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Hamilton County, Indiana Restaurants – Where to Go for the Best Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Dessert

October 15, 2018 By Liz 11 Comments

Did you know there’s a world of great eats just outside of Indianapolis? There is! I had the pleasure of eating my way through a bunch of Hamilton County Indiana restaurants a while back and I can’t stop thinking about them. Still.

Here are the most satisfying, mouthwatering and memorable restaurants I visited. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert you crave, you’ll find it at one or more of these hot spots.

But bring your stretchy pants!

Hamilton County Indiana Restaurants

Thank you Visit Hamilton County for hosting my experience.

Restaurants in Carmel, IN

Eggshell Bistro

One of the best culinary surprises during my Hamilton County hosted trip was at Eggshell Bistro in Carmel where this Caprese Strata blew my mind. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever had a breakfast meal I’ve loved more.

The savory egg/bread cassolette with roasted tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella and pesto was mouthwatering upon sight and each bite yielded a creative explosion of flavors, textures and soul-warming goodness. I still drool at the thought of it. It truly was that divine.

Eggshell Bistro is the conceptual brainchild of owner, Larry Hanes whose masters degree in design, love for travel and culinary genius blend to create a globally-inspired brunch adventure you won’t soon forget.

Although the menu does rotate, guests can usually find the favorite mainstays of a strata, shatshuka, brioche and potato hash. To complement the eclectic menu, the industrial chic decor brings its own ambiance to the dining experience with its balance of masculine and feminine, hard and soft, and old and new.

Eggshell Bistro
51 W. City Centre Drive
Carmel, IN 46031
Website

Bub’s Burgers

If you’re in the mood for a great burger in a fun location, duck into this cute little yellow restaurant in downtown Carmel and try the house favorite – a Big Ugly Burger. Burgers here are grilled to order with fresh, never frozen (it matters) hand-pattied ground chuck and come served on toasted house-recipe buns.

Up for a challenge? You can face off against the Big Ugly one pounder, a challenge once featured on Man vs. Food. If you finish the burger, you’ll get your photo up on the wall and forever be a part of Big Ugly history.

I settled for the more reasonable ‘Less Ugly’ Quarter Pound burger and paired it with fries and a hand-dipped banana milkshake (which I highly recommend).

It was a fantastic meal!

Bub’s Burgers
210 West Main Ave.
Carmel, IN 46032
Website

Restaurants in Noblesville, IN

Rosie’s Place

This cozy little cafe and bakery on the Square packs in the crowds for breakfast and lunch, so get there early!

The menu changes seasonally and is full of tantalizing options, but I happened to visit on a day when the special of the day proved irresistible: Pumpkin-Stuffed French Pancakes. The tender ‘cakes were filled with a sweet pumpkin cream, dusted with pumpkin spice and served with bourbon pecan maple syrup. So.good.

Be sure you don’t leave without trying at least one of Rosie’s famous gooey butter cookies. They taste exactly like the name promises and are not to be missed.

Rosie’s Place
68 North 9th St
Noblesville, IN 46060
Website

Restaurants in Westfield, IN

I was charmed at first glance with this once barn now restaurant located in a seemingly isolated area of Westfield. Isolated now maybe, but not for long. It’s part of a rapidly developing hot spot.

Rail serves upscale locally sourced farm-to-table Midwest cuisine in a cozy and comfortable cafe atmosphere. I ordered their spin on a BLT- a JB.L.T. It’s jowl bacon, romaine lettuce and heirloom tomatoes on toasted challah bread, and it’s served with their popular broad ripple chips.

For dessert, I highly recommend Rail’s Signature Double Chocolate Cake, even if you have to take it home as I did. It’s absolutely one of the best chocolate cakes I’ve ever had.

To die for.

Rail Epicurean Market
211 Park St.
Westfield, IN 46074
Open Tues-Sat.
Website

Restaurants in Fishers IN

Four Day Ray Brewing

Fishers is one of the fastest growing areas in the state (and country), so it’s a really fun place to spend time. And when you can have a beer and a from-scratch meal in the same place, it’s a total win-win!

