Let's Talk--with Michele Hardman

What do you get when you put two long-time friends and fellow cavers in a room together? You get lots of fun and interesting stories. That's just part of what you'll learn when you listen to this conversation with Gary Roberson and Gordon Smith, while visiting Cave Country owner Sherri Nail and the gang. Give it a listen.

How much do you know about the Indiana State Festivals Association Scholarship Pageant? Listen to my conversation with the 2023 Queen, Claire Bishop, and hear about her experience and thoughts about the pageant itself, and some of the fun things she's gotten to do while being an ambassador for the association covering the entire state of Indiana. Learn more about Claire, some of her hobbies, her years in 4-H, and her plans for her future. If you've been considering entering the next ISFA Pageant--you should do it.

In this episode of Out Of The Blue from Cave Country Canoes, we talk with Karen Swartz, President of the Harrison County Historical Society. Karen is a very enthusiastic person who has a true passion for preserving the rich history of the area. The Historical Society received a grant from a couple sources to produce a documentary and a book on the history of the Blue River and the tremendous impact it's had on the economy in southern Indiana. Hear all about this project, and some of the other great things going on with the Historical Society when you listen to this podcast.

Looking for a tranquil weekend getaway out in the country? Away from traffic, crowds, technology, stress, and the everyday demands of life? Look no further than the cozy cabin at Harvest Inn South in the tiny burg of Taswell Indiana. Leann Corbin has everything here you'll need--all bed linens, towels, even some breakfast foods in the frig if you want to cook something quick and easy and not even leave the cabin all day. Enjoy your morning coffee in the swing on the front porch while you watch the sunrise and listen to all the happy birds starting their day. Sound inviting? Listen to this podcast with Leann and learn more about this amazing retreat.

Do you know what a Hellbender is? It's North America's largest salamander, and in the state of Indiana it can only be found in the Blue River....which just happens to run right past Cave Country Canoes in Milltown. In this month's podcast at Cave Country Canoes, I get to talk with Nick Burgmeier, Extension Wildlife Specialist at Purdue University, and learn more about these interesting creatures and why they're so important.

Beautiful downtown Greenfield Indiana springs into action for the annual Riley Festival, running from October 5-8, 2023 this year. Shop from roughly 450 food and craft vendors, listen to live music in different locations throughout the weekend, browse thru the exhibits on photography and the arts, and learn more about the local celebrity that the festival is named after--famed poet James Whitcomb Riley. Hear some of the exciting details in this episode as I talk with Anita Turner and Sarah Kesterson.

Cave Country Canoes is well known for their Summer concert series, and packs in quite a crowd to enjoy a wide variety of music out on the lawn. From classic to modern country, to folk, to psychedelic rock....there's a style that fits everyone here. In this podcast, your host, Michele Hardman, sits down with a couple of local musicians to talk about their music and some of the places they'll be playing this summer--including at the annual Paddle Fest right here at Cave Country Canoes.

The fact that the Blue River in southern Indiana has the highest quality rating in the state is pretty impressive in itself, but there are so many other interesting facts and features that go along with it too.  Cassie Hauswald, Director of Freshwater Programs from the Sam Shine Foundation, shared a ton of cool things with us in this podcast.  Such as--some of the breeds of fish that are only found here in the Blue River, the growing population of Hellbenders found here due to the fact of the rivers high oxygen levels, that there are roughly 23 different types of fresh water mussels that live here....and the list goes on.  Take some time to listen and learn from our conversation, and you'll likely be inspired to be a little more conscious of our local water supplies.  

Cave Country Canoes in Milltown is now a woman owned business and continues to grow and improve, adding an ice cream and coffee shop with outdoor seating for the Spring of 2023.  With 700 canoes and kayaks, 8 shuttle buses, live music and a campground, it's the perfect place to relax with nature for a weekend.  Listen to this podcast with Owner Sherri Nail and Manager Tonya Hood as they share more info about what is waiting for you here.

Looking for someplace to relax and chill out?  You need to spend some time in the quaint little river town of Madison Indiana.  The Main Street stretches for several blocks and is packed with locally owned shops and boutiques, yet it still has this laid-back, small town feel to it.  And just a couple of blocks away is the gorgeous River Walk that lets you meander at your own pace all along the tranquil Ohio River, watching the barges and boats travel up and down the water way.  Find lodging in the many B&B's, or stay at the newly opened Fairfield by Marriott Hotel right on the water.  It's actually the town's former cotton mill that's now been lovingly restored into a magnificent hotel, keeping the vintage architecture and history while adding all the modern conveniences that we all love.