The visitors center right off the square in Franklin is one of the best! It has a Photo Booth, a…read moremini replica water slide, mini theater, and a mini dj booth that you can practice DJ'ing. Now for the nations 250th birthday they have a really cool light up flag and you can sign the huge Declaration of Independence as well as have your picture taken in the statue of liberty. They have a mini gift shop with neat shirts, bags, posters things like that. They have a great selection of brochures for all around. Franklin has a GREAT farmers market that will be starting up soon as well as a great splash pad area amphitheater as well as home to the 104 year old Artcraft Theater!!!! Great town just south of Indy!

I was in downtown Franklin for a friend's birthday party. I'd arrived early in order to grab lunch…read moreand visit the nearby Artcraft, but I also had some extra time and decided I would check out some other Franklin establishments. Of course, a stop at the "Festival Country Indiana Visitor Center" was a must as it was about a block of the town square and serves as the area's visitor's center. I will admit that I hadn't heard of the "Festival Country" campaign, a campaign that encompasses Johnson County communities including Franklin, Greenwood, Edinburgh, Bargersville, Whiteland, New Whiteland, Trafalgar, and Princes Lakes. The Visitor's Center is located in a brightly decorated building on Water Street. It's level to the ground and wheelchair accessible, though it is in an older building and the front door is a touch heavy. It's a relatively small location. You enter - to the left immediately is an area for retail purchase of t-shirts, posters, etc. I will admit I was really tempted by an Artcraft poster. You, of course, also have a large rack of flyers and brochures related to things to do in Johnson County. There is a staffed counter on one side, a couple of photo op exhibits toward the back, and a video that plays in an area set up to look like a mini-Artcraft auditorium. The theme here is obviously emphasizing the area's many festivals. It has to be a little difficult right now, however, considering so much is impacted by the pandemic. You were expected to wear a mask when entering and to respect social distancing. The volunteer (I'm assuming) working the counter actually wasn't wearing a mask when I entered, but quickly realized it and put theirs on. This spot also offers free wifi. The photo opportunity was fun, though not particularly wheelchair friendly. However, it's a cute idea that plays off the fact that there's a place you can do paragliding and skydiving in Franklin. The website has a ton of information about area attractions, restaurants, lodgings, etc. There are also some special deals. To be honest, I spent only a few minutes in this actual location. I watched their film. I checked out their sales items. I read through some information about local breweries. I also picked up some brochures. If you're in downtown Franklin and wondering what to do - this is a great place to stop, get information, and ask questions. While there's not much "to do" here, it's a central location to get all the needed info and directions before moving on to enjoy your Johnson County day. It always feels like Franklin, in particular, is farther away but it truly is just one county south and it's a fun little college town. It's an easy day trip with some great spots to visit.

Free parking, air conditioning, restrooms, free water, interesting art, and a huuuuge gift shop…read more But more importantly, the two tours we took were excellent. The walking tour starts at the Visitor's center and is an easy neighborhood stroll that includes an explanation of how Columbus became a center of modern architecture and includes entrance to the church that started the ball rolling. The tour of the Miller house also starts at the Visitor's Center, takes you to the Miller house in a van, and shows you this outstanding example of midcentury modern architecture, left just as it was by the family that built it and lived there. The Miller house is otherwise inaccessible - you can't even see it from the street. Both tours were lead by excellent guides and both tours were well worth the ticket price. You don't need a background in architecture to appreciate these tours. Plan ahead and book your tours early.

The visitors Center is an extraordinary resource for anyone interested in learning about Columbus…read moreand it's incredible architecture and history. I only stopped by to get a map, but instead spent several hours watching films about Irwin Miller, his home and the architecture of Columbus. The building itself is lovely with modern artistic areas and a fabulous Chihuly glass sculpture. The staff is super friendly, helpful and knowledgable. One staff member played a film for us (alone) to learn about the local architecture. They offer guided tours of the city and the Miller house. Reservations are required for the tours, which fill up quickly. They have information on their website about the tours so you can book in advance. Their gift shop is filled with art and books about architecture. There is plenty of parking in their private lot. Restrooms are available.