Local lore has it that a railroad worker named Ray would work four days in a row and always call off on the fifth day. So Four Day Ray gives a nod to the legend and to the railroad heritage of the Nickel Plate District where the brewery is located. Fun!

Four Day Ray has a rotating selection of 24 beers on tap. My choice: the Laplander Blonde.

And then I ordered the orchard salad.

The math on that equation is beer + salad = permission for dessert.

A colossal sweet roll, to be exact.

Poached Asian pear, fennel, red onion, sunflower granola, dried cherry, manchego, pancetta, champagne-citrus vinaigrette.

The glaze on the colossal sweet roll is made with their Track Jumper IPA!

Four Day Ray Brewing
11671 Lantern Rd.
Fishers, IN 46038
Website

Restaurants in Cicero, IN

Big Dog’s Smokehouse BBQ

This family-owned restaurant is smokin’ up some mighty good ‘cue. Guests do the saucin’ themselves, so I ordered a pulled pork BBQ sandwich with a side of beans, and smothered everything with the house-made Smokin’ Hot BBQ sauce. It was unbelievably good!

If a seat is available, enjoy your meal outside on the patio or sit inside where the dining room is full of interesting decor. Check out the truck in the entryway… it’s actually a cooler made from old 44-gallon oil drums and it has a hydraulic lift inside!

Big Dog’s Smokehouse BBQ
29 E. Jackson St.
Cicero, IN 46034
Website

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Hamilton County, Indiana is just north of Indianapolis. Plan a getaway full of eats and fun! Check out the Visit Hamilton County website for more ideas and check out our post on neighboring Hendricks County for Autumn festival happenings.

Which one of these finger-lickin’ good Hamilton County Indiana restaurants would you try first?

Fall Fun in Hendricks County Indiana

October 6, 2018 By Liz 8 Comments

Autumn is in full swing and there are oodles of ways to have fall fun in Hendricks County, Indiana. Conveniently located just 10 minutes west of Indianapolis, Hendricks County makes a great day trip or weekend getaway destination.

Fall Fun in Hendricks County, Indiana

A big thank you to Hendricks County for hosting my trip.

Scarecrows on Display in Danville

Stroll around the downtown Danville Courthouse Square throughout the month of October to see all the scarecrow displays created by local businesses. Whether you’re two or ninety-two, the straw-stuffed characters are sure to make you smile.

Beasley’s Orchard

This third-generation family-owned farm has something fun happening all throughout the fall season, so you may want to visit more than once to enjoy everything.

Be sure you stop by the farm market to select some fresh apples and produce, try the award-winning apple cider, or pick up some sweet treats and bakery items.

What’s better than a freshly baked apple pie?

I tried the apple cider, and it’s incredibly delicious. Lots of farms use UV pasteurization on their apple cider, but Beasley’s apple cider is not pasteurized and they’re winning awards, so they’re obviously doing something right! It’s also 100% apple juice with no added sugar and no preservatives. Bring some home!

Watching the apples get sorted on the apple grader

The apples are washed in an apple car wash-type machine.

Apples galore in cold storage to keep them fresh. (Did you know refrigerating your apples extends their life?)

Beasley’s Orchard Corn Maze- through October 31

This year’s theme is Circle City Sports. The 8-acre design gives a nod to the many Indianapolis area sports teams!

U-Pick Apples all season long

Apple picking season is well underway, and new varieties are available each week. Whether you want apples for eating or making applesauce, apple butter or apple desserts, you’ll find what you need at Beasley’s Orchard. Apples fresh from the orchard have a flavor like you wouldn’t believe!

Heartland Apple Festival – October 6-14

This family-friendly festival includes hayrides to the pumpkin patch, puppet shows, face painting, balloon magic, a family activity area, live music, arts and crafts vendors, food galore and for the adults, wine tastings from local wineries. There are also apple cannons!

Don’t even try to resist the allure of the apple cannon. It’s FUN!

Dog Daze at the Maze – October 20, 21

It’s a special day for the furry friends in your family. Bring your dogs to the maze at Beasley’s and let them help you find your way out. Lots of exercise, fun and laughs for everyone.

