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

"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 highlights on the "Local Secrets, Big Finds" list. Those responding to the Travelocity survey called it "worthy of a spot in New York City," with an "inventive menu" that changes to reflect the season--for example, an autumn offering of Indiana duck breast with butternut squash risotto. Another recent option: elk loin with lamb bacon and truffled mac 'n' cheese.

Travelocity notes that the restaurant's owners trained at the Culinary Institute of America, but create their "haute cuisine" with "quality local ingredients." And, the travel recommendation adds, "be sure to leave room for the desserts."

The only recommendation outside of Southern Indiana this year is DC's Country Junction and Zoo in Lowell. "You don't have to be a twinkle-toes to enjoy a twirl around the dance floor at this country music haven, where you'll find a live country band and a dance floor for line dancing," Travelocity suggests. The crowd is dominated by patrons in their 20s and 30s, who "hang out among the haystacks, cheerily singing tears into their beers and warbling along with the broken hearts of the musicians on stage," according to Travelocity. Cook your own burgers or Polish sausage on the giant grill, and come on Saturday evening for a free dance lesson with paid admission. DC's offers a warning: "Caution: Hard core country music could cause reddening of the neck."

Past Indiana entries on the "Local Secrets, Big Finds" list have included the annual Pierogi Fest in Whiting, the out-of-the-way Bonge's Tavern in Perkinsville, the Joe Huber Family Farm & Restaurant in Starlight, the Cataract General Store in Spencer and the Wizard of Oz Festival in Chesterton. As Travelocity notes, "just remember, you're not in Kansas anymore."