Three ways to explore southern Indiana, Louisville’s underrated neighbor

Long known for its booming whiskey industry and horse racing prowess, town of Louisville is taken into account a significant tourist destination on the northern fringe of Kentucky – but those that enterprise across the Ohio River will find a really underrated destination on the southern fringe of Indiana. In the tri-county area of ​​Jeffersonville, Clarksville and New Albany, visitors can explore fascinating museums and pristine natural spaces with no shortage of top-notch bourbon. When planning your next trip to Derby City, remember to depart some room in your itinerary for a visit to the Hoosier State.

For nature lovers

While the northern reaches of Indiana are home to the picturesque Indiana Dunes National Park, the southern fringe of the state can be endowed with loads of natural beauty. A typical example: Ohio State Park Waterfalls, an idyllic nature reserve that was placed under protection in 1990. While the positioning served as the primary meeting point of the Lewis and Clark Expedition within the Nineteenth century, nature lovers will discover a treasure trove of fascinating organisms just steps from the riverbank. Hundreds of hundreds of thousands of years ago, in the course of the Devonian period, the encompassing area was covered by a shallow sea, and in modern times the exposed rock is home to an enormous amount of fascinating fossils, including ancient trilobites, shells, snails and corals.

During a visit to the Falls of the Ohio, bird watchers can marvel at native species resembling the belted kingfisher, black-tailed hawk and bald eagle. However, if you need to experience the true splendor of Indiana’s native wildlife, Origin Park is an unmissable travel destination. This sprawling 174-acre green space on the southern fringe of Clarksville is undergoing rapid transformation to permit Indiana’s native natural world to thrive. While small portions of the park are currently open for public exploration, residents of Kentucky and Indiana alike can look ahead to the restoration of native forests and wetlands, ultimately leading to a really remarkable ecotourism destination for everybody to enjoy.

For restaurateurs

The riverfront town of New Albany was officially founded in 1813, and today this charming community is a testament to southern Indiana’s thriving dining scene Outcast fish and oyster bar It’s a very enticing spot for fans of seafood and Atlanta hip-hop duos. During a visit, guests can sample savory dishes like Cheddar Bay Hush Puppies, Panko-Crusted Calamari, and Andouille Sausage Fried Rice, while cocktails range from the spicy, tequila-infused SpottieOttieDopaliscious to the classic OG Old Fashioned—and for those on the Looking for a nightcap after a hearty meal, Main pharmacy is a top spot because of its complex cocktails and long bourbon list.

Speaking of whiskey, Louisville draws crowds on account of its high concentration of reputable bourbon producers, but those that enterprise north across the Ohio River can experience a spectacular spirits experience in the shape of whiskey Starlight Distillery. A testament to Simon Huber’s long family history of distilling, this state-of-the-art facility has established itself as one in every of the leading authorities on bourbon production within the Hoosier State, with popular releases starting from the fruit-forward Carl T. Bourbon Whiskey to the Double Oak Carl T. Bourbon, a fragrant spirit filled with butterscotch and caramel notes. And while Starlight Distillery’s whiskey-making skills are second to none, visitors are welcome to stop by and sample their other spirits as well. Spiced rum, barrel-aged gin, and apple brandy are only a couple of options for individuals who dislike bourbon.

For those occupied with history

For those seeking to get a glimpse into Southern Indiana’s storied past, Jeffersonville offers a wealth of historic attractions north of the Ohio River. Upon arrival, guests could make their solution to one in every of town’s most traditional shops: the living one Schimff’s confectionery. Founded in 1891, this vintage candy shop houses an enormous choice of sweets starting from chocolate turtles to peanut brittle. Guests are warmly invited to view the production process up close within the Candy Demonstration Area. After stocking up on sweet treats, head out nearby Red Yeti has won loads of popularity of its hearty pub grub, while the historic Big Four Bridge serves as the right spot for an after-dinner stroll, with no shortage of knowledge boards and vintage newspaper headlines lining its perimeter.

After a protracted day of exploring town, Market Street Inn offers particularly cozy accommodations in an Eighties home with seven spacious suites, complete with whirlpool tubs and in-room fireplaces. In the morning hours, guests can enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast and many tea and low before making their solution to one in every of Jeffersonville’s most fascinating attractions: the Howard Steamboat Museum. Housed in an opulent Nineties mansion, this distinguished institution highlights town’s status as a significant hub for Nineteenth-century shipbuilding while showcasing the legacy of the Howard family. When you’ve got had enough of marveling on the intricate steamboat models, you’ll be able to stop by nearby Vintage Fire Museum offers insights into the long history of firefighting, with huge engines, fire trails and other paraphernalia.