Madison, Indiana

Madison, Indiana

After drifting for several days, Chad and I were ready to stay in one place for a couple days.  Madison seemed to meet all of our needs.  This cozy little town on the Ohio river was just waiting to welcome us with open arms.  While we were at the Thomas Family Winery, we met several wonderful people who all made recommendations of where to stay, what to eat, and things to see and do.   Several people recommended we stay at the Hillside Inn, a historic hotel overlooking the Ohio river.  You can find a separate entry about that (Here).

One of the people we met in our first evening was the owner of Mumbles Restaurant.  He was so generous as to treat us to dinner at his restaurant on the riverfront.  They are best known for their BBQ and after tasting his new BBQ sauce I know why.  The food was great and the service was friendly.  Mumbles may look a little neglected on the outside, but don’t let that keep you from stopping. 

Madison, “the prettiest small town in the Midwest”, has a lot to offer.  Not only are there many historic sites to see, there is also a beautiful state park (Clifty Falls State Park)

 with several waterfalls, many different shops and art galleries, and many music and art festivals/events throughout the year.  The people are what make the town truly special.  Everyone we met went out of their way to make us feel welcome, inviting us in, telling us about parts of the town, and just spending time getting to know us.  The scenery was only enhanced by all of the smiling faces. 

If you are going to Madison, we would recommend going between Wednesday and Saturday.  Many shops and tourist sites are closed Sunday and Monday and some remain closed on Tuesday.   The parks are still open early in the week and many shops are open but to make the most of a few days, making it a long weekend trip may be your best bet. 

Some of the festivals and events coming up in the near future include:

Old Court Days - May (fourth weekend) & September (last full weekend)

Madison Regatta – July (first full weekend)

Many other events are also occurring in late summer and early fall.

For more information please visit the Madison, Indiana Website: 

 http://visitmadison.org/

The Thomas Family Winery

After several days of being on the road and traveling from one place to another, Chad and I were ready to settle into somewhere for a couple days.  When we saw three wineries in historic Madison, IN, and saw that it was right on the water, Chad and I knew we had found the place we wanted to stay.

What we learned when we got there was that a large part of Madison shuts down on Mondays and part of the town stays shut down until Wednesday... well, since we were only going to be there Monday and Tuesday, that meant our options were a little more limited but also gave us a reason to return in the future. Of course this idea of being closed was quite popular and meant that two of the three wineries were also closed through our visit.

Lucky for us, The Thomas Family Winery was open and happy to have our business.  Steve, a third-generation wine maker and owner of this establishment greeted Chad and I with a smile.  He was wonderful, knowledgable, and willing to talk about his wines.  Though this might sound silly, it was rare to find someone on our trip who really knew about the wine they were serving.  You could tell that Steve and his wife Elizabeth really love the wine they make.  Walking into the winery I felt comfortable and at home.  The atmosphere was inviting.  It looked like they had maintained a lot of the woodwork from the stable and worked with it to creating a homey place to sit and have a great glass of wine while getting to know the people at the table across from you!  This also looks like a great venue to visit on the weekends to hear some traditional music playing!

The Wine

When we visited the winery they only had 4 wines and one cider available but were getting to release 4 more very soon!  All  wines were either dry or semi-dry.  Steve led us through every step of the way, crafting a story about each of the wines and setting up every tasting before a drop hit our lips.

Gale's Hard Cider - Old timer apples fermented like an ale-- tangy, strong and dry - drink it like an ale!!!!  Name for Gale Thomas!  Wonderful with curries, spicy foods.    I could see this pairing with so many different meals.  It is unique and wonderful.  I was so happy to find a dry cider that wasn't too fruity.  A lot of Cider's taste too carbonated or fruity.  This had a fantastic balance that I adored.

Sauvignon Blanc 2010 - Outstanding nose of peaches, olives, figs, and currants, bursting palate of tree fruits, sweet pepper, pineapple, melon -long finish f minerals, citrus peel, herbs, spice -try with southwestern foods, grilled poultry and seafood.


