I'll admit that I just saw the pin and figured I would check this out but as I do my research to…read morewrite the review, these aren't just pretty gates. The concept of a gateway to mark the entrance to the campus dates back to 1932 but they didn't actually get installed until 1987. And ever since, they are the most iconic spot on campus. IU grads know what I'm talking about. So I'll just respectfully stop here and tell you that if you're visiting or perhaps you're an alumni, get your selfie or portrait right here. Every IU graduate know of here. [Review 20571 overall - 108 in Indiana - 1552 of 2023.]

I don't get down to Bloomington nearly as often as I used to, though when I do I nearly always find…read moremyself near the area of the iconic Sample Gates. Sample Gates mark the entrance to Indiana University in Bloomington, an already beautiful campus. I spent one lovely semester here and I spent quite a bit of time here back in those days because even after I left I continued dating an IU student. The Sample Gates were donated by Edson Sample, who was named director of the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships while still an IU graduate student back in 1968. He obtained his M.S. in 1971. The gates are named for his parents, Louise Waite Sample and Kimsey Ownbey Sample Sr. Both were present at the dedication ceremony on June 13, 1987. He received a Distinguished Alumni Award from the School of Education in 2017; in 2020, Sample received one of IU's most prestigious honors--the Bicentennial Medal--in recognition of his service and longstanding support of the university. The gates are always open. They are constructed of Indiana Limestone. The two pillars are at the edge of Old Crescent - the historic site of IU's first campus buildings built between1884-1908. If you visit IU, you'll see Sample Gates. Still beautiful. Still iconic. And, I must say, super amazing at night with a light rain in the area.

Beautiful fountain along Jordan Avenue by the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University…read more Especially wonderful at dusk or early evening when the fountain is illuminated which separates it from the building.

Indiana is a northern state and was never a slave state. But there was still discrimination and…read morethis marker is tribute to a turning point in that, a movement towards equality in college sports. The marker is on the campus of Indiana University and is hard to miss. On the front, "Segregation was rampant when African American Bill Garrett led Shelbyville to 1947 state high school basketball title. At the time, an unwritten rule barred blacks from Big Ten basketball. Faburn DeFrantz and Indianapolis black leaders worked with IU president Herman B Wells to give Garrett a chance at IU. Garrett's 1948 varsity debut directly challenged Big Ten ban." And on the reverse, "Garrett's IU years saw parts of campus desegregated, but in the Big Ten he never played with or against another black player. He graduated in 1951 as an All-American, with IU's career scoring record. His achievements helped create opportunities for other black players in the Midwest. Named coach at Indianapolis Crispus Attucks in 1957, his team won the 1959 state title." The marker was erected in 2016 by the Indiana Historical Bureau and Indiana University. It is marker number 53.2016.1. [Review 20568 overall - 105 in Indiana - 1549 of 2023.]

I did not visit the state park. This was simply a visit to check out this pretty darned cool…read moretwo-lane covered bridge that is at one entrance to the park. You don't have to enter the park to view the bridge. It was built in Putnam County in 1838 and was moved 130 miles to here Brown County in 1932. It would otherwise have been demolished to make way for a more modern bridge. This bridge is the oldest covered bridge still standing in Indiana and the only two lane covered bridge. The bridge span is 110 feet and no, it did not have clearance for my Sprinter van. If you're planning on visiting the park in an RV, you need to use the other entrance to the west. There is no pedestrian lane. [Review 20537 overall - 81 in Indiana - 1518 of 2023.]

The Cedar Ford Covered Bridge comes from Shelby County Indiana and now spans the Beanblossom Creek…read morein Washington County, connecting North and Old Maple Groves Roads. The bridge was originally built by the Kennedy Brothers in 1885 but was dismantled and stored. It has since been rehabilitated and recovered. It replaces the Smith Truss Covered Bridge that was built on this spot in 1871 but destroyed by arson in 1976 and never rebuilt. The arsonists were eventually caught. This is an active vehicle bridge and the signs indicate a ten foot clearance with a weight limit of ten tons. My Sprinter van is just under ten feet and well under ten tons so I drove across with caution and had no issues. Very cool to be able to drive a covered bridge, a technology that is just more fun and more awesome than any concrete monstrosity out there. It's a bit of an adventure to get here with some dirt and gravel roads. But it's well worth it! [Review 20572 overall - 109 in Indiana - 1553 of 2023.]

