littleindiana.com » Tips

Mark This Date Down in History! It’s little Indiana’s Special Day!

Jessica Nunemaker — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 23:25:28 +0000

Heidy ho neighbor – and welcome! Today is a very special day! It’s little Indiana’s SITs Day! For those of you who don’t know, SITs, or The Secret is in the Sauce, is a blog recognition and comment support site. It’s a great way to network – and discover awesome blogs!

Whomever says a small town is boring just doesn’t know where to go! Check out these posts about everything small town – and enjoy the best of little. Indiana is the crossroads of America – maybe some day you’ll find yourself driving through – and you’ll need to know where to stop along the way!

You can dig into actual Indiana towns, mom and pop restaurants, family owned bed and breakfasts – even recipes — by using the categories down the sidebar, but for this one? I’m keeping it simple.

Plain and Simple: Old Order Amish in Nappanee, Indiana

Small Towns: What to Know Before You Go!

Nourish Your Inner Goddess Yoplait Giveaway: Hoosier Style!

Four Tips to Remember When Knee Deep in Amish Country

Jessica Nunemaker — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:30:11 +0000

Nappanee, Bremen, Shipshewana, Goshen, Middlebury…these are just a few of the little places that boast an Amish population. If you have never been around the Amish before, here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Camera Shy. Amish don’t like to be photographed, period. While picture taking isn’t exactly against their religion, posing for a camera most definitely is. Horses, buggy’s, farms, homes, barns, wash drying on the line, all those items are fair game, just try to keep Amish faces out of it.

2. Hold Your Horses! Slow down there, buckaroo. You’re in Amish country now. While Amish horses are used to sharing the road, it just makes sense to avoid tailgating, speeding, and using the car horn around Amish buggies.

3. It’s Impolite To Stare. Yes, the sight of a sober black carriage clip-clopping down a car filled street is jarring. Yes, the Amish dress differently, but keep in mind that they are still people, too. You wouldn’t like being continually gawked at – don’t expect them to jump for joy, either.

4. If You Can’t Say Anything Nice…Don’t play the part of the obnoxious tourist! Asking intrusive questions is not a way to make friends, no matter who you are. The Amish people are not there for your enjoyment; they are going about their daily business just like the rest of us.

5. Keep off the Grass. Don’t be a pest. Unless a home advertises honey, baked goods, woodworking, etc., don’t even think about stepping onto someone else’s property, no matter how perfect a picture you think you can take. Trespassing is still trespassing no matter what your beliefs, so just. don’t. do it.

Rules of The House: Your Guide to a Bed and Breakfast Stay

Jessica Nunemaker — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:30:53 +0000

If you have never stayed in a bed and breakfast you are missing out! Hotels are so over-rated. Before you go, read these tips to ensure that everyone has a lovely time– and know what to expect!

1. Get Comfortable But Not TOO Comfortable. Remember, this is somebody else’s home. Get relaxed, get cozy, just keep your feet off the antique coffee table and try to resist jumping on the puffy beds.

2. The Honor System. Some places charge for things like soft drinks and forgotten toiletry items like disposable razors or toothpaste (I don’t think I have ever remembered everything I have needed!). If there is a plate set out for that, pay up.

3. R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Not only are there possibly other guests, but there could be other people in whatever rooms surround yours, so don‘t turn up the radio to full blast and try not to stomp around. Treat everyone and everything with respect and you can expect the same in return.

4. Take It Outside! Smoke? Just don’t do it inside. Amazing antiques and fragile laces just don’t mix well with cigarette smoke.

5. The Art of Conversation. The great thing about bed and breakfasts is that you have the chance to connect with other guests. Don’t force your opinion on others and try not to tick everyone off. Remember, everyone is there for one thing: relaxation!

6. Must Love Dogs. Not every bed and breakfast is going to embrace the thought of having dogs or cats in their rooms. Find out the pet policy for the place you are thinking of staying in so you can make other plans for Fido or Fluffy if need be. Ask the innkeeper. They may have an idea of a nice kennel in the area where your pooch will be safe and happy.

7. Alcohol. Bed and breakfasts have their own policies about alcoholic beverages, so make sure to know the rules of the house. Many, however, do offer sparkling juices as a fun replacement…for a price.

8. How about that flaky pastry! Bed and breakfasts are famous for putting out their own cookbooks. Pick up a copy and recreate a meal to remember at home! Otherwise it doesn’t hurt to ask if they wouldn’t mind sharing the recipe for your own private use.