Rio Red 2010 - Lots of cheery, black raspberry fruit with pepper, mint and briar  in the nose; cedary berries, lots of briar, mint, pepper and a bit of smoke- young tannins will soften - loves pizza, pasta, and grilled chops.   This is a wine that pairs well with every day food.  You don't have to make anything fancy to create a great pairing.  This wine spent 5 months in oak barrels.  You can certainly taste the cherry and black raspberry.  We had to bring a bottle of this home!


We will most definitely go back to Thomas Family Winery whenever we visit Madison, IN.  We loved everything about it and cannot wait to try their new wines!

For more information please visit their website:

www.thomasfamilywinery.us

Alto Vineyards heartland port

Drinking:  Alto Vineyards Heartland Port 

American Sweet Fortified Wine

18% by vol.  

One of the Heartland series from Alto Vineyards and Winery.  We love all of the Heartland wines and have bought at least two bottles of each by now.   The wine is deep red, almost a little brown in color.  The nose is spicy, oaky, with a bit of cloves and an orange bitter smell, too.  There is a sweetness to its scent.  Starts off very heavy, sending a bit of heat on the tongue and down the throat.  Notes of chocolate and vanilla follow with a hint of chocolate covered cherry. Somewhat acidic as it hits the back of the tongue, making your mouth water.  Adding dark chocolate to the tasting of this wine brings out both the sweet and the tart tastes in this.  Forget the desert, it's all in the wine!

Canoe Kentucky - Frankfort, KY

Upon waking up, both Chad and I were yearning for an outdoor adventure, specifically water related.  We have been kayaking together a couple times now and love it!  It is a blast to get out on the water and just relax!  So Chad found us a place to rent kayaks and do a 6 mile river trail, Canoe Kentucky in Frankfort, KY.

The rates were fair, the water quick enough that you could minimally paddle and finish in a couple hours, and the small rapids were easy enough for beginners to combat.  We called ahead to make sure we could get on the water.  If you plan to kayak through a company such as this, there are usually scheduled times for people to be there so they can depart as groups.  It took about an hour after we got there for everyone to fill out paperwork, get processed, watch a safety video, and hop in a van.  Canoe KY was not expecting that many people to show up late in the afternoon on the first Sunday of May, so it took a little longer than normal.

It was a great adventure.  All of the gear was provided.  The staff was wonderfully friendly!

A couple suggestions:

Plan ahead!

Bring water shoes, a swim suit, a couple bottles of water (nothing in glass containers), a snack, and a waterproof bag for keys and such!  A water-proof camera for on the river is also a great addition to any trip!

, 

Water shoes are also available seasonally at Walmart for under $9.

Schedule enough time so you can really enjoy your trip!

Wear sunscreen... no matter what!!!!

To learn more about Canoe Kentucky please visit their website! 

http://www.canoeky.com/

If you have time to explore Frankfort, there are a ton of historical sites and a cute downtown area to explore!  Lots of cute shops! Many places featuring local artists and musicians including: 

completelykentucky.com

Many of the shops next to this are connected, including coffee and book shops!  

Unique downtown with a lot to explore! 

We explored the town at night and took some wonderful night pictures using longer exposures.  Sadly, I don't have most of those pictures ready yet because they are with Chad, but here are a couple I took! 

Travel Tips - On to Kentucky - Saturday, May 5th

From Cannelton, IN we decided to make our way into Kentucky.  While we had wanted to head to Louisville, we learned that we were heading there on absolutely the wrong day... Derby Day.  Being from IL and never having watched a horse race in my life, I had no idea that the Kentucky Derby is the first Saturday of May.  I was more focused on finding a Margarita in celebration of Cinco de Mayo and my cousins wedding! So... we rerouted our journey to Elizabethtown, KY, just outside Louisville, but far enough away that we could still find somewhere to stay.   I quickly started calling places and was happen to hear the Ramada had a couple cancelations!  So below are a couple things we learned that day.

1. If you are going to be traveling last minute, don't go somewhere that is having it's biggest celebration of the year unless you already have a room!

