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Big Splash Adventure Indoor Waterpark in French Lick, Indiana

Jessica Nunemaker — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Big Splash Adventure: French Lick, Indiana

The Big Splash Adventure Indoor Waterpark in French Lick, Indiana is a must for year-round fun!

Winter or Summer, you’ll plenty to do to keep you busy in this fun Indiana town.

Big Splash Adventure Indoor Waterpark

As we drove up the very big hill to get to the hotel and waterpark, the kids were amazed.

Encased in glass windows, there’s no hiding the colorful slides darting around inside–and out!

Kid #1 couldn’t believe his great good luck. “Mom, are we staying HERE?”

Big Splash Indoor Waterpark Rooms

Big Splash Adventure in French Lick, Indiana Room

Who knew our room at Big Splash Indoor Waterpark would be so comfortable?

I was expecting more “kid-friendly” and less decorative type things. Boy was I wrong.

Extra-long decorative pillows, a comfortable mattress, and nice, neutral colors lent a relaxing feel to the room. The kids really liked playing with the giant pillows!

What’s great is that even after you check out, you are still allowed access to the indoor waterpark. How fun is that?

Indiana Indoor Waterpark

Big Splash Adventure Indoor Waterpark in French Lick, Indiana

The lazy river was calling my name. Kid #1 liked to go through it with me.

I liked to bop his inner tube over and under as many buckets, fountains, and other “get you drenched” sort of surprises.

Now that was fun! Kid #2 loved the toddler pool and slide! He felt like such big stuff.

Kid #1 and hubby were brave enough to tackle the slides first thing. They couldn’t wait to tell me how creepy the red slide was at night–so dark you can’t see anything but can feel the temperature change as it darts outside the building!

I wasn’t brave enough to battle the stairs (you know my fear of heights, right?) until the next morning. But then? Wow did I have fun!

Go There

People travel all over the country looking for something to do when there’s great good fun to be had in their very own backyard.

Get over to Orange County and make a splash–any time of year!

Find Big Splash Adventure Indoor Waterpark and other pictures in Indiana on my Flickr photostream.

Big Splash Adventure Indoor Waterpark
8505 West State Road 56
French Lick, Indiana 47432
877.936.3866

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Bill’s Rock Shop Images from Delphi, Indiana

Jessica Nunemaker — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Bill’s Rock Shop in Delphi, Indiana is an awesome little shop. There are rocks and fossils everywhere!

I admit that I would use any excuse to visit Delphi, Indiana! But–Bill’s Rock Shop holds its own as a great downtown destination.

This would make such a great place to take the kids or grand-kids and give them a little lesson on rocks or fossils. Educational and fun!

I’ve heard tell that it’s seasonally opened, so please be sure to call ahead before you head out.

Bill’s Rock Shop Images from Delphi, Indiana

Delphi, Indiana: Bill's Rock Shop

See Bill’s Rock Shop images and other pictures in Indiana on my Flickr photostream.

Bill’s Rock Shop
113 South Washington Street
Delphi, Indiana 46923
765.564.3073

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Netters Restaurant in Bremen, Indiana: Homemade Heaven

Jessica Nunemaker — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Netters Restaurant in Bremen, Indiana

Just a smidgen away from the old downtown, Netters Restaurant in Bremen, Indiana is definitely a family affair.

Serving up tasty and delicious homemade food that’s made to order, this Indiana mom and pop restaurant was a wonderful surprise!

Netters Restaurant in Bremen, Indiana

I admit that I was apprehensive at first when I walked into the really nice, brightly lit interior–would this place serve homemade food?

Absolutely it does! Flipping through the Netters menu, there’s a lot to like.

I could not decide between the Patty Melt or the Reuben Sandwich (surprise, surprise). Apparently I am very much a creature of habit!

Menu at Netters Restaurant

Netters Restaurant Menu: Bremen, Indiana

Hubs ordered Fried Mushrooms and a Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich. He does love a good Philly!

I finally narrowed it down to the Patty Melt–and a side of fries. But next time…that Reuben Sandwich is getting crossed off the list.

If I can keep myself from getting that yummy Patty Melt again, that is!

After receiving our order, well, let’s just say that Netters Restaurant ranks up there as one of my all-time faves. From start to finish, it was delicious.

