FLORENCE, IN TO MADISON, IN

Wednesday, August 13th, 2014

Day 9
Miles Traveled on Tuesday: 29
Total Miles Traveled: 219



  We woke up to a beautiful sunrise this morning at Turtle Creek Harbor Marina.  It was a great way to start the day.

Sunrise at Turtle Creek Harbor Marina

  We passed by a lot of beautiful scenery today - mostly hills and beaches.  One of the bigger towns that we passed by was Vevay, IN.  Vevay was settled in 1802 by Swiss immigrants who made the local economy viable by growing and using grapes for wine.  Vevay is home to the United State's first commercial winery.  I sure hope that they make better wine than they do making a nice riverfront (it's less than spectacular).

The only thing seen on Vevay's riverfront

  We also passed by the Kentucky River.  There used to be 14 working locks and dams making it navigable for 255 miles.  Only locks #3 and #4 remain operational and are on limited hours.

Kentucky River

  We stayed at the Lighthouse Restaurant dock in Madison, IN.  The marina is walking distance to the town, which is it's best asset.  

  Madison is a great little town which has retained a lot of it's history.  It has the largest contiguous National Historic Landmark District in the U.S.  Most of these are within walking distance from the restaurant.  It would be a great destination for a long weekend.  For more about Madison, IN go to: http://www.visitmadison.org/

  There are many historic homes that have been turned into museums.  One of the most impressive homes was the Lanier Mansion.  James Franklin Doughty Lanier was one of the most important figures in 19th century Madison.  He was a very successful business man, and, on three separate occasions, saved the state of Indiana from financial ruin.  The home was completed in 1844.  Interestingly, it has TWO front entrances.  One that faces the river and one that faces the street.  For more on Lanier Mansion click on: http://indianamuseum.org/explore/lanier-mansion

Lanier Mansion

For more information about other historic homes in Madison you can go to: http://www.historicmadisoninc.com/

  Another highlight was the Broadway Fountain in the middle of downtown.  It is only one of four remaining of this style in the world.  The Independent Order of the Odd Fellows presented it to the city in 1886.

Broadway Fountain

  And to round out our history walking tour, we came across the oldest active firehouse still in use in Indiana.  Washington Fire Company #2 firehouse was built in 1848.

Washington Company #2 Firehouse

  The upcoming weekend was Ribberfest (http://www.madisonribberfest.com/) in downtown Madison, IN.  Unfortunately we were unable to stay for the festivities, but did get to see some of the Pigmania contestants out on display.  The local businesses decorate ceramic pigs and compete for the best decorated.  Here are a couple of our favorites. 

Clown pig

Pirate pig

  Which one is your favorite?  Cast your vote?