2.  Sometimes staying in towns that are just outside a major population center means better hotel rates.

3.  Even if a hotel says online that they are booked, try calling, cancelations happen all the time.

4. GPS is wonderful.  Not only do Chad and I both us navigation programs on our phones, I always have my Tom Tom on standby.

5. Sometimes, you lose GPS signal and cell service, always carry a map and have some sort of clue where you want to go

6. Be aware of major holidays and events wherever you are traveling... good deals and fun times are around every corner.

7.  There are some great apps out there... use them.  Find Me Gluten Free and a hotel finding app were our friends through our whole trip.


8. The internet is full of wonderful things.  websites like this give you some great ideas of unique places to stop along your way.

9.  With the necessary tools and a little common sense, a last minute vacation can be a blast!

That's all my tips for now... more to come with future adventures.

Celtic Cross - Cannelton, IN

On your way to our from Blue Heron Vineyard and Winery, you will see a sign for the Celtic Cross.  It is right along your driving path, and a short walk from where you are asked to park the car.

This sandstone cross was commissioned by owner Gary and Lynn Dauby and carved by Greg Harris.  Harris a local individual who has created many works for the Blue Heron Winery and is a self-taught sculptor.  This piece is was created from a single 22 foot tall stone that is a natural part of the hillside. 

This sculpture has been featured in several documentaries and films and is believed to be the largest "In situ" Celtic Cross in the world.  Certainly worth the stop if you are in the area.

Harris spent 6 days a week for 23 months carving this piece.

Closer view of carving on the back 

For more information about Greg Harris and the Celtic Cross visit:

http://www.blueheronvines.com/celticcross.asp

Blue Heron Vineyards & Winery - Cannelton (Rocky Point), IN

After a day filled with driving backroads and exploring a little bit of the beautiful scenery in Southern Indiana, was saw the sign for Blue Herron Winery.  Upon turning off the main road, following a long and winding road up a large hill, turning off onto a skinny pathway up to a larger clearing with a house, we were finally there!  If you drive this way, do not doubt yourself, just follow the signs.

All of the carvings and much of the artwork was created by Greg Harris, a self-taught sculptor.
 You will find more about him at the Celtic Cross in our next post. 

The winery was located near the top of a hill over looking the Ohio river.  Outside, there were several sitting areas nestled along the hillside, the perfect spot to sit and take in the sunset with a glass of wine... or two.

Gary and Lynn Dauby own Blue Heron and were pleased to invite us in and show us around.  We spent a majority of our time talking with Gary as Lynn was showing two couples around the grounds and leading them through a wine tasting.  These couples were staying at the Bed & Breakfast associated with the winery.  Oh yes, on top of having their winery, Gary and Lynn host concerts and events and have a bed & breakfast.

Gary was incredibly friendly and easy to talk to.  He led us around the grounds, showed us where the magic happens, and even let us sample some of the wines that have not been bottled yet.  Let me tell you, you are in for a treat with a couple of their new products.   Chad and I tasted all of the wines on their list and below are a few descriptions.

The Wine 

Twin Towers Red - A Chambourcin wine with beautiful color.  You can taste the oak in this one 

23 degrees - An earthy Foch, great balance of sweet and sour with a hint of cherry.  I loved just breathing in this wine. 

While each of these wines is great on its own, the true magic happens when you mix the two.  There is an amazing balance you find when you do a 50/50 glass of each.  Just try it!  you'll know what I mean.

On Deck White - A Cayuga white.  This is great mixed with San Pelegrino Orange Soda. A suggestion made by Gary.

If you would like more information about the winery itself or about their B & B please contact them at: 

blueheron@psci.net 

or visit their website:

blueheronvines.com

Bluegrass Brewing Company - Louisville, KY

Passing through Louisville KY, we stopped at the BBC brewpub in the St. Matthews area. This was the original location where all the magic started. Since then, they have expanded to three locations and distribute their brew all across the midwest. The brewpub is also home to a full restaraunt with a fair sized menu.

The mood of the place was relaxed. It seemed like a good place to unwind after work or to go party on the weekend. We walked in and took a seat at the magnificent bar and I ordered the sampler. All along the wall and above the bar are sticker laden mugs. Patrons, who wish to, can buy a mug and become part of the warthog club. They recieve specials on the brew.

