Kick Cabin Fever - Think Spring Contest

It’s finally February, that means that winter is coming nearer to a close and warm weather is just over the horizon – time to kick cabin fever and start thinking about what fun things you’ll do this spring in Indiana!

Thanks to some generous partners of ours, Visit Indiana is giving away three prize packages worth more than $4000 each! Each prize pack contains gift certificates, free admission slips, overnight hotel stays and more.

From North to South and East to West, if you win this contest, you’ll be able to enjoy all of Indiana this year.

Click here to enter the contest or click on the “read the rest…” link below and read the rest of the post to see the details of what the prize packages include:

Click here to read the rest of Kick Cabin Fever – Think Spring Contest

2 Comments » | Filed under: Amish, Announcements, Arts & Culture, Big City Activities, Casual Dining, Central, Columbus, Deals & Discounts, East, Family Activities, Festivals & Events, Fine Dining, Food & Drink, Fort Wayne, Hamilton County, Historical Sites, Indiana, Indianapolis, Lafayette & West Lafayette, Madison, Museums, North, Outdoor Adventures, Performing Arts, Places To Go, Richmond, Romantic Retreats, Rural & Small Towns, Shopping, South, South Central, Statewide, Switzerland County, Things To Do, Unique Accommodations, West, Wineries

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you fellas may be thinking about bringing home a box of chocolates for your sweetie. But if you really want to impress her, you’ll take her to DeBrand Fine Chocolates in Fort Wayne for a factory tour.

Public tours of the artisan chocolate maker are offered on Tuesdays at 10:00am and Thursdays at 1:00pm. During the summer months, tours run both at 10:0am and 1:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Groups larger than 12 people can schedule a private tour by e-mailing tours@debrand.com.

Expect to spend about 45 minutes on your public tour, which starts out with a short film about the history of DeBrand Fine Chocolates. Then follow your nose through three chocolate kitchens where you will learn about the DeBrand chocolate collections and the delicate chocolate-making process. You’ll witness first hand the fine artistry that goes into the making of the chocolates and, of course, sample some of the world’s most exquisite chocolates.

The cost of the DeBrand chocolate tour is $5. At the end of the tour, each participant receives a $5 gift certificate to be used on a purchase of $10 or more in the chocolate shoppe the day of the tour.

If a weekday tour doesn’t work in your schedule, visit the DeBrand headquarters Chocolate Shoppe for delicious chocolates, desserts and drinks on Saturdays from 10:00am-10:30pm and Sundays from noon to 6pm.

For more tour information or directions, please click here.

No Comments » | Filed under: East, Food & Drink, Fort Wayne, North, Romantic Retreats, Shopping, Things To Do

Join Tour for the Cure® at Perfect North Slopes (PNS) in Lawrenceburg Feb 22-25. Unlimited tubing 1-9:30pm daily. PNS will donate $1 to Tour for the Cure® for each regular-priced snow tubing ticket purchased during Perfectly Pink Tubing Days. All funds go to benefit the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer℠. The Foundation supports various Indiana research projects in the fight to find a cure. One day tubing passes are $20/person. So, grab a tube for a good cause and enjoy the ride!

2 Comments » | Filed under: Deals & Discounts, Indiana, Outdoor Adventures, South Central, Winter Activities

The kickoff of Superbowl XLIV between the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints is a little over three hours away and already I’m finding myself a little sad that football season is coming to a close (though I am quite sure that we’ll end it as victors!). If you have that same melancholy feeling, chin up and plan a mid-week tour of the Colts’ home, Lucas Oil Stadium.

Photo credit: AroundIndy.com

Public tours of the behemoth building located on the southeast side of downtown Indianapolis are offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 11:00am, 1:00pm and 3:00pm.

The cost to tour the facility is very reasonable:

Adults – $7.00
Seniors (65+) – $5.00
Child (4-12 years of age) – $5.00
Child (3 & under) – Free

Tickets are available at the door only; no advance sales available. If you have a large group, consider

The 45-minute to one hour tour includes visits to the playing field, an NFL locker room, Lucas Oil Plaza, Press Box, as well as  other areas not open to the general public.

