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.

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.

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.

Central Ohio’s historic Sunbury town square

Sunbury is located near the actual geographic center of the State of Ohio. Founded in 1816, the then “village” was laid out in the classic New England town square design, with businesses  surrounding the square.

Town Hall, built 1848

A brief use history of the Hall

Different definition of pothead

American favorite of many

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From its founding in 1816, Sunbury was designed to be a stagecoach town. Lawrence Myers, the town’s founder, built an inn at the intersection of two major stagecoach routes. The first stagecoach arrived in Sunbury from Mt. Vernon in 1820.

Civil War General

Detail of the statue

 

 

 

 

 

Horseman story

In 1848 the impressive brick Town Hall was constructed in the center of the square. It was first built two stories tall. Masons constructed the 3rd floor and occupied it for over 90 years. Multiple Ohio Historical Markers are placed around the  square providing information gems for the public.

 

 

 

Beef and Boards magnificent presentation of The King and I

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre has set the bar very high with its current production run of Rogers and Hammerstein’s The King and I. This is the first production of the show at B&B since 2001. You’ll be delighted hearing unforgettable Rodgers and Hammerstein songs including “Getting To Know You,” “Something Wonderful,” “I Whistle A Happy Tune,” and the iconic “Shall We Dance.”

Toying with King Monkgut (Jae Woo) because he questioned her age, Anna (Hannah Louise Fernandes) tells him she’s 153 as the Kralahome (Ian Cruz), left, watches

This is the story of a British widow hired as the tutor for the many children and wives of the King of Siam. Sparks fly as two very different cultures clash. King Mongkut and Anna Leonowens eventually respect each other’s points of view. The social issues aside, this musical is really a celebration of song, dance, incredibly elaborate costumes, scenery and music.

Little Topsy (Madeline Falco), leaps as she’s introduced during “The Small House of Uncle Thomas” ballet

Testing Anna (Hannah Louise Fernandes), who promised to keeping her head lower than his at all times, King Mongkut (Jae Woo) lays down on the floor

Special mention is a must for the child actors cast here. Doeyun Micah Schwantes-An plays the Prince and heir to the throne. Dj Dancler is the son of Anne and becomes friends with the Prince. The other children also are outstanding with their acting skills and singing in a complicated stage production.

Simon of Legree (Koji Ono) jumps in pursuit of Eliza during “The Small House of Uncle Thomas” ballet

Get ready for a wonderful evening of visual as well as auditory pleasure. Dancing choreography is professional, and Scene 4,  Act 2 includes a complete ballet! There is really something for everyone. You’ll smile, laugh and even shed a tear or two as you enjoy this classic show.

King Mongkut (Jae Woo) tells his son Prince Chulalongkorn (Doeyun Micah Schwantes-An) that when he is king he will know everything

The King and I is on stage  through May 19th in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. To see the complete performance schedule and to purchase tickets online, visit beefandboards.com. Tickets are also available by calling the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre Box Office at 317.872.9664.

 

 

Body found in White River at Columbus Indiana

East Fork White River, photo by Roadtirement

The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department is asking the public for assistance in the identification of a woman’s body found by a kayaker on a sand bar in the East Fork of  White River at Columbus, Indiana. Information released  by the  Sheriff’s Department included that the body is that of a white woman in her late 40s to early 50s. She is about 5 feet, 2 inches tall and 135 pounds with brown hair and hazel eyes. She was wearing blue jeans, a blue jacket, and a T-shirt that reads, “Las Vegas Nevada Athletic Dept.” She has two scars that could assist in identification.

Authorities have requested that anyone with information of a person who may be missing and matches this description is asked to call Indiana Conservation Officers Central Dispatch, 812-837-9535, or Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Detective Sgt. Dane Duke, 812-343-0707.

 

Cirque Italia comes to Greenwood and Indianapolis

An Italian circus was set up in the Greenwood Park Mall parking lot this past weekend. A huge tent complex was home to a remarkable performance of “Water Circus Gold”.

Massive tent complex

The name comes from the unique 35,000 gallon water show that is part of the excitement of the many acts in this circus. The two hour show is filled with incredible acts of aerial acrobats, jugglers, archers and trapeze artists.

Aerial artist

Balancing act

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Wheel of Death”

In addition to the many acts of the talented performers, one has to acknowledge the role of the “clown”. Providing a muliude of skits, mimes and hilarity, he keeps the crowd laughing. His “Elvis” is a real treat.

Suitable for people of all ages, this exciting activity will delight the kids and grandkids in your family. There are no bad seats, and full concessions are available. Currently the circus is moving to the Castleton Square Mall for the April 4-7 run. Click here for ticket information.