The on board map tipped us off to a series of curves coming our way north of Freetown, Jackson County.

The on board map tipped us off to a series of curves coming our way north of Freetown, Jackson County.


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.
We were enjoying a day trip to southern Indiana on a very warm May day. We’d been to a covered bridge, done some shopping, bird watching and just taking in the sights. The next sight we observed was another one of those Bison-tennial statues from Indiana’s 2016 celebration. celebration.

Freetown’s bison statue

One of the panels on bison’s flank

Another panel showing history of Freetown
We did find ourselves on a detour of our main route and noted the sign announcing that we had arrived in the unincorporated community of Freetown in Jackson County Indiana. We have seen several of these statues as we have traveled all over the state. Each one is different, due to the paint and design of same.
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.
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!
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.
The Eiteljorg Museum in downtown Indianapolis features “American Indians and Western Art”. In a garden next to the museum is a striking bronze statue of a Native American.

In the garden

Detail view

Information plaque
The statue is titled “Wisdom Keepers” completed in1998 by Bruce LaFountain, a Turtle Mountain Chippewa Native American artist .
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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The Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio has a beautiful Memorial Park filled with scores of monuments honoring different units of US Army Air Corp Units from WWII through current. One of these remembers the pilots and support personnel for the famed Republic P-47 Thunderbolt fighter that saw service in all theaters of the war.

Approach to the monument

Remembering heroes

Information plaque

Bronze P-47 tops the monument

Republic P-47N Thunderbolt in flight
The P-47 was used and praised for its performance in hundreds of combat missions across all theaters of the war. The P-47 was of course used for aerial combat and also for ground attacks, bombing and strafing enemy supply trains and convoys.
We love a good Mexican restaurant. While visiting family in Reynoldsburg, Ohio we went to a very good and, in this case, very exciting Bar and Mexican Grill named El Asadero. From the moment you walk in you know that this place is going to be interesting.

Back drop in the bar

The full bar

Exotic drink with color changing light
A wildly colorful decor and Latin music is seen and heard throughout the restaurant. We were seated quickly, even thou the place was packed. We were served the usual chips and dip, ordered and received drinks. Fancy, delicious and even lighted drinks added to the festive atmosphere of our table of nine.

Veg. Enchilada dinner

Street tacos and fixin’s

Pick three combo, 2 burros, 1 soft taco, beans & rice
The menu is quite extensive, and as expected, there is something for everyone, including kids. While we were eating the lights went out, came back on, and very loud music started. We frankly wondered what was going on. We had already heard one of those “Happy Birthday” deals where the staff takes a cake to the B’day person. But then a new commotion broke out and we saw Dancing Robot. What a treat!
El Asadero Bar and Mexican Grill is a vibrant, fun and sometimes loud restaurant. the food is wonderful, atmosphere is exciting, and the staff and service is exceptional.