Lawrence County offers many unique outdoor adventures that await you around every corner, but we understand if you’re hesitant to travel during these uncertain times. Recently, an Indiana family took a trip down to Limestone Country and put together a video so that you could view their experience and learn more about the new safety protocols that are in place within the county!
“This video was BORN out of wanting to support local tourism and business after the Covid-19 pandemic. An important part of this video is to demonstrate how much fun can be found close to home, all while doing it in a safe way following State of Indiana guidelines. We loved our time in Lawrence County.” – The Long Family
The Longs are a family based in Indiana. Sam and Mallory are twins born in 2008. Maddie is a girl on the autism spectrum who was born in 2003. Susan and Scott are married and it’s none of your business what year they were born.
Scott Long, the creator of this video, is a nationally touring standup comedian who is best known for his clean comedy that he does for corporate and fundraising groups. Scott and Maddie do a weekly video called Happy Mondays with Maddie that have had over 100k views. Check it out and follow them on Facebook.
Watch the video here and follow along with the Long Family as they discover Lawrence County! Below we have listed each place that the Long Family visited on their trip. If you are considering traveling, we highly recommend visiting these places in Limestone Country:
Spring Mill State Park
Visitors to the park enjoy its unique facilities, including a memorial to Hoosier astronaut Virgil I. ‘Gus’ Grissom and the Pioneer Village with its working Grist Mill. But many of the other showcase activities center on the region’s natural wonders, including Twin Caves and the old-growth Donaldson Woods.
The staff conducts underground cave tours during the summer months until Labor Day Weekend. Due to COVID-19, be sure to call for more information before booking a tour. Participants on these tours have an excellent chance of seeing bats, blind crayfish, and the endangered Northern blind cavefish.
There are numerous hiking trails at Spring Mill that outdoor enthusiasts can explore, ranging in difficulty from easy to rugged and from one-quarter mile to 2.5 miles in length.
Applacres
This is Lawrence County’s well-known hometown market; a place where you go to get locally grown fruits and veggies, homemade goodies, seasonal plants, tasty treats and much more. Oh, and with an apple orchard on site, you will definitely be able to find an apple or two!
The locals get excited about many things when shopping here; however, the free popcorn and apple cider as well as the Cherry Apple Cider Milkshakes are the most popular. Don’t forget to ask about persimmon pulp when you stop in!
Court Room Sports Grill
With a mix of “Midwest Favorites” and “New Orleans Flavor”, your taste buds will be wondering why you’ve never let them taste this food before! Enjoy your next meal at a place where Indiana and Louisiana become best friends!
While we recommend that you try everything once (at least!), some of the local favorites are the Cajun Eggrolls, the NOLA Chicken burger and the Voodoo fries!
If you have the guts, you have to try the Shrimp Etouffee or the Bayou Swamp Thing. Sound scary? Don’t worry, it’s delicious! The Court Room now has dog-friendly, outdoor seating!
Otis Park & Golf Course
Otis Park Golf Course has been recognized as one of the best municipal golf courses in Indiana. This 6,300-yard par 73 layout is both scenic and challenging to golfers of all skill levels. Go back in time at the many historical sites at Otis Park, one of which is the Pine Hall Mansion, built in 1864.
The limestone band shell, stone wall, and shelter house were built by the WPA during the 1930s. It has a beautifully restored bath house, plus the 18-hole course has a lighted driving range, practice greens, lessons, golf shop, and snack bar.
Williams Covered Bridge
Indiana’s longest double span covered bridge, open to foot traffic only, spans the East Fork of White River. Built by Joseph J. Daniels in 1884 and named for the nearby town of Williams. It is a Howe Truss Design, a length of 402′ including 13′ overhangs and it is on the National Register of Historic Places. The setting by the bridge is the perfect place for an afternoon picnic!
Salt Creek Brewery
Known as one of the most unique breweries in the state, you won’t want to miss this Lawrence County establishment. Salt Creek Brewery is located in a restored old service garage.
What once was the alignment/oil change pit is now home to the Brew Vessels, the old paint room now house’s the keg coolers, the patio used to be the driveway for the garage, and the rest rooms still have the original walls from the 1940’s.
Take a seat on the outdoor patio and sip one of Salt Creek’s award-winning beers. While you’re dining in, look around at the brewery’s large and growing collection of vintage beer pieces and advertising memorabilia, some of which date back to the 1800’s, such as the Pabst Bottle or the Schlitz Brewery Keg. Curbside pick-up is also available.
Holiday Drive-In Theater
Watch the best double features under a starry sky in this nostalgic theater experience. No need to bring snacks, because the concession stand has all your favorites: burgers, hot dogs, tenderloin, fries, funnel cakes, nachos, popcorn and more!
Some things will be a little different at the theater this year. To order food from the concession stands, the owners ask that you download an app called “FanFood” on your phone before you arrive. Order your food and then wait for a text to tell you that your food is ready.
The Mix
The Mix, owned and operated by a Mitchell native and mother of three, is a bakery in downtown Mitchell. Take a step inside and you will be greeted with smiling faces and the smell of fresh baked goods. The wall behind the counter shows exposed brick that is original to the building and succulents line the unique tables, providing customers with a comfortable and serene atmosphere.
The bakery serves up tea, coffee, lattes and cappuccinos to go along with their delicious baked goods. We recommend trying the scones, kolaches, strawberry cupcakes or even one of each (we don’t judge)!
It is open to the public and ordering ahead is an option. The Mix can also provide beautiful desserts for any of your events, just ask her about this when you visit!
Mitchell Opera House
Originally built in 1906 and completely restored in 2015, the historic Mitchell Opera House enjoys a rich tradition of community events, film screenings and live music entertainment. Recalling the days when the Monon Line connected with the B&O Railroad, the Opera House now serves as a permanent hub for the arts in Southern Indiana.
With a stage once graced by Broadway’s biggest stars, leading films and their producers, and even the President of the United States, the Mitchell Opera House invites you back to a simpler time. Buy a ticket, bring the family, and try to keep your toes from tapping.
Due to COVID-19 the Mitchell Opera House is closed at this time. Please check their website for updates on any upcoming events and tune-in to their Facebook page for their live video performances!
Gus Grissom Boyhood Home/Museum
Mitchell is the hometown of Virgil I. “Gus” Grissom, the second American in space. Come celebrate the life of famed astronaut and Mitchell native, Virgil I. “Gus” Grissom, at his family home.
The home is decorated in a 1940s style using Grissom family pieces and period furniture. The back-porch museum includes highlights of Gus Grissom’s career. A must-see for Nasa fans!
Lodging:
Holiday Inn Express
If you plan to stay overnight, we recommend checking into the Holiday Inn Express. The 64-room hotel features a pool, guest laundry service, a fitness center and meeting rooms. The hotel is currently accepting guests at 50% capacity and is sanitizing all rooms.
They are also requiring guests to honor safe social distancing rules. Breakfast at the hotel is currently a grab a go due to COVID-19. The Holiday Inn Express has an indoor pool that is temporarily closed at this time, also due to COVID-19.
