When is the last time you looked at your own community with fresh eyes? Do you see where you live as a place you’d also want to visit? I understand. You may be so busy that you don’t see it the way outsiders see it.

If you’re a “boomerang” like me (moved back home after living somewhere else) you might view SoIN as the unique, welcoming place that it is. When I moved back in 2014, I was surprised at how much there was to do and how SoIN – Clark and Floyd counties in Southern Indiana – really has it going on!

In the nearly 12 years I’ve worked for SoIN Tourism, I’ve been marketing the area to entice others to visit. Translation: I’ve been asked to find the cool things to see and do and then tell the world about them.

SoIN is one of the best places around to experience a weekend getaway – or to live! It’s a community with a lot of charm and character. As I look toward my retirement, I’ve reflected on some of my favorite things to do, whether you are a long-time resident or just visiting.

These are the must-do experiences that I would recommend. Check them out!

Dining

- Cinnamon Red Hots from Schimpff’s: I’ve seen the candy demonstrations at Schimpff’s dozens of times. This never gets old! It’s such a fun thing to do with family and friends who visit. And I love watching people fall in love with Schimpff’s in the process!

- Goat Cheese Fritters at The Exchange: served on a bed of bacon aioli and made with local goat cheese, these are divine! And they pair really well with a crisp white wine.

- Hummus from Petra: Mike and his family make all their food flavorful and delicious. The hummus is my favorite because it is made fresh. Did I mention the pita bread? It’s pillowy and piping hot! This authentic Mediterranean fare is one of my standard go-to places.

- A glass of wine and flatbread pizza sounds like a pretty basic experience, but it’s a treat at Wine Shop. Owners Lauren and Jason feature interesting wines, and the vibe is so comfy and cozy. My recent favorites are the Bonny Doon red blend and the mushroom flatbread drizzled with balsamic vinegar. When Wine Shop first opened, I saw four actors taking a break between shows and reading one day. The owners are innovative and creative. A great place to meet with friends!

- Just recently, the James Beard Foundation announced nominees, and Chef Michael Bowe of Red Yeti has been nominated in the Great Lakes Region. His Steak Salad – and all of his menu, really – is so satisfying. I’ve also recently discovered his risotto!

- A sandwich that is a cut above ordinary is the Salmon Club at Orange Clover. Pair that with a cup of cream of cauliflower soup, and you’ve got a hearty meal that’s also healthy.

There’s nothing better than spending the first day of warm weather on the patio of a riverside restaurant like Parlour, Harry’s Taphouse, The Exchange, or Floyd County Brewing.

Things to Do

- I love a good quilt show, but the Form not Function show at the Floyd County Carnegie Library Cultural Arts Center is extraordinary! I’ve seen wall hangings and dresses made of quilted fabrics that are phenomenal. The artists at this juried show are extremely talented.

- I love to listen to songs from my childhood at Abbey Road on the River (cover songs of the Beatles, ClassicStone playing Queen, and so many more). Held every Memorial Day, this festival is 5 days of peace, love and flower power at its best! It’s just so relaxing to sit in a lawn chair with a beverage of choice and sing along to the music from the 60s and 70s.

- Speaking of singing along, I love to go to the classic Broadway musicals at Derby Dinner Playhouse. The talent there is amazing!

- If I want a relaxing place to chill with friends, one of the best locations is at Huber’s Orchard & Winery. There you can listen to music on the patio with a glass of wine.

- I love to get my game on by playing pinball at Recbar 812 or trying the games at Union Pub & Social.

Outdoor Recreation

- When I want to get outdoors, I love to go hiking at Charlestown State Park. My favorite trails are Trail 3, the Rose Island loop, and Trail 6, which overlooks the river.

- Another hiking spot for great views is at Mount Saint Francis in Floyds Knobs. This peaceful setting is a lovely place to watch bluebirds and trek around their small lake.

- For more back-to-nature ideas, I like to marvel at the ancient fossils along the Ohio River at the Falls of the Ohio State Park. In addition to fossils, it’s a great area to watch bald eagles that nest nearby. And don’t forget to stick around for an amazing sunset on the deck of the Interpretive Center. It is a spectacular view!

- I like to get active, and some of the most fun things to do are biking the Ohio River Greenway and walking the Big Four Pedestrian Bridge.

There’s so much to do and see and EAT!

Looking Ahead

AND, here are a few more things I’m looking forward to in the future!

- The opening of Wildwater at Origin Park

- The developing downtown in Clarksville

- More rides with the folks at Hoosier Handlebars

Cheers to those who haven’t visited yet. You will be surprised and delighted when you visit for the first time! To all of you, Go SoIN. You won’t regret it!

Southern Indiana