 This week you can f – e – e – l summer! Although you may want to lessen your time in the outdoors with the relentless heat, it has us thinking about Terre Haute and the unique things our collective assets have to offer the outdoor enthusiasts. Perhaps this week and maybe next, the outdoor activities should include water, and lots of it! Kind of like somethin’ water needs to be a part of all your activities.
So, what do we recommend? If you’re traveling around Indiana, you certainly don’t want to drive by Terre Haute. Instead, you want to drop-in, believe us! Let’s start with water, it makes sense. Just to name a few, and a few more…
Don’t take our word for it, take time to enjoy these unique amenities. Stop, swim, and celebrate the dog days of summer. If you’re looking to explore nearby be sure to also check out swimming at Sullivan Lake, boating at Racoon Lake, or even Canoeing at Turkey Run State Park. Within thirty miles you can explore most of West Central IN and its water activities. It’s Hot… Hot… Hot… Stay safe out there! 
Terre Haute is full of exciting pastimes and activities; however, did you know the community also offers an array of activities at no cost? From outdoor enthusiasts, to art lovers and everyone in between, this list of free things to do in Terre Haute are sure to keep you busy and exploring all facets of the community!
 If you haven’t noticed, the town has been painted pink and red for a very special heart-shaped holiday. It’s Valentine’s Day and local businesses in Terre Haute have just what you need to woo your sweetheart this year. Sugar Studio by Tiers of Elegance is offering customers a sugary sweet sampler box containing pink frosted cookies, cake pops, brownies and more!  Photo courtesy of Sugar Studio by Tiers Surprise your sweetie by bringing them a piping hot cup of coffee from Federal Coffee Company. Might I suggest The Winter Rose, a smooth espresso with rose cardamom syrup, textured milk, White Chocolate sauce and honey. I feel in love just thinking about it! Valentine’s Day isn’t just about chocolate hearts and sweets, it’s also about romantic evenings with your love. Consider taking your Valentine to Bar Bosco or Piloni’s for a plate of hand-made spaghetti and meatballs. You could re-enact the iconic scene from Lady and the Tramp! Tell me that wouldn’t be a cute photo-op.  Photo courtesy of Bar Bosco For those who convey their love in diamonds and pearls, Ross Elliott Jewelers, Terre Haute’s home for fine jewelry, is promoting a free box of truffles and flowers with any purchase of $199 or more! Quite literally a one-stop-shop for any last-minute Valentine’s Day purchases. If your honey likes the classics, you can never go wrong with a card and flowers. Select a beautiful bouquet from Maggie & Moe’s, Baesler’s Floral Market, or Cowan & Cook! These hand-crafted arrangements are sure to turn any budding romance into a full on bloom!  Photo courtesy of Maggie & Moe's Poplar Flower Shop No matter what you buy, or how you spend your Valentine’s Day, remember this is a day of love. Enjoy this romantic time with the ones who matter most, and maybe a few sweet treats. Happy Valentine’s Day, lovebugs!
