INDY'S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE NEWSPAPER HIGHLIGHTING ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
Summer is a destination
by Lori Lovely
One-day trip
Noblesville and Hamilton CountyYou don’t have to go far to find a variety of entertainment and activities. Noblesville in Hamilton County has something for everyone.
What to see:
Enjoy a self-guided walking tour of Noblesville’s historic square, featuring early 19th century architecture, antiques shops, galleries and a restored court house and jail, famous for former inmates John Dillinger and Charles Manson.
The square also features The Artist’s Vineyard, with rotating exhibits and wine tasting. Call 317-219-3481. Wine connoisseurs can visit with several area winemakers at a summer BBQ on Indiana’s newest wine trail, featuring a passport program with a wine glass reward for visiting all seven wineries.
Potter’s Bridge is the only remaining historical covered bridge in Hamilton County. Restored in 1999, it sits in a 66-acre park that includes trails, a playground and picnic areas. Call 317-896-5874.
Forest Park offers 150 acres of fun, such as a nine-hole golf course, miniature golf, a playground, an aquatic center with swimming pool, volleyball sand lots, tennis courts, horseshoe pits and more. Call 317-776-6350.
What to do:
Take a walk back in time at Conner Prairie in nearby Fishers. The 250-acre living history museum features costumed guides performing typical 19th century chores, farm animals and a variety of activities for families. The Indiana Festival is June 2-3. Summer day camps for kids are available June 11-Aug. 3. Mystery on the Prairie is June 9-10 (includes dinner). Symphony on the Prairie will perform 12 weekends throughout the summer, beginning June 23. Call 317-776-6000 or 317-639-4300.
For a different kind of concert under the stars, try Verizon Wireless Music Center. Call 317-776-8181. See pages 45 for our outdoor summer music lineup.
Catch a train ride from the Indiana Transportation Museum to four towns, where you can shop, walk or relax. Call 317-773-6000.
Where to eat:
Locally owned Matteo’s Ristorante Italiano, on the square in Noblesville, caters to casual diners, families and those seeking a dressier, more romantic evening by offering authentic Italian food, a good wine list and great ambiance. Call 317-774-9771.
If you’re looking for Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese or Indian cuisine, try Asian Grill, also on the square. Call 317-773-9990.
Eat on the go: Four-course meals are served on the 1930s-style dinner train. Or, take the Pizza Train from Noblesville to Tipton or try the Hamiltonian Dinner Train for cocktails, stopping for dinner in Cicero. Call 317-773-6000.
Bloomington isn’t just for college students
What to see:
Cedar Bluff Nature Preserve features a 75-foot limestone bluff and other dramatic vistas, along with a canyon exhibiting interesting rock formations. Call The Nature Conservancy at 317-923-7547.
The Hoosier National Forest is a must-see, with 200,000 acres spread over nine counties, 230 miles of hiking, horseback riding and mountain bike trails, as well as camping adjacent to large lakes. Call 812-275-5987.
What to do:
Walk it off on the Bloomington Rail Trail. Its gravel surface is suitable for walking, running and most bicycles. The mostly tree-lined rail trail corridor offers a serene, enjoyable trail experience for all ages. Call 812-349-3700.
Where to eat:
For nutritious options mixed, the Cereal Barn & Peanut Butter Café provides a fun atmosphere for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacktime. More than 30 cereals plus hot oatmeal can be combined with more than 20 toppings. The peanut butter is ground daily for the best PB&Js around. Try the Funky Monkey: honey roasted peanut butter with chocolate chips and sliced banana. Call 812-323-7325.
Located on the downtown square, Roots Restaurant — Bloomington’s only all-vegetarian restaurant — features a variety of entrees made with fresh, locally grown produce and a great selection of juices and smoothies. Call 812-336-7668.
Wayne County offers something few places in Indiana can: altitude
What to see:
You can find the highest point in Indiana northwest of Bethel. The Pinnacle of Indiana reaches an elevation of 1,257 feet above sea level. Although officially on private property, the owner frequently grants permission to hikers reaching for the high point.
The All American Rose Garden in Miller Park boasts 110 varieties of all colors. Perfect for weddings or just strolling, the garden is a delight to all the senses. Call 765-962-1638.