A Family Affair

Netters Restaurant Patty Melt in Bremen, Indiana

When I told hubs that my fries were amazing, the owner mentioned that up until I ordered them they were still a potato! Now how is that for fresh?

Hubs boasted that his Fried Mushrooms were the best he had ever had! Days later and he’s still going on about the greatness of those mushrooms!

In fact, the owner mentioned that everything they make is made to order and always fresh. It shows! There’s a lot of care taken in the preparation of each and every dish.

Go There

The owners have six kids–one of which was helping that very night. Support a family restaurant and you support a family!

You absolutely need to check it out. There’s even a bonus: Free Wi-Fi! Now how’s that for a great Indiana town hangout?

Find Netters Restaurant images and other pictures in Indiana on my Flickr photostream.

Netters Restaurant
1106 West Plymouth Street
Bremen, Indiana 46506
574,546.4225

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Wabash, Indiana: Ellen’s A Dress to Impress

Jessica Nunemaker — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:00:10 +0000

Wabash, Indiana: Ellen's Dress to Impress Shop

After walking into Ellen’s A Dress to Impress in Wabash, Indiana–I may need to figure out how to little Indiana it up in a super cute dress!

It’s rare for little Indiana to schlep around Indiana towns in anything other than jeans. But now? I might need to rethink things…

Ellen’s A Dress to Impress in Wabash, Indiana

I should probably say that I absolutely love dresses. I love them and have always loved them–so I did walk into this shop slightly biased.

But in my defense, I did keep an open mind. Until I saw the wall of loveliness! All bets were off.

This shop is gorgeous, comfortable, and inviting!

Indiana Dress Shop

Wabash, Indiana: Ellen's Dress to Impress Shop

More like a boutique in a big city than a small town dress shop, Ellen’s is hip and full of class.

Lovely feminine chandeliers grace the ceiling and fun black and white patterned chairs invite you to relax.

The tasteful decor makes you feel like you’re in a ritzy downtown dress shop–but without the high prices!

This may be a consignment dress shop, but these dresses are in superb condition. What a great Wabash County find.

Special Occasion Dresses

Wabash, Indiana: Ellen's A Dress to Impress

Prom, weddings, special events–there is something for everyone here!

Don’t think the guys are left out, either. She even carries tuxedos for sale or rent.

Girls can find fancy dresses all along one of the walls. Oh the cuteness!

Go There

New and fabulous, if you need a dress for a special occasion, you’ll really want to check out Ellen’s A Dress to Impress! She’s got a good thing going on here.

We even braved a blizzard to check it out. It’s just. That. Good!

For Ellen’s Dress to Impress shop images and other pictures in Wabash, Indiana on my Flickr photostream.

Ellen’s A Dress to Impress
36 W. Canal Street
Wabash, Indiana 46992
260.571.7572

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Indiana Blogs: May Dreams Gardens

Jessica Nunemaker — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

This marks the start of a new series at little Indiana: Indiana Blogs! If you are an Indiana Blogger, please use the contact form and send me an email. You may be featured right here on little Indiana.

Indiana Blogs: May Dreams Gardens

May Dreams Garden is an Indiana blog that isn’t afraid to get a little dirty. Carol has the green thumb to prove it!

With helpful gardening tips and hints for success, and the occasional peek inside a gardening book, you will soon be on your way to gardening happiness.

You’ll enjoy this look at the plants and flowers that “make the cut” and get a spot in May Dreams Garden–I know I did!

Indiana Blogs: May Dreams Gardens

Why did you start May Dreams Gardens?
I started earnestly blogging in 2006.

What about that name? Why May Dreams Gardens?
It’s based on the name I gave my garden, May Dreams. “All year I dream of the days of May when the sun is warm, the sky is blue, the grass is green and the garden is all new again.”

What are three of your most favorite posts?

I have over 1800 posts on my blog, so it is hard to pick favorites.

Three favorite types of posts include:

I started a meme called Garden Bloggers’ Bloom Day to encourage all garden bloggers to post on the 15th of the month about what’s blooming in their gardens. This has been going on for five years now, and still there are sometimes 100 garden bloggers who join in from all over the world. That’s always a favorite post. We just posted for January.
I also like the posts I write about the “secrets to achieving happiness in your garden” and turned some of those into a page on my blog: Gardening Secrets.
I like to mix it up and write in different styles. I had fun for awhile writing one act plays based on the lives of flowers, like Marigolds.

