We have five very important senses. Sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell. Each sense serves a distinct purpose. Not many things can evoke each sense, but an ice cold Coca-Cola can.

Think about it, we touch the bottle, hear the crack of a bottle opener, see the bubbles fizzing, smell the syrup and taste the addictively sweet liquid. I bet you didn’t know two of these senses have the ability to take you back in time. Taste and smell are closely linked to memories. Let me quickly take you on a trip down Terre Haute’s memory lane. It just might make that Coke you’re drinking taste even better.

Okay, take a sip of your Coke and close your eyes as we travel through time. Colors are blurring, dates are being ripped from calendars, clocks are spinning backward. Whew, 106 years into the past, we made it.

On the corner of 3rd Street and Voorhees sits a local glass company, completely unknown to the nation. That is, until it won Coca-Cola’s national bottle design competition. On November 16, 1915, Chapman Root, founder of the Root Glass Company, patented his contoured glass bottle design. This design set Coca-Cola apart from other soda companies as every unique soda came in the same bottle. Root acquired bottling franchises to form the Associated Coca-Cola Bottlers in 1939, making his company the largest independent Coca-Cola bottler for 30 years.

Take another sip, it’s time to come home. Colors blurring, calendar dates fluttering, clocks moving forward, you know the drill. Take a look around Terre Haute in 2021. Coca-Cola bottle sculptures dot the town, each one with a story as unique as the bottle itself. These sculptures represent businesses and organizations that, like the Coca-Cola bottle, are important to Terre Haute’s history.

By seeking out these pieces of art, residents and visitors learn the history of each sponsor. In front of the Vigo County Historical Museum sits a bottle sponsored by the Root family. The City of Terre Haute proudly boasts their bottle outside City Hall. Each bottle is painted with details catered to the sponsor, and some even contain Easter Eggs and hidden secrets. But I won’t tell you where all the bottles are. You’ll have to explore town and find the other 25 yourself. So, grab your friends, go on an adventure, take lots of pictures and post them using the hashtags #SeeYouInTerreHaute and #FindACokeTH and share a Coke with Terre Haute.

You don’t have to be an expert. My boyfriend, Kurt, and I certainly weren’t. But, we took a chance, masked up and stepped through the doors of the Deming Park Torner Center for our first Date Night Pottery class.

Ceramics Instructor Hayley Bean greeted us with warm eyes and a calming voice. She had this unique ability to make every new student feel at peace, as if we were meant to be there. She certainly gave me the confidence to tackle the very intimidating potter’s wheel that beckoned in the corner. We took our positions behind the wheels and glued our eyes to Hayley, watching her every move.

Hayley carved a plump piece of clay from a crinkly bag set atop the counter in the middle of the room. Her eyes smiled as she smooshed the clump into the wheel. The wheel began to move beneath her as she pushed the clay down and forced it back up. Repeating the motion, she crafted a mountain of clay, then destroyed it with her tiny hands. Within minutes her shapeless pile was a smooth and hearty bowl. Okay, this looks easy enough, I thought to myself.

Kurt turned to me and said, “I think we can do this.” I smiled at his positivity. He was a bit skeptical of my date night idea but seemed to be taking it all in stride. It is just clay. How difficult could it be? Minutes later I found myself staring intently at my own gray clump. I took a deep breathe, wet my hands in the water bowl and went to work.

I used muscles in my forearms I didn’t even know existed, pushed the clay down, then forced it upward. Once I reached my desired height, I dug my thumbs into the top to begin sculpting what I hoped would turn into a bowl. The wet clay found its way underneath my fingernails. Frantically, I moved my hands in and around the clump, loose clay flying everywhere. “Hey, I think I’ve got it!” I yelled.

​I turned to look at Kurt’s progress. And in that tiny second, all my hard work fell in on itself. A tragedy. He laughed and continued to work magic on his own wheel. For someone with absolutely no pottery experience, he made the act look effortless. He was able to throw two magnificent pieces, a bowl and a mug, all before I had even finished my own creation.

