Find your favorite 80s records at Mokey’s
Danville, Indiana, like many American small towns, features a charming downtown where quaint shops and restaurants line the streets. The town square bustles with activity, and secrets don’t last past the first potluck. But tucked-away treasures remain undetected even in Danville’s well-trodden, idyllic setting. We found an eye-opening surprise from the era of the Official Preppy Handbook, Sony Walkmans, and MTV music video marathons.
Many thanks to Visit Hendricks County for sponsoring our visit. As always, all opinions are our own.
Mokey’s On The Square surprised us in many ways
Finding Authentic Small-Town Charm In Danville, Indiana
On a morning like any other, I walked the town square with my husband. We were taking in the sights and visiting the many shops when it started to rain. Without an umbrella to keep us dry, we immediately looked for a place to shelter. A historic red brick building from around 1900 with a bright blue door and welcome sign seemed to call our name.
Mokey’s On The Square was filled with a few tables, chairs, and unique, one-of-a-kind art. Owner Taryn Stewart greeted us with a friendly hello and welcomed us to wait out the rain. I spotted a bin of old records in the restaurant’s back corner. I am not a record collector or even a shopper of records, but something told me to take a look. As I started rummaging through the bin, I got more excited. Seeing all the artists I recognized was like a trip down an 80’s memory lane. Suddenly, my eyes widened in surprise when I found the album Synchronicity by The Police. Synchronicity is an album I have claimed as my favorite for over 40 years. Here it was, and I was holding it in my hand.
Records don’t have the perfect sound, but pops and cracks bring back memories
Old Records And A Surprise Encounter With The Police
Stewart sensed my joy and asked if I was a fan of the Police. I exclaimed YES and asked her in return if she was. Stewart stated that her father had collected all the records and given them to her to put in the shop. What she said next made me happier than an 8-year-old on Christmas morning. “Would you like to play the record?” She plugged in a vintage record player and allowed me to take the vintage Synchronicity album for a spin.
I eagerly put the black vinyl record on the turntable. After softly dropping the needle on the spinning grooved disc, I sat on a nearby couch while clutching the cover sleeve. Instantly, the familiar sounds from Synchronicity transported me back to 1983 and my high school years when MTV ruled the airwaves. It had been a long time since I had heard my favorite album on a record player, complete with the sounds of scratchy cracks and pops.
The music from Sting, Stewart, and Andy filled the room, and I just sat there, closed my eyes, and enjoyed the ride.
Eventually, the album ended, and at that point, I realized how a sense of peace and contentment had come over me. Time had slipped away, and all was good with the world as I sat on a friendly stranger’s couch and listened to my favorite record.
That afternoon, because of rain, I went into a random place and had an unexpected experience in Danville, Indiana, that will forever remain in my mind.
Outdoor dining behind Mokey’s On The Square
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Mokey’s is a relaxing meeting place located on Danville’s downtown square
Discover Mokey’s On The Square For Wonderful Charcuterie
Mokey’s On The Square provides a warm atmosphere with handcrafted Charcuterie and drinks for one or many on Danville’s enchanting small downtown square. For an exceptional outdoor dining experience, consider Mokey’s dog-friendly front patio or the large patio behind the restaurant.
Mokey’s offers a locally owned and operated rendezvous with tasty handcrafted Charcuterie boards, craft beverages, beer, and wine with ambiance as a side note. For a totally rad experience, dig through the record bin first, then plan your menu around your classic record choices.
Support locally owned businesses in small towns to find unique experiences
Mokey’s On The Square Location And Hours
Mokey’s is located twenty miles West of Indianapolis at 134 South Washington St., Danville, Indiana 46122
Hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 4:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.
Order Charcuterie to go
Sitting on the couch listening to my favorite song, Synchronicity II
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