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With the threshold of fall upon us...Friday night lights and titans on the football fields across the Hoosier State going toe to toe... that means only one thing! Fall is in the air!! Though the heat may say otherwise, the Corn is pointing that way. The corn is starting to dry out, pumpkins are popping in the fields, and leaves are starting to fall.

This weekend kicks off the first of many fall events in Daviess County. I thought I would share some tips with you on how to navigate your visit and things to know..

Chandelier Barn Market. Knowing the owner/host, Lisa, personally and participating as a vendor in the original Barn Market many years ago, I can tell you for her It is meticulously crafted, prepared for, every last detail paid attention to.. And Mr. Chandelier Barn, Dennis is right there in the thick of it by her side.

The Chandelier Barn Market creates a unique experience by gathering makers from across the Midwest to join forces to create an atmosphere of excellence and creativity. What's my favorite thing you ask? All of it! You'll find me walking through the gate, grabbing a pumpkin latte, pumpkin muffin and shopping like its a mission. The variety of items you'll find is vast - from jewelry made from Peacock feathers in eclectic pieces, to antiques, and quilted sweatshirts, caramel apples, warm cookies, barn quilt displays and so much more! ( I tend to go twice- because I miss things while talking with visitors) The fun part of this experience is you're not just here for that event-there is an entire other event Downtown. While Chandelier Barn hosts displays and live music, Downtown Washington is not forgotten to the East side hustle and bustle. Her Chandelier Barn Market store is located downtown and she invites Market visitors to check it out as well as her neighboring Downtown vendors while in town.

The Shop Hop to Downtown Boutiques- provides bus service to Downtown so you don't have to move your vehicle if you don't want to. (See Discover Downtown schedule for details on that.) Stamp your passport at the Market and the Store for a chance at 200$ gift card.

The Chandelier Barn Market Store and Style Studio downtown offer a peek into the eclectic mind that is behind the Barn Market. With other Boutiques and Seasonal Home Collections and eateries I'm going to give you the Newbie Tips

Top Notch Boutique is just as it sounds... Top Notch clothing, jewelry, shoes and Women's and Men's Ariat assortment.

The Chamber Restaurant-indoor dining area with a patio in the back, bar area and music. They offer a variety of menu options for a mid shopping break. Shrimp Tacos to Chicken..

The Historic Indiana Theater- fully renovated and welcoming staff, pop in for popcorn and drinks, even if you're not catching a movie. Celebrating 100 years this October, the nostalgia is very endearing.

Cherry Ghost coffee house-also offers live music, sandwiches, acai bowls, Coffee and more..

Arts Unleashed Gallery- consignment Art sale of many disciplines and artists.

The Stitching Post- one of Southern Indiana's premier fabric sales, quilt patterns, supplies and packaged projects ready to go. Check out the Display of over 100 antique sewing machines that line the front windows.

It's a Wonderful Life- Home decor to make any home happier, kids section, gifts, collectibles and an overall appeal to the senses that points back to its namesake.

The New White Steamer-In business since 1938, this iconic burger grill is a must. The iconic bar stools and booths are as if time has stood still.

Annabelle's - has a vast collection for the home, like decorative pillows, lighting, rugs, art and eclectic furniture.

Daily's Design- The Furniture hot spot, for anything from a wing chair to a sectional and bedroom suits, you can furnish the entire home here.

Jailhouse BBQ- located in the Knights of Columbus, offers BBQ, Brisket sandwiches, cheesy potatoes, salad bar and a variety of menu options.


Friday night the Downtown Commons Park features Food Trucks and Live music, adult beverages and a small town environment very welcoming to visitors. Grubs, Grooves and Brews is hosted by the Washington Indiana Parks and Recreation. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the outdoor amphitheater. 5-10pm Sept 4th.


Saturday the 5th starting at 10am the Arts Unleashed will be hosting an art show at the Commons as well as Praise and Worship on the Stage from various Christian bands. Things will wrap up here at 4pm.


If you're interested in the Amish Culture here, just go ahead a book a room! There is too much to pack into one day!! You don't want to miss any of it. Head east to the Simon J Graber Community Center for the Daviess County Quilt Auction. Doors open at 8am Bidding starts at NOON. Delicious food on site, and tons of handcrafted items for sale from an array of Amish Vendors. Not to mention several quilts for auction.


Also to the East outside of Montgomery on what the locals call McCracken Curve- the Newly opened Whiskey and Bourbon Distillery will be giving tours from 1-5pm on Saturday.

