Red's Wagon Rides.

Red's Wagon Rides is (as far as I know) Terre Haute's first pedicab service. Above is a picture of Red's Wagon (topless). I figured I would do this interview with the owner (who happens to be my wife) at the beginning and see what she hopes for the business. Also, that way you'd know what to expect from the pedicab service. Then after the first season I hope to do a second interview to see how it went and if it lived up to her expectations.

I will first ask some general questions about the pedicab business and then some about what she hopes for the business.

What is a pedicab?
A pedicab is a green and alternative way of transportation by bicycle, where you don't have to do any work, just sit back & enjoy the ride.

How many people can ride in it?
My pedicab can hold up to 3 passengers with a weight limit of 500 lbs.  I haven't tried to pull that much yet, so I'll let you know how that works for me.

Where can I use it's services?
We are planning on having a presence at various downtown events, Earth Day at SMWC (if they will let me). We will also be available for special engagements. 

When will it be in operation?
We are planning on running when the weather is decent and we have free time. We have no set schedule at this time. We were out yesterday in the cold & wind for test rides.  You will just have to look for us in the downtown area, we are kind of hard to miss!

Is there a fee?
No, there is not going to be a fee at the current time but tips will be appreciated. We are just starting & we don't feel it would be fair to charge people at this time. Weddings & special occasion rides can be discussed if someone would like this service. 

Is there anything else you'd like people to know about your pedicab business?
This is a ride that takes life at a slower pace, please don't be in a hurry if you want a ride. We hope to shape the business to meet the needs of downtown Terre Haute.

I am hoping to do blogs on more Terre Haute Businesses, the Downtown Farmer's Market, The Community Theater, the Children's Museum and more. Be sure to let me know if you have ideas, suggestions or questions.

GET OUT THERE TERRE HAUTE!

Coffee Grounds

I am sorry this is a day or so late. I just got busy and lost track of time. Better late than never, someone once said.
This week is yet another business I really enjoy visiting. I have been visiting this business for many years (close to 10 or so). Oh, I don't even think their awesome desserts are mentioned. Mmmmm...chocolate chip cookies and coffee, need I say more? 

What is your name and how are you involved in or with Coffee Grounds?
My name is Pete Wilson and I bought the Grounds six years ago 

Where is your business located?
421 Wabash Ave, Terre Haute, Indiana

What are your hours?
6:30 to midnight mon thru fri and Sat and Sun 8:00 to midnight

If I have a question about your business, how can I contact someone? (ie. Phone, Facebook, Website or email)
www.thecofeegrounds.biz
812-238-9664
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Coffee-Grounds/115905041764236

How long hasCoffee Grounds been in business and how long have you been involved with it?
Been involved for 6 years and been in business for 17 years

What should people who have never heard of your business know?
Very eclectic, bohemian style coffee shop

Why should the people of Terre Haute and surrounding areas come to or support your business?
Because we are locally owned, great products and service.

How can people support your business?
By purchasing our products.

Are you on the present Downtown discount card or would you be interested in being on one in the future?Yes we are on it

Do you have any events plants for 2012?
They will be listed on the events schedule on our web page.

Is your business a member of the Downtown Terre Haute?
Yes

Do you support other Downtown Businesses (directly, indirectly or personally)?
Yes both

Do you have bicycle parking at or near your business?
IDK...about the bike racks
(I can tell you, there is one across the street in front of J-Gumbos)

Do you participate in any downtown events?
Yes
 Do you support it when Downtown streets are blocked for events (such as Blues at the Crossroads, Downtown Block Party, the Altrusa Chili Cook-off or other similar events)?
Yes...

GET OUT THERE TERRE HAUTE

Next week I hope to do a piece on Terre Haute's first pedicab.
That's right Terre Haute is getting a pedicab business!
And yes, there will be a few pictures.
Feel free to send me questions for the pedicab owner.

The Element

I am so excited! This is my first local business interview (via email) for the blog. I have sent out a few and hope to eventually talk to all the businesses I can. This one is especially exciting for me because I have been going to this store since it opened and I love it. I love the outdoors and this store helps me go out in it. Even on days like today. In fact, I have seen the sign out in front of this store read, "There is no bad weather, only bad clothing".

