Travel

Dining Outside the Home: The Library Restaurant and Pub in Indianapolis, Indiana

Dining Outside the Home: The Library Restaurant and Pub in Indianapolis, Indiana! Whether you choose private dining for celebrations, a gastro-pub atmosphere where sports abound, or tasteful seating among works of art, you’ll feel at home at The Library Restaurant and Pub. Seasonal favorites, as well as chef specialties, enhance an already extensive menu. For starters, indulge in Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail bathed in a zesty horseradish sauce. Move on to make a meal of Grilled Romaine, drizzled with olive oil, parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing. Mmmm. There’s a method to my madness, you see. The made-in-house desserts make a grande finale. I recommend the Crème Brûlée topped with caramelized sugar. C’est Magnifique!

Dining Outside the Home: 2 G’s Barbecue in Bellefontaine, Ohio

Dining Outside the Home: 2 G’s Barbecue in Bellefontaine, Ohio! Jump in your car for a road trip to the county seat of Logan County, an area rich in history and once the village of Shawnee Chief Blue Jacket. If it’s soul food you’re looking for with home style BBQ slow-cooked to perfection, 2 G’s will not disappoint. The melt-in-your-mouth ribs slide off the bone in a thick tangy sauce that is lip smacking good. The baked chicken selections aim to please the hungry appetite. And there’s more. Seafood lovers drool between tiger shrimp and catfish filets. Don’t forget the southern sides and classic cornbread, included with most menu items. And the name, you wonder? Ask the friendly staff. They’ll smile from ear to ear while sharing the remarkable story. 

Dining Outside the Home: The Cheesecake Factory in Cincinnati, Ohio

Dining Outside the Home: The Cheesecake Factory in Cincinnati, Ohio! Mention the word “cheesecake” and watch pupils dilate and lips begin to smack in anticipation of heavenly bliss. After all, what’s not to love about a dessert composed of cream cheese and butter? Add to it the combination of light-as-air cake with unbelievable fillings and mind-boggling toppings! The fact that The Cheesecake Factory offers an extensive menu of healthy options just gives us one more reason to make room for dessert. If I eat salad, then I can reward myself with dessert, right? Of course you can. And if the portions are too large, no worries. That’s what doggie bags are for. 

Dining Outside the Home: Calico Café in Coldwater, Ohio

Dining Outside the Home: Calico Café in Coldwater, Ohio! As the days grow shorter and the chill of Autumn sets in, people gravitate to a bustling café in Coldwater, Ohio. Step through the door and be embraced by the soothing aromas of homemade soups, a daily special, and delectable desserts that go down easy. Mary, the owner, knows her regulars by name. She takes a moment to share a story or two before scurrying back to the kitchen in response to an oven timer. This is why people drive a few miles out of the way to a place where simpler times are met with a smile…not to mention, a generous slice of dark-chocolate cake with rich ganache icing. 

Dining Outside the Home: Galo’s Italian Grill in Richmond, Indiana 

Dining Outside the Home: Galo’s Italian Grill in Richmond, Indiana! Like a gondola ride through the canals of Venice, complete with serenade, the relaxed atmosphere of Galo’s Italian Grill will sweep you away. Choose a lovely table under a patio umbrella for quiet conversation and dining al fresco. With food that is hand made fresh, there is no shortage of menu options. The pride of being family-owned reflects traditional values and quality service. Go ahead, indulge in mouth-watering food where generous portions turn tomorrow’s lunch into the ultimate reward. 

Dining Outside the Home: Morton’s The Steakhouse in Cincinnati, Ohio

Dining Outside the Home: Morton’s The Steakhouse in Cincinnati, Ohio! With a stunning view of Fountain Square and a wait staff that aims to please, it’s easy to see why Morton’s Steakhouse on Vine Street sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. For starters let’s try a modern “Mortini” like Pimm’s Cup. Oh, my! A peek at the extensive menu, known for their aged prime beef and signature dishes, leaves one already planning another visit. But for now, relax and enjoy the anticipation of lavish delight. Perhaps a nibble or two of Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, engulfed in a misty fog of dry ice as it makes a grand entrance to the table. Sublime. Prepare to share generous side portions for the ultimate dining extravaganza. After all, the grande finale is Soufflé for Two. 

Dining Outside the Home: Carpenter Creek Cellars in Remington, Indiana 

Dining Outside the Home: Carpenter Creek Cellars in Remington, Indiana! What do you get when a 1919 country horse barn gets restored and transformed into a charming rustic winery? Award-winning wines, of course! From semi-sweet whites to bold dry reds, your palate is in for a journey of discovery. But don’t stop there. Take a trip down this country road in Jasper County, Indiana. Experience an extensive wine-tasting bar for the discerning palate, convenient outdoor seating for picnic pleasure, live entertainment on occasion, and assorted gourmet cheeses from this family-owned winery. Tours are available upon request. Spend a lovely hour or more sipping wine like an aficionado while absorbing the ambiance of Carpenter Creek Cellars.

Dining Outside the Home: Payne’s Restaurant in Gas City, Indiana 

Dining Outside the Home: Payne’s Restaurant in Gas City, Indiana! The fact that Payne’s Coffee and Custard is a mere stone’s throw from the childhood home of actor, James Dean, is more than coincidence. The owner, Stephen Payne, is a devoted fan of the iconic 1950s movie star. His British influence is apparent in the bistro’s specialties which include old-fashioned frozen custard (to die for), Indiana craft beers on tap, the best Fish ‘n Chips “this side of the pond”, and gooey Sticky Toffee Pudding. Ingredients are farm-to-table whenever possible. Make Payne’s Restaurant your next small town destination. 

James Dean: Heartthrob and Rebel in One

Raised by an aunt and uncle in a rural town of central Indiana, James Dean learned early on sometimes Life is not fair. Perhaps he had a Death Wish or, on the contrary, a zest for living on the edge. This sandy-haired dreamer who often wore a pouty grin attracted men and women like a moth to flame. His love of fast cars, specifically a Porsche 550 Spyder, ended in a head-on collision that catapulted him into eternal legendary stardom. After all, James Dean died at the age of 24 years old with only three major films under his belt: “East of Eden”, “Rebel Without a Cause”, and “Giant”. Today, In Fairmount, Indiana, his legacy lives on. Visitors from all over the world flock to the hometown of James B. Dean to walk in the footsteps where he lived. Buried in Park Cemetery, his lipstick-covered headstone is physical evidence adoring fans exist half a century later.