Cox's Hot Chicken

Holy Cluck! I'm pleased to announce Nashville-style hot chicken has arrived in downtown New Albany.

I had been shopping on the furniture corner of State and Main, and I noticed new signage. It was lunch time, and there was Cox's Hot Chicken right across the street. They are in the former Big Four Burgers spot, with a new sports bar theme.

In addition to hot chicken, the menu includes burgers, sandwiches, some amazing-looking nachos and other appie-type of dishes. I went with the Hot Chicken Salad, as I've been celebrating the holidays with a bit of gusto and I could use the vegetable boost. As the hot chicken flavors go at most spots, you get to decide the heat. I went with Holy Cluck, which is the level below the ghost pepper version, which is Clucking Scary. Holy Cluck was quite firey, even with the bleu cheese dressing to cool it off. The flavor was good, so that will be my go-to level on my next visit.

Who wants to join me?

Their website appears to still be in development, but you can click to it here.

Foxhollow Farm's Fall Festival

I'm not even sure how I heard about Foxhollow Farm's 11th Annual Fall Festival in Crestwood, but the October day was crisp and clear, and perfect for an outdoor event!

The Festival had all the details worked out for a fun day: corn maze, hayrides, pumpkin picking, art projects, music, and food. I focused on the corn maze and food, since I don't have anyone from my posse or kids with me.

This corn maze was quite different from others that I've done; there wasn't a "map" or trimmed-down pattern to follow, and the entry and exit were the same. But, it was still fun to wander through, pass the same marker a time or two, and build up an appetite.

Now, if you don't know Foxhollow Farms, they produce some delicious grassfed beef. They are a farm, afterall. I've seen their name on menus attached to decadent burgers. So, when in Rome, eat like the Romans do, right? Of the dozen or so food trucks, the one serving Foxhollow Farms burgers was the way to go! This was the Cali burger, with Monterey jack cheese, bacon, and guacamole. YUM!! And the burger itself was SOO GOOD!

Who's game next year for an outdoor adventure?!

Click here for their website.

Dollywood Great Pumpkin LumiNights

I was in Knoxville for a conference, and I extended my time into a long weekend. I have several friends who would literally never speak to me again if I didn't visit Dollywood while in the area. And, once I found out the Great Pumpkin LumiNights opened the day I planned to visit, I was in!

I started with the other attractions while it was still daylight, including the get-all-wet Daredevil Falls watercoaster, seeing Dolly's coat of many colors and lots of her outfits and memorabilia, riding the carousel, and snacking on the carnival foods. 

Once it got dark, the real show began! These are some of my favorite scenarios. Some look cooler in the twilight, and others look better in in the dark.

A non-photographed highlighted was hearing the folks screaming on the rollercoasters zipping around overhead in the pitch black night!

Click here for Dollywood's Great Pumpkin LumiNights.

Havana Rumba

You know me and my Cuban food! Something about the lemon-garlic deliciousness always makes me happy! This particular example comes from Havana Rumba in Middletown. Say hello to the Lechon Asado: famous Cuban pork marinated in citrus juices, garlic, and Cuban spices, and slow roasted for hours, and served with congri (Cuban black beans and rice) and yuca with mojo criollo sauce. Soooo good!!

The Middletown location has a wonderful covered patio, and I had a delightful time lingering over my meal and catching up with a friend. I've also enjoyed multiple dishes off the Bardstown Road location's menu, although I prefer the outdoor option in Middletown when the weather cooperates.

Either way, who is in the mood for some Cuban food? 

Click here for their website.

Adrienne and Company

I'm here to say that Adrienne's is my current go-to spot for guaranteed delicious food. I should say "go-to spots," because I've enjoyed their scrumptious offerings at all three locations!

This is the combo from the New Albany location that set me over the edge: California grilled cheese with tomato, avocado, and bacon, sided with tomato-basil soup. Yes, it is July with swamp-like heat and humidity outside, but the flavors were amazing! And, I can't forget the cream-filled chocolate cupcake with vanilla icing finished with sprinkles. Sadly, there is no photographic evidence, as I inhaled it before pausing to click!

