Backyard Adventures

4A PIKE PUBLISHING BACKYARD ADVENTURES 2017 Mr. and Mrs. Frank Heuring, Publishers Andy G. Heuring, Senior Editor Corey Woolsey, South Gibson Star-Times Editor John B. Heuring, Adv. Manager Eric Gogel, Production Manager Monica Sinclair, Office Manager Cindy Petty, Adv. Sales Fran Petit, Adv. Sales Pam Lemond, Adv. Sales Matthew Haycraft, Adv. Designer • • • • • • Telephone 812-354-8500 820 Poplar Street, P.O. Box 68 Petersburg, Indiana 47567 www.pressdispatch.net www.sgstartimes.com • • • • • • Written By: Alden Heuring, Andy Heuring, Corey Woolsey, Fran Petit and Jill Heuring Photography By: Ed Cahill, Alden Heuring, Andy Heuring, Eric Gogel Amber Nixon and Fran Petit Calendar Items Compiled By: Monica Sinclair and Jill Heuring Proofread By: Monica Sinclair and Jill Heuring Designed By: Eric Gogel Advertising Designed By: Eric Gogel and Matthew Haycraft Cover photo: Haubstadt Sommerfest Father and Son Fun taken by Amber Nixon GIBSON COUNTY OVERVIEW Gibson County is the heart of Southwest- ern Indiana, at the intersection of Inter- state 64 and U.S. 41 and with three exits into the county from Interstate 69. The county hosts no less than half a dozen festivals each year, and between festivals, visitors can check out some local attractions. There are plenty of hidden marvels to discover, one-of-a-kind restau- rants, and quaint shops awaiting you in your search for fun and relaxation. THE AZALEA PATH Arboretum & Botanical Gardens Sure to be a favorite stop, this privately- owned facility offers more than 50 acres and more than 2,000 varieties of azaleas, plus a large variety of unusual plants and native Indiana trees in a beautifully land- scaped setting, with two spring-fed lakes, a waterfall, a koi pond and unique chainsaw sculptures. For added comfort, there are benches perched along the beautifully landscaped trails winding throughout the grounds. It's a peaceful way to get away from it all. Check out www.azaleapatharbo- retum.org for directions. VISITORS CENTER Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana Here, you'll discover Southwest Indiana's industrial heritage. See Gibson County's own Toyota manufacturing facility, and the Toyota Production System, up-close and in- depth. Admission is free and Visitors Center hours vary, so look online at www.tourtoyo - taindiana.com for more information. PRINCETON DEPOT Step inside the beautifully restored depot in downtown Princeton—the county's only remaining depot structure. It features a railway museum and a restored train caboose. The depot is also home to the Gib- son County Visitors Center, so it's a great stop for a tour and information. QUILT TRAIL Gibson County has joined the quilt block trail. Grab a map at the Princeton Depot and enjoy following the blocks around the highways and scenic routes of the county. A quilt block quest is a relaxing way to spend a day in Gibson County and get to know the area. Visit www.gibsoncountyin.org for maps and more information about the trail. LYLES STATION Historic School & Museum Stands as one of the last remaining A frican-American settlements in the Hoosier state. A visit to the Lyles Station Historic School & Museum, located west of Princeton, is an eye-opening experience for any traveler. The Heritage Classroom even provides area students the opportunity to experience a day in the life of school chil- dren in the early 1900s. Go online at www. lylesstation.org for more information. COUNTY COURTHOUSE Just a few blocks down from the Princeton Depot is the most significant historical structure in the county. If the courthouse looks familiar, that's because it was used as the model for the Dept. 56 Original Snow Village Courthouse. Visitors can relax in the gazebo on the courthouse lawn, browse the memorials around the perimeter, and walk across the street to access all the shops around the Princeton square. Princeton's downtown organization hosts frequent events at the courthouse square, too. COVERED BRIDGES Gibson County is also home to two remaining covered bridges. Red Bridge over Big Bayou Creek in southern Gibson County was built in 1875. The Wheeling Bridge, spanning the Patoka River north- east of Princeton, was built in 1877. In 2000, the Wheeling Bridge underwent a major renovation, which included beautiful new landscaping, courtesy of the Gibson County Master Gardeners. NEW GENERATION DAIRY FARM New Generation is located in the south- western part of the county. School groups regularly tour the farm and discover how milk gets from the farm to the dinner table. Presently, the dairy milks more than 1,200 cows, three times a day. For tours, call 812- 729 -7300. FAIRGROUNDS And, of course, the Gibson County Fair- grounds are worth checking out. Whether there's a festival, a concert, or some other event, the fairgrounds are as likely as not to have something going on throughout the year. HOPKINS FAMILY PARK The Hopkins family recently donated a large tract of scenic farmland to be converted into a public park. Just off the Princeton I-69 exit at the intersection of County Roads 250 South and 750 East, the Hopkins park is still a work in progress, but several features are already finished and open for free to all visitors. Outdoor Signs Cake Pans Cast License Plates Fantasy Trophies Call today 812-385-3279 1595 E State Road 64 Princeton IN Trophies & Awards Trophies & Awards First Place First Place Call Today 812-385-3279 TROPHIES CELEBRATE LIFE ACHIEVEMENTS We Make Personalized Gis! GIFTS FOR EVERY OCCASION! Princeton, IN 812-386-1506 1023 S. Main St. PRINCETON BRETT'S BRETT'S Auto Body In Stitches custom embroidery www.facebook.com/kendrasinstitches 113 W. BROADWAY ST., PRINCETON 812-385-2877 You bend'em, We mend 'em kendrasinstitches@yahoo.com

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