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North Judson Mint Festival in North Judson, Indiana: Minty Fresh

Jessica Nunemaker — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:00:06 +0000

There’s more than corn in Indiana–would you believe there is also mint? North Judson, Indiana has mint farms! Each year, this more than small Indiana town closes a street or two and celebrates!

North Judson Mint Festival

North Judson Mint Festival in North Judson, Indiana: Funnel Cake!

little Indiana could not believe all of the planned activities! If you are a member of a festival planning committee and need a few ideas, you should surely take note.

Now, I’ve been to a festival or two (ahem) but I’ve never been to a festival that had so many fun things to do. And for all ages!

This is a new committee, and I’ve been told it was quite the learning process, but wowza–they did a great job.

Mint Festival Activities and Events

I watched a frog jumping contest, a waterball contest, a pie eating contest (different rounds for a variety of ages), and then some! The North Judson Mint Festival was an absolute blast! I’ve never seen any of those before–and I can’t wait to share video with all of you.

What is really fun and unusual (and something that Kid #1 would just love) was the fact that the participants in these events? Got ribbons. The winners actually earned themselves a trophy! So cute.

There was more to do than that! There were craft and miscellaneous booth vendors, carnival rides, a beer garden with live music throughout the afternoon and evening, and even a Church chicken dinner right down the street (you know how much those port-a-pit dinners rock!).

Fair Food (And Then Some)

North Judson Mint Festival in North Judson, Indiana T-Shirts

The fabulous FingerHut Bakery was there with a booth just steps away from their butter cookie filled shop. The day of the Mint Festival they were peddling Paczki. Awesome!

There was a booth with a line of funnel cake in all sorts of flavors. No, I didn’t just sit around and eat funnel cake. Well, not only funnel cake. There were cheese fries, too!

Actually, there were loads of food vendors peddling that glory of glories: Fair food! Have I mentioned how much I loved this annual festival?

Big Plans

It’s only going to get bigger and better. The new committee hopes to restore it back to the giant event that it once was, when people would come from miles around to visit this Indiana town festival. Though, really, it absolutely was fantastic as it was.

Make plans for next summer. Visit the North Judson Mint Festival and bring the kids, grand-kids, or the neighbors next door. It’s sure to be a great time for all! I’ll see you there.

See more of the North Judson Mint Festival and other pictures in Indiana on my Flickr photostream.

North Judson, Indiana

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Get Your Kicks (Or, at Least, a Decent Meal) at Route 10 Bar and Grill

Jessica Nunemaker — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:30:38 +0000

North Judson, Indiana and I’m hungry! Do I stop random strangers on the street to ask for restaurant recommendations? You betcha! Really, it’s the best way to figure out where to go — and even what to order! So, based off a young man’s suggestion who said “everything is good at Route 10,” it should be easy to guess where we ventured next.

Right on the main road, there is one entrance directly to the bar and one for family dining so, with the kid in tow, we headed to family dining.

Very, very small…I don’t think there were even 15 tables, maybe not even 12, but business at the Route 10 Bar and Grill was absolutely steady. Surrounded by mostly Chicago-land sport memorabilia (go Bears!), large, wall-mounted flat screen TV, and a big fish tank in the corner, the kid had plenty to look at, and I could see why a young, high school to college-aged guy would dig the atmosphere. Added bonus: the waitress was really nice and not only talked to the kid, she actually pointed out various fish, etc. in the tank, making a friend out of him for life, I do believe.

Of course, I had to check out the restrooms, and when I turned the corner, there was a very large group of Amish teens! I walked right past the (very tidy) restroom I was so surprised. One of the Amish ladies nicely pointed it out to me. Oops.

Hubby and I both ordered the Philly Steak Sandwich, fries, and potato salad (I hate when we do that!) and the kid got a hot dog, fries, and a little cup of Jell-o. Everyone was pleased with their order, and, after peeking at the bikers next to us…Whew! Those mile-high burgers looked fantastic! Next time – I’m getting a burger!

For dessert: well, I was hoping for some yummy pie, but all they happened to have left was Turtle Cheesecake. I just wasn’t feeling it, and since I wasn’t exactly hungry anyway, I passed.

Overall: We were satisfied but it might be a good idea to call ahead if there are members under 21 in your group, just to make sure there is enough room for everyone.

Route 10 Bar and Grill
613 West Talmer Avenue
North Judson IN 46366
574.896.5555

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North Judson, Indiana: A Diamond in the Rough?

Jessica Nunemaker — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:30:46 +0000

Okay, I admit it. North Judson, Indiana made me a little sad. It isn’t
like there weren’t any interesting shops or restaurants, there were, but something about the place felt a little empty and lost somehow.

For whatever reason, North Judson didn’t seem like it was doing so great. Hopefully things will pick up for this little place!

You know I love those old downtowns…and North Judson had some great old buildings with really unique features. Just take a look at that cute red shop on the corner. I bet that second floor makes a neat apartment!

I would have loved to have stepped inside “The Last Dime Store Alive” but, alas, they were closed. Just peeking inside through the windows made me interested so I’m sure it would be a worthwhile stop if you are in the area. Lots of area history, which I find fascinating.

I say it all the time…small towns are known for having strange, strange items and things you just don’t see anywhere else and North Judson is no different. I think the funky (and kind of scary) lion in the window proves me right yet again. That thing definitely comes alive at night!

I was really glad that the bakery, at least, was open! See more North Judson on my Flickr photostream!

North Judson, Indiana; Starke County

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Fingerhut Bakery: Small Town Bakery, Super Selection

Jessica Nunemaker — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:30:14 +0000

Fingerhut Bakery in North Judson, Indiana: Butter Cookies

Fingerhut Bakery in downtown North Judson, Indiana has my most favorite bakery item: Butter Cookies! That yummy bakery smell just hits you when you open the door. I do believe it made me slightly giddy.

Fingerhut Bakery in North Judson, Indiana

There was a very steady stream of folks passing in and out of this small Indiana town bakery. They bought an assortment of items which can only mean one thing: It’s all good!

The bakery itself is small, with a really neat old wood display case along the back wall, and cases filled with cookies, cakes, pastries, breads, and bagels.

They’ve been in business for over sixty years. I think it’s pretty obvious that they will be around for many, many more!

Baked Goods

Fingerhut Bakery in North Judson, Indiana: Front Window

Apparently Fingerhut Bakery specializes in something called “Chocolate Delight Cake” but I didn’t notice that until after we had left. Don’t worry–we didn’t leave empty-handed!

I bought a ginormous Cream Puff (for me) and a bunny train cookie (for the kid).

With all those Butter Cookies staring me in the face, I had to buy a ½ pound of the Rainbow Sprinkled ones. I did, however, share with the kid absolutely and completely against my will.

Hubs got a pumpkin roll (for hubby, who doesn‘t want to share with anyone) and even so? Our total at this cute Indiana bakery was $12 and change. Now that is money I consider well spent!

North Judson, Indiana

If you are in the North Judson area, stop by for something sweet. Fingerhut Bakery is right downtown on the corner. You can’t miss it (I couldn’t even miss it and I have a knack for getting lost and turned around).

Fingerhut Bakery has the largest assortment I have ever seen in a small town…so far.

See more Fingerhut Bakery images and other pictures in Indiana on my Flickr photostream.

Fingerhut Bakery
119 Lane Street
North Judson, IN 46366
574.896.5937

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