Staycation Sunday: Enjoy a Day of Mansions & Museums for FREE on August 9th

Sunday, August 9, 2015 has been chosen for Staycation Sunday at the Seiberling Mansion and Kokomo Automotive Museum, as well as the Elwood Haynes Museum. For one day only, museum admission will be waived for all visitors and everyone can tour and learn about our history for free!

The Seiberling Mansion, once home to wealthy industrialist Monroe Seiberling and later to George Kingston, is now home to the Howard County Museum. Visitors will see a restored Victorian home as well as exhibits of Howard County history. The museum will be open from 1:00pm-4:00pm and is located at 1200 West Sycamore. Free parking is available, with access from Walnut Street (north of the mansion). For more information about the mansion and museum, visit their website at howardcountymuseum.org.

The Kokomo Automotive Museum is located in the Ivy Tech Kokomo Event and Conference Center at 1500 N. Reed Road (SR 931). It features a selection of early made-in-Kokomo Haynes and Apperson autos. In addition to the more than 100 antique cars, those who appreciate vintage advertising and antiques will enjoy a great collection of signage and a variety of memorabilia relevant to the history of the cars on display. Its permanent exhibits trace the history of the automobile and the rich automotive history of the City of Firsts. The present feature exhibit highlights the life and times of the Ford Thunderbird. The museum is open from 10:00am-4:00pm. Learn more at kokomoautomotivemuseum.org.

The Elwood Haynes Museum is found in Haynes’ former residence at 1915 S. Webster in Kokomo, on the south end of Highland Park. The museum will be open for Staycation Sunday from 1:00pm-4:00pm. Visitors will not only tour the home of a remarkable innovator, but will see exhibits about his role in the great Indiana Gas Boom, his automotive inventions, metallurgical discoveries, and the companies he founded.

For more information on things to do in Kokomo, check out visitkokomo.org.

Hit a Home Run with Family Fun this Summer in Kokomo!

This summer is the perfect time to discover all the new and fun, family-friendly activities Kokomo has to offer!

Kokomo’s 2015 Summer Concert Series kicked off last weekend at the Kokomo Arts Pavilion in Downtown’s Foster Park. Enjoy fun festivals and fantastic live music with great performers and bands all summer long!  All concerts are free and family-friendly. Summer headliners include:

June 27 –  The Rat Pack is Back! live from Las Vegas with the Kokomo Symphony Orchestra
July 2-4 – Haynes-Apperson Festival with parade, food, car shows, fireworks, and concerts featuring Pink Droyd with Laser Light Spectacular (July 2), Bret Michaels (July 3), and Here Come the Mummies (July 4)
July 25 – The Mark Farner Band
August 1 – Rhumfest featuring David Cook
August 8 – Weberfest featuring MiniKiss
August 15 – Taste of Kokomo featuring Danny Seraphine, Bill Champlin & CTA
September 25 – Octoberfest featuring The Lovin’ Spoonful on their 50th Anniversary Tour

The Kokomo Jackrabbits (named after the Apperson Jack Rabbit, an early automobile manufactured in Kokomo in 1907) play their inaugural season of baseball this summer at the city’s new Kokomo Municipal Stadium. Post-game fireworks, themed game nights, pre-game festivities, Kid Zone for youngsters, and strong community partnerships create a fun game-day experience.  And best of all, the Jackrabbits’ home turf is within walking distance to Kokomo’s revitalized downtown, full of unique dining, shopping, and entertainment options, and adjacent to beautiful walking and biking trails along the Wildcat Creek!  For ticket information, visit www.KokomoJackrabbits.com.

Plan to check out Kokomo Beach Family Aquatic Center, the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer afternoon, with its large leisure pool, high energy water slides, splash pad, kiddie slides, and relaxing lazy river.

Other must-see events this summer include Kokomo Wings and Wheels Air & Car Show on Saturday, July 18, 2015 at Kokomo Municipal Airport, thrilling racing action at Kokomo Speedway, Kokomo Automotive Museum’s new exhibit “The Life and Times of the Ford Thunderbird” on display through October 9, 2015, and First Fridays, held year-round in Downtown Kokomo.

