We discovered the affordable adventures that South Bend, Indiana has to offer almost on accident when we needed a meeting place for a kid exchange with relatives from Michigan. South Bend seemed like a good meeting point because it was a few hours from both of us. I decided that my husband and I should make the most of it and explore for a bit while we were kidless for a few hours.
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So why is Rudolph Campground and R.V. Park so popular?
Santa Claus, Indiana is a popular destination for families. The big draw to the area is Holiday World, which is an affordable, family-friendly theme park that offers great rides with a great value. With each admission, you can enjoy unlimited free soft drinks and sunscreen.
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So what does Bloomington, Indiana have to offer?
I discovered that Bloomington offers more than I expected. Of course, there is a lot of activity surrounded around the University of Indiana, but I think that only enhances your experience.
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The USS LST 325 made a brief visit for a few days to Cincinnati, Ohio for public tours. I first observed the transport ship from afar on the Ohio River in Evansville, Indiana, a few years ago. The ship resides in Evansville most of the time. We were really excited to get the opportunity to tour the inside while it was in Cincy.
LST stands for Landing Ship, Tank and this ship was the largest one ever designed to drop off transport on a hostile beach. What’s even more amazing is that the LST is still operable today.
You start the tour on the lower level.
One of the first things we noticed was the Greek writing as we entered the ship.
The USS LST 325 was sold to the Greek Navy after it was no longer needed in the war. Years later, a group of retired U.S. Veterans acquired the LST when they found out that is was going to be scrapped. One of the conditions was that the Greek writing and art had to stay. You will notice those signs and symbols along your tour throughout the ship.
The Upper Level was really interesting because we were able to observe the guns upclose and get an idea of how huge the ship really is.
The LST 325 had 54 volunteers helping in a variety of ways. Make sure that you talk to them and ask lots of questions because they know so much about the ship. It’s also great to know that money used for the tours helps keep the ship in operation. It was definitely worth the $20 for the two of us to walk on such a historical ship.
The Jeep on display was actually used in the show MASH.
My husband and I each have grandparents who fought in WW2. One of my husband’s grandfathers was even stationed on a ship just like this one in the war and his job was to work the gun on the upper deck. It was really interesting to get a sense of perspective for what his grandfather’s position would have been like. I can only imagine how scary it would be in battle.
The LST 325 Memorial resides in Evansville, Indiana most of the year so you’ll want to check the calendar for details so that you can see it for yourself.
You can find out more about the USS LST 325 from the website.
My family was invited to stay as guests at Prairie Guest House during our visit to Conner Prairie in Fishers, Indiana.
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When you visit Amish Acres for the 1st time, part of the experience is enjoying a meal in their restaurant barn.
The menu at the Amish Acres Restaurant has not changed for nearly five decades which tells you that generations of families have been coming to enjoy this family style meal together. Another great thing about their family style dinner is that you are encouraged to ask for seconds if you really like it.
The inside of the barn is beautiful with lots of seating.
For starters we had a basket of freshly baked hearth bread served with churned butter, apple butter, sweet & sour cabbage slaw, and “Last of the Garden Relish.”
I could seriously eat bread with homemade Apple Butter all day long. It is so wonderful!
Next we were served from an Iron Kettle with Thick Ham and Bean Soup.
My younger son loved it so much that he requested another bowl after the main course.
For the main course you can choose two meat selections per table (Broasted Country Chicken, Honey-Baked & Hickory-Smoked Ham, Festive Roast Turkey, Tender Roast Beef)
We opted for the broasted country chicken and the tender roast beef.
The sides that came with dinner were beef & egg noodles, green beans, mashed potatoes & giblet gravy, sage dressing,
Make sure that you pace yourself because there is so much food to eat and you will want to leave some room for dessert! Trust me.
For dessert you will probably need a few moments to take in all of the amazing options that are presented in front of you. I suggest the strategy of having everyone get something different so that you can try a bite of each others.
Yes, we sampled each others and yes it was amazing!
Pricing during our visit for the Threshers Dinner was 18.95 per adult, child (4-11) 1.25 per year. *Make sure that you check the website for current pricing. After your meal you can purchase some of your favorite items from the gift shop.
You can find out more about Amish Acres from their website.
Amish Acres is located at 1600 W Market St, Nappanee, IN 46550.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary family meal for review purposes. All opinons are my own.
I take pride in knowing about little gems and attractions.
That’s why I was floored to learn about Columbus, Indiana that’s known for modern architecture. It’s only 1.5 hours away from Cincinnati making it a great day trip destination.
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You might be familiar with the gorgeous architecture at French Lick Springs Resort but they also have a lot for families to enjoy.
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Looking for a unique way to explore a cave?
The Mystery River Tour at Bluespring Caverns takes you on an hour-long underground boat tour through a cave that will definitely give you a sense of adventure. …
One of the adventures that I took forward to each summer is a day on the river. I’ve been going to Morgan’s Canoe and Outdoor Adventures in Brookville, Indiana since high school.
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