Favorite Indy Spots for Autumn and Winter Fun

Eagle Creek

Indy is infamous for getting the occasionally 70 (or even 80) degree weather as late as October, so that doesn’t mean we need to start hibernating as soon as September hits! I used to live a street away from Eagle Creek and the cooler weather was perfect for runs around the water and within the park. There are a variety of things you can do in the park, like picnics, bike riding, and even kayaking. We decided on Labor Day to kayak and we are thinking of making it a tradition every year! Even when the temps drop to freezing, Eagle Creek may still make for breathtaking backdrops for photos.

Canal Walks or Runs

Even when the days are cooler, I love walking along the canal and taking in the views of the skyline. My boyfriend and I met in September of last year and spent a chilly night along the canal for five hours on our first date. The canal is also the perfect place to go for a short run; it is a straight shot in pretty much either direction and around four miles all the way around. I used the canal a lot when I was practicing for a 5K back in May. There are even restaurants along the canal like Frescos and Burgerhaus so you can definitely end up spending an evening along it. Also, be sure to check out the museums and cultural spots along the canal, and maybe take a detour to the Cultural Trail and see even more of the city!

Germanfest

Germanfest is the one event that my friends and I look forward to annually, we might be more excited about it than our birthdays and Christmas combined honestly. Germanfest has everything you could want out of an autumnal event - wiener dog races, Oktoberfest, strong man competitions, and pretzels galore. If you get too chilly, hop inside the Athenaeum next door to the event and grab some Coat Check Coffee and read about some of the ways German people have shaped the history of Indianapolis. Wiener dog races are on the hour, so be sure to not miss the crowd favorite, Sherlock Bones.

Harvest at Newfields

This year was the first that Newfields hosted the Harvest event and also opened the immersive Yayoi Kusama infinity room installation. Harvest included seasonal food from local vendors, live music, amazing drink options, and baby goats!!! We had so much fun wandering around the Newfields campus and taking it all in; our favorite thing we did was the Oliver Winery wine tasting where we got to try four different kinds of locally made wine and we immediately went home and bought a bottle. Photo opportunities abound and it was the perfect way to spend a fall evening. While Harvest may be over, the Kusama exhibit is up until March 29th, 2020.

Unplug Candle Making

For me, candles are a major component of setting the mood during the holidays. I absolutely love holiday scents since they are more masculine and inspired by nature. Unplug Soy Candle Making Workshops are a great way to get some new scents for your home or even make a gift for others. You can do a group workshop as a girl’s day or even with your family. My favorite scent is the Balsam and Cedar, and the Peppermint Mocha one is amazing because it’s topped with crushed peppermint and coffee beans. If you can’t make it to a workshop, you can still check out their website and try and decide between the vast amounts of cute containers they have for their candles.

Tuttles Orchard

Tuttles has an activity for everyone of all ages during the fall and winter season! In September, my friends and I went to see the sunflowers, take a ton of photos, and indulge on apple cider slushies. Last year, we picked apples from their orchard and I made an amazing apple crisp which tasted so much better since it was made with local produce. We also did the hay rack ride and got apple cider donuts. I’ve never been to pick pumpkins but that is definitely on my list for next year since I wasn’t able to carve one this year. Tuttles is close to the city, only around a 30 minute drive, and is inexpensive for the activities and food. They even have a gift shop that sells local products like candles, honey, and meat.

Festival of Trees

The Indiana Historical Society has one of the best events of the season - Festival of Trees. Every year, area businesses and companies are given the opportunity to create a Christmas tree to display inside the Indiana Historical Society. This is one of my favorite events because the trees can range from traditional to breathtaking to wacky and zany. One of my favorites from a couple years ago was the Indianapolis Zoo’s tree, which was a traditional Christmas tree turned upside down with ears added to the sides to make it look like an elephant! There is a discount for IHS members but the event is very affordable, and be sure to grab lunch at the Stardust Terrace Cafe downstairs!

Winterlights at Newfields

This is becoming my favorite holiday tradition in Indianapolis, and not just because I’m a proud museum person. Winterlights emodies the mission of Newfields that aims to have art and nature collide and this outdoor display of lights does just that. I love starting my Winterlights experience with grabbing some apple cider spiked with bourbon, continue with warming up by the outdoor fireplaces, having my breath taken away by the decor in the Lilly House, and topping it off with a kiss under the mistletoe! Winterlights is open until January so there is still a lot of time to grab tickets.

Thumbnail photo by: http://hopeannephotography.com/