July/August 2023

Pets long have been intertwined with human lives. That is truer today since the COVID-19 pandemic sent everyone home for long stretches of time, causing people to foster stronger bonds with their companions. From their cuddly snuggles to the way

A new home simultaneously can feel unexplored and yet familiar. Such was the case when Greg and Hannah Rodocker first visited their current residence. Stepping up the short flight of stairs onto the porch and crossing the threshold inside, Hannah

Stepping into the stores at The Exchange is a bit like embarking on an adventure. The former World War II munitions plant at 2217 N. Kentucky Ave. may be nearly 90 years old, but the shops giving it new life

Since 1955, moviegoers have parked their cars in a rural Spencer County lot, settled in with a bag of buttered popcorn, and watched a flick under the stars. Even as action blockbusters have gotten bigger and special effects more awe-inspiring,

A pair of Indiana's oldest wineries, Oliver Winery and Butler Winery, is less than two hours north of Evansville, via Interstate 69. Both wineries are members of Indiana Uplands, the first American Viticultural Area entirely in the Hoosier state. Taste

The average grilling enthusiast usually doesn't own nine grills and smokers. But when that enthusiast is 78-time grand champion pitmaster Jim Johnson, a small army of grilling equipment seems standard. Johnson jokes he’s often greeted with, “What came off the

Food is an essential part of any ballpark experience, and the Evansville Otters consistently tweak their concessions menu to give baseball fans tasty, fun options each season. Evansville Living asked Brycen Moore, the Otters’ director of operations/food and beverage, about

When it comes to bar equipment, an absinthe fountain functions like a kind of party trick. The liquor is derived from the herb Artemisia absinthium, taking its green coloring from the wormwood leaves’ chlorophyll. It’s also highly alcoholic — in

There is nothing quite like freshly cut watermelon on a hot summer day. Frey Farms offers from-the-field produce including watermelon, cantaloupe, sweet corn, pumpkins, squash, and more. Their famous Posey County melons, though, are the must-have snack of the summer.

Any number of items for sale at Rare Bird Uncommon Gifts are intriguing, but Scott Nelles’ cast bronze sculptures take the curiosity out of this world. Owner Michael Gray was introduced to the sculptor four years ago through a wholesale

For two days each Labor Day weekend, the Fourth Street Festival attracts visitors from all over the Midwest to Downtown Bloomington, Indiana. They come to see all different kinds of art, including fiber, glass, ceramics, 2D, painting, and photography. An

The Evansville Police Department prioritizes community engagement, meeting residents through initiatives like Coffee with a Cop and regular neighborhood walkabouts. Citizens Academy goes a step further, placing the public and officers in a candid environment to promote better understanding of

Melvin Peterson's name runs deep within the University of Evansville. True to his nature, he’s just happy to make a difference. After retiring in 1972 from Chevron Oil Corporation in San Francisco, California, Peterson and his partner, William Ridgway, re-turned

Dan Schuler’s garage is akin to a museum, with old motorcycles, pictures, and trophies from his time as a competitive motorcyclist, plus his red pearl 2019 Polaris Slingshot SLR. “When I saw one, I had to have it,” the North

It’s been 161 years, but the Civil War raid in Newburgh, Indiana, still is a subject of intrigue. The bloodless heist was perpetuated by a squad from Kentucky led by a man who came to be known as “Stovepipe.” On

Two cats and a dog. That’s what we have — always. When a pet sadly passes, we are the family that sooner, rather than later (the next day, actually), visits a shelter and leaves with a new pet. We’ve sometimes

Another piece of Evansville's rich architectural history is being eyed for preservation and a new purpose. Indiana Landmarks is shepherding efforts to turn the old Downtown YMCA’s main gymnasium at Sixth and Court streets into affordable housing. Architect Frank J.

To have a growing, vibrant arts community, a love of the arts must be shared and nurtured with children, Allison Brown says. That’s the mission of The Foundry Center of the Arts, which began 10 years ago and now offers

Indiana is home to several magnificent caverns displaying staggering geological marvels. Whether visitors are looking to descend into subterranean depths or relax in a therapeutic environment, Hoosier caves can foster a deeper connection to nature. Squire Boone Caverns, located in

It might be tough to quantify how much The Women's Hospital Classic means to founder Anna Hazlett and Kim Poynter, the tournament director for the U.S. Tennis Association $60K Pro Circuit event. But after 24 years and hundreds of lives

Summer months, when farmers markets are laden with fresh-from-the-farm produce, are a time for local growers to shine. But the fruits of their labor belie the year-round work that goes into growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and more. These Evansville-area farming

One late spring Sunday, Haynie’s Corner Brewing Company owner Samantha Buente arranged to have a busy bar shift covered so she could launch into her second passion: planning this year’s Evansville’s Front Porch Fest. Now in its eighth year, the

Stage fright gripped eight-year-old Cynthia Murray as she was about to start singing at her grade school talent show. She nearly walked off stage, but she felt bolstered by the feeling of euphoria once the crowd cheered and applauded —

Scott West's resin woodwork journey started when a huge cherry branch fell in his backyard. After grabbing his chainsaw, he wondered what to do with the leftover chunks of wood. “I methodically thought through the process before I did it,”

Editor's note: This article from 2023 has been updated to reflect that the City of Evansville has closed Hartke and Helfrich pools for the indefinite future. Evansville residents have a splashing good time at seven swimming spots throughout Vanderburgh County.