Hard at work at Tabby Tree Weaver, photo from their website

Visitors Center Staffer, Karalee, was asked how she would spend an arts & culture filled weekend in Hamilton County, Indiana:

There are a variety of towns in Hamilton County that would satisfy a visitor’s hunger for arts, culture and entertainment.  The first stop on an arts journey would be the popular Carmel Arts and Design District, which offers art galleries, showrooms, specialty shops, and life like sculptures that line the district created by sculpture Seward Johnson.  Also Carmel will soon have a performing arts center, which will include three state of the art performing places.

The next town to stop in would be Arcadia, where the downtown hosts the Arcadia Arts; and one can learn a whole new set of crafts and arts skills.  The Tabby Tree Weaver is just one stop where classes are held to complete a variety of artistic classes.  Once in Arcadia, you can also seek live entertainment at the Hedgehog Music Showcase.  The showcase offers several genres of music and children can enjoy the non-alcoholic and non-smoking environment every Friday and Saturday night.

Enjoy!

**For more Hamilton County, Indiana trip ideas, visit us online at 8GreatTowns.com.

From Visitor Center Employee, Natalie H.:

Historic Boxley Cabin in Sheridan

A great way for any visitor to start the day would be to enjoy a delicious breakfast. Bub’s Café in Carmel has delectable dishes for any kind of appetite. Once everyone is full, the nearby Arts & Design District is home to a variety of interesting shops. After spending some time perusing the shops, if the shopping mood continues, then Clay Terrace would be the next stop for the day.

A lunch at Kelties in Westfield would be a real dining treat. The afternoon could be spent venturing out to some of the smaller of the eight great towns to enjoy unique, historic experiences such as the Hedgehog in Arcadia or the George Boxley log cabin in Sheridan. Another historic landmark to visit could be Conner Prairie in Fishers. For dinner, either stop by the Hamilton Town Center, or drive a little ways to Matteo’s Ristorante Italiano in Noblesville. If everyone still has more energy for fun, visit by Pinheads off of I-37 in Fishers for some cosmic bowling.

**For more Hamilton County, Indiana trip ideas, visit us online at 8GreatTowns.com.

All Aboard!

2. This year, Arbor Day  is on Friday, April 30 – and you can celebrate in Hamilton County all weekend! On Friday, take part in the Fishers Tree Planting, on Saturday join in on the Arbor Day fun at Dillion Park in Noblesville. Also on Saturday, stop by Quaker Park in Westfield or take a Tree Hike through Strawtown Koteewi Park. – Friday, April 30 – Saturday, May 1.

3. Head to Stonycreek Farm in Noblesville for the “Family Fun on the Farm” event, where you can bounce on the giant jumping pillow, pedal go-carts, ride the pumpkin train and see farm animals – Saturday, May 1 – Sunday, May 2.

4. Point your compass toward Strawtown Koteewi Park for hands-on fun during their Orienteering class – Saturday, May 1.

5. Start your Mother’s Day celebration a little early! Visit the Simply Sweet Shoppe in Carmel for a formal Mother’s Day Tea – Saturday, May 1.

6. All Aboard! Ride the rails on the Pizza Plus Express train ride – Saturday, May 1.

7. Tap your toes as the Hedgehog Music showcases the music of the 1920-30-40s – Saturday, May 1.

8. Take part in the Nefarious Noblesville Ghost Walk through Historic Noblesville Square – Saturday, May 1.

*Visit us online at 8GreatTowns.com for a complete list of things do in Hamilton County, Indiana!

If you are already planning a weekend getaway to Hamilton County’s 8 Great Towns or want to take a last minute Indiana vacation, here are 8 Great Things to do in Hamilton County, Indiana this weekend:

Strolling through Forest Park

1. Explore the latest exhibits at the Museum of Miniature Houses – Wednesday, March 31 – Sunday, April 4.

2. Visit the “Emerging Colors Exhibit” at the Birdie Gallery in Noblesville to enjoy a spring show of paintings, ceramics and sculpture  - Thursday, April 1 – Saturday, April 3.

3. Step back in time and into Conner Prairie’s Science Lab for Science Saturdays – Saturday, April 3.

4. Indulge in a delicious breakfast from Kelties Restaurant during the 2nd Annual Breakfast With The Bunny & Easter Egg Hunt at Wood Wind Golf Club in Westfield – Saturday, April 3.

