If you’re a Hoosier, and better yet from Terre Haute, basketball practically runs in your blood. Larry Bird was a star player of one of the greatest college basketball national championship games ever, when the Indiana State Sycamores took on the co-Big Ten champion Michigan State Spartans in the championship game of the 1979 NCAA Men’s Division 1 Tournament, or what most call March Madness. Do you remember who Bird squared up against? Just someone named Magic Johnson... Bird was one of the best scorers in the country, paving the way for the Sycamores to play on the biggest national stage.
 
Whether you were born and raised here, go to school or are just visiting, Terre Haute has a rich history and passion for sports that makes it contagious for the entire community. Being at the heart of higher education, Terre Haute has six college basketball teams at the tip of our fingers: Indiana State University (ISU), Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.
 
If you’re looking for the perfect ambiance to watch one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year, the March Madness tournament, look no further! Below are just a few of our favorite game day spots, but you can view a compiled list here. These restaurants offer great food and drinks, huge TVs and plenty of space to bring your friends.

• 365 Bar & Grill
• Ambro's Bar and Grill
• Charlie’s Pub & Grub
• Kleptz's Restaurant
• ​M. Moggers Brewery Restaurant & Pub
• Show-Me’s
• ​Terre Haute Brewing Company
• Tolly’s Bar and Grill
• Tree House Eatery & Drinkery

 
March Madness kicked off on March 14 and the First Four games took place in Dayton, Ohio at the UD Arena. After the 68 teams face off and fight their way to the end, the national champion will be crowned in Houston, Texas on April 3, taking home the title of the 2023 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament Champions.
 
The ISU men’s basketball program traveled to the Sunshine State to Daytona Beach, Florida in March as the No. 1 seed in the College Basketball Invitational (CBI), which featured other teams like Southern Indiana and San Jose State. This trip occurred after falling to Bradley University in the Quarterfinals of Arch Madness, the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) postseason basketball tournament, marking a fifth-place finish.
 
In the CBI under first-year head coach John Scherzer, #1 ISU won their first postseason game since 2001 against #16 USC Upstate 67-62. The Sycamores were beaten by #8 Eastern Kentucky 89-88 in overtime, ending their first postseason run since 2014.
 
You can still tune in to cheer on other teams at our suggested favorite local spots around Terre Haute. To view the March Madness schedule, click here

In the United States, leaving out a plate of cookies and a glass of milk for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve is a well-established tradition among families. This ongoing practice is a gesture to help Santa Claus stay alert and awake all night long, but there must be a method to the Holiday madness for parents too, right? 

The solution for many is caffeine… with an extra shot of, you guessed it, caffeine. Whether you’re grabbing a festive, peppermint mocha to catch up with an old friend during this holiday season or just trying to get inside and stay warm with a hot chocolate, Terre Haute has numerous options to best suit your needs to grab your favorite seasonal sips. 

• Crossroads Nutrition
• Gingersnaps Coffee House and Cafe
• Java Haute
• Joe Muggs, Books-A-Million
• Federal Coffee + Fine Foods
• Little Bear Coffee Co.
• Loose Goose Coffee Company
• 5th Street Nutrition

To see a compiled list of local coffee and sweet treats, visit See You In Terre Haute.

If you happen to prefer familiar options, Terre Haute has five various Starbucks locations, one of those being located inside the local Barnes & Noble on Indiana State University’s campus, perfect for remote work.

When seeking remote workspaces, active members of Launch Terre Haute have access to workstations and conference rooms. If you prefer more privacy, there are private offices for monthly rental. Other amenities of the space include 24/7 access to coffee, heating, a kitchenette, a printer and even free Wi-Fi, provided by Joink.

Regardless of the reasoning behind your need for visiting a local coffee shop, be sure to stay warm this holiday season by grabbing a local, seasonal sip as a method to your own Christmas Eve madness …and don't forget to leave out Santa's cookies!