What keeps you ready and raring to post? Why do you blog?
I’ve connected with a lot of other gardeners across the country and around the world through blogging and we now get together somewhere in the country on an annual basis just to visit gardens and see each other face to face.

Plus, my blogging opened up opportunities for me to write for a few magazines, including Indiana Gardening, and to have a seasonal garden column in The South Side Times (published for southern Marion County and northern Johnson County). Who knows where else it will lead me?

I couldn’t help but notice that you have a collection of garden hoes. Do tell!
Like most collections, first I had one hoe, then saw a second one that was different so I bought it and then before I knew it, I had enough garden hoes to call it a collection.

I posed them in the garden, took their pictures and posted them online. I am still adding hoes to the collection whenever I see one that’s different from those I already have.

If you had to downsize and could only keep five plants or flowers–which ones would they be?

This is nearly impossible for me to even grasp the concept of having just five plants or flowers. Here’s a post I just wrote about that topic: Dear Hortense Hoelove Answers “Enough Flowers?”

Is there anything else that you would like little Indiana readers to know?
I had another blog for three years that was based on my grandmother’s diaries that she wrote in the 1920′s when she was a young mother raising her family on the near East side of Indianapolis. It’s Ruth Campbell Smith 1925-1927 Diaries.

That was fun and got my aunt and mom to tell us more of the family history that they remembered. It is a treasure now that they have both passed on recently.

I joked that my grandmother, through me, was the world’s oldest garden blogger.

How Does Her Garden Grow

May Dreams grows with a mixture of history and a passion for diggin’ in the dirt! Thanks to Carol for hopping on over to little Indiana today.

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Bread Basket Cafe and Bakery in Danville, Indiana: Something’s in the Oven

Jessica Nunemaker — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:00:51 +0000

Bread Basket Cafe and Bakery: Danville, Indiana

Somethings in the oven at Bread Basket Cafe and Bakery in Danville, Indiana–and it’s good!

This Indiana bakery is a new addition to Danville and is it ever cute.

Bread Basket Cafe and Bakery

Since it’s move from Coatesville, Indiana, Bread Basket Cafe and Bakery is bigger and better than ever! Located inside a restored home, it doesn’t get any more welcoming than this.

You can’t miss the display case of gorgeous cakes. They are certain to catch your eye as soon as you step inside the cozy interior.

Chocolate cakes, Vanilla Cakes, Mini Cakes–they even have a Snickerdoodle Cake that is absolutely beautiful!

Bread Basket Cafe and Bakery Food

Bread Basket Cafe and Bakery: Danville, Indiana

As gorgeous as the homemade desserts may be, don’t forget the food!

This Hendricks County haven of goodness uses local products to make mouthwatering soups.

But the most popular item on the menu (and one of my favorites) is the Chicken Salad.

Spread on top of a pillowy, soft, and flaky croissant, it’s loaded with yummy things! Grapes, toasted pecans, and apples–well, this is just lip-smackin’ good!

Comfortable and Homey

Bread Basket Cafe and Bakery: Danville, Indiana Snickerdoodle Cake

With so much goodness packed into this lovely home, you won’t know where to begin. All I know is–save room for dessert!

Grab a seat by the fireplace or near one of the many sun-filled windows.

Yes, it really is that quaint. What a fantastic find in this great Indiana town.

Go There

Cake. Really, do you need any more reason than that? Just don’t forget–tell ‘em little Indiana sent you!

Bread Basket Cafe and Bakery
46 S Tennessee Street
Danville, Indiana 46122
317.718.4800

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Two Cookin’ Sisters Images from Brookston, Indiana

Jessica Nunemaker — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

If you’ve been looking for Indiana products–you’ve got to stop in at Two Cookin’ Sisters in Brookston, Indiana.

This Brookston, Indiana shop is cute, quaint, and packed with food and gift items from all across the state! From the products made on the premises by the two sisters and family, this shop also has tons of products from Indiana businesses large and small.

There’s so much good stuff here you won’t know where to begin! Walk in the door and prepare to be awed.

