We had some real excitement after a routine day at a country farm.
We’d walked around Great Country Farms, had lunch, and watched the grandkids in all sorts of fun play environments. My comment that it was probably time to go was met with alarm. My daughter said, “Oh no, we can’t leave now, it’s almost time for the pig races.”
So on a picture perfect, sunny, 60 degree day, we found ourselves seated on wooden benches waiting for the “sooey” hog call that would start the action.
This 400-acre farm in rural Loudoun County, Virginia runs a very popular agri-tourism business.
It was a clever, hammed-up intro with all entrants named after superheros. And then . . .
Ready, Set, Oink!
The racers reward? Some of the Farm’s famous Apple Cider Donuts.
For fans of architecture and interesting hotels – Indianapolis continues to surprise.
In the 1920’s Indianaplis was home to what would become the largest Coca-Cola bottling plant in the world. The factory produced over 2 million bottles of soda a week and was an Art Deco jewel.
Thoughtful preservationists and developers have repurposed and restored it to a dazzling boutique hotel and an anchor of the vibrant Bottleworks District. Part of the Massachusetts Avenue Commercial Historic District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. After the Coca-Cola plant was purchased by new owners and moved, the facilities were used by the Indianapolis Public Schools for almost 50 years as a bus depot, kitchen, and warehouse until new owners purchased the site in 2017 with the intent to turn it into a center for art, history, and commerce.
Today, the area has retail space, offices, residences, entertainment venues, and restaurants. The lively Garage Food Hall offers a wide assortment of elevated dining options. The centerpiece is the Bottleworks Hotel. Meticulously restored, it also manages to incorporate Coca-Cola’s red and black colors into the eclectic interior decor. The rooms are spacious, modern, and very well appointed. The following photos show some of the beautiful historic elements in the lobby and common areas. It’s another great place to stay in Indianapolis.
At the top of the grand staircase is an area with a piano and a beautifully detailed hallway leading to the boardroom (which was locked). Note the gorgeous use of terrazzo, brass, and the incredible tile work.
I just have to do a brief post about some of the food we tried on this trip. We never really had real cheese curds, so of course, we had to try some, and they were good (but filling).
In keeping with our train theme, we had dinner one night at The Harvey House in Madison. Located by the train station in the baggage and loading areas, you can even dine in a train car for special occasions. We settled on the now-covered loading platform. Part of a local tradition of what they call classic supper-club style features an array of bowls on a lazy-susan or relish trays. Really a retro type of charcuterie. It was definitely an eclectic assortment. Our first one featured lots of beets and pickles. Summer sausage and basic deviled eggs are both quite popular. It would not be complete without some version of Wisconsin cheese.
We were a bit surprised at the huge amount of food (we didn’t really mean to order) at The Old Fashioned. Located in the center of Madison near the Capitol, it’s a popular, fun spot. We took our giant pretzel and cheese to go!
BTW, at The Harvey House I went totally retro and had a perfectly made whisky sour. We shared a lovely salmon dish as our main entree (which was good we shared, because by then I had eaten a lot of beets!).
The light at the end of the tunnel. We have finally made it to our primary destination on this journey – the Lionel Railroad Club of Milwaukee. A massive multi-level layout featuring a replica of the NY Hell Gate Bridge made famous by Lionel decades ago.
We have learned there are a number of large model railroad enthusiasts in the northern parts of our country. I guess down in Florida, since we don’t have basements or cold winters, it puts a chill on the entire hobby. This Club focuses on the Lionel trains that are near and dear to my husband’s heart. He has a few of his own circling high above our study.
With close to 300 members, the Club is coming up on its 80th year in 2027. Members can store and run their own trains on the many track options. The all-volunteer organization handles all details of building, engineering, raising money, and running the Club. In 2002, they were able to get out of basements and purchase their own condo-office space for this permanent display. Smaller traveling displays are used for special shows and exhibits in the area. Even the little ones can play at their own kid-friendly tables.
Special lighting switches from day to night and back. They turned them on so we could see the effect.
