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

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.

Places to Stay - The Stone Soup Inn

Places to Stay –  Stone Soup Inn

On our trips we have stayed at some pretty neat locations..  This time we stayed at a Bed & Breakfast called the Stone Soup Inn.

This B&B is part of a group of B&Bs that work together and can be booked through the same website. 

The Stone Soup in is located near the heart of downtown Indianapolis, IN.  Even though it is in an urban area, the inn feels secluded and quiet.  From the moment you walk in the door you feel at home.  Standing in the foyer it is almost as though you have been taken back to the early 1900’s.  The house has been well preserved and is decorated to fit the era the house was built in.

 On the first floor you will find the dining area and two comfortable living rooms where you can read up on some local activities and plan your next destination.  The Inn is well stocked with information about IN and what the beautiful state has to offer. 

There are several spacious rooms available on the 2^nd and 3^rd floors.  You can find descriptions and pictures of the different room options on the Stone Soup Inn website. 

It was a comfortable, quiet stay with a delicious breakfast available the next morning.  We enjoyed the overall atmosphere and presentation of the Inn and would stay here again!

Check this link for more information:http://www.stonesoupinn.com/

Enjoy your travels!