123 year old monument to Civil War veterans. Incredible little piece of history that still stands…read moretoday.

To look at the Soldiers & Sailors Monument now, you might think it looks a lot like the monument in…read moreIndy. The reason is that back in 1903, sculptor Rudolf Schwarz created the five bronzes for this monument after having completed many of the bronzes down in Indy. You might also think that this monument must have been here for over a hundred years. But it wasn't. It was originally located on the south east corner of the courthouse and was dismantled in 1967. After sitting in storage for five years, the monument was reconstructed at this location and dedicated in 1973. The bronzes that you see include a 10' flag bearer on top, and statues of Infantry, Artillery, Cavalry, and Navy on a lower ring. When this monument was reconstructed, it displaced the miniature bronze Statue of Liberty that was built in 1951 as part of a Boy Scouts of America program. There are six of these mini statues around northern Indiana. The South Bend mini was moved to the east side of the courthouse. This is one of many stylish memorials erected over 100 years ago that commemorates those who fought to save the Union. South Bend's is in remarkable condition and is worth visiting the next time you are downtown. Review #3108

A powerful and moving statue that captures the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his impact…read moreon civil rights. The presence of the second figure adds to the symbolism of unity, justice, and the ongoing fight for equality. It's a beautiful, peaceful spot to reflect and teach younger generations about the struggle for freedom. Worth the visit and definitely photo-worthy!

Directly across Main Street from the county court house is a beautiful brick plaza that was…read moredeveloped as part of an office bldg/medical clinic/health club/parking garage complex back in 1999. To look at it, you would think it was brand new! The plaza during my visit was spotless and looked like a great place for folks downtown to enjoy a lunch or escape from the office. The open space could be used for public gatherings as well. There is a fountain at the bend in this L-shaped plaza. Ornate patterns are inlaid in the brick and gardens/planters line the edges. The space is a breath of fresh air in the downtown area. One of the special features of the plaza is located on the west entrance. We Shall Overcome by local artist Harold Tuck Langland (2017) is a life sized bronze commemorating the moment in 1964 when Dr Martin Luther King, Jr and Fr Theodore Hesburgh (Notre Dame) joined hands at Soldier Field in Chicago as a sign of unity in the civil rights movement. Visitors are invited to join hands with the sculpture for photos. Review #3107

Touchdown Jesus is a historic work of art that looks down on the athletic field. One of my photos…read morehas an obscured view behind the scoreboard. If you visit the University this is the perfect historic landmark for a photo opportunity. We have our memories with family and friends of Touchdown Jesus that last our lifetime. Easy Five Stars.

Fun artwork here for touchdown Jesus. When we are in Notre Dame, we saw this guy had to take some…read morepictures because he's a very popular figurehead here at Notre Dame Stadium.

Grotto of the Lady of Lourdes is a historic college landmark. I've been to the University of Notre…read moreDame on many occasions over the years. I've also visited during every season of the year. I'm not sure I would return in the winter as it is brutal weather. I always visit the grotto when I tour the campus. Naturally I light a candle for my hearts desire at the time I visit. I remember praying for my daughter to get a job when she graduated! The story of the miracle at the grotto is one of my favorites. If you're interested they made a movie. It's called The Song of Bernadette. One of my favorite religious films. Visiting the Grotto is always a Five Star Experience for me as is any place on the University of Notre Dame Campus.

If you are in the area, make sure to stop and check out the grotto at ND, it's a beautiful place…read more It's fashioned after the grotto in Lourdes, and is a place that I think all faiths could visit. Stop here to pray, and make sure that you light a candle as well, there are also prayer services.

Constructed in 1862 as a hops barn, this establishment was converted into a church in 1876. Then…read morere-sold in 1915 to a local farmer, the livestock barn existed on the site from 1915 to 1998 before it was purchased by members of the Pokagon United Methodist. Rev. George Bennard was visiting the area to take part in a series of revivals, and his famous hymn "The Old Rugged Cross" was first publicly performed in 1913. The hymn did not make Rev. Bernard rich. However, he sold the rights to the Rodeheaver Company of Winona Lake, Indiana, for $500, and the copyright was renewed years later for $5,000. The Old Rugged Cross Church is located on Vermont St. in Pokagon, about halfway between Dowagiac and Niles, where my partner's sister and I stopped off the beaten path before heading to Shipshewana.

My husband and I found out about this church by accident! We were simply searching for things to…read moredo in Niles, Michigan. We were determined to find something to do close to dark and finally found this on the Internet. The hymn, The Old Rugged Cross, was first performed in this church many years ago. The hymn is near and dear to our hearts because our grandparents used to enjoy singing this song and my husband has enjoyed playing it on the piano for our children. We decided to check it out! The outside of the church is stunning! We were not able to view the inside but if we ever make it back to this area of the country we will certainly stop to see it! You should do the same especially if you enjoy this old hymn!

Passing through and saw this cool local attraction in the middle of town. Had to share a few pics…read morewe took. Parked on the street and saw some people relaxing on the shore.

Hidden Gem in the heart of the big city of Nappanee. Dodge the horse crap as you cross the street…read moreand come enjoy some affordable family fun. 5 bucks to get in to a new movie... FIVE FRICKIN' BUCKS!!! You can find that under the seat of your Honda for cryin' out loud. This place is a historical landmark, so don't come in here with you millennial crap attitude expecting a reclining seat that massages your nappy scalp, or gluten free goat-buttered hempcorn, because this isn't that kind of place. If that's what you are in to then go pay 20 bucks for a ticket and 15 for pop and corn somewhere else. This place is nostalgic, they have fantastic affordable snacks with free popcorn refills. The sodas are cheap and they make a Green River that will make you thirsty for more. One thing to keep in mind is they do not have ADA restrooms, and you have to navigate stairs to the basement to go potty. Go easy on that Green River.

This is a nice statue representing a Notre Dame legend. When we were at Notre Dame this weekend, we…read morechecked out all the public art and statues.