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Fair Oaks Farms Makes Me Jump for Joy

Jessica Nunemaker — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 13:30:39 +0000

little Indiana hit up Fair Oaks Farm in Fair Oaks, Indiana. This locally owned and operated dairy is massive – like 19,000 acres massive! As you can see from the video below it’s not just cows, cows, and more cows — it’s also a cheese shop, a children’s playground, 4D Video, toddler playground, barn tour, and birthing arena.

Stay tuned for plenty of Fair Oaks Farm fun! In the meantime, you can see me having fun, little Indiana style. Because, really, who can resist a giant bouncy pillow? Watch little Indiana heads to Fair Oaks Farms in Fair Oaks, Indiana on YouTube or below.

Delphi, Indiana: The Opera House Part 2

Jessica Nunemaker — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 13:30:57 +0000

The Delphi, Indiana Opera House is amazing. It has definitely been the most surprising tour I’ve been on yet – incredible history and architecture (and volunteers who know their stuff – thanks Julie K.).

Built back in 1865, the Opera House is actually located on the third floor (after two very steep flights of stairs, perfect for hoop skirts!) but was used more as an event hall than anything else.

It wasn’t until the floor was built up with risers twenty years later that the Opera House became the place to be — attracting performers of all kinds…and even James Whitcomb Riley!

The famed poet became inspired after visiting a pond in Delphi, so much that he had to write a poem about it: The Old Swimmin’ Hole. As you can see from the photo – visiting performers left their mark on the place: literally.

Actors and actresses signed their names along the back wall behind the stage, sometimes drawing pictures (self portraits?) and sometimes even leaving behind the date. Unfortunately, no one has found James Whitcomb Riley’s name. Will you?

Another fun fact about this Opera House is that, once upon a time, the connecting building was a hotel that the various performers used to get ready (and stay, I’m sure).

The old door has long since been bricked over and the building next door? The upper level is an apartment. The Opera House managed to stay in business (competing against, I believe, two others in Delphi!) until 1915 when the place was shut down – a third floor Opera House with only one way out does not make for a safe place in case of fire!

The Opera House fell into a state of decay – and was mainly used as storage. Storage! Ugh – if that isn’t the saddest thing. As you can probably tell from Delphi, Indiana: The Opera House Photo Gallery Part One – this place is really in need of renovation.

Fortunately, the Delphi Preservation Society has come to the rescue, receiving grants and donations (even we contributed) to spiff the place up, recreate many of its amazing features, and generally make it useable once again. Finally – a happy ending!

There are so many reasons to head to Delphi, Indiana – the Opera House is just one more! You can be sure that little Indiana is going to keep tabs on this one – and make plenty of return trips to check on the progress (and not just because of the yummy bakery across the street. That has nothing to do with it. What? What? You don’t believe me?).

As always, check out my Flickr photostream for more Delphi, Indiana Opera House goodness!

Opera House Gallery of Contemporary Art (Opera House tour starts here and takes you next door)
109 S. Washington Street
Delphi, Indiana 46923
765.564.4300 or 765.202.3211

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Monon Connection Museum in Monon, Indiana: All Aboard

Jessica Nunemaker — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 13:30:32 +0000

I love when my travels take me to something that utterly surprises me – like the Monon Connection Museum in Monon, Indiana. Before we start our adventure I feel it is important to point out that I am not a train enthusiast. I do not normally seek out train museums and I don’t really know anything about them — but I spent roughly two hours in this place and could have easily done more.

We had no idea that the train museum was so enormous. Originally we wondered if the large freight cars of various sizes, colors, and kinds (one of which you can tour inside) outside were the museum. Boy were we wrong!

Attached to the Whistle Stop Restaurant was the actual museum (the outside stuff was rather impressive) which is thought to be the largest train museum in the world. Yes, my friends, little Monon, Indiana (with a population under 1800 says the Wiki) boasts the largest collection of train stuff anywhere. After touring through – I believe it!

