Madison Indiana, Lanthier Winery

The next several posts will feature my recent vacation in Madison, Indiana and then Lake Geneva, Delavan and Williams Bay Wisconsin.  There are many beautiful gardens and nature preserves in all the areas, and I wish I had been able to visit all of them.  Readers will be getting a taste of fall in the North with these photos.

I visited my sister, Jean in Madison, Indiana and volunteered with her at the Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art.  The original Chautauqua was founded in 1901 and was a 10 day religious, literary, scientific, political, theatrical and musical mix of performances, demonstrations, sermons and lectures.  The last year the event was held was 1929.  The Great Depression put an end to it.  In the early 1970's the Chautauqua was revived as an art festival.  Now the Chautauqua is a fine arts and crafts show with 250 artists and craftsmen from all over the US.  There is also a concurrent local arts and crafts show near the Courthouse called Old Court Days. There is a lot of musical entertainment as well, and of course delicious food.

Madison is located on the Ohio River and there is a beautiful river walk and park area near the historic and vibrant downtown. Madison has been recognized as "The prettiest small town in the Midwest " by the Ladies Home Journal and the "Best preserved town in the Midwest" by the Chicago Tribune.  I agree.

This post will feature pictures of the Lanthier Winery gardens which is situated right across the street from the river park.  They have the best blackberry wine I have ever tasted.  Unfortunately I forgot to go back to get a bottle or two on Sunday and they were closed on Monday when I was heading out of town.  Good excuse to make another trip up there.  Madison is located about an hour east of Louisville, so it is about a 7 or 8 hour drive from Birmingham.

This year the weather was perfect for the Chautauqua.  70's and partly cloudy.

The Winery Retail Center

You might want to visit sometime, so take a look at:
Lanthier Winery Web Address


or

visitmadison.org/

Garden Photo Tour

 There were long lines waiting for tastings on the days of the festival.

 Espaliered Pyrycanthus

 I loved their displays of gourds and pumpkins, both in and out of the potted plants.

 One of the entrances to the winery.

Wine cork mulch!

The balloons are there only during the festival, they are not a daily display.

 These were taken on Monday after the festival at a time when the winery is closed.  They do not gate or fence off the gardens.  Everyone is welcome to enjoy them at anytime.  I was very grateful for the early morning quiet in the garden. Even though it was an overcast day it was very beautiful.

 There are many little gazebos and shelters where patrons can sit and sip wine and enjoy the garden.

The next post will be about my sister's garden and the gardens of Lanier Mansion State Historic Site.