Anderson/Madison County Visitor Guide

Anderson/Madison County VISITOR GUIDE

765-643-5633 800-533-6569 VisitAndersonMadisonCounty.com

WELCOME From festivals, museums, music and theatre to shopping, racing and gaming, both Anderson and Madison County have something for everyone all year long.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Dining ������������������������������������������ 2 Theatre, ArtS & History ��� 4 Attractions ������������������������������ 6 Shopping ������������������������������������12 FESTIVALS, Fairs & MARKETS �������������������������������������16 Group TOURS �����������������������������18 Lodging ������������������������������������� 19

94

CHICAGO

MICHIGAN

Lake Michigan 94

80

Gary

80

90

INDIANA

55

57

Ft. Wayne 69

469

65

Champaign

Kokomo

Lafayette

ILLINOIS

72

80 90

South Bend

ANDERSON

OHIO

MADISON COUNTY

74

74

69 465

70

INDIANAPOLIS

Terre Haute

Richmond

Dayton

70

75

74 275

Bloomington

CINCINNATI 65

275

Madison

69

Vincennes 75

Jeffersonville

265

64

Evansville

69

LOUISVILLE 265

65

64

Frankfort

KENTUCKY

Madison County and its largest city, Anderson, are conveniently located in East Central Indiana, less than one hour northeast of Indianapolis.

Orestes

I-69, Exit 226

Thank you to the photographers featured in this publication: Dale Pickett Herald Bulletin John Cleary Don Knight Harrah’s Hoosier Park Jerry Byard Ronda Harter Alison Stevenson Kara Lucero

Dining

Frazier’s Dairy Maid in Anderson

Classic Drive-Ins

Take a ride back to the 1950s when drive-ins were all the rage!

Today, you can either sit at the counter or car hops will bring your order to your window so that you can enjoy burgers, malts, a frosty root beer and more.

Jimmy’s Dairy Bar in Pendleton

The Lemon Drop in Anderson

2

Gene’s Root Beer Stand in Anderson

To find more info about Classic Drive-Ins, go to VisitAndersonMadisonCounty.com

Indiana Foodways Promises Yummy Always!

Madison County has over 30 local establishments that are recognized by Indiana Foodways, our state’s organization dedicated to the celebration, promotion and preservation of the authentic food culture of Indiana. To learn more or to find the list of our local restaurants, go to VisitAndersonMadisonCounty.com Arts Pizza No. 1

Oakley Brothers’ Distillery

Homestretch Steakhouse at Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino

Catello’s Mozzarella Bar

Fun for Foodies

When you are visiting someplace new, don’t forget to try the local favorites!

In Madison County, each locally-owned restaurant provides a unique experience. You can find a crispy Indiana tenderloin or an ooey-gooey sundae. Enjoy gourmet dining with a glass of wine, or a slice of pizza with a mug of beer. Whatever your favorite may be, we serve it up. We may even introduce you to something new – like Harger Duck, bacon-topped donuts or a scotch egg!

Falls Perk Coffee House Bonge’s Tavern

Jackrabbit Coffee

Cabbage Rose Eatery

Quack Daddy’s Donuts

3

Theatre, ArtS & History York Performance Hall and Galleries at Anderson University

The Paramount Theatre Centre and Ballroom

Performance of “Annie” at Anderson’s Mainstage Theatre

Anderson Young Ballet Theatre

4

Anderson University Dance

Anderson University String Camp

Tomorrow’s Artists

Yesterday’s Stories

The arts will call to you when you visit Anderson and Madison County. While you are here, you can’t help but be inspired by music, dance, drama and visual arts which bloom across our communities. The Anderson Symphony Orchestra recently celebrated their 50th year of musical performances and the Anderson Museum of Art marked 50 years of presenting exhibitions and collections of visual art. Anderson’s Mainstage Theatre is celebrating 60 years.

History comes alive at museums across Madison County. Each community tells its story about days gone by.

Pendleton Historical Museum at Falls Park Museum of Madison County History

Anderson Museum of Art

To find more info about theatres, arts & history attractions, go to VisitAndersonMadisonCounty.com

5

Attractions

Paintball and scream park

White River Paintball is Indianapolis’ largest outdoor paintball facility. Twelve exciting paintball fields have been providing fun since 1999 and first-time paintballers are especially welcome here. All the equipment you need is available for rent. White River Paintball is also the place for private parties, scenario events and a special, spooky event in October. Indy Scream Park, Indiana’s Premier Halloween Event, is rated one of the best haunted experiences in the country. It offers frightful experiences, games, food and more for thrill-seekers.

