The Metamora Economic Development Corporation is working hard to raise the $200,000 to purchase the 35 acre property on highway 52 to build an Interpretive Center. This project is a huge undertaking that will impact Metamora and the surrounding counties. By completing this project we will be able to preserve the history of Indiana and pass it on to tourist and schools. This will be a remarkable educational and cultural breakthough.
Many fundraisers are planned for 2006. Please help us with this endevor by attending these fundraisers. We are also accepting dontations. Any amount would be greatly appreciated. Help Metamora share the history of Indiana. If you are interested in donating to this worthy cause please email us at mail@metamoraindiana.com.
History is to important to forget!
Friday, March 31, 2006
Monday, March 20, 2006
Metamora Indiana's Smelly Gourmet Coffee Bar Passes the European Test!
The "Smelly Gourmet" in Metamora Indiana is an unusual shop! It's a handmade bath and body shop and European Coffee Bar. You'll know were open when you see the Italian flag flying outside.
You'll most likely be greeted by Steve, the owner and he will tell you, "I make the best Cappuccino this site of the Atlantic!" He's not shy about it, he'll even guarantee it! You won't leave the Smelly Gourmet unhappy.
True coffee drinkers agree with Steve. We had one lady from California tell us she as been all over the U.S. and has never had a drink as good as this. Another customer told Steve to move to Chicago and open the Smelly Gourmet there so she can have a good drink everyday. We get comments like this all the time.
But the real critic was Pietro, an Italian man! Nobody knows espresso better than the Italians!
Pietro walked in and began speaking in Italian. My guess is that Pietro did not expect Steve to respond in Italian but he did. To say the least watching the two of them talking Italian was a very fun experience. Steve is so passionate about Italy so spending 45 min or so with Pietro and Debbie was a real treat. I love the sound of the Italian swirl of the tongue!
Later that evening we receive the below email from Pietro.
Debbie and I stopped at the Smelling Gourmet this afternoon. Steve Collier prepared an espresso coffee that was just like being in Italy.
It started even before I took a sip of it to realize that the thick ceramic cup contained the creamy miscela the way is supposed to be.
Visually and aromatically the small content of the espresso cup brought to mind the Bar Roma in Sabaudia, where I used to stop few times per day for the espresso, 33 years ago, before leaving Italy for the USA.
Intentionally I prolonged the time before drinking, fearing it was only a dream. But wow, the taste was also there, full force, unadulterated, just like Italy!
Thank you Steve,
Pietro
He'll never claim he's better than the Europeans but he is not shy about telling you he's the best here in the states!
Steve spent 7 years in Italy where he learned the art of making true European coffee. Come in and test the coffee!
You'll most likely be greeted by Steve, the owner and he will tell you, "I make the best Cappuccino this site of the Atlantic!" He's not shy about it, he'll even guarantee it! You won't leave the Smelly Gourmet unhappy.
True coffee drinkers agree with Steve. We had one lady from California tell us she as been all over the U.S. and has never had a drink as good as this. Another customer told Steve to move to Chicago and open the Smelly Gourmet there so she can have a good drink everyday. We get comments like this all the time.
But the real critic was Pietro, an Italian man! Nobody knows espresso better than the Italians!
Pietro walked in and began speaking in Italian. My guess is that Pietro did not expect Steve to respond in Italian but he did. To say the least watching the two of them talking Italian was a very fun experience. Steve is so passionate about Italy so spending 45 min or so with Pietro and Debbie was a real treat. I love the sound of the Italian swirl of the tongue!
Later that evening we receive the below email from Pietro.
Debbie and I stopped at the Smelling Gourmet this afternoon. Steve Collier prepared an espresso coffee that was just like being in Italy.
It started even before I took a sip of it to realize that the thick ceramic cup contained the creamy miscela the way is supposed to be.
Visually and aromatically the small content of the espresso cup brought to mind the Bar Roma in Sabaudia, where I used to stop few times per day for the espresso, 33 years ago, before leaving Italy for the USA.
Intentionally I prolonged the time before drinking, fearing it was only a dream. But wow, the taste was also there, full force, unadulterated, just like Italy!
Thank you Steve,
Pietro
He'll never claim he's better than the Europeans but he is not shy about telling you he's the best here in the states!
Steve spent 7 years in Italy where he learned the art of making true European coffee. Come in and test the coffee!
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Metamora in Winter
For those familiar with our quaint little burg during the October Canal Days festival, or during the December Christmas Walk, Metamora is a much quieter place in the winter. Few tourists roam the streets, few shops are open.
