Explore Autos and Art Glass in Kokomo

Travel to Kokomo, Indiana to discover art glass, automobiles, and delicious culinary experiences.  Whether you are traveling with family, friends, or a group, you won’t want to miss these must-see attractions!

Watch how glass is made at the Kokomo Opalescent Glass Factory

Kokomo Opalescent Glass Company (KOG) has been producing art glass in its original Kokomo location since 1888.  They are America’s oldest art glass company and were voted Best Factory Tour – Indiana 2011.  Located at 1310 South Market Street, public factory tours are offered Tuesday through Friday at 10:00am.  Even if you are not a glass enthusiast, I guarantee you will enjoy this fascinating tour!  Watch as skilled ladlers quickly scoop molten glass from the furnace and carefully mix the glass to the exact color and texture desired.  Over 22,000 variations of sheet glass are produced in their facility.  The sheet glass produced in Kokomo is shipped all over the world and used by glass artisans for stained glass windows and custom projects.

Beautiful feather vases made at the KOG Hot Glass Studio

The tour also includes a trip through the KOG Hot Glass Studio.  Watch as expert artists use Kokomo glass to create unique blown, pressed, and hand-cast glass items.  Most blown glass art items are available to purchase in the OP Shop, including suncatchers, stunning bowls and vases, perfume bottles, jewelry, beads, and other beautiful items.  Call 765-457-1829 for information or shop online at www.kog.com.

Kokomo has a rich history of automotive heritage and industry, starting with America’s First Car, developed in 1894 by Kokomo resident Elwood Haynes.  Visitors can see a 1905 Haynes automobile at the Elwood Haynes Museum and explore his former residence, now filled with exhibits chronicling his life as an inventor and the auto industry in Kokomo.  The Elwood Haynes Museum is located at 1915 South Webster Street and can be contacted at 765-456-7500.

Then, visit the Kokomo Automotive Museum.  Over 100 antique and classic automobiles, including several made in Kokomo, will take you on a wonderful trip through the past.  Exhibits include a replica of America’s First Car built by Elwood Haynes and a 1950’s diner, along with many other auto-related memorabilia.  All ages will enjoy this wonderful collection located at 1500 North Reed Road (U.S. 31.)  For more information, call 765-454-9999.

View over 100 cool cars at the Kokomo Automotive Museum

Enjoy a King Tenderloin at Ray’s Drive In — both Ray’s and Artie’s Tenderloin in Kokomo are located on the Indiana Tenderloin Trail

While in Kokomo, enjoy a delicious meal or tasty treat at one of our local eateries.  From hand-breaded tenderloins to old-fashioned ice cream sodas, Kokomo cuisine can be found on 9 different Indiana Culinary Trails.  Visit a local brewery, drive-in, bakery, or locally-owned family dining restaurant for great food only found in Kokomo.  Visit www.IndianaFoodways.com for more on Indiana’s Culinary Trails.

For more information on Kokomo or to plan your next visit, call 800-837-0971, go to www.VisitKokomo.org or download the new Visit Kokomo Mobile App on your Apple or Android smartphone.  Plan your next getaway in Kokomo for an adventure filled with autos and art glass!

Enjoy Local Cuisine at the 2012 Taste of Kokomo

You won’t want to miss the 2012 Taste of Kokomo, which will be held in Downtown Kokomo from 5:00-10:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 18th.  From fantastic music, great food, live food challenges (events are listed below), kid’s activities, wine tasting and beer garden, this year’s event is setting up to be the best yet!  Below is information provided by the organizer, United Way of Howard County.  To find out more details about the festival, call (765) 457-6691 or visit their website.

The 16th annual Taste of Kokomo, voted Kokomo’s best event ten years in a row, will be held Saturday, August 18, 2012 from 5pm to 10:30pm around the courthouse square. All proceeds will benefit the United Way of Howard County.

The Taste of Kokomo offers a “taste” from local restaurants, caterers, coffee shops and pubs. From the basic to the obscure, there is something for everyone. Last year’s event found Jamaican jerk chicken, beef satay, chicken & dumplings, corn on the cob, brats and ribs lined up around the square. The dessert menu was stacked high with Texas sheet cake, sugar cream tarts and chocolate mousse. This year’s list of restaurants and menu choices is filling up quickly.

Local bands from all genres will be playing on two stages. Entry tickets sold the day of the event are $3 (children 5 and under free). Presale entry tickets will be available for $3 and includes 2 free food tickets. All food and drink items are sold for tickets not cash. One food/drink ticket is worth $1. All items cost between 1-5 ticket(s). Wine and beer will be served in the beer garden.

Bands playing at the 2012 Taste of Kokomo:
Gypsy Revival
BL Benson Band
Southside
Shiny Penny and the Critical Shoes
Rewind
Roger’s Ritual
Linda Lee

Events & Food Challenges:
5:30pm Gourmet Burger
6:30pm Burrito Chomp
7:00pm Tenderloin Throwdown
8:00pm Red on Red, Wine and Steak Pairing
9:00pm Buffalo Wild Wings’ Blazin’ Challenge
9:30pm McClure’s Orchard Wine Tasting
10:00pm Mixology, Bartending Competition