Cataract Falls

We have highlighted some of the food and bars in the area, We have created a covered bridge tour for you to take right from your phone, and we have broken down the best place to get breakfast and
coffee. This week we went to Cataract Falls just a 15 minute drive from C Bar C ( ask a local about short cut road).

Cataract is the largest waterfall by volume in the
state of Indiana and is a point of pride for most in the area but, the waterfalls are not the only thing this state park has going for it.
Once you arrive you will see the large covered bridge, this bridge is not part of the road and allows you to walk all around and in it. On the parking lot side you can stand at several viewing areas and see the upper falls. This area has picnic tables and grills so you can have a picnic to the

sound of the flowing water.

 On the other side of the bridge you will find a tail that weaves threw the woods while following the river at the same time. You can access the water and the falls in several spots along the trail. If you want to wade in the water you can do so on the top of the waterfall. That alone is a unique experience but for a one of a kind trip you need to keep walking. The trail leads you up hill and winds away from the river briefly before winding you downhill to bank of the water. Once at the bottom you will back track up river to the waterfall itself. The trail gets narrow as you approach the falls and eventually turns to a collection of large rocks you must climb up and down. Keep going,
once you make it past the rocks you will be behind the water fall!

Yes, the water has carved out a little "room" behind the falls covered in moss and jagged rocks it looks like something out of a movie, you feel like you are in a different land or time period while behind the falls. I have hiked all over the country and have rarely seen something this neat.

Once the awe wears of head back out follow the trail back to your car, or if you like a little free climbing just climb up the edge to cut down on the walk. I will warn you that both Grayson my 12 year old and Alyssa m wife were very upset with me for making them climb the rock wall. It is not the easiest and does require a little bit of nerves. Layla however my 10 year old wild child loved the climb, she did however fall and I thankfully caught her before she rolled down the cliff. So maybe just walk the trail.

Once in the car take a scenic 5 minute drive to the lower falls. The lower falls is a "look" only falls since you cant climb down to the mouth. This one looks and feels like your more traditional waterfall with a cement viewing area.

Along with the 2 falls Cataract state park has several miles of hiking trails, a playground, and picnic area. So it is easy to spend the day. Look at our earlier blogs to see Cataract general store for more to do while around the area.

Best places to get Breakfast

I am a breakfast guy, I am ready for some eggs and bacon anytime of the day. Most days I wake up craving biscuits and gravy or some thick french toast, with no desire to make it myself. The kids, Alyssa and I all went from place to place to find the best breakfast around Putnam County.

The Truck Stop

I really never knew what to call this giant white and blue building on the hill in Cloverdale as you exit Interstate 70, so I only know what everyone calls it and that is simply the truck stop. It sits on the hill with "Restaurant" written across it so it will be hard to miss. Along with a full lunch and diner menu the truck stop serves breakfast all day. They have a breakfast buffet with 2 kids of eggs, 2 kinds of sausage, pancakes, a waffle bar, has browns, bacon , sausage, and that was just my first plate. The food is good, the staff is friendly, and the coffee stays full. 

Jacksons

Like the truck stop this place has a very large lunch and diner menu, but the breakfast is my favorite part. It is a family owned restaurant that has been around for ever and continues to serve some good ole country cooking. 

3G Bowling

I know breakfast in the bowling alley? Every Saturday you will find one of the best breakfast in town at 3g Bowling in Greencastle from 9:30 to 1 pm. This family owned and operated bowling alley puts out a delicious breakfast menu and if you thought eggs and bacon where great wait till you pair it with bowling!

C Bar C Kitchen

Look I know I work here, I know the point of this blog is to highlight all the amazing things Putnam and surrounding has to offer but if I am being 100% honest and non-biased, C bar C has perhaps the best biscuits and gravy in the county. Erin and Brandy are in the C bar C kitchen every weekend cooking up eggs, bacon, biscuits, and coffee. If it is a busy show get to the kitchen early the biscuits and gravy goes quick no matter how much we make. If you are showing at the barn you can stay in your pjs and wonder on over. If you live locally most of our shows are free to watch and nothing pairs with b's and g's like barrel racing!

2 West Bistro 

2 West Bistro has a very unique menu for the Putnam County area. It is a scale above everything else you will find in the area. The Breakfast buffet is no different you will enjoy every mouth watering bite and with so many options you might as well plan a few hours to eat and a few hours to nap after

Moores Bar

A local gem that we often forget about is Moores bar in Greencastle. It sits right of the square and has an upscale dive bar feel, if that makes an sense. Stocked with a great selection of beer from PBR to some local craft beers you don't see everywhere. I am just one of those guys that loves a good pointless conversation in a dive bar and to date I have not been disappointed with the crowd, drinks or food at Moores.

Alyssa tends to be a little more refined of a drinker than me so it's always nice when you get my country feel and her downtown food and drink quality. They have lunch specials everyday that range from a shrimp basket to a good ole blt, matched with a drink special of the day that is purposefully matched with the food.

One of the best qualities of a bar in my mind is the staff. If you are frustrated with your local watering hole or just need a little hope in your life. Stop in and grab a drink from Hope, an awesome and attentive bar tender with a great personality and an amazing life story that will give any skeptic HOPE!

Because the environment is so low key and friendly the crowd is very diverse and you have the opportunity to meet all types of people from Depauw alumni to cross country travelers. In one afternoon we made friends with a cute little hip couple who was in town hiking some of the beautiful trails, an older couple that after 20 years had moved away from Indy to have a nice relaxing drink, a handful of Depauw
graduates back in town to see the old neighborhood and a  an amazingly inspiring lady who was battling stage four cancer and out with friends to take her mind of it. Talk about a fun 2 hours. Throw in a basket of shrimp, a live band from time to time and the worlds best bar tender Hope and you have no excuse to check this place out.

Moores is use to seeing competitors from C Bar C and is a great place to relax after a long day of showing and mucking.

You can find the address, menu, and hours on the Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/Moores-Bar-Grill-182446055176907/