photography

Home town café

/ Roadtirementvintage / 10 Comments

You always hear that the local, non-chain eateries are the best. The Chaperral Cafe in Shelbyville, Indiana proves that theory is correct! Located a couple of blocks from the downtown square, this landmark is known for its all day breakfast and “the best breaded tenderloin” around.

Local history in photos

A sincere personal welcome

Bigger than your head!

You barely see the bun peeking out

Cut in half, still too big for the bun!

I had a wonderful lunch Friday. I met one of my sons there, and as a bonus he had my 2 year old grandson with him. A special treat for this PaPaw! I had wanted to visit the Chaperral for quite sometime as their breaded tenderloin has become legendary. (Breaded tenderloins are a Hoosier favorite!) Well, this sandwich absolutely exceeded my expectations. The tenderloin was just the right thickness, the breading was not overpowering and the “crunch” was perfect! I cut mine in half, ate part in the bun, the other with knife and fork. Gonna have to go back and try biscuits and gravy sometime soon!

Los Reyes Mexican restaurant

/ Roadtirementvintage / 6 Comments

On a day trip recently we stopped in Martinsville, Indiana for a bite to eat. We spotted Los Reyes Mexican Restaurant right on the downtown square. We lucked out and got a parking space right across from the restaurant. We appreciate it when we don’t have to walk very far! We enjoy Mexican cuisine, so we thought we’d give this place a try.

Entrance w/Court House across the street

Fancy sun dial

Colorful furnishings

 

 

 

 

 

Wall to wall decor

 

 

 

 

 

After the host escorted us to our table, it became apparent that this was going to be a treat for the eyes as well as the palate! We have been to a lot of Mexican restaurants, but this one had every square inch of the walls, tables, chairs and support columns completely covered with those colorful 3D raised decoration/pictures.

Good chips/salsa

Margarita!

Both our meals pictured

Sher ordered a vegetarian plate with enchilada, quesadilla and tostada served with frijoles. She also had a margarita. As I was driving, I had water with my beef chimichanga served up with frijoles and rice. We enjoyed the meal, served hot and of course we also enjoyed the chips and salsa. Seems as most Mexican restaurants have pretty much the same fare, but it still makes for a decent meal.

Lavender farm near Mooresville

/ Roadtirementvintage / 12 Comments

Lavender field in bloom

Rows of Lavender

 

 

 

 

 

Recently we had a delightful day trip suitable for not only seniors like us but people of any age.  The Willowfield Lavender Farm  is south of Mooresville, Indiana southwest of Indianapolis.

Enjoying the sweet Lavender Mint iced tea

Healthy Lavender plant we now have

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had a glass of their fresh Lavender-Mint tea. It was so good that Sher had to have one too. The gift shop was fun to see, and the staff was very friendly and informative. We even bought a live Lavender plant and some lavender soap.

Comfortable seating under shade

Go to the Willowfield Lavender Farm website for hours, directions and special event calendars.

Chewbacca and Zorro

/ Roadtirementvintage / 12 Comments

These are our grand dogs living with our Columbus Ohio family.

Zorro looks dapper with his bowtie

Chewy loves laying on your feet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chewy really looks like Chewbacca of Star Wars fame when his hair is grown out each winter. Zorro is a real sweetie and is convinced he’s a lapdog. “Hey, if Chewy can sit on your lap why can’t I?”

Brewdog started in Scotland, now in Ohio

/ Roadtirementvintage / 18 Comments

We had a really fun time this past weekend when we visited our son’s family to celebrate our granddaughter’s High School graduation. Friday night we found our way to a large establishment called Brewdog. This place was a full sized brewery, restaurant-bar, games, merchandise and the Doghouse Columbus Hotel, rooms of which have beer taps in each room. The original home is in Aberdeen, Scotland. Now there are several in Ohio.

Sher heading into the Brewery

Looking towards the outdoor seating area

The beer barrel wall, restaurant beyond

Bar and indoor seating, outdoor seating patio beyond

This is a trailer, note the girl just released her axe…

The facility has a huge building that houses not only the restaurant/bar/game rooms but the actual brewery with its large vats. Once you pass the merchandise area and go through the beer barrel wall, you’re in the restaurant bar seating area. The menu was filled with great bar food.

Smothered wings & fries, nachos and corn dip

Custom made pizza

You have to try a flight!

With our son and daughter-in-law

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The firepits were nice, heck, the whole place was nice. We’ll go back on another trip to visit our Columbus Ohio family.

Family style Italian at Buca di Beppo

/ Roadtirementvintage / 22 Comments

In honor of our granddaughter’s High School graduation, our Columbus Ohio family got together at one of the many Buca di Beppo Italian restaurants. These restaurants are perfect for a large group celebration, as they are known for serving “family style”.

Enjoying time with family

Once you enter the establishment you immediately get into the “Italian” mood. The decor is one of those styles that uses every square inch of wall space, and in some rooms every inch of the ceiling!

Pictures and more pictures

Have dinner with the Pope

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The menu has over 60 items from which to choose. The large bowls feed 6, while the small size is designed for 3. It is wonderful being able to decide which entrees, appetizers and salads to order. You can truly customize your meals, and with the family style serving, everyone can have a taste of whatever they like.