What to do:
Antique Alley draws crowds from several states, all eager to find old treasures and bargains. The Annual Antique Fair is held June 2 (call 765-478-9070), or try the Historic National Road Sale Days May 30-June 3 (call 765-825-6295). If the kind of antiques you prefer come on four wheels, check out the Model T Ford’s 100th Anniversary Celebration and Swap Meet, July 21-26 (call 765-855-5248).
For more antiquing, be sure to stop in Centerville to tour Webb’s Antique Mall.
Where to eat:
Start the day with a sweet breakfast at the Cinnamon Spice Bakery. Call 765-855-3344.
Satisfy hungry appetites at Welliver’s in Hagerstown. Since 1946, the famous smorgasbord has served a diverse variety of dishes, homemade breads and desserts. Call 765-489-4131.
Long weekend in Indiana
Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, is close enough to visit in a day, but offers enough attractions to keep you around for a weekend.What to see:
Several historical sites will educate and entertain you: Mid’Town Museum of Native Cultures in Waynetown; The Topkey Armor Museum; the Linden Railroad Museum with the oldest intact junction depot in Indiana; and the home of Lew Wallace (author of Ben-Hur).
What to do:
Pine Hills Nature Preserve in Shades State Park provides trails with views of sandstone rock formations, natural springs and waterfalls. A campground is available; backpack and canoe camping are also available. Trips ranging from three hours to overnight can be taken on Sugar Creek in canoes, kayaks or tubes.
Other canoe trips can be organized at Clements Canoes Outdoor Center in Waveland. Call 765-435-7285.
Lake Waveland offers a peaceful spot for fishing, boating, swimming and camping. Other activities include miniature golf, tennis, basketball and horseshoes. Call 765-435-2073.
Where to eat:
Elaine’s On Main is an authentic English tearoom that serves hearty entrees.
College Street Deli is a local favorite for its salads and sandwiches.
Where to stay:
The Davis House, an 1860s Italianate home-turned-bed and breakfast near downtown Crawfordsville.
Cabins & Candlelight, in Colfax: luxury cabins with stone fireplaces, over-sized whirlpool tubs, covered porches and enclosed decks. Call 800-864-6717.
Lawrence County
The terrain changes to rolling hills in Southern Indiana. Bedford, located 30 minutes south of Bloomington, is best known for its heritage of limestone quarries and carvings. Lawrence County’s topography features rugged terrain, caves and waterfalls, and is home to one of Indiana’s largest state parks, underground riverboat rides and unique handmade goods.
What to see:
Bedford’s Limestone Heritage Festival on July 4 offers the usual parades and midway rides, but also features sculpting contests and historical displays demonstrating the town’s limestone heritage.
Explore pioneer log homes, a village store and other buildings in Pioneer Village at Spring Mill State Park (Mitchell). Tour a working gristmill, purchase ground corn and watch weaving and blacksmith demonstrations that re-create pioneer trades in an 1800s settlement. Special events celebrate Independence Day beginning July 2 and Pioneer Heritage Days are Aug. 6-7.
What to do:
Visitors at Spring Mill State Park in Mitchell can rent mountain bikes or hike through the park’s trails, located in nature preserves featuring caves, overlooks and 300-year-old trees. The campground offers both electric and primitive sites for all types of campers.
Bluespring Caverns Park in Bedford features the nation’s longest navigable underground waterway within the depths of the limestone landscape. One of the few remaining natural limestone caves in the U.S., it highlights one of the state’s native resources. Guided boat rides take visitors on a tour through 20 miles of water-carved passages 100 feet below ground, where blindfish can be found. Call 812-279-9471.
Motorcycle and ATV trails run through almost 400 acres of hills, meadows, wooded terrain and scenic ponds in Lawrence County Recreational Park (Springville).
Where to eat:
Bedford’s Old Buggy Buffet features “down-home” cooking. Call 812-279-8150.
Featuring all-day breakfast, hearty traditional meals, lunch specials and “Memaw’s Homemade Pies,” FinMill’s Family Restaurant, the new family dining restaurant in Mitchell, is a tasty option.
To finish off lunch or just to treat yourself, try Hoover’s Candy Shop and Café in Bedford. Featuring a soda fountain and candy shop, Hoover’s serves sandwiches, fudge, chocolates, milkshakes and more.
Where to stay:
The Gardens Bed & Breakfast in Bedford is a cozy bed and breakfast with relaxing accommodations and goodies such as warm chocolate chip cookies in the evening and a full breakfast with hot coffee served in your room.
