Culinary Gift Ideas from

Culinary Gift Ideas

Statewide organization offers tips on how to support local businesses and give a great gift this season.

story by cathy shouse

The “I Scream For Ice Cream Trail” TM is one of 21 trails promoted through the Indiana Foodways Alliance. PHOTO: Lindsey Skeen

If the Indiana Foodways Alliance played a character in the classic movie It’s a Wonderful Life, it would be Clarence the angel. That’s because the nonprofit organization lifts up the food industry in the state by promoting restaurants and other food businesses, which have navigated some choppy waters recently.

IFA is inviting Hoosiers to join its own “wonderful,” positive philosophy. One way to do that is through buying gift cards from their members’ businesses this holiday season. IFA is also shining a spotlight on the state’s products that can make the perfect gifts for friends, family, and others such as teachers, neighbors, and service providers. People who do this will have the dual satisfaction of giving a gift and also supporting a local food business.

“Our members have been checked out and go through an assessment process to verify they meet our standards,” said Lindsey Skeen, marketing and media director for IFA. “We went a step further and made food trails. By going to www. indianafoodways.com, you’ll find twenty-one food trails, including The Hoosier Pie Trail ™, the Tenderloin Lovers Trail, and the Wine, Wine, Anytime Trail.”

IFA member Joe Phillips owns Pints The Bluebird Restaurant in and Union in New Albany, an oldMorristown gets personal with world style pub offering European and homemade sugar cream pies for a American classics. He’s meeting the yummy gift. Or try hand-dipped almonds ongoing challenges partly by a focus from Lowery’s Homemade Candies on service, changing the pub’s air in Muncie, wine from Cedar Creek circulation system, and looking for silver Winery, Brewery and Distillery linings. near Martinsville, and gift cards for fish “We owe each other a sense of dinners, chicken dinners, pizzas, and strong realism,” Phillips said. “Although more. it has had sad moments, ultimately, we Supporting local businesses is a great are going to move forward together. way to give back to the community, The times are creating a sense of unity. and gifts or gift cards can be used for We took that for granted before.” hostess gifts and other occasions. At

He’s passionate about people Elwood’s Tin Plate restaurant, which coming in for the full experience and is located not far from the Red Gold the popular fish and chips and Chicken company, owner and IFA board member Tikka Masala. Yet the dad of two young Patrick Rice has listed his business on sons, with his wife working as a 911 the Tenderloin Lovers Trail. dispatcher, understands limits. Sometimes giving a gift card or arranging for some take-out beers are the perfect choice. It’s why he’s made curbside pick-up a permanent option.

“Food is the last real moment that we have,” Phillips said. “Eating together and any shared food experience is one of

Pints & Union in New Albany offers a great variety of food and the most personal things drinks, and now has permanent curbside pick-up options. you do.” PHOTO: Pints & Union

“Our roast beef Manhattan’s really unique and different. The red gravy has tomato sauce in it from Red Gold,” Rice said. “You would not believe the number of people that come through my doors because of what the Alliance is doing for us. Earlier this year, people buying gift cards, along with community support, is what sustained us. All of the different

Patrick Rice of the Tin Plate in Elwood makes some of Indiana’s best pork tenderloin sandwiches. PHOTO: Elizabeth Granger The massive tenderloin sandwich at 33 Brick Street in French Lick. PHOTO: Visit French Lick West Baden

local businesses, we all kind of banded together and gave each other tips to make it through.”

It’s that shared connection that is behind everything IFA does.

“The best part of my job is connecting with the restaurant owners,” Skeen said. “They’ve all got a story and we’re inviting fellow Hoosiers to contribute to one of their chapters. A gift card, maybe with a note naming a specialty food or drink your family has enjoyed, can add that personal touch. Whether in big or small amounts, everything helps. We’re hoping to expand on ‘buy local,’ take it to a whole new level.”

Who knows? Maybe there is a part of Clarence the angel inside of us all.

It May Be Time for a Momcation

story by glenda winders

Fort Wayne’s three rivers offer great “getaway” options for busy moms. PHOTO: Visit Fort Wayne

Moms are some of the unsung heroes of the coronavirus pandemic, the ones who held it all together when the world seemed to be falling apart. Husband at home? Kids to coach through eLearning? A job to do remotely? No problem. So now it’s time to give moms a break, and what better reward than to grab a couple of girlfriends and head out for a “Momcation.”

Still not certain you’re ready to cozy up in clever boutiques or charming tearooms? Wherever you live in the state there’s plenty to do outdoors, whether you want to get back into shape, visit with your friends or just drink in the silence. Looking for water fun? You might start in Fort Wayne.

“Fort Wayne is a great destination for outdoorsy moms to get out on our three rivers,” said Jessa Campbell, marketing and communications manager for Visit Fort Wayne. “We have eight miles of water trails for kayaking or paddle-boarding and waterfront outfitters will provide all the gear you need.”

