QUITE A CRUISE

Summer is here and that means it is time for some fun in the sun! It can be argued that there is no better way to enjoy the sunshine than spending time on one of the lakes in our area. One lake in particular has a special gem to offer.

The Dixie Sternwheeler is a unique boat located on Webster Lake, just south of

Dixie Sternwheeler Brings History Out On The Open Water

Lake Wawasee. Built in 1929, the Dixie is Indiana’s oldest sternwheel excursion boat operating today. When you drive through the town of North Webster you get a sense of history mixed with new restaurants and fun shops. As you pull up to the lake you will see the Dixie docked and showing off all its glory.

If you are looking for a fun time with family or friends, you can show up early to purchase your ticket for $7 at The Cove pavilion next to the Dixie. The public cruises begin Memorial Day weekend and run through Labor Day. You cannot purchase tickets online and it is first come, first served.

There is plenty to do while you wait to hop on board, like grabbing a slice of delicious pizza from the Pizza King next door. If you are not that hungry, you can walk around downtown or relax in the park and watch the activity on the water.

For general cruises, you can go at the scheduled time except when they have the fireworks cruise. The boat can carry up to 120 people with no age limit, as it is family friendly. There is plenty of seating both indoors on the lower level and up top in the open air. The wooden floors and benches truly take you back in time. Although it has been restored throughout the years, the general atmosphere remains the same. If you have a wheelchair or walker, the captains and team members are happy to help you get on and feel comfortable. General cruises are weather dependent, but typically take off promptly as scheduled.

Perhaps you want to celebrate a special occasion onboard the Dixie. Popular private charter ideas include weddings, birthday parties, anniversaries, church groups, family reunions, senior-citizen groups, field trips and more. The Dixie has done it all and is always willing to accommodate large groups. It is important to note that private charters are available during the normal sailing season but cannot take the place of normally scheduled public cruises. If you have an event you would like to celebrate on board, be sure to schedule ahead.

Daily Public Cruises starting Friday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Cruises approximately 75 minutes and tickets are still only $7 dollars.

The Dixie is a relaxing yet extremely fun environment, and a great way to experience the lake. All cruises are typically 75 minutes long and will take you around the entire lake. You will get to take in the sites and sounds of summer with plenty of boating activity, beautiful homes and picturesque scenery. If you decide to take the twilight cruise you will witness some of the most stunning sunsets in Indiana.

The boat has been home to many captains and first mates since 1929. Currently the team is made up of Bob Dailey (president and captain), Larry Brey (captain) and Ron Erb (captain). They are all extremely knowledgeable and passionate about what they do. They aim to educate the groups on board about the history of the Dixie and its unique system that powers the boat. They work diligently to keep the boat in pristine condition to provide a wonderful, family-friendly experience.

For this reason, they do not allow alcohol, tobacco or food on board. However, they do offer concession-style snacks and beverages for purchase including their fresh popcorn, which is a hit with passengers.

If you are looking to try something new, make a day out of it and head to North Webster to ride the Dixie.

You can learn more at ridethedixie.com. They can be reached by phone at 574551-7717 or via email at ridethedixie@ outlook.com. Be sure to follow them on Facebook for exciting updates @ dixiesternwheeler.

Throw The Night Away At Axes And Antics In Goshen

Some might consider it a form of recreation with a very distinctive edge. Quite literally, and in more ways than one. This relatively new trend has found a perfect setting near historic downtown Goshen. The place is called Axes and Antics, and it has rapidly drawn interest since its soft opening on May 11. The venue is designed for those who want to test their dexterity, focus and precision through the skills of ax throwing.

Axes and Antics is a collaborative endeavor featuring the husband-and-wife team of

Zach and Grace Ashton. Grace is a native of Goshen, while Zach has a distinguished military career spanning 12 years of service with the United States Army. Together they share a common goal of wanting to offer a positive experience in an environment that is welcoming and accommodating to families. Grace’s hometown, they knew, would certainly meet those expectations.

There is also an element of nostalgia to what the couple has created. Zach Ashton recalls that one of the very first dates he went on with his future bride was to an ax throwing facility.

For those who have not yet been familiarized with all that ax throwing entails, the concept is similar to that of archery or darts. There is a target with point range indicators encircled. The closer one gets to striking the center, the bullseye on the board, the more points can be earned. There are also two blue spots painted near the top left and top right corners, which are, as Ashton explains, “the kill zone.” If a person declares that they can hit those spots and then subsequently accomplishes that task, the top level of points is awarded.

The axes themselves are smaller than one might expect, although they still bear a decent amount of weight, which is why, as Ashton says, there are specific ways to properly throw, either with a single arm or with a two-handed grip, along with a certain posture that should be assumed to maximize throwing power. If not hurled properly, other parts of the ax will tend to simply bounce off the wooden boards, rather than make contact directly with the blade, in a manner Ashton calls “the stick.”

People can book time at the range by themselves or with families, as well as groups of friends and competitors. There is actually a nationally based organization dedicated to the sport, as well as a globally recognized one. On each table, several pages of rules that are practiced by the World Axe Throwing League, for those who are sticklers for the procedures. The reservation times are scheduled in two-hour increments.

Axes and Antics also offers a unique amenity that will definitely appeal to folks who have a bit of energy to burn. Guests can spend some time in the Rage Room, where people can vent through breaking various materials, whether that includes flinging them against the walls or swinging at them ferociously with a baseball bat. Sessions can be reserved in 10, 15 or 20 minute intervals, and there is even a BYOB option, which means bring your own breakables.

Safety is always first and foremost among the employees and guests, and age limits are strictly enforced. For throwing, the minimum age is 9 years old, and 10 years old is the minimum age for the Rage Room. Adult supervision is mandatory, and proper equipment must be worn from head to toe, which Axes and Antics does provide.

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Axes and Antics recently received licensing to serve food and beverages on-site, and those additions will be incorporated in the coming weeks. There are a few cosmetic changes still being implemented in the interior, such as a backdrop with neon lighting that will be used for social media platforms. A grand-opening celebration in June will commemorate the official launch for the business, and based upon the increased traffic and inquiries, Axes and Antics appears more than ready to ramp up the summer festivities.

“We just wanted to do something where people could come in and be safe, and still have a good time doing it,” Ashton says. Axes and Antics is located at 616-3 West Lincoln Avenue in Goshen’s Linway Plaza. They offer a 10% discount to members of the military, first responders and educators, Monday through Thursday. To make reservations and obtain waiver forms, go to axesandantics.com, and call 574-971-8135 for further questions.