From Dumplins to Davis—Let the Adventure Begin!
Event hosted by Roger & Kathy Johnson / story written by Kathy Johnson

Twelve friends in six Corvettes met under beautiful sunny skies for a four-day adventure with Corvette companions—chasing curves, fall colors, and the echoes of history.

Day one, we rolled out of Monterey with hearts full and tanks topped. Our scenic cruise carried us through golden hills and winding backroads, landing us at Earl G. Dumplins for a hearty lunch—no dumplins in sight, but plenty of catfish, burgers, tenderloin, and a classic salad bar to satisfy every appetite.

The afternoon brought two powerful brushstrokes of history: first, the Simpson County Jail Museum, where graffiti-covered walls echoed stories of Civil War prisoners once held within. Then on to the towering Jefferson Davis Monument, where we toured the museum and parked our Vettes beneath the 351-foot obelisk for a photo op that felt both humbling and iconic.

We wrapped up the day in Owensboro with smoky mutton, ribs, and a taste of Kentucky’s famous burgoo at Old Hickory BBQ.

Covered Bridges, Jailhouse Spins & Brickyard Dreams

Day three greeted us with frosty windshields and breath you could see—Mother Nature’s way of saying, “Bundle up, adventurers!” But the chill in the air only made the day’s magic feel more alive. Our first stop was the Darlington Covered Bridge, completed in 1868 and stretching 166 feet across Sugar Creek like a storybook passageway. Closed to traffic since 1974, it’s preserved for its historical charm and scenic beauty. And unlike any other bridge we’ve seen, this one boasts a floor made of thick wooden blocks—laid edge grain like a giant’s parquet masterpiece.

Just as we were soaking in the serenity, a giant John Deere tractor with a tiller came rumbling down the narrow road. Our Corvettes were parked off to the side, but clearance was tight—and you can imagine our wide-eyed helplessness as that green beast crept past our low-slung lineup. Thankfully, the driver was all smiles and courtesy, hugging the edge of the lane and waving as he passed, adding a dash of rural charm to our morning.

Next came a spin through history at the Rotary Jail Museum, where we met Elizabeth—our animated and endlessly knowledgeable docent. With her storytelling flair and infectious enthusiasm, she brought the past to life inside the only known rotating jail still in existence. From the eerie mechanics of the cell block to the tales of those who once lived behind its bars, this stop wasn’t just the highlight of the day—it may have been the most memorable and joyfully unexpected gem of our entire four-day journey. And that’s saying a lot, considering all the amazing and wonderful things we’ve done and seen together.

Lunch at Rick’s Café Boatyard was a treat for all the senses. Tucked back along the waterfront, the scenery was beautiful and inviting. We dined on gourmet bites, swapped stories, and soaked in the peaceful views. The food was fabulous, the company even better, and we left feeling full, refreshed, and ready for the adrenaline ahead.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and track tour was a full-throttle thrill. We explored the newly renovated $89 million facility before and after our “Kiss the Bricks” tour, even climbing into a racecar for photos and testing our racing abilities at the simulators—some of us may have discovered our inner Mario Andretti! The museum’s immersive design, interactive exhibits, and jaw-dropping recreations—like the Gasoline Alley timeline and Penske Gallery—made it feel like stepping through a living tribute to innovation. From vintage Duesenbergs to modern IndyCars, from leather helmets to fire-resistant suits, the evolution of racing unfolded before our eyes.

Our guide brought the track tour to life with stories that made the 2.5-mile oval feel sacred. Standing at the Yard of Bricks under sunny skies was a moment of reverence and awe. This place isn’t just about racing—it’s about human ingenuity, cultural legacy, and the thrill of pushing boundaries. Whether you’re a gearhead or just curious, it’s a soul-stirring stop.

Martinsville welcomed us with warm beds and ButterBurgers, but the real comfort came later. That evening, our group gathered in the hotel lobby like old friends around a campfire. We shared highlights, swapped warm stories, and laughed until our cheeks hurt. The cool overnight temps seemed to have coaxed out even more color in the leaves—the fall palette was bright and beautiful as we cruised through Indiana’s countryside, soaking in every golden mile.

Blessings, Bridges & the Long Road Home

Our final day was a gentle glide through autumn’s embrace. The crisp morning air carried a golden hush, and the trees—now ablaze with color—seemed to lean in and whisper, “Don’t rush.”  (and we didn’t) – we took it slow and easy, trying to squeeze all of the adventure and good times we could out of our last hours together.

We crossed the historic Ramp Creek Bridge, America’s oldest double-barrel covered bridge. What makes it special? It features two side-by-side lanes under one roof—an ingenious 1838 design that allowed wagons to pass in both directions, making it a rare and remarkable piece of early American engineering.

Later, we stood in awe beneath the Medora Covered Bridge—the longest historic covered bridge in the country. Built in 1875 and stretching 431 feet 10 inches across the East Fork of the White River, it’s a wooden cathedral of craftsmanship and endurance.

Lunch behind bars at Jailhouse Pizza was criminally good (and yes, we escaped before dessert!). Housed in a former Meade County detention facility that operated until 1976, the building once held infamous figures like Hank Williams Sr. and Confederate cavalry leader John Hunt Morgan of Morgan’s Raiders. Today, the only thing locked up is flavor. The restaurant preserves its original character with exposed brick, vintage bars, and even the option to dine inside an actual cell—we didn’t, but we could have! The menu is packed with playful names like “Prison Break Wings,” “The Electric Chair” loaded pizza, and “The Prisoner’s Last Request”—a decadent dish that feels like a final meal worth savoring. We opted for the calzone, which arrived golden, gooey, and generously stuffed—definitely worth doing time for.

Our last stop was Swope’s Cars of Yesteryear Museum, where we wandered among vintage beauties and chrome dreams. Each car seemed to whisper stories of open roads and bygone eras, reminding us how far we’ve come—and how much joy there is in the journey.

Four days. Three states. Countless curves, covered bridges, and shared smiles. This wasn’t just a road trip—it was a celebration of friendship, legacy, and the sacred joy of traveling together. We came for the drive, but we left with something far more lasting: a deeper bond, a richer story, and a reminder that the best roads are the ones shared with friends.