This Covered Bridge Festival Is Indiana's Largest

In July, you don't have to twist my arm to get me talking or thinking about autumn. It is my favorite season, it never seems to last long enough (true fall weather, I mean), and I start longing for it about the time sweat begins a non-stop stream down the side of my face.

The Parke County Covered Bridge Festival

If you feel like talking about fall and nobody in your circle is ready yet, come sit at my table and we'll talk about covered bridges. These amazing structures can be found just about anywhere east of the Rocky Mountains, and they will be celebrated once again in western Indiana. The fact that the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival, Indiana's largest, stretches out over 10 days is icing on the cake.

Obviously, you never have to wait until this annual festival to soak in the nostalgic beauty and charm of the "Covered Bridge Capital of the World." With 31 covered bridges, Parke County has more than earned the honorific.

What to Do at the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival

The Parke County Covered Bridge Festival is scheduled for October 10th through the 19th, and it might last 10 days because the festival takes place in nine different locations in Parke County.

If you go, you'll want to plan a visit to each one because they all offer something different. Start with Rockville, the county seat, and enjoy woodcarving demonstrations, antiques, and unique restaurants. A general store, an old schoolhouse, and other historic structures will greet you in Billie Creek Village. You'll discover mouthwatering dinner options at the Friends Meeting House in Bloomingdale. There's world-famous "buried beef" in Tangier, a huge county market in Rosedale, phenomenal cuisine options in Montezuma (minus the revenge), another beautiful old schoolhouse and popular tavern in Mecca, an enormous array of vendors in Mansfield, and the must-see historic district of Bridgeton.

October? Covered bridges? Need I say more?

These are Some of the Scariest Bridges in the United States

Do you have gephyrophobia? It's a serious issue that can alter travel plans at any given time. These bridges are some of the scariest in the country to avoid if you have anxiety issues. There are a number of scary bridges in America, but it really comes down to what scares you most, height, water, or both.

Gallery Credit: Barb Birgy