A getaway is precisely what we all dream of right now. If you’re just like us and have been confined to the boundaries of your home for the past few months, the thought of a getaway weekend makes you want to take those suitcases out of the attic and book the first ticket to get out and discover new places! So why not relieve your stress, and get out for a weekend to Indiana? If you’re a local, it’s a great way to explore your own surroundings without risking extended travel. In fact, the discovery of local travel is probably one of the biggest positive sides of 2020.
We’re always checking the latest Hoosier lotto results, hoping that our unlucky year will change into a lucky day, and we already have a long overdue list of plans that we’d dedicate the spare money to- starting with a trip all over the world!
With Indiana’s numerous places for a nice weekend getaway, it allows you to discover many different sides that the Midwestern state has to offer. Starting with the infamous locations that have starred in numerous sports movies or beautiful sceneries of nature that can be observed in Dunes National Park. Indiana can definitely show off with a wide range of regions and activities that won’t leave you disappointed.
We prepared a list of the essential tips for you to enjoy the full potential that a weekend in Indiana can provide!
Surround Yourself With Nature
Indiana is known for its nature, providing an opportunity to fully experience the great outdoors, far away from cities and people. An outdoor weekend at Indiana Dunes National Park will allow you to experience the first-hand feeling of discovering all the beauty the state offers. So if a weekend enjoying nature is alongside your getaway preference, look no further but along the shores of Lake Michigan at Indiana Dunes National Park.
The park is located in northwestern Indiana and has only recently been dedicated in 2019. There are numerous beaches along the coastline, with the West Beach being the most touristy spot to visit, so if you’re concerned about social distancing, opt for a more isolated location, which will provide you with the feeling of seclusion from the world. Definitely a spot to visit for a relaxing weekend!
Famous Sports Sites!
We get it, not everyone is a sports fanatic, but you don’t have to be one even while visiting the many famous sports sites Indiana has to offer! With various locations in Indiana making notorious cameos in sports movies, you can fill up your weekend visiting all the Hollywood worthy locations while also educating yourself on the local teams and sports in the meantime!
So don’t worry if you’re not a football fan; maybe a shirt from a gift shop is more than enough for you to dedicate a small part of yourself to learning about the sports culture! We certainly recommend visiting the Parkview Field stadium, and maybe even getting yourself a ticket to watch the games, as it can be a thrilling experience- with the true definition of an American football game being experienced right before your eyes! If you have any sports fanatics in your family, they will undoubtedly thank you for the experience!
Try The Local Cuisine!
Indiana can be a real destination for a food connoisseur, and it offers a taste you should try on your visit to the state! We just talked about football and we’re about to talk about the Indy 500 – did you know that they have a huge impact on the Indiana food scene?
A lot of Indiana restaurant classics revolve around these two – like the famous Hoosier Pie (or the sugar cream pie), Hoosier Chili, grilled sweet corn (Indiana has the best sweet corn in the country!).
Not to mention that you can find classics like ribs, chicken fried steak smothered with an ocean of gravy, wings, and some sun tea. Get ready to witness gigantic pieces of breaded tenderloin disguised as a sandwich (a classic at the Indy 500), and amazing persimmon pudding. If you’re not from around here, you can eat your way through Indiana and be hooked.
If you go in the springtime, you might catch the morel mushroom season at its peak – there are a lot of restaurants that take advantage of this local foraging tradition.
Experience the Indy 500 Weekend
Plan your trip accordingly to what you want to experience during the season that you’re visiting. Still, you’ll certainly not want to miss out on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway weekend that takes place in the spring every year. The event is divided across several days; that’s why you might just want to extend your weekend by an extra day or two and dedicate it to watching the iconic motor races.
Some tickets may cost you a premium, but it’s an experience worth your money. However, if you’re planning your trip at a different time of the year – no worries. You can still experience some of what the famous races are known for by visiting the Motor Speedway Museum that is open year-round. It’s a fantastic way to spend a few days with your family, and they will undoubtedly cherish the adrenaline-filled experience of watching the races!
Conclusion
The many attractions Indiana has to offer makes it a perfect getaway spot if you’re planning on taking a break from your everyday surroundings. It is a place that can offer something to everyone, from the various National Parks to the speeding engines of the Indy 500 races that will leave your blood pumping with a thrill! So isn’t it the perfect time for you to switch up on your daily routines and make a visit to the true midwestern state that will grant you memories for a lifetime? Pack your bags, (or not – if you’re local!) and explore all that Indiana has to offer.
Featured Image Credit: Ryan de Hamer on Unsplash