My spouse and I went on the Columbus architecture tour. The Miller House and Garden is the focal…read morepart of the architecture of Columbus. The architect Saarinen developed plans for only three houses all for the Miller's. Almost all the doorways are handicapped accessible and the house is one level. Although built in the 1950s many of the design concepts are still seen today. if you are going for the architecture tour, this is a must

loved the aesthetic of this house. first saw it on Kogonada's film Columbus and just had to go see…read moreit. the one thing though is the movie makes it seem like you can walk freely through the house, you cannot. it's an informative guided tour. and you're only allowed to take pictures on this particular rug. I'm fine without getting anymore photos, but I would have loved to spend some more time outside exploring the grounds. also I saw pictures of the couch with red cushions, it was definitely more eye catching with those. (big thing: read your confirmation email and show up at the visitor center first)

This mural is on my favorite store in Hamilton. Unsung Salvage. Be sure to stop in if you're…read morechecking out the mural. I'm pretty sure that this building used to be a place that sold lighting fixtures and parts, so the bulbs seem appropriate. I don't know why Hamilton is so into origami, but whatever. It's neat. At first I thought they were cranes and bats but then I found out I don't know anything about origami and that they're swallows "foreshadowing spring." Thinking they are bats is way different than swallows foreshadowing spring. The more I learn the names of murals in Hamilton, the more it seems they are titled to try to alleviate people who fear losing their city to the sort of people who make murals. And the people who make murals are paying homage to the history of the city with bright color pallets. Anyway, I forgot to say this is from the Street Spark team here in Hamilton. They do a fantastic job. I love to see them out painting. From their homepage (https://www.fittoncenter.org/streetspark) Lead Artist: Nick Scrimenti Supporting Artists: Lori Farr, John McCoy, Ariel Williams Thanks, guys!

The irony of allowing humanity to fall so deep into greed that the unhoused population sit on this…read morebench without anywhere to call home. Says lots without saying a word.

This is a very powerful and intriguing piece that is located off to the side of the Roberts Park…read moreUnited Methodist Church. This sculpture is the work of Timothy Schmalz, a Canadian sculptor and devout Catholic, who was commissioned by Roberts Park United Methodist Church to create this bronze sculpture in 2015. It also goes by the name Jesus the Homeless. As nice as it is, this piece is not one of a kind. There are a bunch of them placed all around the world, well over 100. The original was made in 2013 and is located at Regis College, University of Toronto. Other locations that you will find the sculpture include Australia, Singapore, Israel, South Korea, Scotland, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Columbia and the Dominican Republic to name just a few. This sculpture is very realistic and detailed. Which brings me to a funny story. In October 2020, police in Ohio were dispatched to a report of a homeless man sleeping on a park bench. Ironically, this call was made within 20 minutes of the Homeless Jesus sculpture being installed. Yep, some called the police on the statue. I will admit, I had to do a double take to make sure it was not real when I saw it. And you are certain to be fooled if you are driving by. It should be noted the the sculpture in Vatican City has received the blessing of the Pope. The bench is about 7 feet wide and depicts a covered figure, assumed to be Jesus, laying on it. The only real identification being the crucifixion wounds on the figures feet. For the low price of 99.99 you too can have your own mini-homeless Jesus made by the artist himself. The sculpture is just off of the Roberts Park United Methodist Church parking lot and runs along Alabama Street. There is tons of metered street parking available in front of and adjacent to the sculpture. There is also a commercial parking lot directly behind it that you can pull into, get out and take a closer look too. I guess you could also do a safe and strategic slow rolling drive by and get a a half decent look, but I do not recommend that. You will not get the full effect of the sculpture. As with most sculptures that I have visited and reviewed, this is not a very long stop. I was there less than 5 minutes. You may want to consider planning out additional stops at many of the other sculptures, murals and attractions in the area, or making this stop part of a larger itinerary to maximize your time and trip. Brickhead3 and Viewfinders would be a great start.

