Alright, elves, the Christmas Countdown has officially begun. Black Friday deals have come and gone, and you still have lots of people to shop for on your list! What can be done? Not to worry, for I am a professional procrastinator and have developed a system for the season.

Two words: stocking stuffers. People underestimate the power of an adorable stocking full of candy and trinkets! This last-minute gift idea only takes an hour to put together. Stop by your favorite local store, pick out a stocking, stuff it full of candy, gift cards, or any other trinket that aligns with your person’s favorite things! Maybe it’s nail polish, maybe it’s a CD (do people still listen to CDs?) or, my personal favorite, a set of Bass Farms bath and body products, which can be found at the 1921 Boutique. Can someone say spa night?

Stocking stuffers are a great last-minute gift idea, but if you would rather put a little more thought into the gift, try something homemade! Handmade gifts hold an extra spark of spirit that can’t be found in store bought gifts. In my research, I have come across some pretty cute gift ideas, many of which I plan to try myself! Ornaments are a great gift for family and friends, and a homemade fabric covered tree ornament will add a bit of DIY sparkle to any Christmas tree. For the tutorial from Alice & Lois, check out this link!

Handmade gifts don’t always have to be made by you. Local businesses and artisans in Terre Haute offer a plethora of unique gifts for everyone in your life. Willow Gift & Home, The Burlap Penguin and the 1921 Boutique have just what you need for that extra special gift. For a full list of boutiques and businesses, click this link!

Ornaments aren’t for everyone, and neither are trinkets. For any of the plant lovers in your life, have you considered a small succulent? Or maybe, and how festive is this? A Christmas Cactus?! How cute is this little lady? The Christmas Cactus is aptly named due to its unique bloom schedule. Three out of the four seasons, this plant is green and flat, but around Christmas, something magical happens! The cactus blooms with bright pink, red, white, purple, or orange flowers to celebrate the season. While her cactus name may confuse you, she needs to be watered regularly and prefers indirect sunlight. Terre Haute has a plethora of flower shops to choose from for your green thumbed friend. Check out Maggie & Moe’s Poplar Flower Shop, Apple House, Baesler’s Flower Market, or the District 6 Market!  The Christmas Cactus will find herself most comfortable in a cozy window seat where she may be admired.

Speaking of things to be admired, I believe it’s high time you start wrapping these presents to be put under the tree! I hope these hints have been helpful, I know I will be using a few. Here is wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

The Terre Haute Parks and Recreation Department is definitely in the Christmas spirit! The department will host their annual ornament decorating event on December 20th from 2pm-3:30pm. Residents from near and far are invited to decorate an extra special ornament for their extra special Christmas trees. You will find more details in their flyer below!

If big public events aren’t your ideal place for holiday cheer, don’t fret. I have a few ideas for you. Downtown Terre Haute is beautiful this time of year, and you should definitely check it out. Take this time to call up family and friends and arrange a fun night of shopping and food in our Downtown. Take a picture next to the giant Christmas tree and marvel at the festive street decorations.

Speaking of decorations, have you visited Deming Park yet? Every year, organizations all over Terre Haute put their best creative feet forward and contribute beautifully designed displays to the park. Rumor has it, the line to get into Christmas in the Park has been outrageous! How amazing is that? Community members all over the city are itching to see the festive lights and creative displays. Call your honey up, grab a seasonal sip, and drive through the park blasting Christmas music. Now that is the ideal holiday season date night!

The holidays are a wonderful time to make memories with family and friends. This is a season for togetherness. No matter where you decide to spend your time together, do so with the intention that any event, any place, can be special, as long as you are with the right people. We’ll See You in Terre Haute this holiday season.

Imagine if you will, spending the evening with loved ones, in a cozy sweater, listening to Christmas music. A beautifully wrapped gift in one hand, and, what’s this? A seasonal sip from one of Terre Haute’s many coffee shops in the other hand? It’s a Christmas Miracle!

Nothing jump starts the Christmas spirit faster than a belly full of warm sweet treats and caffeinated beverages.

