After we had a great visit in Kentucky, we took a quick one-night stop in Seymour, IN at Chateau de Pique Winery as part of our Harvest Host membership. “Chateau de Pique stands among 80 picturesque acres of beautiful rustic countryside. Housed in a quaint 19th century horse barn…”
There is a large parking lot up the hill next to their catering outdoor tent. However, we tried to park in front of the tent was not able to level our RV. So we moved to the side of the tent where we were able to level. We had to chuckle because shortly after we had set up, two other RVs (5th wheels) pulled in and they parked in front of the tent. Later, while talking to us, they told us they had difficulties leveling also. So we were lucky we arrived first to get a great place.
Before we went into the winery to taste, we drove to downtown Seymour to look at John Mellencamp’s mural. So first stop was to see this mural by Artist Pamela Bliss . The Mellencamp mural can be seen on the side of Seymour’s This Old Guitar Music Store, 106 W. Second St. and was completed in December 2020.
After we returned, we went down to the winery to try their wines. This was a different set up than we were used to. The samples were served at your table.
We walked through the winery.
On Sunday, we had some time to go check out the longest bridge in Indiana.
“The Medora Covered Bridge is the longest covered bridge in the United states with the entire original historic truss still in place with some repairs but no structural changes. Measuring the clear span (abutment face to abutment face) of 431’10”, the Medora Covered Bridge is the longest historic covered bridge in the United States. The roof length of 461′ and the siding at the floor length of 459′ are also the longest historic covered bridge measurements in the U.S.
The Medora Covered Bridge was built in 1875 by J.J. Daniels at a cost of $18,142.00 and took nine months to build. The bridge was covered to protect the truss from the elements. Before the bridge was built people crossed the river by ferry.
It has been reported but not verified that at one time there was wooden railing down the middle of the bridge separating the two way traffic. As the vehicles became wider, the railing was removed and it was then one way.
Until 1935 the bridge carried U.S. Route 50 when it (U.S. 50) was moved four miles to the north.
In 1968 the bridge was scheduled for demolition when the new modern parallel bridge was to be opened but was saved by an order from then Governor Whitcomb in 1971.
A modern parallel bridge was opened in 1973. The covered bridge was closed to vehicular traffic at that time.[11]
In 2007, the bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places
In June 2011 a rehab of the bridge was completed. The original truss remained in place with a few repairs. The cedar shake shingles, siding (Seven of the original boards, identified by square nail holes, were placed on the north side of the far west end.), pilons and some of the rafters were replaced. Except for the shingles, most of these items were original but badly deteriorated. Much of the flooring was replaced but was not original.”
See also
So a quick one-night stay at a great winery. Very relaxing. We had some time to talk with others that were there also. Off to our next stop.
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