Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Air-lickin' Good BBQ







There’s a new dog in town, my friends.  Longfellow BBQ, located in downtown Evansville at Marina Pointe, is an authentic new barbecue joint owned by Robert Morphew.  The restaurant is named after Morphew’s dog, Sir Dax Longfellow.  Apparently, when Morphew would cook the sauce at home, Sir Dax would lick the air.  I can tell you from experience that these sauces can definitely evoke “air-licking” behavior from both dogs and human.
               When we arrived around 8:30 p.m., we ordered our drinks and were told what meats were still available.  Because this joint is the real deal BBQ, it is first come, first serve.  They start smoking their meat at 3 am and when they run out, they run out.  I ordered the rib tips appetizer, fries, and a Not Your Father’s Rootbeer (you must try).  My picky fiancĂ© ordered a burger and a soda (boring).  We were offered two types of barbecue sauce; the Original Sauce is a thin, vinegar based sauce and the Thick’N’Sticky is a thick, sweet sauce.  They also bottle their sauces (fortunately) so that you don’t have to suffer through withdrawal cravings. So thoughtful.  Our meal was about $20, which I thought was very reasonable.
               We went on a pretty quiet night for Longfellow.  Of course, a night we are baby-free would be a night when nothing seems to be happening.  It was also the first chilly night of late summer so we had to sit inside. The inside of the restaurant has a vintage bar vibe.  The outdoor seating has an amazing view of the Ohio River.  All the lights of downtown Evansville reflect off of the river.  (You know I’m a sucker for riverfront views!)  Like them on Facebook to stay updated on events and specials.
               I am so excited for Longfellow’s future.  I can see them bringing in the “tourists”, but also becoming part of Evansville’s tradition and culture.  So if Longfellow is reading this, I have a couple tips for you.



1.Get your website up and running.

2. Make a t-shirt with that endearing hound logo and take my money!


Thursday, September 10, 2015

Cross the Blue Bridge


If you are looking for a day trip, I suggest crossing the blue bridge to Owensboro, KY.  Owensboro is only a 45 minute drive and has so much to offer.  Fridays and Saturdays are the best time to visit.  This is my presumptive bucket list for 2016.  Can you think of anything to add? Let me know!




1.      Check out the FREE Splash Park at Smothers Park with a riverside view
2.      Bring the kiddos to the most unique playground in the area. Lazy Dayz Playground is known for being handicap accessible.  This park is also riverside and connects to the splash park
3.      Stop by the concession stand or bring a picnic.
4.      Satisfy your sweet tooth at The Cup Cakery or Cold Stone Creamery just across the road from the Lazy Dayz park.
5.      Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the river and take in the riverside views and beautiful fountains. 
6.      Check out the Greenbelt, a 15-mile paved trail that encircles the city.  Rent a bike from Boro Bikes solar-powered kiosks for $5/hour.

7.      Stroll through the downtown area and support the unique, local businesses.
8.      Visit Nona’s Downtown Market.
9.      Attend “Friday after 5” event with a free concert series May-September.
10.   Pick your own fruit at Reid’s Orchards 
11.  Experience a drive-in movie at Holiday Drive-In, about 10 minutes away from Owensboro. 







Sunday, August 16, 2015

Market Fresh


Support local business and head on over to Historic Newburgh Farmers Market. Every Saturday from 8 am-12 pm, this group of local farmers, artists, and entrepreneurs set up shop on Newburgh's riverfront.  
This event has something for everyone. Whether you stop by for a few minutes or you decide to settle down and stay for the morning, you have to cross this one off your bucket list.



Did I mention the view?  The Newburgh's riverfront is gorgeous.  It is the perfect place to unwind from our fast-paced society.  Spend some peace and quiet alone or spend some quality time with the people you love.



There is something for everyone at the market.  For the foodie in you, you can find artisan cheese, fresh bread, seasonal produce, chocolate,  etc.


 For the art lover, there are a multitude of booths and activities from local artists.  For the yogi, stop by for free yoga from Livewell on select Saturdays.  For the hippie, come see the natural soaps and quench your thirst with some cold-pressed juice.





There are many different vendors not featured on this blog and so I invite you to visit their Vendors page for the most accurate and up-to-date information.  





Tips

1. If you want to be green, bring a reusable bag for your goodies. 
2. You might want to bring a blanket, a cooler, and drinks for a picnic by the river.
3. Bring your bicycle or your pooch for some exercise on the riverfront trail.








Saturday, August 15, 2015

Child's Play

The Children's Museum of Evansville (cMoe), located downtown, consists of three stories of learning to spark creativity in your "mini-me's" mind.  My 2 year old toddler and I explored most of the exhibits together.  As he is very stubborn, I can only tell you about the activities that he found interesting.  However, he acquired excellent taste from me so I am sure we did not miss much.  
We spent most of our time on the second floor.  There is a calming "Rainbow Room" for smaller children to play and read books.  Adjacent to that, a music room with various percussion instruments are just asking to be pounded on by sticky baby hands.  Around the corner, the theater awaits.  Children prepare to star in their show with face paint and costumes.

