Grant County has honored the creator of the cartoon character, Garfield, with a trail tour through…read morethe County. Garfield's creator, Jim Davis, was born and raised in Grant County. Giant figures of the iconic feline are scattered throughout different communities. A cell phone tour describes attractions along the route. I visited several of the figures during my recent visit to Grant County. The first stop is at the Community Foundation of Grant County. The people at the Foundation provided us with a map and information of the Trail. The Garfield behind the Foundation is on a pedestal with a description plaque. This cat is called "Marion - Paws for Thought". Garfield (a little faded) stands with his arms folded showing a little attitude. Our second stop was at the Marion Public Library. Inside, "Bookworm Garfield" is surrounded by books. He is also decorated for the holidays. There are fourteen figures throughout the County. The Trail is a fun way to learn about Grant County. I didn't know about the Trail until my visit. I recommend picking up the map and hooking into the mobile phone guided tour. I found nearby parking at each of our stops, though accessibility was variable.

This is one of the Garfield statues on the Grant County Garfield Trail. Unfortunately, you can't…read moreget close to it, because it's in a garden that's fenced off and locked. So everyone in my party oohed and aahed from a good distance away. There's a plaque inside the gate but close enough to read that outlines what the Garfield Trail is and a little about the statue at this stop. Basically, Grant County has placed Garfield statues all around in different cities in honor of cartoonist Jim Davis, who is from the area. You can drive around and check out each one. It's a nice way to explore Grant County and learn more about a famous Hoosier. There were also some brochures for the Garfield trail inside a little plastic container, which tell you where each statue is located. There's a little parking lot just around the corner from the statue, or you can park on the street.

While strolling along the Mississinewa Riverwalk, I discovered this mammoth sculpture of historic…read moresignificance. The sculpture was designed by artist Karl Kendall and recast as a ten foot bronze in 2005. The scene features a soldier, a Native American couple, and a horse following the War of 1812. After attacks on the villages, the remaining Native Americans were relocated to Ohio so that they could no longer assist the British. The soldiers were ordered to surrender their own horses to help the surviving tribe members relocate during the cold December weather. The scene is meant to show the compassion for those who suffered in war. Review #2248

I love when they show our history through art especially sculptures I think it's so wonderfulread more

Mediocre food, service is the worst! Its a Thursday afternoon we got here around 1sh (serve until…read more2) waited 25 minutes for a BLT sandwich, chicken strips and a hamburger. The food was not brought out at the same time (I was served 5 minutes after my husband and son). The house is beautiful that's the only positive I can say about our experience today

I have eaten lunch here many times with my father over the years. So many great things on the…read moremenu. Butterscotch pie always a favorite. Had my father's funeral reception here. Buffet style and the food was delicious. Prices were great. Atmosphere always fantastic.

In Marion, Indiana, there is a stretch of State Road 9 that runs through the town that has been…read moredesignated as "Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial Way". On each end of the memorial road, a marker was installed to honor Dr King. Hoosier artist Kenneth Ryden created a bronze bust/deep relief (circa 2000) of Dr King to be attached to the markers on each side of town. The marker has a quote from Dr King that reads: "I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality." The quote is from his acceptance speech for winning the Nobel Peace Prize. Review #2236

I have been wanting to visit the Quilters Hall of fame for about a year. I finally made the hour…read moreand a half drive to Marion, Indiana from Indianapolis. When we walked in we were immediately greeted by staff and given a warm welcome. The staff are very invested in the organization and the passion shows. They shared quite a bit of history about the quilts and the founding of the organization. There is also a small gift shop that was well stocked. I thoroughly enjoyed the exhibits and it was well worth the trip!

Throughout most of the year, a series of exhibits and events are scheduled at the Quilters Hall of…read moreFame on the south side of Marion. The HoF is located in the former home of Marie Webster, Marion's own member of the National Quilters Hall of Fame. Marie was a local socialite who loved to design and sell her patterns nationwide. Although the home had fallen into ruin, it was purchased before demolition, designated on the register of National Historic Landmarks and restored to its glory in the early 1990's. Inside, the house uses nearly every room as a gallery for the exhibits that are brought in. During my visit, a show called "Pieced Together: Patchwork Quilts from Russia" was on display on both the main floor and in a couple of the rooms upstairs. Many of the quilts had Russian history patterned into their fabric. Some of the quilts upstairs were more universal and took on themes like flowers and butterflies. The museum also has books and patterns and accessories that are for sale. Behind the museum is a nicely arranged flower garden with an access ramp for those who are challenged physically with stairs. Unfortunately, I am not aware of any means for viewing the upstairs rooms other than via stairs. My wife is a quilter and I understand how difficult and how much commitment it takes to make all these pieces fit together into something that often tells a story with its images. Review #2561

James Dean is an Indiana legend who captured hearts and was taken too young. This small memorial…read morecommemorates the site of an apartment (now gone) in which he was born in Marion, Indiana. I happened upon the memorial while looking for a place to eat. There is a large sign pointing to the memorial and a historical marker at the memorial. A large granite monument with impressions of Dean is surrounded by benches to sit. Dean died in an automobile accident at the age of 24. He is bury in Fairmont, Indiana, where he grew up. He had made three movies depicting life in the early 1950's. While he died before I was born, I remember watching reruns of his movies with my mother. I think of her as I see the memorial. There is limited street parking near the memorial and no amenities.

What a nice tribute to James Dean! I was so excited to see that Marion, IN, gave quite the upgrade…read moreto their memorial in honor of Dean's birthplace. This is a small but nice park with a gorgeous memorial. Lots of free parking right next to it.