* Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor *
having a little conversation with some of my Bluegrass heroes— and just about anybody who plays good Bluegrass is a hero to me.
Some of the“ heroes” showing up this year, besides the ones I’ ve already mentioned are; Karl Shifflet and the Big Country Show, Blue Highway, Larry Cordle and Lonesome Standard Time, Ralph Stanley II and the Clinch Mountain Boys, Larry Sparks, and many more.
In addition to talking to my favorite performers, I also enjoy saying“ Howdy” to the folks I meet at Bean Blossom. It’ s always good to meet new people and it’ s pretty easy to make new friends— we already have Bluegrass in common.
Speakin’ of makin’ new friends, I highly recommend staying at the campground. Brown County has some very nice hotel and motel accommodations, but the campgrounds are where the fun is. And the fun doesn’ t stop just because the last band of the day has left the stage. If you play a guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle or bass it’ s not hard to find an impromptu camp-site band to jam with. And if you don’ t play an instrument the bands are happy if you just show up with a pair of ears and a little enthusiasm.
I think that a lot of the improvements to the campgrounds over the years were done just to make it a little easier on the“ jammers.” I mean after you have been up all day listening to top tier Bluegrass from the concert stage, attended a few workshops, eaten your way down Vendor’ s Row, and then played“ Blue Moon of Kentucky” with a pick-up band until the wee hours, you shouldn’ t have to get behind the wheel of a vehicle. No, it makes more sense to just climb into your tent, camper or RV knowing that you can get a hot shower right there in the campground when wake up.
Not only are hot showers available but you can get electrical hookups, potable water and a dump station or your RV or camper. For the younger crowd or those hardy souls who just like to rough it, there are primitive camp sites( but you can still get a hot shower and clean water). And if you wind up forgetting something the park has a dandy little camp store.
I know I’ m probably forgetting to say something but just get your ticket( s)— they’ re only $ 25 for Wednesday, $ 30 for Thursday, and $ 35 apiece for Friday and Saturday or you can come for the whole 4 days for $ 130. Camping is a little extra. Go ahead and give‘ em a call at 800-414-4677 or go online at < BeanBlossom. us > to make your reservations.
It’ s my favorite ease into autumn tradition and it can be yours, too. •
MARTINSVILLE CANDY KITCHEN
* Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor *
A Longtime Family Tradition Hand-Made Candy Canes Shakes Floats Sodas Banana Splits
~ 24 Ice Cream Flavors ~ 46 N. Main St. • Martinsville, IN • 765-342-6390
On the Square in Historic Downtown Martinsville Follow us on Facebook
Sept./ Oct. 2018 • Our Brown County 51