Townsizing

story by GLENDA WINDERS

While we love our big cities, “townsizing” is a term that was coined to reflect the “downsizing” of the destination, focusing on simple pleasures like leisurely walks and visiting local shops, rather than adhering to a packed, high-pressure itinerary.

All too often we speed down the interstate in our rush to visit large cities, flying right past offramps that lead to hidden treasures. Next time, consider a different kind of excursion. Immerse yourself in the pleasures of small and more rural destinations to experience each area’s local culture.

Take Battle Ground, for example, in Tippecanoe County and home to the Tippecanoe Battlefield Park, a National Historic Landmark located within a 96-acre park setting where the 1811 battle between U.S. forces and Native Americans took place. You’ll also discover picnic areas, a nature center, chapel, and scenic hiking trails.

At nearby Prophetstown State Park you can hike, picnic, and learn about the area by way of historical exhibits. Also in Battle Ground is the 78-acre Wolf Park where visitors can see resident wolves, foxes, bison, and a Turtle Garden, then can return at night to howl with the pack. The Shoup House, built in 1860, houses Shoup House Antiques and Interiors. Browse through their collection of furniture, collectibles, and accessories.

Farther south is Parke County, known as the Covered Bridge Capital of the World. The area is dotted with quaint small towns like Rockville, the county seat; Bridgeton, home of the iconic Bridgeton Mill and Covered Bridge; and Montezuma, featuring the historic B&O Railroad Bridge over the Wabash River. Start your day with a hike at Turkey Run State Park among its sandstone ravines, scenic overlooks, and forested trails. Cool off with a dip at Raccoon Lake, then visit some of the area’s antique shops, among them Aunt Patty’s, Vintage Relics Antiques, and Antiques on York.

Washington and Montgomery, both in Daviess County, are where you’ll find examples of Amish furniture, handiwork, and food. A sumptuous buffet that includes their signature fried chicken, noodles, and pies can be found at the Gasthof Amish Village with more at Dutchman’s Diner and at the Homestead Restaurant and Bakery. For coffee and a sweet, the Cherry Ghost Coffee Shop is also worthy of a stop.

The Historical Society maintains and curates an extraordinary collection of artifacts at the Daviess County Museum into engaging displays that explain the local agriculture, politics, clothing, and lifestyle. One of these is a completely re-created one-room schoolhouse.

Shopping here yields unusual items you probably won’t find anywhere else. Best bets are A Wonderful Life, the Chandelier Barn Market, Top-Notch Boutique, Wittmer Furniture and Gift Shop, and Arts Unleashed Presents: The Gallery.

Small-town shopping gives visitors the chance to support local businesses while discovering unique finds. In Tell City in southwest Indiana, you can browse at Antiques & More, Tell City Pickers, and Celebrations on Main. Then grab a bite and something to drink at Pour Haus. Outdoor fun here includes Buzzard Roost and Saddle Lake trails inside the scenic Hoosier National Forest. For a secluded accommodation, select a cabin at Tipsaw Lake or Patoka Lake.

Bloomington, set in the picturesque rolling hills of south-central Indiana, is one of the most multicultural places in the state, thanks to its being the home of Indiana University. On campus you’ll find the impressive collections at the Eskenazi Museum of Art. Across the street is the Lilly Library, with some of its rare books and papers always on display.

The Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center, located on the grounds of a monastery, is dedicated to fostering and preserving the Tibetan and Mongolian cultures. Share in their rituals and spend a night in one of their yurts.

Not too far from campus, you can taste the wines at either the Oliver Winery, Indiana’s largest and one of the largest in the country; or the Butler Winery, one of the oldest in Indiana. Then follow that with dinner on “international row,” a series of authentic restaurants from around the world on Fourth Street.

Brown County’s Nashville is the art colony first made famous by artist T.C. Steele. Visit his home and studio as well as the Brown County Art Gallery and the Brown County Art Guild to view and maybe purchase local and Midwestern pieces.

Enjoy a live show at the Brown County Playhouse — perhaps with some warm roasted nuts from the nearby Jack and Jill Nut Shop. Save time for browsing in the boutiques and bookstores within walking distance. When you leave Nashville, take the winding road to Story and you’ll find a historic village that has been transformed into the Story Inn, an unique inn, restaurant, and tavern.

The colorful murals adorning many buildings might be the first thing you notice in Greensburg, but there’s much more to see and do. The award winning Building Bridges Inclusion Park, is a safe, accessible playground with colorful equipment for children of all abilities. Local shopping here includes Dog-Eared Pages, a woman-owned bookstore, where you are invited to “get your paws on a good book.”

