Where in the world is Robin's Nesting Place?

Jodi, from Bloomingwriter, cleverly thought up an interesting and educational winter diversion for us. She challenged us to tell about the communities where we live and garden. Procrastinator that I am, I'm pushing the deadline turning in my homework assignment.

I would probably have done mine on Indianapolis since it is where I usually tell people, who know nothing about the area, where I live, but Carol, from May Dreams Gardens, has already done an ingenious post on the Top Ten Reasons You Would Love to Garden In Indianapolis.
So, instead I'll tell a little about Hamilton county and my small community of Noblesville.

Noblesville was recently named one of the top 10 places to raise a family. It truly is a wonderful place to live. In 2006 Hamilton county was listed as the 18th fastest-growing county in the United States. Why is that? What is so special about Noblesville and Hamilton County, Indiana? Well, I'm glad you asked.

Hamilton County has many wonderful parks and nature trails.


This is Cool Creek Park and Nature Center in Carmel.




Here in Noblesville, we have Potters Bridge Park and Forrest Park within walking distance of each other. Potter's Bridge has a wonderful walking trail along the White River. Forest Park has a large community aquatic center, golf course, play ground, miniature golf, extreme skateboard park, carousel and wooded walking trails.

My husband and son love that there are eight golf courses within a 10-15 minute drive of where we live.

We have wonderful public libraries in Hamilton County, (very important to a family of bookworms), really the best I've seen yet in any of the large cities where we've previously lived.


There are many recreational opportunities for those who are interested in water activities.
Morse Reservoir and Geist Reservoir are two scenic lakes where you can take advantage of those glorious sumer days.


I took this picture of the duck last year at Morse Lake. It is one of my favorite pictures and I actually have it as my screen saver right now.


Hamilton county is very proud of its rich history, and you can hear all about it at Conner Prairie.



Conner Prairie is a 250-acre living history museum, where you can experience how life was lived in Indiana in the 1800's. It offers many hands on activities and even opportunities for up-close and personal contact with farm animals.



A great place to visit in the spring!




Hamilton county is still largely agricultural, although sadly many farms are being sold for housing developments and shopping malls.


Still, it is very, VERY, common to see corn fields and barns dotting the landscape.




One of the things I love about Hamilton County is that each of the larger communities has a farmers market, making it easier to get local produce...



especially that wonderful Indiana sweet corn.




There are many family owned farms that sell produce too and allow you to come and pick strawberries, blueberries, apples or pumpkins.

While Hamilton County is very sophisticated, (actually one of the wealthiest communities in the US), it has just about anything you could want in the way of shopping or dining, yet it still has that small town, friendly, Mid-western atmosphere.


While preparing to move up north from Alabama, we could have chosen to live anywhere in Ohio, Southern Michigan or Indiana. I spent months doing county by county internet research and chose Hamilton county, Indiana based on several factors, one being the cost of living index. It is one of the most affordable places to live and also one of the safest. While there are no majestic views of oceans or mountains here, it is a combination all of the little things that make this a great place to live and raise a family. We certainly have enjoyed our time here, and while I will always cherish my southern roots, Noblesville, Indiana is home and a very good one indeed.