What do families from suburban Indianapolis and Los Angeles have in common with sportscaster Bob Costas?
They all have sampled and reached some of the same conclusions as Electric Consumer readers when it comes to choosing a few of Indiana's best attractions.

Take for example the Burton family from Fishers, Ind. To celebrate Fletcher Burton's sixth birthday, the Burtons drove down to Spring Mill State Park outside Mitchell last month and stayed at the inn.

The family took in the pioneer village with working grist mill and waded the cool stream flowing by. Fletcher's dad, Tom, said Spring Mill was his son's favorite place, and this is where he wanted to spend his birthday.

In Electric Consumer's 2005 version of our "Readers' Choice Awards," readers picked Spring Mill as their favorite state park, too.

The Paulson family of Torrance, Calif., let its feelings be known about the George Rogers Clark Historical Park in Vincennes. "I love it … awesome," the Paulsons wrote in the log book inside the rotunda of the classic Greek memorial.
The Paulsons — Eric and Ellen and children Russell, 13, and Stephanie, 10 — had just begun a 40-day summer adventure of Midwestern national historic sites in their RV. The first stop one Sunday morning last month was the Wabash River site where, in February 1779, Clark and his small force of frontiersmen captured the British-held Fort Sackville. The memorial introduced the Paulsons to this heroic commander and his key accomplishments in the American Revolutionary War that are often overlooked.

That's what their annual summer road trips are designed to do — enhance their knowledge of American history, culture and geography.

Each summer for the past several years, the Paulsons load up their RV and tour the national historic sites and parks in different sections of the country. This year's trek takes them through the Midwest. "These are more missions than vacations," admitted Eric who carefully plans each stop.
"It's a lot of fun," though, noted Ellen. And their two children are getting an education of a lifetime.

Electric Consumer readers think the Clark site is "awesome," too. For the first time, it was a Readers' Choice. It tied for Best Historical Site with a previous winner, the Lincoln boyhood memorial in Spencer County. The Lincoln site was the next stop for the Paulsons as they worked their way east.

When it comes to the great American pastime of baseball, many folks think sportscaster Bob Costas is second to none. His name has even been bandied about as the next commissioner of Major League Baseball. His opinions seem to matter. This is what he had to say about Victory Field, home of the Indianapolis Indians Triple-A minor league ball club:

"It's a beautiful ball park, and it's part of one of the best sports downtowns anywhere in America. … Victory Field … is a miniature version of Camden Yards or Coors Field in Colorado that have been so successful. Those retro ballparks that have some of the modern amenities that make it comfortable, but have the old time feel that is so much a part of baseball's appeal. You just can't go wrong with that type of arrangement."

Electric Consumer readers concurred by selecting Victory Field as the "Best Baseball Park" in the state.
Back in April, we asked you — Electric Consumer readers — to tell us about some of your favorite Hoosier things. Readers from around the state filled out and mailed or faxed the ballot or sent us an e-mail with their answers to our 12 questions. The 2005 version of our Readers' Choice Awards is in the books — and on the next page and back cover.

Winners in many of the categories you picked will receive a certificate recognizing the honor. We thank the readers who participated, and hope all will sample the winners — and compare the competition. See if you agree with other readers — and folks like the Burtons, Paulsons and Costas.

Locally-owned restaurant
The Schnitzelbank Restaurant, Jasper
(812) 482-2640; (888) 336-8233; www.schnitzelbank.com

Willkommen! This year's Readers' Choice for Indiana's best restaurant gives you a taste of old Germany in this town rich with German heritage. Since 1961, the "Schnitz" has gained an international reputation for its authentic German cuisine and drink. The menu reflects dishes that are commonly found in southern Germany. You'll find Deutsche treats like Rolladen, Sauerbraten, Sauerkraut, Red Cabbage, Potato Glaze and German Fried Potatoes. There's a dish to suit every palate, including American steaks and seafood. There's even a gift shop and new cook book on its way.
Visit the restaurant, owned and operated by the Hanselman family, and you'll see why it continually earns state, regional and national kudos.

The Schnitzelbank is open Monday-Saturday,
8 a.m.-10 p.m.; closed Sundays and most holidays.

