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

Sycamore Springs Website

Sycamore Springs Facebook page

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!

Penny Lane Coupons

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