Spring Mill Inn (Spring Mill State Park, Mitchell) features country décor with modern amenities such as a unique indoor/outdoor pool, fireplace, great rooms and full-service dining.
Evansville
Located on a scenic bend in the Ohio River at the southwest tip of Indiana, Evansville offers plenty to do throughout the summer — and if it’s not enough, St. Louis, Louisville and Nashville are just a short drive away.
What to see:
Angel Mounds State Historic Site is one of the best-preserved pre-contact Native American settlements in the United States. Some of the mounds have been excavated to reveal the substance of the Mississippians’ culture, who lived there from 1100 to 1450 C.E. with a population between 1,000 and 3,000. New archeological digs by IU in the past two summers have uncovered new information about the purpose and the contents of the Mounds. Call 812-856-3956.
Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve features over 200 acres of natural primeval forest within an urban setting. Trails and paths lead past virgin bottomland hardwood forests, wildlife observation areas and ponds. The forest is surrounded by a multipurpose park with a tennis complex, softball fields, batting cages, picnic areas and a nine-hole golf course. Call 812-479-0771.
Howell Wetlands is one of five urban wetland parks in Indiana. Twenty-three acres contain marshland, bald cypress slough, lowland hardwood forest and an upland meadow. Guided tours are available by reservation. Call 812-479-0771.
What to do:
Take a guided canoe trip on Pigeon Creek, the Wabash River or Hovey Lake with Canoe Evansville. Trips vary from two to five hours with a special overnight canoeing/camping adventure planned four times a season. All bookings must be reserved at least one week in advance. Call 812-479-0771, ext. 5.
Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden extends over 50 acres and contains more than 600 animals exhibited in their natural habitats. Paths lined with exotic plants and lush foliage wind throughout the forested zoo. Children’s bumper boats area and paddleboat rentals on Lake Victoria are available. Call 812-435-6143.
See the last operational, navigable Landing Ship Tank (LST 325) docked on the Ohio River at Evansville. The 325 was on Omaha Beach on D-Day and made 44 trips between there and England during the beginning days of the successful invasion. Some of the original crew are part of the volunteer groups that conduct the tours, do the upkeep and stand guard duty at night. A special D-Day re-enactment takes place June 2-3. Call 812-435-8678.
For rainy days, check out one of Evansville’s many museums, such as cMoe, the new interactive children’s museum; Evansville African American Museum, with exhibits that chronicle the history of Lincoln Gardens, the second public housing development initiated under President Roosevelt’s New Deal Program; Evansville Museum of Arts, History and Science; Evansville Museum of Transportation; and Reitz Home Family Museum.
Where to eat:
Black Buggy Restaurant & General Store features an Amish buffet and bakery. After your meal, shop in the store for extra treats to take home. Call 812-473-0545.
Try some unique flavors: Korean at Jaya’s Authentic Foods, 812-422-6667; Tex Mex at Tumbleweed Southwest Mesquite Grill and Bar, 812-423-9590; or Mexican at Los Bravos, 812-464-3163.
Where to stay:
Make the most of the nightlife by staying at the Casino Aztar Hotel or Le Merigot Boutique Hotel at Casino Aztar. Call 800-342-5386.
Or try some rustic charm with modern conveniences like a two- or three-bedroom chalet in a wooded setting. Burdette Park Chalets also features Jacuzzi suites. Call 823-435-5602.
Northern Indiana lakes country: Steuben County
Just 160 miles north of Indianapolis lies a rustic get-away with 101 lakes, a beautiful state park, Northeast Indiana’s first winery and an outlet mall for those who prefer shopping over nature encounters.
What to see:
Pokagon State Park, on the shores of Lake James, is a picturesque 1,260-acre park that features hiking trails, beaches, boat rental, guided horse tours and more. An electric fantail launch offers tours of the lake. Choose from five different campgrounds or stay at the inn. Call 260-833-2012.
Satek Winery in Fremont has a newly expanded tasting room where you can sample Seyval Blanc, raspberry and blueberry wines. Call 260-495-WINE.
What to do:
Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve offers tours of the 400-acre preserve by wagon or by horse. An 1840s rendezvous encampment re-enactment takes place June 3-4, with buckskin traders selling handcrafted items.
Fun Spot Amusement Park & Zoo in Angola: Rides, arcades, go-karts, sand volleyball, water slides and more will keep the kids entertained. Kids get an all-day free pass during June if they bring their A/B report card. Call 260-833-2972.
