Friday's FIVE!

As my foot gradually heals - I'm able to get out a little more every week. I'm so lucky to have a career I love - and a position that gives me the opportunity to travel and see the midwest. This week I traveled to our building in Logansport - and was able to drive through Amboy, IN - Where my Pence/Ballard ancestors originate and where my father was born.
I passed my "Uncle Bud and Aunt Lucilles" farm - where we had many family reunions. I loved going to their farm and imagining living the 'farm' life.
I love Indiana - and am proud to call it home. While there are many exotic places I'd love to see - and many more locations right here in the US that are on my "Bucket List"... This weeks Friday FIVE is dedicated to my favorite locations to visit right here in Indiana...
Because - there really is, "No Place Like Home"....

1. Marion
I was born and raised in Marion and much of our family still resides in Marion.
My mother is in Marion, my oldest daughter and her family ...
My home church is in Marion - dear friends are in Marion.... our family business of 5 generations was in Marion. Marion has a wonderful Riverwalk where I have spent many hours praying, exercising, meditating and socializing. The Riverwalk is also home to The Walkway of Lights, a beautiful display of Christmas lights along the riverwalk.
http://www.walkwayoflights.org/
http://www.jamesdeancountry.com/Home.php
http://www.mississinewa1812.com/

2. Shipshewana
I love living near Amish communities. The gardens are beautiful , the work horses are amazing and the bread and baked goods make it very difficult for dieting. I love a long drive or bike ride in the Elkhart county area - and I love shopping at the county stores in Amish Country.
http://www.amishcountry.org/
http://www.shipshewana.org/
http://www.pumpkinvine.org/
http://www.pumpkinvine.org/html/2008_bike_ride.html

3. Brown County
I love the hills and colors - and the bedford stone in the Brown County area. As a lover of nature - Brown county offers vistas that are far different from the typical Hoosier flatland. We love to participate in the annual biking event, "The HILLY HUNDRED" - and pedal our way through the beatiful countryside of Brown County.
http://www.fourwindsresort.com/
http://www.browncounty.com/
http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/hoosier/
http://www.hillyhundred.org/

4. Fort Wayne
Shopping at Jefferson Pointe is less than a 45 minutes from my house. Fort Wayne offers many great dining spots and there is always sometihng to do. There are movie theaters everywhere and the Memorial Coliseum often hosts great concerts and shows - as well as boat, sport and hobby shows.
http://www.memorialcoliseum.com/
http://www.visitfortwayne.com/
http://www.jeffersonshopping.com/

5. Huntingon Reservoir
I learned to pedal my mountain bike at the Huntington Reservoir - I love hiking the area and birdwatching. I love a cold beer with my husband after a hard bike ride on the trails.
I love all of Indiana reservoirs - but especially Huntingon and Salamonie capture my heart.
http://www.visithuntington.org/huntingtonres.htm
http://www.dirtworld.com/trails/trail.asp?id=1863&trail_name=Huntington%20Resevoir%20Mountain%20Bike%20Trail
http://www.visithuntington.org/salamonie.htm