Getaway with Shay: Brown County, Indiana
Fall is finally here and this season isn’t complete without a trip to Brown County and Nashville, Indiana. Located only an hour away from downtown Indianapolis, Brown County boasts some of the best views and vistas, perfect leaf peeping opportunities and the most nostalgic and cozy town that makes you feel like you’re in a Hallmark movie. Save this guide for your next roadtrip getaway to Brown County.
TO DO
Fallen Leaf Books - One of my favorite things to do when traveling is pick up a secondhand book. Fallen Leaf Books is the perfect place for a cozy fall day; browse the shelves of new and used books for your next new read.
Homes on a Limb - Nashville, IN is known for its artisan goods and handmade art so it’s the ideal place to pick up a gift for a loved one or decor for your home that’s one of a kind. Homes on a Limb, Little Sister Candle Company and Brown County Soap Co. are all nestled together to make your fall shopping supporting local easy.
Getaway Brown County - Looking for a unique stay when in Brown County? I’ve stayed at least three times now at the Getaway cabins in Brown County. These are located about 20 minutes away from the state park and the cabins are equipped with basic cooking supplies, firepit and wood, a cozy bed, and a huge window perfect for watching the leaves fall.
Brown County State Park - Arguably one of the most popular state parks in Indiana, Brown County State Park offers picturesque views and vistas, gorgeous fall leaves to peep and trails that are great for beginner hikers.
T.C. Steele Historic Site - Artists will love this historic stop in Brown County. This local artists made the area his home and workspace in the early 1900s that’s inspired artists even to today.
Downtown Nashville shopping - This town is known for its quaint artisan shops and boutiques full of handmade goods, trinkets, and art. Wander around the streets and pick up something for you or a gift for someone else.
Naughty Dog Books - The perfect place to build your TBR pile! Get lost in the shelves of this sweet space with a cup of coffee in hand.
eXplore Brown County at Valley Ranch Retreat - This spot is for the adrenaline junkies - they have everything from zip lining to ATV tours. For those who want a slower pace, check out their glamping sites.
Bean Blossom Covered Bridge - Indiana is known for the multitude of historic covered bridges throughout the state. The Bean Blossom bridge was constructed in 1880 and is one of three of its kind.
Lake Lemon - Who says lake days are just for the summer? Enjoy the beautiful colors of the Morgan-Monroe State Forest while you go for a brisk hike or kayak trip.
TO EAT
Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Rolls & Cafe - These fresh made cinnamon rolls make for the perfect cozy fall breakfast. Dive in to the ooey gooey goodness before heading out for a day of exploring in Nashville, IN. They even have a Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll that’s great for the season.
Nashville General Store & Bakery - Step back in time and enjoy the log cabin vibes at the Nashville General Store & Bakery. They serve up classic dishes you’d enjoy at your grandparents house and the antiques adorning the walls add to the cozy charm.
The Restaurant at Hard Truth - This is one of the main reasons I love coming to visit Brown County. The Restaurant at Hard Truth has hearty dishes with incredible flavors - you absolutely have to get the Pulled Pork BBQ Nachos, they will truly change your life!
The Story Inn - Brown County has plenty of cute and cozy bed and breakfast spots you can stay at during your getaway but Story Inn is a classic. They have an incredible dinner menu with delicious courses that lean towards what’s in season and you can just head right upstairs for a snooze right after.
Nashville Fudge Kitchen - This old fashioned candy store is a great stop to pick up a sweet little treat for someone (or yourself, no shame) before you head out of town. They come up with all kinds of new fudge flavors but also have over 30 flavors of gourmet candy coated popcorn.
Nashville House - This town is all about homemade from scratch dining, just like grandma made it. The Nashville House is known for their cozy dishes and warm environment located right on the main street downtown. The original house was one of the first lodgings in the area for travelers. Be sure to try and take home some homemade apple butter!
Birds Nest Cafe - After a getaway weekend of exploring downtown Nashville, enjoying drinks at Hard Truth and hiking in the state park, you’ll definitely want to have a hearty brunch before heading back up to Indy. The Birds Nest Cafe is the perfect spot for brunch with seasonal small batch food made from scratch.
Farmhouse Cafe & Tea Room - This quaint lunch spot is perfect for unwinding after a hike or shopping in Nashville. Be sure to wander the grounds and see all of the antiques you can purchase to take home and the beautiful plants around the property.
Hobnob Corner - Dine in a building that was constructed in 1873 and experience rustic charm with homemade from scratch meals that are perfect after a long day exploring nature in Brown County State Park.
Fearrin’s Ice Cream & Yogurt Depot - This is a classic staple Brown County stop! Be sure to scoop up some ice cream before heading back to Indy. This is also the start and stop of the Nashville Express Tour Train where you can dive deeper into the area’s history on your journey.
Cooper’s Alley - This is undoubtedly one of the most cozy and aesthetically pleasing restaurants I’ve been to. Vintage charm meets homestyle cooking with dinners served family style. Be sure to try their cocktails and dessert as well!
TO DRINK
Hard Truth Distilling Co. - This is truly one of the best spots in Indiana. The Hard Truth Distilling Co. campus has a tours + tasting center, tiki boat tours, ATV tours, a vast outdoor terrace with live music, a restaurant, a cabin to stay at and SO much more. Their locally distilled spirits are incredible - the coconut rum is one of my favorites.
Oliver Winery - While it’s not officially in Brown County, it’s definitely worth a stop! This local winery creates refreshing and seasonal wines (I love the lemon moscato for the spring and summer and the apple pie wine for fall) and is a 45 minute drive from the state park.
Cedar Creek Brewing Co. - This local brewery is a great stop after a long day of shopping and sight seeing in Nashville. Definitely try the Festbier for the fall season or the Irish Red for something darker but still autumnal.
Common Grounds Coffee Bar & Tea Shop - Stop in for a delicious cup of coffee or a handcrafted latte here and stay for a light breakfast before hitting the trails at Brown County State Park. Common Grounds is located in the heart of downtown Nashville, IN.
Nashville Daily Grind - This coffeeshop has all of the cozy at home vibes! Try out their seasonal drinks like the Caramel Apple Crisp Latte or the Maple Pumpkin Latte on a crisp fall morning in Brown County.
Bear Wallow Distillery - This stop is one of the first craft distilleries in Indiana - sip and savor their Moonshine Shakeups while taking the Farm-to-Fifth tour and see how they’re still using traditional copper stills today.