Love history?  Check out the Elwood Haynes Museum, Seiberling Mansion, and Kokomo Opalescent Glass (with glass factory tours offered at 10 a.m. Monday through Friday.)

For more information on Kokomo or to see a full list of summer events, visit our website or download the free Visit Kokomo mobile app!

Plan a Summer Getaway to Kokomo!

Kokomo Beach Family Aquatic Center

 

Kokomo is a short drive for a fun (and very affordable) family-friendly weekend getaway.

Spend the day enjoying high-energy water slides, riding on the lazy river, playing in the splash pad, and swimming at Kokomo Beach Family Aquatic Center.  Admission is only $5 for adults and $4 for youth (ages 2-11.)

For a local experience, make sure you visit one of Kokomo’s local restaurants. Several are located Downtown in unique, historic buildings!  These include The District, Foxes Trail, Cook McDoogal’s Irish Pub, Drakes Bar & Grill, Pepperwhistle Bakery & Cafe, Main Street Cafe, and Jamie’s Soda Fountain.

Learn more about Kokomo’s rich history at the Elwood Haynes Museum, Seiberling Mansion, Kokomo Opalescent Glass Factory, or Kokomo Auto Museum.  Or explore the Historic Downtown Architecture Walking Tour!

Elwood Haynes Museum

Check out fun-filled festivals and the Summer Concert Series at the Kokomo Arts Pavilion in Downtown’s Foster Park.  Enjoy FREE admission to all concerts and festivals!  Many genres are represented with a great line-up of talented musicians and well-known bands, including rock, country, and blues.  For a list of all concerts this summer, go to www.KokomoSummerSeries.com. Upcoming festivals include:

Haynes-Apperson Festival – July 3-5, 2014
Parade, car show & cruise-ins, food, fireworks, rides, and concerts featuring Molly Hatchet, Here Come the Mummies, and 38 Special.  To see a full schedule of events, visit their website at www.haynesappersonfestival.org.

WeberFest – August 2, 2014
Food, medieval festival, and afternoon KidsFest.  Evening concerts will feature Cracker along with several opening bands.

Taste of Kokomo – August 16, 2014
Enjoy the tastes of local Kokomo cuisine from over 30 restaurants, beer garden, food competitions, kid’s activities, and concerts featuring American Idol winner David Cook.

While visiting Downtown, take time to explore local shops and trails.  The Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence and Industrial Heritage Trail are perfect for walking, running, and biking.  Don’t miss the colorful murals created by local artisans located along the trails and throughout Downtown!

Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence

Love comedy?  Laugh House Kokomo just opened this month bringing premium, live comedy to Downtown Kokomo.  Upcoming summer shows include Donnie Baker, Steve-O, and Jamie Kennedy. Visit their website for ticket information.

To plan your summer getaway, call the Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau at 800-837-0971, go to www.VisitKokomo.org or download the free Visit Kokomo mobile app!

Spend Tourism Week in Kokomo

Photo: U.S. Travel Association

National Tourism Week is May 9-17.  In celebration of the travel industry this week, I thought I would list some of our wonderful (and budget-friendly) attractions here in Kokomo and Howard County.  To find out more about Kokomo or to receive a free Kokomo Visitors Guide, visit our website or call 1-800-837-0971.  No matter how close to home you stay this year in your travels, take the time to relax, have some fun, and experience or learn something new.  Happy travels!    

Kokomo Automotive Museum
Kokomo Beach Family Aquatic Center
Elwood Haynes Museum
Seiberling Mansion
Kokomo Opalescent Glass Factory
Indiana University Kokomo Art Gallery
Kokomo Art Center
Kokomo Pipeline Skate Park
Kirkendall Interpretive Center
Kokomo Artworks Store & Gallery
Greentown Glass Museum
Greentown History Center

Go to www.visitkokomo.org for more information on these attractions, lodging, shopping, dining, local festivals and more.  Have you been to one of the attractions listed?  Leave a comment and let me know about your experience!