Of course, that was back in 1938, and I’m guessing that the slow-down and eventual end of passenger trains passing through might of had something to do with the current smaller state of Mulberry, Indiana.

I would love to travel back in time to Mulberry’s heyday – with the train and later bus station, I bet it was just a bustling little place! Even now there are a lot of really nice architectural details on some of the downtown buildings.

Mulberry is a bit quiet. On the corner of town in a really neat building sits Mulberry Package Liquors (the owner is a really nice guy), a resale shop (that actually had a sign on the door with the owner’s number so you could call him/her if they weren’t around and you felt like browsing!) at which there was the cutest polka dot dress ever in the window and I was really tempted to call…

Anyway, there was even a taxidermy! I know I sound rather excited about that but it’s been awhile since I’ve seen one and it was just a little unexpected. Really, I’m just glad to see any thriving businesses in a small town – especially in today’s economy!

I can’t forget what draws many people in to Mulberry from the surrounding area – Roberts’ South Fork Restaurant and Pub. And, yes, judging from the steady flow of people in and out, they do make a special trip just for the restaurant!

Yes, Roberts’ South Fork Restaurant and Pub is what brought us in, too, though more for the “restaurant” part of it than the “pub” part. I have a posting on Facebook to thank for guiding me here to this little place! I had asked, “Where’s your favorite place to eat in little Indiana?” and some nice little Indiana “liker” answered, “South Fork in Mulberry.” You’ll just have to wait to hear about our experiences and recommendations about that one!

For you American Idol lovers, Amanda Overmyer from Season 7, was an American Idol finalist who also happens to be from Mulberry, Indiana. I’d love to interview her for little Indiana!

Mulberry, Indiana may not be the bustling little place that it once was but it does have a restaurant (review shortly), some neat buildings, and is surely worth a walk-through at the very least. They had a really neat Post Office as you can see from the image to the immediate left. Hey, you might just fall in love and decide to move in! As always, there’s more to see on my Flickr Page!

Mulberry, Indiana; Clinton County


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©2010 littleindiana.com. All Rights Reserved.

Related posts:

1. Rensselaer, Indiana: Small Town, Big Heart
2. Fingerhut Bakery: Small Town Bakery, Super Selection
3. Bed and Breakfast: Country Victorian Inn, Middlebury, Indiana

First: we walked the strip.  What an incredible selection of shops!  Antiques, resale, and gift shops all down the length of the rather thriving and very bustling downtown strip.  No kidding – there was actual traffic!  Well, what I consider traffic in a small town, anyway.

So – yes, there were shops and very few empty or boarded up buildings!  And, I know this will blow your mind, but – most were even open on Saturday!   The only one that wasn’t (and the one that hubs and the kid were drooling over) was a fantastic train shop!  You know it’s a great little place when there are actually people out and about and actually shopping in the historic downtown!  That’s always a really good sign!

The only issue I saw with the downtown – it seemed a little less than handicapped friendly.  Most of the shops had a step or stairs and the sidewalk itself was quite narrow (I did manage to trip on a step and into a shop which is always a great first impression).  With a little help, though, it shouldn’t be impossible – though it was a bit of a bear every now and then dealing with our stroller.

Did I mention food yet?  This wouldn’t be little Indiana without mentioning the restaurants – and Lowell, Indiana had quite a few!  We received a few recommendations: McVey’s Restaurant and Bar, the new CornerStone Restaurant, and Athens Grill.

Anyway – stay tuned for a more detailed peek into Lowell’s historic downtown shops, that awesome Victorian architecture, the decaying and incredible old public school, and – where we ate (and where you definitely should, too)!

As always, check out my Flickr page for more Lowell photos — seriously, this little place has lots of detail!
Lowell, Indiana; Lake County

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©2010 littleindiana.com. All Rights Reserved.

Related posts:

1. Lowell, Indiana: Tish’s Antiques
2. A Cut Above: Kentland, Indiana
3. Delphi, Indiana: Shop ‘til You Drop!

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.

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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©2010 littleindiana.com. All Rights Reserved.

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1. The Sandwich Shop — Sandwich Heaven in Delphi, Indiana
2. Delphi, Indiana: More than a Day Trip
3. The Stone House: Delphi, Indiana Restaurant and Bakery of Pure Deliciousness

The surrounding areas are so very small that there is not even a McDonalds (I find that to be a good thing, but apparently not everyone holds my opinion).  So, to Kentland they go!

Shops and a restaurant or two border the Newton County Courthouse.  It is wonderful to see a small town with actual businesses in the downtown square.

You have just got to drive (or walk) around the neighborhoods that span outward from the courthouse square: we’re talking gingerbread and spires!  I’ve seen more than a few houses to add to my ever expanding “to buy” list (in my dreams, I know).

Drooling over all those homes made us hungry!  Locals directed us to make a stop at The Good Table Restaurant (you won’t believe the prices!). 

After dessert (mmm, pie!), Hubby and I toodled around a bit, enjoying the freedom that only comes at the cost of a babysitter.

Adult conversation and a leisurely meal in an Indiana small town?  Priceless.

Bottom-line? Kentland is in a class all its own.  Definitely a great place to stop, stretch your legs, and take a look around.

Kentland, Indiana; Newton County

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©2010 littleindiana.com. All Rights Reserved.

Related posts:

1. Kentland, Indiana Architecture: Jaw-Dropping Loveliness
2. The Good Table: Good Idea!
3. Rensselaer, Indiana: Small Town, Big Heart

Anyway, from the outside, The Victorian Guest House was absolutely beautiful…and pink.  Very, very pink.  We had arrived after the usual check-in time, but made arrangements with the manager beforehand, so we simply typed in our entry code and were soon amazed.

Lovely etched glass doors led into an entryway with fantastically gorgeous woodwork along an impressive staircase.   Our room was at the top of the stairs, The Coppes Suite.  Why did we choose to stay in this room?  I think the picture easily explains it.

Yes.  The tub was that huge.  Original to the house and in excellent condition, it is capable of holding 65 gallons of water with plenty of room for two.  I totally felt like a Princess.

After gaping in awe at the bathroom — which was really huge and really cool — (it even had a stained glass window)  we made our way downstairs to check out what was offered in the dining room.  What a room that was!

There was an insane amount of woodwork here as well as an incredible carved table and chairs.  My photos just do NOT do it justice!  I picked through numerous teas while hubs ponied up for a cold beverage from the mini-fridge.  Yes: hot = free, cold = pay. 

Breakfast in the morning was okay.  It started with a pear comfit, an egg casserole that I’m pretty sure I have made myself at home, and a generous slice of chocolate bundt cake.  Good, but not knock-your-socks off good.  I have to admit I was expecting a little more from such a fancy schmancy place.

The Victorian Guest House is in a terrific location.  Right in downtown Nappanee, hubs and I could easily ditch the car, walk around, even have a drink at the downtown bar together, and stumble make our way back without getting lost and confused about how to get back.  We are a gifted people, us Nunemakers.

Bottom-line: it is a wonderful home and definitely worth checking out.  They just don’t make them like they used to!

What is your "must-have" feature when you are looking to stay at a bed and breakfast?  Is it a gourmet meal, easy access, or surprise feature (like a really great bathtub)?

Victorian Guest House
302 East Market Street
Nappanee IN 46560
574773.4383

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