​Finding Fun in the Summer Sun
​By Susan Salaz

Longer days and warmer weather seem to invite adventure. You may be wishing for a weekend away, yearning for a day surrounded by nature, or just looking to get out and about close to home. Whatever you desire, you don’t have to travel far to find summer fun.
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For those ready to get away, Fort Wayne is a great weekend destination. Discover the recently revitalized historic neighborhood and commercial district that has it all—The Landing. Stay in Fort Wayne’s first boutique hotel, The Bradley (a collaboration with Barbara Bradley Baekgaard, co-founder of Vera Bradley), which is set to open this summer. Dine across the street at Tolon for heady farm-to-table fare that alone is worth the drive from home. Grab a Utopian Coffee and stroll the block, sip a local craft beer and try some tasty BBQ at Landing Beer Company, and find design inspiration while shopping home décor at House to Home. 

Fort Wayne is an urban adventure offering plenty of ways to spend the day. Tour the public art trail and find vibrant murals around each corner, take in a TinCaps Minor League Baseball Game at Parkview Field, or walk along the tree canopy trail for a bird’s-eye view of the St. Marys River in Promenade Park. Don’t forget to stop for the finest locally made chocolates at one of the three DeBrand locations, or even indulge in a factory tour. (And If you need to satisfy a chocolate craving now, the DeBrand at River Crossing right here in Indianapolis can take care of all your sweet needs).

This summer, getting away from it all is easily achieved. Get out of town--or stay put in Indy! Fun can be had in any direction.
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If the spring green and sunshine are calling and nature is your natural escape, consider a trip south to Brown County, home to Indiana’s largest state park with the same name. In the park you’ll find miles of hiking trails for rugged or relaxed adventure among the rolling hills, mountain biking galore (Brown County Bikes in nearby Nashville can accommodate daily rentals), and scenic overlooks that are a sight to behold. Find quaint country charm wandering through downtown Nashville, full of restaurants, shops and art galleries. Try brunch and apothecary cocktails at Bird’s Nest Café, or stop in the popular Big Woods Pizza for the perfect slice. Explore handcrafted, artisanal jewelry inspired by nature at the New Leaf Gallery. Off the beaten path you’ll find Hard Truth Hills, the state’s largest destination craft distillery, complete with a restaurant, tasting center, and tours.

If a stay-cation is more your style this summer there are plenty of great spots close by. Check out downtown Indy’s trendiest new spot, The Bottleworks District at the north end of Mass Ave., where you can stay in the historic Coca-Cola bottling facility turned luxurious hotel, enjoy all kinds of food options in the Garage Food Hall, or take in a movie at the Living Room Theaters. And don’t forget about the lovely scene along the Monon Trail right here in Carmel. In the eclectic Arts & Design District you’ll find hometown favorites like Bazbeaux Pizza and Sun King Brewery. Continue on foot or bicycle through the playful Midtown Plaza and south to the Carmel City Center where you can keep up the burn at InCycle indoor cycling and strength training. On Saturday mornings bring your basket to fill with all kinds of fresh fruits and veggies at the busy Carmel Farmers Market, or opt for the area’s newest culinary offerings at Vivante French Eatery inside the city’s long anticipated Hotel Carmichael.

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CARMEL