Holiday World 2023

I haven't been to Holiday World since it was simply Santa Claus Land! But, today's the day to get my Halloween - and other holidays - thrills on!

For some background, Santa Claus Land was a delightful getaway in Santa Claus, Indiana, dating from 1946, and has the bragging rights of being the U.S.'s first theme park. It was about an hour from my parent's house, and we went often as kids. At some point I aged into being "too cool for Santa Claus Land" and stopped going when invited. In 1984, they transitioned to Holiday World and added zones geared to Fourth of July, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. In 1993, the Splashin' Safari water park was added. All features are included with the admission price. But, it will always be Santa Claus Land to me!

Today, I was here for Halloween. I appreciate the buy-in to the theme, including the Halloweened-up kiddie train ride, Star Spangled Carousel renamed to Star Spangled Scarousel (actually located in Fourth of July zone), 

special Monster Burger with garlic cheese curds, onion straws, and chipotle mayo, and spicy-seasoned fries,

the sweet Trick or Treat Mazed & Confused? corn maze,

and a fun song-and-dance performance with a full cast of scary characters. 

Plus, I did enjoy Gobbler Getaway ride in Thanksgiving zone, and of course the Christmas village.

I didn't ride any of the rollercoasters, but I will on my next visit. It won't be 40 years before I go back! Ho ho ho!!

Click here for Holiday World's website.

Indiana Dunes 2023

While still in bliss mode from having toes in the sand and waves crashing in front of me, I'm happy to share my most recent getaway to the Indiana Dunes. I'm here this time to join a behind-the-scenes tour of Pinhole Bog & Upland Trail!

I tried to visit the bogs - and see the carnivorous plants - on my 2021 trip, but the event sold out. This time, I specifically took time off work to get to see them. I've made several unsuccessful attempts at keeping Venus Fly Traps alive, and I'm currently nursing one I purchased in March. Fingers are crossed I pick up a few tips from the professionals! Here are two of the cool plants from the bogs.

Carnivorous Sun Dews

Carnivorous Pitcher Plants

I also used my Yew Dell Membership to visit a reciprocal garden while in the neighborhood, the Friendship Botanical Garden. They had a fun international section, and I naturally picked the Scotland garden as my fave.

I discovered some delish food on this run:

Smoky's BBQ and my favorite burnt ends.

Musashi Japanese Restaurant for udon soup and tempura veggies.

Peggy Sue's Diner with Route 66 mural surrounding the dining room. I had a tasty BLT.

This is my third trip to the Dunes, with a different focus each time. Hopefully, one of these inspire you to make the trip. There's still more for me to experience, and I'll definitely be back!

Click here for my 2019 post.

In 2011, I completed the Three Dune Challenge, and made a point of visiting all of the beaches. 

And, for clarity, Indiana Dunes is both an Indiana State Park, as well as a National Park. Each entity requires separate admission. Keep this in mind when you're making your plans!

South Seas

Looking for a cool place to escape the summer heat? I've been eyeballing South Seas as I cut through Butchertown, and tonight was the night to pull over. I was not disappointed!

I got down to business with the Big Kahuna Burger, served with grilled pineapple, cheese, and shredded lettuce, on a Hawaiian bun. YUM!!

Their dishes are served a la carte, so I balanced out the burger deliciousness with a South Seas Salad that included roasted corn, black beans, tomatoes, crunch lettuce, shredded cheese, and tortilla strips, dressed with avocado-lime vinaigrette. I knew I'd have plenty for tomorrow's lunch.

South Sea's website is still under construction, but check back at loutiki.com when you have the hankering for a quick escape. I'll cruise over to join you!