“Light Up Your Holiday” in Kokomo!

Join us in Downtown Kokomo on Saturday, December 5, 2009, for “Light Up Your Holiday.”   The fun-filled evening will kick-off with the arrival of Santa at 5:00 p.m.  From 5:00 – 9:00 p.m., holiday vendors will be set up in the former L Shop  location on Main Street on the Courthouse Square selling candies, hot chocolate, coffee, gifts, handmade items & more.  Christmas trees and wreaths will also be for sale.  Kids will enjoy visiting with Santa (and maybe one of his reindeer!) 

The lighting ceremony on the Courthouse lawn will take place at 8:00 p.m., and carolers will perform throughout the evening to “make the spirits bright!”  Visitors to downtown will also enjoy all the holiday window decorations put up by local businesses.  Admission is free.  Bring the entire family on December 5th to enjoy an old-fashion Christmas on the Square in Downtown Kokomo!

“Christmas at the Seiberling” is Coming!

The holiday season is quickly approaching, and one of Kokomo’s top holiday attractions will soon be open!  The Seiberling Mansion will undergo its annual transformation (inside and out) in preparation for “Christmas at the Seiberling.”  Thousands of Christmas lights will be hung and dozens of Christmas trees, wreaths, and decorations will be magnificently displayed.

The Seiberling Mansion is beautifully dressed for the holidays!

The Lighting Ceremony will be held on Saturday, November 28, starting at 6:00 p.m. to kick-off the opening night celebration.  Tours of the beautifully decorated Seiberling Mansion, visits & photos with Santa, special holiday entertainment, cookies and wassail, and carriage rides will be offered from 6:00-9:00 p.m.  In addition, a special gingerbread house exhibit will be on display and you can vote for your favorite handmade creation!  Admission is $4 for adults and $1 for children under age 12. 

“Christmas at the Seiberling” tours will continue through December 30, 2009.  The Seiberling Mansion, located at 1200 West Sycamore Street in Kokomo, is open Tuesday – Sunday from 1:00-4:00 p.m.  Don’t miss this great holiday tradition!  In addition to its regular hours, the Seiberling Mansion can open during special times for group tours or holiday parties.  For more information, call 765-452-4314 or visit their website.

2009 Trim-A-Tree Festival Going On Now

2009 Trim-A-Tree Festival

The 2009 We Care Trim-A-Tree Festival is currently going on at the Kokomo Mall with a total of 81 beautiful trees and wreaths on display.  Every year local organizations, school groups, businesses, and individuals vie for the opportunity to decorate a tree or wreath of their choice in November.  Every one is uniquely themed and thoughtfully designed.  

I visited the Kokomo Mall today to take a look at the trees and wreaths on display this year.  Believe me, if you want to get in the holiday spirit, there is no better place!  The trees are simply breathtaking.  Each with a special theme, I saw trees covered with toys, cooking utensils, antiques, and even teddy bears.  Other trees are inspiring and decorated to support specific causes or in memory of loved ones.     

Each tree and wreath will be sold at the We Care Christmas Tree Auction on November 15 at 5:00 p.m. at the Kokomo Mall.  They will continue to be on display until the auction.  Hours to view the trees are Monday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. & Sunday Noon – 6 p.m.  You can vote for your favorite by dropping coins or dollars in each tree’s respective bucket.  The one with the most money will be given the People’s Choice Award.  All money collected will be given to support We Care. 

I collected teddy bears when I was younger, so I really enjoyed this tree!

The busy holiday season is soon approaching, so take time now to visit the Trim-A-Tree Festival.  It may even inspire ideas for your own holiday decorating.  Don’t miss this great annual event!  Visit their website for more information.   

Kokomo’s Halloween Events

Happy Halloween!

Don’t miss all the great events going on in the Kokomo area this weekend!  From spooky haunted houses, corn maze adventures, indoor haunted mazes, kid’s Halloween parties, and fall harvest parties, there is something for all ages! 

Check out our online calendar for a list of all events!  Have a spooky good time!

New Bed & Breakfast Opens in Kokomo

The Belfry Bed & Breakfast

Belfry B&B Kitchen

Visitors now have a new place to stay in Kokomo.  The Belfry Bed & Breakfast is described as modern elegance merged with classic beauty.  Located on the top floor of a restored 120-year old church near downtown Kokomo, this is definitely a must-see if you enjoy staying in unique and charming places.  In addition to the new Bed & Breakfast now open, the renovated building is also home to the Book Nook Bistro, offering coffee, biscotti, unique sandwiches, and much more. 