He smiled reassuringly at me as Hayley made her way over. She offered much needed tips and encouragement, and I got back to work. Something must have clicked because my hands and mind began to work as one. Suddenly, my clump was taking shape. My hands slipped around the clay as I applied pressure inside the clump. I was making a bowl. Kurt leaned down and marveled at my piece. Our fellow students craned their necks to get a view of my work. Positive accolades rained down between us. Compliment after compliment filled the room as we looked at each other’s pieces.

In that moment, I began taking mental pictures; Kurt smiling to himself as he began to master a craft he never imagined doing, the laughter between the couple seated next to us, our ceramics instructor who beamed watching her students. I listened intently to the couple as they considered where to place these new pieces in their home. Kurt and I discussed meals we could cook together, and simultaneously decided our bowls would be perfect for chili.

Before we knew it, our two-hour session was up. We left the Torner Center two bowls and two mugs richer, and with new memories. I looked up at Kurt and smiled, “We may have to invest in a pottery wheel.” He laughed and put his arm around me. 

​If you’re ready for a creative date that will force you out of your comfort zone, check out the Deming Pottery website or Facebook page for class prices and times. Who knows, you might just be a pottery prodigy.

​As a student the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, there is a  stigma that surrounds us that we don’t go out much due to the “immense amounts of homework that we have” … which is only somewhat true. However, as I am continuing through my third year here at Rose, I have encountered plenty of opportunities to explore the Terre Haute community and all that it offers during my many study breaks.

Terre Haute provides a multitude of locations to take a break from whatever you are doing and relax. Maggie & Moe’s Poplar Flowers is a plant shop I recently discovered that exudes beauty and life the second you walk in. Covered floor to ceiling in all sorts of different plants, pots and flowers, I easily find myself forgetting about any homework assignments I have yet to finish. I recently just bought a beautiful Golden Pothos plant during their 25% off specialty sale and I am already excited to return to enjoy the environment to purchase new décor.

Towards the north end of Terre Haute about 12 minutes away from Rose-Hulman’s campus lies the Moon Lite Drive-In Theater. I have many fond memories of this location. One of them is watching the movie, It and its sequel with a small group of friends before the start of the fall semester. I find the perfect time to go there is in late August, as classes have not yet started and the weather at night is just right for you and your friends to be able to pack a bunch of pillows and blankets to enjoy the outdoor movie theater.
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One of the perks of being a student athlete at Rose-Hulman is the beautiful park that sits right behind campus – Hawthorne park. As a cross country runner, my team and I train in the park every day, usually training on the 3.5-mile loop that it provides or we create a new course through the various paths that the trail can lead you towards. It is not unusual for us to see families camping in this massive park. In the heart of the park, you can find people taking a casual stroll throughout the trail or even fishing at the large pond. My cross country team and I utilized the shelters around the park for our socially-distanced bonding events like a team gift exchange. Ultimately, whether you’d like to attend Hawthorne park for an event, a walk or a run, I highly suggest you make use of all the land it has to offer.

Terre Haute is stocked with all your favorite restaurant chains: Chick-Fil-A, Wendy’s, Taco Bell, as well as many others. However, what has really grabbed my attention is how good the local restaurants are in town. Let’s just say, if you’re visiting Terre Haute, make sure you stop at Cackleberries, AKA the best breakfast and lunch restaurant ever. The service is amazing, the food is superb and you basically have a 100% chance of finding someone you know enjoying a delicious meal. It’s definitely a spot that I frequent on the weekends to order the Italian skillet and have leftovers for the rest of the day.

For lunch, I enjoy going to the Royal Mandarin Express located in the Meadows Shopping Center down on Ohio Street. I swear, they give you the most fried rice and amazing Mongolian chicken that does not hurt my fragile college budget. Along the lines of Asian cuisine, Zeng’s sushi is some of the best I’ve ever had. Located farther downtown, I love grabbing some lo mein or edamame if I’m feeling a little more extravagant with my taste palette.

