Southern Indiana Now

06/17/2026

Hoosier Homestead: Bringing it Back to the Family - History, Weddings, and Wine at Lydia Grove

We are heading out to the rolling farmlands of Seymour to visit Lydia Grove Estate (formerly Chateau de Pique winery). Settled on 80 picturesque acres, this stunning historic property has recently returned to the Mellencamp family and is now owned and operated by Chad and Sarah “Sadie” (Mellencamp) Hubbard. We sit down with the family to discuss the inspiration behind the name "Lydia Grove"—honoring the last family member to steward the land generations ago—and their massive efforts to breathe new life into the historic 19th-century tasting room barn.

Discover their incredible setup for open-air pavilion weddings at The Lydia, their seasonal agritourism plans, and get an exclusive sneak peek into their growing estate winery and brewery program slated for later this year. It's a beautiful story of family roots, preservation, and creating a space to slow down and gather.

https://youtu.be/foViiY9nQX0?si=AwAHnQA6OjAmeXxs

06/16/2026

Learn more about Lydia Grove on tomorrow's episode! Check it out on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more starting at 6am on Wednesday!

06/10/2026

Sky High in Seymour – 2026 Airplane Ride Day! ✈️

Ever wanted to see Seymour from the clouds and spot your own house from above? On this week’s episode of the Southern Indiana Now Podcast, we’re previewing one of Jackson County’s most exciting annual events: the Freeman Army Airfield Museum Annual Airplane Ride Day 2026!

Whether you're a local history buff, an aviation enthusiast, or just looking for a fun family weekend, we break down all the details so you can plan your perfect outing right here in town.

📅 Event Details
When: Saturday, June 20th, 2026 | 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Where: Freeman Municipal Airport (1035 "A" Ave, Seymour). Note: Head to the big white tent across the street from the museum for the rides!

Cost: $30 per person (Tax-deductible donation). All proceeds directly benefit the museum.

🛩️ What to Expect
Take Flight: Enjoy scenic airplane rides over Seymour. No reservations are necessary—just show up!

On the Ground: Check out airplanes, a glider, and military vehicles on display. It's a fantastic photo opportunity for the kids.

Explore Local History: Tour the two-building Freeman Army Airfield Museum absolutely free.

Grab a Bite: Food and drinks will be available for purchase on-site.

For the Thrill Seekers: Looking for an extra rush? Robinson Aerobatics will be offering rides in a massive 500hp biplane for an additional fee.

⚠️ Important Guidelines
Before you head to the tarmac, please keep these rules and logistics in mind:

Flights are strictly contingent on good weather (no high winds or hard rain).

A signed waiver of liability is required for all riders.

Restrictions: No children under 5 years old, and a strict maximum weight limit of 250 lbs per person applies.

Want to know more? For more information, you can reach out directly to Larry at 812-521-7400. Grab the family and let’s get ready to fly, Southern Indiana!

https://youtu.be/TSBv9uxE74s?si=GkrMnLLnVnmmF648

06/09/2026

Check out tomorrow's episode to see how you can take flight with the Freeman Army Airfield Museum!

06/03/2026

Hoosier Happenings:
Chrome, Chords, and Community

Rev your engines and find your rhythm! On this segment of Hoosier Happenings, we are previewing the highly anticipated Cars and Guitars Car Show and Concert taking over downtown Seymour on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Come out to see an incredible display of all vehicle makes and models, grab a bite from local food trucks, and rock out to a live evening performance by band Bad Medicine. Best of all? Proceeds from the event go toward purchasing inclusive, special needs playground equipment for Seymour parks. Vehicle registration is $25, and spectator admission is free!

Where: Downtown Seymour, Indiana

When: Saturday, June 27 | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Vehicle Registration: Seymour Parks & Rec RecDesk

Hoosier Happenings: Chrome, Chords, and Community Rev your engin...

05/28/2026

Stop in downtown Seymour next to the Southern Indiana Now studio and check out our new neighbors! Congrats to Blessed Farms LLC on the Grand Opening!

05/28/2026

🪦 A Hoosier Hustle Feature: Marshall Monuments– Crafting Eternal Stories

We recently traveled to Salem to visit a business that has been a pillar of the community since 1946. Marshall Monuments isn't just about stone; it's about storytelling. We talk with Corey Churchman and the artisans behind the granite about the precision of hand-etching, the evolution of custom memorial design, and what it means to help Southern Indiana families honor their loved ones with craftsmanship that stands the test of time.

https://youtu.be/Jf2WlYEwXpQ

05/27/2026

🧘 Hoosier Hustle: Inside Perceptions Yoga, Mindfulness & Art

True community wellness isn’t about fitness trends or high price tags—it’s about creating a safe, accessible space for healing. This week, we are taking a deep dive into Perceptions Yoga, Mindfulness & Art, a remarkable non-profit organization located right in the heart of Vernon, Indiana.

Operating out of a beautifully restored, 180-year-old historic building at 139 East Hwy 3, this unique organization is on a mission to bring self-care and wholeness to underserved populations across Jennings County.

Whether you are a seasoned yogi or someone looking for a welcoming, judgment-free space to start your wellness journey, this segment shines a light on a local treasure that is truly the heartbeat of holistic health in Southern Indiana.

Thank you to our sponsor BK Media Solutions

https://youtu.be/v-ULHbBKGBQ?si=2BXg7-dt9w1nnd_u

05/20/2026

🎵 Hoosier Hustle: Rose Mandolins – The Art and Soul of a Master Luthier
This week, we are stepping into the mind of Seymour native Darby Boofer, the mastermind behind Rose Mandolins. For a quarter of a century, Darby has been handcrafting some of the finest bluegrass instruments in the country, carving each one to absolute perfection.

We dive into the fascinating history of his craft, which began under the guidance of legendary builder Buddy Davis. Darby shares the touching story behind the brand's name— named after his daughter you see the iconic pearl-cut "Rose" logo on the headstocks today.

We also pull back the curtain on the incredible grit, patience, and meticulous detail required to turn raw wood into a powerful, balanced "bluegrass machine." From the financial realities of spending months on a single instrument to the overwhelming pride of seeing major artists like Stephen Wilson Jr. play a custom Rose Mandolin, this is a deep dive into what it truly means to be a modern master of a historic trade right here in Southern Indiana.

It takes a special kind of dedication to build an instrument that carries a community's sound across the country. Darby Boofer reminds us that true artistry is alive and well in Southern Indiana Now.

🎵 Hoosier Hustle: Rose Mandolins – The Art and Soul of a Master LuthierThis week, we are stepping into the mind of Seymour native Darby Boofer, the mastermi...

05/19/2026