Dining, Shopping & more in Madison County IN!
Recently, my friend Annie Jansen and I spent a whirlwind weekend in beautiful, Madison Country Indiana. Hosted by Anderson Madison County Visitor’s Bureau. Maureen “Mo” Lambert, CTIS Marketing Tourism Director set up our tour. Like that song by Johnny Cash says, “We’ve been everywhere man, we’ve been everywhere!” I think that is true that we covered many a square mile!
Home Base
During our travels, we stayed at the Comfort Inn Anderson a cozy, clean hotel with great people. Conveniently located, right off I-69, this served as our home base offering us a place to rest and relax after our busy days! The rooms are set up perfectly both to take a load off, and to work after a day of travel!
Shopping!
While in town to attend a couple of amazing festivals, Pendleton Fall Creek Heritage Fair Pendleton Fall Festival Andersontown Powwow, first, we shopped! During our visit, we stopped at these amazing businesses, The Mercantile in Pendleton, B’Dazzled Boutique, Good’s Candies, Simple Goodness Soaps, The McCurry’Osity Shop,
In the charming town of Pendleton, Mo, of Madison County Visitor’s Bureau got us samples at Good’s Candies. Our sample didn’t last long. Yum! Offering confections for over 100 years, they had an amazing selection.
A bit of buying took place when I saw the clothing in the Mercantile! I had to have a sweater to take home.
B-dazzled had fun things, the entire town of Pendleton was delightful!
Visit to Simple Goodness Soaps
Simple Goodness Soaps, is in Elwood, Indiana. My favorite buy of the trip was from here; I purchased Kelly Caldwell the owner’s favorite product Tallow Face Cream and love it. I love the Tallow Body Cream just as much! “Tallow is the closest oil to skin moisturizing, and it won’t break the face out.”
Kelly Caldwell makes her own hand-crafted goat milk soaps, lotions and more. She uses goat milk from goats on her farm. “I started 18 years ago making laundry soap for my daughter,” Kelly said.
Researching she said, “I wondered what else I could make for her. I was born and raised on a farm, and had goat’s milk. I made items first for my family, then took them to the local farmer’s market. After two years, I opened this store. I make everything but the candles.”
She started with one employee and now has 12! Each one specializes and makes one of her creations.
Fun in Alexandria.
The town of Alexandria is a historic town in Madison County, Indiana. Amy McCurry’s shop McCurry’Osity Shop was a fun place with clothing and local sports apparel. When asked about the sign “stinky approved”, she that is her husband’s nick name, and when he liked things it was “Stinky Approved.”
At the store, I found some earrings for my granddaughter and was surprised when I opened my bag to find this cool cup that Amy added. I love it, it is so me!
Edgewood Pub & Dining!
There is lots of good eating in Madison County, like the Edgewood Golf, Dining, Event Center and Pool,
At Edgewood Pub & Dining, we met the amazing Patty Farran, General Manager. She shared the story of the restaurant/golf course. She gave us an in-depth tour! It was a private club for many years.
Edgewood was known as a hangout for many General Motors employees. This was back when it was big business in the county. Edgewood Pub and Dining is now owned by the town of Edgewood. It was donated by the former owner in 2022. There is a beautifully manicured 18-hole golf course, restaurant and event center open to the public. Originally built in 1960, it has been added on over the years. Patty who has been there since 2023 said, “It’s growing. There are a ton of things we fixed up.”
They plan to redo the pool sometime in the future. This is a great wedding and event destination. It has ample space, beautiful dining options, and outdoor surroundings. “Last Saturday we had a big wedding with over 300 people,” Patty said.
At Edgewood they have the usual Bridal Room, but unlike many wedding venues, they also have a groom’s room.
The beautiful staircase is a place for bridal pictures and prom photos as well.
The Toast! Fraiser’s Dairy Maid! Opera House Eatery!
Breakfast was in Anderson at The Toast Café. A couple people mentioned this bright, fun place as a favorite. Originally a diner, Gary and Darla Sallee purchased the restaurant. The diner, a local fixture dates back to 1951. The Sallee’s completely renovated the diner to the spot it is today with good food and a fun vibe.
Owner Brian Frasier came out the chat with us at Fraiser Dairy Maid. In Anderson, Indiana, this fun ice cream shop has been around for over fifty years. This is a family place started by Bob Frazier. I found a cool picture on Facebook. It was of Bob and his mother Gayle and friend in the store’s opening year in 1954!
The Opera House Eatery
Is anything more fun than finding an iconic dining stop with good food? Annie and I shared fried zucchini and chicken strip. It was great! This bakery is open for breakfast and lunch. Opera House Eatery in Elwood, was the perfect place after attending festivals, painting the biggest ball of paint, and visiting Carol’s Legacy Crystal!
Mo, Brenna, and Porch were a fun crew. Porch took video of us throughout the day.
Before heading to our next stop, we attended the St. Mary’s Catholic church. They made us feel welcome.
There is so much to see and do in this wonderful County. I had the pleasure of visiting for the first time! Follow along as I share our trip through Madison County Indiana. Mark where you want to go. Then plan, and holler is you have questions!
