Southeastern Indiana - Ripley, Franklin, Ohio, Switzerland, and Dearborn Counties – have you visited any of these counties in your recent wanderings?
Over the past month, I have had the pleasure of visiting these counties, and I plan to do so again on our way to Clifty Falls State Park towards the end of February—adding Jefferson County to the mix. Stay tuned for more info regarding that excursion.
First things first, tell me some places to visit in the above-mentioned counties. We are always looking for those little nuggets to see on our next trip. Please pass those along.
Over Christmas vacation, we decided to go and see light displays. In Bright, we found St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross and the Bright Lights display. Wow! This was a fantastic drive-through display of Christmas lights and is well worth seeing. Next year, you should put this on your Christmas visit list if you’re heading that direction.
As I perused my Indiana State Map, I discovered something interesting in this part of the state: there are multiple communities named Saint … (fill in blank). Saint Leon, Marys, Maurice, and Peter. They are small, quaint towns with an ornate, majestic Catholic Church at their center. (CNS photo/Sean Gallagher, The Criterion)
While you’re in the area, take in Oldenburg for a historical tour and a bite to eat. Since we are a Ring the King (Pizza King) or Skyline Chili kind of family, we didn’t eat while in Oldenburg, but instead went to Batesville. That community is happening! Many interesting sights to see and places to visit.
I had a friend talking about Perfect North Slopes and snow skiing. If you’re not a ski snob expecting thousands of feet of slope, this is a great place to visit to keep up your stamina for the big hills out west. Plus the snow tubing is a blast! (photo/Perfect North Slopes)
You really need to check out Greendale and the majestic homes overlooking Lawrenceburg (the Ohio River Valley) and take a walk through town. Check out the historic buildings with the intermingled “new” buildings that have been strategically designed to fit right in. A walk along the Ohio River trail to Aurora should be on your list as well. Downtown Aurora is worth the visit, and if you can, make a reservation to see the Hillforest Victorian House Museum. I remember eating there back in the day.
Check out the old highway, see the Triple Whipple Iron Bridge, and observe the historic Speakman-Tallentire Home on the hill there south of Laughery Creek. What a beautiful home in the perfect setting.
It goes without saying that Rising Sun and Vevay need to be visited as well. Beautiful Ohio River communities that show their ties to history and architecture along this great river. A drive along the river on SR56/156 is a wonderful experience. It’s amazing the difference the seasons make while taking this Ohio River Scenic Byway. Spring blooms, to lush, warm summer days, to beautiful fall colors, to being able to see much more when the leaves are down, and to enjoying the farming communities along the route. (Photo/City of Rising Sun)
I could go on and on - Friendship, Enochsburg, Moores Hill, Versailles, Milan, etc.
So much to see IN Indiana. Send me some places to visit. We head to Clifty Falls State Park and Madison in late February. Can’t wait to check it out as we take advantage of our yearly BOGO free (Winter 2 For 1 Special) trip to a State Park Inn.
Keep wandering! Enjoy our wonderful State of Indiana.