Indiana attractions

Mother’s Day at the historic Willard

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Today we (Maj and our son) took Sher out for a Mother’s Day luncheon. We had finished up a couple of quick shopping stops and Sher told me she wanted to go to the Willard for our celebratory meal.

Street view, note patio seating on left

Wonderful original curved stairway

Antique marble and cast iron fireplace

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Willard is an historic building in Franklin, Indiana. The original brick house was built in 1860. Over the years different owners built more around the house, turning it into a hotel. Now it is a very popular local restaurant “where friends meet”.

Sher’s veggie pizza

That’s a basket of fries

There is a bun hiding under that

Thick delicious tenderloin!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Willard has a surprisingly complete menu for what used to be a pizza restaurant. The nice thing about the fare is that it offers favorites that we all enjoy. Sher ordered one of her favorite things: vegetarian topping pizza. Our son likes fries, so here came his basket of fries. I thoroughly enjoyed the breaded tenderloin. This culinary delight was twice as thick as most typical breaded tenderloins.

Yes, there is a full service bar…

Today the Willard was pretty busy when we arrived at 11:30. The place was packed by 12:15. Lots of folks were celebrating Mother’s Day same as we were. This historic establishment is worth a visit when you are in Franklin, Indiana. Check the website here.

Brownstown Indiana Ewing Depot Restoration

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In 2013 Brownstown Township in Jackson County Indiana funded a wonderful project to relocate and restore a portion of the original Ewing Depot. The structure was moved by truck and trailer to a newly prepared site on Front Street near the high school.

Moving the building, photo courtesy Brownstown Township website

The finished project

The building was not open the day we drove by. The depot is in great condition. There is a RR traffic signal installed as part of the display. More information and photos are available at the Brownstown Township website.

 

Seymour Indiana welcome sign and CSX caboose

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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!