Each coffee shop has specially curated a list of original and classic drinks. Each sip delivers the rich taste only coffee from a Terre Haute barista can offer!

Below you will find a comprehensive list of each shop’s delectable menu. Might I suggest pairing your coffee choice with a fun day of shopping? It is much easier to spend money on gifts when you have a warm drink in your hand.

Click the banners above for more amazing deals in West Central Indiana!

The year 2020 was tough on everyone. Tourism and travel took a backseat as residents all over were encouraged to stay home. For cross country athletes, the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course offered a much-needed source of normalcy during a time of uncertainty. While the season was shortened due to COVID-19, it did still happen and made a world of difference for athletes’ morale. As the season came to an end, there was so much hope for the next year. A complete season full of sportsmanship, personal records and spectators.

On August 14, 2021, runners from all over the state gathered on the course for the 2021 Valley Kickoff hosted by Terre Haute South Vigo High School. The grass was greener. The excitement in the air was palpable. Family and friends crowded around the course, cheering on their runners. Terre Haute was once again, Cross Country Town USA.

The Course took this last year of uncertainty to further improve the facilities. This is, after all, the greatest cross country course in the nation. A new medical building was built on site in preparation for the 2021 season. This addition to the course emphasizes the Course’s commitment to the health and progress of their athletes.

So, what makes LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course so special, besides the love for their athletes and impressive resume of national meets? The Course was responsible for giving Terre Haute the coveted title of Cross Country Town USA in 2009 after hosting six successful seasons. It has since held the title for over 10 years and has become a destination for athletes of all ages and skills.

The Course gained popularity and recognition due to its unique geography. A simple straightaway, twice the size of an average cross country straightaway, at the start feeds into rolling hills, offering a welcome challenge to athletes. No other course in the country matches LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course’s ability to showcase the action for spectators. Spectators who came back in full force to witness legendary meets at the course, including the IHSAA Sectionals on October 9, the IHSAA Cross Country State Meet on October 30, and looking ahead to the Nike Cross Regional Midwest Championships which will take place on November 14.

LaVern Gibson will host the Nike Cross Regional Midwest Championships as the season comes to an incredible end. The Course is proud to have hosted the last 14 meets of the season and looks forward to welcoming athletes from all over the country to this last meet. What better way to close out a historic return to cross country than with the Nike Cross Regional Midwest Championships. Gates open up at 8:00 am and tickets are $5 a person. For more information on this meet, visit the Course website. Pull on your team’s sweatshirt, grab a hot chocolate and cheer your heart out. We’ll be seeing you in Cross Country Town USA.

Southern Vigo County is home to a phenomenal trail system. But you may be surprised to know this trail system isn’t for walking or hiking, it’s for biking. The Griffin Bike Park has attracted biking enthusiasts, professionals and novices from all over the world. The Park hosts several series and races each year and is recognized by famous athletes, including world-class mountain biker Jeff Lenosky.

Lenosky explored Griffin’s trail system in 2019 and instantly fell for the park’s community and mission. Inspired by the geography, Lenosky has spent the last year creating a new trail.

“I’ve done a lot of trail designs for different competitions,” Lenosky explained, “But to be able to build something that is permanent, something that will make an impact, it’s just really cool.”

Lenosky worked carefully with the Griffin family and the park community to design the Black Diamond level, AWOL Trail. The mile-and-a-half trail is made of 10 features, three of which are signature to Lenosky. Features range from Intermediate to Expert and the ramps, bridges and drop offs will leave riders breathless.

“The terrain is unique,” stated Lenosky, “Wherever you ride, it’s like a giant roller coaster.”

Shepherds of Griffin, a 501C3 foundation born of the park, is currently working on fundraising efforts and grant opportunities. Friends of Griffin, a second foundation focused on park maintenance, has since broke ground on phase 1 of the expansion plan. Park officials hope to revitalize and bring lighting to the pump track and host ribbon cuttings for new tracks every six months.

“We’re just blown away. It’s a God thing,” stated Owner Gene Griffin.

The Griffins, a family of avid trail riders, created the park in honor of their son Dale, a US Army Sergeant who gave his life in Afghanistan in 2009 during Operation Enduring Freedom. Since its opening in 2016, the park has become an international phenomenon of hope, gratitude, service and adventure.