Happy Halloweekend – October 27-28

Wear a costume if you’d like (there’s a contest) and enjoy festive Halloween fun on the last weekend before the holiday.

Plan Your Visit to Beasley’s Orchard
Market Hours: Daily 9am- 6pm
Address: 2304 East Main Street Danville, IN 46122
Website

McCloud Nature Center

If you love the unspoiled outdoors, you’ll love McCloud Nature Center. The nature center is home to interactive exhibits on local plants, animals, bugs and more and there’s a large bird-watching observation area as well.

The park is relatively new, but already has fabulous special events and programming in place including plein air painting, the reason I was visiting. There’s a marvelous old truss bridge across the creek which was to be the setting of our art experience with The Purple Palette. Sadly, we were rained out from sitting on the bridge, but we set up shop in the bird viewing area and had a fantastic time.

Outside there are over six miles of easy to moderate trails broken up into smaller sections. They’ll take you through forest, prairie, a honeybee observation area, a frog pond and to Walnut Bend Creek and the bridge. During the fall, there’s also a grasshopper-themed corn prairie maze to explore!

And don’t miss the Fall Colors Festival on October 20, 2018 with hayrides, yard games, face painting, pumpkin painting, archery, tree climbing and more!

Plan Your Visit to McCloud Nature Center
Hours: Daily 6am – 10pm
Address: 8518 Hughes Rd, North Salem, IN 46165
Website

Natural Valley Ranch

Sign up for a guided horseback ride (30, 60 or 90-minute options), hit the hiking trails, go fishing or hang out with the adorable farm animals at Natural Valley Ranch. You can even spend a night on the ranch in a country cottage large enough for 12-16 people.

I had intended to go horseback riding when I visited the ranch, but the rain interfered with those plans. I still enjoyed visiting with the animal friends though.

I fell in love with this wooly, wooly.

Plan Your Visit to Natural Valley Ranch
Hours (change seasonally): 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Saturday, Noon – 4 p.m. Sunday, closed some holidays
Address:6310 East County Road 350 N Brownsburg, IN 46112
Trail rides limited to 6 people, ages 4 and older
Closed-toe shoes required
Website and Book Your Trail Ride

For more help in planning your fall fun in Hendricks County, Indiana, connect with Visit Hendricks County.

Things to Do in South Bend, Indiana

January 11, 2016 By Liz 130 Comments

Since I’m originally from Southwest Michigan, I’ve been to South Bend Indiana (and Mishawaka) hundreds of times to eat and shop, but I never took the opportunity to see what makes South Bend so uniquely special, and I had the chance to see just that when I visited on a FAM trip a while back.

The city has been reinventing itself over the last few years, and it’s so exciting to see it coming alive in new ways! It’s well worth a visit — so many fun things to do in South Bend Indiana! So let’s see, do, sip and eat!

Things To Do in South Bend Indiana

Visit Notre Dame

Because most people think of South Bend as the home of Notre Dame, we’ll start there. Whether you’re a Fighting Irish fan or not, this is one heck of a beautiful campus and well worth visiting and touring.

The famous “Golden Dome”

Sacred Heart Basilica

Oliver Mansion

The Oliver Mansion (also known as Copshaholm, named after the Oliver’s Scottish hometown) was built for the Oliver family, founders of the best-selling plow in the world. It’s located on Washington Street which was the most fashionable city to live on at the time it was built. The mansion was built in Queen Ann Romanesque style and is still filled with the family’s furnishings and available for tours.

Studebaker National Museum

Studebaker was an American wagon, buggy and automobile manufacturer based in South Bend, and the museum displays a fabulous historical collection of vehicles. I was able to catch a special exhibit about Abraham Lincoln while I was there, and even though the exhibit has ended, the museum still houses the very barouche that Lincoln rode in on his way to Ford’s Theater the night he was assassinated.

Fun Fact: Studebakers didn’t all have a singular and distinctive hood ornament or grill design. They were all different! That’s rare for an auto maker, right?

