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Nashville Tennessean Reports on Rising Sun

By Jane Ammeson • Nashville Tennessean • February 1, 2009

RISING SUN, Ind. -- Tucked away in a bend of the slow-moving Ohio River, across the current from Rabbit Hash, Ky., this town of little more than 2,000 people enchants visitors with its early Victorian-era downtown, river walk, casino and burgeoning arts scene that includes a world-renowned harp maker.

Not far away are an animal sanctuary, another casino and even zip lines that let riders soar through the area's undulating hills.

Looking to do something a bit different? Soar above the ground at Dagaz Acres Zipline Adventures (513-598-8097, www.dagazacres.com). Located on an 85-acre farm, the zip lines traverse 23 acres over creeks and hills, reaching as high as 65 feet and going as fast as 35 mph.

"I knew they had them in the Caribbean, but I never expected to find one in Southern Indiana," says Linda Simon, an attorney from Gary, Ind. Simon traveled to the area to check out the arts scene in Rising Sun but thought the zip line sounded adventuresome.

Animal lovers should check out Red Wolf Sanctuary (812-667-5303, www.redwolf.org), a refuge for a variety of North American predators.

"They're all rescued animals." says Jane Strasser, who, with her husband, Paul, owns the sanctuary. It now has four black bears, 14 gray wolves, a bobcat and a cougar.

Red Wolf is relocating, so check its Web site for updates.

Check out historic houses

Finally, follow the Ohio River Scenic Byway south to Aurora. It's home to two historic mansions, now house museums. Hillforest, set on a hill overlooking the river, was built by the owner of a brewery.

Call ahead and set up a tour of Veraestau, Aurora's other house museum, one of the first Greek Revival homes built in the state.

Finally, take a sip at Chateau Pomije, the second-largest vineyard in Indiana, on a 70-acre estate with a restored 1891 barn that houses the sampling room, show room and wine making.

Hear the harps

Visiting music lovers will want to head to Harps on Main in Rising Sun, the home of William Rees Instruments, one of the largest custom harp makers in the country.

Stop in at The Main Artery, a studio and gallery owned by national award-winning artist Vera Curnow, author of eight art books and founder of the Colored Pen Society of America. Curnow's gallery features traditional fine arts and crafts as well as gifts. Steps away is the Pendleton Art Center, where 20 or so local artists have studio space and show their work in the main gallery. Nearby antique and gift shops round out a downtown visit.

Take in the sights

History buffs can visit the Classical-style county courthouse, completed in 1845, which is the oldest operating courthouse in Indiana. A must stop is the Ohio County Historical Museum in what used to be the Clore Plow Works, a building complex that dates to 1850.

Rising Sun was once one of the busiest ports on the Ohio River, and several riverfront buildings remain from its heyday.

Also within walking distance is the Grand Victoria Casino and Resort by Hyatt with more than 1,400 slot machines plus poker, blackjack, Caribbean stud, roulette, craps and Spanish 21, a fast-paced take on Blackjack.

Head to nearby Dearborn County for more gambling action at Argosy Casino & Hotel in historic Lawrenceburg.

The 78,000-square-foot, three-deck riverboat features 2,600 slots and 70 table games.

Top Cincinnati Chefs Participate in Rising Sun Chef Series

The Ohio County Tourism Commission is sponsoring a Chef Series beginning Thursday February 5 at 5pm at the Ohio County Community Foundation Building(formerly Tools For Tots) on Smart Drive in Rising Sun.

Each session provides an opportunity to be up close and personal with some of the most famous chefs and cooking experts in the Cincinnati area. Students will learn to prepare recipes by watching in the kitchen as each chef prepares his or her food. Then everyone gets to taste each recipe.

The first session on Feb 5 is a Tapas Tasting prepared by David Cook chef and owner of Daveed’s in Mount Adams. Chef David will prepare 12-14 recipes based on this popular Spanish custom. The price for this class is $45.

The second session on February 26 is a Chef Cook-Off between David Cook and Sean Daly, chef and owner of Hugo in Oakley. Hugo is named for Hurricane Hugo and the cuisine is based on low-country recipes of the Carolinas. The fee for this class is $25.

The third session “Cooking With Amy”on March 26 is a cooking class by Amy Tobin Author of Amy’s Table and director of the Northern Kentucky Cooking School at the Party Source. The cost for this class is $25.

For more information or to reserve your space call Ohio County Tourism at 888-776-4786.