It's a happenin' place!

Well, okay, so the morning donut rush was over by the time I got there today, Oct 11, but Buckeye St, The Depot District or Panhandle Alley (whatever you choose to call it) is a happening place!

I decided to make today a "brunch" day so didn't get here till around 10:45. I first had a half order of biscuits & gravy at Gabettas  followed by a glazed cinnamon roll and coffee at Gingerbread House Bakery next door. Mmmm, mmmm, mmmm. I've been counting calories for a little over a year and believe it or not I'm still good for the day.

Parking is a little bit of a challenge here as everyone is coming out to support the local businesses. I've figured out that if you park in the bank parking lot at the corner of Jackson & Buckeye Streets and walk over you don't have to worry about it or even the calories since you'll get a little exercise to and from the goodies.

I've been to Gabettas several times since they've opened and the food has always been good. Once I even got to sit outside which was awesome. Who turned on the early winter anyhow? Hopefully we'll have a few more outside seating days yet. I've been to Gingerbread House Bakery twice and the atmosphere is really great as are the donuts. Check out the chocolate dripping down the walls.

We've had 3 First Friday's since my last comments and they, as usual, have been wonderful. Too bad the weather hasn't been the best but still lots of fun to be had.

The cool weather is what makes a hayride though! Even the sprinkles didn't deter them. Seems the October First Friday's are always well attended since most of us really love to be scared to death in the spooky basements and old hotels downtown. Each month's theme has something for everyone. More participants each month too. Great to see the Masonic Temple and Grace Methodist Church taking part and now also the restaurants on Buckeye St across from the Depot. Another new business on Walnut St too this month. Each month I'm privileged to be a guide at the Welcome Center on the corner of Main & Walnut and am amazed at the number of people that come by and say this is their first time attending. Keep getting the word out....where else can you spend an evening walking around, doing a little shopping and eating largely for free? And, if you haven't already heard, November's First Friday is going to have a Mystery theme. You aren't going to want to miss this one!

Here's a little "fall challenge" for you: Support our local businesses and restaurants. Soon downtown parking will be easier to come by with the new parking garage opening. We've got more places downtown to eat and shop than we've had for years, let's take advantage of that. Don't forget to check out the new Artist's Alley next to the Kokomo Art Association on north Main.

As the holidays approach and you begin thinking of getting together with friends remember these options. And before long, we'll have that shiny new YMCA we're so anxious to have, the new baseball stadium and the Heritage Trail is nearly complete too. Catch you all next month.