For example, did you know that each of the various train lines had their own dining car china, a pattern specific to them, that differed between regions? The museum has extremely rare patterns and pieces – like, of three remaining demitasse cups, they have two.

They also had a bunch of old National Cash Registers – and those were so fun! Some were fancy and shiny and golden – one was even German! I took way too many photos of those (which you can always check out on my Flickr account).

In this day and age of multiple career changes, it is hard to comprehend that someone could work for the same company for sixty years – but we saw the service pins. We also saw a bunch of switch keys and locks, conductor hats and railroad signs of all kinds.

There was an exhibit that recreated the old Illinois Depot – with loads of detail (like tickets, furniture, timetable, everything!).

But a museum is only as good as someone who can tell you what the heck it is you are looking at! Our tour guide was amazing. Harold Harvey (who also designed the town’s new logo) knew absolutely everything about the various (many) pieces in the museum – and then some.

Not only that — he was great with kids! Oh, and he was the guy who happened to sell the owner (Dale Ward) the first train piece that got the whole thing started in the first place! He is also responsible for creating the town’s logo, but that’s a story for a different day. In other words, stay tuned – there’s more of Monon, Indiana to come!

I could go on about this place all day – it was so interesting! I have so very many photos of the Monon Connection Museum on Flickr – go check it out! Hat tip to Rensselaer Adventures for the nice email suggesting this one!

Monon Connection Museum
10012 U.S. 421
Monon, IN 47959
219.253.4101

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Delphi, Indiana: Opera House Photo Gallery Part One

Jessica Nunemaker — Tue, 25 May 2010 13:30:36 +0000

little Indiana has been swamped lately — but dying to share with you my adventures at the Delphi, Indiana Opera House. For now, just photos. Be on the watch for more of the Opera House – what an interesting history-filled tour and a wonderful way to spend an hour or two!

Looking down the stairs at the Delphi, Indiana Opera House.

Looking in.

See the silvery fancy parts on the left? That is the balcony!

Faded Beauty.

Still amazing after all these years…

The plaster ceiling medallion.

Delphi, Indiana: Shop ‘til You Drop!

Jessica Nunemaker — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 13:30:06 +0000

Delphi, Indiana has a lot of shops for a small town — no sad, empty buildings in this little place! I was urged to visit the three antique shops located right along the Square (you know how much I enjoy a courthouse!) – and somehow managed to miss one, which I sincerely regret!

I admit, I have a few standards when it comes to antique shops. I do not like when they are more flea market than antique-y and – I like them dirty.

If I browse an antique shop and don’t get a little dusty – well, where’s the fun in that? There’s absolutely nothing better than unearthing some treasure hidden beneath a pile of stuff and, honestly – who doesn’t love that antique shop smell? A spic and span antique shop is not the shop for me. Happily – Delphi, Indiana antique shops seemed to agree!

I fell in love with Delphi Antique Mall. They had a ton of wonderful old board games (which I love), lots of glassware, just neat things in general — and a second floor! Too bad I didn’t make it that far – the natives were getting restless. I decided that dragging them through breakables against their will might not be the best of ideas.

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So – on to Mom’s Old Stuff. Mostly large pieces, think: furniture, though I’m sure that fluctuates (it’s kind of the nature of the “biz”). Apparently the owner used to have booths all over the state – even in Greene’s in Rensselaer, Indiana and scattered around the state. Then, the corner shop opened up, and he pulled them all out – and is now all in one place, the North East corner of the tidy little Square. He is supposed to have a Facebook page – but I can’t find it!

Then there was Calico Plus, a cute little shop crammed with all sorts of goodies – candles, rugs, country knick-knacks and lots of great little things to jazz up your walls. Aren’t those just FUN?

Of course, like always, I have a lot more photos of Downtown Delphi, Indiana posted up on Flickr – and still more to come!