State Park
Spring Mill, Mitchell
(812) 849-4129, http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/properties/park_springmill.html

Spring Mill State Park's impressive array of historic and natural wonders surely helped it clinch its third straight selection as your favorite State Park. Park visitors find many attractions to enjoy: a Pioneer Village featuring an impressive water-powered grist mill; nature preserves; caves; a restaurant and inn; campground; pool; a memorial to astronaut Virgil I. "Gus" Grissom; and more.
Grissom, a native of Mitchell, flew both Mercury and Gemini space missions. He died testing the Apollo I lunar capsule. His Gemini spacecraft, flown in 1965, and other memorabilia are displayed at the park.

The Pioneer Village is now open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; the Grissom Memorial is open daily 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Entrance fee to the park is $4 for in-state cars.

Historical Site
Tie: George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, Vincennes
(812) 882-1776 x110, (812) 882-1812; http://www.nps.gov/gero/index.htm

A newcomer in our Readers' Choice awards, the George Rogers Clark national historic site offers a classic memorial to the Revolutionary War hero who took Fort Sackville from the British on these very same Wabash River banks in February 1779. The daring dead-of-winter campaign by Lt. Col. Clark and his small band of frontiersmen remains one of the great feats of the American Revolution. Adjacent to the memorial is a visitor center where one can see interpretive programs and displays.

The park visitor center is open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The memorial is open from 9 a.m.-4:45 p.m. The park is closed on major holidays. Admission is $3 for individuals age 17 and older.

Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, Lincoln City
(812) 937-4541; http://www.nps.gov/libo/

The Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, which won the Readers' Choice for historical site in our first survey in 2002, occupies a portion of the land where Abraham Lincoln grew from a boy to manhood, ages 7-21.

Visitors can join "pioneers" in the typical daily chores of the 1820s at the recreated homestead; or check out a museum, film and gift shop at the visitor's center.

The site, operated by the National Park service, is open all year. Summer hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The historical farm is open daily until October. Admission is $3 for individuals age 17 and older.

Across the highway from the site is Lincoln State Park which offers recreation, camping and theatrical productions, including one on Lincoln's life, in a fully-covered amphitheater (http://www.usi.edu/lincoln/).

Casino
Caesars Indiana Casino Resort, Elizabeth
(888) 766-2648; caesarsindiana.com

Indiana's gaming industry continues to flourish along the Ohio River and Lake Michigan shores. Those who ventured an opinion in this category know you don't have to go to Las Vegas for gaming at its finest. And, for most of you, Caesars Indiana Casino Resort came out big. After all, at 450 feet long, 100 feet wide and four stories high, the spectacular Glory of Rome is the world's largest gaming vessel. Inside, there's world-class gaming action for every level of player.

Caesars also offers restaurants and shops; a 503-room hotel with world-class amenities; top names in entertainment; meeting rooms; and Chariot Run golf course and club house. Caesars is on the banks of the Ohio River, 20 minutes west of Louisville. The casino and resort is served electrically by Harrison REMC.

Arts and Crafts Fair
Parke County Covered Bridge Festival
(765) 569-5226; http://www.coveredbridges.com/

Indiana's covered bridge capital annually draws almost 2 million people to its October festival. Tours and photo ops of the county's 31 remaining bridges amidst autumn's splendor are a major attraction. So are the plethora of booths featuring traditional Indiana festival foods, country crafts and various keepsakes. The Covered Bridge Festival this year runs Oct. 14-23.

Baseball Park
Victory Field, Indianapolis
Office: (317) 269-3542; Tickets: (317) 239-5151; http://www.indyindians.com

Victory Field has been recognized as the "Best Minor League Ballpark in America" by such prominent publications as Baseball America and Sports Illustrated. So, it should come as no surprise that Electric Consumer readers should pick it as the best in Indiana.

Opened in 1996, Victory Field is home of the Indianapolis Indians, Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The ballpark has also hosted the annual high school state baseball championships. The $20 million facility boasts many unique features including an open concourse that offers great views of the playing field and festival-style lawn seating beyond the outfield fence.

Vacation Spot
Tie: Brown County
(800) 313-0842; http://browncounty.com

Holiday World, Santa Claus
(812) 937-4401, 1-877-463-2645; www.holidayworld.com

This category ended in a tie the first time we surveyed for the "Best of Indiana." Now three years later, readers are still split between picturesque Brown County and the Southern Indiana theme park.

Brown County attracts young and old alike with its breathtaking fall foliage, historical attractions, state park, shops and a wide variety of outdoor activities.