Oldenburg in Franklin County, known as the “Village of Spires” for its many churches, was founded in 1837 by German immigrants. This would explain why the street signs are in two languages, the architecture is European, and the menus in many of the restaurants include German cuisine. One of those restaurants, the James Beard Award-winning Wagner’s Village Inn, claims to have the best fried chicken in the Midwest. Other spots for a tasty meal are the Pearl Street Pub, Sister Haus, and Brau Haus. Carriage House Antiques also sells ice cream made by Sister Cleo, one of the residents of the Sisters of St. Francis Convent. (At the convent itself you can book a tour for a peek at how religious orders live and do their work.)

Just across the street, a charming array of boutiques and gift shops awaits, including A Beautiful World, known for its elegant home décor; Schwestern Art Gallery; and The Golden Turtle Trading Company, where shoppers can find authentic dirndls and lederhosen ideal for celebrating Oldenburg’s beloved annual Freudenfest.

Leavenworth is a historic river port and serves as the gateway to attractions like Wyandotte Caves, Marengo Cave, and Harrison-Crawford State Forest. The Overlook Restaurant, perched high above the Ohio River, is a perfect spot to enjoy breathtaking views. Take a step back in time at Stephenson’s General Store, an old-fashioned general store selling ice cream, candy, sandwiches, and household items.

Over in Shelbyville is the Blue River Trail, with 4.5 miles of paved trails that run through downtown and along the Big Blue and Little Blue rivers and another 16 miles surrounding the area. Also here is Meltzer Woods, the oldest standing natural forest in the state.

Shopping in Shelbyville is highlighted by the 7,000-foot Me and My Sisters Flea Market, open seven days a week, with 75 vendors offering items that range from antiques, furniture, and clothing to home décor items, vinyl records, and goat’s milk soaps. Get an early start at Just Peachy, which features homemade cinnamon rolls and peach smoothies for breakfast and healthy and delicious sandwiches, soups, and salads for lunch.

The place to book for a special dinner in Greenfield is Carnegie’s — a former Carnegie library. Griggsby’s Station also gets high marks. Don’t miss the James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home and Museum, or plan a picnic in Riley Park, 40 creek-side acres that include a playground, paved walking areas, aquatic center, and museums.

Nearby Fortville surprises with an unexpected dining scene, including the Taxman Brewing Co., which has been noted as one of the best breweries in the state.

Wayne County has more than its share of charming small places. Cambridge City is the hub of Indiana’s Antique Alley, with ten antique shops and malls within a four-block area of restored historic buildings. Relax in the tasting room at the Pilgrimage Winery and Vineyard and then dine on giant tenderloins at Lumpy’s, steaks at No. 9 Grill or comfort food with a view at Lakeview Restaurant. Spending the night? Bed down at The Lofts on Main Street or Monet on Main Airbnb in a restored 1888 bank building in the heart of Cambridge City.

Centerville invites you to shop at the Warm Glow Candle Co., Centerville Antique Mall and Wheeler’s Antiques. In nearby Hagerstown watch as handcrafted chocolates and caramels are made the old-fashioned way at Abbott’s Candies, Indiana’s oldest candy factory. Then it’s on to Pendleton in Madison County where you can park your car once and walk to several shops like B’Dazzled Boutique, The Rusty Hinge Boutique, and Burmeister’s Olde Towne Antiques. Walkable dining options include Falls Perk and Sophie’s Bagels, Catello’s Italian Art Cuisine, and more. Falls Park has a variety of amenities, and the town puts on some great festivals throughout the year.

Muncie fun begins on the campus of Ball State University at the David Owsley Museum of Art with its excellent collection for a town of this size. Also here are the Minnetrista Museum and Gardens that tell the story of the family who created Ball Mason canning jars. On the grounds are the family’s opulent homes, one of which offers the Bob Ross Experience since this is where the artist often worked and taped his TV shows.

Internationally-known as the hometown of James Dean, Fairmount in Grant County treats visitors to the James Dean Museum, along with the James Dean Gallery, both of which give you insights into the star’s small-town roots. While there, be sure and enjoy a meal at Grains & Grill, or Bad Dad Brewing Company.

Two small towns in Adams County are worth your while to visit. Berne, known as the furniture capital of Indiana, was settled by Swiss immigrants and Mennonites in the 1800s and grew when the railroad came through town. Today you can experience that legacy with visits to the Swiss Heritage Village and Museum as well as the Muensterberg Plaza and Clock. Nearby Decatur offers the Adams County Historical Museum with knowledgeable docents to give you a tour, as well as the Charles Dugan Mansion. Or get outside and take a walk or bike ride on the town’s many trails and greenways. Shoppers won’t want to miss Yvonne Marie’s Antique Mall.