Where to eat:
A 50-year staple in Fremont, Clay’s is known for homemade pies and soup, and offers a salad and bread bar and a great weekend buffet. Call 260-833-1332.
For something a little spicier, try Mexican-owned and -operated Las Limas Mexican Restaurant in Angola. Call 260-624-2459.
Where to stay:
Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve Bed & Breakfast lets you get away from it all: no phones, TV or electronic devices. No shoes, booze or cigarettes allowed inside, either. But the hot tub and log cabin ambiance complete with fireplace make it a quaint get-away unusual for Indiana. Call 260-495-0137.
Other cabin-style suites, as well as inn rooms, are available at the Potawatomi Inn, in Pokagon State Park. Scenic views of Lake James and Potawatomi Beach highlight features such as an indoor swimming pool, sauna, whirlpool and game room. Call 260-833-1077.
Lake County (and beyond)
You don’t have to travel out of state to find a beach this summer. Take a short drive up to the casual coast and relax, play or pop over the border for a day’s (or night’s) fun in Chicago.
What to see:
The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore stretches for nearly 30 miles along the coast of Lake Michigan. In addition to serving as protector for unique, bio-diverse plant and animal populations, the dunes provide a magnificent backdrop for a host of activities, ranging from bird watching to swimming to horseback riding to off-roading. Mount Baldy is a “living” or shifting dune with a view of the Chicago skyline and a swimming beach. In the southwest corner lies Cowles Bog, a wetland.
Along the way, visit the Tippecanoe Battlefield, site of the 1881 battle between William Henry Harrison and Tecumseh. Hiking trails through the woodsy setting lead to a nature center and picnic grounds. Call 765-567-2147.
Tour the Wolf Park research center near Battleground (near Lafayette), where you can learn about gray wolves, watch them interact with bison and even howl with them on Howl Nights. Call 765-567-2265.
What to do:
Cool off at Deep River Waterpark in Crown Point. Attractions include tube and body waterslides, an interactive river and dueling barrel bowl slides. Call 219-947-7275.
Once you’re dried off, check out nearby Buckley Homestead in Lowell. This living history farm dates to the 1850s and hosts events throughout the year such as war re-enactments and the annual Cobe Cup Race, a vintage auto rally celebrating the 1909 precursor to the inaugural Indianapolis 500. Call 219-945-0543.
Visit a working, interactive dairy farm in Fair Oaks. In addition to tours, Fair Oaks Farms features a birthing center as well as a retail cheese and ice cream shop. Call 877-536-1194.
Where to eat:
The Cornerstone Mansion in Lowell, built in 1868, provides a historic setting for dining. Call 219-696-7001.
The Circle Restaurant, located on the square in Crown Point, serves a selection of Italian & American cuisine. Call 219-661-0101.
Where to stay:
Songbird Prairie Bed & Breakfast, Valparaiso. Songbird-themed rooms are dressed in colonial décor. Call 219-759-4233.
Waterbird Lakeside Inn in Chesterton offers the tranquility of private lakes and woods. Treat yourself to an aroma-therapy massage at the Indian Oak Spa. Call 888-957-3529.
Or, try any number of vacation rentals by owner, with lake views and various amenities. Call 219-929-2255.
Fly-away dream vacations
Mexico is a vibrant, exciting, year-round destination that is easily — and economically — accessible from Indy. Countless surprises wait to be discovered in the alluring Yucatan. Bypass the spring break atmosphere of Cancun and take the trek south to Tulum. Although this little corner of the Yucatan at the southern tip of the “Riviera Maya” is rapidly developing, it remains quaint and inviting, with a local population as warm and inviting as the weather. Visitors from around the world are drawn to its jungle climate, turquoise waters, Mayan ruins and eco-adventure opportunities.Where to stay:
For a quiet, rustic eco-resort close to the beach, the hotel zone lies about a mile off the 307 on a bumpy little road that winds along the coast. There are a number of eco-resorts for all budgets, most nestled in a thick strip of jungle between the road and the beach that can’t be seen from the road.