Two Cookin’ Sisters Images in Brookston, Indiana

Two Cookin' Sisters: Brookston, Indiana

Two Cookin' Sisters: Brookston, Indiana Indiana Products

Two Cookin' Sisters: Brookston, Indiana Goodness

Two Cookin' Sisters: Brookston, Indiana Indiana Products

Two Cookin' Sisters: Brookston, Indiana Homemade Relish

Find Two Cookin’ Sisters and other pictures in Indiana on my Flickr photostream.

Two Cookin’ Sisters
210 South Prairie Street
Brookston, Indiana 47923
765.563.7377
877.725.7248

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Magdalena’s Restaurant and Cafe in Corydon, Indiana

Jessica Nunemaker — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Corydon, Indiana: Magdalena's Restaurant and Cafe

The pineapple has long been a sign of welcome–and at Magdalena’s Restaurant and Cafe in Corydon, Indiana that couldn’t be closer to the truth!

Step through the front doors (under the pineapple sign) and enter this warm and cozy Indiana restaurant.

Magdalena’s Restaurant and Cafe in Corydon, Indiana

little Indiana and family chose Magdalena’s based on local suggestions. It didn’t disappoint!

In business since 1991, Magdalena’s Restaurant has quite the menu! But more than a restaurant, you can order coffee drinks and the like because there is a connecting coffee shop.

Hubs was super happy about that one. He didn’t waste any time deciding on a coffee drink, either!

Magdalena’s Restaurant Food

Corydon, Indiana: Magdalena's Restaurant Reuben Sandwich

Hubs ordered the Grilled Portabella Mushroom “Burger” which came with a side of Sweet Potato Patties.

I got the Reuben Sandwich, a lean cut topped with their own special sauce. What do you mean I never try anything new?

Joking aside, well, you know I can’t resist a good Reuben Sandwich!

The kids were very happy with their order– Chicken Strips.

I wish I had noticed before that they had Pierogies! Oh my goodness would I like to try theirs! Oh, well. There’s always next time!

Go There

Corydon, Indiana: Magdalena's Restaurant Grilled Portabella Burger

A hometown staple, Magdalena’s Restaurant and Cafe is a great dining option in Harrison County.

It’s the kind of place that invites you to linger, have that extra cup of coffee, and enjoy yourself. What a great ending to our day!

Go There

Remember to tell ‘em little Indiana sent you! Oh–and make sure to save room for dessert. I heard it’s good!

See Magdalena’s Restaurant and other pictures in Corydon, Indiana on my Flickr photostream.

Magdalena’s Restaurant and Cafe
103 E. Chestnut Street
Corydon, Indiana 47112
812.738.8075

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Bill’s Rock Shop in Delphi, Indiana

Jessica Nunemaker — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Delphi, Indiana: Bill's Rock Shop

little Indiana opened the door of Bill’s Rock Shop in Delphi, Indiana and couldn’t believe it–this wasn’t a jewelry shop with a clever name but an actual ROCK shop!

Precious stones, fossils, and geodes, from large chunks of rock to jewelry, there’s a lot at which to look at this Carroll County find.

Bill’s Rock Shop in Delphi, Indiana

Though Bill has since passed on, you’ll find Bill’s wife behind the counter and ready to help.

Small though this Delphi shop may be, it is absolutely packed with rocks!

All shapes, sizes, and colors, this is one shop that’s so much fun to browse. In fact, hubs and I can’t wait to get back there–with Kid #1 in tow.

Unique Indiana Shop

Delphi, Indiana: Bill's Rock Shop

Now, I’ve visited a lot of small towns. A lot a lot of Indiana small towns! But I can tell you one thing–this is the first rock shop I’ve ever seen.

It was so much fun! There’s a whole lot of interesting rocks out there. So many colors, shapes, and sizes. Who’d a thunk it?

There are some giant pieces here. My favorites? Well, I liked all the sparkly rocks!

We picked out some interesting chunks for our two boys. Kid #1 uses them as treasure for his Lego people.

Vintage Finds at Bill’s Rock Shop

Delphi, Indiana: Bill's Rock Shop

If rocks aren’t your thing, know that there is a section at the back of the shop with all sorts of vintage stuff for sale.

Glass bottles, old irons, toys…there’s a lot back here, too. Seriously, these shelves are packed full of things your grandma once owned. Browsing through Indiana antiques is so much fun!