The Brown County Library is truly special. The modern building sits atop a hill of Brown County and…read moreoffers amazing views of the rolling mountains. The building is filled with the art of renowned local artists. A magnificent Ada Shultz painting hangs over a beautiful fireplace and is the focal point of a cozy upscale reading area. A nearby display of historic Brown County Pottery tells the story of early local clay artists. An artistic stairway is adorned with more local art. Downstairs, photos and short biographies of prominent local Brown County figures hang on the walls. Two community meeting rooms are available for patrons. The library offers a good selection of books, dvds and access to online computers. We were checking into programs for our granddaughters for the summer. A friendly librarian approached me to describe the library services. The Library offers a series of reading and other programs for kids and adults. She also mentioned that historical archives describing local artists are available. The children's area of the library is whimsical and fun. Even small computer workstations are available. Outside of the library is a children's garden with a colorful and playful walkway. The library offers small food bags to those in need in the community. Donations for the food service are encouraged. A lower level parking lot offers covered parking in a garden-like setting. An EV charging station is available. Accessible parking is available near the upper level front entrance of the building. Donations to the library are encouraged. The Library is one of the finest in the State and is aligned with the art theme of Brown County. The setting is exceptional for reading, learning and researching. The staff is friendly, engaging and helpful.

Man oh man, I love a library. In particular, I love this library. The Brown County Library was my…read morelittle place of respite when I was visiting Nashville during the work week. I was in town for an exploratory trip, but I also needed to jump on a Zoom meeting at one point, and also connect to wifi to check emails and do some work. This library delivered! I was able to find a little corner to myself in the downstairs area, where I could work quietly. This library is two stories. (Stories! Get it?) The bottom floor is mostly conference rooms and offices, but there are a couple of tables and couches down there at which to sit. That's where I posted up for a couple of hours. The downstairs is a nice, quiet place to steal some private time, if you need to. Upstairs is everything else: books for children and adults, magazines (lots of magazines, which makes me happy), a cute kids' area, a quiet reading area, and stacks of public historical records. The restrooms are located in the children's area, and there are two. Each restroom is a "family restroom," so you lock it behind you, and you basically have an entire restroom to yourself, not just a stall. If you go outside and walk around to the back of the library and follow the rainbow-colored path, you'll see a children's garden, with some places to sit among the flowers, and signs displaying popular children's books. Around the front of the library, there's a Little Free Pantry full of food. Is there anything this library doesn't provide for the community?

My visit to Owen County Courthouse was a memorable experience. Construction on the Courthouse began…read morein 1910 and was completed mid 1911 at the cost of only $106,000. The limestone building was designed by Jesse T. Johnson and Co. out of Indianapolis. The metal dome is a focal point, holding clocks and a US flag. The courthouse sits on a prominent square with several War memorials. After going through security, I asked the deputy about the building. He smiled and told me when the courthouse was built. He was excited about his visit into the dome, which is quite large. He encouraged me to go into the courtroom, which was in session, and see the original furniture and woodwork. This was my first visit inside a courtroom holding court. There was a small hearing going on. The judge actually asked why I was there and welcomed me to observe. The gallery chairs were original wrought iron with fold down seats. The jury box and judge's bench looked original wood. (I was not allowed to take photos.) it was interesting to watch a live legal proceeding. For the most part, the court house interior is original with some updates. The courthouse is not ornate, but functional with a simple beauty. The center atrium has tiled floors. War artifacts throughout the building memorialized local residents that served in the military. The courthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. A visit offers the opportunity to see local government in action. The people are friendly and engaging. There is metered parking around the courthouse square (so bring some quarters). I only found restrooms on the first floor of the three story structure.

A reviewer recommended bring quarters for metered parking they don't have meter maids so save your…read moremoney. If you get sent a jury duty form you can fill it and send it in yourself or what for the second notice and use the self addressed envelope. Remember to remove tools and sprays from your car keys or you'll be making two trips.

I Love That Library It Has All Kinds Of Books, Movies,…read moreGames, And Music! I Would Love Go To Back Sometimes And Borrow More 9/10

My afternoon "office" for a few hours, I spent my time here pounding out emails and (quietly)…read moredialed in to a Zoom bridge or two. A comfortable work space in the corner where my laptops and phone plugged in and charged. The library is quite large and spacious. Lots of interesting spaces, tons of stacks of books, I thought the shelf of role playing game kits was a unique offering. You do not need to be a local resident in order to use the library, only to borrow materials. [Review 20560 overall - 98 in Indiana - 1541 of 2023.]