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.