Local secrets, big finds: national travel Web site's five Indiana favorites.

• Author: Kaelble, Steve
• Position: AROUND INDIANA

"IT TAKES A GOOD 10 minutes just to read the menu, and another 10 to make up your mind." That's how one ice cream lover described Mom & Pop's Cone Comer in an entry submitted to the "Local Secrets, Big Finds" survey conducted by Travelocity and IgoUgo.

The little shop is a New Albany landmark, and enough of its fans raved about it to land Mom & Pop's among the five Indiana finds spotlighted this year by Travelocity. "You've never seen anything like the menu," another visitor agreed, and one submitted information about the Don't Throw the Baby Out With the Bathwater Sundae, described as a "five-scoop behemoth with every imaginable topping."

The "Local Secrets, Big Finds" list is described by editor-at-large Amy Ziff as "a list of places and events that locals cherish and frequent." Who wants to fight crowds of tourists from faraway, she ponders, when you can get the real flavor of the area from the locals?

French Lick Resort Casino--newly reborn with millions of dollars in renovations to both the French Lick Springs Hotel and the neighboring West Baden Springs Hotel-also made the Travelocity list. Visitors commented on the "nostalgic accommodations with world-class amenities" and the "shaded walkways amid lush gardens of colorful flowers," calling a visit there like "going back in time." The travel site recommends the European spa and the famous gazebo housing the Pluto mineral springs.

Another Southern Indiana destination making the list this year is Historic New Harmony As Travelocity declares, "You can end your search for utopia right here." New Harmony was, Travelocity notes, established generations ago along the Wabash River with the intention of creating a perfect society, and the elements that remain make it a perfect travel destination. "While you're here, check out the quaint downtown with a fun saloon called the Yellow Tavern," Travelocity recommends. "Then, explore the roofless church, labyrinth, wonderful theatre, gardens and sculptures."

In Bloomington is the highly regarded Restaurant Tallent, another of the five Hoosier...