March/April 2014 • 36
Saint Meinrad
Archabbey is certainly
worth the drive
If you blink you might miss
Saint Meinrad Archabbey in the
tiny town of St. Meinrad just
outside of Hoosier National
Forest. Head this way for a tran-
quil afternoon.
"There are plenty of places
to walk and enjoy the beauty of
the grounds," said Mary Jeanne
Schumacher, director of com-
munications for the Archabbey.
"A walk will take you past lakes,
woods and shrines. The monas-
tery rock garden is lovely, with
its fowers, fountains, waterfall,
and unique sculptures."
Visitors should plan to stop
by the Guest House and pick
up an audio tour of Saint Mein-
rad or a Visitor's Guide, which
includes a walking tour. These
guide you around campus and
describe the Archabbey Church,
the Chapter Room and other places.
The Guest House has a helpful staf that can answer ques-
tions and provide you with brochures.
Visitors also can plan to join the monks for prayer or Mass
"The liturgies are beautiful and the Gregorian chant sung
during the Liturgy of the Hours is part of an ancient tradi-
tion," Schumacher said.
The Archabbey Library houses more than 170,000 volumes
— most with a theological focus. The library usually has
an art exhibit on display that visitors are welcome to enjoy.
There also is a campus bookstore, The Scholar Shop, and the
Saint Meinrad Archabbey Gift Shop.
On a hill about a mile away is Monte Cassino Shrine, dedi-
cated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. A small chapel (completed
in 1873) provides a quiet place to pray, while benches and
picnic tables outside ofer places to sit during nice weather.
Schumacher said her two favorite things to do are attend
Vespers with the monks in the Archabbey Church and take a
walk in the peaceful monastery rock garden.
"The campus is beautiful year round, but the warmer
months are nicest for walks," she said.
If you get hungry, visit the Guest House dining room for
a meal. You can inquire at the front desk for prices and meal
times. The Archabbey Gift Shop has a small café that serves
sandwiches, soups and pies. The best place to picnic is on the
grounds of Monte Cassino Shrine.
To visit the shrine, follow Indiana 62 east from Saint Mein-
rad Archabbey for about a mile. A sign on the left marks the
entrance to the ground.
For more information, visit www.saintmeinrad.org. •
riving in French Lick, passengers have a little over three hours
to grab a bite to eat and explore the town before the train heads
back towards Jasper by 5:30 p.m.
Concerts and entertainment
There is no shortage of special events to check out in the area
from March to June. Here are a few that we compiled:
Wine & Canvas at French Lick Winery: Enjoy a glass or two
of wine as an artist guides you step by step in replicating a fea-
tured painting, March 9 (www.frenchlickwinery.com)
"The Jungle Book", playing at Derby Dinner Playhouse
through March 29. (www.derbydinner.com)
Celtic Woman: The Emerald Tour, playing Horseshoe of
Southern Indiana March 13 at 8 p.m. (www.horseshoe-indiana.
com/shows)
Kansas in Concert, French Lick on March 15 at 8 p.m.
(www.frenchlick.com)
"Singin' in the Rain", playing at Derby Dinner Playhouse
April 1 through May 18 (www.derbydinner.com)
Patoka Lake Tour: Enjoy the sites and sounds as you cruise
the lake in style, every Wednesday starting April 9. (www.pato-
kalakemarina.com)
REO Speedwagon in Concert, French Lick on April 12 at 8
p.m. (www.frenchlick.com)
Justin Moore, in concert at Horseshoe of Southern Indiana
on April 19 at 8 p.m. (www.horseshoe-indiana.com/shows)
Dogwood Festival in Orleans. April 30 through May 3.
(www.historicorleans.com)
"See How They Run", playing at Hayswood Theatre May 9
through May 25. (www.hayswoodtheatre.com)
The Las Vegas Tenors, in concert at Derby Dinner Playhouse
on May 12 at 7:15 p.m. (www.derbydinner.com)
Friday Night on the Square, Salem on May 16 from 5-9 p.m.
// Stay in town
The picturesque rock garden at Saint Menrad Archabbey is a tranquil getaway and is lovely in
the springtime.
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