5. Take advantage of the warm weather and stroll down the Monon Trail in Carmel, walk through the paths of Forest Park in Noblesville, hike the trails of Strawtown Koteewi Park in Cicero.

6. Visit our Restaurant of the Week – Alexander’s on the Water – to enjoy a sweet treat.

7. Tap your toes to music of the 1920s-30s-40s during a live musical performance at the Hedgehog Music Showcase in Arcadia – Saturday, April 3.

8. Satisfy your taste buds during the Easter Buffet at Oak Hill Mansion in Carmel – Sunday, April 4.

*Visit us online at 8GreatTowns.com for a complete list of things do in Hamilton County, Indiana!

Farndale Housing Society Murder Mystery - Photo from IBelfry.org

1. Enjoy a live performance of the Farndale Housing Society Murder Mystery put on by the Belfry Theatre in Noblesville – Friday, February 19 – Sunday, February 21.

2. Make a reservation for Hearthside Suppers at Conner Prairie & spend an evening creating a great 19th-century meal – Friday, February 19 – Sunday, February 21.

3. Take advantage of all the pretty white snow and visit the Snowflakes & Silent Nights Exhibit at Cool Creek Park in Westfield – Open daily until March 7.

4. Visit Strawtown Koteewi Park in Cicero for an exciting and informative program about the trades between the Native Americans and early European Settlers – Saturday, February 20.

5. Visit our Restaurant of the Week – Peterson’s – and enjoy an evening of fine dining.

6. Bring your ice skates to Redman Park in Westfield for an evening of free outdoor ice skating – Saturday, February 20.

7. Tap your toes to the music of the 1920-30-40s at the Hedgehog Music Showcase in Arcadia – Saturday, February 20.

8. Celebrate with your children during the Incredible Kid Day event at the Monon Center in Carmel – Sunday, February 21.

*Visit us online at 8GreatTowns.com for a complete list of things do in Hamilton County, Indiana!

Watching the Game at Nickel Plate Bar & Grill - image from NickelPlateBarAndGrill.com

1. Guys – enjoy a Pre Super Bowl beer tasting night out at Kiss Z Cook in Carmel – Friday, February 5

2. Conner Prairie is offering all kinds of unique Historic Trade Classes – take time to experience one this weekend – Friday, February 5 – Sunday, February 7

3. Still haven’t seen Avatar? Check it out on the big screens of the Hamilton 16 IMAX in Noblesville.

4. Spend Saturday strolling the aisle of goodies during the Hamilton County Marketplace at the 4H Fairgrounds in Noblesville – Saturday, February 6

6. Tap your toes to the great music of the 1920s, 30s and 40s at the Hedgehog Music Showcase in Arcadia – Saturday, February 6

7. Visit our Restaurant of the Week – Keltie’s – for a great local dining experience.

8. Can’t make it to Miami for the big game? Then stay in Hamilton County and watch the Colts take on the Saints in the Super Bowl at Mudsocks Grill or Barley Island Brewery in Noblesville, Nickel Plate Bar & Grill in Fishers or the Mellow Mushroom in Carmel. Also take advantage of THESE Super Bowl specials – Sunday, February 7

*Visit us online at 8GreatTowns.com for a complete list of things do in Hamilton County, Indiana!

The Taste of Carmel at the Ritz Charles

1. Begin your weekend a little early at the Taste of Carmel event where guests will sample delights from fine dining restaurants, ethnic eateries and sweet treats – Thursday, January 21.

2. Take the family to the Monon Center in Carmel for an evening of fun, food and games - Friday, January 22.

4. Visit Big Hoffa’s Smokehouse BBQ – our Restaurant of the Week – for delicious, unforgettable, reasonably priced bar-be-que.

5. Travel north to Hoosier Park Racing & Casino and try your luck with their slot machines and e-table games.

6. Head to the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds in Noblesville for the RV Show- Saturday, January 23 – Sunday, January 24.

7. Listen to the toe-tapping tunes of the 1920s-30s-40s during a live performance at the Hedgehog Music Showcase in Arcadia – Saturday, January 23.

