It’s finally Springtime and we are gratefully welcoming the nicer weather! We are also happy for the reduction in the number of COVID cases, the availability of the vaccinations and the re-opening of many public spaces.
We don’t know about you, but we are so ready to venture out of our homes and explore! So, we’ve decided this month to highlight some of our favorite resources to help you choose from the great destinations around Indiana for your future road trips.
Have you visited our friends at Festival Country Indiana?
Festival Country Indiana is the destination for fun just south of Indy. They make it easy for you to find great restaurants, lodging, attractions, stores, events and more in the communities of Festival Country. Their visitor center is located at 66 S. Water St. in Franklin.
Their website is chalked full of knowledge about Johnson County Indiana from lists of festivals and local events, to their Top 10 Things To Do lists, you’ll have plenty to choose from on our tour of Johnson County Indiana. Oh, and don’t forget the MURALS!
Visit Indiana’s latest blog post is all about Southern Indiana.
The Carnegie Center for Art and History Art has rotating and permanent exhibits including “Ordinary People, Extraordinary Courage: Men and Women of the Underground Railroad.” For science, hunt for fossils and explore trails at The Falls of the Ohio State Park–even in rainy weather, the indoor exhibits at the Interpretive Center bring the 390-million-year history to life!
One of Indiana’s favorite candy stores is Schimpff’s Confectionery. In April 2021, the venerated shop and candy museum will celebrate 130 years since Gustav Schimpff opened his shop in 1891.
You can watch as Warren and Jill Schimpff and staff make their signature red-hot cinnamon drops during live candy demonstrations (make sure to call ahead for times)! Or watch other staff members make hand-dipped chocolates.
Another notable link from the Visit Indiana website is Road Trips! This one will take you on adventures all across the state, but, don’t forget the treasures that await in our State Parks. Visit here for the complete list of state parks.
Not everything we found was from a local’s perspective.
The Conde Nast Traveler has posted their 21 Best Places to Go in 2021 & it’s not surprising to us that Indianapolis made the list.
Notable mentions go out to Indianapolis’s bicentennial celebration and 105th running of the Indy 500 on May 30th. A new ‘must visit’ is the Bottleworks Hotel located in the Bottleworks District which was named for the Coca-Cola bottling plant that occupied the area for over 40 years. With its mix of restored Art Deco architecture and new construction, this area is where history meets modern architecture.
Family Destinations Guide’s 11 Best Family Vacations in Indiana showcases more from across Indiana, but here are a few of our favorites from Northern Indiana.
Oakwood is a beachfront retreat in Syracuse with tons of activities to entertain the whole family. There’s a private beach, a playground and a game room at this resort. What’s more, it features an array of outdoor activities for families, including boating, fishing, kayaking and swimming.
Shipshewana is a family-friendly destination that amuses visitors of all ages and tastes. Take your little ones of a wondrous ride on the historic 1906 Dentzel Carousel. Afterward, explore the countryside or city on a buggy ride.