Back on dry land, bicycle or take a walk on the 25-mile Rivergreenway Trail that runs alongside the St. Marys, St. Joseph and Maumee rivers. Meander past the outdoor murals and sculpture that tell the city’s story, then grab some takeout at a local restaurant and enjoy a picnic in one of the 80 local parks.

The Indiana Dunes National Park and State Park in the South Shore area never fail to entertain and inspire with 15 miles of shoreline and arguably some of the best beaches in the country. Nearby are Friendship Botanic Gardens and Gabis Arboretum for trails, bird-watching and serene landscapes.

Above: Culver Cottage Bed & Breakfast PHOTO: Visit Marshall County

Left: Lucrezia Trattoria in Culver PHOTO: Visit Marshall County

Beach fun is to be had in Culver at Lake Maxinkuckee, one of the state’s largest natural lakes. Or hike the trails at Potawatomi Wildlife Park that take you through woodlands and prairies as you watch for deer, turkeys and myriad waterfowl and birds.

Pile your pals into the car to explore the Barn Quilt Trail. The 75 colorful quilt-block murals celebrate agriculture, quilting and community pride as they tell about the culture and history of rural northern Indiana.

Culver Cottage Bed & Breakfast is a Victorian inn located right downtown Culver, and the Inn by the Lake offers fabulous views. Rather stay to yourselves? Cori Humes, executive director of Visit Marshall County, says Lake

Shopping in Marshall County (top) can be followed up with a relaxing session at the salt room at Essence Spa & Salon (bottom) in Plymouth. PHOTOS: Visit Marshall County

Cedar Creek Winery in Morgan County. PHOTO: Visit Morgan County Max Meadows is an ideal space for a gaggle of girlfriends. The rustic Lake Max Loft is in a new barn and has a gourmet kitchen. Its smaller counterpart, the Studio, is artistically designed in the oldest barn on the property. It sleeps up to three and has a kitchenette.

White County is a one-stop-shop for a Momcation. There are resorts offering a peaceful escape where you can enjoy locally-bottled wine from Whyte Horse Winery. For shopping there are five boutiques within a 10- mile radius.

Richmond is famous for its 80- plus towering murals that grace the sides of its buildings, and the sculptures scattered throughout the campus of Indiana University East are another must-see for art-lovers. Stroll

Patoka Lake Winery near French Lick offers a respite from hectic schedules. PHOTO: Visit French Lick West Baden

through the Richmond Rose Garden or pick and arrange your own flowers at the Barn at Helm.

For more exercise, hike through the Hayes Arboretum or Whitewater Gorge Park. Go birding with a guide at the Cope Environmental Center or rent a bike for free at the Cycling and Fitness Warehouse for a ride on the Cardinal Greenway. Golfers in your group? Richmond offers three courses.

The Lofts on Main in Cambridge City, Abington Cottage and Quaker Hill Cottage all provide spacious private lodgings with character.

Typically you’d head to Carmel for its clutch of shops, museums and restaurants, but there’s a whole other side to this sophisticated spot that’s perfect for what you’re after this time. Cool Creek Park, Greyhound Trail, Hazel Landing Park and White River Greenway are ideal for walks and hiking. Ride the Monon Trail on an electric bicycle you rent from Pedego, or hit the links at the

The breathtaking lobby of West Baden Springs Hotel. PHOTO: Visit French Lick West Baden

Brookshire Golf Club.

Headed south?

“French Lick West Baden is a charming resort community surrounded by the Hoosier National Forest and wide-open spaces that give Mom plenty of room to relax, enjoy nature and reconnect with herself after the additional responsibilities and stress this pandemic has caused,” said Kristal Painter, executive director at Visit French Lick West Baden.

Experience up-close animal encounters as well as zip-line tours, ATV adventures and horseback riding at Wilstem Wildlife Park. Also here are cabins on the property that would handily accommodate a socialdistancing group. You’ll find eagles, hawks, osprey and other waterfowl at Patoka Lake, where you can also enjoy swimming and boating. Cabins

in this peaceful setting are equipped with kitchens and hot tubs.

Patoka Lake Winery just outside the entrance to Patoka Lake State Park offers winery suites in silos or cabins, and nearby Benny’s restaurant provides takeout or serves on the patio. What better setting for a Momcation: Enjoy the park, taste the wine, have a great dinner and spend the night — all without getting into your car.

In Morgan County, Cedar Creek Winery is a perfect place to relax with friends, and moms will love doing a fun creative class at The Sterling Butterfly with jewelry artist Pam

Hurst or one of her visiting artists. Enjoy a spa day at Sidney and Girlfriends Nail and Day Spa, both located right on the courthouse square in Martinsville. Other unique locally-owned boutiques and

Horseback riding (left) and train rides (above) are part of the French Lick West Baden experience. PHOTOS: Visit French Lick West Baden

restaurants round out the visit with home decor, apparel, fine dining and even the century-old Martinsville Candy Kitchen (you might have to bring your kids back later to visit the Candy Kitchen!).