How to Enjoy Your Visit to Carmel, Indiana

Public sculpture in downtown Carmel called “There, Now You Can Grow"

The next time you visit Indianapolis, drive north for 20 minutes to stop off in one of Indiana's hottest destinations for a concentrated dose of the arts packaged in an small city atmosphere. Carmel has been named one of the best places to live in America by Money Magazine and American City Business Journal. It's also one of the most pleasurable places to visit, especially if you come during any of the city's special events throughout the year. These include the city's annual International Arts Festival in September, its outdoor concert season featuring the Carmel Symphony Orchestra throughout the summer and the Subregatta held in Carmel's reflecting pond in early August. And, those events just scratch the surface of what you can find on your visit to Carmel, Indiana.

Instructions

1. Before you go to Indianapolis, plan to save some extra time to visit Carmel just a few minutes north of Indianapolis. Visit the Museum of Miniature Houses, the Carmel Clay Historical Museum (the city's old railroad depot) and the world's smallest Children's Art Gallery (so named by the Guinness Book of World Records).

2. It's best to make reservations well ahead of your visit to avoid the full occupancies that occur during major events in neighboring Indianapolis, such as the Indianapolis 500. Carmel's newest hotel, The Renaissance, a Marriott property, is your best choice if you like the sleek, contemporary look, but there are many other offerings to choose from. If you are the country inn-type, you will enjoy staying at Old Towne Carmel Bed and Breakfast. Several national franchise hotels round out the offerings, such as Doubletree Guest Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn, Residence Inn, Comfort Suites and others. Visit the Hamilton County Convention and Visitors website for a more complete listing.

3. Carmel is becoming a destination site for art lovers. Visit the several art galleries in Old Towne in the Carmel Arts and Design District, where you will also see public art commissioned by the city. Carmel also offers one-of-a-kind boutiques for shopping, along with two popular outdoor malls loaded with favorite national chain stores. The Monon Trail, a former railroad line that has been converted to a recreational trail, is a popular destination for walkers, runners, bicyclists and skaters. The Carmel Symphony Orchestra and the Carmel Community Players host performances several times a year. A winery and an independent mystery bookstore add to the variety offered by this suburban city. Special events are hosted annually several times a year.

4. While in Carmel, do try some of the city's independent restaurant offerings, along with the popular chain restaurants. Woody's Library Restaurant is Carmel's former Carnegie Library that has been transformed into a popular eatery. It still has all the original oak woodwork, and menues are pasted into real books. The Helios Tea Room always pleases ladies and little girls, and Bubb's Burgers and Ice Cream is a family favorite.

5. Don't forget to also click on the "Special Offers" tab on the website of the Hamilton County Convention and Visitors website for coupons that will save you dollars on events, restaurants and places you may want to visit while in Carmel and the surrounding area.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to take a stroll down Main Street in Carmel's Old Towne to see the bronze life-sized sculptures on the city's sidewalks created by J. Seward Johnson, who has been called the Norman Rockwell of sculpture. You'll look twice to make certain they aren't real people.

Resources

• Hamilton County Convention and Visitors Bureau
• City of Carmel
• Carmel Chamber of Commerce