We went down to both Turkey Run State Park and Shades State Park this past summer. They're only about 20 minutes apart from each other but it's about a three hour ride down to Parke County from Chicago. As far as the parks go Turkey Run was much more packed and thus didn't have that out in nature feel that Shades does. If you have kids Turkey Run might be the better choice with their large pool and all but Shades has a more secluded feel with better surroundings as far as nature goes. Here are the food highlights of this quick trip.
Boswell, IN
While scoping out spots to stop at on the way down I came across a facebook page for The Farmers Table. From the name of the place to the pics of the inside this looked like a prototypical small-town cafeteria and it definitely was. But it wasn't run by a family with roots in Indiana. The owners of FT come from Texas and have a Mexican background. You know what that means? Breakfast Tacos! Legit ones too. They let you build your own on their handmade flour tortillas. I loved this Bacon, Beans, Cheese. Tasted like Texas.
Bacon, Beans, Cheese Breakfast Taco at Farmers Table
Continuing down towards the parks I wanted to check out yet another Indiana Drive-In that was on my list. I cant find too much info on the history of Hershey's Drive-In but the place has the feel of a spot from the 70's.
Veedersburg, IN
Lots of love for their cheeseburgers on the WWW and that's why I wanted to stop. I got one with everything and saw a little sign assuring their customers of their beef's high quality. It comes in daily from a local butcher. This was a standard cheeseburger as far as toppings etc goes but bc the beef was so fresh and not from Wal-Mart or elsewhere the burger was pretty much perfect.
Cheeseburger Everything at Hershey's Drive-In
The spot I most looked fwd to checking out was a place mentioned for having one of the best BPT's in the state. I saw it over on the Indiana Foodways instagram page and it looked like a classic Roadfood establishment.
Mecca, IN
Mecca Tavern is located in pretty much the middle of nowhere but there were still a few people there on our lunchtime visit. The bar itself is over 100 years old (1899) and as they're slogan goes "we have the floors to prove it".
a peek inside
If it wasn't 90+ outside they have a great little outdoor area with a built-in kitchen sporting a charcoal grill and a couple fryers. That's where all the food is made. I felt awful sending the bartender out there but I needed to try that breaded pork tenderloin. It was indeed worthy of being in the running for best in Indiana. They slice them in-house and then bread them down good before frying them fresh. To give you an idea on the size take a look at the bun at the top of the plate. For .50 extra they'll give you another bun so two can split the sandwich. $7 was a steal. No doubt one of the best BPT's I can remember.
Breaded Pork Tenderloin at Mecca Tavern
Parke County isn't just home to the aforementioned parks we were visiting. Right outside of Turkey Run you can pull over near the former home of Jungle Park Speedway which was once a premier speedway in the early 20th century. It was also one of the most deadliest racetracks of all time. Nowadays it just sits in the middle of the woods. It's eerie but also kind of pretty. Here's a cool article
from the Indy Star on it's history.
Jungle Park Speedway
Parke County is also home to 31 covered bridges and Indiana's largest festival which is the Covered Bridge Fest. It always starts the 2nd Friday in October so it's coming up next week.
Bridgeton Covered Bridge
You could tell that the fest is big bc there were all sorts of signs of it's happening including lots of mobile food units that must vend there yearly just waiting to be cleaned and stocked. Lots of signs offering rental of space for that wkd as well. It's said to be very popular with it's happening at the peak of Fall and all.
Cox-Ford Covered Bridge
Bridgeton is the most popular covered bridge and it's scenic but Cox-Ford was my favorite due to the fact it was in middle of nowhere and no one was around. It felt like a movie setting for real.
Inside a bridge
I thought this area was a really nice place to get away quickly for a day or two. It's much more scenic than I remembered though my last trip was when I was still in the single age digits. I hope to return someday sooner than later.
View from inside the bridge
Farmers Table
109 S Old US Hwy 41
Boswell, IN 47921
(765) 869-5006
Hershey's Drive-In
900 E 2nd St
Veedersburg, IN 47987
(765) 294-2296
Mecca Tavern
4854 Wabash St
Mecca, IN 47860
(765) 569-9438