Don’t miss the 10th Annual Chocolate Celebration in Kokomo on Friday, February 3, 2012.  An event celebrating chocolate? It doesn’t get much better than that!  A delicious variety of chocolate creations will be offered by local restaurants and businesses.  A few of the items available to choose from this year include: chocolate fudge, red velvet cheesecake brownies, chocolate raspberry cream puffs, organic chocolate bars, hot chocolate, chocolate covered strawberries, and chocolate custard cookie sandwiches among other great selections.

The event will be held at the First Church of the Nazarene, located at the corner of Lincoln Road and Washington Street (west of U.S. 31) from 11am-2pm.  Here’s an insider’s tip: Arrive early for best selection!  Admission is free.  Tickets can be purchased at the door (2 for $5), and each ticket can be redeemed for a chocolate item.  Many booths will be giving out free samples and selling chocolate gifts if you wish to shop for someone special!

For more information, call Samaritan Caregivers at 765-453-7611 or visit their website to see a list of all 2012 vendors, past winners, and additional activities going on during the event.  Treat yourself to a day of indulgence at this year’s Chocolate Celebration!

Kokomo Opalescent Glass (KOG) has fashioned glass locally since 1888. Visitors can take a tour (and be fascinated by the glass process)…or, they can take a fancy (to a product to purchase it)…or, they can take a class (to learn “how to” skills)! KOG has a long history of products that were “MADE IN KOKOMO”.

Richard and Linda Taylor at Bowden Flowers employ the slogan “Taylored for Every Occasion”. They are locally creating everything floral from original bouquets for DIY (“Do It Yourself”) brides to customized home decorating items. And, they are proudly continuing the legacy: “MADE IN KOKOMO”.

Syndicate Sales produces plastic molded items for floral use. Everything they make is sold to wholesalers elsewhere. And, yet everything they make is “MADE IN KOKOMO”.

Kling’s Computers understands the importance of this distinction, too, as they supply Kokomo with custom computer units. Likewise, Abney Denzil Masonry constructs custom fireplaces and Morrow Construction builds custom home additions. These are one-of-a-kind entities that are “MADE IN KOKOMO”.

Catering businesses such as the Windmill Grill  and Mike’s Italian Grill can claim the same Kokomo pride for their fare. So can establishments such as J. Edwards Chocolates, Moore’s Pie Shop, and Big Ben Coffee Company. And, yet, on the other end of the spectrum, there is specialty artwork at Host Design, one of Kokomo’s art venues.

So, as you can see, one does not have to travel far in the City of Firsts to find all kinds of treasures that have been “MADE IN KOKOMO”.

“Post and images are by Linda Burris and appeared originally on Splash ! Kokomo at www.splashkokomo.com, copyright 2011.”

Businesses downtown have the privilege of being located in Italianate, Romanesque Revival, Neoclassical/Craftsman, Mediterranean, Art Deco and Contemporary structures.

Downtown shoppers are intrigued by the many arches, hipped roofs, window hoods, and decorated alleyways along Main, Buckeye, Sycamore, Walnut and Mulberry Streets.

Those transacting business downtown do so among beautiful columned porticos, pilasters and pediment openings.

And, employees on their lunch break can enjoy the small gazebo park on West Sycamore.

The Howard County Courthouse was rebuilt with the 1930’s Art Deco style. (The first courthouse, which was built in 1870 in the Second Empire style, had to be demolished in 1927 due to deterioration.)

                        Howard County Courthouse, c. 1927, Art Deco style 

Two Neoclassical buildings are located across from the Courthouse at 105 and 107 North Buckeye Street, both c. 1915; the 107 address also has Craftsman elements.

                   Two Neoclassical buildings across from the Courthouse
                                       at 105 and 107 North Buckeye Street 

There are even two Queen Anne properties downtown! (These are located at 107-9 West Mulberry Street, c. 1895, and 122-24 West Walnut Street, c. 1900).

                        Queen Anne style, 122-24 West Walnut Street, c. 1900 

Dentilated brickwork and an arcaded parapet are featured in the Garritson Building, c. 1911, located at 121 West Sycamore Street.

                            Garritson Building, c. 1911, with dentilated brickwork
and an arcaded parapet 

                   Garritson Building, 121 West Sycamore Street, up close 

The Maas Building, c. 1888, with its deliberately differentiated two-part structure is located at 105 East Sycamore Street. Its upper half is designed in the fortress-like Romanesque Revival style, as is the Wilson Block Building, c. 1890, at 114 North Main Street.

