Indiana Pork Loin Sandwiches

Every area of the country is known for some type of food: New York hot dogs, Chicago pizza, Southern fried chicken, etc.  I have learned since moving to the mid-West that outside of corn, Indiana is best known for their pork loin sandwiches.  Picture the largest piece of fried meat that you can imagine, slap it on a bun 1/3 its size, and there you have it.  The first couple of times that I tried it, I wasn’t too impressed.  But one of the adventures of living around the world is searching for those true local restaurants that really give you a taste of the local food.  So when Hank and I heard about this little place in Gnawbone, Indiana(pronounced “Ganawbunny” by the locals) that apparently has the best pork loin sandwiches in the state, we had to go and try it out.  Now growing up in the south, I have learned that some of the best soul food is sold out the back of hole in the wall places.  So when we heard that this place was selling sandwiches out the back of an old gas station, we were pretty optimistic.  Sure enough, this is what we saw driving up.

This is a former Marathon gas station now appropriately named Gnaw Mart located on Ind. 46 just past Pat’s Gnaw Bone Sorghum Mill and Flea Market.  You walk in and order off a menu posted on the wall consisting of Pork Loin Sandwiches, Homemade potato chips, and fried gizzards.  After seeing gizzards on the menu I was a little hesitant, but Hank assured me that it just meant the place was legit.  (Of course he had to get gizzards with his sandwich.)  Sure enough, we were sold on the pork loin just after one bite into our sandwiches.  Talk about tender, juicy meat dribbling down your chin good!  So if you are ever passing through Gnawbone, Indiana you’ll have to stop at the Gnaw Mart for one of their famous pork loin sandwiches.  You won’t be disappointed.

               

Springtime in Indiana

Spring is officially here, which seems to bring out smiles everywhere.  The snow has melted, the temperature is rising, and everything’s starting to bloom.  You forget how amazing the sun is after being covered by dark wintry clouds for so long.  I had to get outside and enjoy this weather, so I broke away from my desk and took these pictures during my lunch break.  The IU campus is just awesome in the spring. 

You've got to love Bloomington;)

So have fun venturing out this week and finding the uniqueness and beauty that comes with springtime in your neck of the woods!

Out with the Cold and In with the Run

Each season brings its own excitement.  I love living in a place that has four distinct seasons.  It keeps things interesting; keeps things changing.  I am cold natured to the extreme, so the spring is when I start spending time outside again on a regular basis.  I start running and have recently discovered the adventure in races.  It’s so fun to have a goal to work towards and end the summer running with a big group of people who love the outdoors as much as you.  I’ve only ever run 5k’s, but I have some friends pushing for a 10k.  I don’t know…I’ll keep you posted.  Towards that end, here’s a picture from my route.  I run through the neighborhood next to our apartment, and this is the very best time of year!  I always feel like I’m running through the clouds or something romantic like that.

What cool routes are in your area?