Attractions in Nashville, Indiana

Home to a few small town type attractions, Nashville, Indiana is a place for travelers and retirees. Featuring musical theater acts, tours of winery’s and art galleries, the town of Nashville is a place to relax and enjoy the scenery. It’s a laid-back town and offers guest a few enjoyable relaxing recreational activities.

Coach Light Musical Theater

• The Coach Light Musical Theater features live musical comedy and offers families group rates and dinner and room rates. The shows that the theater puts on are all directed and written by a former Walt Disney creative executive. The theater features shows, such as Cabaret Live, Cowboy Sweethearts, Platinum Girls, Brown County Bandstand and various productions. The theater also offers workshops and dance classes.

  Coach Light Musical Theater
  227 S. Van Buren St.
  Nashville, IN 47448
  812-988-2101
  coachlightmusicals.com

Brown County Winery

• Guest visiting Nashville, Indiana may enjoy stopping by the Brown County Winery. Guests may schedule group tours in which the guests would take a tour of the winery, learn how the wine is made and have the opportunity to taste samples of all of the wine. Guests are then allowed to take home a logo wine glass. Tours must be scheduled in advanced and group tours must consist of at least 15 people.

  Brown County Winery
  4520 State Rd. 46 East
  Nashville, IN 47448
  812-988-6144
  browncountywinery.com

Fig Tree Gallery & Coffee Shop

• The Fig Tree Gallery features Kenyan paintings and features artists, such as Patrick Mulwale and Stephen D. Cale. The purpose of the Fig Tree Gallery & Coffee shop is to allow customers to enjoy premium drinks from different places around the world while being able to view fine artwork. The coffee shop serves delectable menu items, such as energy smoothies, Danish pastries, breakfast casseroles and specialty drinks. The gallery and coffee shop features guest entertainers that perform all types of music, such as contemporary, acoustic, bluegrass, rock/blues music, old time mountain music and indigenous folk music. The Fig Tree Gallery & Coffee shop is open from Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m.

  Fig tree Gallery & Coffee Shop
  4865 Helmsburg Rd.
  Nashville, IN 47448
  812-988-1375
  figtreegallery.com/events.asp

Read More ..... »

Ice Skating in Howard Park, Indiana

South Bend, Indiana, home to the University of Notre Dame, ranks as one of the nation's more famous college towns. However, the north-central Indiana community also features numerous other attractions, including museums, a zoo with more than 400 animals and city parks that provide an array of recreational activities. If you're visiting in the winter, one such option is ice skating on an outdoor rink at Howard Park.

About Howard Park

• Howard Park lies along the eastern shore of the St. Joseph River at the intersection of Jefferson Boulevard and St. Louis Boulevard in downtown South Bend. In addition to the winter-only ice rink, the 11.5-acre park offers other amenities and attractions available year-round, including fishing along the St. Joseph River, a three-quarter-mile river walk, playground, picnic area and restroom facilities. The park also includes a recreation center that provides classes, crafts, games and recreational activities for seniors ages 55 and older.

About the Rink

• The Howard Park Ice Rink typically is open from late November to mid-March and charges an admission fee for adults and a slightly discounted fee for students ages 6 and older. Children 5 and younger are admitted free. The rink has rental skates available and also provides skate sharpening for a fee. The rink features daily specials that might include free skate rental with paid admission, 2-for-1 admission or discounted family deals. Party packages for organized groups, birthdays or other special events also are available. The entire rink can be rented by the hour during times when public skate sessions are not scheduled.

Skating Schedule

• During its skating season, the Howard Park Ice Rink is open seven days per week, typically on weekday afternoons, Friday evenings, morning to evenings on Saturdays, and afternoons and evenings on Sundays. When area schools are on holiday break from mid-December to early January, the rink extends its hours and is open from mid-mornings to late evenings six days per week -- every day except Mondays, when it is open from morning to mid-afternoon. The rink typically closes at mid-afternoon Christmas Eve and remains closed Christmas Day. Weather conditions could keep the rink from opening for some sessions. To inquire about ice conditions, call 574-235-9451

Nearby Attractions and Accommodations

• If you're planning a trip to Howard Park, take time to visit several of South Bend's other nearby attractions. Notre Dame offers tours of its campus, approximately two miles north of Howard Park, that include the Grotto, the Main Building's Golden Dome and "Touchdown Jesus," an iconic mural on the side of the school library adjacent to Notre Dame Stadium, home of the Fighting Irish football program. Or spend a few hours at the Potawatomi Zoo, which is open daily and includes animals such anteaters, bison, kangaroos, monkeys, leopards, lions, tigers, red pandas and zebras just 1.5 miles southeast of Howard Park. Also within a five-minute drive are the South Bend Museum of Art, the HealthWorks! Kids Museum and the Studebaker National Museum. The city has a variety of accommodations, including hotels and bed-and-breakfast inns.

