Centrally located in the Louisville-Cincinnati-Indianapolis triangle lies the charming town of Madison, Indiana. A destination in and of itself, Madison is an easy one-hour drive from Louisville along the Ohio River Scenic Byway. No matter your interests, you will find it here: history, arts, music, higher education, wineries, restaurants, and outdoor beauty combine to make Madison an ideal day trip (though you may wish you had more than one day to explore!)
Just on the outskirts of Madison you will find nearby Stream Cliff Farm, owned and operated by the Manning-Riley families for seven generations. The Madison Visitors Center will be happy to assist as you plan your adventures; stop by and say hello! visitmadison.org/
Stream Cliff Historic Farm in Commiskey, Indiana is an easy 15-minute drive from Madison and well worth the short trip. Visitors stroll the grounds of the beautiful farm, taking in the old barn market, greenhouse and nursery, gift and antique shop, Twigs & Sprigs Restaurant, event spaces, chapel, display gardens, and winery – which offers free wine tastings, delicious wine slushies, their own bottled wine for purchase, and hosts a Summer Music Series from June 4 to October 29.
If you’re lucky, you’ll catch Betty Manning or another member of the family, who will answer any questions about the history of the farm, its converted 1821 barn, 1836 farmhouse, and other buildings formerly used as blacksmith shops, animal sheds, and a grainery. Betty not only knows the farm and its history and can name any plant growing in the display gardens – she is also a folk art painter with her work available for sale in the gift shop. Her work will be featured in a gallery show in Madison this fall, providing the perfect excuse to plan your return trip to this lovely town and its surrounding area.
Story and photos by Patti Hartog
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