6 minute read
Things To Do
A Glorious Fall Getaway
I’ve lived in Southern Indiana most of my adult life and have always heard of the beauty of Nashville, Indiana, in Brown County. This is especially true in the autumn when the trees show off the brilliance of their fall foliage. Brown County hosts over 19 million visitors a year, and with its 150 shops, inns, restaurants, and more located in a four-block area, this is a very walkable destination that’s only an hour’s drive from Louisville. I turned to you, dear readers, for your best tips on the must-see places of Brown County, and I was excited to hear from so many of you! We visited your favorites (bonus points went to places recommended by multiple people), and we’re sharing your advice. Also, be sure to check out the Brown County Visitors Center in person (211 South Van Buren Street) or online (browncounty.com) for a wealth of information in planning your visit.
My friend Kelly and I agreed to make our first stop a brunch spot. Several of you had high praise for the Bird’s Nest Cafe at 36 West Franklin Street. With its indoor and outdoor seating and chandeliers in the shape of bird nests, this charming cafe is open daily from 9am to 3pm and serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch. We enjoyed the Blueberry Lemon Griddlecakes and Strawberry Basil Stack.
The Nashville Express Tour Train offers a 2.5-mile, 25-minute scenic tour of downtown Nashville. Our conductor shared local history and points of interest. This was a great way to get an overview of the town as we finalized our list of the shops we wanted to visit. The train boards at Fearrin’s Ice Cream Shop and runs from May through October.
As you explore Brown County, you’ll quickly notice handcrafted art on every corner. Brown County has long been known for its arts community. In fact, from the early 1900s, Brown County was recognized as a premier art colony, with many of the period’s leading artists and artisans coming to the area to pursue their passions. Noted Indiana painter T.C. Steele and his wife built their home in Brown County in 1907. Today their home is known as the T.C. Steele Historic Site, where visitors can tour the house, grounds, and studio of this well-known impressionist painter.
Don’t miss the Spears Pottery Gallery and Studio, a local family business featuring the pottery of Larry Spears, who has been working at his craft for more than 40 years. In addition, the family gallery features the fine art photography of son Kyle Spears and the sculptural ceramic works of son Tyler Spears. You’ll also find works in jewelry, fiber, wood art, and more created by Brown County craftsmen.
The Historic Brown County Playhouse Performing Arts Center offers a diverse program of live theater, concerts, movies, and special events. The 400-seat venue has been operating since 1949. Current shows can be found at its website.
The Brown County Art Guild is a nonprofit organization located in the heart of downtown Nashville in the historic Minor House, built in 1857. Recently renovated, this is the home to a collection of historic paintings from the Brown County Art Colony era as well as the paintings of over 40 current local and regional award-winning artists. Visitors will enjoy fine art displayed on two floors of gallery space as well the artisan shop featuring prints, pottery, and jewelry.
The Chocolate Moose made our list due to many recommendations from readers. While the original was established in Bloomington, Indiana, in 1933, The Chocolate Moose made its way to Brown County where it partnered with Brown County Coffee and quickly became a well-loved treat shop. We had to try your recommendation for the Affogato: a favorite ice cream topped with delicious Brown County coffee.
Ice cream isn’t the only option to satisfy your sweet tooth. We stopped by the Nashville Fudge Kitchen, home to many delicious confectionery treats from flavored popcorn to fudge, taffy, nuts, and more. We got lucky and caught a confectioner scooping yummy peanut chocolate clusters that had just been made.
Hard Truth Distilling Company is a destination distillery on 325 acres of wooded hills in Brown County. The site features the Hard Truth distillery, three rack houses, a tours and tastings center, a full-service restaurant, and an outdoor terrace with amphitheater seating that hosts live music. Experiential packages include the Hard Truth Distillery Tour, the Tiki Cruise, the Moonshiners Experience, and ATV tours, as well as mixology classes.
A visit to Brown County State Park — the largest park in the state at 16,000 acres — will reward you at the North Entrance with a drive through the Ramp Creek Covered Bridge. This is Indiana’s oldest bridge, built in 1838 by Henry Wolf. It is the only double tunnel bridge in Indiana and one of only four in the country. The bridge is on the National Register of Historic Places and was moved from Putnam County in 1932 to its current location in the state park where it crosses Salt Creek. The bridge is part of the Indiana Covered Bridge Loop, which covers nine bridges in six counties.
Our day was full of fun, and I look forward to return trips to explore all Brown County has to offer. Be sure to check out some of these other recommendations from readers like you! Thanks to David, Melissa, Debbie, Kris, Sally, Jackie, Susan, Kevin, and all those who tipped us off to your favorites:
Nashville General Store and Bakery
Olde Bartley House for casual dining
Big Woods Pizza
Brown County Winery
Quaff On! Brewing Company
Brown County Inn
Mulberry Cottage
B3 and Ascension Fine Arts
Lawrence Family Glass Blowers
Wooden Wonders Chainsaw Art
Brown County Arts Gallery
Story and Photos by Patti Hartog
Fall 2024 | Today's Transitions