The cheeky bartender poured me up seven samples of beer. As i took my tour through the brews I came to a realization. These folks know beer. They know good beer and how to make it. BBC makes a wide range of beers to satisfy ANY taste. From the American lager drinkers to true hopheads this place crafts it all.

I particularly enjoyed the nut brown and the american pale ale. I liked the "spuds" seasonal beer so much i had to buy a growler. It was a medium bodied beer with about 32ibu's and it tastes fantastic! I also purchaced some bourbon barrel stout that i found to be a great maranade and after dinner beer.

Food wise, I ordered the pretzel and beer cheese. The fare was grade A bar food. Two warm gooy pretzel sticks with a spicy beer cheese.  Katey ordered a warm tomato and mozzarella salad that she claimed to be delicious.  The BBC Brewpub gets my stamp of approval for its great beer and amazing fare. IFyou ever happen to be in louisville KY stop in for some grub and a few cold ones.

For more information on BBC visit their webpage:

http://www.bbcbrew.com/

The German Cafe - Paoli, IN

It was the fourth day of our trip, as we hopped in the car on this Sunday with no particular destination in mind.  Chad must have been hungry because no sooner than we had gotten in the car he made a sharp turn  off the road into the parking lot of a small blue house with a white porch.  I didn't even realize it was a restaurant at first but soon saw a woman (who I later found out was the owner, Ramona) walk on the patio and flip over the open sign.  Chad and I were both slightly hesitant because it was German food and it was our first meal of the day.  Also, we are always weary of eating new places because of my issues with food... we are never sure if there will be something I can eat.   My gut told me we should go.  I'm German... Chad looks German... and I love Bratwurst.  So... why not give it a try.  

Walking in, I was astonished by how absolutely adorable the restaurant is.  There is so much charm.  The restaurant is divided by rooms, with different tables situated with mis-matching chairs.  There are German knick-knacks everywhere, but it is well put together and not overwhelming.  It is simply an inviting atmosphere that makes you feel at home. 

 Ramona quickly greeted us with a smile and told asked if a table up front would be alright.  She presented us with the menu and explained the specials in depth.  She also offered us the wine and beer list and took care to tell us about each of the wines and beers.  She stated that all of the beverages were from Germany and were selected based on what she and her husband Bernd enjoy.  

Chad selected the Dopplebock also known as a double bock.  He says that it was a delicious full-bodied beer brewed in the traditional style.  What he enjoyed about it was that it wasn't too heavy to have with a meal and had just the right amount of happiness for his taste.  Not too bitter, not too sweet.  Something that a craft-brew lover would hate to miss.  

I selected Schmitt & Sohne - fünf.  This semi-sweet red wine has just enough sweetness to it.  Ramona described it is a fun, young, almost sparkling wine, and I couldn't agree more with her.  It was a refreshing, fruity table wine that was almost too easy to drink. 


Both Chad and I decided on the special that came with three different kinds of sausages including a slightly spicy bratwurst, a mild white sausage (usually served before noon in Germany), and a third pork sausage that was like a sweet hot dog.  They were delicious!  We both loved the white sausage and were surprised by how flavorful it was.  We've never had anything quite like it.  We chose different sides.  Chad had the spatzle (pronounced like - sh-pit-z-luh... kind of).  These were wide noodles with mushrooms and creamy sauce.  While they were too much for him eat, they had a great texture.  Nothing too bold, making it a great first meal of the day for him.  I had the side salad and sauerkraut.  I have never liked sauerkraut but thought, since I was in an authentic German restaurant, I should give it a try... I am so glad I did.  It was delicious!  As was the salad.  It had all sorts of vegetables, including beans and corn, which made this salad absolutely delectable tossed in their vinaigrette.  

I cannot wait for another trip so we can go back there!  If you have the chance, go!  Talk to Ramona!  You would never know that she moved from Germany three years ago.  Her English is near flawless.  Her husband Bernd is the chef.  They make an amazing team and are the reason for the success this restaurant has achieved in the 2 years it has been open.  