 For a long time, outdoor concert lovers in Terre Haute had only one option if they wanted to see their favorite artists and musicians at an outdoor music venue, a drive to Noblesville. While the distance made for a fun night out in the city, it took away opportunities to have fun and make memories in our city. Terre Haute needed a new outdoor music venue, and it needed one quick.  Terre Haute resident Tim Drake saw this as an opportunity to provide his community with a state-of-the-art music venue. “I have lived here my whole life,” stated Drake. “You find the need, you fill the need.” Not only will this cater to residents, it will also increase tourism to the Terre Haute area. “It’s right here in our backyard,” Drake explained. “We’re bringing in some big artists next year.” The Mill Amphitheater is just over 65 acres and can hold between 4,000 and 5,000 people. This outdoor venue pays homage to a bit of Terre Haute history. “We wanted to pay tribute to what was here and tip our hat to where we want to go,” stated Drake. In 1917, the International Paper Plant opened for business. Over the 90 years it was in operation, the mill employed 170 people. In 2007, the corporate office decided to close the plant, leaving the property empty and desolate. In 2018, Drake placed a bid on the property with a plan to create the amphitheater.  The Mill officially opened to the public on June 5, 2021, with a sold-out show featuring two-time Grammy award-winning recording artist Nelly. The outdoor venue started their first year with a bang, hosting several acts including Riley Green, Three Dog Night, Summerland Tour, Lee Brice and Granger Smith. So far, the stage has seen many music stars, and this is only the beginning. “We’ve been working so hard for so many years, talking about it and dreaming about it,” explained Drake. “Seeing it come to life, it’s pretty crazy.” Drake is impressed with the progress he and his team have made. Every concert provides an opportunity to improve the venue, both for the artists and for the concert goers. In preparation for next season, The Mill has already started scouting out big names from talent agencies in Nashville and even New York City to fill the stage next season. “Talent agencies in big cities are very interested in who we are, where we came from and where we are going,” said Drake. “Lots of agencies have been very impressed with our progress.”  Drake and his staff at The Mill are happy with their first season, but they also realize the key to a great business, a great customer experience, is change. “Every time we have a concert we are constantly improving,” he said. “This venue is always changing for the better.” Drake plans to announce the lineup for next season within the next six months. Until then, he and his team will be hard at work perfecting the stage and working with engineers to create a one-of-a-kind concert experience that can only be found in Terre Haute. For more information on The Mill, including past acts, amenities and even keep up to date on next season’s line-up, check out their website! We’ll be seeing you… at The Mill.
 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?  Photo Courtesy of the 1921 Boutique Facebook Page 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!  Photo Courtesy of aliceandlois.com 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!  Photo Courtesy of Willow Gift & Home: Flour Sack Handle Towel – Terre Haute, Indiana Multi-dots 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.  Photo Courtesy of iStock/Nadezhda_Nesterova 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 holidays are sneaking up on us! Have you decorated your home yet? Are your stockings hung by the chimney with care? Have you participated in any fun holiday activities yet? If not, boy, do I have a blog for you. Every December, Terre Haute comes to life. Bright red and green lights take over Downtown, Christmas decorations fill every storefront and the spirit of the season flows throughout the entire city. The Twelve Points area is ready to welcome visitors into their cozy shops for the season. Ferm Fresh will be hosting an Ugly Christmas Sweater party on December 18th from 3pm-6pm. Visitors are encouraged to wear their ugliest Christmas sweater and take part in crafts, yummy food and delectable drinks! A contest will decide which little elf has the ugliest sweater and the winner will receive a $20 gift card!  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.   Nothing kicks off the Christmas season quite like a living room full of family and a belly full of turkey and mashed potatoes. As we know very well, the Thanksgiving feast is basically carbo-loading for Black Friday shopping. But, before you raise yourself from your turkey coma to be first in line at Best Buy, consider this, don’t spend all your money on Black Friday. Okay, I’ll further explain before the hate mail comes in. Save your Christmas money for local businesses! Enjoy the Friday after Thanksgiving with family and gear up for a marathon of shopping on Small Business Saturday! Think of it this way, small businesses offer unique gifts for everyone on your list. The money spent at a small business stays local, which will in turn help your community. What does it mean to shop small? Shopping small supports artisans in your community. Think about it, these business owners have put everything into their shops. They do so with care and with a vision to improve the place they call home. Take a moment to consider who you make a purchase from. The CEO of Walmart isn't going to cheer on your kiddo at a baseball game. Amazon isn’t going to buy Girl Scout Cookies from your daughter. You know who will? Small business owners. We owe it to them to support their livelihood, because they support ours. Below you will find a complete list of small businesses in Terre Haute who are offering Small Business Saturday deals you simply cannot miss. 2021 Small Business Saturday Deals
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.” |
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