Read More ..... »

The Marshmallow Festival in Ligonier, Indiana

The city of Ligonier, located in northeastern Indiana, takes pride in its heritage, that includes being known as “The Marshmallow Capital of the World.” Ligonier’s marshmallow legacy began when Kidd and Company established a marshmallow plant there in 1947. Kraft took over the company in 2000 and moved production to nearby Kendallville. But, the Ligonier Marshmallow Festival continues to pay homage to the legendary confection, with the annual four-day festival taking place in downtown Ligonier over the Labor Day weekend.

Activities

• The festivities begin fittingly with a marshmallow roast. Weekend activities include food and craft vendors, bingo and marshmallow-themed games, face painting and pony rides. On Sunday morning, a pancake and sausage breakfast is followed by a community worship service.

Entertainment

• The highlight of Friday’s opening festivities is a fireworks display at dusk. On Saturday and Sunday evenings, musicians take the main stage to provide entertainment. A car show, tractor pulls, a bike rodeo, a BMX jump show, a motorcycle show and a police vehicle exhibition are also on the agenda. The festival wraps up with a juried parade featuring themed floats on Monday afternoon.

Competitions

• A variety of competitions are held during the festival, including a Marshmallow Bake-Off -- you guessed it, entries must include marshmallows or marshmallow creme -- a chance to become the reigning “King of the Pizza Eaters” by being the fastest to consume a 14-inch pizza and the Armored Fitness Strongman competition for those whose forte is brute strength. Cornhole and euchre tournaments are held, and those who dream of being a star can enter the festival’s talent show.

Tips for Visitors

• Ligonier is located at the intersection of US-6, US-33 and SR-5, 25 miles from both I-69 to its east and I-80/90 (toll roads) to the north. Two bed and breakfasts are located in the heart of Ligonier: Solomon Mier Manor and Laura's Victorian Inn. Mainstream hotels -- including Super 8, Courtyard by Marriott, Hampton Inn, and Comfort Inn -- are located about 20 minutes away on Lincoln-Way East in Goshen, Indiana. Visitors won't want to miss the more than two dozen murals painted on Ligonier's walls and its six life-size bronze statues. More information on things to do can be found at the Ligoniers Visitors Station, housed in a 1920s gas station at the corner of SR-5 and West Union Street.

Read More ..... »

Things to Do Around Muncie, Indiana

Muncie, Indiana began as a small Indian village but eventually grew into a large manufacturing center that included the Ball Corporation, an American company well known for producing glass canning jars. Downtown organizations and businesses have focused on rebuilding a vibrant and sustainable downtown to attract residents and tourists. The city prides itself on being home to Ball State University, an important part of the area's history, as well as its future. Muncie, in Delaware County, is about 60 miles northeast of Indianapolis in east central Indiana.

Lakes

• Boating, fishing and camping are the main attractions at two lakes within 10 miles of Muncie. Summit Lake anglers usually catch bass, crappie, yellow perch and channel catfish. Rental canoes, paddle boats and rowboats are available at the 2,680-acre lake, located in Summit Lake State Park. The park is also a popular bird watching and wildlife observation area. At Prairie Creek Reservoir and Campground you'll find 1,275 acres of water in addition to 750 acres of land. Bring your pontoon or rowboat for fishing or sightseeing; there is no power boating allowed. The site also features a campground and concession stand, as well as a playground and basketball and volleyball courts.

Artistic Pursuits

• The campus of Ball State University is home to many of the cultural offerings in the city. Take time to appreciate the David Owsley Museum of Art where the collection includes more than 11,000 works of art. If local artwork piques your interest, visit the Atrium Gallery on campus. The Emens Auditorium provides a performing arts venue with 3,581 seats; in addition there is the 410-seat University Theatre where both local and national works are produced. In downtown, there is a monthly art walk at local galleries where you can meet the artists, listen to live music and enjoy free refreshments.

Parks and Recreation

• There are 28 parks operated by the city where you'll discover plenty of room to play, including mini, neighborhood and memorial parks, and a dog park. The largest is McCulloch Park with a soap box derby track, playgrounds, ball fields and basketball courts, as well as picnic facilities including benches, shelters, tables and barbecue grills. While Muncie SportsPlex is not affiliated with the city, it's extremely popular with softball, baseball and soccer players because it has five ball diamonds and 11 soccer or football fields, as well as a regulation size cross-country course. Two concession stands serve hungry players and their fans.

Listen to the Music

• Pack a picnic and bring your lawn chair to the free, seasonal concerts in downtown where performances by national recording artists take place at Canan Commons, Muncie’s outdoor venue. You'll be treated to the sounds of folk, blues, jazz, bluegrass and heavy funk throughout the season. The city is also home to a community band, originally formed in the 1870s. The present band, called America's Hometown Band, formed in 1985 and gives public performances of concert and jazz band music. The Muncie Symphony Orchestra presents classical and chamber performances throughout the year, as well as educational and free concerts for the community, including the popular Picnic and Pops and Festival on the Green.