                             Wilson Block building, 114 North Main Street,
Romanesque Revival, c. 1890

Artworks has relocated to 210 N. Main, in an Italianate style building, c. 1890. This building is absolutely beautiful inside, and there are many distinctive art shops here including the Little Town Glass Company.

           Artworks, 210 N. Main, in an Italianate style building, c. 1890.
This building is absolutely beautiful inside.

Uniquely designed gifts are sold and art classes are taught at Angie Meyers Design Studio, which is located at 104 W. Walnut in a Romanesque Revival building, c. 1890.

        Romanesque Revival buildings at 100-104 West Walnut Street;
Angie Meyers Design Studio is on the bottom left 

Parents, teachers and students who shop at Planet Mind at 108 North Main Street do so in a Mediterranean style building, which was renovated in 2000. Still, the high ceilings and meandering rooms add charm to the shopping experience.

The Upper Crust Sandwich Shoppe is located right next door and is even accessible through lovely French doors in the Planet Mind location. This building is also done in a Mediterranean style and has beautiful internal features as well.

There is much to see and do in downtown Kokomo…more than a day’s worth, that’s for sure!

That’s because Kokomo was not built in a day, but rather slowly over a period of time, and the same can be said about the great businesses that are located in its downtown district.

(Architectural information obtained from the Howard County Interim Report, Indiana Historic Sites and Structures Inventory, May 2003.)

“Post and images are by Linda Burris and appeared originally on Splash ! Kokomo at www.splashkokomo.com, copyright 2011.”

Come and be the first to tour the Seiberling Mansion by the magic of candlelight and experience scenes of life from a gentler time.

On Saturday, December 10, 2011 from 6 to 9 p.m., make plans to tour the Seiberling Mansion after dark with only the lights from the Christmas trees illuminating the beautifully decorated interior of the mansion.

The tour will last approximately 40 minutes and the cost is $7 per person.  Reservations are required, and guests must be able to climb three flights of stairs.   The Seiberling Mansion is located at 1200 West Sycamore Street, Kokomo.

Attendance is limited to 130 people (10 people per tour group).  Call the Howard County Historical Society as soon as  possible at 765-452-4314 to make your reservation and reserve your tour time.  This event is sponsored by Star Financial Bank.

I have researched three local restaurants that will fit any occasion.  Casual, dressy or somewhere in between, the Quarry, Pastarrific or Half Moon can provide the perfect holiday atmosphere to compliment any party.

The Quarry, located at 2130 W. Sycamore, is simply spectacular!  Exquisite holiday decorations adorn each dining room, while the holiday music puts everyone the spirit of the season.  Along with the public dining space, the Quarry also offers two private rooms.  The Lions Den will seat 45 comfortably and the PDR will accommodate up to 30.  They are open Tuesday thru Saturday with lunch service 11am-2pm and dinner from 4pm-11pm.  The bar, which features hand crafted cocktails in addition to nightly specials, stays open later.

The Chef will have many different specials throughout the holiday season.  Pounded Pork Tenderloin, Oyster Rockefeller, and Peanut Crusted Salmon are just a few of the upcoming specials this season.  In the mood for live music?  Every Friday night from 8pm-11pm the Quarry will host live music to get your party started!  For more information or to make reservation, call 765-450-5650

Pastarrific, located at 3001 S. Webster, is Kokomo’s Italian jewel.  Now with banquet space to seat 25-200, Pastarrific can host your family dinner to the corporate Christmas party.  Chef Cynthia always has new and exciting menu selections to choose from along with their new Pub Room, which offers full bar selections.  Pastarrific is open for both lunch and dinner Monday thru Saturday and for lunch only on Sunday.  Call 765-455-1312 for more information or for reservations.

Half Moon Restaurant & Brewery is located on Kokomo’s southside at 4051 S. Lafountain.  Half Moon is Kokomo’s only brewery.  They hand-craft 10 different  beers in a state of the art 3.5 barrel all grain brewery, along with a wide selection of domestics,  imports and full bar.

Along with a large public dining space, the Back Pool Room will accommodate 30 of your closest friends, while the Family Room will seat up to 80.  Half Moon will have many holiday specials and will feature daily food and beer pairings.  The Half Moon opens at 11am, 7 days a week.  Call 765-455-2739 for daily specials or to reserve a private dining room

If you have a special event or party to plan and need suggestions, call the Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau at 765-457-6802 or 800-837-0971.

Happy Holidays!

Kim Morgan
Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau

Seiberling Mansion

Don’t miss a visit to the Seiberling Mansion during the holidays, an annual tradition in Kokomo!  The Seiberling Mansion, built in 1891 by Monroe Seiberling, is beautifully decorated both inside and out. 

