Visit Eastern Indiana Blog

June 21, 2022 @ 11:54:19 AM — Jeff Bryan — General

Ball State University Welcoming New Faces This Fall...

Top-ranked academic programs make Ball State University one of the best in the Midwest. Ball State has grown into a world-class university with highly respected programs in education, architecture, business, communications, fine arts, sciences and humanities, and the health professions. Seven academic colleges featuring some of the most advanced educational facilities. Residence halls that combine emerging technology with environmentally friendly design. Athletic venues that host NCAA Division I teams. Libraries. Food courts. Not to mention landmarks such as Beneficence, Shafer Tower, and Frog Baby. There’s a lot to take in on the vibrant campus. The best way to experience it all is to schedule a visit. Or take our virtual tour to see highlights online, including 360-degree views of the student recreation center and residence hall rooms.
Whether you are coming here as a student or settling here long-term, Muncie and Delaware County offers some of the most affordable housing in the country. Plus, the community has a variety of dining, shopping, and other entertainment and cultural attractions throughout the year.
Muncie, population of about 70,000, is home to cultural and recreational amenities such as the Minnetrista, Cardinal Greenways, Prairie Creek Reservoir, The Academy of Model Aeronautics, and Muncie Civic Theatre, plus many opportunities on campus like the David Owsley Museum of Art, Marilyn K Glick Center for Glass, Rinard Orchid Greenhouse, and Emens Auditorium. The city ranks as the most affordable place to live in the U.S., according to Realtor.com, and the Indiana Chamber of Commerce has twice recognized Muncie as the Community of the Year.
For more information on Ball State University visit: https://www.bsu.edu/about/muncie
For information on Muncie visit: https://www.visitmuncie.org
November 18, 2021 @ 2:45:55 PM — Lindsey Skeen — General

5 Must-Stops for Holiday Fun in Kokomo

From dozens of light displays, an old-fashioned Christmas Parade, and the refined elegance of the Seiberling Mansion, you’ll find plenty of Christmas spirit in Kokomo. In the bustle of the holiday rush, make memories this season at these 5 must-stops for holiday fun in Kokomo.
Check out the full Christmas in Kokomo Holiday Guide here.
1. Christmas at the Seiberling
There isn’t a more elegant place to celebrate the season than the historic Seiberling Mansion. Enjoy the Victorian elegance of the Seiberling Mansion (and home of the Howard County Museum) with its stunning collection of beautifully decorated trees, wreaths, garlands, and thousands of twinkling lights – both inside and out.
Purchase tickets for Christmas at the Seiberling.
2. Downtown Christmas Parade
Enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas parade through downtown Kokomo on Saturday, Dec. 4. There will be plenty of holiday cheer with lighted floats, marching bands, and of course Santa & Mrs. Claus. Parade starts at 6 p.m. Kids can visit with Santa after the parade in Santa’s House on the Courthouse Square.
3. City of Lights
Drive through this holiday tradition in Kokomo’s Highland Park that features more than 50 light displays. Santa will be there most nights to greet visitors. Free and open nightly at dusk from Thanksgiving Day through the end of the year.
4. The Frozen Sandlot
Kokomo Municipal Stadium will turn into The Frozen Sandlot for the holiday season. The 60-foot by 90-foot ice skating rink features real ice. You can bring your own or rent skates at the rink. Find ticket info and skating times here.
5. Visit a holiday market
Find a number of holiday markets and craft fairs in the Kokomo area to shop for those on your Christmas list. Also, stop by the Kokomo Downtown Farmers Market Store where you can do your holiday shopping while also supporting local farmers, makers, and bakers.
Plan a weekend trip! Holiday Inn Express in Kokomo is offering a special holiday package including an overnight stay, dinner at Half Moon Restaurant & Brewery, and tickets to Christmas at the Seiberling. Find a full list of Kokomo hotels here.
For more things to do in Kokomo during the holidays, visit our website.
October 16, 2021 @ 4:00:21 PM — Lindsey Skeen — General

