Pride of Place and Purpose in a town and its People - New Harmony Indiana

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Road trip!

My always-primed-for-adventure, titian gem of a Subaru, Punkin bore me along an exhilarating road trip last July to a modern version of a southern Indiana settlement.

(Punkin is my Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang, full of fight-through-the-messy and fly-into-the-fun spirit.)

My route paralleled the Wabash River along freeways lined with native grasses, prismatic fields of wildflowers and plush patches of state forest.

Contemplating the next five days had me imagining all sorts of scenarios for my latest adventure.

Sure there would be some drama . . . after all 26 writers of differing skill levels would be cloistered together sharing living quarters, expeditions and think-tank confabs. 

Not knowing the age of each participant, I figured I would be the oldest in attendance, yet no less able and adventuresome than the youngsters (my estimation did not disappoint).

After two hours and where the river flows west towards the confluence with the Ohio, the undulating Wabash (Oubache in the original Native American) led us into the unexpectedly expansive small town of New Harmony.

Note: Evansville is to the southeast and Kentucky directly south along the Ohio River state border.

***Google Maps showed easy routes of travel from every direction.

Quick Info:

• Over two hundred years ago New Harmony was established as a utopian experiment by the Harmonists following Father George Rapp from Pennsylvania.

• The initial settlement started out well and grew into a large community.

• Amazingly enough, the Harmonists were excellent at brewing their own ale and in one sense the experiment was a success - financially - upon the sale of the town to Robert Owen ten years later.

• Unfortunately Owen's new utopian experiment failed after only two years, due largely to a lack of manual laborers.

• The Owenite society excelled in education, science and research (check out the Boatload of Knowledge), however there were no skilled laborers to make repairs, feed the pigs, milk the cows or take care of the other community needs.

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Want to learn more about these movements?

Start here:  https://www.indianamuseum.org/historic-sites/new-harmony-historic-site/

  then here: https://newharmony-in.gov/about-new-harmony.php

  and here:  https://www.visitnewharmony.com/2024/09/16/14337/new-harmony-a-historic-utopia

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It Began . . .

Our foray into communal living and joint research began within the first hour of our arrival at the aptly named Barn Abbey, nestled among old-growth forest on the southern bank of the river.

Before checking in, Punkin and I rambled through town and appreciated vibrant zinnias and hanging baskets of varied blooms in all hues and shades garnishing streets, alleys and polished wrought-iron or stockade-type fences.

The variety of butterflies swarming each flower patch or basket was inspiring as was the healthy state of bees buzzing in  scenic quietude amidst every flower patch.

Walking and driving paths were clean and every abode, business or open-air attraction was spotless.

No litter was seen anywhere.

It was a joy to witness the evidence of pride residents exhibited throughout their lovely community.

Painted surfaces were cheerfully colored, whether buildings, artwork or historic displays.

Even the weather shone bright all week, every day sunny, and while hot enough to heat the early 1800s outdoor ovens, cooling was provided by indoor attractions and ancient trees shading walkways.

Who Knew?!

On our first foray Dave, our guide, and highlight narrator, bid us a warm welcome at the Athenium, for a scenic wild-country journey by open-air tram.

The Athenium museum, notably modern in its blanched similarity to Frank Lloyd Wright's linear and geometric design, is flanked by the river and forest, therein stood resplendent in its natural setting.

Roaming wildlife and various art installations marked natural and historic spots as we wound through forest and backcountry.

The Athenium’s small but impressively stocked gift shop was a fascinating stop afterward and in the days to follow.

Most impressive was the variety of literature pertaining to local artists, attractions and history.

But don’t make my mistake and put off buying your gifts and souvenirs – they may be out of stock when you return.

Besides the pleasant buggy ride, golf carts were available to rent for exploring around town.

In addition, all manner of conveyance could be seen on town streets and paths, paved or not.

However, I didn’t see my personal choices: unicycle for the unconventional, horse for the traditional or (my most favorite) ATV for the adventuresome.

