bucky

Hi fodorites,

My hubby and I will be spending 4 nights in Southern Indiana this July while our son attends a soccer camp at Indiana University. Although we live in Chicago, we've never been to southern Indiana and would like some reccommendations on where to stay, what to do.

A friend recommended Four Seasons resort on Lake Monroe which is right near IU. I've also heard Brown County is very nice.

I know we will be near Indianapolis, but we're interested in nature and getting away from city life for a few days.

Any advice? Thanks!

bucky

Any Hoosiers out there who can help me out? Or other midwesterners who have traveled to that area?

Thanks in advance!

dln

Sorry for the lack of response, bucky! We in the Indianapolis area are gearing up for Race Day, so we're a bit preoccupied.

Brown County is as nice as you've heard. Rolling hills and plenty of good hiking at the state park. A bit farther afield to the west of the state is Turkey Run State Park which has waterfalls and huge rock ledges.

Our favorite little town in southern Indiana is Madison. It's a beautifully preserved 18th century town. It feels like you've stepped back in time to wander around the streets. There's a wonderful house (mansion, actually) museum by the riverfront that is well worth touring. Its name escapes me now but you can google tourist information for Madison, I'm sure.

If you look through the Indiana posts you'll find a fair bit of information right here. Sorry I can't help you on lodging--I live in Indy!

indytravel

dln (hi neighbor!) is right. We're gearing up for the race in central Indiana. I've 5 out of town guests for 3 nights starting tonight.

I actually live in Brown County. It is lovely. I've never done much in Bloomington (Purdue grad here) so I'm not sure about the Four Seasons.

If you want to get away I'd recommend staying in Nashville, the Brown County seat. It's a small town to wander with artists and antique shops. One of the state park entrances is just a mile or so from Nashville for hiking and exploring.

For a change of pace you can drive into Bloomington one afternoon for shopping downtown and a nice dinner.

If you really, really want to get away from it all, go to the Story Inn. It's a tiny Brown County town with the Story Inn as the only thing there. I've eaten at their restaurant and enjoyed it. It's in an old general store and features a bit of an eclectic menu especially given the location. Their pumpkin seed soup was excellent. I had to talk the bartender through making a Manhattan, but it came out fine.

Just to let you know how "away from it all" it is here's a quote from their website.

"none of our rooms have televisions, telephones, clocks or radios."

www.storyinn.com

A little further a field but still in the area is French Lick. You can get your picture taken with a sign for the city. I've yet to go but it's in the middle of nowhere. You're dining options will be very limited. On www.biddingfortravel.com the French Lick Springs Resort comes up occasionally at very bargain rates.

The old resort in nearby West Baden Springs is an historical domed building. They're trying to turn it into a casino complex in conjuction with the historical society. I hope they can pull it off.

Piggy

I've never stayed at either location, but down in Nashville, Indiana (Brown County) there are two lodges. One is the Brown County Inn and the other is the Seasons Lodge. I just called last week about specials. They have a deal for two nights and dinner for somewhere around $150. The only chain hotel in Nahsville is a Comfort Inn. It's a small tourist area with alot of good shopping.

Not too far from Nashville is Columbus, Indiana. It's a smaller city compared to most but there is still plenty to do there too.

LLindaC

Hi Bucky. A KY girl here , but visit IN a lot. Madison is charming, but that's a LONG way from Bloomington!We're staying in Brown Co (Nashville) in 2 weeks. I love renting a secluded cabin and hiking in the parks, horseback, shopping in the town, visiting artist galleries. That way, you can save a few $$ by cooking your meals. I've used Hills O'Brown Realty with great success for my rentals. I've stayed in the Yellowood Lodge (spacious, modern) and the Covered Bridge Cabin (rustic, secluded)This next trip we are staying at Heartstone Cabin and renting from Moondance.I highly recommend booking NOW, it's getting difficult. Shouldn't be too crowded though, in the fall it's a madhouse. http://www.browncountylogcabins.com/

drewbari

Here are some good state parks, Pokagon, *
Turkey Run, *
McCormick?s Creek,*
Indiana Dunes,
Shakmak,
Fort Harrison,*
Summit Lake,
Clifty Falls,*
Whitewater Memorial,
Falls of the Ohio,
Lincoln,
Potato Creek,
Shades,
Tippecanoe River,
Spring Mill,*
White River,
Mounds,
Charlestown,
Chain O? Lakes,
Versailes,
Ouabache,
Harmonie,
Brown County,*
and, Prophetstown. The star means if the park has a Inn. Here is a good state park web site, http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/parks/index.html

2ndtimer

I know the area well. The best response posted, if you're interested in nature and REALLY getting away from it all is the Story Inn. The two lodges in Brown County are fine, but you're likely to have mediocre food. And Nashville is touristy, even in the summer.

Great hiking and nature paths in Brown County State Park. I've heard the lodges at the state park are wonderful.

Madison, Turkey Run, French Lick, and most all of the other state parks listed are quite a distance--you'll be doing a good bit of driving to get to them from Bloomington or Brown County. And personally, Columbus doesn't do much for me.

Four Seasons will be mediocre but you'll be on the lake. It will be busy with boaters. You'll be in Limstone Country, so why not take in a tour of the world's best and finest limestone in Bedford, too.

Art/culture, boutiques, dining in Bloomington. Farmer's Market Sat. morning is wonderful, wonderful. Tibetan Cultural Center and Chorten--don't miss.