Around dinner time, a hot spot for some sit-down Mexican food is Taco Tequila’s. The food is incredibly tasty and the staff there is amazing – they always end up cracking jokes with the customer and creating such a fun atmosphere in the restaurant. Plus, their salsa is TO DIE for! I find myself nearly full after filling myself up with two rounds of their complimentary chips and dip. As far as entrees go, you really cannot go wrong – from fajitas, to wet burritos, to steak tacos, it is all amazing and affordable cuisine.

Being a student athlete is exciting, as it gives me reason to explore different trails and locations around Terre Haute. Deming park is a large, nearby outdoor space that offers seasonal activities. People in Terre Haute can see the annual Christmas light in the winter or just enjoy a casual picnic in the park on a spring day. For more hiking action, located on Wabash street near Brown Avenue, you’ll also find the ISU stadium loop in the shape of the state of Indiana, located on the perimeter of the Indiana State University football stadium.
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One of the biggest advantages to having two other universities so close nearby also calls for lots of sports activities going on nearly every week of the year. It’s always exciting when Saint Mary of the Woods’ students visit Rose’s campus for the annual Crosstown Classic or when we have our annual cross country invitational where we, a Division III school, are able to race against Indiana State University’s team, a Division I school. 

​When finalizing my college decision, I not only chose Rose-Hulman for its outstanding programs but for the city of Terre Haute that I could envision myself living in during my academic career. I have been fulfilled with so many great memories with friends and amazing food and beverages locations to celebrate my college years. Terre Haute has exceeded my expectations for a city and I am very grateful that I am able to live here!

​Happy Valentine’s Day, Terre Haute! Love is in the air and so are unique date ideas. If you’re looking for something a little different than dinner, try out one of these experiences to delight in with your Valentine.

​Did you know Terre Haute offers pottery classes? Deming Park Pottery has a variety of classes that anyone can attend, even couples. Embarking on a pottery making date will give you a meaningful outing and something to take home!

But maybe you don’t want to make the pottery, you just want to paint it! At Shewey’s Paint Your Own Pottery at Haute City Center, couples can pick out a piece of pottery and paint it however they please. It can be fun painting something for one another or creating matching items such as mugs, plates or vases. 

Cooking classes are always fun and can now be right in your home! You and your partner are guaranteed to have a good time while making sourdough bread in a virtual workshop hosted by the White Violet Center on February 11th. Participants will get to learn something new and have something delicious to eat!

Clabber Girl, located in downtown Terre Haute, has a full array of recipes that anyone can try! Cooking lessons can be done right at home with nothing but a recipe and the right ingredients. We suggest having you and your Valentine cook something new so that you can bond and give your tastebuds something new to try.

​Terre Haute, Indiana has become known in the Midwest under a few names. Considered the crossroads of America and a prominent college town, it has a reputation as a staple in West Central Indiana. However, on the National Stage, Terre Haute is best known for the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course. 

The LaVern Gibson Championship Course started as a passion project for the Terre Haute community. In the 1990s, the area the course is located served as a sanitary landfill and before that, a coal mine. The race track came to be through the work of two prominent cross country coaches and a man dedicated to his family. In the early 1980’s, Lavern Gibson endowed 240 acres of land to become the now famous course. Inspired from watching his grandson compete in cross country, Gibson worked to make this course what it is today. He worked alongside John McNichols; Head Coach for Indiana State’s track and field and cross country programs from 1983 – 2016, and William M. Welch; a legendary track and field coach who saw the beginnings of his career right in Terre Haute, to create a nationally recognized cross country course. His own family also assisted in the process. His son, Max, and his grandson Greg; an accomplished runner himself, both worked to create the impressive cross country course. Construction began in 1995. (laverngibson.com)

In October of 1997, the course officially opened as it hosted the Indiana Intercollegiate race. The course quickly became favorable due to its varying mileage options and diverse terrains. With loops and curves galore, it also has many uphill and downhill moments that challenge its runners. Those who succeed on the course truly show their talents and prove themselves as the best. The first kilometer of the course is a complete straightaway. The clear stretch makes it easy for spectators and press to line the barriers and cheer on the runners. But perhaps the most favorable aspect of the course is the 90% visibility of the course for runners and spectators. LaVern wanted a course with visibility due to his own frustration of only seeing his grandson Greg for the first five minutes of his races. The course was designed with care and intention so that the needs of both the runners and spectators can be catered to. (laverngibson.com)

