School buses may be making the rounds, but there’s still plenty of summer left, and plenty of time to enjoy three of my favorite summer things.
I like a road trip to Bonge’s Tavern for tailgating, Perkinsville Pork and sugar cream cake. Over the years, I’ve been to Bonge’s many times with my husband. It’s unpretentious and in the middle of nowhere, but the food is out of this world.
Since I moved to Indianapolis, more than 15 years ago, I have been to at least one Symphony on the Prairie concert each summer. This year, it was Billy Joel; last year, the Beatles cover band. For me, Symphony on the Prairie is the best of an Indiana summer — a warm night, a cool breeze, a great picnic, a beautiful view of 100 acres of Indiana farmland, and kids playing on the hillside and dancing to the music.
With everything from the world’s largest boar to gourds shaped like David Letterman, the Indiana State Fair is my favorite Indiana spot in August. I visit the Dairy Barn for milkshakes and grilled cheese sandwiches, the Home Arts Building to admire the award-winning decorated cakes and the midway for a ride on the Ferris Wheel.
I’m not ready for summer to wind down. I think I can even squeeze in a last Indiana trip or two: Madison and French Lick are on my short list. What’s on yours?
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We’ve just returned from a vacation to some of our nation’s most beautiful parks, in Utah and Colorado, which make Indiana seem a little boring in comparison. But your post reminds me of why I love my Indiana home as well. And thanks for the reminder that it’s time for my annual State Fair corndog!
I like this post although rather than French Lick (taken over by the corporate gambling whores) I might suggest a tript to New Harmony instead?
I love getting lost in small town america - remember when the smaller highway were blue on maps? Blue highways - where the book got its name from.
French lick is certainly cool and worth a trip! I think the other thing great about the Indiana State Fair is the great people watching!
Don’t forget Steuben County - home to more than 100 glacier-formed, spring-fed, gorgeous lakes! Check out Pokagon State Park on the shores of Lake James.