Holiday World and Splashin' Safari provides a wide variety of thrill rides and attractions for kids of all ages, including two of the best wooden roller coasters in the world and the state's largest water park. And there are free sun screen stations and refills on soft drinks! The park consistently receives high marks from the amusement park industry, including the coveted 2004-2005 International Applause Award.

Chocolate/Candy Maker
Schimpffs, Jeffersonville
(812) 283-8367; www.schimpffs.com

This unique confectionery and lunch room in Jeffersonville's downtown historic district comes complete with an old-fashioned soda fountain and original tin ceiling. The old-fashioned candy jars, cases, and century old equipment transport you back to the good old days of homemade candy and a real fountain drink. Not much has changed, it seems, since Gustav Schimpff Sr. and Jr. opened its doors in its present location in 1891. The firm has been family owned for four generations.

But it's the candy itself that really sets Schimpffs apart. Schimpff's is famous for its cinnamon redhots, hard candy fish and Modjeskas. A more recent favorite is the chocolate, caramel and pecan confection molded into the shape of a turtle.

Hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m-5 p.m; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed Sundays.

Golf CourseCovered Bridge, Sellersburg
(812) 246-8880; http://www.coveredbridge.com

Covered Bridge is home of Masters and U.S. Open champ Fuzzy Zoeller who designed the 18-hole course. Nestled on a gently rolling plain at the foot of Southern Indiana's famous Floyds Knobs, the par 72 circuit was laid out to emphasize the natural beauty of the landscape and panorama. The course was the Readers' Choice in 2002. The 2003 Readers' Choice, Sultan's Run in Jasper, was a close second this time.

Summer Camp for Kids
Camp Tecumseh YMCA, Brookston
(765) 564-2898; www.camptecumseh.org

Many a camper, including the 7th graders-to-be who just participated in the third annual Touchstone Energy Camp, have enjoyed the fun and facilities of Camp Tecumseh. The camp offers a variety of outdoor experiences, including wall climbing, riflery, swimming and canoeing on its 500 acre natural setting of woods and meadows along the Tippecanoe River. A variety of camps are held at the facility. The staff and programs offer a camp experience that campers will carry with them for a lifetime.

Best Book
A Girl of the Limberlost by Gene Stratton-Porter
http://iupress.indiana.edu

Hoosier writer and naturalist Geneva Stratton-Porter (1863-1924) was passionate about nature.

Her most cherished work, A Girl of the Limberlost, published in 1911, is a timeless story of an impoverished young girl, Elnora Comstock, growing up on the edge of the Limberlost swamp. Like many of Stratton-Porter's works, a central theme of the book is the restorative power of nature to the mind and spirit.

Other reader choices included other works by Stratton-Porter, works by Hoosier James Alexander Thom and the classic Ben Hur.

Industry/Product
Agriculture/Agribusiness

Readers responded to this category with a wide variety of answers. As we tabulated, it became hard to separate "corn" from "popcorn" and "Red Gold" brand name produce from "produce." Or, we got "furniture" along with specific furniture/cabinet/chair companies. So, we lumped things together. When all was said and done, Indiana's best industry/product came out as agriculture or agribusiness. Furniture was a close second.

Best Encounter with Electric co-op service/employee

As expected, a wide variety of comments in this category came in: everything from stories about how happy consumers were to see linemen coming up the drive after ice storms left them without power to little thoughtful acts of kindness co-op employees had performed. Jasper County REMC consumer Denise Kerner of Wheatfield wrote a two-page letter recalling an ice storm outage and the joy of having power restored.

For a lot of folks, the Best Encounter was best summed up by WIN Energy REMC consumer Genie Gard of Owensville who wrote, "The ‘Best Encounter' is ‘No Encounter.' That means all is going well!"

Some folks listed rebates; Internet classes their co-op taught; Doug Rye's energy seminars their co-op sponsored; the cooperative student art contest and calendar; and Electric Consumer's annual ornament contest. Co-op employees or managers cited by name more than once included Harrison REMC's Paul Beckort; Jasper County REMC's Stephanie Johnson; Tipmont REMC's Jim Clark; and Emily Schilling and Richard Biever of Electric Consumer.

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Electric Consumer thanks all the readers who took the time to fill out the Readers' Choice ballot. If you have categories you'd like to see next time or comments, please write us at Electric Consumer, P.O. Box 24517, Indianapolis, IN 46224; or e-mail us: ec@indremcs.org.