​The LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course and the town of Terre Haute have been able to host many famous races for both high school and collegiate competitions. The course annually hosts the IHSAA State Championship Cross Country Race as well as invitationals such as the Nike Valley Twilight meet and the Nike NXR Midwest Regional. The course has also provided a setting to the Great Lakes Region Meet, the Missouri Valley Conference Championship and the Indiana Intercollegiate numerous times. The course and Indiana State University have even been honored to be chosen to host the NCAA Division I Men and Women’s Cross Country National Championship a total of 13 times since 2002. (xctownusa.com)

​Since it’s opening, the community has been able to continue improving the course and cement its relevance in the cross country world. Features such as a finish line building, press box, fencing, concession stand, bathrooms and bleachers have all been added to the course since its opening to enhance the experience of those who visit. The front straightaway is irrigated and future plans are in works to irrigate the entire course. But, perhaps the most exciting edition is the awards stand area. Using pillars from the historic Terre Haute House, the stand now gives an Olympic feel to all runners who are fortunate enough to stand on it. (gosycamores.com)

​On a busy day, the course is lined with spectators bundled in their school affiliated sweatshirts and hot chocolate in their hands. Parents have looks of pride as they hope their child will come out victorious. There is often a nervous feeling that fills the air as runners prepare to confront the famous course. Spectators can see them jumping and stretching at the finish line before putting on the game face and plunging forward as the starter points his start gun in the air to begin the race. Once they take off there is nothing but anticipation as people wait to see who will cross the finish line first. 

​It is these moments in which many can reflect on Terre Haute’s rich cross country history and appreciate the endowments given to us by LaVern Gibson, John McNichols and William M. Welch that have made Terre Haute’s LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course so important so important to its community.

​To learn more able how Terre Haute embraces the name, Cross Country Town USA, check out our blog written about the John McNichols Invitational. 

​Rejoice, the holidays are here! As 2020 comes to an end, it’s important to take time and enjoy the coming holidays to relax, celebrate and spend time with your loved ones. While many annual events in Terre Haute such as parades, concerts and community gatherings have been cancelled, there are still plenty of ways to bring holiday enjoyment and cheer during this winter month. 

​Like every year, Santa is a busy guy! He will be present in multiple locations throughout Terre Haute to visit kids and deliver their Christmas wishes. While we still want everyone to enjoy their Christmas and their Santa visits, the COVID-19 pandemic will make it look a little different this year. To visit with Santa at the Haute City Center, families must sign up for designated time slots that give participants a Santa meet-and-greet and picture! Deming Park will also be keeping up with their yearly tradition by hosting Santa at Deming Park, but in a new socially-distanced manner. Santa will be at the park during designated times to take socially-distanced pictures with people while he watches individuals drop off their letters to the North Pole. To learn more, visit Terre Haute Parks and Recreation’s Facebook page. 

Explore the beautiful holiday decorations on Wabash Avenue and around Terre Haute. While there will not be the annual Light Your Way Parade due to COVID-19 restrictions, individuals can still see Terre Haute’s beautiful street decorations. When taking a drive down Wabash Avenue, especially at night, you’ll be able to see string lights throughout the downtown and fun holiday themed decorations hanging from streetlights. There are also plenty of beautiful displays that can be found in the historic Terre Haute neighborhoods. Enjoy lights, inflatables and displays that local Hoosiers exhibit.

​Reward yourself in 2020 by purchasing some holiday greenery! Filling a home with poinsettias is a gorgeous way to get into the holiday spirit while embracing the natural holiday decorations nature gives us. Local florists like The Apple House Home and Garden Center, which most Hoosiers will refer to as “Bloom Brothers,” Maggie and Moe’s Poplar Flower and Décor or The Station Floral and Hair Design can supply you with all the flowers needed to celebrate holiday cheer. You can also take this year to splurge on a real Christmas tree to fill your home with the wonderful smell of pine and bring some greenery into your home. Visiting popular Christmas tree farms such as the Star Tree Farm will surely get you in the gleeful holiday spirit.