Earlier in June, I was craving an Italian sandwich. I checked the Italian restaurant in downtown NA (across the street from Adrienne's), and they didn't have what I was looking for. Adrienne's Mark Trane sandwich hit the ball out of the park! That's capicola, pepperoni, salami, roasted red peppers, and provolone grilled on the herb-crusted focaccia bread. Wow!!

And this was my introduction to Adrienne's in May, from the Jeffersonville address: my all-time fave caprese salad, with veggie soup, and here you see the hinted-at cupcake with whispers of pink frosting this time. YUM!

I am also happy to share that there are fabulous cookies and pastries at their Floyds Knobs location on Highway 150, too. It's the former location of Amazing Glaze, and Adrienne's maintains that amazing goodness vibe!

Who wants to join me for my next Adrienne's dining adventure?

Click here for their website.

Big Roots Lavender Farm

I wish this was a scratch-and-sniff post, because the lavender fields at Big Roots Lavender Farm smell AMAZING! The butterflies loved it, too!

My super-niece and I loaded up the car and headed to Hawesville, KY, to experience the wonderous scent from fields of fresh lavender. I had already missed one lavender variety, and I wasn't going to miss another one. We were going to each trim a bundle and take the experience home.

I approached the cutting task one lavender stem at a time, while my super-niece was much more efficient and collected the stems by the handful and cut them with her scissors. Either way we each walked away with a bundle of fresh lavender for $10, perfect for drying and retaining the scent and the memory.

In addition to the lavender fields, there are also giant stems of sunflowers. You can also cut and buy them, but we were there for the lavender. There is also a labyrinth to really enhance the calmness surrounding your visit.

Click here to plan your own escape. I'll happily go back with you!

The Sword and The Scone

I've always thought High Tea was a great escape, and The Sword and The Scone on Blankenbaker Parkway delivered it right to my table. This time, my dining companion was my great-niece, who was having her first tea experience. If I have anything to do with it, this won't be her last!

This was the perfect greeting artfully posted in the lobby gift shop. They had a variety of super-cute items, ranging from aprons, socks, purses, and even jewelry and tiaras. But we were there for the tea!

My super-niece totally got into having her pinkie out for her pink lemonade served in the pretty teacup! It was fun to get to pick a favorite from the mismatched designs on the tables. And our three-tiers of treats were impressive as well. Bottom to top, we shared these savories: turkey pinwheels, mini everything turnover, cauliflower parmesan muffin, and chicken in a biscuit shortbread (shaped like a chicken cookie, which was an interesting mental challenge). The middle layer of scones included: chocolate chip, garlic cheddar, cherry chip, and vanilla. Our top-level sweets were: orange creme mousse, green tea cookies, strawberry-lemon bars, honey and rose pound cake, and Reese's bottom cheese cake. Wow!

Oh, and my tea choice was Captain Jack: dried ginger pieces, hibiscus, peppermint and spearmint leaves. It was delicious over ice!

Who wants to return with me?

Click here for their website.

Baby Mae's BBQ

Since Shawn's BBQ on State Street in New Albany closed in January, I've been on the hunt for another great local BBQ joint. My new favorite is Baby Mae's on Graybrook Lane, near the intersection of Grant Line and Daisy Lane.

Here you see my fall-off-the-bone rib tips, with the most delicious baked beans (I am particularly fond of the green pepper chunks), and creamy macaroni and cheese. I've tried several sides and all were fantastic. The rib tips are soooo good, I haven't tried any of their other meats!

Be sure to ask about the dessert offerings. This chocolate/almost fudge pie was fantastic! I look forward to working my way around their full menu.

Their smoker is out in the lot, and everything is freshly cooked. It also means "when it's gone, it's gone." Another bonus to Baby Mae's is plenty of outdoor seating, with a number of covered spots to enjoy your meal. You will enjoy it, and you might just see me there for another incredible meal!

Click here for Baby Mae's website.

