By Sally Campbell Grout
A quick geography lesson: South Central Indiana sits just below Central Indiana, just above Southern Indiana, and runs across the entire state from east to west. Clear as mud? Suffice it to say that with so many wineries, farmers' markets, golf courses, and Ohio River charm and excitement, there's probably more than you can do in one trip. May we suggest two visits to this incredibly scenic part of the state?
Let Interstate 74 be your guide as you tour the eastern section of South Central Indiana. Here, you'll discover the tranquility of watching the Ohio River roll. The excitement of challenging the "one-armed bandit." And the pleasure of tasting Hoosier-labeled grapes.
Heading out Friday after work? Perfect. Stop in Guilford for dinner and wine tasting at Chateau Pomije Winery (Phone Toll Free 800 791 WINE). While it will be hard to choose your number one wine, (the Concord? The Steuben? The Sauvignon? The Merlot?) your top menu item will be easier to select. The slow-cooked ribs in "Black Tie" barbeque sauce are an area favorite.
A dinner like that usually leaves you feeling one of two ways: ready to paint the town, or ready to call it a night. If you're ready for some action, head to nearby Argosy Casino & Hotel in Lawrenceburg (Phone Toll Free 888 274 6797) or Grand Victoria Casino & Resort in Rising Sun (Phone Toll Free 800 472 6311) to test your skill at the tables or your luck at the machines. When it's time to settle in for the night, Gothic Arches Bed & Breakfast in Aurora (Phone Toll Free 888 747 2204) features five cozy rooms with private baths. Wake to a gourmet breakfast, and take a walk to nearby shops and galleries.
For some, a Saturday in the summer isn't complete without a round of golf. Grand Victoria Casino & Resort features Southern Indiana's only links-style golf course; the championship course at Belterra Casino Resort in Belterra (Phone Toll Free 888 BELTERRA) was designed by Tom Fazio.
Save the rest of the day and night for Madison (Phone Toll Free 800 559 2956). This charming town features 133 blocks of beautiful 19th century architecture. In fact, every one of those blocks is on the National Register of Historic Places. But a stroll down the street only gives you part of the picture. Tour some of the museums and historic sites, such as the Lanier Mansion, once owned by a railroad magnate credited with helping Indiana out of financial trouble after the Civil War; Dr. William Hutchings' Office, which presents a glimpse of the life of a frontier physician; and the octagonal Madison Railroad Station, built in 1895.
And what's a weekend in a charming river town without hitting some inviting shops? Madison's antique stores, specialty shops and galleries are enough to challenge the cargo space in any car, van or SUV. When you're ready to refuel yourselves, the Thomas Family Winery offers traditional wines and ciders with old-world bread and cheeses in a pub-style setting. And the ideal place to call it a night? The beautiful Schussler House Bed & Breakfast (Phone Toll Free 800 392 1931). Your hosts, Ann and Larry Johnson, welcome you to this restored 1849 Federal-Greek Revival home. Featured breakfast treats include apple slices, omelets, and ham and potato strata.
Sunday, as you head out of town, take a drive through scenic Clifty Falls State Park (Phone 812 273 8885). Work off that big breakfast with a hike past beautiful waterfalls and a deep canyon.
It's time to thank I-74 for the tour and head up State Road 7. As you head north from Vernon to Columbus, make a few stops at the farmer's markets, including (SALLY McWILLIAMS TO PROVIDE A FEW NAMES OF MARKETS). Fruits and vegetables never taste as fresh, juicy or sweet as they do when they're just-picked.
But perhaps you want one last taste of those "grapes." Stop at Simmons Winery or Shady Lake Winery. And remember, a bottle of Indiana wine makes a great "thank you" gift for that friend who covered for you Friday afternoon when the road called a little bit early.
So, it's a week later, and Friday afternoon has rolled around again. This time, take I-65 to State Road 46 West. You'll pass through Gnaw Bone (you gotta love that name) on your way into Brown County. The Brown County Winery invites you to taste a few samples in their new storefront. The Story Inn (Phone Toll Free 800 881 1183) is the ideal place to end your stressful week and officially start your relaxing weekend. Located on 22 secluded acres adjoining Brown County State Park, the Story Inn offers quaint rooms in what was originally an 1850's general store and in rustic village cottages. Enjoy a quiet dinner; then retire to one of 13 units complete with private bath. A full breakfast is served in the morning.
Rise and shine! Saturday morning, travel along 135 to the Brownstown and Metamora area. Be on farmers' market alert!
Energized by all that farm-fresh food? Spring Mill State Park in Mitchell (Phone 812 849 4129) is the ideal spot for the leisurely hiker. Oh, sure, some trails are challenging. But the restored pioneer village asks for nothing more than a stroll.
Spend late afternoon and the rest of the night in Daviess County, where you'll find South Central Indiana's Amish community. The Gasthof Amish Village in Montgomery (Phone 812 486 2600) features an Amish bakery, gift shops with handmade Amish crafts, and carriage rides. In Washington, the Black Buggy Amish Restaurant, Bakery, Bargain Barn and General Store (Phone 812 254 8966) serves up (yummy) authentic Amish fare; stay at the nearby Baymont Inn (Phone Toll Free 800 301 0200). Don't save your shopping for Sunday! Amish-owned businesses will be closed.
Sunday is the ideal time to explore Vincennes (Phone Toll Free 800 886 6443) and its famed "Mile of History." As the original capital of the Indiana Territory, you'll find plenty of interesting Indiana trivia here. Did you know President William Henry Harrison was the Territorial Governor? Tour his home, Grouseland, as well as George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, Old French House, and the Old Cathedral Complex. See that giant peach by the road on your way out of town? That's your clue that there's one more farmer's market beaconing you.
Not quite ready for lunch? Take a drive through scenic Greene-Sullivan State Forest before stopping at The Old Bank in Linton for lunch. And since summer is a great time to see a college town, wrap up your day in Bloomington. Looking for another gift? (It's OK if it's for you this time.) There are two great wineries in the area that encourage you to sample before you buy. Bloomington's own Oliver Winery (Phone Toll Free 800 258 2783), Indiana's oldest and largest winery, makes 15 different wines. And the beautiful grounds are perfect for a picnic. The Butler Winery (Phone 812 339 7233), also in Bloomington, specializes in wines produced from Indiana-grown grapes.
So much to see in just a couple of weekends. But remember, you can always come back.
To learn about these additional South Central Indiana attractions, visit enjoyindiana.com.
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