Happy New Year! We are confident that 2018 will bring some fantastic things to Morgan County. In fact, we happen to know about a few things on the horizon that have us really excited. Here's a list of the five things we're most excited to see in 2018:
1.Completion of Bicentennial Park
This fun new public space is Mooresville was open for Victorian Christmas, but isn't quite finished yet. We can't wait to see the completed project once the finishing touches are done... but we're even more excited about the public green space this brings to the center of town. The mini park includes a small outdoor performance venue and public restrooms as well! We can't wait to see fun events scheduled in this beautiful new space that honors the Home of the Indiana State Flag.
2. Live Music & Fun Events at 21 North Eatery & Cellar
We hope you've already had a chance to enjoy the atmosphere and chef-inspired cuisine at 21 North Eatery & Cellar in downtown Martinsville, but if you haven't, here's a couple of new reasons to get there soon. They'll begin hosting live music and fun culinary events in the coming year! Beginning this month, they've already got a wine pairing dinner and performances by local musicians on the calendar. Watch for more fun events to come!
3. Holy Smoke Hog Roast Company
You may have noticed the recent changes to the building across from the Post Office on Main Street in Martinsville. The space is set to become a new downtown eatery - Holy Smoke Hog Roast Company has been a full service caterer for years, and they will open their new restaurant sometime in the first quarter of 2018. We can't wait to enjoy the outdoor dining space with friends (it'll be dog friendly, too, so bring your furry friend along)!
4. Waffle Whitch Comes Downtown
Already a fixture in the local dining scene, the Waffle Whitch features yummy, flaky crossaint waffle sandwiches, made-from-scratch soups and scrumptious desserts. We hear they'll be moving to a new location just steps from the downtown Martinsville square in the first quarter of 2018. We don't know about you, but we're looking forward to having them in the downtown area!
5. 100 Year Anniversary Kickoff
The Martinsville Candy Kitchen will turn 100 years old in 2019. They're kicking off a year-long celebration, beginning in April of this year! We'll keep you up to date on more details as we find out, but we do know that beginning in April (the 15th anniversary of the current owners, John and Pam Badger), they'll be making one batch of candy canes each month that will be sold at a special "throwback" 1919 price! Only the one batch will be sold at these special prices, so be sure to watch their Facebook page for these special pour times. A different flavor will be featured each month.
6. New Fables & Fairy Tales Bookstore
The kids will love this one - early summer, 2018 will bring warmer weather and even more changes as part of the transformation underway in downtown Martinsville, courtesy of Artesian Group LLC. One change we're super excited about is the arrival of a fun new bookstore to the downtown area - Fables & Fairy Tales will be located on Main Street between Berries & Ivy Country Store and the Martinsville Candy Kitchen! We can't wait to enjoy this fun new addition to downtown Martinsville!
BONUS: White River Greenway at Old Town Waverly Park
Okay, we know. Technically, this two-mile trail has been open for a bit. The trail was paved last fall, but many aren't yet aware of this new Morgan County treasure! When the weather warms a bit, we can't wait to explore this smooth paved surface that parallels the White River. We're particularly excited about spring when migratory birds will be abundant along the river. This trail makes the river more accessible to all - whether you're out for an early morning walk with the birds, an afternoon bicycle ride or an outing with friends! Be sure to check it out in 2018.