Delphi Antique Mall
117 S. Washington St
Delphi IN 46923
765.564.3990

Mom’s Old Stuff
101 W Franklin St.
Delphi IN 46923
No Phone
Open: Thursday – Saturday 11 AM – 5 PM

Calico Plus
114 W. Main
Delphi Indiana 46923
765.564.4397

Delphi, Indiana; Carroll County

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Indiana Fun: Dartball

Jessica Nunemaker — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:30:17 +0000

There is always something to do in a small town – like, Dartball! I know, I know – I had never heard of Dartball, either — that is up until two months ago when somehow I ended up on a team (boy do I bet they regret that move!).

Now, Dartball is kind of like darts, except, instead of lightweight, easy to throw darts, you have darts specifically made for the game, which are heavier, thicker, and, well, I kind of feel like I have to whip them at the board just to make the 15 feet to the other end (men have 20 feet to throw).

Where do you throw them? Hopefully you can make it to the Dartball board – a ginormous diamond shaped piece of wood that is divided into orange 1st, 2nd, and 3rd bases – and the coveted home run!

The other sections are red, green, or white and labeled single, strike, ball, or out. Guess which one my dart prefers to land on? Unfortunately, it’s not the homer…yet!

If it lands off the board — break out your silver coins! You’ve got to pay up and, oh yes, you will be teased! Have I thrown it off the board? I plead the Fifth.

Teams play six innings and snacks are always provided by the “home” team (you KNOW that whenever church ladies have to do anything with food it’s impossible to resist!) A game of Dartball takes about 1 1/2 to 2 hours to get through (depending on how good everyone is doing).

All ages play this one – friendly competition is a good thing! It’s been a lot of fun – and I am so not good at it. Even so, it definitely helped pass what could have been some long Indiana winter nights (and you know how dark those are!). Meeting all sorts of new people was just an awesome bonus!

Want to see the practice board? You can really tell that it’s gotten a lot of (mis)use – and check out those crazy darts! Interested? Local churches are the place to start – play ball!

Rensselaer, Indiana: Cruise Night Classics

Jessica Nunemaker — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:30:46 +0000

It’s that time of year…you know, when you start yearning for nice weather and the ability to stand outside sans coat without risking frostbite. It leaves me to dreaming about parades, yard sales, fairs, and Cruise Night.

People flock from miles around for Rensselaer, Indiana’s annual Cruise Night. Most folks gather around the square, sometimes setting up blankets hours in advance (no kidding). With a food vendor or two as well as a car show, it’s a nice way to spend an afternoon gawking at cars I will never remember the name of!

Here are a few fantastic cars from this year’s cruise! Sweet!

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What kind of car are you always excited to see at Cruise Night? For me: it’s all about the 50’s and lots of chrome!

Edit: July 10, 2010 is Rensselaer’s Cruise Night!

Rensselaer, Indiana; Jasper County

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Wakarusa Dime Store

Jessica Nunemaker — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:30:00 +0000

Wakarusa, Indiana is a part of struggling Elkhart County. So it’s even more amazing that Wakarusa Dime Store has been in business since 1907 (with the last changing of hands back in 1995) ! Just try not to run up and down the candy-filled aisles grabbing every shiny, colorful, candy-containing package in sight!

Row after row of old favorites: Apple Heads and candy necklaces, Candy Buttons, Big League Chew Bubble Gum, and the whole gummy gambit: from cheeseburgers to rats (gross), as well as some things I hadn’t seen before, will make anyone with a sweet tooth revert back to an 8 year old with free reign and a couple bucks in his pocket.

They boast quite the claim to fame: the giant jelly bean. While I am normally not that big a fan of jelly beans, turning them into these Goliaths has made me a believer – and an addict! They have quite a variety of flavors. Random fact: giant jelly beans were once enjoyed by Ronald Reagan as a way to kick a smoking habit.

Seriously, if you are in the area, or even if you aren’t!, you have got to hit the Wakarusa Dime Store. For store hours, questions, and to get those big jelly beans shipped to your door (brilliant!) hit up their website.

