Indiana--The Loneliest Road
Date: 2004-11-16
U.S. 50 is known to "road warriors" as "the loneliest
road" in America. This 3,200-mile ribbon of two-lane blacktop links both
coasts, passing through a dozen states and four state capitals, traversing
nearly a straight line from Washington, D.C. to San Francisco. Southern
Indiana hosts 170 miles of U.S. 50 connecting the Ohio and Wabash Rivers,
two natural features that form Indiana's southern border. The hamlet of
Vincennes starts the journey as you say goodbye to the Wabash and head
east on your Southern Indiana journey.
Vincennes is rich in Revolutionary War history with historical markers placed throughout the city. Between Vincennes and Bedford, U.S. 50 winds its way through the hilly glens of the Hoosier National Forest. S-curves abound in this area, making a drive in a sports car a true driving experience. Nearby French Lick is the boyhood home of Boston Celtics great, and now Indiana Pacer coach, Larry Bird. The area was also a reputed hang out for Chicago mobster Al Capone, who patronized the historic West Baden Springs Hotel, now open for tours on weekends. Farther east is Bedford, nicknamed "Stone City" because of its limestone quarries. Its stone is used in such monumental skyscrapers as New York's Empire State Building. Even the tombstones in the cemeteries that line U.S. 50 through Bedford pay tribute to its stone cutting industry.
U.S. 50's blue-collar Seymour is the birthplace of rock star John Mellencamp, whose song lyrics often reflect on his early years in Southern Indiana. As you motor east toward Aurora, enjoy the sweeping curves and the slow-paced lifestyle that leads up to the banks of the broad Ohio River.
Starting Point:
Vincennes, IN
Distance of Drive:
161 miles
Must Eat:
White Kitchen
1911 N. Sixth Street, Vincennes, IN 47591
Phone:812-825-9835
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Good Stop For: Home cooking
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Spring
Points of Interest on Drive:
Bluesprings Caverns (open May-October)--Located five miles west of Bedford on U.S. 50 featuring the largest underground river in the United States.
Hillforest Mansion (Tues-Sun. 1-5p.m.)
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