Nine-County Region

See

Almost all of the big sights are in Indianapolis, but also keep an eye out for sights in less-known towns, like those related to the Hoosier Poet, James Riley in Greenfield, the historical Grover Museum in Shelbyville, and the SullivanMunce Cultural Center in Zionsville. The biggest attraction of the region outside Indy, though, is Conner Prairie in Fishers, a huge outdoor living history museum full of actors in period costumes, exhibits, events, etc.

Do

Festivals and events

To hit the big festivals, don't miss:

• Late June Pennsy Trail Art & Bluegrass Festival Pennsy Trail between Center St & Riley Ave., Greenfield +1 317 462-2877. [ Juried fine art and craftws fair in downtown Greenfield benefiting local non-profits. Shop for art and enjoy great food and regional bluegrass music.
• Mid-Late July Hendricks County Fair County Fairgrounds. +1 317 745-9260. Join thousands of residences celebrating the summer at the county fair. 4-H sponsors it, with contests in all areas - food, crafts, art and animals. Live music, midway, food food food and the legendary demolition derby.
• Early-Mid August Indiana State Fair State Fairgrounds. The biggest summer event in the state. A trip to Indiana isn't complete without a trip to the fair. Animals, crafts, art, rides, dancing, education, environmentalism, Hoosier Pride and FOOD!! I go at least 2-3 times within the two week period. They also have live music and concerts. Prairie Home Companion comes every other year.
• Early October Riley Festival Downtown Greenfield. +1 317 462-2141. Greenfield celebrates the life of James Whitcomb Riley, Indiana's favorite poet, with a huge festival. Activities are endless. One of the largest craft fairs in the state, pumpkin contest, live music, art show, parade, 5k run and walk, antique sale, theatre performances, and countless other activities. Oh, don't forget the food and the duck race.
• Early-Mid October Heartland Apple Festival 2304 E. Main St, Danville. +1 317 745-4876. Celebrate your love for apples and fall at Beasley's Orchard. Pick pumpkins and apples, hayrides, arts & craft fair, apple pie contest, and live music provided by regional bluegrass and country musicians. And the food..ohhhh the food! Apple butter and biscuits, bratwursts, ribeyes, apple dumplings, porkburgers, caramel apples and don't forget a cup of cider.
• Mid-Late October Pumpkinfest The Country Market, 5 miles north of Zionsville on SR 421. The festival celebrates all things pumpkin and fall. All crops are grown within a 5 mile radius - pick your pumpkin on a hayride, run through the corn maze, eat some kettle corn too. They have a market there that sells local foods (great brownies) and homegrown honey. You can also rock out to some amazing local Bluegrass. Avoid the tenderloins, enjoy the kettlecorn. $5 per person.