Every fall, scores of Midwesterners head toward Brown County, Ind., a region known for its hilly terrain, folk arts and ever-growing tourist attractions. But while many of these visitors are drawn by the beautiful scenery of autumn leaves, there are culinary delights here that are not to be missed.
Here are a few of our favorite spots:
- You won't find a better picnic destination than Brown County State Park. While you're there, enjoy a nice hike and take in some amazing views.
- The nearby T.C. Steele's State Historic Site is also a scenic destination, and you can learn about one of the area's most well-known artists.
- But first, stop in at Bloomingfoods Market and Deli in nearby Bloomington for some picnic essentials. A local coop that's open to the public, Bloomingfoods specializes in local and organic food with three locations in Bloomington.
- At Oliver Winery, you'll find a wide variety of local wine. Sample them in the large tasting room and then head out to the porch with a bottle and enjoy views of the lovely gardens.
- We won't get into all the various restaurants in the area, but there is one we'd like to point out. FARMbloomington opened earlier this year and specializes in local, farm-fresh cuisine, including "Hoosier tapas."
- If you're up for a drive, head south to Greenville, home of Capriole Farms. We're huge fans of their cheeses – they specialize in hand-made fresh, ripened and aged chevres. Check their web site for their next open house and farm day.
Related: Wine Escapes: Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula
(Images: dancing_chopsticks, licensed under Creative Commons and Capriole Farms)
Hooray! Having spent my college years in Bloomington, I was constantly pleasantly surprised by the quality and variety of foods available. The restaurants in Bloomington itself are also notable - all of the different international cuisines on 4th st (Moroccan, Tibetan, Thai..) and so many others.
view claireb's profile
Just north of Indianapolis there is a really nice dairy, which unfortunately I cannot remember the name of. They do everything from milk to yogurt to cheese to ice cream on site. They actually host their own farmers market on Friday nights and its beautiful in the fall.--The raspberry yogurt is great---but if you want to play around they'll let you taste stuff.
view sally599's profile
I haven't lived in Bloomington for YEARS but I sure hope they still have their wonderful farmers market!
Yay Bloomingfoods!! A great food co-op!
view Charlotte's profile
Sadly, FarmBloomington has lost its favor with locals because they are not always honest with their claim of using local ingredients.
view indianaguy's profile
Yay I love Capriole goat cheese! I buy it in Chicago at the Green City Market or at Pastoral.
view sarahbest's profile