Hosting their first Bootlegger 5K Saturday Morning, the history in this place runs deep and you'll find the Brothers and family hosting it are delightful and excited to meet new people. McCracken Curve Distillery bringing spirits-bourbon, whiskey, vodka and a variety of Moonshine for tasting.

Follow on facebook for event details from Visit Daviess County and the hosts pages.


 
 
 

The Fall festivals and events are upon us. Some of the biggest and most exciting events are on their way!! This week in Elnora, the White River Valley Antique Association kicks off their fabulous display of Antique Tractors, Cars, Steam Powered Demonstrations, Horse Pulls, Great Food, Rodeo, and Tractor Pulls. Walk the Boardwalk of Pioneer Era Businesses. Visit the Schoolhouse, Church, Blacksmith, General Store, Candle shop, Post Office, Bank, and Printshop. This is an excellent festival to attend with homeschool groups. Pioneer era businesses and power displays from the steam, coal and horses are excellent!!

There are 1,000 antique vendors set up with a vast array of woodworking items, antiques, horse tac, collectibles and more!! Walk the grounds and see Antique Tractors of every dissent. Rows and Rows of machines built in a time to last. As you roam throughout the day, make sure you grab an apple dumpling, kettle corn, home made pie and ice cream, grilled and smoked variety of meats. You'll find surprises like grilled corn on the cob and all the fix-ins'! Enjoy bluegrass music on the small stage near the food vendors. Schedule is on their facebook page.

You can rent a golf cart to get around if needed, with a lot of acres to cover, some may want to check it out. The Information booth ladies are happy to help in anyway, there is a map on the facebook page, or on site, in front of the information booth, if you need it. Visit their site or facebook for all of the details.

The evening events include Thurdsay night power display of Draft Horse Pulling. Friday night at 6pm the Tractor Pulls will start, with competition of power displays you'll love! The White River Rodeo and White River Cowgirls will be on site Saturday night for all of the cowboy skills displays you want. check out their page for details!


Turkey Trot- The Turkey Trot kicks off this week in Montgomery as well! With turkey races, live music, carnival rides, and food stands-This Festival leaves it all on the country farm table. Headliners such as John Foster 8pm on Friday night and Lonestar takes the stage at 8pm on Saturday night... the music doesn't stop there. The Beer Garden bands bring it home- Sam Hahn Band will perform Friday night, their farewell performance in Daviess County. Saturday night in the beer garden-Gunshine will rock the night away bringing their solid sound and guitar riffs.

Fun for the Kids- lots of fun loaded for the kids, gate entry gets you on all of the carnival rides!! With mud volleyball, turkey races, tractor pulls, carnival rides and more on the calendar for the kids.

Bingo, Tractor Pulls, Demolition Derby, Texas Hold em' tournament and more for the adults. Make sure and sign up for drawings throughout the weekend! Visit the Montgomery Indiana Ruritan facebook page for all of the details.

Make sure you grab a turkey tender(from Odon Locker) at the Ruritan Food Stand!! A Treasured local delight!!

Hope everyone has a great week exploring and experiencing Daviess County. Scroll our website for lodging, points of interest and other things to do while you are here!




 
 
 

After experiencing hosting our first Hot Air Balloon Festival this past weekend, the only

word that comes to mind... is magical! The beauty of the balloons, their sheer size itself

is something to marvel at. They command attention, but you want to give it willingly anyway.

A Hoosier Reference I heard from a pilot this weekend, you can fit 144,000 basketballs inside of a typical balloon. 144,000 cubic feet of space. The delicate handling of them on the ground and in the air is a marvel itself, maybe that's why people are so intrigued by them. they are tough yet delicate in nature. When you are executing the spirit of MacGuyver and Maverick all at the same time, I mean, that creates respect. The pilots of these vessels are nothing shy of adventurers and nerves of steel. Imagine being only guided up and down, at the mercy of the wind current. Only heat generation and release controls where you go. And when you land.

That is a lot of skill and faith. But they have it! Seamless rides and a grand show on the ground, it was truly a sight to see. If you didn't get to attend, I would add it to your bucket list and get to a show soon. You will find yourself naturally just smiling and in awe of their uniqueness. Take a break from the stresses of the daily grind, allow yourself to be a little bit childlike again. Enjoy the mystery and science that goes into it all. People were just naturally happier in their presence. The vast community it brought together was a beautiful thing. Leaving you with this from the Balloonist Prayer... May the Winds Welcome you with Softness...

 
 
 
Image of people shopping at Top Notch Boutique

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