Note: I almost took my ebike, and likewise, Crystal left hers at home too.

We regretted our choice more than a few times so do NOT forget your ebike when you visit New Harmony!

The Treasures 😊

Our jam-packed days brimmed with historic exploits and art-enriched tours, from the lecture and puzzle demo by labyrinth designer Ben Nicholson (author of "Avant-Garde in the Cornfields") to shopping in the eclectic mercantile Capers Emporium/Glassporium, and lunching at the Yellow Tavern.

There was beauty galore, food extraordinaire and unique shopping venues.

Two aromatic handcrafted soap shoppes, the psychedelically embellished Fire & Ice cream shop along with the Black Lodge Coffee Shop (making modern the original cooper’s building from 1825), heightened the town’s value as a memorable tourist destination.

Wherever we ate or shopped, the coffees, teas and sweet treats were everything to be expected in such a place of exceptional adventuring and historical standards.

Other intriguing shops overflowed the center of town but were closed during our visit.

The historic opera house, Maximillian and Bodmer journal art exhibit and more tours topped off our brisk reconnaissance mission.

Holly at the Workingmen’s Institute (town library and history museum), Kelly Morgan, state site manager and Heidi with the tourism and history board shared about must-visit features like common houses, the Harmonist Cemetery and more.

Kelly taught us about dense Native American populations documented from 10,000 years ago, and up to the arrival of European settlers, making New Harmony not only a scenic but also nostalgic destination as my home area shares the same history.

We examined tile and modern art at the Roofless Church and Carol’s Garden, while fountains here and there beckoned for quiet contemplation.

The fossilized fish weathervane was spotted atop the Owenite Science Laboratory through an upper level window in the Harmonist Granary.

Sarah Aziz, nationally acclaimed artist, spoke about her current "Exhibit Columbus" project and later invited us to join her work on Ben Nicholson's farm.

More activities were enjoyed around town but we just didn't have enough time to absorb the full impact of all that New Harmony offers her visitors.

For Contrast:

I live in a small town of approximately 600 souls, and we can only boast a gas station, car repair shop and small vintage/antique shop.

Then there is the tiny hamlet of New Harmony with a population of 900+/- souls operating their small town, not just as a thriving business but as a well-oiled machine in a community bound together by a common goal.

The same goal that forged the original utopian experiments two hundred years ago.

Although those experiments failed for lack of leadership or workforce, some traditions took hold.

More and more we were able to appreciate how much effort the residents continue to invest since Jane Blaffer-Owen started her mission decades ago, to renew and improve the resources in this unique Hoosier town.

The People? Remarkable!

All whom we met were the most poignant aspect of everything we enjoyed in New Harmony.

Wherever I stepped inside, not one person treated me as an inconvenience.

Instead, they thoroughly answered my questions and enthusiastically offered more.

In fact, each and every business owner, employee, artist or resident greeted us enthusiastically and had pertinent topic-related answers that further fueled my curiosity.

Most importantly - we were all welcomed warmly wherever we ventured.

It started when I had some time to kill that first day and made use of the restroom at Capers Emporium.

Lining the walls of the lovely facility were beautifully framed and artistically arranged photos of New Harmony people and places, dating back to the earliest days of photography.

Those walls projected a history lesson in themselves.

Kim, working her magic and artistry at the lunch counter in a gorgeous commercial kitchen, answered my queries about people and events portrayed in the display.

After that I was eager to speak with anybody who would interact with me.

Modern Stories . . . it's still the people . . . 

Time and again a business owner or employee told me about visiting New Harmony, then pursuing a calling to move and open their own business in town.

Fire & Ice is one such establishment, as is Capers Emporium.

I must admit I felt drawn in and would do the same if I could offer up something new and unique.

Young adults I spoke with had grown up there, loved what they were doing and had no plans to leave.