The holidays are the perfect time of the year to reconvene with your loved ones at home, hosting and attending potlucks, ugly Christmas sweater parties as well as white elephant and secret Santa gift exchanges. While at-home holiday parties can be wonderful in the comfort of your home, they can almost always end in compiling a mountain of dishes in the sink.

Whether you’re preparing a roast or baking your family’s classic homemade apple pie, holiday baking and cooking can create unexpected havoc in the kitchen, leaving you in a rut for dinner during the holidays.  Leave the pile of dishes behind because ’tis the season to be jolly, and we want to provide you with some of the best local restaurants to celebrate the holidays with loved ones, havoc-free.

There are plenty of local restaurant options at the tip of your fingers to explore and enjoy. The Terre Haute local cuisine community offers everything from American, to Indian and everything in between! Many of these local stops also offer space for holiday office parties or family gatherings. Here are just a few of our favorite restaurants to share with you:

Alimentari - Bar Bosco
La Isla Mexican Restaurant
Piloni’s Italian Restaurant
Rick’s Smokehouse
The Saratoga
Stable’s Steakhouse
Taj Mahal
Umi Grill and Sushi Bar

If you do choose to stay in and do some holiday baking and cooking, we strongly encourage you to shop local and buy fresh ingredients. When cooking your classic Christmas day meal, Baesler’s Market on Poplar St. provides all ingredients necessary for your recipe as well as pre-made dishes that may be on the course lineup this year. Also, don't forget to add  Clabber Girl to your grocery list for all your baking needs like homemade cookie-making and decorating with your loved ones while trimming the tree!

To see a comprehensive list of all restaurants, bakeries and grocery stores we encourage you to visit the See You in Terre Haute website here.

This season in Terre Haute for holidays we want to make your experience simple and enjoyable. So, we hope you stay local and eat well with your loved ones this year.

Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters meticulously capture the essence of the holidays with the iconic carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Sung by various singers from several generations and heard on radio, television and over the sound systems in elevators and shopping malls, Terre Haute now brings to you 12 holidates to attend with your loved ones this season in Terre Haute.

On the second day of Christmas, you can attend the annual Miracle on 7th St. beginning with the tree lighting on Dec. 2 with a special guest and plenty of local vendors to visit. The festivities of the event continue running through Dec. 3, on the third day of Christmas when you can attend the Light Your Way Christmas Parade by Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in partnership with Miracle on 7th St. This beloved holiday event takes place every year in downtown Terre Haute.

On the second and third days of Christmas, join the Vigo County Parks and Recreation Department at Fowler Park for the annual Christmas Walk around Pioneer Village by candlelight as volunteers exhibit holiday traditions from the early 1800s. On the third day of Christmas, go visit the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Performance, Joyful Holidays, with Caroline Goodwill at Tirey Hall on Dec. 3.

On the third day of Christmas, step outside to either walk or run Wabash Valley Road Runners' 3K, 5K and ½ mile Reindeer Romp benefiting Clothe A Child on Dec. 3. On the tenth day of Christmas, bring the whole family out to enjoy Breakfast with Santa at the Zorah Shrine on Dec. 10 for great food and high-quality photos to make memories last a lifetime.

On the fifth, twelfth and nineteenth day of Christmas, Haute City Center is hosting three opportunities to get Pet Photos with Santa. On every day of Christmas, get out and about to visit the well-known lights in Deming Park every night until Dec. 31 as well as the Holiday Express Train occurring nightly (weather permitting) through Dec. 20. Christmas in the Park lights in Deming Park every night until Dec. 31 as well as the Holiday Express Train occurring nightly (weather permitting) through Dec. 20.

On the sixteenth day of Christmas, Rose-Hulman Drama Club presents A Christmas Carol at Hatfield Hall, taking place from Dec. 16 – 18. You can get your tickets now! On the twenty-first day of Christmas, bring the kids out for the Annual Ornament Decorating. Pre-registration is required.

