Getaway to Indiana's River Country for a Cure to the Winter Blahs

For More Information Call
Leslie Townsend
Historic Southern Indiana/
University of Southern Indiana
(812) 465-7013 or (800) 489-4474

Pictures to accompany story are available on the "Indiana's River Country" website at www.southernindiana.org under the media room section.

Imagine sitting at a blackjack table trying to score a perfect 21, or taking in a Broadway-style show. How about skiing down a 300 ft. vertical drop or watching maple sap pour from a tree to eventually become maple syrup. Now imagine doing all of these things in Southern Indiana.

"Indiana's River Country," located in Southern Indiana, has countless attractions and activities that will make even these blah winter months fun and exciting. Bordered by the Wabash River to the west and the Falls Cities (Jeffersonville, Clarksville, and New Albany) to the east, "Indiana's River Country" offers everything from big-city-style entertainment to small town charm.

Casinos

"Indiana's River Country" is home to two of Indiana's riverboat casinos. Located just minutes west of Louisville, Kentucky, in Harrison County is Caesar's Indiana Riverboat Casino and Luxury Hotel. Caesar's is the world largest riverboat gaming vessel and guests can enjoy 2,500 slot machines and over 140 tables on four different decks. The adjacent hotel has 503 luxurious rooms and suites with upscale amenities.

Casino Aztar is located in Evansville. Guests ride aboard "The City of Evansville," a 310-foot-long replica of the racing side-wheel steamboat "Robert E. Lee" that features three levels of gaming fun. The adjoining hotel and entertainment complex offers plenty to do for added fun. From Memphis-style BBQ to fine steaks and seafood to a mouthwatering buffet to Starbucks, visitors to the Casino Aztar Pavilion will not go away hungry. Hoosiers Lounge features weekly entertainment. Upcoming acts include Crystal Gayle on February 1 and 2, the Duke Boys on February 8 and 9, Sonny Geraci and the Outsiders on February 15 and 16, and Big Al and the Heavyweights on February 22 and 23.

Dinner and a Play

Perhaps your idea of entertainment is enjoying nice dinner and a play. If so, then try the Derby Dinner Playhouse in Clarksville. The dinner theater features an excellent buffet and Broadway-style productions. "Over the River and Through the Woods" runs from January 8 through February 17.

This comedy about families centers on Nick, a single-guy from New Jersey. Watch the plot unfold as his family tries everything to keep him home when an out of town job offer comes his way. "Out of the Habit" runs February 19 through March 31. This Derby-Dinner original musical about life in the 11th grade at Holy Name Academy during the 1960s celebrates growing up in a humorous way.

The Great Outdoors

"Indiana's River Country" also offers a wide arrange of activities for the more outdoor-minded traveler. Ski Paoli Peaks is located only 45 minutes northwest of Louisville, Kentucky. Ski Paoli Peaks offers skiing and snowboarding. Guests can choose from 15 slopes on a natural hill with a 300-foot vertical drop. Night skiing is a popular activity. Lessons and rentals are available and Ski Paoli Peaks is open daily weather permitting.

Festivals

The 11th annual Maple Syrup Festival will be in full swing at Leane and Michael's Sugarbush on February 23 and 24 and March 2 and 3. Located in Salem, Indiana, Leane and Michael's Sugarbush is Indiana's largest producer of pure maple syrup. The festival features activities, food, and tours of the sugarhouse where visitors can watch the maple syrup production.

Lodging

Maybe a night in a cozy Bed & Breakfast is your idea of a winter getaway. If so, try the Castlebury Inn Bed & Breakfast in historic Cannelton. Housed in a historic building built in 1867, the Castlebury Inn offers six guest rooms with private baths. Guests will enjoy the Victorian elegance at affordable rates. Rooms are $50 for a single and $55 for a double Sunday through Thursday. Weekend rates are $60 for a single and $65 for a double.

Shopping

"Indiana's River Country" also has plenty of shopping opportunities. Huntingburg's Fourth Street Shopping District is having an Alphabet Sale, February 15 and 16. Each of the unique shops and antique stores will features a letter of the alphabet on sale. From rugs to sculptures to lamps to pictures shoppers are sure to catch some good deals.

Culture and History

For the culturally minded visitor, the Jasper Center of the Arts is featuring an exhibit of the University of Indianapolis Art Department faculty. The exhibit runs February 4 - 28.

The historic community of New Harmony is hosting Harmoniefest on February 15. New Harmony was the site of two communal societies in the early 19th century. Harmoniefest commemorates the day each year that George Rapp's Harmonie Society, the town's first communal society, accepted new members into their ranks. The event begins at 7:00 pm Central Daylight Time and features a lecture followed by a pitch-in dessert reception. This year's speaker is Kent Schuette, lecturer in urban design and architecture with the Department of Landscape Architecture at Purdue University. Harmoniefest will take place in the restored Rapp Granary, one of New Harmony's most architecturally significant buildings.

Anytime of year, visitors can always find a wealth of things to do in "Indiana's River Country." For more information call 1-800-ADVENTURE or visit their website at www.southernindiana.org.

Contact Information

Caesar's Indiana Riverboat Casino and Luxury Hotel
1/866/766-2671
www.caesarsindiana.com

Casino Aztar
1/800/342-5386
www.casinoaztar.com

Castlebury Inn Bed & Breakfast
812/547-4714

Derby Dinner Playhouse
812/288-2632
www.derbydinner.com

Historic New Harmony
812/682-4488
www.historicnewharmony.org

Leane and Michael's Sugarbush
812/967-4491

Ski Paoli Peaks
812/723-4696
www.skipeaks.com

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