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Fernwood Botanical Gardens features two charming model train displays, one indoors near the fern conservatory and one outside among the trees. A fun stop for families, kids, and train enthusiasts. Model trains at Fernwood Botanical Gardens There are two different train displays at Fernwood. One is inside, in the building where you buy your tickets. The other is a short walk from the entrance, on the trail. When planning my visit to Fernwood Botanical Gardens, I somehow missed the fact that they would have trains on display, not just in one place but in two! Inside the Fern Conservatory room, there are train tracks weaving in and out of the different fern displays in the visitor center that you walk through when you first arrive. Then, outside, there are even more trains, which was such a fun surprise to discover. I would have gone to Fernwood just to see the trains if I had known about them, so it was really exciting to stumble upon them. I loved the way the trains were weaving through the trees, like they were meant to be there. It didn’t feel like an artificial or commercialized setup. The whole thing looked carefully crafted with materials you would actually find in the forest. The tracks worked perfectly for the trains, but nothing felt copied or mass produced. It is the kind of display that a true train lover would appreciate, and any young kids who are train obsessed would absolutely love. I am not sure how long they run into the wintertime since snow could make things tricky, but when I visited on November 1st, the trains were still running. Leaves were falling, the air was chilly, and it was such a cozy scene. You will find the outdoor train display not too far from the main building where you check in. There is also a children’s exploration area nearby with a slide, open space to run, and plenty of trees and foliage to enjoy. Corky Lorenz November 2, 2025

Dye powder is applied over ice placed on fabric. Ice dye method Dye powder is applied over ice placed on fabric. As ice melts, dye seeps in. Tie dye links See all glossary items See tutorials for flowy ice dye and geode tie dye .

Learn how to attach a garden hose to a utility sink faucet by removing the aerator and using the right adapter size. This guide explains what to look for, how to check your faucet threads, and the simplest way to set up a hose for tie dye or utility rinsing. How to connect a garden hose to a utility sink faucet You can connect a garden hose to most utility sink faucets by removing the aerator and threading on a faucet-to-hose adapter. This only works if your faucet has a removable aerator, which exposes the standard threads needed for the adapter to screw into place. With many parts of the dye process, especially tie dye and ice dye, it’s helpful to have a garden hose connected to the utility sink faucet. Being able to change the spray pattern and squeeze the handle to control the flow just makes everything easier. Aerator check Whether this works with your sink depends on one thing: the faucet needs a removable aerator. This is the little metal piece at the tip of the faucet that you can pinch and unscrew. Older and utility-style faucets almost always have one, while many modern kitchen faucets do not. Adapter types Once the aerator is off, you can check what kind of threads you have. Most utility sinks use either a 15/16 inch male-thread aerator or a 55/64 inch female-thread aerator. Faucet-to-hose adapters are sold for both sizes, and the packaging will list the thread type. You can order one online or bring the aerator to a hardware store and match it in person. After the adapter is threaded onto the faucet, you can attach your garden hose just like you would outdoors. It’s a simple setup, but for tie dye and ice dye, it gives you a lot more control during rinsing and cleanup. Corky Lorenz December 6, 2025

Nedderman’s Steak Place serves sirloin-tip steak sandwiches and concession favorites at fairs and festivals and operates a drive-thru location in Mishawaka, Indiana. See where they will be next and what they offer. Nedderman's Steak Place Nedderman’s Steak Place serves sirloin tip steak meals at fairs and festivals throughout northern Indiana, including the Marshall County Blueberry Festival. They also operate a drive-thru location in Mishawaka where visitors can order the same grilled steak, potatoes, and mushrooms they sell at their event booth. Address 3223 Grape Rd, Mishawaka, IN 46545 Links They post updates on their Facebook account. Phone: (574) 217-8458 They operate from a physical location most of the year but during large festivals they travel to attend. The main location is closed duing those events, like the Blueberry Festival in Plymouth, IN.

Hot water to boost dye activation and richness. Hot water irrigation method Refers to the use of sprayers with hot water, to wet and set powdered dye. The dye is sprinkled directly onto the shirt. Tie dye links See all glossary items See tutorials for flowy ice dye and geode tie dye .

Soft cotton knit fabric used in T-shirts. Cotton jersey fabric A soft, stretchy knit fabric made from cotton. Common for T-shirts and ideal for tie-dye due to its absorbency and drape. Tie dye links See all glossary items See tutorials for flowy ice dye and geode tie dye .

Thin cotton string often used for binding fabric. Doesn’t stretch. Kitestring tool Thin cotton string often used for binding fabric. Doesn’t stretch. Tie dye links See all glossary items See tutorials for flowy ice dye and geode tie dye .

Creates layered rings like a geode crystal. Geode fold A tie-dye technique that creates layered, ringed patterns resembling the interior of geode crystals. Typically involves tight circular folds and multiple color applications. Tie dye links See all glossary items See tutorials for flowy ice dye and geode tie dye .

How fast dye begins to bond with fabric once it gets wet. Faster strike means less blending. Strike rate process How fast dye begins to bond with fabric once it gets wet. Faster strike = less blending. Tie dye links See all glossary items See tutorials for flowy ice dye and geode tie dye .

Short for fiber reactive dyes, often seen in Dharma/ProChem brands. MX dye supply Short for fiber reactive dyes, often seen in Dharma/ProChem brands. Tie dye links See all glossary items See tutorials for flowy ice dye and geode tie dye .