Taste & Tour the Indiana Whiskey Company

The Indiana Whiskey Company opened as the first whiskey distillery in the state about two years ago and they pride themselves on the fact everything used to make their products comes from within Indiana. They make small-batch silver sweet corn whiskey (clear) and bourbon whiskey (brown) in a one-of-a-kind copper handmade still. We had the chance to see how it’s made, and to label and bottle some white whiskey. Oh, and taste some too!

Did you know? The only difference between whiskey and bourbon is that bourbon includes an extra step of being barrel-aged for 6 months.

Indiana Whiskey Company whiskey is only available within the state of Indiana, so be sure you get a souvenir bottle when you’re there!

Tour the South Bend Chocolate Factory & Museum

Who doesn’t love chocolate and candy? Stopping here for a tour and to browse the chocolate museum is a great family activity. Our tour guide was really great with kids!

We learned about where chocolate comes from, and then we went into the factory to see where it’s made, dipped and packaged. Everyone had the chance to taste a sample, and then those on the paid tour ($4) had the chance to make chocolate dipped spoons and get a goody bag.

Shiojiri Niwa Japanese Gardens

Shiojiri Niwa is one of the few Japanese Style Gardens in Indiana, and although it’s small, it’s still well worth a visit. It celebrates a special sister relationship between Mishawaka and Shiojiri Niwa Nagano Prefecture, Japan.

White Water Rafting

It might blow your mind, but you can actually go white water rafting in downtown South Bend on the East Race Waterway. It takes about 5 minutes from start to finish, and unless you have guides (like we did), you’re gonna get wet, so be prepared, but it’s super fun! We loved it!

Heads up: Be sure you have closed-toed shoes on, and bring a change of clothes. You also need to be 54″ tall to ride, and anyone under the age of 16 needs to be accompanied by an adult.

River Lights

There’s something magical and mesmerizing about the way light, color, movement and water play with each other, so a trip to River Lights in South Bend is an absolute must for visitors.

Softly colored and changing lights illuminate the river and its rushing rapids, and on either side of the river banks there are interactive light sculptures that accentuate the display. The light show was created to help celebrate South Bend’s 150th anniversary, and it has quickly become a well-loved downtown attraction.

Potowatomi Zoo

Although I didn’t visit the zoo on this particular trip, a wonderful reader reminded me that it’s a must-see in South Bend and well worth a visit. I agree, so I’m adding it to my list. It’s the oldest zoo in Indiana and features more than 400 animals! I took my kids there many, many times during the years we lived in the area.

Dining

Tippecanoe Place Restaurant

This extraordinarily beautiful mansion was originally the home of Clement Studebaker, and now houses one of South Bend’s most iconic restaurants. I’ve been dying to eat there ever since high school. It was the place to go for prom.

As it turns out, it was totally worth the wait as the food was superb, and the historic home’s interior was just as beautiful inside as outside.

Café Navarre

Located inside a converted historic bank building, the restaurant is an architectural masterpiece and a culinary delight. The modern American cuisine reflects French, Italian and Spanish influences. It’s no wonder it has quickly become a South Bend hot spot.

LaSalle Grill

This South Bend modern America bistro has earned the 4-Diamond Award 19 years in a row, and after dining there it’s obvious why. The food was utterly amazing, the atmosphere was upscale but relaxed and the service was phenomenal.

South Bend Brew Werks

We enjoyed Sunday brunch at South Bend Brew Werks and since I had been told the waffles were a specialty, I couldn’t resist trying the cranberry stout waffle with pear and apple compote and maple cream. I loved it!

But what struck me more than anything was the passion owner Drew Elegante has for South Bend. Everything he does with his brew pub is designed to improve the community and help it thrive. For instance, the Beer 4 Good program (which has already raised over $16,000) is a program that allows patrons who order craft brews to choose a donation recipient from one of three carefully chosen community partners.

Where To Stay

The Inn at Saint Mary’s is a boutique hotel located on the campus of Saint Mary’s, adjacent to Notre Dame. Although the exterior may seem average, when you walk through the lobby doors, you’ll begin to see what makes it so special. The lobby is beautiful! I had a room on the second floor, and I always took the spiral staircase rather than the elevator because looking out over the light and airy lobby made me smile every single time I saw it.