White River Paintball

RANGELINE NATURE PRESERVE MOUNTAIN BIKING

6

The mountain biking course has three loops totaling over 11 miles of trails. One is smooth, fast and flowing – perfect for beginning bikers. The second is narrower with a few natural obstacles for intermediate bikers. The third will challenge even the most experienced bikers with a tight, slow path. It’s full of fun obstacles, such as a suspension bridge, elevated trail, gap jump, teeter totter and more.

Rangeline Nature Preserve

MOUNDS MYSTERY The Bronnenberg Home

The Great Mound

Aerial view of the Great Mound

Mounds State Park has six trails and ten earthworks built by prehistoric Adena Hopewell people. The largest earthwork, the Great Mound, is believed to have been constructed in 160 B.C. The home of the Bronnenberg family, Madison County’s earliest settlers, sits just west of the Great Mound. The Nature Center includes a wildlife viewing room, animal displays, interactive games and more.

Kayaking at the White River

The Lighthouse at Falls Park

FALLS PARK

WHITE RIVER The two forks of the White River traverse Indiana.

It is the west fork that goes through the city of Anderson and reaches Mounds State Park.

Paddlers float along the White River in canoes and kayaks. Walkers, runners and bikers roam the White River Trail, over two miles of paved paths that follow the river across the community.

Biking along the White River Trail

This gorgeous Pendleton Park features the “falls” of Fall Creek. 3 ½ miles of walking, running and bicycle trails wind around the park’s two ponds and creeks. Play around at the playground, swimming pool and sports complex. Bring your furry friends to Falls Bark - Dog Park.

To find more of our favorite attractions, go to VisitAndersonMadisonCounty.com

7

Attractions Anderson Speedway

Start Your Engines!

Anderson Speedway is home to one of the most legendary short tracks in America. It is the world’s fastest, high-banked quarter-mile oval track and hosts weekly races, including regional touring series and local late models, street stocks, figure-8 and thunder car racing. The community’s favorite race, Little 500, attracts fans from all over the country and the world every May. Recently, Indiana native and famous stock car racing driver, Tony Stewart, competed and took third place.

Non-winged sprint cars line the front row of the field

READY TO SOAR?

Soar Indy is the largest soaring operation in Indiana, located in Alexandria. Go on a scenic flight or take an introductory flying lesson then check it off your bucket list! Sat.-Sun., Apr.-Oct. 8

Soar Indy

LIVE harness racing

Try Your Luck

Nationally-known entertainment

Slot machine fun

Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino offers an exhilarating experience 24-hours a day. The spacious casino floor features LIVE table games, the newest slots and hottest e-table games in the Midwest. Watch LIVE harness racing MarchNovember. Ticketed and free entertainment available, including nationally-known acts. Must be 21+ to enter the casino area. Children welcome in designated areas.

Electronic blackjack

Homestretch Steakhouse

9

Go Ravens!

Small town college life thrives at Anderson University. From the gridiron to the court and the diamond, AU has a long tradition of athletic excellence and exhilarating games. Root on the black and orange during a home game.

HELIOS This aqua statue featuring 150 sheets of glass was designed by Anderson University art professor Arlon Bayliss. It was installed in honor of Anderson University’s 75th anniversary.

QUIRKY THINGS Did you know that the world’s largest ball of paint can be found in Alexandria?

It weighs 2 ½ tons! Under all those layers of paint is a baseball!

Disc Golf is a popular sport in Madison County. Players enjoy this free recreational game at courses located in Anderson, Pendleton, Elwood and Lapel.

10

Madison County Disc Golf

To find more of our favorite attractions, go to VisitAndersonMadisonCounty.com

Performances Under the Stars

The Paramount Theatre Centre and Ballroom in Anderson is an opulent atmospheric theatre built in 1929 for vaudeville and movies. The design is reminiscent of a Spanish courtyard, complete with a starry-skied ceiling. During performances, the stars really twinkle and clouds move across the sky.