But, for those who venture out for a visit anyway-- and there are actually quite a few of those sort of adventurers-- Metamora will still be found as a lovely little gem hidden just off of Indiana Highway 52 about eight miles west of Brookville. The Whitewater Canal waters still flow melodiously over the waterfall next to the 1800's vintage Grist Mill. Most of the ducks do NOT fly south for the winter, instead choosing to remain local in hopes of handfulls of corn from a few of the local shopkeepers who brave the winter months in town.
During the week, when they get tired of walking through the village to take in the fascinating historical buildings and talking to the ducks, visitors can always count on warming up with one of the self-proclaimed "Best Cappuccinos this side of the Atlantic Ocean" at the "Smelly Gourmet" European Coffee Bar and beauty products manufacturing store on Main Street (closed on Mondays, open the other six days of the week.) And the engaging Master Barista who runs the coffee bar is always ready with animated conversation about his years of living in Italy before he retired from the US Navy Submarine Force.
On weekends, you'll almost always find George and Gail open in their shop on Main Street called "Words and Images/The Train Place". Between George's excitement over his antique lanterns and model trains, and Gail's knowledgeable conversations about art, history and her books (she is also known as "the Book Lady") a visitor will have an enjoyable time.
Next door to George and Gail, in the building with the tall letters spelling out "HOTEL", is the "Walnut Creek Home and Garden" shop, a name that doesn't do justice to the many wonderful handcrafted items by more than twenty artists and craftsmen. In addition to Ron's copper items, you will find handcrafted jewelry, paintings, Candy's wood furniture, long-beard Tony's stained glass, and much more. This place is usually open six day a week, and you'll usually find Ron the coppersmith working away at his craft while Candy, Ron's wife, keeps turning out beautiful art works when she is not (as she usually is) engaged in activities to help get the word out about the wonders of the town of Metamora.
Even in winter, there are still the occasional visitors who spend a weekend or an overnight stay at the Metamora Inn, one of the towns' best-known Bed and Breakfasts, which remains open throughout the winter. The proprietors, Glenn and Jo, live at the Inn and thus remain open throughout the winter. They won't find much night life in town, but for a peaceful, quiet getaway, the natural beauty of the town and the interesting buildings and people make for a very satisfying retreat from the hustle and bustle of life in the big city or annoying corporate environment.
But, for those who venture out for a visit anyway-- and there are actually quite a few of those sort of adventurers-- Metamora will still be found as a lovely little gem hidden just off of Indiana Highway 52 about eight miles west of Brookville. The Whitewater Canal waters still flow melodiously over the waterfall next to the 1800's vintage Grist Mill. Most of the ducks do NOT fly south for the winter, instead choosing to remain local in hopes of handfulls of corn from a few of the local shopkeepers who brave the winter months in town.
During the week, when they get tired of walking through the village to take in the fascinating historical buildings and talking to the ducks, visitors can always count on warming up with one of the self-proclaimed "Best Cappuccinos this side of the Atlantic Ocean" at the "Smelly Gourmet" European Coffee Bar and beauty products manufacturing store on Main Street (closed on Mondays, open the other six days of the week.) And the engaging Master Barista who runs the coffee bar is always ready with animated conversation about his years of living in Italy before he retired from the US Navy Submarine Force.
On weekends, you'll almost always find George and Gail open in their shop on Main Street called "Words and Images/The Train Place". Between George's excitement over his antique lanterns and model trains, and Gail's knowledgeable conversations about art, history and her books (she is also known as "the Book Lady") a visitor will have an enjoyable time.
Next door to George and Gail, in the building with the tall letters spelling out "HOTEL", is the "Walnut Creek Home and Garden" shop, a name that doesn't do justice to the many wonderful handcrafted items by more than twenty artists and craftsmen. In addition to Ron's copper items, you will find handcrafted jewelry, paintings, Candy's wood furniture, long-beard Tony's stained glass, and much more. This place is usually open six day a week, and you'll usually find Ron the coppersmith working away at his craft while Candy, Ron's wife, keeps turning out beautiful art works when she is not (as she usually is) engaged in activities to help get the word out about the wonders of the town of Metamora.
Even in winter, there are still the occasional visitors who spend a weekend or an overnight stay at the Metamora Inn, one of the towns' best-known Bed and Breakfasts, which remains open throughout the winter. The proprietors, Glenn and Jo, live at the Inn and thus remain open throughout the winter. They won't find much night life in town, but for a peaceful, quiet getaway, the natural beauty of the town and the interesting buildings and people make for a very satisfying retreat from the hustle and bustle of life in the big city or annoying corporate environment.
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