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 Crop-A-Doodle-Do Simple, old-fashioned pursuits await you in Arcadia, a relaxing little town of nearly 2,000 residents. With roots in vaudeville (natives Kenneth and Paul Trietsch formed the Hoosier Hot Shots, a combination Dixieland/jazz/ragtime group that earned its share of fame and popularity in the 1920’s and 30’s), it should be no surprise that Arcadia will soon host a music hall. Until the curtain rises, browse through Fennel Artworks, a family owned and operated boutique specializing in new, traditional and reproduction quilting fabrics. Check into the Crop-A-Doodle-Do, a combination spa/scrapbook retreat nestled within a recently renovated 1865 farmhouse on a sprawling 100-acre property. Here, you’ll indulge in massages, manis, pedis and other sumptuous services before unwinding in a spacious new hot tub. Record all your Hamilton County trip memories in a custom-designed scrapbooking room, where you’ll settle in with supplies at your own well-equipped work space.
 Monon - The Hoosier Line
 Carmel Arts & Design District Arts. Shopping. Dining. Design. Carmel delivers big-city benefits in a sleek small-town setting. Merchant’s Square and Clay Terrace stand out as high-profile designer shopping and dining ops, but that’s only the beginning. Stroll the eight-square-block Carmel Arts & Design District in the heart of downtown Carmel to visit art galleries, antiques shops, home-furnishings and interior-design studios, a winery and more. Now under construction: a showcase Performing Arts Center, designed to put Carmel on the map for national and international arts patrons. One of its first performers is likely to be the home-town Carmel Symphony Orchestra. On a smaller—but no less entertaining—scale is the Museum of Miniature Houses and Other Collections. Kids and kids at heart love the dollhouses and tiny scenes on display here. Or if you’re looking for action-packed family fun, hit Laser Flash—the state’s largest laser-tag center.  Bleecker Street Soothing waters, upscale eateries, archaeological digs, homemade candies—resort-style Cicero blends recreation and relaxation with a nod toward history both local and long-distance. Visit local legend Anvil Inn for its steak and pork-chop specialties, or kick back at Bleecker Street Eatery, featuring upscale cuisine (the crab cakes win raves) in a New York/folk-music-inspired setting. Spoil the kids with Uncle Henry’s Candies, pecan logs, peanut brittle and other sweet treats. Relax on a beach at Morse Reservoir or head for Strawtown Koteewi Park, 750 acres of woods, wetlands and wildlife. Canoe the White River or hike, bike or horseback-ride along 6½ miles of trails. If you’re lucky, you might drop by when an archaeological dig takes place—this land was once home to the Koteewi Native Americans.  Conner Prairie See for yourself why Fishers has been named one of the top places in the U.S. to raise a family. Parents and kids find plenty of activities to share here. Start with a trip to Conner Prairie, a 250-acre nationally recognized living history museum. You’ll be transported to 19th-century Indiana, with plenty of interactive experiences for all ages in your group. And in the summer, you’re in for a special treat. Pack (or purchase) a picnic and enjoy music under the stars during the wildly popular Symphony on the Prairie series by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Elsewhere in Fishers, you’ll find family fun galore. Ben & Ari’s Family Fun Center is a particular favorite with duck-pin and classic bowling, a large arcade and a themed eatery.  Historic Noblesville Square A history buff’s haven, Noblesville delights with a historic courthouse, a quaint brick-lined square, a rail-worthy train museum and more. Both the Hamilton County Courthouse and the surrounding business district are on the National Register of Historic Places; so is the 1876 Hamilton County Museum of History and Old Sheriff’s Residence and Jail. (John Dillinger was once a “guest” here.) The Indiana Transportation Museum lets you ride the rails on a steam or diesel train and tour more than 50 rail cars. When the days are warm, take a cue from the locals and head for Forest Park. History is here, too, thanks to 1870-71 Potters Bridge; a working carousel and splash-filled aquatic center keep things moving.
 Victoria's Tea Room It may keep a low profile, but Sheridan has a few surprises of its own. A pair of local restaurants introduces you to Hoosier hospitality at its down-home best. At Casey’s Bar & Grill on Main Street, munch on a breaded tenderloin—an Indiana culinary tradition. You’ll find the tasty sandwiches at The Red Onion as well, along with steaks, seafood and chicken. Scottys Pub and Sports Bar is also known for great tenderloins and fried green tomatoes. Walk off your indulgence with a trip to Sheridan Veteran’s Park, home to Boxley Cabin. This 1828 log home—currently undergoing restoration—belonged to George Boxley, one of America’s first abolitionists.  Stitches & Scones, Inc. Who would have thought this bustling retail and dining center once played a key role on the Underground Railroad? Many of the original Westfield residents had ties to the Quaker community and helped slaves on their way to freedom in Canada. You’ll be reminded of that heritage today as you hit the town’s local and national shops and restaurants: the town logo depicts a glowing lantern. Great dining like Kelties is a hot spot for lunch. Knitters from all over Indiana find their way to Stitches & Scones where they pride the store with unique knitting needs. |