Hidden Hill Nursery and Sculpture Garden

No longer hidden to me, I'm shouting every chance I get about Hidden Hill Nursery and Sculpture Garden in Utica, IN. If you haven't yet visited, Hidden Hill is an 8-acre garden filled with rare plants and whimsical sculptures "hidden" throughout the grounds. Thanks to the efforts of Bob and Janet Hill (you may remember him from his Courier-Journal column), the property is gorgeous and continues to evolve with each visit.

These are just a few of the fun and fanciful creations planted among the trees and flowers.

Flamingo made from plastic spoons and forks.

A variety of colorful arrows.

I'm calling this one Nessie!

My friend wanted to buy this purple hippo, but got a "no go" response as it is part of the Hill family!

I can't recommend enough that you make time to visit. Some plants are available for purchase, and there are super-cute items in the gift shop. The Hills also plan blues nights and a monarch festival, and it would be a spectacular location for a wedding. Let's just go and explore, and see what's new!

Click here for Hidden Hill's website.

Homemade Ice Cream & Pie Kitchen

It is National Apple Pie Day, and there is no better place to return than Homemade Ice Cream & Pie Kitchen!

This is the Dutch Apple Caramel pie slice (to go). And that's at least a quarter inch of decadent caramel atop the already delicious apple pie. One day I'm going to try a slice warm with a scoop of their cinnamon ice cream, which is another dreamy combination I've gathered from fans.

I first started hearing the stories about HICPK from tour operators who were building itineraries around area attractions. When I moved to New Albany, I realized that the Blackiston Mill Road location was an easy pop-in to see what all the fuss was about. And, oh man, my taste buds will never be the same! As you'll see below, I've sampled from multiple areas of their menu, and each treat was spectacular.

Peanut Butter and Jelly ice cream hit the spot on one trip.

The Happy Birthday to Me chocolate cake from February. That's a seven-inch plate for perspective, and every morsel was inhaled!

The New Albany location also has a cafe (three of the nine locations do). So, on a recent rainy day, I treated myself to the Big Cheese Melt and tomato basil soup. YUM!!

Anyone else hungry?! Let's go!!

Click here for their website.

Oasis Diner

Before jumping on the I-65 and heading back to New Albany, I decided to have dinner near Indy. Oasis Diner in Plainfield is definitely my kind of joint!

This is a classic Indiana pork tenderloin. If you haven't had it, imagine pork pounded flattish, then battered and deep fried. Pork tenderloins are a big deal in Indiana, and I mean BIG. And that's a butterscotch root beer in the back. That smooth flavor alone is worth the drive back!

The Oasis is one of those rare pre-fab diners that dates back to 1954. It proudly served the people of Plainfield until 2008. Time started catching up with the Oasis, and, in 2010, it was listed on Indiana's Most Endangered List. It was purchased by residents and moved to its new location. You can see that the original footprint has been expanded, and the revamped Oasis reopened in 2014.

Interior shot of the original section. I love the pink and blue tile work, still in great shape!

Finally, after a full day of Museum-ing, driving, and eating, I finally got to experience another Indiana legend, the Sugar Cream Pie, a to-go bonus from the Oasis. As the Indiana State Pie, I had to give it a try. It's kind of like the gooey base of a pecan pie, if that helps. Delish!! Who wants to give it a try?!

Click here for their website.

Power of Poison at Indiana State Museum

I'm heading to Indy today to see The Power of Poison at the Indiana State Museum. It is an incredible exhibition, and I highly recommend it to everyone!

Set up in four sections, Poison in Nature, Stories of Poison, Detecting Poison, and Poison for Good, the poison perspectives really shook up my brain.

These are just a few of the highlights. I learned that amethyst (my birthstone!) jewelry was worn as protection against poisoning. The Roman Army was attacked with ceramic vessels filled with scorpions. Alice in Wonderland's Mad Hatter was inspired by Victorian-era hat makers who were poisoned by mercury. And, vampire bat saliva contains an anti-clotting agent (named Draculin!!) that helps protect against stroke. I KNOW!!

I was also amused with their Farmers Market Cafe, and this beet and brie salad in a jar. Nothing poisonous here, and I felt all powered-up with quality food to explore the rest of the Museum.