Griffin Bike Park hosts athletes from all over Indiana and even the world. It’s hard to ride through the trails without thinking of the sacrifices our servicemen and women give every day.

“At Griffin Bike Park, every day is Memorial Day,” Griffin said.

A popular trail, the Warrior Trail, offers riders a unique trail experience. Indiana is one of eight states in the U.S. with an American with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible trail. Griffin Bike Park is the only park in Indiana open to riders of all abilities. Both sides of the ADA compliant trail are adorned with the names and photos of those brave service members, ending with a memorial for Sgt. Griffin.

“This Park is not for the money. It’s not for the gain or recognition,” explained Griffin, “It’s for the men and women who have given everything.”

The days are getting shorter, the breeze getting cooler, and every store within a hundred-mile radius has shelves stocked with fall and Halloween décor. Dare I say, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Autumn in the Midwest is a beautiful sight and one that everyone should have the chance to see. Autumn in West Central Indiana is a unique experience and one we invite everyone to take part in. So, that being said, pull on your coziest flannel and grab a pumpkin flavored coffee. It’s time to explore. 

Autumn is a gorgeous season; it has something for everyone. For 11 months out of the year, a series of gems in Parke County lay untouched, just waiting for the excitement to begin. Every October, people from all over the country flock to the county’s 31 covered bridges. The Covered Bridge Festival brings in over 2 million people a year to celebrate Indiana’s largest festival. They come for the food, for the crafts, for the vendors, for the history. There is no better feeling than walking through the Covered Bridge Festival. The crisp fall air, the charming red and yellow leaves on the billowing trees, and the smells, oh the smells of fried food! What more could you ask for? The festival will begin on October 8th and will end on October 17th. I suggest arriving early in the morning, this way you beat the traffic and have first dibs on the hot and ready breakfast food. For more information, I invite you to check out Parke County’s website. There you will find the history of the festival, directions to the different festivals and bridges and even plan your trip! While you’re browsing the internet planning your trip, keep in mind that Terre Haute is just a 30-to-40-minute drive from the Covered Bridge Festival. We have tons of lodging options if you’d like to make a weekend out of the fall festivities, and lots of delish restaurants to treat yourself to while you’re here! 

West Central Indiana is a region steeped in history. On October 2nd and 3rd, the Vigo County Parks Department hosted their annual Pioneer Days. Visitors were encouraged to use their imagination, letting the park become a portal to the past as they stepped back in time, witnessing the lives of our Hoosier ancestors. Visitors wandered around the 19th Century cabins, interacted with local artists and musicians and engaged with re-enactors. The best part? There was a pie auction. Go ahead, tell me that doesn’t sound absolutely amazing. Personally, I could have spent all my money on the pies, especially pies made with love and history.  

These cozy events all took place in the warm light of day, but once the sun goes down, Fowler Park will become Frightening Park! On October 29th, the park will begin its spooky activities with a hayride at 4 p.m. Tickets are $3 and the festivities will end at exactly 6:30 p.m. Why so you ask? Because at 7:30 p.m., the real fun begins. Park goers ages 13 and up will have a unique chance to explore Fowler Park after dark. Those who are brave enough to hear and witness the haunted tales of the pioneer village should meet at the Log Barn before 7:30 p.m. to register. 

Does anyone else have goosebumps? I feel spooked just thinking about what’s in store for anyone crazy enough to meander around an eerie village after dark. Tales of the dearly departed are not for everyone, perhaps you would rather get into the Halloween spirit by carving a pumpkin! Hawthorne Park will host a Pumpkin Carving Contest on October 15th from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at the Dogwood Shelter. Registration is $5 and carvers are encouraged to register early online or at the Vigo County Parks Department administrative office. You may call the office at 812-462-3392, or email the Recreational Coordinator at Rec.Coordinator@VigoCounty.IN.gov. Pumpkin carving tools will be provided, so no need to bring your knife. The evening will be full of classic Halloween fun, and all are encouraged to have a ‘gourd’ time! (Get it?) 

