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Sick of Nashville? Try Metamora
Posted: Jan 04, 2008 in Things to do
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I had never heard of Metamora until my inlaws came along. They love to go to festivals, Nashville, shopping, flea markets, etc. And Canal Days is big on their list. I'm not a fan of being in crowds so Canal Days didn't sound that great to me. But I read up on Metamora and it sounded like an interesting place to go.
The first thing I noticed was that there is a train you can catch in Connersville that will take you straight to Metamora. So the whole day will be one big adventure. Ride a train and explore a town I haven't been to. What fun! It only gives you a two hour layover there, so if you are a big shopper, you might want to drive there first, or plan on driving back after the train ride. It was plenty for us, we mostly just window shop.
While we were there we took a ride on a canal boat. It travels through the only existing wooden aqueduct in the United States and it's pulled by two horses. The whole operation is run by the Department of Natural Resources. They can answer all your questions about the canal and about Metamora.
Unfortunately it was scorching hot that day and I don't suggest going on a hot day. Most of those stores are very small and they are just as hot inside. Sad to say there were a lot of spots that were for sale and for rent. I asked the DNR officer why and he said that a lot of the owners are older and are of retirement age. Their families have moved on and don't want the business. I don't want to see this town fail. It's like stepping back in time and I want it to last for a long long time. So please go visit! Spend lots of money!
Here is the info on the town and the railroad:
That was a fun trip except I got poison ivy somehow. I think it was just from putting my arm out the window during the train ride, as lots of weeds and leaves brushed up against the side of the train on some parts of the track.
As for Metamora, I thought the canal boat ride was interesting and educational, but the best part of the trip is probably all the junk food. There are several candy/fudge shops and all kinds of choices for other types of junk food. I think I had fudge, chocolate covered pretzels, and a coney dog. And amazingly, I lived to tell the tale.