Yes, horses allowed

Beautiful trails

Trail Head information board with trail maps

Discover White River Rewards Pass is a delightful program that allows you to explore 37 different parks along White River in central Indiana. Southwestway Park is one of 37 Indy parks belonging to the Rewards Pass. The Discover White River Pass offers exclusive real-world rewards like stickers, shirts, and on-water experiences by visiting dozens of parks and attractions.

Baltimore Orioles beautiful to see beautiful to hear

The brightly colored Baltimore Oriole received its name from the resemblance of the male’s colors to those on the coat-of-arms of 17th-century Lord Baltimore.

We saw this Baltimore Orioles in our backyard enjoying nectar

The Baltimore Orioles’ diet is mainly insects, berries, nectar as well as sugar water. In summer it feeds mostly on insects, especially caterpillars. It also eats beetles, grasshoppers, wasps, bugs  plus spiders and snails. Orioles also eat berries and sometimes cultivated fruit.

Public art displayed between two museums in Indianapolis

Downtown Indianapolis is home to several attractions, including the Eiteljorg Museum of Native American and Western Art and the Indiana State Museum featuring natural and civilization history.  On display between the two is a striking piece by a native Hoosier artist.

“Rhino Arch” by Jerald Jacquard


This area is part of the White River State Park, named for the large river flowing through the city heading south. Indy has successfully planned and finished trails, parks and other examples of public art throughout the metropolitan area.

Columbus Indiana’s award winning Mill Race Park

Columbus Indiana’s Mill Race Park is located on a flood plain on the west side of downtown. The award winning design takes that in account, for example, the restrooms are made to allow the annual flooding to flow through the glass block buildings with no damage.

Inside showing bridge trusses

One of my favorite parts of the park is the beautiful relocated covered bridge. Originally built in 1840 over the White River, it was rebuilt in 1995 at Mill Race Park. It remains the only Long Truss Structure in the state.

Indy’s eclectic Fountain Square districts

Yes, there is a fountain!

VisitIndy.com says it best:   Just southeast of downtown, this funky Indianapolis neighborhood has vintage and antique shops, a world of restaurants, working artists and a vibrant arts scene, live music and performance, and one-of-a-kind stores that sell comics, musical instruments, home decor, fresh flowers, and so much more. Visit Fountain Square any time of the day or night, and find out why our neighborhood is anything but…square!

Fancy marque lighting

The Fountain Square Theatre Building opened in 1928 as a place for entertainment, shopping and professional offices. The structure is located at the intersection of Virginia Avenue at Shelby and Prospect Streets. It is but one of the many historic buildings that add character to this interesting piece of Indianapolis.

Greenwood’s On-Stage Live Cabaret rocks with Elvis and Tina Turner

We were pleased to find a new to us venue for the performing arts in central Indiana. The On-Stage Live Cabaret reopened this past March after having suffered from a COVID forced shutdown. The first show we could attend  was The King and Queen of Rock n’ Roll, tributes to Elvis and Tina Turner.

Early Elvis

Early Tina

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

True to Cabaret style seating, you can pick your table, either for 2 or 4 people. It was nice to be able to pick where you want to sit, and see how many tables are already sold. Arrive at least 15 minutes before curtain, grab a beverage (beer, wine, soda or water) and snack, and get ready for the show!

Mid Elvis

Recognizable hair!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elvis (Kyle Kenny) has three sets, each representing different times in the King’s career. Likewise, Tina (Q) also traces her career with song and fashion. These two  entertainers put their hearts and souls into their performances. We were clapping, tapping our feet and grinning ear to ear with appreciation of the talent we were seeing.

70’s Elvis and Tina

We were completely satisfied with our attendance at this Cabaret. We enjoyed the seating, the comfortable atmosphere and the friendly staff. Sher actually said that “This is the place I’ve been looking for. Go, enjoy a drink, enjoy a show and have a relaxed time.”

Sher and Elvis

Maj and Tina

 

 

 

 

 

A Tribute To The King & Queen Of Rock ‘n Roll will be on stage next weekend May 3 – 4. Check the Cabaret website here for ticketing and other information. Also be sure to check the schedule for the rest of 2024. Lots of great shows coming! Make sure you take advantage of this wonderful entertainment facility. You won’t be disappointed!

Columbus Indiana historic Crump Theater

The Crump Theater began its long history in 1871 as a two story building named Keith’s Arcade. The Crump name came into the scene when John S. Crump purchased the building in 1889 and turned it into a large modern theater.

Crump marquee

Ticket booth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next big event took place in 1920 after a massive remodeling job that basically gutted the building and started from scratch. This work started at the stage and went to the 3rd Street sidewalk. The next work was another massive remodel in 1941 that resulted in the art deco exterior and interior styles you see today.

Crump History

Fund raising event

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After several years of disuse, the Crump is currently in the midst of an active “Save The Crump” campaign including fund raising and live concerts on stage. This fine old facility is hopefully back on tract for a resurgence of activity.

Front entrance, ticket booth

As a footnote, it should be noted that stories of ghosts and other “paranormal” activities have been part of the Crump story for decades. Several investigations have taken place in the Crump. One ghost, known as “The Lady In Black”, is reported to make regular appearances on the same stairway.

Trails closed by flood waters on central Indiana’s White River

Discover White River Rewards Pass is a delightful  program that allows you to explore 37 different parks along White River in central Indiana. We went to 3 of the parks yesterday, following the directions on the sie.

Closed to hikers

Two of the parks were suffering from the current flood stage waters. Town Run Park on 96h Street had open gates to the parking, shelter and trail heads. However, all of trail head gates were closed off to hikers.

Unique playground

Shelter, river in background

Walkway is a bit damp for use

River Heritage Park on the edge of Carmel’s White River is a wonderful park complete with all the latest playground equipment. Several of the concrete walkways were under water due to the flooding of White River.

White River flooding

Similar to the Indy Craft Pass for local breweries, distilleries and wineries, the Discover White River Pass offers exclusive real-world rewards like stickers, shirts, and on-water experiences by visiting dozens of parks and attractions.

 

 

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