littleindiana.com » Victorian architecture

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.

Wolcott, Indiana Architecture: Victorian Extravaganza!

Jessica Nunemaker — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:30:56 +0000

Struggling though the downtown Wolcott area was…there still were quite a few gems scattered around. Check out the neat balcony on that interesting Victorian! Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have the door open in the Summer with a good book in hand! Sounds like heaven to me – especially after all the snow lately! Ugh.

As always, if you would like to see these houses a little larger – or even possibly more photos! – check out my Flickr page.

Wolcott, Indiana; White County

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Kentland, Indiana Architecture: Jaw-Dropping Loveliness

Jessica Nunemaker — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:30:55 +0000

Look at these lovely ladies. In this case, I don’t think I have a favorite. While it may be hard to see, they each have some unusual detailing. Really nice!

Want to see more? Check out my Flickr page and be sure to join the little Indiana Facebook Fan Page.

Kentland, Indiana;Newton County

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A Cut Above: Kentland, Indiana

Jessica Nunemaker — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:30:48 +0000

A visit to Kentland was long overdue. Folks from the surrounding (and much smaller) areas consider Kentland the place to be and flock there on weekends. Why?

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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Rensselaer, Indiana: Architecture

Jessica Nunemaker — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:30:09 +0000

See what I mean about Rensselaer, Indiana and amazing homes? If these don’t make you want to explore…I don’t know what will!

Rensselaer, Indiana; Jasper County

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Rensselaer, Indiana: Small Town, Big Heart

Jessica Nunemaker — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:30:46 +0000

What Rensselaer, Indiana lacks in size it makes up for in loads of charm. Rensselaer is just one of those small towns where you constantly find yourself saying, “Wow! Look at that house! Oh, and over there! That side, hurry, look at that!” There are a lot of fancy Victorians all over the place.

One of my favorite features of a small town is the presence of a courthouse – and Rensselaer boasts an imposing Gothic styled three story courthouse with stone-carved figures and expressive (translation: creepy) faces that have watched over the town since 1896. Inside, well, let’s just say you are in for a surprise, but here‘s a hint: marble flooring, stenciled ceilings…super sharp. Be sure to poke around!

Surrounding the massive courthouse, “The Square”, is where much of the action in town takes place. Cobblestone streets line two sides and it isn’t hard to imagine the sounds of horse hooves once clacking along pulling carriages in front of the turn-of-the century buildings.

Sure, some could use a little TLC, but for the most part it is a really neat downtown with some fun little shops – and such nice people! Everyone is ready with a smile or a simple “hello.” I love that!

The great thing about Rensselaer, Indiana, though, is that there always seems to be something going on …many times located on The Square itself. Art in the Alley, Little Cousin Jasper, the County Fair, Oktoberfest, Art Camp…and the list goes on. That doesn’t even count the events and activities that occur at St Joseph’s college!

Rensselaer, Indiana is a great choice for a fun-filled, family-oriented small town escape.

Rensselaer, Indiana; Jasper County

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Plymouth, Indiana: Picture Perfect

Jessica Nunemaker — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:30:41 +0000

By now, it’s probably pretty obvious that I love Victorian era homes and shops (and if it isn’t, just wait a couple of weeks!). I love the bright colors and unexpected flourishes…and I especially adore historic downtowns, particularly when they include a courthouse! Enter: Plymouth, Indiana.

A long main drag, Michigan Street, is lined with amazing home after amazing home, surrounding an awesomely preserved downtown. Park the car and walk around not only the downtown, but a chunk of Michigan Street as well. Really great homes here!

Plymouth, Indiana has a rather large number of shops in its downtown section and a neat old-fashioned movie theater. Clothing, antiques, and one of a kinds interrupted by the occasional café, restaurant, pub, or office.

Once the shopping is out of the way, reward the kiddies with a trip to Centennial Park. There are a mess of paved running/biking/roller blading trails and a huge wooden playground that can’t be beat. It has lots of creative nooks, crannies, and bridges for kids to climb up and crawl through — there’s even a jail! I love it! I mean, the kid loves it! I just suffer through.

Anyway, Plymouth, Indiana is also home to the world-famous Blueberry Festival (ok, maybe not world famous, but you would think so to hear my husband talk about it!).

Well, The Blueberry Festival just so happens to be the largest three day festival in the Midwest, with the biggest craft section I have ever, ever seen! There are also carnival games, a marathon, hot air balloon launches, kids rides, and a bunch of those nausea inducing, gravity defying rides for brave souls (yeah, NO).

Otherwise, the summer brings a nice farmers’ market on River and East Garro. Choose from locally grown and mostly inexpensive farm fresh produce as well as a smattering of other locally made wares and crafts. You never know what you are going to find. Tip: do a walk-through first THEN buy after you have a chance to compare prices!

It’s a really nice looking town and I am hoping to get back there one of these days and stay in one of the super cute bed and breakfasts. When I do…you’ll be the first to know!

Plymouth, Indiana; Marshall County

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Bed and Breakfast: Country Victorian Inn, Middlebury, Indiana

Jessica Nunemaker — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:30:47 +0000

Ever wanted to wake up to the peaceful sound of horse hooves clip-clopping down Main Street? Then you really won’t want to miss out on Middlebury, Indiana, or, more specifically, The Country Victorian Inn. Easy to find and close to everything!

Check out that fabulous front porch! The whole street is just full of great homes. Ring the bell (you won’t be able to hear it from the outside, but trust me, it works!), give the innkeepers a minute, and soon you will be warmly greeted and ushered into a cozy living room with comfortable seating and stunning woodwork.

Hospitable and quick to laugh, Lori gave us the lowdown on Middlebury, Indiana and her charming Victorian home (it really is the cutest thing!). We checked out our room, the Victorian Suite (very clean and comfortable), that came with lots of yummy smelling soaps and extras (free!) before taking Lori’s dinner recommendation and heading to the nearby Culinary Treasures.

Back at the Bed and Breakfast, we couldn’t decide between borrowing a movie, a book, or a board game, but in the end we made a beeline for the nicely stocked game cabinet, grabbed a game, and headed to the dining room.

Seated at the table, surrounded by antiques and a lovely built in cabinet original to the house, we snacked on yummy chocolate chip cookies the size of our hands while I annihilated the hubby at Yahtzee yet again (whatever he says is a lie! A lie!). Lots of drink options: plenty of coffee (ew), hot chocolate, and tea from various brands (I chose the pumpkin spice) as well: I love having choices! There was also a large basket of fresh fruit, though, when there are ginormous cookies, who wants fruit?

The next morning we shared breakfast with four other couples of varying age. Great meal (I really couldn’t ask for anything better) and good conversation: just one of the perks of the bed and breakfast! In fact, Arnie and Lori have been kind enough to share their recipe for Cherry and Pear Crisp with all of you.

The Country Victorian Inn Bed and Breakfast has so much to offer right in the heart of Amish country — you won‘t be disappointed!

The Country Victorian Inn Bed and Breakfast
435 South Main Street
Middlebury, IN 46540
574.825.2568

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