So Sid is probably the only one who can answer this one...but during last weekends LPGA event there were commericals for Southwest Indiana as a place to come and set up business and live. I've seen a lot of commericals for a state, come to California, Michigan Pure, etc. Never seen one for a particular area of a state. What gives?
Doc There's a wonderful resort in southern Ind. called French Lick (yes the hometown of Larry Bird.) It has classic and modern golf courses, a fabulous dining room, a great tavern and a casino. In the early 20th century, the wealthy vacationed there drawn by supposedly medicinal springs. I took Mary there for her 60th and 3 of my kids and some grand kids surprised her there. It's similar to the Greenbrier.
Gip did a great job of describing French Lick. There are other geographic areas of interest in SW Indiana, but the major city, Evansville (pop. around 150,000), would be considered the "hub" of commerce. It's only 2 hours from St. Louis (Indianapolis is 4 hours from STL) and much closer than Indy to places like Memphis, Nashville, and other southern locations. Evansville is on the Ohio River, which, like Louisville and Cincinnati, provides a unique aesthetic appeal. I haven't seen those ads up here, but it doesn't surprise me that they are touting that section of the state.
So does Southwest Indiana consider itself to somewhat of an independent economic entity from the rest of the state?
Terry, I can't answer that, except to say that sportswise the SW corner of the state has tended to pay more attention to St. Louis than Indianapolis (2 hours from St. Louis, 3 hours from Indy). When I was doing business down there I never noticed it, but a close friend who was born and raised there tells me that they consider Indianapolis far away. This friend grew up a Cardinals fan because he got their games on the radio as a kid. No. He won at Crooked Stick in Carmel, which is suburban Indianapolis. I think it was 1991. Not sure. I believe there is a PGA event this season at Crooked Stick.
You'll enjoy it, but be prepared for possible heat and heavy humidity off the golf course. It may not be the case in June but definitely later in the summer.