8. Cheer on the Colt’s while enjoying food and drink specials at Mudsocks Grill in Noblesville – Sunday, January 24.

*Visit us online at 8GreatTowns.com for a complete list of things do in Hamilton County, Indiana!

Arcade games at Laser Flash in Carmel

1. Begin your weekend a little early and take a “Girls Night Out” cooking class at Kiss Z Cook in Carmel- Wednesday, January 6.

2. Create, and enjoy, a multi-course meal from the 19th-century during Hearthside Suppers at Conner Prairie – Friday, January 8- Sunday, January 10.

3. Stroll through the peaceful beauty of winter during the Snowflakes & Silent Nights Exhibit at Cool Creek Park in Westfield- Friday, January 8- Sunday, January 10.

4. Take your family or a few friends for an evening of bowling at Pinheads in Fishers.

5. Stop by the Carmel Arts & Design District for “Second Saturdays” to enjoy special promotions and discounts at the shops, eateries and galleries – Saturday, January 9.

6. Bundle up for an evening of outdoor ice-skating at Red Man Park in Westfield (weather permitting)- Saturday, January 9.

7. Get up and dance to great live music from the 1920s-30s-40s at Hedgehog Music Showcase in Arcadia – Saturday, January 9.

8. Visit Laser Flash, Indiana’s largest laser tag center, for an unforgettable evening of fun and games.

*Visit us online at 8GreatTowns.com for a complete list of things do in Hamilton County, Indiana!

Gingerbread Village at Conner Prairie

1. Ring in the New Year while enjoying a delicious dinner and live music at the Mansion at Oak Hill in Carmel – Thursday, December 31.

2. Or, countdown to midnight at the Fishers Conference Center party.  This package includes an overnight stay and free drinks. Come and enjoy yourself without worrying about being on the road – Thursday, December 31.

3. Last chance to visit the sweet winter wonderland that is the Gingerbread Village at Conner Prairie (this fun seasonal event closes down this weekend!) – Friday, January 1 – Sunday, January 3.

4. Enjoy New Years Day with antique shopping at the Carmel Old Town Antique Mall. Free snacks & football provided for the men and a $5 gift certificate will be given to the ladies – Friday, January 1.

5. Spend Saturday strolling the aisle of goodies during the Hamilton County Marketplace at the 4H Fairgrounds in Noblesville – Saturday, January 2.

6. Is your New Years resolution to get into shape?  Start on that goal a little early and participate in the Race to the New Year 5k walk/run – Saturday, January 2.

7. Bring your skates to Red Man Park in Westfield for a fun filled evening of free outdoor ice-skating (event is weather permitting)- Saturday, January 2.

8. Tap your toes to tunes from the 1920s-30s-40s at the Hedgehog Music Showcase in Arcadia – Saturday, January 2.

*Visit us online at 8GreatTowns.com for a complete list of things do in Hamilton County, Indiana!

Don't forget to order dessert! Photo from PetersonsRestaurant.com

1. Have a last minute Christmas wish?  Visit Santa at his house on Noblesville Square & tell him what you are hoping to see in your stocking – Thursday, December 24.

2. Need to get out of the house on Christmas day?  Go with the family to see a movie at the Hamilton 16 IMAX theatre in Noblesville.

3. Take advantage of the great After Christmas sales at Hamilton Town Center Mall & Clay Terrace Mall.

4. Get up and dance during a live musical performance of tunes from the 1920s-30s-40s at Hedgehog Music Showcase in Arcadia – Saturday, December 26.

5. Experience the beauty and peacefulness of winter during the Snowflakes and Silent Nights Exhibit at Cool Creek Park in Westfield – Saturday, December 26 – Sunday, December 27.

6. Stroll through a wonderland of icing, gumdrops and sprinkles atop remarkable gingerbread creations during “Gingerbread Village” at Conner Prairie in Fishers – Saturday, December 26 – Sunday, December 27.

7. Work off Christmas dinner during a Pre-History Village Tour at Strawtown Kotweei Park in Cicero – Saturday, December 26 – Sunday, December 27.

8. Sip on a delicious beverage, dine on steak or seafood and enjoy conversation during dinner at Peterson’s Restaurant in Fishers.

*Visit us online at 8GreatTowns.com for a complete list of things do in Hamilton County, Indiana!