Every morning included a hot breakfast buffet, and the food was really, really good. It’s not a typical hotel breakfast…trust me. I’m not much of a breakfast eater, but I went every single morning to fill a plate. I would definitely stay here again on a future visit, but not just because of the breakfast. The room was cozy, comfortable and very pleasant! I totally enjoyed my stay.

South Bend is a convenient pit stop between Chicago and Detroit, so if you ever make that drive, consider adding on a day or two to spend there. Or you can make it your destination like I did. No matter how or why you get there, just be sure to visit South Bend!

Which places on my list of things to do in South Bend Indiana would be on your must-do list?

Visiting Bloomington Indiana – What To Do!

August 31, 2015 By Liz 155 Comments

An Indiana University visit many, many years ago brought me to Bloomington Indiana but I never left the campus, so it was fun to explore the city itself recently. Bloomington is home to a vibrant college community, but still retains small town charm, and the thriving art, cultural and foodie scene make it a destination well worth visiting.

Visiting Bloomington Indiana

Monroe County Courthouse – This 105-year old courthouse with its stained glass ceiling and limestone walls defines the historic courthouse square in downtown Bloomington, so be sure to take a walk around and peek inside. It’s quite beautiful!

Monroe County History Center – I discovered this historical school house and museum as I walked around the Courthouse Square area. It was originally designated to educate African-American children during the years of segregation, and now has been turned into a Bloomington history center museum and genealogy library. It’s well worth your time to stop in. If you enjoy architecture, there are also some other beautifully designed buildings and churches in the area.

Pictura Gallery is just one example of the thriving art scene in Bloomington. Open since 2008, they have an impressive and always changing collection of photographic art. Currently on exhibit are photographs from the ultra talented Steve McCurry, who’s quite well known for his work in National Geographic magazine. The gallery also features up and coming artists.

B-Line Trail – Peppered with public art, the B-line trail is a peaceful, non-vehicle trafficked way to walk around Bloomington. I stayed in the Courtyard by Marriott and could either walk through the downtown streets or on the B-Line Trail to get to/from the hotel.

Fountain Square Mall – This historically housed shopping center is the cornerstone of the massive revitalization effort Bloomington has undergone successfully in recent years, and it features a unique variety of specialty stores.

Morton Street Shopping – between Courthouse Square and the B-Line Trail, there’s an array of locally owned shops.

A.Z. Vintage – Unique vintage furniture, housewares, clothing and accessories. The store specializes in mid-century modern, but everything from the ’40’s to the ’80’s can be found here.

Bloomington Antique Mall – Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it was originally the John R. Figg Wholesale Grocery Company and served as a distribution center for foodstuffs. It was converted to an antique mall in 1987, and now houses three floors of antique treasures.

Relish – This loft-like environment showcases an ever-changing curated collection of contemporary home furnishings, light and art objects as well the city’s most creative selection of women’s apparel and accessories. Big box stores ain’t got nothin’ on the fresh looks and finds in this independent marketplace.

Uptown Café has a funky, casual New Orleans vibe with its exposed brick walls and amazing artwork. It’s been a downtown fixture since 1976 and serves Cajun and Creole-style comfort food with bold flavors.

I ordered one of the house classics, Red Beans & Rice, and it tasted even better than what I’ve eaten in New Orleans.

FARM Bloomington serves locally sourced food with global influence, and the menu changes seasonally. We dined on gourmet farm-to-table everything!

I was there for a special event, so we were greeted by a juggler upon arriving and the restaurant and staff were bedecked in modern circus decor.

Oliver Winery

If you’d like to venture out beyond downtown, take a trip over to Oliver Winery for a tasting, some relaxation and a quiet stroll in the beautifully landscaped grounds. I don’t usually stray far from my Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay (which they had), but the other varietals were too alluring to resist.

I love when a college town proves itself to be much more than the university itself, and Bloomington Indiana does just that. It’s definitely worth visiting!

What are your favorite things to explore when visiting a new city?