Romantic Getaways in Indiana

Located in the Midwestern and Great Lakes regions of North America, Indiana has a wealth of natural beauty to tempt visitors from different parts of the country. Add to this a vibrant culture as well as a history dating back to indigenous times, and you have several attractions which can serve as the perfect romantic getaway.

Indianapolis

As one of the largest urban centers in Indiana, Indianapolis offers its couples a chance to indulge in a night about town. Some of the fine dining establishments that are well known in Indianapolis for their exclusivity are the Du Soleil on Washington Street, Aggio, Eddie Merlot, Mama Carollas, R Bistro, Puck’s and the restaurant at the Canterbury Hotel. The Eagle’s Nest at the Hyatt Residency is the city’s only rooftop revolving restaurant while Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in downtown city is where the wealthy go when in the mood for some wholesome American fare. The city offers a whole range of happening nightspots ranging from sports and beer bars to cocktail and lounge bars. The Blue Martini and Olive’s are some of the hippest bars which have a great selection of wines, cocktails and martinis apart from some groovy music to attract a wealthy clientele. However if you are looking for a place boasting of a great atmosphere to impress your sweetheart you can drop in the city’s famous lounge bars like Nicky Blaine, Gelo and Forty Five Degrees. Then again Indy being  the home of avid sports fans, you can check out the various sports bars of the city like Union Jack Pub, Old Pros’ Table, Jillian’s, Ale Emporium and Coach’s Tavern. Finally if you are looking to dance away the night with your partner, head for upscale nightclubs like Seven which is the place to be seen at Indianapolis or the Slippery Noodle Inn which is the oldest live music bar in the city and famous for its jazz and blues.

Madison

Madison, in south central Indiana, is one of the Midwest’s favorite small towns. When you arrive in Madison, the first thing you’ll notice is the amazing architecture in the National Historic Landmark District. Lanier Mansion State Historic Site is considered the Crown Jewel of Madison’s historic district. Formal gardens and period furnishings grace the 1844 Greek Revival home of early Indiana banker J.F.D. Lanier. Another historic attraction is Southeast Indian Trails to Freedom since the Jefferson County was an active crossing point for fugitive slaves seeking freedom. However if you would much prefer to spend time with your sweetheart amidst the pretty outdoors, then head for the Clifty Falls State Park. You can take a hike, easy to rugged choices, at Clifty or just admire the views. Of which there is a fantastic one of downtown Madison. There are seven waterfalls and plenty of scenic vistas for photo taking. Then again you can head to Madison’s riverfront and romance each other on the banks of Ohio.  It’s an easy ride and you can even have a romantic picnic by picking up some wine and cheese from a local winery. However don’t leave this historic town without some shopping, most of which is done on the Main Street. Here you’ll notice some great stores and galleries with Madison-made products and art from where you can pick up something to remind you of your lovely romantic vacation.

White River State Park

If on the other hand you are looking for romantic adventure with your partner, Indianapolis's White River State Park is the place to go. The Park offers 250 acres of green space that you can explore on a Segway or by renting a tandem bike or surrey. Blended seamlessly with the park is the historic Central Canal, where you can go on a romantic gondola ride with Old World Gondoliers -- a popular way to propose, according to the locals. Moreover, with 3,900 acres of land and a 1,400-acre lake, Eagle Creek Park offers couples a chance to partake of a variety of outdoor activities like swimming, fishing, sailing, hiking or birding.

Indy Wine Trail

The Indy Wine Trail is an organization of seven area wineries, each with something different to offer. From urban settings to sprawling vineyards, you and your partner can experience the many faces of Indiana vintners and a variety of wine styles. Best of all, the trail of these seven award-winning wineries all within minutes of downtown Indianapolis! You can for instance kick off the trail with Buck Creek Winery located on the southeast side of Indianapolis. Once you have toured their processing room and vineyard, you can sample some of their favorites Trilogy, a blend of three native American grapes, and Razzle Dazzle, sweet apple wine blended with raspberry wine. Moving on to the southside of Indianapolis, you will come across Mallow Run Winery which has as venerable a history as its wines. Then head west to visit Chateau Thomas Winery in Plainfield. This Indiana Artisan winery's newest creation is the world’s only sugar-free sweet wine, Slender. A special feature here is the 2,000-square-foot tasting room. Your next stop of at Easley Winery will take you to downtown Indianapolis, just six blocks from Monument Circle. Here as you sip your wine,  you can enjoy live jazz or bluegrass on certain days of the week . Nearby in historic Fountain Square is New Day Meadery offering fine, handcrafted honey wines from fresh fruit and raw honey gathered from locally owned farms. This Indiana Artisan is one of only 60 meaderies in the United States. There are two more wineries along this trail - Simmons Winery in Columbus and Grape Inspirations in Carmel. No matter what route you choose, the Indy Wine Trail offers couples a delicious way to romance each other amidst lovely surroundings, and after you Sample the many offering on the Indy Wine Trail, you can also  take home bottles or cases of your favorites to fill your own wine racks or cellars.

South Bend

Tucked in the heart of Northern Indiana along the meandering banks of the St. Joseph River, South Bend offers a wealth of cultural and recreational activities for an event-filled romantic getaway. One of the favorite things for couples to do in South Bend is strolling through the Japanese Garden. Located in Merrifield Park, the Shiojiri Niwa Gardens symbolizes the Sister-City relationship between Mishawaka and Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Featuring more than 20 different varieties of large plant material and a lovely teahouse pavilion - the perfect quiet place to reconnect.

However if you and your partner are looking for a fun outing, ride the waves at East Race Waterway in the heart of downtown South Bend. Believed to be North America’s first artificial white water course, this recreational facility takes you on a thrill ride as you tackle the rapids. Bring a kayak, rent a raft or just observe from the banks of the East Race. History lovers will love touring the 38 room Oliver Mansion which epitomizes the beauty of Victorian homes conjures images of bygone days or strolling through the Notre Dame University campus. Better still take the campus tour for a history lesson about famous sites like the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the Golden Dome and the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Finally what good is a romantic getaway without some sweet indulgence? So set aside a day to tour the South Bend Chocolate Factory Tour and Chocolate Museum and get an insider’s view on the making of chocolate. The tour features an informative video, artifact museum, factory tour and samples. Round off your trip by heading for the factory café where you and your beloved can partake of additional tasting pleasures and thus create some of the sweetest memories ever.