So, here are the answers to some questions from the co-owner of The Element Outdoor Outfitters:

What is your name and how are you involved in or with The Element Outdoor Outfitters?

Chad McKay and I am the co-owner

Where is your business located?

We are located on the corner of 11^th St. and Wabash Ave. in beautiful downtown Terre Haute Indiana.

What are your hours?

We are open 9AM – 6 PM Monday thru Friday and 10 AM -6 PM Saturday, closed on Sunday

If I have a question about your business, how can I contact someone? (ie. Phone, Facebook, Website or email)

We are available phone calls in the store during regular hours. We have a facebook page and we answer email directed to info@theElementOutfitters.com

How long has The Element Outdoor Outfitters been in business and how long have you been involved with it?

The Element has been open for over 6 years now and I have been here since the beginning.

What should people who have never heard of your business know?

Well,  I would like them to know that we are the premier outdoor outfitter in the Wabash Valley. We offer apparel and equipment for all your outdoor activities. We pride ourselves on great customer service and outstanding product knowledge.

What should people who have heard of your business know about it?

We are constantly working to update and improve our product mix to better fit what our customers area looking for. Our store changes with every season. We also work very hard on employee training and product knowledge. We are here to help whenever you need outdoor equipment, apparel or advice.

Why should the people of Terre Haute and surrounding areas come to or support your business?

We have great products at reasonable prices and outstanding customer service. On top of that, we do our best to support local groups  involved in our outdoor environment and the downtown area.

How can people support your business?

They can come in and buy our products and enjoy our community of outdoor enthusiasts.

Are you on the present Downtown discount card or would you be interested in being on one in the future?

We are not currently. We may be interested.

Do you have any events planned for 2012?

We do have several events in the early, early stages of planning. Possibilities include: Cornhole Tourney, Tent sale,  Disc Golf Tourney, Paddling trip, Camping trip, and Several Climbing trips. 

Are you hoping or planning on business growth for 2012 (in size, what you offer or number of employees)?

We are hoping to increase sales through new and exciting product offerings.

Is your business a member of the Downtown Terre Haute?

Yes.

Do you support other Downtown Businesses (directly, indirectly or personally)?

My wife and I personally support several downtown businesses.

Do you have bicycle parking at or near your business?

Yes.

If so, is it in a good location?

We have a bike rack in front of our building and we offer loaner locking  cables if you need a bike lock.

If not, would you be willing to put in a bike rack?

We did.

How many local people do you employee?

14

Do you participate in any downtown events?

yes

Do you support it when Downtown streets are blocked for events (such as Blues at the Crossroads, Downtown Block Party, the Altrusa Chili Cook-off or other similar events)?

Yes. In fact we block off 11^th street for our events sometimes. (we do keep both entrances to Jimmy Johns open for them – because we are good neighbors!)

What are your hopes for Downtown Terre Haute?

I like the recent reinvestment and improvements going on Downtown. I hope to see more quality businesses move to the downtown area. I am also encouraged by the work ISU is doing to improve relations and help with redevelopment.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

We have a climbing club.

GET OUT THERE TERRE HAUTE

Next week: The Coffee Grounds.
Two weeks: Red's Wagon Rides.

Need something to do on a cold Saturday?

GO TO THE CHILDREN"S MUSEUM!

Here is a last minute idea for today.

On Saturday, Jan. 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Terre Haute Children’s Museum guests will have the opportunity to build and decorate a small-scale single luge and learn about the science of luging.

With the help of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Homework Hotline tutors, guests will build a luge and then test their luge on simulated luge tracks. Guests will make predictions about how surface type, shape of their luge, wind resistance and angle of the slope of their track will impact the speed of their luge. They will then test their predictions by conducting several simulated luge runs and draw conclusions about the effects of physical forces on the sport of luging. While participating in this activity, guests will have the opportunity to learn more about scientific terms, such as acceleration, deceleration, friction, gravity and velocity.

A luge is a small one- or two-person sled, and lugers sled face up and feet-first. Luge is also the name of an Olympic sport. Of the three Olympic sliding sports, which include bobsleigh and skeleton, luge is the fastest and most dangerous. Lugers can reach speeds of 87 mph.

