March/April 2024

One of Evansville’s charms is its close proximity to major metropolitan areas across several states. Within 250 miles of the River City are clusters of smaller locales boasting a wealth of attractions, history, natural wonders, and unique experiences — and

If you find yourself at a loss for conversation in Southwest Indiana, just ask if anyone remembers Kramer’s Lake. Located near the line between Posey and Vanderburgh counties, the Kramer family operated the rural destination from 1961 to 1998. The

Bardstown, Kentucky  |  157 Miles With 10 distilleries in a 15-mile radius of Downtown’s Central Court Square, Bardstown, Kentucky, is called the Bourbon Capital of the World for a reason. It’s also rich with history on every corner. A two-and-a-half-hour

Bowling Green, Kentucky  |  108 Miles Expect the unexpected. That’s the point that a visit to Bowling Green, Kentucky, proves. This western Kentucky city of nearly 75,000 sits southeast of Evansville near the state line with Tennessee and swells in

Springfield, Illinois  |  230 Miles Springfield, Illinois, is a capital city with an identity all its own. With a little more than 113,000 residents — around Evansville’s size — Springfield is comfortably distant from Chicago, yet close enough to easily drive

Franklin, Tennessee  |  173 Miles Franklin, Tennessee, is not shy about its 225-year history, which includes slavery and a brutal Civil War battle. Its past resides on the battlefields and in iconic buildings. Just 10 miles away, Leiper’s Fork, a

Jeffersonville and New Albany, Indiana   |  118 Miles The Jeffersonville-New Albany region is in many ways a cousin to Evansville. It’s nestled into a bend in the Ohio River, has served as an important shipbuilding hub, and boasts cozy

Evansville prepares for its moment in — or rather, out — of the sun By Catherine Anderson As many as 80,000 visitors are expected in Southwest Indiana April 8 for the Great North American Eclipse — the last such event

When Ed Curtis purchased a red caboose for his namesake building at 915 Main St., he thought it would be the host of a snack bar with an outdoor deck for Downtown patrons. What showed up in early 1995 made

The Slice is getting its spice back. Now owned by Tom Rehl, the pizza place at 2011 Lincoln Ave. near the University of Evansville has a new look to accompany its classic slice choices. Rehl has freshened things up with

Jockey Oliver Lewis surging his chestnut colt Aristides to the finish line on May 17, 1875, was the first of many history-making moments at Louisville, Kentucky’s Churchill Downs Racetrack, home to the “greatest two minutes in sports.” Fans attending the

Steve Haaff, a Spencer County native and an authority on 1800s furniture made by Abraham Lincoln’s father, Thomas, gets a lot of phone calls. Callers wonder if they might be sitting on a historical artifact at home, but many turn

Sure, you've been to Bosse Field to cheer on Evansville Otters baseball or the Triplets or Braves before them. Maybe you were an extra in 1991 during filming of “A League of Their Own.” Have you ever wondered what goes

Famed New Zealand middle- and long-distance runner Anne Audain knows a thing or two about fitness. Born with cleft feet that were corrected with surgery at age 14, she recovered by running and went on to set a 1982 world

Chorus Master Andrea Drury nods, and 40 blended voices flow out across the candlelit church pews. Drury and Evansville Philharmonic Conductor Laureate Alfred Savia were weaving their musical forces in George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah” at Trinity United Methodist Church, an

Where will you be on April 8? That’s the question I asked the guide last year as I toured the famed Yerkes Observatory, the birthplace of modern astrophysics, in Williams Bay, Wisconsin. It was September, and not everyone in the

A shadow is cast over Evansville. Astronomers are visiting town, speaking at gatherings of attentive listeners. Baristas pour moon-themed lattes. “Don’t forget your eclipse glasses!” is becoming a common refrain. We’re not just talking about the total solar eclipse passing

As it nears a quarter century of shows, New Harmony, Indiana’s Under the Beams concert series still feels like a well-kept secret. It started in 2001 as a New Harmony Artists Guild program in the Rapp-Owen Granary, which recently had

The COVID-19 pandemic was a dark time for Jon Fuchs. His beloved twin brother, Von, passed away from the virus. He mourned the loss with a hobby he had rekindled over the previous several years: painting with watercolors. Fuchs’ home

Leanne Banna fell in love with this historic house decades ago, never dreaming she would someday call it her own. Although originally known as the Millet House, Banna had fondly thought of this charming abode on North Main Street in

What do you do when you run out of space for your books? For Paula and Gary Werne, they harness a little ingenuity. The couple consistently build onto their family home, which sits on 80 secluded acres between Santa Claus

Many people harbor enthusiasm for golf, but how many are willing to build their own course? Drew Lappe’s idea of turning the property around his and wife Audrey’s West Side home into a golf course took root in the 1990s.

Clay and Jesse Gillham have been life partners since 2016 but business partners since 2020 when they pursued candle making during the pandemic. Clay was introduced to the concept of hygge running her interior design and organizing business, The Tailored

Firefighters sweated and panted as they worked on drills in the basement of the Old Vanderburgh County Courthouse. “That’s how I want y’all throwing punches, like someone kicked your dog,” says Evansville Fire Department Inspector Mike Doran. No, they weren’t

Searching for something new to bring to your next family potluck? Don’t reinvent the wheel — just put a twist on an old favorite. Popularly served as hors d’oeuvres during Easter feasts, deviled eggs are worshipped for their ease of

Editor's note: Helen Thomas passed away shortly after this article was published, on April 28, 2024. Marilyn Stone passed away nearly seven months later on Nov. 18, 2024. What was Evansville like 100 years ago? Benjamin Bosse High School opened

62nd Annual Undergraduate Student Art Exhibition 5 p.m. March 21, University of Evansville, 1800 Lincoln Ave. This reception and award ceremony celebrates UE student art. Nashville Night 5-10 p.m. March 21, Warehouse 410, 410 Carpenter St. This Thursday night series

This week’s Indiana Tourism Conference, hosted at Bally’s Evansville by Explore Evansville, brought more than 250 tourism professionals and advocates to the River City. Representatives of Visit Indiana, hospitality groups, marketing firms, and regional magazines — including Evansville Living — spoke

61st Annual High School Art Show Awards Reception 6 p.m. March 14, Evansville Museum of Arts, History and Science, 411 S.E. Riverside Drive Students from five Southwestern Indiana counties show their works of art and receive awards at this annual

Looking for fun this weekend? You are in luck — Sunday coincides with the NCAA’s Selection Sunday and St. Patrick’s Day. From a preview of a new Irish pub menu to a pedal-pushing bar crawl, there are plenty of opportunities