The general store in Billie Creek Village was a treat to visit. The manager was so nice, letting us take our time looking at the interesting items, and taking pictures.
Inside the General Store
retirement activity
Parke County, Indiana, Covered Bridge Capital of the World
Park County Indiana is home to two Indiana State Parks and the 2,110 acre Raccoon Lake State Recreation Area. In addition Parke County is home to 31 covered bridges, more than any other county in the nation. Rockville is the county seat and also is the starting point for 5 different well marked self driving road tours to see most of the 31 bridges.
The 245′ Bridgeton Bridge and associated mill, The bridge was burned by arson in 2005, rebuilt in 2006.
These historic bridges are fairly evenly scattered over the 444 square miles of the county. Every October over two million visitors converge on Parke County for the world famed 10 day Covered Bridge Festival. People come to see the bridges and shop any of the thousands of vendors who occupy building’s or temporary tents that sprout up allover the county.
Crooks Bridge, 132′ long, built in 1856 by Henry Wolfe
Neet Bridge, 125′ long, was built in 1904 by JJ Daniels
Note the Red Arrow. This shows the easy self driving tour routes.
We took the 34 mile long Red Route starting at the Rail Road Depot in Rockville. This drive brought us up close and personal to eight old covered bridges. Some we could drive across, some were closed to traffic with a new roadway running next to the bridge.
Harry Evans Bridge, 65 ‘ long, built by JA Britton in 1908
Showing the Burr-Arch support design of the Evans bridge. This design is found in 30 of the Park County bridges including one double Burr-Arch.
Our road trip to Parke County was, in our opinion, most successful. Along with our drive along the Red Route of covered bridges, we also had some other stops that we’ll share in other articles here. Just know this: a road trip to Parke County Indiana offers country roads and viewing historic bridges, enjoyable dining and shopping opportunities. Click here for the Park County Visitor’s Center website.
Indiana’s Wilbur Wright Birthplace Museum
The address is Hagerstown, Indiana, but the Wilbur Wright Birthplace Museum is out in the middle of Hoosier farmland. This fascinating museum has two different focuses: Wilbur’s birthplace and living conditions of the mid 1860’s and the success of Wilbur and Orville’s history making powered human flight at Kitty Hawk North Carolina in 1903.
Yes, that is the Wright Flyer in the background
The flight museum and other Wright Brothers artifacts are housed in a separate building next to the family home and the visitor center. The exciting focus of this is the full life size and historically accurate reproduction of the original “Wright Flyer”.
Floor level view of the Wright Flyer
Wright Flyer Specification Drawing
This construction of the Wright Flyer was completed after referencing the original specifications drawings from the Smithsonian. The plane and other displays are in a lower level providing a striking view as you stand on the landing at the top of a short flight of stairs.
Kitty Hawk Camp work shop and living quarters (note the cots pulled up in the rafters)
Kitchen in the shop/living quarters
In addition to the plane itself, this lower level display also includes a representation of the Brother’s Kitty Hawk Camp. Here is their work and living quarters while at the site of the flight tests. The building had work shop areas, kitchen facilities and sleeping cots that are pulled up during the day.
Also included is a display of 1900s storefronts, including the Brothers bicycle shop. We have been to the Kitty Hawk Park and Memorial, where there is a metal reproduction of the Flyer, Orville and Wilbur and other support folks. Seeing the repro plane at this museum was a thrill, as it is of the original materials.
It is remarkable that a mere 66 years after Wilbur and Orville’s first flight man was walking on the moon. Take a trip to the Wilbur Wright Birthplace Museum. You’ll be amazed at the quality and quantity of the displays.
White’s Flea Market
White’s farm is located in Brookville, Indiana. Every Wednesday they have a flea market.
Entrance sign
They are open every Wednesday, year-round, from daylight until noon. They have indoor and outside booths. We like setting up our treasure finds there. One of our retirement adventures is going to yard sales and auctions. We also have an eBay store.
One vendor’s tables
This trailer turns into their sales spot
$3 treats of all kinds
White’s is a nice, friendly place. The flea market opens at daybreak. We try to arrive around 5AM, that gives us time to set up and grab coffee. They have breakfast reasonably priced if you’re hungry.
Rent a barn and set up each week
Large field, only $15 for a 20×24’ space
Snapping turtle head on a walking staff. (You never know what you’re gonna find at White’s)
At this market you’ll find things you need as well as items to simply enjoy–antiques, new items, crafts, used merchandise, and fresh produce. Parking is free of charge and no charge to enter. Click here for White’s Website.
Broadway’s “Waitress” comes to Indy’s Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre
Theater entrance
Laughter and music made for an entertaining evening at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre last night. We saw a delightful stage version of the musical Waitress, featuring the music of Sara Bareilles and inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s movie. Nominated for four Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Waitress celebrates friendship, motherhood, and the culinary magic of delicious pies.
Jenna, center, pours sugar as she prepares a new pie with Becky, left, and Dawn, right
Jenna is a waitress in a small roadside diner, stuck in an abusive marriage, and dreams of getting away to start her own shop. Jenna’s fellow waitresses include Becky and Dawn. All three go through romantic encounters, sharing their singing talents along the way. Please be aware, this show is an adult themed show, not suitable for kids.
Ogie surprises Dawn with flowers at the diner where she works
Keirsten Hodgens makes her Beef & Boards debut in the role of Jenna, along with Chanel Edwards-Frederick in the role of Jenna’s friend, Becky. Grace Atherholt plays another friend, Dawn, with Brett Mutter as Ogie, Logan Moore as Earl, and Douglas E. Stark (He owns the place!) as Joe. Also making their Beef & Boards debuts are Noah Berry as Dr. Pomatter and Adam du Plessis as Cal, the diner owner.
