One Trip Wonders: Central Indiana
Pandemic blues got you down? With recent revivals of restaurants, wineries, parks and distilleries, Indiana is booked with fun-filled summer activities. If leaving the house for a day sounds appealing, let these day trips make your dream come true. By driving less than a couple hours from downtown Indianapolis, you can discover something for any foodie, hiker, camper, or animal lover. Start your day with coffee and cake, hike at a state park, have a late lunch, take a walk with wolves, and savor some wine and ice cream before heading back to Indy. Check out the following links for more information on reservations, menus, and more.
Photography: courtesy of @thecakebakeshop
A quick 25 minutes from downtown Indianapolis in Carmel and Broad Ripple, experience the chic aesthetic that Cake Bake Shop has to offer. Gwendolyn Rogers, the owner of the shop, whipped up her fairytale cake place. From décor like pink feather clouds and a magical unicorn, you can experience Rogers’ spring theme of an enchanted mushroom forest. And if you’re not in the mood for her famous Earl’s Court Chocolate Cake, then fret not, because red velvet, carrot, and lemon blueberry are waiting to be eaten. The shop also serves breakfast, lunch, and drinks. Dress up for a date, drink with an old friend, or have lunch with family.
Photography: courtesy of @ilovebrowncounty
Next stop is about an hour drive from Indy: Brown County State Park. Spread across nearly 16,000 acres, the park can entertain anyone. Want to spend the night under the stars? Their campgrounds are open to tents and RVs. There is also the Abe Martin Lodge for those who want a cabin-and-indoor-waterpark-feel. The many hiking trails also offer a chance to see the rare Yellowwood tree, specifically along Trail 5. And if you’re craving more after seeing the park’s Fire Tower and nature center, the surrounding county has shopping, dining, arts and crafts, and more outdoor adventures to endeavor.
Photography: courtesy of @bigwoodsrestaurants
Staying in Brown County, the town of Nashville holds Big Woods Restaurant and Distillery. Although their success has allowed them to expand to locations in West Lafayette, Bloomington, and more, their roots are in Nashville. Not only can you enjoy the cabin’s terrace, but the inside presents its own quirks. Known for their drinks, the menu highlights their signature Quaff ON! brews and Hard Truth Spirits. Those with an appetite can also try their popular pizza, burgers, nachos, and more. Each Big Woods location is also available to rent as a venue for any and all celebrations.
Photography: courtesy of @wolfparkindiana
Another destination worth the miles is a 75-minute drive to Greater Lafayette. Wolf Park is a not-for-profit organization that prioritizes behavioral research, education and conservation of wolves. There are three different tours you can participate in, including the Follow the Pack, Howl Night and Private tours. Ranging from 45-90 minutes, an educated guide walks with you, surrounded by wolves, foxes, and even a bison. Wolf Park also holds seminars for research and photography, workshops, and summer camps for children 17 years old and younger. If you want to support Wolf Park, consider donating.
Photography: courtesy of @huberwinery
Huber Winery is the final stop, located in Starlight. A little less than a two-hour drive, Indiana’s largest wine-grape producer is fun for all ages. As a farm, bakery and café, there are many opportunities to savor food and drink. The Family Farm Park is great for kids who love slides, mazes, and animals. You could then treat yourself to some delectable dairy at the Ice Cream Factory and Cheese Shop. Adults can partake in the tours and tastings of the vineyards, as well as some Huber Sangria recipes on their site. Huber’s Plantation Hall is also available as a venue for those who want to celebrate surrounded by grapes, cheese and good company.
After a day filled with sweet treats, spirits and scavengers, the energy on the drive back home may seem low. But with a summer full of promise, a mix of indoor and outdoor activities can cheer up anyone. A slow and steady return to normalcy means more fun for kids and adults. Once you explore what nature and restaurants Indy contains, you may want to make more than one trip, wondering what tomorrow will bring.