Be sure to take advantage of local green thumbs at your fingertips. On any day of Christmas, visit the Holiday Hill Christmas Tree Farm. This year they are providing customers with Frasier Fir trees from the Virginia and North Carolina mountains, as well as Snowfresh Douglas Fir and Scotch Pine from Michigan. On any day of Christmas, make your way to Jolly Pines Tree Farm, bringing you and your loved ones plenty of joy this holiday season.

This year, instead of traveling for the holidays, bring your loved ones in from out of town to show off all the holiday spirit Terre Haute has to offer this season, and don't forget to add "The Twelve Days of Christmas” to your holiday playlist.

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring ting tingling. The holidays are quickly approaching, and we understand how it can be overwhelming to navigate a starting point on your gift-giving checklist. Some of your favorite local small businesses are already advertising their biggest deals on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, so let’s unwrap your gift-giving guide to getting started early and enjoying the holiday season.

Terre Haute offers an ample number of options when shopping for everyone in the family at your local small businesses and now is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of what is already right at your fingertips. From new Carhart arrivals at Glick’s to toys at the Stork Stop, we have it all and want to make your gift shopping effortless and fun by providing just a few of our favorite one-stop shops:

• Affirmation
• Kadel’s Hallmark and Boutique
• The Burlap Penguin
• The Lili Pad Unique Gifts & Apparel
• Willow Gift & Home
• Sons’ Spice Co.
• The Local Vinyl
• Pacesetter Sports
• Planty Lane

For a complete list of local shops located throughout the Terre Haute, visit our website here at terrehaute.com/shopping.

No worries if you prefer to stay at home to complete your holiday shopping, we have got you covered! When searching for the best online deals it is important to stay diligent and organized despite the endless open tabs . Here are just a few tips and tricks for smart shoppers to stay on track this holiday season:

1. Draft a holiday shopping list.
2. Catch early morning deals on Black Friday, Shop Small Saturday and Cyber Monday.
3. Follow local retailers on social media.
4. Utilize online price comparison tools.
5. Don’t forget to price match.

 
The good news is that if your holiday schedule is already pretty booked up, “Super Saturday,” (yes, it is a thing) the Saturday before Christmas, is perfect for those who haven’t finished their holiday shopping just yet. Super Saturday and the days surrounding it are filled with last-minute deals both online and in-person.
 
No matter what the holiday season may look like for you and your loved ones, we hope to See You In Terre Haute shopping at your favorite local businesses for all your holiday gift-giving needs and more.

For additional ideas on what to get for your friends and family this holiday season, check out the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce's Favorite Things Gift Guide.

With four races scheduled this week and weekend, the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course prepares for an exciting week of competition projecting to bring nearly 10,000 runners and spectators to the Vigo County course.
   
The festivities began with the Vigo County Middle School Cross Country Championships on Wednesday evening, followed by the 2022 Cross Country Town Twilight College Division scheduled for Friday, and finishing the weekend with both the Indiana Middle School Cross Country State Championships and the NIKE XC Town Twilight race on Saturday. 

“This is a packed week for runners, with championships and divisions bringing them all right here to Terre Haute,” said David Patterson, Executive Director of the Terre Haute Convention and Visitors Bureau. “This course continues to be a destination for the sport, and our continued advancements and investments in the facility prove to be a point of pride, ultimately enhancing the runner and spectator experience.”  

Between the four races, over 5,000 runners will tread the course. The Twilight College Division offers the first of its kind held as a night race, with most scheduled during the day in years past, and over 2,700 of the best high school runners will take the course at dusk for one of the season’s favorites, the NIKE XC Town Twilight race.  

