Cragies and Snackies

Ultimately, the goal of Cragies and Snackies is to shine a light on crags and snacks that otherwise might be challenging to stumble upon.  Indiana might not be known for its world class rock climbing, but there are some crags worth highlighting, and of course where there are cragies, snackies are sure to follow.

Before getting into the good stuff, it’s worth noting that when looking into the history of an area, you really have no idea what you are going to find.

Muscatatuck Park climbing is a beautiful spot in south central Indiana, and while the limestone boulders won’t rank among the best in the country, they offer lots of fun and challenging sends. 

Muscatatuck itself was once home to Muscatatuck State Development Center which closed its doors in 2005 and promptly handed over to the Indiana National Guard.  Previously known as the Indiana Farm Colony for Feeble Minded Youth, this federal and state funded institution operated for 85 years and housed over 8,000 men, women, and children over that period.  Initially set up as a self-sustaining farm for “feeble minded” youth to learn a trade and save the state some money, the farm quickly turned into a feeder used to push its residents into forced sterilization.  The farm has a decades long history of abuse and mistreatment, right up until the end.  The stories of some of the victims and workers have been recorded for historical purposes by the Indiana Disability History Project.

History is not always pretty, but it is always worth learning from and Muscatatuck is a prime example.

Today, tucked along the Muscatatuck River you’ll find the Muscatatuck Park.  This park is the gem of Jennings County, offering lots of outdoor activities from canoe races to tea festivals.  Above all else (literally and figuratively) is the Muscatatuck Park bouldering.  Developed in the early 90’s by Boilermaker Greg Martin, Muscatatuck now offers over 100 different routes!

Our recommendation is to head straight for the Strawberry Fields.  This section has 30 listed routes that range from V1 to V10.  There are a few 4-star routes including Osiris, Steele Breeze, and Lucy in the Sky.  The route developers did a spectacular job with the names, and although only 3 route names have anything in common with strawberry fields, the others make up for the missed opportunity.  My favorite are the Indiana-centric Hoosier Daddy, and Hoosier Mama.  I also appreciate the V8 aptly called Criminally F***ed.  Note that on the Muscatatuck Park website, there is an awesome free downloadable guidebook that has great details about all the walls and routes!

Overall, any time spent climbing at the Mus will be a great day, with great climbing. 

While the route developers didn’t put much time into creating a strawberry fields leitmotif, we weren’t going to let that opportunity pass us by!

In sticking with the theme, we searched far and wide to bring you the best strawberry shortcake in all of Indiana.  Luckily that spot was only 16 minutes away!

Batar café/shops/sweets allows climbers to finish (or start) a day of climbing at Strawberry Fields with a belly full of strawberry bliss!

One couldn’t ask for a more decorated café to serve as this month snackies!  Batar which is named after the first syllable of founders Barbara and Tammy is listed as a Top 20 restaurant destination in the state of Indiana, a Top 8 restaurant in Indiana, plus ranked with the BEST desserts and BEST restaurant in Seymour.

Batar butts up to the Muscatatuck wildlife refuge, and guests are welcome to take a leisurely stroll through the gardens.  The café itself is situated to take in the beauty of the surrounding flora and forest.  So, whether you are inside or out, you’ll be able to enjoy the picturesque scenery of the surrounding area.

Two of my favorite things about the café are that they serve lunches on true vintage Wedgwood Countryside Blue China, and that cellphone conversations are forbidden in the dining room.  According to management, “violators will be covered in strawberry glaze and tied down to an ant hill.”  The folks at Batar take tranquility very seriously.

The menu itself is beautiful.  House Favorites, Salads, Pastas, Sandwiches, and Soups are all made with fresh ingredients and lots of love.  Because the desserts are so inspiring and impossible to pass, my recommendation is to go with Raspberry Cucumber Salad and a side of Batar Cream Cheese Spread and Whole Grain Crackers.  Wash it all down with a Batar Fruit Tea Blend (crafted in house). 

Obviously, the dessert has to be the Strawberry Crème Cake!!!  BUT…who says you have to  limit yourself to just one dessert, we went with the salad for a reason!  The Orange Pineapple Cake, the Chocolate Raspberry Cake, the Batar Apple Dumpling, and Cobblers all deserve a place in your belly!  And, when you’ve filled yourself to the gills, take a relaxing stroll through the garden before making one more snackie stop in the Bakar Bakery.

In the bakery you’ll find edible cookie boxes that look like pieces of art, 12 varieties gourmet rice cakes (including toasted coconut, peanut butter, and chocolate mint), and the bell of the ball, the dark chocolate Turtle Bars.

With Batar Café and the Muscatatuck Park bouldering, Indiana rock climbing has never been so sweet!  Strawberry Fields…FOREVER!

Location: Vernon, IN “The Crossroads of America”

Crag: Muscatatuck Park

Restaurant: Batar Cafe

Distance: 11 Miles