In Bluffton, look for the extraordinary murals throughout historic and restored downtown, then learn about Wells county’s past at the Wells County Historical Society and Museum. Be sure to stop for a cookie, cake, or donut at the Grand Sweet Shop. Want to get outdoors? Explore Bluffton on bike with easily accessible trails that connect downtown to the Ouabache State Park. River Greenway Trail, Native Habitat Waterway and Acres Along the Wabash Nature Preserve are all at your disposal.

Shipshewana is home to a large population of Amish, and it’s here that you can immerse yourself in the culture. Start at Menno-Hof, a museum where you’ll learn about Amish and Mennonite lifestyles and beliefs, then shop for items these people have made in local stores and cottages along the Off the Beaten Path tour. In nearby LaGrange, don’t miss the Bloomfield Schoolhouse Apothecary for all things lavender; then settle in for drinks and dinner at Fireside Craft Burgers and Brews.

In Goshen shopping starts at Found, a three-story shop that began with a family’s personal collection and grew to a treasure trove of pieces acquired from around the world. Woodruff’s Footwear and Apparel offers shoes and clothing you won’t find anywhere else, and Snyder’s Men’s Store is one of only a few remaining elegant men’s shops. The Bag Factory now houses unusual shops and restaurants, or you could go to the South Side Soda Shop, featured on the Food Network, for a retro diner meal. Have a more upmarket dining experience at The Table at 108, then walk or bike it off on the 32-mile paved Pumpkinvine Nature Trail.

Since Whiting is right on Lake Michigan, this is where to go for water play at Whiting Lakefront Park and Whihala Beach or take a stroll to watch a sunset with the Chicago skyline in the background. The downtown area on 119th Street is home to boutiques, antiques, local cafés, pubs, and bakeries.

Catch a show at the historic Hoosier Theatre or visit during one of some 25-30 festivals each year. The most notable is the Pierogi Fest, where you can fill up on Polish food, polka the night away, and enjoy a parade.

Also in Lake County is Miller Beach in Gary, located at the southernmost point of Lake Michigan, nestled within five miles of sandy beaches and surrounded by the Indiana Dunes National Park. Experience multicolor sunsets, stunning Chicago skyline views, and the wild beauty of the dunes. The walkable downtown offers unique shops, art, restaurants, and street murals.

Northern Indiana’s Kosciusko County is full of unique small towns. Consider a visit to Mentone where you’ll be greeted by the world’s largest egg, a 12-foot-tall egg-shaped, concrete statue weighing in at more than 3,000 pounds. In North Webster enjoy a historical tour of Webster Lake aboard The Dixie Sternwheeler, Indiana’s oldest sternwheel excursion boat. And if stepping into a “Hallmark” movie is on your bucket list, you’ll want to plan your visit to The Village at Winona. This picturesque lakeside village features small businesses in renovated historic homes, a café, ice cream shop, and dining options all along the shore of Winona Lake.

While the pace in Noble County is relaxed, the towns here still have plenty of entertainment options. In Albion, there’s the Black Pine Animal Sanctuary, and in Kendallville there’s the Mid-America Windmill Museum.

Towns in White County such as Monticello, Monon, and Chalmers are close-knit and welcoming, yet you’re never far from major attractions such as Indiana Beach Amusement and Water Park, Lake Shafer, and Lake Freeman. Also here are Altherr Nature Park, Bluestem Nature Center, and the Monon Connection Museum, which is a train enthusiast’s dream.

At the Fiberglass Freaks’ Batman Museum in Logansport explore the 1960s bat cave; see props, art, and memorabilia; and witness an authentic 1960s Batmobile made in Logansport. The Dentzel Carousel at Riverside Park is one of the oldest surviving hand-carved menagerie-style carousels still in service. Culinary offerings include Bonus Pints, an unusual combination of restaurant, pub, arcade and record store, while Black Dog Coffee offers food, gifts, works by local artists, beer, and wine.

Tucked away in the heart of North Central Indiana, Delphi in Carroll County is full of warm hospitality and scenic beauty. Enjoy shows at the historic Delphi Opera House, along with local shops filled with character and one-of-a-kind treasures. There are several local restaurants such as Buttermilk Biscuit Company and Coffee Shop, Stone House Restaurant & Bakery, and others that offer made-from-scratch favorites and small-batch sweets.

Boone County is full of charming towns, including Zionsville with its brick-paved Main Street with boutiques, art galleries, and cafes. Lebanon’s downtown is full of historic charm with lots to do, while Whitestown and Thorntown attract visitors with special events and festivals.

Not to miss in Kokomo is a tour of Kokomo Opalescent Glass, the oldest art-glass company in the United States. Watch glass being made the same way it was done when the company opened in the same location in 1888. Other attractions are the Elwood Haynes Mansion, the Grissom Air Museum, Raceway Fun Park and Kendall Family Farm Adventures — all of which you would have missed had you not taken a chance on small towns.