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's Homework Hotline is a free math and science tutoring service for Indiana students. A free community service since 1991, the program provides tutoring via a toll-free phone call (1-877-Ask-Rose). Tutors are Rose-Hulman college students who are recommended by faculty and selected for their technical knowledge and their ability to communicate clearly. The Homework Hotline reinforces math and science concepts and helps students develop better problem-solving skills.

The luge activity at the Terre Haute Children’s Museum is free for members of the Terre Haute Children’s Museum and free with paid museum admission for non-members. Admission to the Terre Haute Children’s Museum is $7 for adults and children 2 and older. Admission for children up to 24 months is free. For more information about the activity, and other activities coming up at the Museum, call 812-235-5548, email info@terrehautechildrensmuseum.com, or visit http://www.thchildrensmuseum.com/.

New Year

As I am sitting here thinking of all the things I want to do to promote Terre Haute for the new year, I decided to list some of the local places I have been. All of the places I am listing are places, I see the owner and/or talk to them. My wife and I have really started trying to support local. We really like to talk to the owners and see them around town.

Baeslers Market. http://baeslers.com/

Coffee Grounds. http://terrehaute.thecoffeegrounds.biz/
Java Haute. http://javahaute.com/
The Corner Grind. (See Crossroads Cafe below)

Chava’s Mexican Grill. (between 6th and 7th on Wabash Ave.)
J. Gumbo's Cajun Joint .http://www.jgumbos.com/store30.html
7th & Elm Bar and Grill. http://www.7thandelm.com/index.php
The Saratoga. http://thesaratogarestaurant.com/
Crossroads Cafe. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Boos-Crossroads-Cafe-Corner-Grind/266978683355
Wise Pies. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wise-Pies/115756785120959?sk=wall
The Speak Easy. http://en-gb.facebook.com/SpeakeasyConversationBar

The Roxy Studio http://www.theroxystudio.com/
J's Bikes. http://www.jaysbikes.com/
Fat Bikes. (11th and Wabash Ave.)
The Element Outdoor Outfitters. http://www.theelementoutfitters.com/
Graphic FX. http://www.gfxsp.com/
River Wools. http://www.riverwools.com/
Asian Market. http://asianmarketterrehaute.com/default.aspx
Coaches Corner. http://www.coachescornersportinggoods.com/
Coaches Pro Shop. (7th and Hulman St.)

Places that I am listing below, I believe to be local, but I don't know the owners.
Charlie's Pub and Grub. http://www.thecharliespubandgrub.com/
Black Angus. http://jfordsblackangus.com/

Now, there are many other locally owned business' in Terre Haute. If you have one that you know the owners and think we should all know about them, let us know. Put it in a comment on this post.

GET OUT THERE TERRE HAUTE!

Terre Haute Attractions

I have posted on things going on for the weekend to give people stuff to do, websites to visit for ideas, local gift ideas (x2) and local events for the upcoming days. Now I have decided to list a few local attractions.

On those odd warm days of winter, check out Wabashiki. http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/6188.htm

ACTIVITIES

Fishing

• Wabashiki Fish and Wildlife Area provides fishing for bluegill, crappie, bass and catfish from two ponds on the property.
• A 14-inch size limit on largemouth bass is in effect
• Electric motors only are permitted on the ponds
• Shore line fishing is available at the ponds and the river.

Hunting

• Turkey, rabbit, deer, woodcock, duck and goose hunting is available at the property. Night hunting is available for raccoon and fox.
• Non Toxic shot is required

NO Camping and NO Swimming Allowed.

Please Read and Obey All Signs.

Also for a warm day, go for a walk or ride on the Heritage Trail. http://www.indianatrails.org/National_Road_TH.htm

Most of this trail follows the former Terre Haute, Brazil & Eastern (also Vandalia) RR, an abandoned east-west line which connected to Indianapolis.  The Twigg rest area serves as an historically remarkable trailhead.  The trail continues as a bike lane west of 13th Street, then picks up as an interesting urban pathway along 4th Street beside the ISU campus.
There is a trail (from ISU at Tippecanoe) on 5th street that runs North. At Maple Avenue you can turn and ride or walk up to Collett Park on the Maple Ave. Trail.
Also, the 4th street trail (also from ISU at Tippecanoe) you  can travel South to Hulman and then head East on the Hulman Street Trail to about 31st street (this next to Bunches Nursery by the Thompson ditch).