I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many old irons and glass bottles in my life!

Delphi Shops

There’s always something new to discover in little Indiana! When you’re in Delphi, you’ve got to check this one out.

See Bill’s Rock Shop images and other pictures in Indiana on my Flickr photostream.

Bill’s Rock Shop
113 South Washington Street
Delphi, Indiana 46923
765.564.3073

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little Indiana: Where to Stay, Play, and Eat in Small Towns in Indiana. Discovering Indiana’s best small towns!Now get little Indiana on your Kindle.

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Indiana Blogs: WhosYerGurl

Jessica Nunemaker — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Indiana Blogs: WhosYerGurl

Whosyergurl is an Indiana blog that likes words as much as I do! As a professional writer, Cheryl has plenty to say–and isn’t afraid to say it!

This blog isn’t about any one thing. It’s about life and living it. It’s about being brave and trying new things (can you say, “Polar Bear Plunge?”).

Dig in to the “mutterings of a Midwest gal.” I think you’ll have a great time!

Indiana Blogs: Whosyergurl

Why did you start Whosyergurl?
I started Whosyergurl and blogging probably in 2005. I started blogging initially as a virtual locker to put my writing in- a place to store my writing. I was still in school at Ball State. (A late bloomer, I graduated in ’07.)

I am a writer. Writers write. They have to. I didn’t care for the prior website I was using (there is a link to it on my blog) and started with Blogger in ’08. Probably my earliest memory of writing was when I was ten years old.

I had a column at the New Castle Courier-Times for three years. That was before I went back to school to finish my degree. Everyone thought I would get my degree in Journalism, but I chose English.

What about that name? Why Whosyergurl?
I wanted something different. I feel to be different is to be stellar.

Whoyergurl = Whos yer gurl? HOOSIER GIRL. Just different. It takes some people a while to get it.

What are three of your most favorite posts?
This was tough-I love them all. Not that some aren’t a little mundane or boring. I have a degree in English and one difference I believe, between English majors and Journalism majors is that English majors embellish. Journalists cut.

I love all my words and pieces. (And yes, ALL writers are narcissistic to a point!).

My writing piece talks about why I love to write and blog: On Writing

Special Indiana posts:

Intrigue at the Story Wine Festival

Indiana State Fair

What keeps you ready and raring to post? Why do you blog?
First, I love to write. I love photography as well. I try to have my camera with me at all times (nothing fancy, a Nikon P80).

Blogging fulfills my desire for writing, publishing and layout. And, it tells the story of my life. How cool will it be for my grandchildren to read my blog?

Often times, those in my life will see me shooting away with my camera and they will say “you are going to blog about this, aren’t you?” I just smile. And often, I will prepare a post in my head and have plenty of photos but not get to it.

You love to camp and hike–any places that are particular favorites or that would be really good for beginners?
Indiana has a great State Parks system. I would say any state park would be an excellent place to get out there and start hiking (or camping). There are trail maps and signs and plenty of people in state parks. A beginner should start out simply and not in an isolated location.

If you could have a super power, what would it be?
I think if I could have a super power it would have to do with kindness. To wiggle my nose and undo hateful remarks or cruelty. To make certain that children don’t feel pain or the elderly might remain strong.

We have within us a huge amount of power each day, with each person that we come in contact with. We can choose to be kind or cruel or aloof. We can be helpful or we can ignore those in need.

Is there anything else that you would like little Indiana readers to know about you or your blog?
I try to make posts educational or at least informational. I use links whenever possible to create validity or to serve as a resource to my readers. I like to think Whosyergurl is a little more than fluff.

I once had someone laugh at me to my face because I said I blog. I said “look it up! It is a little bit more than ‘today I went to the grocery store.”

When I started blogging, I started writing for myself. Out of the need to write. I am amazed and grateful for my readers and their comments. The blogging community is amazing. Most of us are extremely open and honest.

My life is an open book. I just hope somewhere along the way something that I have to say helps someone in some way.

Somewhere in the Middle

Is this Hoosier gal fun or what? Thanks Cheryl for stopping by little Indiana today!

little Indiana: Where to Stay, Play, and Eat in Small Towns in Indiana. Discovering Indiana’s best small towns! Now get little Indiana on your Kindle.

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