Wakarusa Dimestore
103 E. Waterford St.
Wakarusa IN 46573
877.715.9821

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Think Pumpkins are Only Orange? Think Again!: Mathew Tree Farm and Pumpkin Patch

Jessica Nunemaker — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:30:57 +0000

I always thought pumpkins came in two basic colors: orange or white. Was I ever in for a surprise after a visit to Mathew’s Tree Farm and Pumpkin Patch in little Rensselaer, Indiana!

Cinderella, Fairytale, Sandstone, Meal and Pie Pumpkins like Golden Pan and New England Sugar (I got one of each, I’ll let you know which makes the better pie in a future posting), from black to flaming orange to yellow stripes, from smooth to bumpy, Mathew’s Tree Farm and Pumpkin Patch has it!

The prices were beyond reasonable…can you say $6 for 5 pumpkins? No kidding. The couple who own the farm is super nice as well. Not only that, but they also produce their own honey.

Of course, as soon as we got home, I had to bake some bread so we could do a taste test the right way. The verdict? Definitely better than the little bear containers at the store!

If you are tired of the same old ho-hum orange pumpkins and want to really make a statement this Halloween, without breaking the bank, make your way to Mathew’s Pumpkin and Christmas Tree Farm. Perhaps even grab some pumpkins for my pumpkin muffins recipe.

Give them a call at 219.866.3388 for hours and directions.

For more photos, visit little Indiana’s Facebook Fan Page!

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Mathew’s Tree Farm and Pumpkin Patch
224 E 900th S.
Rensselaer IN 47978
219.866.3388

The Blueberry Festival: It’s a Berry Good Time!

Jessica Nunemaker — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:30:43 +0000

The end of summer may pass by with little notice in some parts of the world…but not in Plymouth, Indiana! Labor Day weekend marks the beginning of one of the top festivals in the Midwest: The Blueberry Festival. Attracting hordes of people from states around, The Blueberry Festival, or Blueberry, is a major draw to little Plymouth.

Sure, I’d heard about how massive and wonderful the three days of Blueberry was, but didn’t get a chance to see for myself until last year. Just…wow!

Bring on the deep-fried, artery-clogging goodness! Find everything fried and fabulous…and even a little strange. I mean, cheesecake on a stick? Huh?

There are many, many food vendors: German, Polish, Italian, Greek, Mexican, and just a ton of choices. But the star of the festival is everything blueberry!

What did I see this year? Blueberry-topped ice cream sundaes, blueberry milkshakes, blueberry cheesecake, blueberry cider slush, blueberry fudge, blueberry cobbler, pie, and more! It’s a blueberry-lover’s dream come true!

After walking through the wall of tempting food vendors, you’ll start getting into the crafts, etc. This isn’t one of those things where you go in expecting to be amazed and instead it’s a disappointing bunch of yard sale cast-offs, no sir! Sure, the guys selling “buy one get two free” are around, but so are antiques and art and lots of handcrafted goodness.

There’s games, rides, a camp of Civil War Re-enactors, and a good selection of rides for kids like a small roller coaster, the giant slide, even a fun house and circus train, just to name a few.

Probably one of the best and most unique attractions of The Blueberry Festival is The Hot Air Affair, the hot air balloon event. This annual to-do attracts hot air balloon enthusiasts from all over the country and frequent launches just add to the whole atmosphere. Little ones in particular think it’s pretty incredible. But then again, so do I.

If you get a chance to go next year, take it! Tip: park at Plymouth High School. All proceeds go to various school clubs and you get a free ride on The Tram. Blueberry is big enough without adding a ton of extra walking just to get to the entrance!

What’s your favorite part of The Blueberry Festival? I have to say I’m a big fan of the food! Find more Plymouth, Indiana Blueberry Festival photos on my Flickr photostream.

Plymouth, Indiana; Marshall County

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