Dr. Thom's Guide to Terre Haute for the Culturally Bereft

So you've relocated to Terre Haute from Seattle, Philadelphia or some other urban center and you're thinking that now that you live in a rural midwest town of less than 60,000 people, activities such as attending the opera or the ballet are a thing of the past. Au contraire mon ami! Terre Haute is rife with cultural tid bits if only you know where to look. Fear no more, for Dr. Thom's Guide for the Culturally Bereft shows you exactly where to go to experience the finest in cuisine, art, music and general DrThomfoolery.

This "Pub & Cafe" is the place to go for beer in The Haute. The selection is extensive (Sonka's is the only place in town I know where I can get both oatmeal stout and lambic too) and the ever-increasing wine selection ain't bad either. The company, however, is what makes the place unique. At Sonka's white collar and blue collar, liberals and conservatives, profs and students all peacefully coexist. Nay, they joyfully co-embibe. Plus you can bring your dog inside!

Formally The Coffee Grounds (the first Bohemian coffee house in The Haute), Tater and Joe's offers dark roast coffees, espresso drinks, bakery items and sweet stuff as well as...get this...loaded baked potatoes! There are sandwiches and other muchines too. Local artists' works adorn the walls, changing frequently. Some really good music can be heard for a next-to-nothing cover, including yours truly playing solo guitar during the Monday night open mics. There are even spoken word and comedy events. Check it out.

Open 7:00 am - 10:00 Mon-Fri, 8:00 am - 10:00 pm Sat

Sharene Hilligoss was nice enough to open this hip coffee house on the east side of town - darn convenient to Rose-Hulman, and many faculty members' first stop before arriving on campus. There are also nummy breakfast, lunch, and sweet treats, including the ever-changing "Foodie" options. Free wireless internet connections available, too.

Coffee open 5:30 am - 11:00 everday; Kitchenette open 7:00 am - 3:00 pm Mon-Fri, 8:00 am - 3:00 Sat.

As the name would suggest, this lounge features old school cocktails. They are not limited to the classics, however, mixing their own tasty libations, many of them employing tequilla and mezcal. My faves are the classic Rye Manhattan and Sazerac. The vibe and decor are decidely upscale, with Gypsy Jazz usually providing the soundtrack. ¡Salud!

Open 3:00 pm - 1 am, Tue-Thu; 3:00 pm - 2:00 am, Fri-Sat; 2:00 pm - 12:00 am Sun.

This event is by invitation only; oh, but to have an invitation! Classic Tiki cocktails and their new fangled vsariations are mixed strong and served in vintage Tiki mugs and martini glasses. Couple that with a swingin' soundtrack comprising the exotica masters Martin Denny and Les Baxter with a smattering of Bossa Nova thrown in for good measure, and you've got a rip-roarin' good time that'll make even the Girl from Ipanema blush. Five Paisleys!