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.