Read More ..... »

Places to Go Near Rolling Prairie, Indiana

Rolling Prairie, Indiana, is so tiny that it's not even incorporated into a formal town. Still, if you're in the area named for its gentle rolling hills, you can find outdoor recreation opportunities along with a chance to experience some of the history that helped shape this part of the state.

Ride Around Town

• Rolling Prairie is part of LaPorte County, which has a number of bike trails that loop around the various towns and hamlets in the county. One option is to ride the 20-mile loop that encircles Rolling Prairie and takes you past several lakes and through long stretches of forest. The loop officially starts at Rolling Prairie Park, but you can pick it up anywhere you'd like by printing off the handy map provided by the county. If you're looking for a more challenging ride, check out the county's mountain bike routes in Bluhm and Red Mill county parks.

Amish Country Tours

• Northern Indiana is home to several Amish communities that still use traditional farming and crafting techniques, providing interesting sights for the modern traveler. While there's always the chance of seeing a horse-drawn buggy go by in Rolling Prairie, a more sure bet is to use the Heritage Trail driving map from the Northern Indiana Tourism Development Commission. The CD or downloadable audio point out historic graves, places to stop and view intricate Amish quilts, and eateries, including gourmet fare.

Dip Your Toes in the Sand

• Northwestern Indiana brushes the southern tip of Lake Michigan, where you'll be able to take advantage of many outdoor and water activities. About 28 miles west of Rolling Prairie is the Indiana Dunes State Park, featuring smooth, sandy beaches for swimming or sunbathing. You can also take advantage of hiking trails, fishing and bird watching. If you want to stay a little longer, the park also has a campground.

Ride a Steam Train

• LaPorte County is home to a lively museum that's worth a visit -- especially if you have a fascination with trains. The Hesston Steam Museum, a short 8-mile drive from Rolling Prairie, has several small-scale locomotives built and maintained on site. Take a tour on one of the trains, heading through the area's rolling hills and woodlands. The museum also hosts special events, including a holiday-themed ride, a Civil War encampment and a ghost train ride.

Read More ..... »

Amish Tours in Southern Indiana

The heart of Southern Indiana Amish country lies within Daviess County, home to one of America's largest Amish settlements. More than 700 Old Order Amish families reside here, making the area ideal for learning about Amish ways and shopping for handcrafted Amish furniture, crafts, quilts and foods. Tour visitors are welcome at Amish businesses Monday through Saturday.

Touring Protocols

• Southern Indiana Amish folks are friendly, but visitors touring the area should follow a few rules to respect Amish ways. The Daviess County Visitors Bureau asks tourists to avoid taking photos or shooting videos of the Amish people. Also, respect boundaries and do not approach private property without permission. When sharing the road with buggies, give the horse-drawn vehicles ample space and avoid honking your horn. Finally, resist the temptation to feed a hitched horse you may encounter on a tour stop.

Explore Gasthof Village

• Gasthof Amish Village in Montgomery is a good place to launch a self-guided tour of southern Indiana Amish country. Founded in 1988 by a man with Amish roots, the village is dedicated to preserving the Amish heritage. Gasthof Village spans 92 acres and includes a restaurant housed in a rustic Amish-built structure that serves authentic Amish dishes. Village shops sell Amish-made crafts and foods, while the on-site hotel carries out the Amish theme through its furnishings. Before heading beyond the village, create a tour itinerary from the Daviess County Visitors Bureau website. The site identifies Amish shops, restaurants and other businesses located throughout the county. Favorite tour stops include Raber Wheel Works, where custom Amish buggies and carriages are made, and Knepp's Restaurant for a taste of traditional Amish cooking.

Custom Guided Tours

• Private guided group tours may be arranged through the Gasthof Amish Village. You provide the vehicle and Gasthof Village provides the guide. The typical two-hour tour involves multiple stops: at an Amish family home, Wagler's Quilts and Crafts -- known for its Amish dolls, quilts and wall hangings -- and the Amish Country Korner store, where you'll find crafts, Amish foods, antiques and furnishings. The tour itineraries vary depending on the season and weather conditions. Guided-tour fees include lunch. Participants meet at the Gasthof Amish Village restaurant to begin the tour.

Motorcoach Group Tours

• One way to see Amish country in comfort is by bus. The Cardinal motorcoach company provides group tours for up to 56 people. Scenic charter tours traverse 68 miles through pastoral Daviess County, Washington County on to Ohio's Parke County, which is noted for its abundance of covered bridges. The route weaves through southern Indiana's Amish settlements and showcases Amish shops and restaurants. Operating from Middlebury, Indiana, Cardinal's charter fleet provides vehicles for both small and large groups. Climate-controlled buses have reclining seats for comfort and free Wi-Fi service to keep connected while traveling.

Read More ..... »