Extol April-May 2018 | Page 110

HOOSIER MAMA the fossil beds. The park hosts many events with experts who will guide you through the park and educate you about things you probably wouldn’t have noticed. After exploring the park, you can see several exhibits in the air-conditioned interpretive center. There are many perfect places to enjoy a picnic overlooking the Ohio river nearby. By Farrah Alexander GET OUT THIS SPRING A S A SOUTHERN INDIANA LOCAL, YOU KNOW DESCRIBING THIS AREA AS “THE SUNNY SIDE” IS LITTLE MORE THAN A CUTE TOURISM SLOGAN. IF IT’S SUNNY, YOU BETTER GET OUT AND TAKE ADVANTAGE BECAUSE THE NEXT DAY VERY WELL COULD BE RAINY, FRIGID, SWAMPY HOT OR JUST SO INTENSELY POLLINATED YOU CAN’T BEAR TO GO OUTSIDE. SOMETIMES, WE MANAGE TO FIT IN ELEMENTS OF ALL FOUR SEASONS IN THE COURSE OF ONE WEEK, MUCH TO THE DISMAY (OR DELIGHT?) OF LOCAL WEATHER FORECASTERS. But during the spring, the sunny days are truly beautiful. The lilies and tulips have bloomed, leaving bursts of color everywhere you turn. The weather is pristine – not too hot and not too cool – just the perfect temperature to relax outside. And we have plenty of wonderful options to explore the area as a family. So, grab your nasal spray and let’s go! The Falls of the Ohio State Park (201 W. Riverside Drive, Clarksville) is a fantastic place to spend a nice day. My five-year-old Daniel is obsessed with dinosaurs, so he loves climbing over the huge rocks and discovering fossils among 108 EXTOL : APRIL/MAY 2018 The Widow’s Walk (415 E. Riverside Drive, Clarksville) is a beautiful Victorian mansion along the Ohio River overlooking the Louisville skyline. The Widow’s Walk has an ice creamery, coffee shop and offers bicycle rentals. You can enjoy your treats on the gorgeous porch overlooking the river or explore the beautiful courtyards on site. They also offer very reasonably priced kid- friendly lunch items like corn dogs and chicken nuggets. The bicycle rentals include tandem bikes and bikes with child carriers attached. The Ohio River Scenic By