Not surprisingly, every spot we passed or perused in person, holds exceptional ratings in Facebook, Yelp and travel websites.

Unquestionably, it is present day New Harmonists that make all the difference for their visitors.

We were never treated like strangers, or tourists, but as valued guests.

We all agreed when sharing our farewells, the only thing we would change would be to add another week for exploring the area.

That is why I am returning at Christmas!

It will be a hectic visit but the holiday setting is infamous and a must-see for a New Harmonist wanna-be.

This time a relative and I will stay at the New Harmony Inn and, undoubtedly, rest easy every night.

I hope to secure a dinner reservation at the Red Geranium one evening and once again feast on the superb made-to-order pizza at the Yellow Tavern.

I've already scheduled our Glassporium glass infusion class - I love art glass!!!

Of everything we see and do, I'll post photos and details after returning home.

I have no doubt we will be leaving glowing reviews of all we enjoy.

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​Update - Jan. 2026: Due to illness I was unable to return and had to cancel all my reservations. 

So New Harmony is on my calendar for Christmas 2026.

Meanwhile, in February I will start attending lectures adding to the historical tale of the Boatload of Knowledge and the founders of the utopian experiments.

This year I will have plenty of opportunities to discover more about New Harmony.

Pride of place and purpose in the townsfolk oozed everywhere.

Updated January 23, 2026

Photos to come . . . 

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September 28, 2025

Clayshire Castle Medieval Faire – Quite the Time and Place to Meet Some Very Interesting Characters

Folks of all societal identities roamed the weekend festival Clayshire Castle hosts every September.

Across the vast grounds of the Castle Keep a fairyland of treasures sprawled amidst a colossal medieval market.

               

Shakesperean actors and eclectic entertainers, fairies of all sizes and colors, elven folk, centaurs, knights and monks, along with royalty, from fine ladies to lowly maids, peasants and wenches, joined blacksmiths and swordsmiths, armorers, and shoppe proprietors.

Even an attending plague physician made the rounds in his beaked foreboding/microbe-mortifying costume.

They amassed together to provide common folks with a new or favored experience.

Discovered hither and yon were amiable purveyors of excellent liquid refreshment and meaty sustenance.

Commoners toured the castle proper, and likewise swamped the market booths, yet the grounds never felt over-populated but spacious and airy instead.

An open-air theatre, archery battle grounds and jousting fields bordered the complex within the walls of the grounds.

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***NOTE: If you attend IVY Tech Comm. College or have graduated, work there or in an IVY Tech famly, check with me about tickets for the 2026 Medieval Faire.

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As you can see the sun was bright with nary a cloud to darken the skies or the adventures had by all.

Period translation:

Come September, all sorts o' folk be trampin' 'round Clayshire Castle for the weekend feast, no matter their name or station.

Aside the castle walls, a right proper mess o' shiny trinkets sprawled, like a fairyland dropped in the middle o' the market.

Theatrical folk fit for the Bard himself attended, and tumbling fools of every stripe, wee folk and tall elves, horse-lords and holy brothers, lords and ladies grand and wenches in the muck, all side-by-side with smiths who forge iron and blades, armor-makers, and shopkeepers hawking their wares.

All gathered 'round to give the common folk a taste o' summat new, or summat they hold dear.

Found some right friendly folk, sellin' honey mead, and fine meat pies, they were.

Even the plague doctor, beak-nosed and grim, trudged 'round, seein' folks in his foul getup, wardin' off deathly airs.

Them common folk traipsed 'round the castle keep, and did cram the market stalls something fierce, but the grounds never felt too full, more like open and breezy, they did.

The castle walls, they did hold fair ground, where the common folk made merriment with open-air theatricals, pitched their skills in archery, and great knights clashed in the tilted lists.

Aye, the sun did shine brite, not a cloud in sight to spoil the day's fun and frolics.

***translations made at: https://anythingtranslate.com/translators/medieval-translator/

Updated February 25, 2026

Photos to come