Pumpkin spice is already starting to appear in the stores, and the Halloween merchandise is out – which is a sure sign that summer is practically over.
Not ready to let it go just yet? You’re not alone. If you want to eke a few more moments out of your summer this year before the school year starts in earnest or the weather begins to get dicey, you’re in luck – Indianapolis is strategically placed. There are a bunch of destinations that are just a short drive away, and they make for the perfect weekend road trip with your family, your bestie or your significant other.
Here’s our guide to some of the best weekend getaways from Indy that you can take before summer fades away:
1. Brown County, Indiana: A Nature Lover’s Paradise
Distance From Indianapolis: About 1 hour
Ideal if You Like: Hiking, nature walks and art galleries
Brown County is often referred to as the “Little Smokies” due to its hilly terrain, which is reminiscent of the Great Smoky Mountains. It is also home to Brown County State Park, Indiana’s largest state park. Spend your days exploring over 20 miles of tree-lined trails, which range from easy walks to extreme hikes – all with amazing views.
This is also a great place to visit if you have an artistic streak – or simply enjoy original watercolors, stained glass, wood carvings, custom jewelry and hand-woven clothing. There’s a little something for everything in Nashville, a small Brown County town full of art galleries, craft stores and coffee shops.
2. Bloomington, Indiana: A Vibrant College Town with Cultural Flair
Distance From Indianapolis: About 1 hour
Ideal if You Like: Music, dining and culture
Home to Indiana University, Bloomington is a lively town that offers a mix of cultural attractions, great food and gorgeous scenery. Spend a day exploring the campus, which is dotted with historic buildings and beautiful gardens. Don’t miss the iconic Sample Gates and the Art Museum, which features an impressive collection of fine art on any given day.
“B-Town” also prides itself on its culinary scene, which has a lot of diversity and flavor profiles (thanks in part to an international set of consumers at the university). There are also a ton of wineries, distilleries and breweries you can enjoy, as well as oodles of live music performances. Check out these venues and plan to include a couple of shows while you’re there.
3. Louisville, Kentucky: A Bourbon Lover’s Dream
Distance From Indianapolis: About 2 hours
Ideal if You Like: Bourbon tours and horse racing
Want to get out of the state for a bit? Head to Louisville, just over the Kentucky line, where Southern charm is simply oozing. Check out the iconic Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby. Even if the famous race isn’t in season, the museum is there to delight you.
Of course, no visit to Louisville is complete without a foray onto the Urban Bourbon Trail, where you can sample some of the state’s finest spirits. You can even stay at one of the historic hotels downtown, such as the Seelbach Hilton, which has hosted everyone from presidents to Prohibition-era gangsters. This is one trip that you may want to take without the kids so that you can explore the wild side of Louisville with abandon.
4. Chicago, Illinois: The Ultimate Urban Getaway
Distance From Indianapolis: About 3 hours
Ideal if You Like: Museums, architecture and shopping
If you’ve never been to Chicago before (or it has been a while), start by exploring the Magnificent Mile, which has some of the most amazing shopping experiences in the nation – so hang onto your wallet! The area is known to draw celebrities from all over, so you may even catch sight of someone you know from movies or television while you’re there.
In general, the Windy City has tons of opportunities for exploration, including Millennium Park with its famous “Bean” sculpture (officially known as Cloud Gate) and the extensive collection of work by Monet, Van Gogh and Grant Wood at the Art Institute of Chicago. Make sure you check out some of the iconic architecture, take a tour and find a spot to indulge in the city’s legendary pizza before you head back home.
5. Cincinnati, Ohio: A Riverfront Gem
Distance From Indianapolis: About 2 hours
Ideal if You Like: Family fun, history and great food
Cincinnati is a city that beautifully blends old and new. The Banks, which is the riverfront area, is a great place to start your visit. There, you’ll find the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, which offers a powerful look into the fight to end slavery in America.
If you’ve got the kids with you (or you just like animals and plants), visit the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, which is one of the oldest zoos in the country. The zoo is home to a wide variety of animals, including their world-famous hippo, Fiona. Foodies will love Cincinnati’s local delicacies, particularly its unique take on chili over spaghetti noodles (which really is a thing). If you time your visit just right, you may even get a chance to indulge in your Medieval fantasies at the Ohio Renaissance Festival, which runs from the end of August through October 27th this year.
6. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky: A Subterranean Adventure
Distance From Indianapolis: About 3 hours
Ideal if You Like: Cave exploration, hiking and camping
Located in the middle of Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park is the world’s longest cave system – and cave tours range from easy walks to challenging expeditions for seasoned spelunkers, so there’s something for everyone to see and explore.
If you’re really trying to connect with nature a little before the cold weather settles in, there are more than 80 miles of hiking trails that wind through virgin forests. The park is also a great spot for kayaking and canoeing, with rentals available on-site along the Green River. Camping is the big draw here, but there are a few lodges and cabins that can be reserved if you plan your trip early enough and want a little luxury.
7. Hocking Hills, Ohio: A Hidden Natural Gem
Distance From Indianapolis: About 3.5 hours
Ideal if You Like: Hiking, photography and the outdoors
Hocking Hills is one of Ohio’s most beautiful natural areas, known for its wild landscapes that include waterfalls, cliffs and gorges that wander through deep green woods and hidden caves. Popular spots for photographers include Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave, but the stunning scenery is almost endless.
If you want a little more adventure, there are places to go rock climbing, kayaking and zip-lining, and a stay in the cabins can make you feel like you’re one with nature.
Summing It Up
Summer is slipping away, but you don’t have to settle in with autumn and winter weather just yet. Load up the car and hit the road one more time – there are some incredible destinations not far from your doorstep. Happy travels!