GAITHER STUDIOS & MUSEUM

CAR SHOWS

Reminisce with the Gaithers at their museum. Visit their early years from growing up in Alexandria to where they are today. Tour their music studios.

Hot rods and classic cars cruise all over Madison County every summer. Auto aficionados can view custom, classic and many other categories of cars that are on display.

11

Shopping

It’s So Good’s!

Good’s Candy Shop is a family business that keeps getting sweeter.

The Good family’s great-aunt started making candy in the 1940s. Today, the confectionery in Anderson is a large showroom of chocolates, popcorn, ice cream, gummies and much more. Good’s mission is “To make the lives of our friends, guests, associates and business partners just a little sweeter, one piece of chocolate at a time.”

ANTIQUE Shopping 12

Burmeister’s Old Towne Antiques, located in Pendleton, is a true antique store that will take you back in time. They buy-sell-trade antiques and collectibles.

The Market, Smith Family Farms in Pendleton

Out in the Country

Smith Family Farms Pumpkin Patch

Apple of His Eye Orchard in Anderson

Three unique family businesses are nestled in the countryside. Smith Family Farms offer farm fresh meat year-round and a pumpkin patch in October. Apple of His Eye Orchard produces over 20 varieties of apples and sells homemade apple sauce, pie filling, butter, donuts and more. Madison County Winery boasts custom blends including Just Peachy, Chocolate Covered Pear and Puerto Concordia.

Madison County Winery in Markleville

13

Shopping

TREASUREs in TROVES Open Gate Design & Decor offers furniture, decor and unique gifts for any home or office. Their big showroom and charming seasonal merchandise welcomes shoppers any time of year.

Find antiques and decorating ideas at Primitive Blessings in Elwood. This special shop is inside a barn and overflows with delightful items.

“Do-It-Yourselfers” will love Pulp & Pine workshops in Anderson. Create charming home décor projects with personalized guidance. All tools and materials provided.

Ya’ll visit Cowpokes Work & Western in Anderson for a complete line of men’s, women’s and children’s boots/footwear, work and western wear.

Gypsy Soul is a unique boutique, salon & coffee bar located in downtown Elwood. They offer a head to toe style experience.

Pulp & Pine - DIY Craft Studio & Handmade Market in Anderson

Open Gate Design & Decor

14

Cowpokes Work and Western in Anderson

The Rusty Hinge Boutique in Pendleton

Gypsy Soul in Elwood

Primitive Blessings in Elwood

Soap & Sunshine

Soap & Sunshine Apothecary in Alexandria

AROUND TOWN As you stroll Historic Downtown Pendleton, visit all of the unique shops, ones like The Rusty Hinge Boutique, a country clothing and decor store with a twist. Look up and notice the historic facades and building architecture from over 100 years ago. A recent downtown refurbishment has brought a historic feel to today’s locally-owned shops. In nearby Alexandria, shop for locally-sourced, locally-made skincare and bath products at Soap & Sunshine Apothecary.

B’Dazzled Boutique in Pendleton

Willow by Greg Adams in Lapel

Historic Downtown Pendleton Shops

Glass Creations Prestige Art Glass/Carol’s Legacy Crystal in Elwood

Eastern Indiana’s glassmaking legacy was forged during the gas boom in the late 1800s. Elwood is home to Prestige Art Glass/ Carol’s Legacy Crystal. Stop by and admire the ornate art, extraordinary gifts and amazing décor.

To find more shops and boutiques, go to VisitAndersonMadisonCounty.com

15

FESTIVALS, Fairs & Markets

Elwood Glass Festival - August

Dan Patch Festival - August

MAY

Anderson Sertoma Club Mayor’s Cup Grand Prix Little 500 Festival & Race Pendleton Highway 38 Sale

JUNE

Anderson On Tap Anderson Soap Box Derby Pendleton Lions Club June Jamboree

Madison County Farmers Markets - May through October

16

Aviation Day at Anderson Municipal Airport - July

JULY

4th of July at Harrah’s Hoosier Park City of Anderson 4th of July Parade and Celebration Lapel Village Fair Madison County 4-H Fair Anderson Speedway Redbud 400 Aviation Day

AUGUST

Harrah’s Hoosier Park Dan Patch Festival Elwood Glass Festival

Little 500 at Anderson Speedway - May

For details about these events and more, go to VisitAndersonMadisonCounty.com

Anderson On Tap - June

Anderson Sertoma Club Mayor’s Cup Grand Prix - May

SEPTEMBER

Andersontown Powwow & Indian Market Pendleton Fall Festival Fall Creek Heritage Fair Frankton Heritage Days

OCTOBER

Red Gold Chili Cook-Off / 10K - 5K - 1 Mile Anderson University Homecoming

Andersontown Powwow & Indian Market - Sept.