Bob Ross

Robert Norman Ross (October 29, 1942 – July 4, 1995) was an American painter, art instructor, and television host. He was the creator and host of The Joy of Painting, an instructional television program that aired from 1983 to 1994 on PBS in the United States, and also aired in Canada, Latin America, and Europe. Ross went from being a public television personality in the 1980s and 1990s to being an Internet celebrity in the 21st century, becoming popular with fans on YouTube and many other websites after his death.
Ross was well known for the catchphrases he used while painting such as "happy little trees". Ross wore clothes that he believed would be a "timeless look" (jeans and a button-down shirt). He also used a minimalist set and spoke as if he were only addressing one viewer. During each half-hour segment, Ross would instruct viewers in oil painting using a quick-study technique from the imagination that used a limited palette of paints and broke down the process into simple steps. Art critic Mira Schor compared him to Fred Rogers, host of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, noting that Ross' soft voice and the slow pace of his speech were similar.
The TV show, The Joy of Painting, was filmed by PBS station WIPB in Muncie, Indiana. The studio was set up in the L.L.Ball Home on the property of Minnetrista (Cultural Center). The Bob Ross Experience will open in October of 2020, in the same location that it was filmed. There you will see many of his works, the studio, and be able to try your hand at painting…There are no mistakes, just happy little accidents.
For more information visit:
minnetrista.net
March 18, 2020 @ 12:23:23 PM — Lindsey Skeen — General

COVID-19 UPDATE

Due to the recent COVID-19 Pandemic, please refer all Tourism related inquiries and concerns to each individual area. Please refer to Governor Holcomb's updated message on the current status of Indiana.
March 27, 2019 @ 9:47:54 AM — Lindsey Skeen — General

Jay County Trunk To Treasure

Break out of the house and away from the Winter blues and begin your Spring shopping at the 3rd Annual Trunk to Treasure Craft Show on April 6th from 9 AM to 3 PM at the Jay County Event Center, 555 S. Bridge St., Portland. This event has grown substantially every year and features unique items from primitives, antiques, home décor and much, much more. Come prepared to shop to your heart’s desire! For more information about the Craft Show, please contact Beth at 260-251-2122.
November 30, 2018 @ 9:11:57 AM — Lindsey Skeen — General

Deck The Halls

Wayne County's Artisan & Cultural Trail
Shop many talented artisans scattered throughout Wayne County. Along the trail, you'll find local artisan studios, shops, and retail galleries featuring one-of-a-kind wares perfect for gift giving. You may even find something for yourself that you just can't live without. Holiday events and entertainment can be found along the trail to help get you into the holiday spirit.

https://visitrichmond.org/files/pdfs/2018_brochure.pdf
November 20, 2018 @ 10:48:58 AM — Lindsey Skeen — General

Holidays In Kokomo

A Seiberling Snowman Spectacular
The Victorian elegance of the Seiberling Mansion is a perfect setting for a stunning collection of holiday trees, wreaths and garlands, lights and more. This year’s theme is “A Seiberling Snowman Spectacular.”
Start the holidays with your family at the Seiberling Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 24, from 6 to 9 p.m. The evening will include visits with Santa, tours, live music, carriage rides and more. Reservations are necessary for the carriage rides and usually fill up early. Anyone interested in making a carriage ride reservation should call 765-452-4314.
Inside the Seiberling Mansion, you’ll tour a vision of holiday beauty. Get some ideas for your own tree, and marvel at the dozens of trees in 20 rooms on all three floors of the mansion. Vote for your favorite tree and help pick the People’s Choice!
Seiberling Mansion is located at 1200 West Sycamore Street in Kokomo and is managed by the Howard County Historical Society. The mansion is home to the Howard County Museum. Christmas at the Seiberling tours will continue through Dec. 30, 2018 on Tuesday-Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with special evening hours on select Thursdays and Fridays during December. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students 18 and under.
Guests will enjoy a special “candlelight” evening at the Seiberling from 6-9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8, with the opportunity to explore the museum in the softer light of a bygone era. More information and advance tickets are available at www.hchistory.org.
While in Kokomo, you can also ride the Polar Bear Express holiday train, ice skate with your family at the Frozen Sandlot, and see over 1 million lights at the We Care Park holiday light display. Find out more at www.VisitKokomo.org/ChristmasinKokomo.
November 15, 2018 @ 11:24:01 AM — Lindsey Skeen — General