Be sure to check the Lucas Oil Stadium website before you plan your trip, as tours may be canceled on some dates when events are planned inside the stadium.

No Comments » | Filed under: Big City Activities, Central, Family Activities, Indiana, Indianapolis, Places To Go, Things To Do

Happy Valentine Day by creativesam

With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, Indiana Tourism has suggestions for a romantic dinner, a weekend getaway or both. For couples still wanting to make plans for Valentine’s Day weekend, many special deals are being offered across the state. For spring or summer travel planning, Indiana’s official tourism Web site, VisitIndiana.com, has great year-round trip ideas and special discounts. Here is a sample of Valentine’s getaways in Indiana:

OVERNIGHT PACKAGES (based on availability; details subject to change)

Brown County Inn (Nashville, Ind.)
Valentine Weekend Special; February 12-13
$149 per couple
Package includes: Chilled bottle of California Champagne, handmade chocolates and fresh strawberries in guestroom, dinner voucher for two ($40 value) in the Harvest Dining Room, special extravagant desserts, and breakfast for two served in the Harvest Dining Room.
(800) 772-5249; Browncountyinn.com

Clifty Falls State Park (Madison, Ind.)
Sweetheart Weekend; February 12, 13, and 14
$99.00 + taxes per night (All Double Queen Rooms)
This rate is available only at Clifty Inn. Check other State Park Inns for their specific special. All guest rooms will receive a coupon at check-in for a free sweet treat with the purchase of any meal during
the stay. Limit one coupon per guest room per stay.
(877) 563-4371; http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/inns/clifty/

Click here to read the rest of Restart Your “Valentine’s” Engine

No Comments » | Filed under: Big City Activities, Bloomington, Central, East, Fine Dining, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Indianapolis, Lafayette & West Lafayette, Madison, North, Richmond, Romantic Retreats, Rural & Small Towns, South, South Bend, South Central, Statewide, Unique Accommodations, Warsaw, West

Indiana Tourism welcomes today’s guest blogger, Aimée MacArthur:

Aimée MacArthur enjoys cooking, going out to restaurants and traveling. In her spare time, she writes the weekly blog, Indianapolis Amy (indianapolisamy.typepad.com) about food, fun and life in the greater Indianapolis area. You can also find her on Twitter, @indianapolisamy

I was in a bit of a funk lately- really. For a while there was no sun in sight and I was starting to wear a “uniform” at work: long cardigan sweater, black pants and boring black shoes (yawn).  I hate to be cold and no matter how many times I reached for a skirt, tights and boots… I ended up with the cardigan and pants.

Last Saturday I had a big cup of coffee and decided to shake off my blah mood.  I put on a trendier outfit (chocolate wrap top, jeans tucked into knee high brown boots) and chucked my blah (& yes, grouchy) attitude and decided to drive to Bloomington, Indiana.  I didn’t have any set plans or agenda, but the sun was shining and I felt inspired.

I didn’t attend Indiana University and have only been to downtown Bloomington a handful of times (I’m kind of shocked about that fact.) and don’t know my way around.  So naturally, I got lost.  I found my bearings (with the help of my phone). Here are a few of the highlights of a few hours in Bloomington.

Hello Bloomington!

A Busy Afternoon

Kitsch with an Attitude

There’s only one Urban Outfitters in Indiana and it’s in Bloomington.  I’ve always been a fan of the casual, yet funky style- I spotted cheap sunglasses, colorful handbags, green cowboy boots (I had my eye on them but didn’t buy them- yet) and a number of accessories to bring my wardrobe up to speed.  Some of the clothes are definitely for the 20 year old college student (hello! ultra short mini skirts)- but I spotted a lot of clothes that a 30 something (me) would wear.

Indiana Grown

We didn’t have dinner plans but I remembered hearing about FARMbloomington (specializes in using local ingredients) and it was early and we were able to snag one of the tables in the bar.  I enjoyed the atmosphere (hip-casual- if that’s a word) and it’s the kind of restaurant you can have a few drinks and an appetizer or settle in for dinner.  No pressure.  I like that.

