Rising Sun is our name – don’t wear it out!

Hello followers! Today I’m going to touch on the finer points of our fair town, Rising Sun. After all, if I’m asking you to come on out and join us for our beloved Navy Bean Fall Festival, y’ought to know a little bit about us!

Now, you’re not going to find a much prettier town than ours. Sitting on the banks of the Ohio River, Rising Sun is one of very few towns where you can actually see an unfettered view up and down the riverbank. No muss, no fuss! Just nature and our beautiful historic hometown! And speaking of historic, did you know that Rising Sun was founded two years before Indiana actually became a state? One could say that we were just a little ahead of our time!

Let me just run down a few of the many attractions we have here. Really, I could write an entire book about it, but I know you technology types and bloggers want to have your information quickly and efficiently. So I am going to make good use of your time.

First up! The Navy Bean Fall Festival! (Ok, people, what did you expect me to list first?! I am the official blogger after all!) The Navy Bean Fall Festival takes place on the weekend of October 8^th and 9^th, and we’ll have all the navy bean soup, rides, and music you can handle!

Do you like art? We’ve got it! Check out the Pendleton Art Center, as well as a myriad of other galleries and studios that artists here call home. You won’t find a more diverse and talented group of folks.

Or are you more of the new-age type? Let me tell you all about the Rising Sun Wellness Spa. It’s simply the best place to relax and get that well-deserved massage you city folks need!

And who doesn’t like the harp? Come meet Rising Sun’s very own William Rees at Harps on Main who has been making harps for beginners and professional for over 30 years!

For the animal and environmentalist in all of us, visit Red Wolf Sanctuary. Learn about the wonders of nature and the wildlife that lives all around us!

And did I mention the casino? So, if you are you more of the nightlife kind of person, the Grand Victoria Resort and Casino is for you!

Now, I could go on and on about the diversity of activities here. But I am more of the succinct type, and it’s probably best if you just visit the Visit Rising Sun website. You can find information on everything I’ve talked about and more.

So what in the world are you waiting for? Hop in your cars and pay us a visit!

And don’t forget to tell ‘em Nadine sent you!

-N. Bean

What's with the Navy Bean?

Good morning followers! First, let me introduce myself. I’m Nadine, or as my fans call me, Mrs. N. Bean. I’m a native of Rising Sun, Indiana and I have been elected to school our Navy Bean Festival fans on all things navy bean. I’m excited to be your hostess, and invite you to follow along as we head into the navy bean frenzy that we here in Rising Sun call the Navy Bean Fall Festival. I’m a little cantankerous at times, but I think you’ll understand – I have a tough job to do! The promotion of the Navy Bean is my mission, and I aim to passionately convert anyone and everyone I can to be a card-carrying navy bean fan!

Let’s start with a little education! What’s with the bean? The navy bean got its current (and very popular) name because it was a staple food of the United States Navy in the early 20th century. They are small, white beans and are perfect for making the staple of our festival – Navy Bean Soup. Just so you know, if you are interested in making our beloved soup, dry navy beans are best to start with and are available year-round in prepackaged containers as well as bulk bins. Or (heaven forbid), canned navy beans are also available year round at local markets, and will do in a pinch for you last-minute types.

The navy bean is mild-flavored, dense and oh-so-smooth! And here’s little piece of trivia: navy beans are one of 13,000 species of the family of legumes, or plants that produce edible pods. Combined with whole grains such as rice, navy beans provide virtually fat-free high quality protein. You just can’t go wrong with this bean, my friends!

So, that’s it to start! This blogging thing is new to me, and I am really looking forward to hearing from all of you for feedback and comments. Look for recipes and commentaries from me, and maybe even a few guest blogs from our Rising Sun dignitaries.

~ N. Bean