Nothing to do on a raining (or sunny) day? Check out the Vigo County Historical Society.

Rumor has it, Stiffy Green is living there. The Vigo County Historical Society is located at 1411 S. 6th St..
Feel free to call for hours and information: (812) 235-9717

One of my favorite places to go is Dobbs Park. http://www.terrehaute.in.gov/departments/parks/city-parks/dobbs/NC

You can observe the wildlife, or hike through this 105 acre wooded setting. Wander through the wild prairie and watch the beauty unfold in the butterfly gardens. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.; Closed on Sundays, Mondays, Election days and holidays

Also at Dobbs Park you can visit the Native American Museum. http://www.terrehaute.in.gov/departments/parks/city-parks/dobbs/NAM

One more place to go on a winter day or any other day during the year might be the CANDLES Holocaust Museum. http://www.candlesholocaustmuseum.org/index.php?sid=1



These are a few of my favorite things. Anyone else break into song from the Sound of Music? I know I did.

If not, check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eaGxLZrLuk

There are many other attractions in Terre Haute. Feel free to check out Terre Haute's webpage for

attractions at http://terrehaute.com/category/attractions/

Welcome to 2012  and GET OUT THERE TERRE HAUTE!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas. I have enjoyed time with family and friends and have really been finding that is what life is all about. I have decided that rather than competing with the Jones', I should drink coffee and play cards with them! That is more rewarding than all the stuff I can buy.

In the near future, I am hoping to interview some local business people. I have had some positive feedback from local shop owners. They are going to answer my questions that, hopefully, you would like to know answers to as well. Feel free to send me any comments or questions for local shop owners.

So, what is going on in Terre Haute? If you have seen my past blogs you know a bunch of websites to look on your own. If you haven't been online due to the holidays, but still want to have some ideas for the up coming weeks, I will list a few things to do.

I recommend driving thru Deming Park to checkout the lights. I want to remind you this takes a few minutes because everyone else in the park is looking at the lights, so drive carefully, be considerate and patient. Don't go if you are in a hurry. It should be done as a nice relaxing and leisurely ride. I believe tonight is the last night!

For a list of New Years events goto this community calendar page: http://www.mywabashvalley.biz/events.amp

Terre Haute After 5:00 December Dinner Event at St. Mary of the Woods on December 27th.

http://www.mywabashvalley.biz/event_details/Terre_Haute_After_5:00_December_Dinner_Event/138619.html

Tryouts for "Meet Me in St. Louis" at the Community Theater. January 2 & 3, 2012.  http://www.ctth.org/pages/meet.htm

Children's Theater of Terre Haute, "World of Dance" January 6 & 7, 2012

http://www.artsilliana.org/calendar/details/id/2857

Rose-Hulman Performing Arts Series Hatfield Hall, "Moscow Festival Ballet:  Cinderella"

http://www.hatfieldhall.com/

Lots of music at ISU, starting back up in January on the 10th.

http://calendar.indstate.edu/MasterCalendar/MasterCalendar.aspx

The Swope has "Walter Pach and His American Colleagues" thru January 7th and "New Acquisitions" thru February 25th. http://www.swope.org/

Evening of Art and Wine at the Landing. Tuesday December 27th at 6pm. Call for information. 812-460-4000
Also at the Landing:

   December 31st, 2011: Black & White Soiree New Years Charity Ball, 

   January 17th, 2012: Pauly Shore!                                                                  

  http://www.thelandingatfortharrison.com/Upcoming_Events.php

Wabash Valley Harley-Davidson Polar Bear Run.

http://www.wthitv.com/subindex/community/calendar#/?i=3

Again, I would like to reminder everyone this time of year we should remember our family and friends are the most important things in our lives.

GET OUT THERE TERRE HAUTE