​Deming Park will be hosting their annual Christmas in the Park event with adapted formats to keep participants safe. The Holiday Express, Reindeer Romp and visits with Santa will continue on throughout the month of December to give all those in Terre Haute plenty of time to enjoy these yearly traditions. We encourage you to participate in this season of giving by enjoying holiday themed events that give back to the community. Both the Reindeer Romp and the Holiday Express give back to organizations within the Wabash Valley community. To learn more about registration, times and charity organizations associated with these events, visit Terre Haute Parks and Recreation’s Facebook page.

​While many holiday concerts have been cancelled, there are still virtual options being offered! The Terre Haute symphony will be presenting their concert, Joyful Holidays. The symphony will be hosting this concert virtually so viewers can enjoy the sounds of holiday cheer at their own home. This year, the symphony welcomes Cathy Berns to share her beautiful singing talent with the Wabash Valley. Those wanting to hear this exquisite annual event can purchase tickets by signing up at the Terre Haute Symphony’s website.

​Being a student at Indiana State University (ISU) has given me the opportunity to have the best college experience. I got involved right away with different organizations on campus, spent too many late nights in the library drinking coffee and laughed until my stomach hurt with my friends. Finding a sense of community is not only something I wanted from my college campus but also from the city that I was living in. Terre Haute has been a great city to attend college. I truly have enjoyed being able to discover the hidden gems of Terre Haute from restaurants to recreational activities, and I cannot wait to share them with you!

Like most college students, my favorite self-care tactic is treating myself to a meal out. Therefore, in my three years at Terre Haute, I have discovered some of the best restaurants! One of the unique restaurants is Fifi’s Lunch Box located on Wabash Avenue, about 10 minutes from ISU’s campus. Fifi’s is known for their popular Donut Burger, which is a tribute to the owner’s childhood. The donut burger combines two Terre Haute favorites as the donut bun is from none other than Square Donuts. The Donut Burger is best paired with Hash Brown Casserole Balls (HBC Balls) that are battered and deep-fried to perfection. Of course, you cannot leave without getting one of their signature Twisted Shakes! Talk about a treat!

One of my other favorite Terre Haute original restaurants is Piloni’s Italian Restaurant. Piloni’s is a very special restaurant because their creamy tomato sauce is homemade, along with their salad dressings. There is nothing better than sitting down to stuffed ravioli with creamy tomato sauce after a long day!

You cannot be in Terre Haute and not visit Clabber Girl. One of the reasons I love Clabber Girl is because they offer breakfast all day long! My go-to order is the Egg & Cheddar Sandwich in the Honey Wheat Wrap with sausage, spinach and onions and a side of their seasonal fruit! Along with breakfast items, they also serve a variety of sandwiches, salads and flatbreads. After enjoying a delicious meal, you can walk through the Clabber Girl Museum learning all about America’s #1 brand of baking powder that originated right here in Terre Haute! The museum covers the history of the Clabber Girl brand, while also showing how Terre Haute and American Baking have changed through the years.
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Being from a small town, I am very passionate about supporting small businesses. While Terre Haute is bigger than my hometown, it has been so much fun exploring all of the delicious restaurants and supporting all of the local ones. It is so important now more than ever to shop small and support your local restaurants!

Whenever I am stressed or in my head about all the assignments and obligations I have to fill, going outside always seems to help. One of my favorite spots to go is Hawthorne Park, which is a 15-minute drive from campus. It is such a beautiful escape from the craziness of campus. I always do the “Lake Loop” trail that ends up being a nice 25-minute walk around the gorgeous Burns Lake. Hawthorne Park also offers other trails that are great for biking and running on. This is the perfect park to grab a group of friends, a cup of coffee and enjoy nature!
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Another favorite is Deming Park, which is a 10-minute drive from campus. Deming is a great spot to go on a walk or play disc golf! One of my favorite things to do is utilizing their tennis courts. Grabbing a group of friends and getting away from campus can be so beneficial, and playing a fun game of tennis is the perfect way to enjoy a study break. During the summer time, Deming Park has an outside pool that is perfect for enjoying a hot summer day. 