Jay County Jingles in the Holidays

Jay County Jingles in the Holidays
Jayland hosts a flurry of upcoming activities with a variety of Holiday happenings and offers! Jay County unravels the welcoming mat and invites you to come and explore the profound entertainment and shopping options throughout this vibrant wintery escape. Jay County's historic Courthouse will host the Grand Illumination event on Friday, November 30th at 5:30 PM to 7 PM. This event features over 20 uniquely decorated Christmas Trees, along with garland placed throughout the spacious Courthouse interior. T
he Indiana Wesleyan University Singers will be performing popular Christmas Carols at the Jay County Courthouse beginning at 6:15 PM. Santa arrives at the Courthouse to greet families and children at 8:45 PM! The Courthouse is located near downtown Portland. Admission is free. Please contact the Jay County Chamber of Commerce at 260.726.4481 for more information about the Grand Illumination event.
On Friday, November 30th at 7:30 PM, make sure you catch the WinterFest Parade of Lights Celebration in Downtown Portland. The Parade’s Winter Holiday theme includes over 25 entrees. High School Marching Band, local government/business leaders and Santa will make their parade appearance. If you have any questions about the Parade, please contact the Jay County Chamber of Commerce at 260.726.4481
The ornate WinterFest Holiday Home Tour is set to occur on Sunday, December 2nd from Noon through 5 PM. There will be 5 venues available to tour in various Jay County communities. Tickets are $5 each and are required to attend the tour. Tickets are available at the Jay County Chamber of Commerce, which is located at 118 S. Meridian St., Portland or call the Chamber at 260.726.4481
Jay County’s Northern Community of Bryant will be having their Annual Craft Show on Saturday, December 1st from 9 AM to 3 PM. The craft show will include various vendors who will be selling their holiday merchandise. This event is held at the Bryant Community Building. Admission is free. If you would like to learn more about the Bryant Craft Show, please contact Judy at 260.997.6418
Enjoy touring the Jay County Historical Society’s “Christmas at the Museum” on Saturday, November 24th from 1 PM to 4 PM. “Candlelight Tours” of the Museum will be offered on Saturday, December 1st from 6 PM to 8 PM. On Sunday, December 9th from 1 PM to 4 PM, the Museum will host “Family Day”. This special Museum event features several free family and kids related activities. This event will also feature Santa visiting the Museum. “Christmas at the Museum” is set to once again occur on Saturday, December 15th from 1 PM to 4 PM. The Museum is decked out in over 20 beautifully lite Christmas Trees. Museum exhibits are always rotating with captivating historic themes. Admission is free. For more information, please contact 260.726.7168
Sunday, December 9th from 9 AM to 3 PM features the 31st Annual Farm Toy Show at the Jay County Fairgrounds. There will be over 70 farm toy dealer tables. There is an admission fee of $5 per person. Please contact Ronnie at 260.726.6433 for more Show information.
We encourage you to keep up-to-date of Jay County events by visiting the Jay County Visitor and Tourism Bureau’s website at: http://visitjaycounty.com/ or check out the Facebook Page at “Jay County Visitor & Tourism Bureau” Jay County Visitor & Tourism Bureau, 118 S. Meridian St., Portland, Indiana. Telephone: 260.726.3366 Email: info@visitjaycounty.com
October 17, 2018 @ 9:40:13 AM — Lindsey Skeen — General

2018 Pennville Pumpkin Festival

Pennvile Pumpkin Festival Blossoms
The Pennville Pumpkin Festival is set to get underway on Saturday, October 20th. Visitors will be able to marvel at Pumpkins on display that weight over 1,000 pounds! The Festival will include a whole host of artisans and contests, along with food and craft vendors at the Pennville Park, 235 E. North St. The Annual Festival has become one of Pennville’s primary attractions for several years now. Visitors will enjoy all the festivities and revel in celebrating the beautiful and fun Fall season. The family-friendly Festival caters to all ages and is free to attend! Begin the Festival at the Pennville Lions Club Pancake & Sausage Breakfast from 7 AM to 10 AM at the Pennville Community Building. Then off to the Park to enjoy the $1,000 to win Pumpkin Contest at 1 PM. Don’t forget to participate in the Kids Face Painting, Pumpkin Decorating Contest, Pumpkin Bowling Contest and Pumpkin Walk that is set to occur from 11 AM to 4 PM. Come hungry and enjoy the Whole Hog Roast by the Pennville Volunteer Fire Department from 4 PM to 7 PM. A Bonfire, along with Hayrides and a Costume Contest will begin at 7 PM. The Pennville Pumpkin Festival is organized by Members of the Pennville Pumpkin Festival Committee. If you would like additional information about the Festival, please contact the Committee at 260-729-3459 or 260-251-2774.
October 9, 2018 @ 10:36:29 AM — Lindsey Skeen — General

Dunkirk's Haunted Woods Offers Tours

Dunkirk’s Haunted Woods Offer Tours
Ghouls, Ghosts and Goblins are ready to greet visitors throughout Dunkirk’s very own Haunted Woods. The Woods is located just northeast of the City on Jay County Country Road 450 South. The Haunted Woods is an annual event that has occurred for several years at the current location. The Haunted Woods is geared towards entertaining teenagers and adults. Visitors will encounter several scares and thrills throughout the Haunted Woods’ trails. Bring along your family and friends and conquer your fears together! Admission is $7 per person or $6 with a canned food item. The Haunted Woods is open from 7:30 PM to 11 PM on October 12th & 13th, October 19th & 20th and October 26th & 27th. The Dunkirk Haunted Woods is organized by Members of the Dunkirk Volunteer Fire Department. If you would like further information about the Festival, please contact the Department at 765-768-6122.