Martini

fries with chili flakes, garlic and parmesan (Ok- I was loving these fries and it was difficult to stop eating them. Really difficult)

FARMBloomington Ribs

FARM has a listing of specials on their blackboard and we went with the ribs (I’m crazy for any kind of barbecue), macaroni and cheese and kale.  The ribs were tender (fell off the bone) and topped with fried onions.  The macaroni and cheese was crunchy on top (love that) and creamy and I believe was made with truffle oil.

We didn’t get dessert (I was way too full) and on the way out, I grabbed a brunch menu.  I’m always looking for a new brunch place.  I enjoyed my evening at FARM and I’m looking forward to my next visit (lots of things to choose from including pizzas, and other specials, like fried chicken).  FARMbloomington, 108 E. Kirkwood, Bloomington, IN (812) 323-0002.

Wolf Moon- I couldn’t get over the amazing full moon and the sky filled with stars.  The moon followed me from Bloomington and the whole way home and I felt I could’ve been a stargazer anywhere, like Sedona, Arizona or Islamorada, Florida.  There’s something about staring out at a full moon and a starry night…anything seems possible.

Dear Bloomington,

Looking forward to seeing you again.  xxoo, Indianapolis Amy

You can also read this post on the Indianapolis Amy Blog.

3 Comments » | Filed under: Bloomington, Casual Dining, Cities & Counties, Family Activities, Fine Dining, Food & Drink, Indiana, Places To Go, Rural & Small Towns, Shopping, South Central

Shipshewana is wonderful destination for those who have “cabin fever.”  Most of the restaurants and shops are open year round. My wife and I were going a bit stir crazy at home, so we decided to take a trip out that way this weekend. We had a wonderful time. We love Amish country during this time of year – it is less crowded than during the summer months.

We made a trip to the antique market. As we took our time to meander through the market we found many treasures ranging in price. Even if you cannot afford to purchase items, looking is free and fun. The market had items from glassware to books. We could take our time as we went through. It was nice to walk around in the warm shop, admiring all of the antiques. When we had our fill of antiquing, we decided to head over to Yoder’s Department Store.

Yoder’s Department Store offers a grocery store, home goods store, and a clothing and sewing notions shop. The place is quite unique. One can find just about anything under their roof. If quilting is your passion, be sure to stop. They offer one of the largest fabric shops that I have ever seen. Yoder’s is a fun place to browse about in. You are also almost always guaranteed to see Amish shopping here.

After we finished our shopping and browsing, we went over to the famous Blue Gate Restaurant. Their hearty meals are wonderful during the coldest days of the season. They offer traditional homemade comfort foods, like roast beef, and chicken to egg noodles and mashed potatoes. The real jewel of the Blue Gate Restaurant is their desert menu. They offer a vast array of pies and cakes. After we were done eating, we wondered over the Bakery located in the building. They sell Amish peanut butter and any jelly that one could think of.

We finished our trip in Amish country with a drive through the country lanes just west of Shipshewana. We passed Amish farms, which were absolutely beautiful set amongst the rolling hills of the area.  It was interesting to see how the farms function in the harsh climate. We also had to see Amish buggies making their way along the same country lanes.

If you need to get out to chase the winter blues away, try a short trip out to Shipshewana. The shops and restaurants stay open all year. Take advantage of the “off season” in Amish country.

2 Comments » | Filed under: Amish, NWI Travel, North, Romantic Retreats, Rural & Small Towns

If you’re a coffee or tea lover, then Valparaiso, Indiana is a place you want to visit. With Valparaiso University located in the town, it is understandable that there would be a few coffee houses, but Valparaiso is literally overflowing with them. Valparaiso is sure to have the perfect coffee house for you. Here are 5 of the best coffee houses in Valparaiso.

