Jan - Feb 23: Central Indiana Things to Do

Conquer winter boredom by indulging in our region’s favorite entertainment and epicurean destinations.

Enjoy the best in live theatre at Indiana’s oldest, non-professional community theatre.
For 94 years, the Community Theatre of Terre Haute (CTTH) has been rewarding audiences with live performances presented by local residents of all ages, cultures and life experiences. On the second and third weekend of March 2023, the all-volunteer theatre performs Ripcord, a meaningful comedy that pits two elderly women against each other.

For show times and tickets to the March performances, visit https://ctth.org/ticket-information

Before or After the Show in Terre Haute
If you come to “The Crossroads of America” for a weekend as a beer enthusiast, add the Terre Haute Brewing Company (THBC) to your docket. Once the seventh largest brewery in the United States, THBC has only had two significant interruptions since it was founded in 1837. It was purchased in 2015 and later resurrected in its original building, where the taproom serves craft beers Wednesday through Sunday.

For hours of operation, visit https://www.terrehautebrewingcompany.com

Time travel in Bowling Green.
One of Indiana’s best-kept secrets is Clayshire Castle, a medieval castle in Bowling Green with five primordial guest rooms. Situated on 120 acres, the property has several trails for hiking, or you can explore nature at nearby McCormick’s Creek State Park. Take the chill off afterwards with a good book in the castle library, or relax under the stars in the inn’s outdoor hot tub. To enhance the experience, raid the inn’s vast, medieval costume collection with sizes for all ages and bodies.

For reservations, visit https://www.clayshirecastle.com 

Calling All Fly Fishers (or Aspiring Fly Fishers!)
The Midwest’s best-known, fly-fishing personalities converge at the Boone County 4-H Fairgrounds in Lebanon on January 21 and 22.  As the name implies, The Heartland Fly Fishing Festival focuses solely on fly fishing techniques and education that helps fly-fishing enthusiasts pursue what poets have called, “the contemplative sport.” Purchase a one- or two-day pass. See demonstrations and get updated on the latest fly-fishing equipment and destinations. The festival is supported in part by the Boone County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

For ticket information, visit http://heartlandflyfishingfestival.com

All Aboard the Nickel Plate Express
There’s nothing like a sunset ride on the Nickel Plate Express to transform a cold winter day into a cozy respite. On the round-trip ride between Noblesville and Atlanta, rail passengers can glimpse picturesque scenes of deer running through snowy fields and other Hamilton County vistas you’ll miss when you travel by car. Choose from several rides for families or couples, including a Valentine’s Day-themed dinner train, murder mystery events and rides designed for children. Plan ahead. Rides fill quickly.

https://nickelplateexpress.com

Where They Only Have Pies for You
Take a Saturday drive to Lisa’s Pie Shop and pick up a pie for Sunday dinner. Every pie that comes out of the oven is made by owner Lisa Sparks, who started her business over 30 years ago in a small storefront in Kempton, Indiana and quickly outgrew the space. Since then, her pie shop in tiny Atlanta has become famous. Ironically, the accomplished piemaker doesn’t eat her own product. She prefers cake, but her indifference to pie hasn’t harmed her small business. Lisa’s Pie Shop has been featured in USA Today, the Food Channel, and the Travel Channel, and named one of the top 10 pie shops in America.

For hours of operation, http://www.lisaspies.com

Photo: Clayshire Castle, a magical, medieval-style bed and breakfast in tranquil Bowling Green (Photo credit: courtesy of Clayshire Castle)