While we were at the restaurant, we met a lovely couple who sat at the table across from us, Shane Campbell and Donna.  The two have seemed to travel a great deal and were happy to share their travels and knowledge.  They were wonderful to talk to and get to know.  They made the experience even more pleasurable.  As we sat, talked, and enjoy our food, Shane told us that he is part of a group that reviews restaurants.  You can find his story at:


http://forums.louisvillehotbytes.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=19353

You will also be able to find more information about the restaurant on their website: 

http://www.thegermancafepaoli.com/

Spring Mill State Park - Mitchell IN

While at Carousel Winery, Sue recommended that we stay at the Inn at Stone Mill State Park.  Sue even went out of her way to let us use her phone to call the Inn and see if they had any openings.

Spring Mill is a beautiful park with plenty of walking trails, a pioneer village, a pool, a restaurant at the Inn, and cave bout tours.  The Inn has a variety of different room options, all at reasonable prices.  While they are not extravagant rooms, they are clean, well-maintained, and comfortable.  The staff at the Inn was wonderful to deal with and very helpful.  The elevator happened to be out during our visit, but a staff member quickly helped us grab our bags and get settled in. The Inn was well equipped with a pool, game room, and restaurant.  We enjoyed out stay and our visit in the park the following day.

Chad and I had hoped to explore some of the caves but sadly they were closed due to White-Nose Syndrome,  a fungus that has caused the death of between 5 and 6 million North American bats. Instead we explored the pioneer village.  We had the opportunity to see the largest working mill in America up and running.  We also had a lovely chat with a few of the "pioneers" who worked at the village.  It is marvel historical adventure that is fun for the whole family.  You could spend several days enjoying what this park has to offer.

The workings of this mill are fascinating.  Because of the way the water flows, it can be stored and released with little effort to run the mill.  The water is carried from uphill via the large structure in the picture below.  It is then spilled over the of the wheel and captured in the many containers on the outside of the wheel.  The weight of the water is what makes it turn, not the flow of the water itself.  

All of the people in the pioneer village are very friendly and knowledgeable.  They are willing to share what they know with anyone who asks.  

There is a small fee to enter the park, but it is totally worth it for the experience you will have! 

For more information visit their website:

http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2968.htm

Carousel Winery - Bedford, IN

The moment we walked into Carousel we could both smell the sweet scent of something fermenting.  This keen observation gained us a tour of behind the scenes at Carousel where we got to see the Concord grapes for their Red Tiger Red bubbling.  It was a beautifully delicious sight!

We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the winery.  We had the pleasure of meeting the winery owners Marion and Sue.  Marion is the wine maker and is currently training another young man to make the wines as well.  You can tell that they both love their products and have a passion for what they do.  It comes across in their eagerness to tell you about everything you are seeing and tasting.  Don and Donnie helped lead us through the first few wines we tasted, taking time to talk about each wine and what made it unique.  I love when people are informed about their products and willing to share their knowledge with you.  It makes the experience even more enjoyable.

Sue led us through the second half of the wines and told is a little about the winery, including that come August they will be celebrating 9 years in business.  The winery is settled on 9 acres and boasts 25 different wines using fruits from across the country. Not only was the atmosphere quite welcoming and the people wonderful, the wines were delicious!  They also boast the title of one of the top 10 wineries in the state of Indiana.  Congrats Carousel!

The Wine:

Cab Franc - New Release 2012 - The lightest of the Heavy Reds.  Rich and Full Bodied, yet sophisticate to the palate.  Cherry-berries dance across the tongue.  Best served with Friends.  The best way to described this wine is to say it tastes and smells like happiness.  You can taste the cherry but also get a hint of chocolate.  Delicious!


Reisling - Our finest example of what happens when magic takes places in the fermentation of fine winemaking.  One taste and you'll understand what is meant by 'perfect balance'.   This wine was incredibly crisp and clean.  It reminded me of daffodils.  It is easy drinking with just enough sweetness.  It is a well-balanced wine indeed.