Unfortunately, Halloween is on a Sunday this year, which means little ghosts and ghouls will only have so much time to Trick-or-Treat before it’s off to bed! But don’t fret! The City of Terre Haute will have two nights of Trick-or-Treat fun. Trick-or-Treaters are free to hunt for their goodies on Saturday, October 30th and Sunday, October 31st. The Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce is making sure little goblins have as much time as possible to play all their tricks, and collect all their treats. Haunted Haute will take place on October 29th  in Downtown from 6-8 p.m. There will be dancing, music, lots of treats and plenty of tricks. This is an event for all ages! Come in costume and be ready for a night of mischief and memories. 

If Halloween activities don’t peak your interest, perhaps fall sporting events will! Spend All Hallows-Eve at the legendary LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course for the 2021 IHSAA State Championships. The event will be held on October 30th and hosted by the Vigo County School Corporation. The Boys meet will begin at 12:00 p.m., Girls at 3:00 p.m., both will be followed by awards ceremonies. Tickets to the event are $10 a person and can be bought digitally via GoFan ticketing, officials encourage you to buy tickets in advance and have your ticket ready upon entry to the course. 

Dear friends, it seems our Autumnal time together has come to an end. I will leave you with these extra sweet seasonal sips from a few local coffee shops. We will begin Federal Coffee Company. Baristas have been hard at work tweaking classic recipes and creating instant local favorites, beginning with their hot Chai’der drink. This seasonal twist on a Chai Tea Latte mixes local apple cider with house-made Chai Tea and cinnamon sugar, yum! Maybe you fancy a Flower Child Latte from Java Haute? This eccentric Chai Tea latte starts with a Chai Tea base and is blended with house-made chamomile-cinnamon sugar and topped with a pinch of cinnamon. Little Bear Coffee Company has many a tasty treat on their menu, including the ice cold Pumpkin Juice drink. This refreshing concoction begins with a pumpkin juice base, blended with butter pecan cold foam, and topped with cinnamon. It’s the perfect blend for anyone who can’t choose between favorite fall flavors. If the three drinks I mentioned earlier aren’t enough, below you’ll find a guide to all the seasonal sips from Federal Coffee Co., Java Haute and Little Bear Coffee Co. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have got to get me one of those Chai’ders. 

The LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course is constantly making improvements to enhance the experience of race days at the course. By doing this, La Vern Gibson continues to uphold a legacy bestowed upon us to be the best course in the nation. A legacy which makes us Cross Country Town, USA.

Named after a local businessman with a passion for the sport, Mr. Gibson took 240 acres of land and turned it into a runner’s paradise. With the help of his son Max, grandson Greg, and two accomplished cross-country coaches, John McNichols of Indiana State University and Bill Welch of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, the phenomenal, nationally recognized course was born.

Recently, a new medical building was built on site and completed for the 2021 season. This addition to the course reaffirms our commitment to the health and progress of our runners.  There are medical tables, chairs and coolers inside, along with air conditioning and an ice machine.  Runners can go to the building for medical attention or just to cool down after beating their personal record at one of the many races held at the course.  This new addition is not only a physical improvement to the grounds but an asset to our athletes, present and future.

This season, nine races have been scheduled which include: Valley Kick-Off August 14, Terre Haute Savings Bank State Preview September 4, John McNichols Invitational September 18, Vigo County Middle School Championship September 29, Indiana Middle School State Championship October 2, Valley Twilight Night Race October 2, IHSAA Sectionals October 9, IHSAA State Championships October 30. The season will come to an exciting end with the Nike Cross Regional Midwest Championships on November 14, 2021.

LaVern Gibson is a unique course, a course that invites spectators to engage in every second of the race. Our 250-acre complex is designed specifically with our athletes and spectators in mind. Fenced in running trails allow for family and friends to cheer on athletes as they make their way from start to finish. Cross country is a sport based on camaraderie and the achievement of personal goals; this course builds friendships, memories and personal records.

If you have not been to the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course, this is a great opportunity to come out and see the course during this beautiful Midwest Autumn.