My journey to Indiana last weekend was sort of a whirlwind but I had a great time along the way. I went to Franklin to see author Dorothea Benton Frank speak to a sold out crowd that was convened by their library. If you ever have a chance to hear her talk, please do. She is a captivating speaker and she had the room eating out of her hand in no time. I was fortunate to score a front row seat and made friends with a retired school teacher who was also there alone.

Dorothea spoke about her current book “By Invitation Only” and about ideas she has for her next novel. She then opened the floor to questions. Usually I’m more of an observer than a participant but I raised my  hand like a big girl and asked a question about “The Christmas Pearl” which happens to be one of my favorite books.

That was the reason I went.

However, the reason I stayed was to explore a little of small town America and a two towns I had never seen. Franklin is a college town, it’s the county seat with a behemoth courthouse and it has a beautifully restored downtown with an amazing old theater. There just seems to be a smidge more prosperity here.

The Artcraft Theater has been restored, including that gorgeous sign out front. The Library Director said they show movies here every weekend and that it’s a good idea to buy tickets in advance because they frequently sell out.

Downtown Franklin was pretty lively on Friday afternoon and evening and it made my heart happy to see so much activity. They have a commercial strip with a big box store, department stores and restaurants but downtown was still bustling.

Shelbyville appears to be a different kind of animal. First of all, it’s mainly an interstate stop with a few hotels, a Cracker Barrel and some gas stations. Most people are detouring here for a meal or for a night. There doesn’t seem to be as much wealth here and it isn’t as polished and clean as Franklin. With that said, there is something charming about this town.

First off, pretty much every kind of architectural style you might like to see is found here so it feels both eclectic and built over time. Are you looking for Neoclassical? They’ve got it! Victorian next door to Art Moderne? No problem. It’s all here.

The downtown is built around a nice square with parking, a fountain and some other points of interest in the middle.

I was obsessed with this building on the square. It’s a slender building, seemingly squished into a corner but it’s amazing. The cast iron facade allows for ornate details.

The town simply has character. Public art projects beautify parking spaces and there are many, many interesting details to behold if you just take a moment to look.

This brings me to my last point. All of these details above would never have been noticed from the car. Anytime you have a chance, park your car and explore a new town or even your own neighborhood. You might be surprised what you see on foot that would have escaped your notice if you were driving by. On a related matter, I know that vacations often take us to exciting places with chain restaurants and amusements parks but it’s an awful lot of fun to explore the quiet, less commercial places too!

I took a little road trip into Indiana over the weekend. The weather was super and the towns I visited were both quaint and friendly. Here are some of my favorite facades. I’ll write more about the journey and about what I was doing in small town USA later this week!

When I wear this shirt, people want to be my friend. It’s the strangest thing for this introverted country gal but it’s true. I have wandered anonymously through this world for many, many years. Yet, on both occasions I have worn this shirt, people have wanted to talk to me about the shirt, about music, about themselves, about things that made me a bit uncomfortable.

One woman hugged me as she tearfully told me her life story. Let’s stop here for a moment. A stranger hugged me.

I swore after that day that I wouldn’t wear it in public again but I love it so much that clearly this was a lie.

I’ve met some nice people along the way because of this $20 tshirt. I’ve talked to shy teenagers and to outgoing seniors. I have talked to middle aged bikers who called me “Miss” – this made me like them more – and to a retail worker who saw the Beatles perform in 1965. The first time I wore it out, the only place where I was safe from random conversation with strangers was a cemetery where I saw no other living soul.

I’m starting to view it as a unique social experiment. It seems like people are starved for meaningful interactions with other humans. We stare at devices all day but are underwhelmed by our interactions with other humans. And maybe it’s just because the music of the Beatles excite people and inspire them to treat each other a little better. They think I’m a kindred spirit.

Maybe the Beatles were right … all you need is love. Or maybe it’s because “we all live in a yellow submarine!” Either way, I’m learning to talk to strangers when I would rather be left alone.