It's a state forest, no pool for the kiddies, but there are miles and miles of decent low and high…read moreeffort trails. It's pristine, clean, decent and clean restrooms (when they get around to adding the TP), and although the roads are in bad shape in many places, it's a fine spot for forest bathing. Your cellphone might not work in some parts of it. Put it away. If you simply must, go to the top of most hills. There are no gas stations or stores within ten miles in any direction; bring the stuff you need for your visit. In the summer, the amount of oxygen you can get here is almost overwhelmingly delicious. There are playgrounds, picnic tables, and shelters, and hundreds of places for a picnic on a blanket/rug. There are insects; remember your bug spray and tick repellent. Enjoy. It's FREE.

This state forest has two of my favorite longer day hikes within an hour of Indianapolis; The Low…read moreGap Trail and The Three Lakes Trail. The Tecumseh Trail also runs through MMSF. In the last few years, a nice bike trail has been paved in and a new office built. There are also backcountry camping sites for primitive camping-be site to check in and practice leave no trace! The park does not have a lot of state park like amenities so be prepared to use a pit toilet. Bring your own tp and hand sanitizer just in case! The hikes are fairly challenging due to length and have some good hills. Bring plenty of water and keep an eye out for wildlife. Rattlesnakes have been spotted in the area. Hunting is also allowed in the state forest so wear bright colors at all times just in case. If you're looking for a challenging hike that is not overly populated but not totally isolated Morgan Monroe State Forest is an excellent choice.

My final review in Indiana on this trip was this brief stop at the rest area southbound on I-65…read more this rest area is on I-65 between Indianapolis and Louisville and instead of the coffee that kicked in, there was a (single) beer and at least three glasses of water from St. Elmo Steak House https://www.yelp.com/biz/st-elmo-steak-house-indianapolis-3?hrid=mP8N9e1dK0OKBjbrijPbbQ that were making themselves known. Like others in Indiana, it was clean from litter and bathrooms were decent. There are vending machines and picnic tables. Easy access from the interstate with a sweeping turn that would slow people down as they enter. The shape of the center lends itself to shade trees for cars (not so much the truck parking) if you were thinking of a brief siesta before continuing onwards. Back on to the highway was easy with a decently long acceleration ramp allowing a simple merge. [Review 13549 overall, 868 of 2020.]

Very clean restrooms, well stocked vending machines and a very shady picnic area. What else do you…read moreneed in a highway rest area. Southbound on Interstate 65 just before Columbus IN.

I needed to put some distance between the experience and the review. Objectivity and a clear mind…read moreis critical to fairness I believe. Here goes...to say this place is austere is an understatement of inordinate magnitude. But it serves a very specific purpose and does so well. The food is monotonous and unhealthy. Not in my adult life have I ever consumed so much iceberg lettuce. I slept in a FEMA trailer with four other women I barely knew. We trudged thru at least a foot of snow in 20 degree weather on the daily. The active airfield and simultaneous training exercises made sleep elusive. But we're all the better for it. We've all survived and can now tell the tale. Well done!

A jewel of a bed n breakfast. Rita makes you feel at home…read more The entire place is very clean, cozy and cheerful. Rooms are spacious and you're in the middle of a forest. The food was gourmet and very creative presentation. Wish I could have spent more days. Awesome!! If you have the opportunity stop by.

Carlo's, our driver, was fantastic. He brought the energy and his communication was phenomenal from…read morethe moment we booked up until the end of the tour. We got picked up downtown at Sunking which means after your beers. I did think we'd get a tour of a brewery but day drinking on a Saturday was great. Ash & Elm has great food options. It was our first time there and we loved it. Who knew cider was so flavorful. The seasonal ciders are a must! Garfield brewery was once an old gas station so the outdoor patio area is pretty neat. They have flights available as well. And kismetic,our last stop was also delicious. They don't offer food but have menus from cluster truck. The coffee beer was my favorite! All places to check out if you haven't been. I will definitely be back to each!

On Time. Great ride. Everyone had a blast. Driver was hospitable. Thanks for an awesome weekendread more

My boyfriend proposed in the Gardens here and it couldn't have been more romantic and unique. We…read morestayed at the hotel and had breakfast in the morning - exceptional from start to finish. The decor, scenery, community, food and service was top notch and unlike any other hotel stay you'll find. I recommend for special events, anniversaries, a gifted stay, or just because! Irwin Gardens will always have a special place in my heart

Drove from Cincinnati primarly to see the gardens which are supposed to be open from 2 to 6 on…read moretuesdays. they decided not to open