Attractions close to home (07/11/2008)

There's nothing like $4 a gallon gasoline to get you focused on the appeal of local attractions.

Fortunately, there's plenty to see and do within a radius of about 20 miles.

This week, for example, it's the Pennville Legion-Lions Fair, which is capped by its parade Saturday afternoon. Next week, it's the return of the Vintage Motor Bike Club to the Jay County Fairgrounds. That's followed quickly by Berne's Swiss Days and the Jay County Fair.

And once the fair is wrapped up, the Tri-State Gas Engine and Tractor Association's annual show will be on the horizon.

Besides the usual events that dot the summer calendar, there are other attractions worth a visit.

When was the last time you took the kids to the stockade at Fort Recovery? Have you ever visited Swiss Heritage Village in Berne? How long has it been since you were at Bearcreek Farms?

Have you crossed the threshold of the Glass Museum in Dunkirk recently? Or the Jay County Historical Society's museum? Or the gallery at Arts Place? The historical society has a new section focusing on the 1950s and 1960s, and the current exhibit at Arts Place features dramatic photographs from across Indiana.

How about enjoying nature with a hike at the Loblolly Wetland Preserve in Jackson Township or a walk in the woods at the Bibler Preserve in Madison Township?

Why not sample a Portland Rockets or Geneva Cardinals baseball game?

You get the picture.

There's much to see. There's plenty to do.

And, who knows, you might just end up enjoying yourself. - J.R.[[In-content Ad]]