Lady Luck - When the odds are against you and you are down to the line, you'll call on LADY LUCK.  Is she smiling on you today, or is it just a tease?  Ah, but her wine is divine.  This is one treat where there is no gamble.  This blush derived from Catawba grapes smells like spring and tastes even better.  This wine made both Chad and I feel quite lucky.  Look at the label and you will find a picture of Marion and Sue's daughter, Lady Luck.

Shadow Dog Port - Often the truest desserts in life are shared,  Whether it's a glass of fine port after a delicious meal, or the cherished moments we share with our best friends,  A  TOAST & TRIBUTES to our loyal and loving companions.  This wine has won numerous awards and for a good reason.  I loved sipping on this port style wine out of a chocolate cup.  This perfect combination warmed my throat and left me wanting more. This wine is also named after their previous pet.

Cay Dog Dessert Wine - Much like Chocolate, the Dark and the White are Nothing alike... Viva la difference!  This RARE WHITE Wine is made in the same traditional style as it's Brother, Shadow Dog Port, Smooth as silk.  Chad is a big fan of port style wines.  We have tried many ports, but rarely come across a white port.  Of the few white ports we have tried, this is by far Chad's favorite.  This is a smooth wine with hints of toffee and mocha (a few of my favorite things).  This wine is also named after a current pet of the owners.

I fully expect their cat, Bella, will have her own bottle at some point, too!

For more information visit their website: 
www.carouselwinery.com

Bluespring Caverns and Boat Tours

Our Next Stop was...Bluespring Caverns and Boat Tours!

I LOVED THIS PLACE!!  Neither of us had ever been on an underground river  or in a large cavern before so getting basically a private tour on a short bit of America's longest underground river (21 miles longs) was awesome!

Because it was the middle of the day on a weekday, we were the only people on our tour.  Shawna Morris was a fabulous tour guide, giving us all sorts of fun facts and incredible information about the cave, it's history, and it's inhabitants.  Have you ever seen blind fish?  There are at least two unique species of blind fish living in this cave, both which I got to see.   We also had the pleasure of seeing bats sleeping in the cave.

We would recommend this tour time and time again.  It was a reasonable price, a unique experience, and we had an incredible tour guide!

These are just a few pictures of what we saw on our journey.  These do not nearly capture the magnificent  views you will see on your visit.  There are large formations, high ceilings in some places, and deep water in other spots.  A fun place to visit for all ages.  (There is a steep incline to walk when entering and exiting the cave, so call ahead if you have mobility concerns).

For more information please visit 

http://www.bluespringcaverns.com/

Butler Winery & Vineyards - Bloomington, IN

While in the Bloomington area, we decided to stop by the tasting room for Butler Winery & Vineyards.  There we met Doug, the graduate student tuba player who led us through the selection Butler had to offer. Though the tasting room doesn't appear to be much from the outside, the winery offers a great selection of 19 different wines.  Doug was very friendly and was knowledgable about the wines, taking time to explain every tasting, balancing his time expertly while helping other costumers make purchases for their home or mirco-brewries.  This store not only hosts Butler's wine selection but also carries several books on wine, beer, and home brewing as well as brewing supplies and wine related products.  

This small space carries so many useful products!

The Wines

Chad and I enjoyed several of the wines at Butler and brought home a couple bottles to enjoy in the future!  Here are a couple we enjoyed:

Chardonel 2011 - New release!  Well-balanced and elegant, this is an ideal food-pairing wine.  A fabulous, sleeker alternative to classic California chardonnays. A signature grape from our vineyards.  Chad found this wine to be buttery with floral notes and a tangy finish.  A wine that easily pairs with many meals.

Chambourcin 2009 - Dry, medium bodied , with nice tannin structure.  Aged in French Oak.  Excellent companion for a meal with spicier dishes, or just crackers&sharp cheeses.  We think it's our best Chambourcin yet!  We could see this also pairing nicely with red meat or salmon.  It is very light and easy drinking for a Chambourcin.  You can definitely taste the Oak.