Frankton Heritage Days - September

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

Christmas in Pendleton The Paramount Theatre Centre and Ballroom’s Festival of Trees Shop Small/Small Business Saturday Alexandria Christmas Parade Elwood Christmas Parade/Light Up the Magic City of Anderson Christmas Celebration Anderson Winterfest

Red Gold Chili Cook-off - October

Share your adventure with #VisitMC

The Paramount Theatre Centre and Ballroom’s Festival of Trees - Nov.-Dec.

17

Group tours Madison County is your Group Tour Destination!

Let us help you plan a getaway for your group. Visitor groups of all sizes enjoy retreats, reunions, weddings and even mystery tours in Madison County.

Visit our “Groups” page at VisitAndersonMadisonCounty.com for more information.

The Paramount Theatre Centre and Ballroom

Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino

Flexible conference and event space is surrounded by gourmet dining at the Prime Harvest Buffet, gaming action at the casino, live racing on the track and big-name entertainment on stage.

See page 9

The World’s Largest Ball Of Paint

Add your layer of paint to the 2 ½-ton ball of paint!

See page 10

The Paramount Theatre Centre and Ballroom

Learn about the venue’s rich history and get a behind the scenes look at this remarkable theatre.

See page 11

Good’s Candy Shop

Watch candy and ice cream being made and the different techniques that make it so goods!

See page 12 Good’s Candy Shop

Gaither Studios & Museum

For tour information, contact

Maureen Lambert, CTIS Maureen@VisitAMCVB.com 800-533-6569

Reminisce with the Gaithers and tour their museum and studios where many of their songs were recorded.

See page 11

Perfect for Groups Gaither Music Studios

SHOPPING See pages 12-15 for unique shops, in and out of town.

DINING See pages 2-3 for tasty treats and culinary delights.

ATTRACTIONS See pages 8-11 for exciting and quirky things to see and do.

Share your adventure with #VisitMC 18

VisitAndersonMadisonCounty.com

LODGING

Hotels & Motels Americas Best Value Inn 5810 S. Scatterfield Rd., Anderson 888-315-2378 • americasbestvalueinn.com

Holiday Inn Express & Suites 6720 S. Scatterfield Rd., Anderson 800-HOLIDAY • hiexpress.com/andersonin

Anderson Country Inn 5836 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Anderson • 765-643-7777

Mar-Jon Motel 1327 E. 53rd St., Anderson 765-644-7766

Baymont Inn & Suites 2215 E. 59th St., Anderson 765-393-8681 • baymontinn.com/anderson

Motel 6 2205 E. 59th St., Anderson 765-644-4422 • motel6.com

Best Western Plus 2114 E. 59th St., Anderson 800-780-7234 • book.bestwestern.com

Quality Inn & Suites 1836 E. 64th St., Anderson 800-424-6423 • choicehotels.com/IN160

Comfort Inn 2229 E. 59th St., Anderson 765-649-3000 • choicehotels.com

RV & Tent Campsites

Days Inn 5706 S. Scatterfield Rd., Anderson 765-644-2000 • daysinn.com

Anderson/Muncie KOA 3230 E CR 75N, Anderson 765-378-5909 • koa.com/campgrounds/muncie

Red Roof Inn 6325 S. Scatterfield Rd., Anderson 765-640-1356 Fairfield Inn & Suites 2400 E. 64th St., Anderson 765-374-6300 • marriott.com Hampton Inn 2312 Hampton Dr., Anderson 800-426-7866 • hampton.com

KOA Deluxe Cabins

Mounds State Park 4306 Mounds Rd., Anderson 765-642-6627 • in.gov/dnr 19

VisitAndersonMadisonCounty.com Visitors Center

6335 S. Scatterfield Rd. • Anderson, IN 46013