The first time I passed by the Rush County Courthouse, I thought it was a cathedral. Like most…read moreIndiana courthouses, the building sits on a grand square in the center of the county seat, Rushville. The Courthouse was built in 1896 and is the third courthouse to sit on the square. In the brochure, it's referred to as the "new" courthouse. The building was designed by architects out of Grand Rapids, Michigan, A. W. Rush and Sons. The Richardsonian Romanesque style is different from other courthouses I've seen in Indiana. The courthouse cost $257,385.88 to build. The grounds are simple with a single historical marker that recognizes historic local resident Wendell Willkie. I went through security and asked if there was info about the Courthouse. A friendly deputy was able to give me a 1996 pamphlet that described the courthouse and its history. The interior is beautiful after a complete restoration in recent years. Venetian mosaic floors at the entrance and in the atriums are spectacular. Original staircases with lovely iron scrollwork ascend up to the third floor. Original woodwork and hand painted scrollwork decorate the walls and ceilings. Victorian lettering identifies office areas. On the third floor, a large atrium with a stain glass dome transforms the grand space. A stained glass image of Lady Liberty adorns a wall near the courtroom. The original 1890s spectator chairs remain in the courtroom. Of course, many necessary updates to modernize and improve accessibility have occurred throughout the year. Yet, several ornate fireplaces still grace office corners. The courthouse has received accolades for its beauty from the Indiana Bicentennial Project. The historic sheriff's quarters and jail, which once stood on the southeast corner, were destroy to make room for a modern jail facility. The Courthouse is spectacular and worth a visit. There's plenty of parking on the Square.

Stumbled on this when in town to visit the county historical museum. Google or Apple or someone…read moreknows I am a history buff, and this popped up. Fit it in when I could. Pull up to the building on the hill. Nice parking area. But it turns out that is the smaller, annex building, really. Head down to the row of shops across the street, and you will enter a world full of Model Ts. Beautifully restored and displayed, with good explanations of their backgrounds, and often a copy of the group's magazine in front with an article about that particular car. Superb staff, friendly and knowledgeable. Tons to see. When you finish here, there are more cars (and a plane) across the street. They have events, and it's really worth a visit if you are anywhere nearby, are at all a car buff or history buff. Or just curious. A few cars for kids to sit in, etc., and they'll have fun too.

A fun and interesting diversion, but I think unless you're really a car buff, the $7 admission is a…read morebit stiff. Fascinating to see actual 100-plus year old vehicles arranged in such a way that you learn about their development. Interesting how they were really toys for the very wealthy until about the early 20s when the assembly line started to bring the prices down. It's housed in two buildings, the second one really had much more to see than the first. The docent/tour guide was full of knowledge and enthusiasm and would probably talk for hours if you were willing to listen. A couple visitors who were there were major car buffs, looking closely under hoods and discussing valves and pistons at great length. The guide did a good job balancing between them and those of us who were really more interested in the historic aspect and a somewhat shorter tour. Along with the cars, tractors, trucks, you can see antique office equipment, tools, car accessories, vintage advertising and mannequins dressed in period costumes. Most of the vehicles have been restored with fresh Ford paint jobs, but a few are on display in all their ancient, rusty glory. Be prepared to spend the entire visit on your feet. As with most antiques, the general rule is 'look but don't touch' but they are not obsessed with this and didn't seem to mind some careful, respectful touching of the restored vehicles. Perfect activity for a Sunday afternoon.

I'm a big fan of street art and murals. The historic part area of Richmond has some really cool…read moremurals. We were in the area looking at a list of waterfalls but happened upon this area and neat murals. I would like to come back and spend more time exploring.