Traminette 2010 - 100% Indiana Uplands Traminette lends this wine its pleasant and refreshing floral aroma.  One taste & you'll see why Indiana's state grape has such a devoted following!  I thought this wine had a heavy floral nose with a light fruit taste reminiscent of pear and apple.  It had a very smooth finish.  Lovely wine to simply enjoy.

Terra Rossa - A lovely port style wine made from our own 2010 Chambourcin.  Rich, oak nose with chocolate & dark fruit.  Smooth, sweet lingering finish.   This was a spicy, warm and rich wine that made my lips tingle.  Deliciously creamy with a smokey finish.  Loved this port style wine!


I would love to visit Butler's other location and vineyard sometime in the near future! This was a lovely place to visit and we couldn't have asked for someone better to help us out!  Thanks Doug!

Also, we got to talking to one of the gentlemen buying supplies for his home brewing, Aaron.  He is hoping to open his own restaurant and micro-brewery sometime in the next year or so.  So in 2013, look for: All Good Brewing Co. 

for more information about Butler Winery and Vineyard 

visit their website:

www.butlerwinery.com

or give them a call at 812.339.7233

Oliver Winery - Bloomington, IN

No better time to write about Oliver Winery than when I am drinking the Strawberry Cider from Oliver.

Might I say, it is delicious.

Because I cannot drink beer, hard cider is often my substitute.  Like beer, each cider has it's own unique taste.  I have tried the blueberry and strawberry cider and have thoroughly enjoyed them both.  They are light, fizzy, delicious ciders that remind me of summer.  This is something I would love to sip on while sitting on river on a hot day!


While at Oliver, Chad and I had the opportunity to taste several of their wines, walk around their grounds,  and  take a short tour of where their wines are made.  The ground themselves are beautiful and we did noat get to explore nearly enough of them due to rain.  On our tour, Tiffany, our guide, was incredibly informative and willing to answer all of our questions along the way.   Tiffany told us about Oliver's history as well.



The winery began with Mr. Oliver, a former professor, making wine as a hobby in his basement.  The winery itself opened in 1972, with only 5 acres of land.  The vineyard now has 54 acres, boasts 35 wines, and distributes to 20 different states.  Mr. Oliver's son Bill is now the head of the company and the wine maker.  You can tell that even though the company has grown significantly, they still care about making great products that their consumers will love.

The Wine 

Because Oliver's wine list is so long, there was no way we could try them all!  We tried to stick to the wines produced with grapes locally grown at the Creekbend Vineyard as well as the popular items recommended by Kathy Bodle-Perez, our guide for the day.

Some of the wines we particularly enjoyed include the following:

Creekbend Traminette 2011 - Indiana's signature wine!  Floral, fruity, inviting, this grape loves our Indiana climate.  This was a very light and lively wine.  It reminded us of honeysuckle in spring. A great picnic wine.

Creekbend Vavlin Muscat 2011- Aromatic and exotic, this dry wine is the perfect match for cream or cheese based dishes of poultry.  Amazing color, like champagne without the bubbles.  An excellent citrus finish.  For a dry wine, it was very light.


Maximum Port 2007 - Soft rich flavors in a classic ruby port made from petite sirah.  Chad noted that the nose was quite oaky and earthy.  Not too sweet but left a rather sweet finish.  Nicely balanced, a good winter wine.


 If you are ever in the Bloomington area, or find Oliver Winery products near you, we recommend you give them a try.  They have something for everyone, no matter your taste!

For more information please visit their 

website:

http://www.oliverwinery.com/

or like them on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Oliver-Winery/109230619094694

Hillside Inn - Madison, IN

Amazing views of Madison from each room of this historic landmark await you. The Hillside Inn has hosted stars such as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.  Each room has a private balcony.

There are several different types of room available for reasonable rates.  Our room had a whirlpool tub next to the bed. It was wonderful sitting in the tub with the door open to an evening thunderstorm.

The views and decent rates are wonderful attributes of this hotel.  The rooms seem to have been updated fairly recently and are quite clean.  It was a wonderful place to stay for two nights.