Permanent galleries include exhibitions woven with history, geology, and archaeology. I also look forward to going back to see the Puppet Studio. Who wants to make the drive with me?!

Click here for their website.

Comfy Cow

You Salty Bro? I am, after trying this seasonal flavor from Comfy Cow: deep, dark chocolate, with mini caramel-chocolate chunks, mini pretzel twists, and caramel ribbons. Who's salty now?!

Comfy Cow has several locations, including the Louisville Airport. Perfect for coming and going!! My fave is the New Albany location, where I picked up this little treat, but I'm totally open to sharing the love all over town.

Who needs a Comfy Cow fix with me?!

Click here for their website.

Schimpff's Red Hot Creams

It's Valentine's Day, and us single girls need to take care of ourselves on this day all about love. What better gift to myself than Schimpff's Red Hot Creams?

Schimpff's, a candy-making icon in Jeffersonville, IN, since 1891, has been serving up red hot hard candies since opening day. Trust me, those little red jewels deserve every accolade. So to have that fire-y taste in a cream form and dunked in chocolate -- love, love, love!!

When you stop by, allow time to peruse the Candy Museum, with historic candy memorabilia and equipment. You can also have a meal at the lunch counter, complete with classic soda fountain. And, if you are especially lucky, you can see candy-making demonstrations like the red hots. I got to see them make candy canes at Christmas!

Who wants to join me for a super sugar fix?!

Click here for their website.

812 Pizza Company

It's National Pizza Day, and I'm hankering to try the new 812 Pizza Company in Georgetown near the Post Office. 812 delivered on this fantastic pie!

I shared the pizza with my little brother, and we went off the menu and built our own. For the whole pizza, we selected ham, bacon, and pineapple, then I added banana peppers, bell peppers, and mushrooms to my half. YUMMM!! Great crust, good and plentiful toppings, and abundant mozzarella made for a delicious meal!

They were bustling, maybe due to the National Pizza Day, maybe because it was Friday at a hopping new pizza joint in the restaurant-challenged area. Either way, for folks ordering pizza to go, they offer a cushy lounge area with couches and chairs, and an area with arcade games.

I look forward to working my through this menu. Who wants to meet me for a slice?!

Click here for their website.

Old Louisville Tavern

More good eats in Old Louisville, most recently this fancy-pants seared tuna burger courtesy of Old Louisville Tavern on Fourth Street near the U of L campus. It was a hefty chunk of tuna, with spicy dressing and cucumber slivers on a grilled brioche bun. Fries were crisp and meaty, with a sprinkling of seasoned salt. YUM!

I heard that the Tavern suffered an arson fire in 2014, after nearly 70 years of serving food and brews. I'm just glad owners decided to reopen so that I could experience it all!

Let's go work our way down that menu!

Click here for their website.

La Loma

This week's favorite Mexican food is La Loma Restaurant on Eastern Boulevard in Clarksville. I've been twice in the last two weeks. The first time was for lunch. I went with this steak fajitas special, and I was quite surprised by the portion of the the meal. Generally, lunch specials are samplers of the real meal. The sizzling steak, peppers, and onions were delicious! The sides of guacamole, green salad, refried beans, and rice were terrific! The fresh, warm corn tortillas totally hit the spot. Note that I took half or so home and ate it for dinner, since I loaded up on the warm chips and spicy salsa before my food arrived. My "extras" were just as tasty as an encore. Oh, and the horchata is spot-on, too!

After spouting off about La Loma to my brother, he decided to go with me and give it a try. Round #2 was the burrito dinner. Two steak burritos with lettuce, tomato, sour cream and tomatilla sauce, alongside the beans and rice. This time, I did not devour the whole basket of tortilla chips and salsa before the food arrived.

If you are looking for a fancy atmosphere, La Loma is not that place. Black and white vintage photos hang on the walls, and the ceiling alcove is painted blue with white stars. There are booths and stand-alone tables with hand-carved/hand-woven seats. If you are looking for authentic Mexican fare, I cannot recommend La Loma enough.

Who wants to go back with me?!

La Loma does not have a website. Their address is 560 Eastern Boulevard, Clarksville. Phone is (812) 283-3775.