As cool breeze falls over Indianapolis and the leaves start to change colors, consider traveling south of the Circle City to see one of the state’s most beautiful areas that evokes images of fall colors and a cozy bed and breakfast: Brown County.
Bed and Breakfast
The Artists Colony Inn is located in the middle of Nashville, Ind. Built in memoriam of the Pittman Inn, a relic of the past that was once heralded as an artists’ haven, the Artists Colony seems from an earlier time.
It’s located within walking distance of more than 300 shops and art galleries, but if visitors are looking for more than shoppping, Brown County State Park isn’t a far drive either.
The small hotel has just 20 guest rooms.
Each is furnished to be reminiscent of a traditional 19th century inn, but still includes a TV and other modern amenities, according to artistscolonyinn.com. If you won’t need to stay the night in Brown County, you can still visit the Artists Colony Inn.
The restaurant at Artists Colony Inn stays true to the theme and features work from many of Brown County’s early artists. One will surely feel at home sitting in an authentic reproduction of a Windsor chair next to the large stone fireplace. The menu has something for anyone but specializes in traditional country fare like pot pies, homemade soup and special sweet potato dishes.
Trail Tours
Brown County State Park has tons to do, but the guided horseback riding trails are a perennial and open through Oct. 31. There are several trails to choose from, depending on how outoorsy you are looking to get. For $15, you can buy 35 minutes of trail-riding fun that covers 2.2 miles of forest grandeur.
Option two is a 3.3-mile trail that lasts about an hour. It will set you back $25 per person. There is also a great parent-assisted pony ride portion, which is $2 per lap. Kids also love the hayrides, offered every Friday and Saturday for $3 per person. Ages three and under are free. The trail tours are an absolute must if you come to Brown County. They are perfect for the family or just you and a date.
Sweet Treat
The Ice Cream Cottage sits on North Van Buren Street in Brown County. The warm, cozy and inviting atmosphere welcomes everyone. It’s home to Blue Bell Ice Cream and their famous taco salads, as well as some of the best barbecue in the area.
With such a variety of food selections, it caters to many tastes but the ice cream is a must for everyone. The Ice Cream Cottage is open March through November. If you visit the Ice Cream Cottage in October try their seasonal pumpkin custard and caramel apple sundaes.
Entertainment
Red Barn Jamboree’s “Heartbreak Hotel: A Salute to Young Elvis” is an event that you won’t want to miss if you’re in Brown County now until November, especially if you are a music lover.
Robert Shaw and his Lonely Street Band present the critically acclaimed concert production “Young Elvis.“ They perform hits from the mid-50’s through the early 60’s.
According to redbarnjamboree.com, the show kicks off with Elvis’ first recordings at Sun Records in Memphis and continues through his later years with hits like “Dont’ Be Cruel” and “Hound Dog.” It is playing now through Nov. 13 every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