Eats and Treats – BJ’s Brewhouse

Eats and Treats – BJ’s Brewhouse

It would be hard for me to find a fault with this restaurant!  WE LOVED IT!  The service, the food, the drinks, the atmosphere….. all incredible.

I have celiac disease which means that anything with gluten, including wheat, barely, rye, etc., will make me sick to me stomach.  Anywhere we go, finding food that I can eat (that isn’t just a salad) can be a challenge.  If you have these same issues, BJ’s is a great place to go. 

They have a dedicated gluten free (gf) menu with a complete list of gf beverages including  gf beer and two flavored ciders, pear cider and blueberry cider.  The staff is incredibly knowledgeable about their food and beverages and even offered us suggestions of how to improve our meal with no charge.

this is actually a 50/50 mix of the two ciders, berry and pear.  They both are light, but the berry was too sweet for my taste.   Mixing the two balanced out the flavors.  It was like a wine spritzer.

Our server, Ashley, was fantastic. Ashely told us that she had worked at BJ’s near Indianapolis since the restaurant opened four years ago and that she enjoyed working there because of the consistent management.  She suggested we try different beverages and offered free tastings of beers and ciders so we would order something we liked.   We were so happy to have a waitress that took her time with each table, trying to explain the menu and what the restaurant had to offer.

Before dinner, Chad took advantage of the beer tasting offered at the brewhouse. 

He stated that all of the beers were of high quality, not to mention delicious.  If you have the opportunity to try these beers, along with their ciders, we would suggest taking advantage of it!

To finish our evening at BJ’s  indulged in the gluten-free chocolate chip pizookie (a hot out of the oven, rich and delicious, gluten-free chocolate chip cookie topped with two scoops of vanilla bean ice cream and served in its own deep dish).  One of the best desserts either of us has had in a long time.  Simply delicious!  Enough to split between two people, unless you are having it for your meal.    

What a great experience!

for information about hours and locations please visit:

http://www.bjsbrewhouse.com/

Tallon Winery – Shelbyville, KY

Tallon Winery – Shelbyville, KY

This is the first winery in Kentucky that we have had the opportunity to visit.  It is located right off of highway 64 between Frankfort and Louisville.  It was really easy to find with signs from the highway all the way to the winery.  What a beautiful property.  Even though it is near the highway, the property makes you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere.  This beautifully restored home sits on a small pond with a large sitting area inside and spacious deck out back.  The site is one of the two owned by Tallon Winery, with the primary vineyard and tasting room being in Lexington, KY.    The tasting room has an incredible barrel ceiling that reminded Chad of a Frank Llyod Wright we have visited in Springfield, IL. 

Tallon Winery grows a great deal of the grapes used in their wine including their Traminette, Chambourcin, and Chardonel.  The Shelbyville location has 17 acres which they hope to use for vineyards in the near future. 

The Wine

I was not terribly impressed with the white wines.  Though they each offer something a little different, they really weren’t my style.  The finish on the Traminette and Sweet Evening Breeze had an alcohol tasting finish to them that kind of tingled the tongue… not my style, but worth a taste. 

The Moondance may have been my favorite white.  A Pinot Gris wine with a grapefruit and other tropical citrus nose combined with a hint of mineral.  A great patio wine.  I thought it was an easy drinking wine that definitely had a citrus feel to it. 

Chad liked the Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve best of all.  Premium Full-bodied, dry red.  Kentucky oak barrel aged.  Favors of black cherry, currant and nuances of chocolate and vanilla.   Chad thought it had a very earthy, oaky nose, almost reminiscent of a bourbon barrel.  It had a heavy black cherry taste while the chocolate and vanilla were quite light by comparison.  It would be a great wine to serve with any red meat with a sweeter marinade. 

I personally enjoyed the Afterglow.  A semi-sweet blend of Cayuga and Catawba with a robust grape flavor.  This is a crisp, light, flavorful wine.  It reminds me a little of drinking Welch’s White Grape Juice with the fruity, grapy flavor, but much lighter.  It was a beautiful color as well!  It almost looked the color of watermelon with a hint of orange. 

If your would like more information on this winery please visit their website:

 http://www.talonwine.com/