The waitresses wipe off tables as they prepare to open Joe’s Pie Diner
These talented cast members were superb in their singing, line delivery and character development. The degree of professionalism in this production is evident across all Stephanie Torns, who performed in the original Broadway cast of Waitress, is both Director and Choreographer for the show. Kristy Templet is music director of the terrific on stage orchestra. This theatrical production is unique and eclectic with a touch of erotic thrown in. Prepare to laugh and be entertained.
Jenna gives her new doctor, Dr. Pomatter a pie she’d intended for her former doctor
Waitress is on stage through Aug. 31. Tickets include Chef Larry Stoops’ dinner buffet and select beverages. To buy tickets online, visit beefandboards.com. Tickets are also available by calling the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre Box Office at 317.872.9664. Waitress is rated PG-13 for mature content including adult language, violence, and adult themes.
Sixty foot tall mural of Pacers Reggie Miller
Reggie Miller played college ball at UCLA and was drafted by the Indiana Pacers in 1987 in the 1st round (11th pick, 11th overall). Miller only played for the Pacers until he retired in 2005.
Standing at 60-ft tall, this is the tallest of the murals in downtown Indianapolis. Portraying Reggie Miller, one of the Pacers’ most renowned players. This creation by mural artist Pamela Bliss was completed in 2018. Bliss has created several striking murals in Indianapolis.
Reggie is taking one of his favorite shots on the Northeast corner of “The Mich” building address 127 E. Michigan St. The mural faces North Delaware Street. Boom Baby!
Broadway’s “Waitress” brings something sweet, with a touch of spice, to Beef & Boards
Served up for the first time on its stage starting July 17, Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents Waitress, the Broadway hit featuring the music of Sara Bareilles. Nominated for four Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Waitress celebrates friendship, motherhood, and the magic of a well-made pie.
Keirsten Hodgens as Jenna
Waitress was inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s film and features the music of six-time Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles. B & Bs’ production is fortunate to have Stephanie Torns as choreographer and director. She performed in the original Broadway cast of Waitress and brings that experience and skill to this stage.
Waitress is on stage for 48 performances through Aug. 31. Tickets include Chef Larry Stoops’ dinner buffet and select beverages. To buy tickets online, visit beefandboards.com. Tickets are also available by calling the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre Box Office at 317.872.9664. Waitress is rated PG-13 for mature content including adult language, violence, and adult themes.
The AMP is in the old Indy Water Company service bay, now part of 16 TECH
“The AMP is focused on uplifting everyone in the Indianapolis culinary/retail community by featuring a diverse array of concepts from emerging businesses to established concepts and an approachable leasing structure designed to allow entrepreneurs a place to start out and scale up.” Quoted from The AMP website
Food service in a shipping container
The Black Orchid Barbers
The AMP is located in the HQO center of the 16 TECH on Indiana Avenue on the near west side. Offering a very wide variety of food establishments, you’ll find just about any type of eats and drinks there. Each eatery or retail establishment is housed in its own colorful customized shipping container.
Multiple eateries
Ice Cream Nachos w/ waffle cone chips
A most exotic offering: Irish Sea Moss from Jamaica showcases diversity.
Even though it is located within the 16 TECH complex, AMP stands on its own as a local hotspot for diversity, events and culture in Indianapolis. Featuring food stalls, an open-air bar, communal seating and ample community gathering and event space, it can host events with up to 1100 persons.
This man loves his work
Fabulously delicious hand made treats
Deli goods galore, note shipping container
There are 20+ vendors scattered around the food service shipping containers. There is also varied seating, including outdoor seating area, and the inside open seating wine bar. Food types cover a wide range of offerings, including some exotic items. We had eaten before we went, but plan to return sometime for a full meal. The comfortable seating includes tables large enough to hold your meal and your laptop. Our son commented that the overall ambiance reminded him of a university environment.
Meal cooked at your table at Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse
Sher and I recently had a trip to the Seattle area to visit family. one evening we all went to Everette to have dinner at the Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse. This Japanese cuisine that is cooked before diners on a large iron griddle. The chef is a talented cook and a lively entertainer as well.
Setting for dinner plus a beer, grill behind
House salad with ginger dressing
There were five folks in our party, and we were joined by another couple at the same horseshoe shaped table. We started with a ginger topped salad and drinks. Sher had ordered a vegetarian meal with fried rice without egg. I ordered a chicken and steak meal. Our chef put on quite the show, keeping up a nearly constant discussion with us.
Preparing the veggies
Serving Sher’s veggie plate
We all thoroughly enjoyed our dinners. The portions were frankly huge, no body wasn’t filled! Our chef was both a dynamic and exciting entertainer and superb cook. He most definitely kept us enthralled by his dexterity and sometimes scary use of cooking tools. He also kept us smiling. He once flipped a slice of butter across the grill while declaring “BUTTER-FLY”!
A portion of the Quinault National Recreation Trail System
Part of the Olympic National Forest includes some interesting hiking trails designated the Quinault National Recreation Trail System. We turned off of Highway 101 and hit the South Shore Drive near Lake Quinault. We came across this information sign and decided to stop.
Easy walking on the gravel trail
The look of a Pacific Northwest rain forest
New growth on top of a very old stump
Ferns and other ground cover
Delicately curled fern leaves
The forest on the portion of the trail we walked was tagged a rain forest and had some amazing vegetation. The trail itself was an easy to traverse with a firm gravel base. We spent a good hour on this section of the trail appreciating the thick dense foliage including massive trees and delicate leaves. “Nature at its awesome best” is a perfect description of this Forest.
Roadtirement 