Cabañas Copal Hotel: Lodging options range from sand-floor rooms with shared facilities to individual cabañas with mosquito-netted king-size beds and private bath. The extra cost of a sea view cabaña is worth it; without air conditioning, you’ll value the breeze. For a little more money and a seven-night minimum stay, la casita is by far the best room. Perched high atop a rocky cliff, it has a tremendous view of the beach and the sea. It’s also the largest cabaña, with the only porch that includes chairs, hammocks and a swing. The talavera tile bathtub is a treat. Be aware that there is no electricity there. In fact, there is little electricity throughout Tulum because it’s a turtle nesting area.
Other treats include their holistic spa services: massage, Temazcal sweat lodge, flotation chamber, yoga classes and more. In addition, an onsite restaurant serves fresh seafood and several vegetarian dishes. For more information, go to www.cabanascopal.com.
Just next door, and under the same management, is Azulik, a cluster of 15 villas perched on the cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Constructed of local hardwoods, each villa features an indoor tree trunk tub and deck with outdoor soaking tub. Like Cabañas Copal, this is a clothing-optional resort, but it’s for adults only. Both resorts are gay-friendly.
For five-night stays from June 1-July 31, Azulik will pay your carbon offset for a year. Carbonfund.org is a U.S.-based non-profit that supports reforestation projects. For more information, go to www.azulik.com.
Where to eat:
Zamas’ Que Fresco! is a must. Within walking distance of Azulik and Cabañas Copal, it’s a seaside Mexican restaurant (and resort) that has become a staple for regular visitors to the area. Known for its seafood, its wood-fired pizza, Mexican and vegetarian dishes are the absolute best in the area.
For a change of pace, La Vita é Bella is a fantastic Italian restaurant (and resort) north of Cabañas Copal. Another seaside, open-air, sand-floor restaurant, its Italian chef prepares delicious dishes.
What to see:
The Mayan ruins at Tulum are breathtaking. Despite guidebook criticism about their size, age and condition, they are beautifully inspiring and set against a turquoise backdrop of incredible sea view. The back way is within walking distance, but don’t miss the area’s best flea market between the ruins and the 307.
Other ruins worth visiting include Coba, about an hour’s drive inland from Tulum. It features a steep 12-story-tall pyramid (tallest in the Yucatan) that offers a great panoramic view above the canopy and other structures from the Classic period. Muyil is a short drive south of Tulum. This quiet, seldom-visited site features several impressive structures and a boardwalk to the Laguna Muyil. Xel-ha is a small group of Late Post-Classic structures north of Tulum. Although the buildings are not in good shape, the beautiful blue cenote and the proximity to Xel-ha Nature Park make it a worthwhile stop. Chichen Itza is a day trip by car or pre-arranged tour. Heavily visited, this impressive archeological site is rated as one of the most important in Mayan culture.
What to do:
Xel-ha Lagoon eco-park is a great place to snorkel, tube a tropical river, jump from a rope swing in the cenote or a cliff into the river, balance a rope crossing, traverse a floating bridge at the sea entrance or stay on dry land by hiking the nature trails. See the baby turtles at the turtle camp, observe a wide variety of birds or swim with dolphins.
X-caret Eco Park has many of the same features: dolphin swim, turtle hatchery, protected beach and uncaged macaws and parrots. It feels a bit more like a botanical garden with its orchid greenhouse, jaguar island, ruins, coral reef aquarium and evening shows. Be sure to float down the underground river.
There are many cenotes in the area. Hidden Worlds Cenote Park near Xel-ha offers scheduled dive and snorkel tours of underground rivers, with the new Skycycle Tour canopy tour to and from the cenotes. Dos Ojos, for certified open water divers, is particularly spectacular.
All the beaches are public beaches. The water is clear, warm and beautiful. Because the Yucatan is on the world’s second-largest barrier reef, there’s plenty of snorkeling and scuba diving, with tours easily arranged. There are several golf courses in the area, horseback riding, caves, sailing and boat tours of the Sian Kaan Biosphere lakes.
The Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve is a 1.3-million-acre wilderness with miles of remote, uninhabited beachfront. The Road to Punta Allen passes through the reserve, threading the needle between sea and mangrove. It’s only for the adventurous; the road is often impassable with anything less than a 4WD — and difficult enough with one; there are no services along the way and some beaches feature strong rip tides. But it’s a fabulous glimpse of pristine tropics.
Other things to do include a ferry ride to Cozumel, an island off the coast of Playa del Carmen that offers fantastic snorkeling and diving, exploring the small villages along the coast, simply relaxing on the beautiful beaches or shopping in Tulum Pueblo.