Our favorite part of the museum is the "Live Well" exhibit, where the tots can play grown-up. Activities include planting, harvesting, and selling fresh produce, preparing gourmet meals in the Rainbow Bistro, playing Dr. Baby at the Well Clinic, and building sand castles at the beach.





Lastly, take your babes to the "Wet Deck", located on the 1st floor. They will make a splash and will learn how to make patterns and manipulate the flowing water. 

There are many more exhibits for older kids, such as the ball pit, that my buddy just wasn't big enough for no matter how much he tried to be. To see more of this delightful place, you are just going to have to sacrifice your "screen time", get your fat Evansvillian butt off the couch, and go discover it for yourself.

The "Wet Deck"
Hours of Operation
Tuesday through Thursday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m.
CLOSED MONDAYS

Admission Information
18 Months and Over - $8, Members are Free.







Tips:

1. If you are making a day of it, bring snacks or a lunch. There is a dining area for families on the 3rd floor.
2. Watch their facebook page for FREE family night!
3. Parking lots and street parking is limited. You may need to try the public parking garage across the street, especially on a busy day.
4. Depending on how rambunctious your kids are, you may need a change of clothes if you plan on playing at the “Wet Deck”. You may at least need some towels for the car.

cMoes Facebook Page

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Tickle Your Funny Bone at Bokeh


Looking for an after-work tradition with co-workers or an evening out with friends?  You should check out Comedy Night at Bokeh Lounge in downtown Evansville. 
This monthly event bands together locally and nationally known comedians.  Show starts at 8:30 but be there by 8 for a good table because it can get crowded!






I went with my slightly type A nursing coworkers (God love ‘em).  If you go to Bokeh, expect an eclectic atmosphere.  Fittingly, my group consisted of the hippie, the soldier, the cheerleader, and the normal one so we fit right into the equation.  The show starts out with an introduction from the host.  There are several shorter comedy segments followed by the “Headliner”.  After the show, we enjoyed an artistic DJing performance (See picture below).



Thursday, July 30, 2015

Family Fun at a Secret Park

Sycamore Springs

      Hidden in between rolling hills and down an endless gravel road in the little town of English, IN, you will find this best-kept secret park.  Located about 1 hour away from Evansville and 15 miles from Marengo Cave, this place makes the perfect, affordable staycation.  To get there, you must trust the GPS.  You will drive down a gravel road for a good ten minutes and you will wonder if the park is real.  It is.  


     When you first drive into Sycamore Springs, you will see signs pointing you towards cleverly named shelter houses, campgrounds, and play areas.  The playgrounds are comprised of vintage-inspired carousel animals mixed with modern equipment.  The most unique part of this park is the Schoolhouse and the Playhouse.  The kids can play in life-size dollhouses whether it be coloring and reading books from the school library or preparing a Raggedy Ann style tea party.   The Little Blue River runs through the park and changes with the season.  It is full enough in the Spring for tubing and a trickling stream for wading in the drier season around July and August.  The Camping there is FREE and firewood is furnished FREE of charge.  Make your Sycamore Springs Reservation now!

Tips for a fun time: 
1.If wading and walking in the creek, I recommend water shoes.  Those rocks can hurt your tootsies!  Careful, it is slippery.



2.  Bring bicycles for opportune adventure







Friday, July 24, 2015

Calling all Hipsters and Coffee Lovers


     In times when I find there’s too much blood in my caffeine stream, my number one choice is Penny Lane.  Looking for a unique hangout to contemplate life or spend some quality time with your hipster friends?  Look no further.  Step into Penny Lane.  You will find eclectic local art splashed on every surface.  The inviting aroma of coffee and crisping croissants will lure you in further. The menu has a collection of quirky menu items to choose from.  I went for the "Tiny Dancer" this visit.     
     When I walk into Penny Lane, I immediately have the urge to write a novel or slap some paint on an easel.  On other days, I want to cozy up on one of their charming little sofas and soak up a good book.  This is not just any coffee joint.  They also have events such as Game Night and live music with local bands.  You can even rent Penny Lane for your next get-together.  For your own private coffee paradise, $50 will get you 1 hour and $150 will get your four hours. They also have catering available.  Click here to learn more about renting Penny Lane.

     The famous coffee house actually has two locations.  The downtown location, near Haynie's Corner Arts District, opened in 2000.  This area of Evansville has a historic feel with beautiful architecture and brick roads. Just recently, in 2014, they opened their east side location on Washington Ave.  A little barista told me that many do not know about this location, so give them some love and check it out.  Don't forget your punch card!