EXPLORE
children ’ s play area ( mental note : bring a kid next time as an excuse to play ), the hill slopes down into a parking lot , lake , and the beginning of the paved path . We greeted ducks and geese by the fishing lake and followed the winding , mostly shaded and flat , paved path along Indian Creek . As we walked away from the highway , the sounds of nature replaced the hum of passing cars . Birds , critters , fish splashing in the creek , and buzzing insects created a symphony that was a refreshing break from the hum of daily life . We walked the 1.1- mile path , greeting hikers , bikers , walkers , runners , and their four-legged friends . The second bridge connects to the one-mile Bill Gerdon Trail , leading to the Ohio River Scenic Byway , where the 0.62-mile Doolittle Trail took us up to the railroad bridge and onto Capitol Drive , right into downtown Corydon .
Knowing our adventure would end with some delicious food , we made a pit stop at Chestnut Street Market for some local honey . Our allergies are crazy , so we ’ re willing to try anything , and cooking with honey is always a treat . Chestnut Street Market is a go-to for all things cooking , sweets , wine , spirits , bath , and body , with many items locally sourced . As we headed to the corner of Chestnut and Mulberry Streets , we were greeted by murals from Southern Indiana muralist Carrie Johns , whose work is displayed all over SoIN . At the top of the hill on our way home , we popped into Shireman ’ s Farm Market , picking up a bounty of vegetables — potatoes , squash , corn , onion , tomato , pepper , and broccolini . The vibrant flowers on display were eye-catching , ready to be taken home by someone with a greener thumb than us . Pit stops became the theme of our adventure , so we decided on two more before heading home .
Turtle Run Winery , located on a curvy road near the edge of Lanesville , was our next stop for a quick visit to pick up a bottle or two . Our quick pit
stop turned into a longer visit , thanks to a big band and an even bigger crowd . Turtle Run ’ s Summer Concert Series was in full swing , with Brass Pack playing music that had the crowd dancing . Bring your own chairs , picnic , and wine glass — Turtle Run provides the wine , and the fun is guaranteed . The concerts occur every Sunday , weather permitting , through the first week of November , with a schedule of performers available on their website . We had one more pit stop to make before heading home . I couldn ’ t be this close to my mom and a winery without bringing her a bottle and visiting for a bit .
Exhausted , we finally made our way home for a shower and a well-deserved nap ( it was Sunday , so napping was allowed ). While I ’ m not much of a cook , I can handle cutting , shucking , and following directions . Jonny , however , takes care of all the creativity in the kitchen . We feasted on roasted squash and onion glazed in honey , rosemary , and thyme , grilled broccolini , corn on the cob , juicy tomatoes , and a delicious potato au gratin . The meal was perfectly paired with a glass of Turtle Run Chardonnay and a grapefruit , lime , and mint fizz mocktail . It was the perfect end to a perfectly wonderful adventure in Corydon , Indiana .
Ken Java
16 EXTOL | JUNE 2024