Apple Gorgonzola: Granny Smith apples, spiced walnuts, dried cranberries & Gorgonzola tossed with mixed lettuce in our signature Italian vinaigrette

Chicken with baby portobello mushrooms in a traditional Marsala wine reduction

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The food was delicious, served on time and hot! The bowls were full and gave everyone the chance to try all of the varieties.

Shrimp Fra Diavolo: Garlic shrimp & crushed red pepper with penne in spicy rosa sauce

Cheese Manicotti: pasta tubes filled with ricotta, mozzarella & Parmesan with Alfredo & our homemade marinara sauce

This restaurant was a perfect place to have a graduation celebration. You cannot beat good food at a comfortable restaurant, and of course having your family is the best blessing of all!

 

Roosters in Ohio

/ Roadtirementvintage / 18 Comments

Main entrance, lots waiting for a table

No, we’re not talking about the Ohio National Poultry Show. We’re talking about one of a delightful chain of chain of restaurants that carry the self given label of “A Fun, Casual Joint”. On our way to family in Columbus, Ohio, we found a Rooster’s just off of I-71 south of the beltway. We were seated immediately, even though the place was very full. This place was full of life, covered with TV screens and interesting wall décor.

Yet another clever way to ID restroom occupants

A rather punny saying

A bit of editorial content here

 

 

 

 

 

The menu was very impressive and had appetizers for everyone’s tastes, plenty of wings and a full list of burgers and sandwiches. We decided on three items and they were very delicious and filling.

Dumpster Fries “It’s a hot mess!” Curly fries, topped with melted cheeses, bacon bits, tomatoes, green onions and jalapeños with Dumpster Dressing.

Quesadilla: Mozzarella, Provolone and cheddar. garnished with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, red onions and jalapeños.

Big Bob’s Burger: You had to grab this half-pounder with both hands!

 

 

 

 

 

 

This turned into a most enjoyable break on the way to our son’s family. The food was very good, reasonably priced and served in a comfortable establishment. There are several of these Rooster’s places all over Ohio and Kentucky. They get very busy, get there mid afternoon for immediate seating.

Impressive Civil War Memorial includes an anachronism

/ Roadtirementvintage / 13 Comments

Sitting on the north side of the Johnson County Courthouse in Franklin, Indiana is a striking memorial/fountain commemorating the valor of Union Soldiers from Johnson County during the Civil War. John Vawter was a businessman and banker from Franklin. He donated the memorial in 1905. It includes a bronze statue by artist Rudolph Schwarz.

This is a wonderful memorial to the men who served in the Civil War. The anachronism? As a history nerd who has been interested in, and studied military history, I need to point out that the arms and accoutrements on the cavalry trooper looking out over the battlefield are of a kind that did not even exist in 1861 to 1865.

Detail of the Model 1873 Trapdoor Springfield

The carbine is a Springfield “Trapdoor” that fired a 45/50 cartridge. This firearm was not invented until 1873, and was issued in both rifle and carbine lengths. The cartridge box on the trooper’s belt appears to also be from the 1870’s and designed for brass cartridges. The statue is a very good portrayal of a trooper from the mid 1870’s on.

This is an impressive memorial, complete with all branches of the services represented under the lion heads fountains. It is interesting that the statue artist picked the wrong model for his rendition of the trooper. It doesn’t take away from the honor given to the Civil War soldiers from Johnson County.

The Willard offers history, food and drink, and a ghost

/ Roadtirementvintage / 3 Comments

Franklin, Indiana is south of Indianapolis and is the county seat of Johnson County. One of the most noteworthy places in Franklin is The Willard, now a family friendly restaurant housed in an historic brick building a block north of the courthouse. Originally a home, the property has seen several uses and additions over the years. Check The Willard website for a detailed history.

Main entrance of the restaurant

We were in Franklin for a dental appointment and decided to try out the American cuisine at The Willard. There was a decent crowd when we got there, and as we ate there was a constant stream of customers coming in to the facility. We were seated in the main dining room, while lots of folks took advantage of the outdoor seating.

Vegetarian pizza, stuffed w/veggies

Outdoor seating visible left, background

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of Willard favorites is pizza, and Sher did order the small vegetarian pizza. As you see in the photos it was packed with veggies. I had to try the breaded tenderloin and fries. The sandwich breading was different and not as “crunchy” as most recipes. It was tasty however.

Full service bar past the arched brick wall

From the lobby, curved staircase visible

At the top of the main stair

Passageway past the bar and bistro tables

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The building has been around since 1860, and quite a few old details make the place very interesting. The main curved staircase has a beautiful stained glass window at the top landing. The marble fireplace and original Willard Hotel sign compliment main dining room where we ate. And even though there is no prominent mention of her, a ghost named Eliza, a former love scorned owner of the property can be seen moving about the building in a rage. Seems she caught her fiancé in a compromising situation with her sister on a table in the kitchen.

Highway 40 sale was hot but successful

/ Roadtirementvintage / 2 Comments

The US Highway 40 cross country yard sale concluded today after 5 days of very hot, sunny weather. Overall it was a successful sale, though crowds were slightly smaller than in past years.

Wide angle view of the interior of our booth.

The pictures show our booth and some of the other vendors who took advantage of this great site which used to house a church. There were close to 30 different vendors, restrooms and plenty of parking. The first time we set up here several years ago there were at most 7 or 8 vendors.