Belfry B&B Bedroom

Belfry B&B Bathroom

Now through November 22, 2009, the Belfry is offering a great rate of only $69 per night.  The Belfry Bed & Breakfast is located at 311 West Walnut Street in Kokomo.  Call 765-437-2510 to make a reservation.

Fall Events in Kokomo

From festivals, art shows, and haunted houses to concerts, plays, and crafts fairs, there is truly something for everyone going on in the Kokomo area this Fall.  Make sure to check out our online Calendar of Events on our website for the full list!  Then, check back often as our calendar is updated monthly.  If you are interested in receiving our monthly Calendar of Events via email, contact me at 765-457-6802 or information@visitkokomo.org!

Elwood Haynes Celebration This Weekend

Visitors to the Elwood Haynes Museum will be in for a sweet surprise on Sunday, October 11, when Kokomo celebrates the 152nd Birthday of Elwood Haynes.  In honor of his birthday, the Elwood Haynes Museum will offer tours, a car show, new photo exhibit, historical slide show, live musical entertainment, free cake, and a special appearance by guest speaker Howdy Bell.  The event is open from 1:00-5:00 p.m. and all activities are free.  Join us as we celebrate the life of Elwood Haynes!

Most known for inventing America’s First Car in 1894, Mr. Haynes also invented stainless steel and the super alloy stellite, among other great inventions.  The Elwood Haynes Museum is located in his former residence at 1915 South Webster Street, and is dedicated to sharing the story of his life in Kokomo, including a collection of his possessions and inventions.  In addition, a revolving exhibit of Haynes automobiles are on display in the garage.  For more information, call 765-456-7500.

Kokomo’s Haunted Attractions

The Kokomo area will offer several great haunted houses and frightening attractions this year.  Believe me, these are not for the faint at heart.  Visitors that dare to enter the doors will be in for a bone-chilling and spine-tingling adventure!  Plan to attend one or all during your next visit to Kokomo!

Old Sycamore Haunted Barn
Location: 6702 West 00 North South (in western Howard County)
Open: Every Friday & Saturday in October
Hours: 7:30-11:30 p.m. (open 8:00-11:30 p.m. on Halloween)
Cost: $8 adults & $6 children under 12
Haunted hayrides are available for only $1 with paid admission to the haunted barn!
Website: www.OldSycamoreBarn.com

Twisted Darkness Haunted House
Location: 1022 S. Main Street, Kokomo
Open: October 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 22-24, 29-31
Hours: 7:30 p.m. – Midnight
Cost: $10 per person
$1 off coupons are available at the Kokomo Visitors Bureau, located near the intersection of U.S. 31 & North Street
Website: www.TwistedHaunt.com

Gray’s Fright Night Haunted Indoor Fright Maze
Location: 10948 West 500 North (located 15 minutes northwest of Kokomo)
Open: October 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 30-31
Hours: 8:00 p.m. – Midnight
Cost: $8 per person
Website: www.GraysFrightNight.com

“The Haunt” at Easy Acre Farm
Location: 3347 East 50 North (2 miles east of Kokomo)
Open: October 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 30-31
Hours: 8:00 p.m. – Midnight
Cost: $9 per person
Phone: 765-419-1973

“Happy Haunt” at Easy Acre Farm
This is a children-friendly event intended for children 12 & under.  Guided tours will be given by an old farmer through the barns & graveyard at the farm.  Parents are encouraged to attend with their children.
Location: 3347 East 50 North (2 miles east of Kokomo)
Open: October 22 & 29 only
Hours: 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Cost: $4 per person
Phone: 765-419-1973

For more information on all Fall attractions in the Kokomo area, visit our online calendar or call 1-800-837-0971.  Happy Halloween!

The Culinary Corner presents Desserts!

Today, we’re talking desserts!

