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Top to Bottom Beauty in Indiana

Hamilton County

In the center of the state, Indianapolis is a natural stopping point for groups traveling Indiana. But many of the area’s attractions as well as affordable accommodations and dining options can be found in the suburban communities of Hamilton County. Cities such as Fishers, Carmel and Noblesville are seeing rapid growth in their entertainment and dining scenes and are offering some distinctive amenities to tour groups.

“It seems like every day there’s an announcement about something new in Carmel,” said Whitney Riggs, communications coordinator for Visit Hamilton County. “This spring, the new Sun King Distillery will open in the Carmel Arts and Design District. It will be a distillery tasting room with beer and spirits. They’re going to be right next door to a new place called Anthony’s Chophouse, a restaurant with a rooftop bar.”

Another new highlight in Carmel is the Christkindlmarkt, a German-style Christmas market and outdoor ice-skating rink open during the holiday season.

The town of Fishers is booming too, with a new Ikea store and a Topgolf attraction. Those businesses are anchors of the Yard, a new culinary hub that will have 10 to 12 local restaurants and a Sun King Brewery taproom.

Hendricks County

Just west of Indianapolis, the communities in Hendricks County have developed some special tours and experiences for groups as well. Among the most popular is the Ho-Ho-Holiday Tour.

“Group operators like to package around the time that we have Gingerbread Christmas in our county,” said Josh Duke, communications manager for Visit Hendricks County. “It’s a huge holiday shopping event, and people come from across the region. It includes a juried arts-and-craft show, with the best of the best products. It’s always the first Saturday in December, so the first weekend in December is big for tour groups.”

Many groups that come for the Gingerbread event in Plainfield also stop at the Mayberry Café in Danville. Inspired by “The Andy Griffith Show,” this restaurant has photos and memorabilia from the TV program as well as private dining space for groups.

Another popular stop for groups is Beasley’s Orchard, where travelers can taste locally grown fruit and join the staff in shooting an apple cannon. And travelers with a flair for the arts often enjoy visiting the glass studio of local artist Lisa Pelo, who can lead hands-on workshops for groups.

Brian Jewell

Brian Jewell is the executive editor of The Group Travel Leader. In more than a decade of travel journalism he has visited 48 states and 25 foreign countries.