9. The Real Deal. Many bed and breakfasts have special themed packages which can range from romantic weekend packages with sparkling cider and flowers to special deals at area attractions that all serve to make your stay more than memorable! Don’t be afraid to ask about current specials.

There you have it. Nine whole tips to keep in mind when venturing into the comfortable world of the B & B! Enjoy your stay!

Small Towns: What to Know BEFORE You Go!

Jessica Nunemaker — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:30:22 +0000

Why only nine tips? Well, I guess I am what some would call a rebel. Everyone else does top ten lists, from Jay Leno to the blogger next door. So, here’s my top nine tips on things to keep in mind when visiting a small town!

1. Animals Happen. Country roads have slower speed limits for a reason. Indiana is one of the top ten states for deer and car collisions. Keep your eyes peeled for animal critters in and near the road like squirrels, deer, and the random coyote or fox.

2. Breathe. Road rage will not make Farmer John in his shiny new tractor toodle along any faster. It won’t move that little family of geese either. It cannot fix potholes, repair flat tires, or pave a road. Simmer down and go with the laid back country flow. Really, what’s your hurry?

3. Cash and Carry. Small towns are notorious for cash only shops, as are restaurants, and even the occasional gas station! Always bring enough cash “just in case.” A good word of advice? If a diner is cash-only, get ready for the best home cooked meal of your life!

4. Call Ahead! If you have your heart set on visiting a particular antique shop or awesome attraction: call ahead! Small town shops and restaurants are notorious for closing early, taking off on vacation, and just generally having bizarre hours that don‘t always make a whole lot of sense…to outsiders that is.

5. Don’t Fence Me In. Small town does not mean small minded. Don’t assume I am a country yokel without a serious thought in my head. Just because we chose small town life doesn’t mean that we don’t travel the world or have our own investment portfolio. You’d be surprised.

6. Bring The Breadcrumbs. Grab a GPS or a current map, something that can tell you how to get around without getting lost. Locals may know these streets like the back of their hands but they also assume that you do too, and with alleyways or unusual layouts…it gets complicated.

7. Timing Is Everything. Check out the town’s big events and try to hit a couple. There is a lot more to a small town than meets the eye. The area Chamber of Commerce or Welcome Center is always a good first stop. Otherwise, watch for signs advertising the current goings-on.

8. Shop Mom and Pop! C’mon, what is the point of visiting a small town if you are going to go to the same tired big box shops of the big city? Think little. Let’s keep small towns the cute and quaint places they are and support the little guy!

9. Country Kitsch. Plastic or concrete, get ready for statues of deer, squirrels, pigs, ducks, angels, gnomes, even Jesus, in many, many a yard. Hey, I once saw a giant 3 foot horse! I don’t get it either, but there you go. Consider yourself warned.

Visit A Small Town! Not Enough? Top Five Reasons Why YOU Should Visit a Small Town!

Jessica Nunemaker — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:30:15 +0000

Small town life. Uncomplicated, unrushed, and refreshingly, well, refreshing! Living in a small town may not be for everybody, but the simple act of visiting one feels so very, very nice. It’s like that favorite pair of jeans: the perfect fit, perhaps a little rough around the edges, but comfortable beyond all belief.

1. Gas Prices! Small towns are here, there, and everywhere. Don’t spend hours fighting traffic just to drive to some big faceless city full of corporate restaurants and shops. Support the Ma and Pa stores. Spend less, get more, period.

2. Crummy Economy and that’s no joke! With this recession, you can bet the farm on the fact that tiny towns everywhere are hurting. A lot. Spending a couple bucks in a locally owned shop can go a long way to help ease the pain. You really think Big Burger needs your dough? Little places actually do.

3. Happy Childhood. Remember riding your bike as a kid? Check out a little place and be assured that kids still do just that. Watching a kid mosey down a tree shaded lane, fishing pole in hand, can’t help but make you smile.

4. Silence is Golden. Believe it or not, there are still places left in the US that are quiet, peaceful, and (gasp!) litter free. It feels GOOD to get out into open spaces and reconnect with the non digital world. Trickling streams, aged Oaks, and endless fields…it’s nice to be small.

5. Give ‘Em Something To Talk About! Hey, it’s big news to a small town when a new face comes along. That doesn’t happen every day! Walk into a local diner or super cute boutique and get the whole town buzzing about the “new people.” Feel like a celebrity (without the paparazzi).