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Lions and Tigers and Bears: Oh My! It Must be Great Cats in Monticello, Indiana

Jessica Nunemaker — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:30:56 +0000

I am very happy to report that Great Cats of Indiana not only met but exceeded my expectations! Just outside of Monticello, Indiana, this haven lets you get mere feet away from tigers, bears, wolves, and the cutest little silver fox, to name a few. I’m not talking about one or two animals — there are over twenty tigers alone, for a grand total of 55 rescued exotics!

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These animals weren’t former circus stars. While a few have been birthed at Great Cats of Indiana, most of these exotic animals were illegally purchased by people who thought it would be a brilliant idea to keep a Cougar, a Siberian Tiger, a Wolf, as a pet, somehow not realizing that a 700 lb tiger is not your typical house cat and that, just maybe, they won‘t play so nice with Fido and Fluffy.

Now, Great Cats doesn’t possess manicured lawns, snack bars, or souvenir penny machines. But what you will find is the most up close and personal you have ever been to a wild animal in your life.

What’s more, you can see and even hear the affection these animals possess for their caretakers. Ever heard a lion make a happy noise? How about a tiger? I saw one wolf (Eclipse) literally jump up and down. I had no idea they could do that!

During my time at the sanctuary,the lion started to roar. Suddenly, the lioness jumped up from her nap and joined in. It was the kind of sound that gives you goose bumps.

I saw a tiger stalk his brother in play (and one that stalked me! Ah!) as well as an extremely rare lion, the very, very large Barbary Lion, the kind of lion once hunted by Romans for use in The Coliseum. At Great Cats, he goes by “Charlie,” loves to be talked to, and is one of only 97 left in the world. His great, furry paws are each about the size of my head, no kidding!

Here is where you come in. The staff are fantastic and really care for these animals (and love to talk about them). Great Cats would love to be able to expand and improve upon the pens, get more toys,
supplies, and all those things that go hand in hand with such a massive operation.

Help Great Cats boost the quality of life for their feline (and otherwise) charges. Head on over to their site and consider a donation of time, supplies, or money. Think about “Adopting” one of Great Cat’s critters and rest assured that your funds are going to a great cause: Great Cats of Indiana in Idaville, Indiana.

Great Cats of Indiana
10471 U.S. 24
Idaville IN 47950
574.943.3412

Abe’s Pizza in Monticello, Indiana: A Slice of Heaven

Jessica Nunemaker — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:30:50 +0000

There are several places to eat in downtown Monticello, Indiana but we chose Abe’s Pizza.

Word on the street said that Abe’s Pizza is the place to go. One mention of the soft and delicious breadsticks at Abe’s and we were sold!

Abe’s Pizza in Monticello, Indiana

Monticello, Indiana: Abe's Pizza

While this pizza shop wasn’t hard to find, it’s right on the main square in downtown Monticello, parking sure was!

After a few trips around and around thanks to one way streets, our own confusion, and my uncanny knack for pointing out open parking spaces after we had already driven past them (yeah, hubs just loves that) we finally found a spot to park.

We got inside, placed our order, and had a seat in one of the booths. We weren’t alone. Some local officers were also enjoying a big slice of the ‘za. The kid was in awe and hardly took his eyes off of them.

Pizza and Breadsticks

We started with an order of breadsticks. We had heard that they were to die for. Whoa, baby, was that ever true!

Being a bit of a baker myself, I often have trouble finding places that meet my standards, that I don’t think I could top. Those breadsticks were soft and fluffy and just plain incredible!

I have yet to meet another like it. Forget chain restaurants–this Indiana town has the right stuff.

As for the pizza? Pepperoni, of course! It was everything a pizza should be but usually isn’t.

Indiana Pizza Shop

You know it’s good when everyone (including the kid who is NEVER quiet) becomes completely silent after that first cheesy bite!

We’ll play around with other flavors the next time we head to Monticello, Indiana–and there will definitely be a next time!

Find Abe’s Pizza images and other pictures in Indiana on my Flickr photostream.

Abe’s Pizza
207 North Main Street
Monticello, Indiana 47960
574.583.9600

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Mad About Monticello, Indiana!

Jessica Nunemaker — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:30:31 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

While you may associate Monticello with Indiana’s largest Amusement Park (Indiana Beach), there is more to Monticello than twisting wooden coasters, zippin’ water slides, and fried food.

A small town, with a population under 6,000, Monticello has a lot to offer. They even have plans to create what looks to be a well planned and thought out skate park, although what I know about skateboarding is – okay, I know nothing about skateboarding but it looks really neat and I would totally love to learn how…if I wasn‘t scared of breaking something! Me = Klutz. Me + Wheels = Disaster.

Anyway, the town is beyond cute. The old, well-kept shop buildings are really a site to see and most of them look great! It’s nice to see such an assortment in a little place. The town even has a large drive-in movie theater — how cool is that? It’s been around since 1949 and draws 45,000 people to its first-run, double features! Find homemade root beer at the B & K Drive-In and plenty of kid-friendly food. Locals directed me to Abe’s Pizza, a way cute pizza joint. Read more about Abe’s Pizza here. Bonus: it’s just down from Kinser’s Bakery, so grab something yummy for dessert!

I was totally diggin’ Monticello, Indiana and can’t wait to go back and do more exploring and shopping…and eating — and maybe hit up the amusement park as well!

Your Turn: What’s your favorite thing to do in Monticello?