The other famous fellow in this part of the state, Abraham Lincoln, lived here from ages 14-21, arriving when Indiana became a state in 1816. Enroute to Lincoln's boyhood home, now a national monument, stop at the Buffalo Run Grill just a few miles west of Santa Claus on IN 162. Here a buffalo burger, much like hamburger, will set you back $3.39. The owners of the Buffalo Run, Kathleen and Michael Crews, believe in sustainable living and raise buffalo and ostrich on the ranch out behind the restaurant. Frozen meat is also available for sale, and in the gift shop – a kid's dream – they sell buffalo teeth, hair, horns, and deer antlers. A tooth runs between $1-5, depending on size, while heads command $850-1,250.

The Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial bustles with visitors from April through September, when docents demonstrate the hard life of farming in the early 1800s. The buildings are replicas built on the original foundations. If you haven't had your fill of Lincoln lore by now, cross the road to the Lincoln Amphitheatre, which presents a play in the summer season on Lincoln's life.

Driving south on US 231 towards the Ohio River, then west on IN 66, brings you along a scenic stretch towards Evansville. The river serves as a border between Kentucky and Indiana. Keep heading west, right into New Harmony, a spiritual community founded in 1814 by George Rapp. The dormitory where men and women lived still stands, as do a number of other buildings from this early period. Rapp and his followers sold the town they built in 1824 to Robert Owen and a group of philosophers, doctors, and intellectuals, who then established a utopian society. Several buildings from Owen's time also survive, some of which are private homes, and some of which are public and open for tours. Tucked away several miles from major roads, New Harmony never really expanded, and historic buildings underwent several reincarnations without being torn down. It's such a peaceful place – visitors can walk right in the middle of the streets. Sample the gourmet fare at the Red Geranium, meditate while you walk the labyrinth, or buy some garden seeds at the Showrooms at the Mews.

If you're up early, head over to the Main Café, 520 N. Main, for eggs and toast. The restaurant has high ceilings with pressed tin panels, but that's not all that's old fashioned. You'll get yesterday's prices and today's gossip from the farmers gathered for coffee. It's pure Hoosier.