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California Family's First Trip to the Mid-West. Ideas please..

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California Family's First Trip to the Mid-West. Ideas please..

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Old Sep 11th, 2007, 06:59 PM
  #21  
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Yes, I have since learned that Indiana is not all flat. It looks very pretty.
I'm actually hoping for some cool weather, we've had such a warm summer on the California coast, not complaining, but I'm looking forward to some cozy weather.
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Old Sep 12th, 2007, 04:31 AM
  #22  
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glimmer2
I don't know what dates you will be in Indiana but if you are there during the Covered Bridge Festival, you just have to go! Parke County has many covered bridges as the poster above states, and every town during the Festival time that has a bridge has a Covered Bridge Festival. We always went to Mansfields, 2000 booths will be set up thru the woods and in the little town. It is fantastic. should not be missed if you are there at that time.
I will include the following:

Dates:
Friday, October 12-Sunday, October 21, 2007

Times:
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily
Mansfield Covered Bridge Festival 2007
For Ten days in October, Mansfield becomes a mecca for serious shoppers, who come from near and far to enjoy an unforgettable shopping bonanza. This ten-day festival transforms Mansfield into a sea of unique finds. During the festival over two million people search the streets of this quiet village, looking for the perfect gift, craft, antique or gadget that will make the day a success. And no day at the Covered Bridge Festival would be complete without enjoying the wide variety of food and entertainment that is available at every turn. No one can pass up the world-famous turkey legs, giant tenderloins, piping hot cinnamon rolls and freshly made funnel cakes that tempt the senses. Come enjoy a day of shopping that won't soon be forgotten.

http://tinyurl.com/2loyug





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Old Sep 12th, 2007, 05:52 AM
  #23  
 
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glimmer2, with all due respect to the previous poster, I wouldn't go for the Covered Bridge festivals. This clause says it all...

"During the festival over two million people search the streets of this quiet village..."

I used to go MANY years ago when it was a great thing to do. Now, TOO many people go. Another instance of something good turned bad by throngs, IMHO.

If you go to Parke County, go during the week, not the weekend (YIKES) - or just before or after the festivals - to enjoy the scenery.
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Old Sep 12th, 2007, 06:23 AM
  #24  
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The traffic at Covered Bridge is bad but if you go during the week and not the weekend and expect it to be slow going, IMHO it is worth it. Up until 3yrs ago we lived in Lafayette and went every year arriving early in the morning. Arriving is not a problem if weekday and early, however, leaving can be time consuming.
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Old Sep 12th, 2007, 06:45 AM
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We made the point of going when the festival was not ongoing. We wanted to see and search for the bridges and not be engulfed with the masses. The small towns and farm country roads are charming and to us would be spoiled by the traffic and people. We had it all to ourselves... If you plan on staying anywhere near the bridge area it would be almost impossible to find a place during the festival. We found places were limited at best even in off season. .
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Old Sep 12th, 2007, 11:54 AM
  #26  
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I don't even know if you're interested in the Festival, but to plan on seeing a lot of the little towns and bridges would not be possible for a day trip during Festival time. That was way I gave information on our favorite place which is Mansfield if you're interested in the going to the Festival. If you would want to see more of Parke County then one place, it would have to be NOT at Festival time.
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Old Sep 12th, 2007, 12:15 PM
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You definitely picked a beautiful time to tour the Midwest! Come to Wisconsin -- we are full of lakes and National Parks. Try to get tickets to a Packers game -- the fans are like nowhere else in the U.S.

Visit Door County for Pumpkin Festivals and shopping and touring the Peninsula!

If you get near Appleton, let me know and I will give you some great restaurant ideas.

Have fun!! I used to live in California, so I have one piece of advice for you -- Here you can look strangers in the eye and expect a smile in return! One reason I moved back to the Midwest.
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