J. Edwards offers up a large assortment of tasty cakes!

I’m going to start with Kokomo’s king of
dessert . . . J. Edwards.  This fine establishment is located at 2106 W. Sycamore Road.  There is a huge assortment of goodies to choose from, such as the carrot cake, cookies, and éclairs to name a few.  However, my focus will be on the Banana Split Cake – three layers of greatness!  It’s exactly what the name insinuates.  It stands almost a foot tall, with layers of banana, strawberry, and chocolate cakes.  The icing is sugar creamy goodness.  I’ve always been a chocolate cake lover at birthday time, but next December 26 (my birthday), I’ll be requesting a Banana Split Cake from J. Edwards.  Check out their homemade chocolates.  Wow, that’s the only word that will describe all those chocolate goodies.  I hope by the time you read this article, they will have those delicious deluxe caramel apples back.

It’s the beginning of Fall, but ice cream is always a favorite.  Scoops, located at 1231 W. Jefferson and 408 Arrow Street, has a variety of ice cream treats to please everyone.  From Super Man to Butter Pecan or even sugar-free choices, this ice cream parlor has become a family favorite of locals.  My favorite is Bear Claw.  Hmmmm . . . rich chocolate ice cream with caramel ribbons and nuts!  Yummy, yummy, yummy.  Ok, I know I’m getting a bit carried away, but it’s my all time favorite ice cream.

Next up is the signature dessert at Pastarrific, located on Kokomo’s Southside at 3001 S. Webster Street.  I had never had Crème Brulee, but this was an unexpected treat.  This custard-style dessert is awesome.  It has a caramelized sugar atop creamy custard with sweet sauce drizzle.  As we all know, Pastarrific is one of Kokomo’s restaurants of choice, but next time you go, save room for dessert.

The Quarry's Chocolate Layered Cake

Once again, the new kid on the block makes the list.  Voted as Kokomo’s favorite Patio Spot for best atmosphere in last month’s issue, The Quarry, located at 2130 W. Sycamore Street, has a Chocolate Layered Cake to die for.  Chocolate cake, chocolate ganache, hot fudge, whipped cream, and ice cream.  OMG!  Natalie, my server, informed me that everything is homemade, even the whipped cream and ice cream.  She tried to tempt me with a Snickers Frozen Pie and a Blueberry Cheesecake, by placing ALL three of these scrumptious desserts in front of me.  Ok, I can’t lie.  I did try all three, but I had back up with me.  My husband, who never eats desserts, downed the Chocolate Cake, and then had the nerve to ask for milk.  My friend, Anton, hovered over the Cheesecake like a kid over a cereal bowl!  Needless to say, all three desserts were super fantastic. 

Due to my waistline, I only visited a few local establishments seeking great desserts, but I’m sure there are great sweet treats all around town.

Next issue we will explore Kokomo’s favorite local pizza joints.  Leave a comment and let me know where you go for great pizza!

Kim Morgan,
Kokomo Visitors Bureau

2009 Kokomo Oktoberfest

The Bavarian Showtime Band entertains children in the crowd

Mark your calendars!  Oktoberfest will be held on Friday, September 25 in Downtown Kokomo on the Courthouse Square.  Enjoy brats, hotdogs, sauerkraut, German potato salad, chips, and drinks from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.  Entertainment will be provided by the Rhum Academy of Music during lunch. 

The full festival will be open from 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm.  Admission is free.  Enjoy German food served in the food tent and German and domestic beers offered in the beer garden.  Jay Fox & the Bavarian Showtime Band will perform authentic Bavarian Schuhplatting (German shoe-slap dancing), yodeling, and other great audience participation specialties.  Vendors will be selling items such as ice cream, kettle corn, pumpkins, and strawberry shortcakes.  Face painting, inflatables, and kid’s games will also be offered. 

The City of Kokomo will have 9 snowplows on display.  Each one has been painted by local students, competing in the City’s 4th Annual Snowplow Painting Contest.  The winner will be announced and awards will be given at 6:15 pm.   

VW Cruise-in at Kokomo Oktoberfest

Also, don’t forget to check out the 5th Annual Roger S. Wright Memorial Volkswagen Cruise-in.  Over 100 Volkswagens were on display during last year’s event.  Do you have a VW you would like to display?  Just bring it down to Sycamore & Buckeye Streets.  Registration is free and starts at 4:00 pm.  Come and enjoy all of the great Volkswagens lining the downtown streets!

People enjoy the Volkswagen Cruise-in on a wonderful Fall evening in Downtown Kokomo

This affordable event is great for the entire family and a fun way to enjoy the start of Fall.  Join us on September 25 in Downtown Kokomo as we celebrate Oktoberfest!  For more information, call the Kokomo Downtown Association, 765-454-7926.