“There is an added layer of complexity, challenge and excitement for the night races, making them popular amongst the athletes,” continued Patterson.   
​
The LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course continues to help spearhead the tourism industry in Terre Haute – Vigo County. Averaging between 30,000 and 40,000 annually, the course has secured racing bids for events such as NCAA Division Championships, IHSAA State Championships and Nike Midwest Regionals. The bidding process is a competitive process in which the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course presents on the course’s assets. These bidding periods are how races, invitationals and championships are secured, therefore allowing Terre Haute, West Central Indiana and the state of Indiana to welcome thousands of people from across the nation to the facility.  

Today we celebrated the ribbon cutting for the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross County Course climate controlled athletic medical building. Community leaders gathered alongside Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch to cut the ribbon, marking the official opening.
 
“The climate-controlled athletic medical building is such a progressive and leading way to care for the athletes that run this renowned course,” stated David Patterson, Executive Director of the Terre Haute Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We have athletes who compete on this course at local, state and national levels. Some compete when it’s snowing, some compete in extremely hot temperatures. This facility provides a space for athletes to be assessed out of the elements, out of spectator sight, and quite simply, comfortably.”
 
The athletic medical building, funded by the Indiana Destination Development Corporation’s (IDDC) Destination Development grant with matching funds from the Terre Haute Convention and Visitors Bureau, will serve tens of thousands of runners across the nation who visit the course annually. 
 
The LaVern Gibson Championship Cross County Course is a true asset to the Terre Haute community and this new medical building will help athletic trainers and other medical personnel better serve the athletes.

Fire up the grill! It’s the Fourth of July, which means there is plenty to celebrate here in Terre Haute, Indiana, as well as throughout Vigo County. Independence Day is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a long weekend, burgers and hot dogs on the grill, beer, sunshine, music, boats, bonfires, and best of all fireworks with friends and family.  Of course, all these festive activities grant us the much-needed reset of rest and relaxation from our daily routines, so grab your loved ones because the festivities begin now.  
 
You can use this time to get creative with your outdoor party recipes. Combining sweet and salty ingredients for a patriotic recipe this year is similar to the compilation of Fourth of July festivities offered throughout Terre Haute and Vigo County that we have to share with you!
 
As the world continues to transition away from COVID regulations, this year is the perfect traditional Independence Day celebration as the firework shows must go on! Make your way to the Moon Lite Drive-In Theater in Terre Haute on July 1st for a firework show at 10:00 p.m. and a double-feature directly afterwards around 10:15 p.m. Bring your entire family to celebrate our nation and enjoy brand new movies, where Lightyear and Top Gun will likely play. On July 3rd, bring your lawn chairs and blankets to sit and relax at the New Covenant Fellowship Church, in Terre Haute for food, fellowship, and fireworks!
 
All ages are welcome at this free event to celebrate Independence Day at the Sycamore Winery’s 5th anniversary! On Sunday, July 3rd, they will offer food and live music 6:00-10:00 p.m., then a fireworks show over the lake at dark. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, as no tents will be allowed. Also, at The Bridge celebrate the Fourth of July on Sunday, July 3rd from 6:00-9:00 p.m. with free food, face painting, and blow ups for the kids. The night will close out with a fireworks show at dark!
​
The most dazzling fireworks display will take place in the Wabash Valley on July 4th at Fairbanks Park by the City of Terre Haute. The entertaining celebration will begin at the amphitheater at 8:00 p.m. with the Terre Haute Community band until the fireworks display begins at dusk, which is approximately 10:00 p.m. There are updates to come on events at American Legion Post #290, Rosedale and Rex Baseball, Terre Haute, Military Nights.

If you host your own fireworks display, be sure to do so legally. Fireworks are not allowed within Terre Haute city limits. If you are outside of the city limits, ensuring safety is the number one priority. Simple tips that ensure everyone is kept safe is by buying high-quality fireworks from reputable retailers, keeping onlookers at a safe distance from the launch pad, as well as counting down before and after every lighting. Whether you prefer a large firework show or hand-held sparklers, remember to make memories with loved ones.

However, you choose to celebrate the Fourth of July, enjoy the holiday filled with fireworks safely alongside great company.