Christmas at the Seiberling Opening Night will be held on Saturday, November 26, 2011 from 6:00-9:00 p.m with the Lighting Ceremony on the lawn at 6 p.m.  Activities throughout opening night include visits and pictures with Santa, carriage rides (advance reservations required), cookies & wassail, museum tours, special entertainment & more.  Admission is $4 for adults and $1 for children 12 & under.  

Seiberling Mansion holiday tours will continue Tuesday through Sunday from 1:00-4:00 p.m. through December 30th (closed on Dec. 24 & 25.)  
A special Candlelight Tour will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2011 from 6-9 p.m. (reservations are required.)  The Seiberling Mansion is located at 1200 West Sycamore Street in Kokomo.  For more information, call 765-452-4314 or visit www.howardcountymuseum.org.   

We Care Christmas Tree House

The We Care Christmas Tree House will be open for its 15th (and final year) this holiday season.  Located at 1501 East Sycamore Street, the owners of this private residence transform their Kokomo home each year and offer public tours.  Tours will be given daily 5:00-9:00 p.m. from November 26-December 23, 2011.  The home will be open special hours on December 3 & 4 from 12:00-9:00 p.m.  Free will donations will be accepted for We Care.

For more information on holiday events or tours in Kokomo, call 800-837-0971 or visit our Calendar of Events.

Kokomo Artworks, a co-op of artists within the Kokomo Art Association, recently moved to a beautiful new gallery in Downtown Kokomo.  While the entrance from the outside looks like a typical downtown shop, what you see inside is anything but ordinary! 

A variety of artwork, ranging from watercolor, photography, to ceramics are all wonderfully displayed throughout the two story gallery, perfect for browsing with a morning cup of coffee or for holiday shopping.  Art classes are also given for those that want to try their own hand at painting or other forms of art.

In addition to individual artwork displays, Little Town Glass Company has a glass studio on the second floor featuring stained glass art, glass jewelry, and steampunk gears (a very fun moveable art) and more.  This family business (father & sons) hand-selects glass locally made at the Kokomo Opalescent Glass Company to make their unique and exquisite glass creations.

Little Town Glass Company's owner Michael West works in his glass studio inside Kokomo Artworks

Also, both Kokomo Artworks and Little Town Glass are part of the Indiana Glass Trail, which features several stops in the Kokomo area as it winds through the state.  For more information on the Indiana Glass Trail, visit www.IndianaGlassTrail.com or call the Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau at 800-837-0971.  

Artworks is located at 210 North Main Street in beautiful Downtown Kokomo.  Hours are Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. & Saturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.  For more information, call 765-459-4579 or visit their website.
 
Because often a picture can say more than words, here are some photos taken this week at Artworks.  Make time this holiday season to visit this new downtown jewel!

Don Wooldridge was presented the 2011 FIRSTS Award at the 97th Annual Chamber Dinner last night.  The Kokomo Visitors Bureau FIRSTS Award — which stands for Fantastic Individual Recognized for Superior Tourism Service — was created to acknowledge people in our community who stepped forward to make someone’s visit to Howard County far exceed their expectations.

It hasn’t been awarded every year, only when someone stepped forward to show Superior Tourism Service.  This award has been shared by sports people, hotel managers, museum staff, or the person on the street who stepped forward to give advice or directions to someone visiting our town.

Don has been involved with promoting Howard County tourism through his passion of automobiles and community involvement.   He is a member of the Pioneer Auto Club and has been a friend to Howard County tourism for many years.  He displays exceptional tourism service in his role as expert tour guide for the Kokomo Automotive Museum, giving tours to groups of all sizes while combining his love of cars and our community’s history.   

In addition to his service at the Auto Museum, he has been a volunteer step-on guide for the Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau since 2007.  In this capacity, he has guided and shared his vast knowledge of Kokomo and Howard County with several tour groups from across Indiana.

Most recently, he was heavily involved with helping set up a tour stop along U.S. 31 at the Kokomo Automotive Museum’s parking lot during the 2011 National Hot Rod Power Tour that drove through Kokomo this past June.  While Kokomo was not an “official” stop on this cross-country tour, hundreds of cars stopped in Kokomo and many visited the museum while driving on U.S. 31 from Indianapolis to Michigan.  It was one of the best days for the Auto Museum’s gift shop sales since the museum opened, and Kokomo was recognized by Hot Rod for our city’s hospitality.

Don is one of many who promote hospitality and outstanding service in Kokomo and Howard County.  Congratulations Don!  Thank you for your volunteer work in our community and for making visitors feel welcome when visiting our city!