Trifter

I am in love with Indiana’s South Coast, at Falls of the Ohio State Park. It is the closest thing the Midwest has to actual waves that are not generated by electromechanical action. Falls of the Ohio is a portion of the Ohio River that becomes very low in dry weather, revealing a sandstone bed embedded with fossilized fish and coral. A dam now controls water levels, so that the area is shallow even when the rest of the river is running much higher. I love hunting around the shoreline and the flats to see how the contours have changed, what new things have washed ashore, and what has washed away.

There are shaded, mostly wheelchair accessible, hiking paths that loop around from the rear parking area of the park’s visitor’s center, which connect to a fully accessible riverfront walk. There is a children’s play pod and a picnic area about an eight of a mile from the visitor’s center, complete with barbecue grills and wheelchair accessible bathrooms. A converted Victorian mansion across the street from the picnic area sells hand dipped ice cream, milk shakes, and other frosty treats.

The service at Kobe Steak House was excellent, with the meal arriving course by course. We had gyoza to start with; crisp-fried dumplings stuffed with cabbage and ground pork, with a sweet dipping sauce. A rich, smoky miso soup followed the gyoza. Next, we had a house salad with a Dijon-based dressing, followed by steamed rice.

My companion and I each ordered a different bento box meal. He had the sushi box, and I had the steak one. Each came with shrimp tempura, including sliced yam, cauliflower, mushroom, and zucchini. Each also came with a large serving of California roll, a type of inside out sushi with sticky rice. I particularly enjoyed the pickled ginger slices.

Kobe is a little pricey, but worth it if you want a really special meal with a relaxing ambiance.

Falls of the Ohio State Park
201 West Riverside Dr.
Clarksville, IN 47129

(812) 280-9970

Virtual Tour: http://www.fallsoftheohio.org/virtual_tour.html

Kobe Steak House

KOBE JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE
301 Southern Indiana Avenue
Jeffersonville IN 47130

(812) 280-8500