Indiana Roads Got You Down? Here’s Why AAA is Your Ultimate Backup

Driving in Indiana is always an adventure. One minute you’re cruising, the next you’re stuck on 465 during rush hour or dodging a pothole big enough to swallow your front tire. And let’s not forget when your car pulls a “nope” after a long day at Holiday World. That’s where AAA comes in—your go-to rescue team for Indiana drivers.

They’re not just about tows, either. Lock your keys in the car at Lucas Oil? They’ve got you. Need a jump in the Target lot because you left the lights on? Been there, done that. Plus, they offer discounts and trip planning for when you finally decide to take that road trip to French Lick.

If you’re driving without AAA, it’s time to rethink that. It’s peace of mind for all the curveballs Indiana roads can throw at you—and let’s be real, we could all use a little more of that. Check out the Hoosier Motor Club for details!

☀️ This week’s INsights

This week in Indiana History - Ladies and gentlemen, the time has come to FINALLY celebrate a day that makes this blurb and this newsletter possible. On this week in Indiana History, we celebrate Indiana’s statehood. On December 11,1816, President James Madison officially signed for Indiana’s admission into the Union. 

Indiana petitioned for statehood for the first time in 1811, but they did not have a high enough population at the time to become a state, plus America was about to go to war with Britain for the second time. 

Finally, a new law was passed called the Northwest Ordinance… this was a law that set the population threshold to become a state at 60,000 or more. This allowed Indiana to officially graduate, from being a territory to becoming our 19th state in the Union. 

Initially, a state known for its frontier, the new government transformed the state into a well-developed and thriving state (as we all know, the greatest of all of the 50 states in our great country). 

From the Indy 500 to basketball to two Indiana universities playing against each other in a college football playoff game, we celebrate today, the day that made all of that possible.

⚡ Hoosier Headlines ⚡

Christmas at the Zoo - The Indianapolis Zoo has been doing “Christmas at the Zoo” for 57 years—back when the idea of putting lights in a zoo was groundbreaking. They were the first zoo in the country to do it, starting in the 1960s.

This year, they’ve got all the classics: festive snacks, a giant tree that could probably be seen from space, and, of course, Santa. But the big news is Santa’s Magic Cottage, where Mrs. Claus and the elves give you a tour of Santa’s Indiana hideaway.

And it’s not just lights—there are Jolly Animal Encounters featuring reindeer, penguins, and miniature horses. It’s open through January 5, 2025, so you’ve got time, but don’t wait too long. Head to indianapoliszoo.com for tickets and to help Indiana win “Best Zoo Lights.” Let’s make Santa proud.

Pro Pickleball Coming to Evansville - Evansville is stepping up its pickleball game! The city was picked as one of 16 stops for the new PPA Challenger Series, coming to Wesselman Park September 19–21, 2025. This is like the minor leagues for pickleball, giving aspiring pros a shot at the big leagues while letting players of all levels compete alongside them. It’s basically the pickleball version of “Rudy.”

Aaron King from Explore Evansville says they’re building off the hype from local tournaments and aiming to grow sports tourism in the area. With 16 new courts at Wesselman Park and a plan to keep fans happy with food trucks, music, and fast-paced action, they’re making this tournament a full-blown event.

It’s expected to be the biggest tournament Wesselman Park has ever hosted, with 500–700 players battling it out. Whether you’re a pickleball pro or have no clue what it is, it sounds like a fun time. For more info or to register, head to Explore Evansville online.

🎧 The Best Bourbon in Indiana with @Heavy Bourbon 🎧

🎙 I sat down with Dan Kidd, also known as Heavy Bourbon, a prominent bourbon content creator with over 70,000 followers on TikTok and Instagram.

This episode was a Taste and Talk. 

Dan brought some of his favorite Hoosier Bourbon's and Whiskeys and enlightened me on the creation and tasting process.

You are going to learn:

• The top 10 places to enjoy a Bourbon in Central Indiana

• Insider knowledge about the Spirit Industry in Indiana

• 6 of our favorite Hoosier Bourbons & Whiskeys

Listen on Spotify, Apple, or Youtube 

 💎 Hidden Gems 💎

The Free Spirit - Indy

The Free Spirit in Indianapolis is a laid-back gem that offers a classic dive bar vibe with a welcoming twist. It’s cozy, casual, and the kind of bar that doesn’t try too hard, which makes it even better. Plus, they’ve got a spacious patio and darts, pool tables, and live bands for when you need a little entertainment to go with your beer.

But, the real star of the show? Their wings. Everyone raves about these being some of the best in town—crispy, flavorful, and consistently satisfying.

101 Lakes - Steuben County

Steuben County, Indiana, home to the enchanting 101 Lakes area, is the kind of place that makes you wonder, "Why isn’t everyone talking about this?" While it’s a summer hotspot, winter is when this hidden gem really shines. Picture this: serene frozen lakes perfect for ice fishing, snow-dusted trails around Pokagon State Park, and a sense of calm that feels like stepping into a winter postcard.

Then there’s Pokagon State Park, which has Indiana’s only refrigerated toboggan run. You can feel like a kid again, racing down the icy track, screaming your lungs out, and laughing all the way to the bottom​.

Visitors love the area because it’s peaceful and full of natural beauty, without the crowds you’d expect at more famous destinations. Add in charming local towns with cozy inns and unique eateries, and you’ve got a winter wonderland that’s easy to fall in love with.

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👏 1 Big wIN 👏

ND vs. IU - who you got?

Wow - not only have Indiana & Notre Dame Football made the College Football Playoffs, but they are facing off in the first round. Indiana heads to South Bend to take on Notre Dame in a playoff game that could steal the weekend. The Irish are favorites, but don’t count the Hoosiers out—they’ve been lighting up scoreboards all year, averaging over 43 points a game! Notre Dame’s defense, though, is no joke, giving up just 13 points per game.

Expect a packed house, a ton of energy, and maybe a little Midwest weather drama. Classic playoff vibes.

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