Using Solo – Travel Indiana

story by TAMMY TILLEY

Whether your finest journey entails strolling or cliff-climbing, yow will discover all the pieces you need whenever you journey solo in Indiana.

Solo journey has surged lately, particularly as increasingly folks began having fun with expanded work flexibility. What as soon as felt area of interest is now mainstream, with extra vacationers embracing impartial journeys, versatile itineraries, and the liberty to discover on their very own phrases. Jamie Ward has traveled solo for 4 years and calls it a real ardour. “As an empty-nester, I’ve fully embraced exploring the world on my own terms.”

Amber Neace credit touring solo with restoring stability to her life. As a stay-at-home mother juggling a packed household schedule, she wanted time to recharge. A weeklong getaway impressed her to make not less than one solo journey a yearly precedence.

If you’re new to solo journey, Ward and Neace advocate a number of sensible security habits: keep in well-populated areas, use navigation and location-sharing apps so family members can monitor your route, and analysis locations upfront. Ward additionally shares detailed security tips about her weblog, “Cornfields and High Heels.”

First on our record of solo spots is Hobart, an enthralling city in Lake County, the place you possibly can stroll alongside the waterfront of 270- acre Lake George or catch out of doors live shows on the Revelli Bandshell. Inland, go to the Albanese Candy Factory, recognized for its gummies and goodies, or dive into town’s brickmaking historical past.

For solo vacationers, downtown Michigan City gives historical past, procuring, eating, and beachfront entry, all inside a walkable space. Shop for classic items, tour the historic Barker Mansion, and go to native galleries. For a singular in a single day keep, e-book a house by means of North Star Properties. And if you happen to’re bored with strolling, seize an eco-friendly pedicab by means of JOYRide.

In LaGrange, be part of the “Bloomfield Lavender Immersion” at Bloomfield Schoolhouse Lavender. At the one lavender farm in northern Indiana listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, proprietor Marion Wiggins welcomes visitors to stroll by means of fields of lavender. Design a one-of-a-kind perfume utilizing lavender and construct your personal tub salts to deal with your self on the Apothecary.

The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum in Auburn hosts its namesake competition September 3-5. Join the enjoyable with a Twenties-style gala, traditional automotive parades, and storage cruises. You also can tour the National Auto & Truck Museum, browse the Garrett Museum of Art, store downtown, or catch a film on the Auburn Garrett Drive-In Theater.

Solo journey blends tradition, nature, and college-town vitality in Lafayette and West Lafayette. The Wabash Heritage Trail, Clegg Memorial Garden, and Celery Bog Nature Area invite scenic wandering. Creative stops embody All Fired Up pottery studio and Rose + Wick Custom Candle store, whereas the Haan Museum of Indiana Art and Columbian Park Zoo spherical out your itinerary.

At Prophetstown State Park, prairies, wetlands, woodlands, and rivers converge throughout a panorama constructed for exploration. Hike, bike, fish, or swim, then go to the Native American village, interpretive applications, and The Farm at Prophetstown.

Whether you wish to “Boiler Up” or keep at one of many world’s finest 500 inns, e-book a room on the luxurious Union Club Hotel at Purdue University, Autograph Collection. Its limited-time Golf and Spa package deal delivers what General Manager Damon Bell describes as “an effortless way to enjoy Purdue hospitality with ease and indulgence.”

In Boone County, wellness-focused journey unfolds with spa remedies, yoga courses, and out of doors time alongside the Big 4 Trail connecting Zionsville, Whitestown, Lebanon, and Thorntown. Downtown Zionsville’s cobblestone streets characteristic boutiques and eating, whereas Thorntown’s Sugar Creek Art Center showcases native artists.

Kokomo is a incredible, budget-friendly vacation spot for a solo getaway. From vibrant artisan procuring and historic mansion excursions to distinctive out of doors roadside sights. Stops embody Kokomo Opalescent Glass, American’s oldest glass artwork firm; the Seiberling Mansion, an 1891 Victorian residence; and “Geek Street,” a complete block of distinctive treasures in downtown. Bike lovers will take pleasure in miles of trails, together with the free bike share program, KokoGo.

Ward and Neace advocate Parke County’s Turkey Run State Park, the place mountain climbing, canoeing, kayaking, and horseback driving spotlight the rugged surroundings. Neace praises the educated secure workers and calls the park’s pool “fabulous after a long hike in the hot weather.” The area, often known as the “Covered Bridge Capital of the World,” additionally options 31 historic lined bridges, a must-see.

In Hancock County, begin off visiting the world’s largest Hallmark store at Cynthia’s Hallmark in Greenfield, positioned simply south of I-70. Travel proper down State Street after which west on Main Street to the James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home and Museum. Tour the house, the museum, the reward store and the gardens. Visit the J. W. Riley Emporium, a big vintage mall, Ella Junes, Redefined Boutique, and different downtown retailers. Have a late lunch (however earlier than 2 p.m.) at Lincoln Square Pancake House. And end your day with a stroll on the Riley Arts Trail, which takes you throughout downtown Greenfield.

Nearby Henry County celebrates basketball historical past on the Hoosier Gym and Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, whereas the Wilbur Wright Birthplace Museum and the Jane Ross Reaves Octagon House highlight aviation and structure. For out of doors recreation, head to Summit Lake State Park or Westwood Park.

Centerville delivers on small-town appeal with stops at Warm Glow Candle Company and “Antique Alley” alongside Main Street. Maplewood Park gives quiet trails, whereas American Wellness hosts spa and yoga periods. Browse Luxe Lizzies, Village Forager, and Lavender and Sage earlier than settling in at Sweet Autumn AirBnB, an cute historic row home with one of many cities’ arched passageways.

Franklin County’s Whitewater Canal Trail and Brookville Lake trails draw hikers and cyclists, whereas Whitewater Canoe Rental and Morgan’s Brookville Canoe and Outdoor Adventures provide water excursions. Rent an e-bike from Metamora Barnyard and discover the historic storefronts in Metamora, Brookville, New Trenton, and Oldenburg.

History shapes your solo getaway in Vincennes. Tour George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, the Indiana Military Museum, and the Wabash River riverwalk earlier than stopping by the Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy.

French Lick blends rest and nightlife with wineries, on line casino gaming, boutique procuring, and rides on the French Lick Scenic Railway. The French Lick–West Baden Museum gives a quieter cultural cease whenever you wish to gradual the tempo.

If out of doors journey sounds interesting, Perry County delivers with greater than 60,000 acres of the Hoosier National Forest and 40 miles of Ohio River shoreline. Hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and scenic drives create room for each journey and solitude.

Madison rounds out a restorative solo retreat with scenic drives alongside the Ohio River Scenic Byway and the REVerie Roads trails. You’ll discover a walkable downtown with outlets and cafés, guided golf cart and trolley excursions, and loads of out of doors recreation. Neace particularly recommends Clifty Falls State Park for its “beautiful hiking trails,” waterfalls, and overlooks.