• Uptown Café. This coffee shop just opened this past January. They offer a wide range of unique teas and coffees. They also make all of their lattes and fancy coffee drinks with Sweet Bird brand syrup. Uptown Café also offers a very impressive menu for being a coffee shop, from delectable pastries to baked macaroni and cheese, there is sure to be something yummy for every costumer. Their website: http://www.uptowncafevalpo.com/
• Cornucopia Coffee. This unique coffee and tea shop channels Central Perk, the coffee house from the hit television show friends. There are inviting sofas and warmly painted walls. The shop is located off the square in town and is located in a historic building in town. The décor of this shop lets the character of the building show, with exposed brick walls, tin ceiling, and beautiful hardwood floors.  They sell a wide array of delicious coffees and teas. They also offer various pastries and delicious sandwiches. Their website: http://cornucopiacoffee.net/
• Evelyn Bay Coffee. This coffee and tea shop sells Evelyn Bay brand coffee. The also offer a vast menu and delicious gelato. The interior is warm and inviting, with leather couches surrounding a circular fireplace. If you are interested in renting a room, for an event, they have a very nice one. Their website is: http://www.asipabove.com/
• Blackbird Café. This coffee house offers a vast array of coffees and teas as well. The specialty of this shop is their baked goods and soups. This shop is the smallest of the shops listed, offering a warm and cozy feeling.  I can honestly say that Blackbird offers the best macaroons that I have ever tasted. They do not currently have a website, but they do have a Facebook page.
• Isabella Bean. This shop is located on the square in downtown Valparaiso. This coffee shop specializes in Vegan options in everything on the menu, from coffee and tea to the food items as well. All of their soups are homemade daily.  This charming coffee house offers a charming and fresh atmosphere. Their website is: http://isabellabean.com/

All of these coffee house have groups that meet and other happenings. All of these coffee houses have events calendars. Next time you are in Valparaiso, and need a jolt of caffeine or need a warm scone there are plenty of places to stop.

1 Comment » | Filed under: Food & Drink, NWI Travel, Things To Do

Now, this event sounds like a lot of fun and you wouldn’t think that something like this would be going on in Amish Country. But the Shipshewana Retail Merchants Association is sponsoring an Pajama Sale on Saturday, February 6th.

Not only will the fun variety of stores in Shipshewana have specials sales at all your favorite haunts – you get a special discount if you show up in your pajamas!

That sounds like fun!

Stores open at 5am on February 6th and it’s been my experience that the earlier you get there, the better. And why not stop in at the Blue Gate Restaurant when you’re done shopping and have a hearty Amish Breakfast?

More info here.

No Comments » | Filed under: Amish, NWI Travel, Places To Go

On a recent trip to Amish Country this past weekend, I picked up the Shipshewana Flea Market yearly calendar of events and there’s quite a bit to look forward to in 2010 at the Shipshewana Market.

Just a note to those that may not be familiar with it – the Shipshewana Flea Market is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays starting in May. I’ve highlighted the opening dates and also the dates when they’ll have extended hours.

Feb 10 – Folk Art Auction – 12PM

Feb 13 – Antique Appraisal – 11am-2-pm

Feb 19 – Driving Horse Auction – 11am

Mar 17 – Antique Specialty Auction – 12pm

Mar 26 – Draft Horse Auction – 11am

Mar 27 – Standardbred Auction – 10am

Apr 2 – Saddle Horse Auction – 9am

Apr 21 – Antique Toy Auction – 9am

May 4-5 Flea Market Opens – 8am-5pm

May 8 – Garden, Art & Antique Show – 8am-4pm

May 31 – June 2 – Extended Flea Market – 8am-5pm

June 5 – Antique Market – 7am-4pm

June 11 – Shipshewana Yard Sale – 8am-5pm

Jul 5 – 7 – Extended Flea Market – 8am-5pm

July 9 – Shipshewana Yard Sale – 8am-3pm

Aug 7 – Antique Market – 7am-4pm

Sep 6-8 – Extended Flea Market – 8am-5pm

Sep 25 – Standardbred Auction – 10am

Oct 7-9 – Fall Crafters Fair – 8am-5pm

Oct 15 – Driving Horse Auction – 11am

Oct 20 – Antique Toy Auction – 9am

Nov 3 – Antique Speciality Auction – 12pm

Nov 12 – Evening at the Gallery – 6-8pm

Nov 26 – Saddle Horse Auction – 9am

Dec 3 – Draft Horse Auction – 11am

No Comments » | Filed under: Amish, NWI Travel