​Terre Haute has delicious local restaurants and fun outdoor recreational spots to be enjoyed during your educational stay or during a visit. Indiana State University is a wonderful college strategically placed in the middle of a city. This allows you to be a part of the community, something every college student should feel a part of. See you in Terre Haute, Sycamores! 

​At Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, I’ve been able to live the typical college experience. I’ve been up way too late writing a paper last minute; I’ve gone to events put on by various college organizations; and I’ve missed a class or two on account of sleep. But what truly makes my college my home is the community it offers. I won’t lie to you, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods is a bit small for a college. But personally, that is what I love about it. The entire campus feels as if it is one community. I have been able to make connections with students, staff and faculty that I know will last after I graduate. The sense of community extends into Terre Haute. Terre Haute and Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College quickly welcomes their college students each year to cultivate a town where young adults can get their college education and experience the crazy times that being in college is supposed to bring.

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is unique. The gorgeous campus offers a serene atmosphere, but it is, quite literally, in the woods. Heading into Terre Haute can take anywhere from 10 - 30 minutes, depending on which part of town you’re headed to. That’s why downtown has become the perfect area for all SMWC students. I’ve taken advantage of downtown Terre Haute and learned the best places to eat, study and hang out. Downtown is about 10 minutes away from campus and offers a large array of places to eat at affordable prices (even for a college student). My favorite downtown restaurant has always been Wise Pies. Pizza is always affordable, and it helps when it tastes absolutely amazing. I highly recommend the white pizza or the WOW pizza. It’s become my go-to restaurant when my friends and I want to get something to eat but don’t want to spend too much. Splitting a delicious pizza from Wise Pies is always the way to go, but don’t let me make the decision for you. Places like Chavas, The Copper Bar, Crossroads Café and plenty of downtown restaurants are perfect for any college student’s appetite and budget. 

As for studying, two specific local coffee shops have become my personal favorite. Federal Coffee, in downtown Terre Haute, is the place to be when you just need to focus. Its small feel and coffee house vibes are perfect for independent studying. When I need a break, it’s also perfect for people watching in downtown. My other favorite is Java Haute. This coffee shop is arguably one of the most popular places in Terre Haute. But it has plenty of space for homework or group study sessions. They also are open late so its perfect for late night study sessions.

​As a college student, nightlife is incredibly important. It’s your free time! The evening is your time, as a college student, to de-stress and separate yourself from class for a bit. School work is incredibly important, but it’s also important to enjoy your college years and spend time having fun and being yourself. While I love a quiet night in doing my puzzles and watching a movie more than anyone, we, as college students, deserve to go out and enjoy ourselves! For me, I enjoy going to the Verve or hanging out at a bar such as 7th and Elm, Charlie’s Pub and Grub or Sonka Irish Pub. For a classy outing with friends, the Sycamore Winery is only five minutes away from SMWC’s campus! They always have some event going on. It could be a fun wine tasting, trivia or an event with beloved Terre Haute food trucks. There’s plenty more to do than just taste wine, but if you’re old enough I definitely recommend doing that. It also never hurts to have a low-key night by getting a group of friends and enjoying a movie at the Moonlite Drive-in Theater or Terre Haute’s AMC 12. If you’re lucky, you can even plan for a weekend where the Terre Haute Community Theater is putting on a show! As you get to know Terre Haute, you’ll be able to find the places that offer you an environment where you feel comfortable calling Terre Haute home.

​One tricky aspect of being an out-of-state college student is learning about new places in Terre Haute and finding events that are perfect for you. It took me a while, but really utilizing social media is the key. I was constantly scouring websites like See You in Terre Haute, Haute Happenings and simply googling “Things to do in Terre Haute?”. Liking and following all the businesses you can find is also a good way to go. This can give you access to knowledge about events going on, special promotions and great deals going on in Terre Haute! Taking advantage of your friends who are from Terre Haute also never hurts! 

​Terre Haute can be the perfect college town for anyone. You just have to make sure you find the things that give you joy and allow you to take breaks from the crazy and fast-paced academic life.