If you enjoy murals in unexpected places, this is the block to go! The north end of the blocks…read morewhere Ft Wayne Avenue meets North E Street has surprises on the fronts, backs, and even near the tops of the buildings. On the west side of Ft Wayne Avenue, the Richmond Furniture Gallery building has numerous images of furniture painted by the loading docks on the north side. There is also a portrait of Charles Mosey, early recording artist, by Pamela Bliss (1999). There is also a banner mural which reads "Greetings from Richmond, Indiana". On the south end of the block is a mural by Damon Reed of guitarist Lonnie Johnson with a post card of Richmond behind him and to the left. On the east side of Ft Wayne Avenue, you probably see the rooftop billboard/mural of Louis Armstrong playing his trumpet next to a sign for Historic Richmond. Down at street level on the north end is a mural of Louis Armstrong on one side of the doorway and Hoagy Carmichael on the other. The mural that seems to spur the most discussion is the alley mural of windows and doorways by Pamela Bliss. Although there are very few actual doors and windows on the alley, Bliss had painted in the areas to make it appear the building is occupied by a variety of characters. As you stroll through the alley, you will see a peacock, a puppy, a kitten, a young woman, a recreation of the famous WWII image of a sailor kissing a gal, a guitarist, a carousing husband getting home late to a wife with a rolling pin, and even a flying pig! There are other windows and doors as well. Lots of imagination and a bit of humor. If you are in Richmond's Historic Depot District for coffee or a bite to eat, make a point to stop by and check out the fabulous murals throughout the area. Review #1235

Public Art [Florence KY]…read more On our way to Cincinnati we took a little detour to stop by this mural, we were nearby when I saw the check-in in Yelp. Well, it wasn't really as close as I thought since we were coming from Louisville (I-71) and still had to cut across US 42 towards Florence. It was still a drive (luckily, I have a patient husband). We found it and it is located in a quiet part of Main Street in Florence KY. The mural is painted on a brick wall of Stringtown Bar & Grill and is a little twist on the Looney Tunes signature closing sequence written over the bullseye, it says "That's Y'all, Folks!" Some people have discovered this sign for fun pics but I'm not sure if this quiet neighborhood will like it once it gets a little more popular. It was a fun stop, quick, unexpected and random. Anywho, Th-Th... that's all, folks! Review #3924

This was a cute little stop and take a picture site. We didn't have time to explore any more of the…read morearea but the artist shop looked interesting.

This is such a great example of surprise and delight community placemaking. This was our second…read morevisit to the alley and both times it filled our family with a sense of wonder and delight. The slow swinging lanterns in the breeze accompanied by the small red bridge and mural painting of Koi fish are such a lovely experience. Big kudos to the town of Franklin for making this magic happen. You will stumble upon this alley as you walk your way around the square. It's wedged between coffee shops and bakeries. Definitely worth a little pitstop.

I love this alley in downtown Franklin. Dedicated to the sister city in Kuji Japan, you will find…read moregorgeous koi fish murals on the walls of the buildings on either side, a new Japanese Cherry Tree installation, hanging lanterns and a bridge. Enjoy coffee or lunch at the tables and chairs in the alley and be sure to read the plaque with the information about the sister city and relationship with Japan. Location is between Benjamin's Coffeeshop and the City Hall.

The Stutz Sculpture is one of four auto-themed sculptures along the 96th Street corridor in Carmel…read more One of the "Classic Cars of Indiana," Stutz is one of my favorites in Carmel. It's possibly second to the Marmon Wasp - another one I absolutely love. All four classic car sculptures were created by Arlon Bayliss, a local artist whose design incorporates dozens of steel fabricated by Bo-Mar industries. Each vertical slice of steel creates an "ethereal light-permeable abstract form." At night, it's illuminated from within. The sculpture sits on a 5-foot Indiana limestone base. The sculpture is 16-feet-high and inspired by the Stutz's well-known "Ra" art deco hood ornament. I miss the days when we had really cool hood ornaments. The sculpture is inside the roundabout at 96th and Gray Road. I'm not one who's enamored with a lot of Carmel's public art, however, this is one I'll even drive out of the way a bit to go see. The sculpture was the last of the four "Classic Cars" to be installed and was completed in September 2024. I personally think it's worth the time to drive across 96th Street to catch all four. Plus, hey, think of all the roundabouts. Seriously, this is one of my favorites of the public art installations in Carmel roundabouts. It's definitely worth a visit or at least a drive-by.

Again: I know nothing about art, just going by what I like and what I don't …read more This is another roundabout sculpture in the series of Indianapolis' auto industry and racing history. They are back to back along 96th Street. This one looks like the hood ornament Stutz used and based on the sun god Ra. It is made of metal slices and pretty ingenious. I understand it also lights up, but I haven't personally seen it at night. I do enjoy looking at it as I circle it on my way through the roundabout.