Brown County Offers Festive Fun During Your Holiday Vacation

Photo credit: Jeff Adkins

Escape to the rolling hills and peaceful scenery of beautiful Brown County this winter. You will experience an enchanting winter getaway with both relaxing indoor activities and exciting outdoor adventure.

“Brown County has quiet calmness with a beautiful backdrop,” says Kamady Lewis, integrated marketing manager at the Nashville/Brown County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Winter months here are awesome. There’s truly something for everyone. You can stay downtown for shopping and dining or go hiking in one of our parks to see all the beauty of Brown County.”

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This winter, visit Brown County where you can create long-lasting winter memories while taking in festivals, markets, art galleries, historical sites, winter hiking and local music.

1. Brown County History Center

Photo credit: Jeff Adkins

Kick off the holiday season at the annual Nashville Tree Lighting event at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 25, at the Brown County History Center. Enjoy festive decorations, live music, homemade cookies and hot drinks on the rustic porch at this free, family-friendly event. Santa will be inside the Gnaw Bone Log Room from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, Dec. 3 and 10.

2. Christkindl Market

Photo credit: Jeff Adkins

Strolling through the Christkindl Market in downtown Nashville, feels like you’re at a traditional European Christmas market with holiday music, festivities and booths. Returning for the second year, the market will be in Coachlight Square as it brings an authentic German festival to life with local businesses, restaurants, artists, musicians, performers, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and, of course, festive holiday cheer.

See more: Riegsecker Marketplace is a Holiday Destination With Local Roots

3. Brown County Art Colony

Photo credit: Jeff Adkins

Founded by Adolph Shulz in 1908, many of the early artists of the Brown County Art Colony captured the local landscape in American Impressionist style. Today, the Brown County Art Gallery is home to more than 200 artists and crafters who honor the culture and heritage of Indiana’s past and present through art.

4. Michael’s Flowers and Antiques

Photo credit: Jeff Adkins

Known for their beautiful flowers, plants, antiques and unique gifts throughout the year, Michael’s Flowers and Antiques expands each December with festive holiday decor. Visit to find winter ornaments, holiday wreaths, festive signs, snowmen, angels, snowflakes and all things Christmas.

5. Downtown Nashville

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With more than 200 charming shops, it’s easy to make the Village of Nashville your one-stop for holiday shopping. Walk under twinkling holiday lights to find boutiques, bookstores, gift shops, antique stores, home decor shops and other specialty stores along with works of art in the Arts Village. While downtown, grab a bite to eat at one of the many eateries, bakeries or cafes.

6. Twisted Wick Candle Company

Photo credit: Jeff Adkins

Twisted Wick Candle Company has more than 400 different environmentally friendly soy candles, essential oils and lotions in a variety of scents including fresh-cut flowers, warm and creamy vanilla, fall, and Christmas. Visit Twisted Wick seven days a week at their home store in Calvin Place or in Nashville on South Van Buren Street.

7. Sleepy Cat Studio

Photo credit: Jeff Adkins

Made from a renovated grain bin, Sleepy Cat Studio features original art by owner and artist Monique Cagle and other local artists. Located on Yellowwood Road in Nashville, the studio will hosts an annual open house in December, with acrylic semi-impressionistic paintings, jewelry, hand-painted glassware, felted and crocheted items, journals and more on display.

8. Acorn Cottage Gallery

Photo credit: Jeff Adkins

When looking for that perfect gift or new home decor, visit the Acorn Cottage Gallery on the corner of West Franklin and South Jefferson streets. Their gallery has five rooms on the main floor filled with handmade crafts, artwork and furniture of all types. Shop for baskets, pottery, weavings, sculptures, handmade paper, jewelry, furniture, bird houses and much more.

9. Winter Hiking

Bundle up this winter to explore the many Brown County hiking trails. Visit Yellowwood State Forest for both short and long hikes. Ogle Lake offers an easy, family-friendly one-mile hike, and the Laura Hare Nature Preserve offers an easy six-mile loop as well as a more rugged loop. The Hoosier National Forest in Bloomington has hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and camping with 266 miles of trails. Indiana’s largest park, Brown County State Park, offers hiking and mountain biking trails, campgrounds, a nature center, a lodge, and lake activities on Strahl and Ogle Lakes.

See more: 8 Reasons to Visit Indiana Dunes Country This Winter

10. Jack and Jill Nut Shop

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From scrumptious options like cinnamon roasted pecans and maple nut goodies to classics such as cashews and almonds, Jack and Jill Nut Shop is open seven days a week with online ordering also available. The second oldest shop in Nashville, it first opened its doors in 1967 and now the third generation oversees it. Stop by for a delicious nutty treat.

11. Totem Post

Open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, the Totem Post is the oldest shop in Nashville, dating back to 1952 in the same location on Van Buren Street. Bringing one of the largest selections of genuine Native American art and crafts and Navajo, Zuni and Hopi handmade jewelry, the Totem Post seeks to bring unique tribal and spiritual elements to their timeless pieces. For those unable to visit in person, their online store offers much of their unique Native American merchandise, great for holiday or special occasion gifts.

12. Music and Entertainment Venues

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With three different music and entertainment options in Nashville, you can always find a talented band, creative musical artist or gifted performer to suit any genre. Hear live music at The Brown County Music Center in the Village of Nashville where well-known musicians perform country, rock, pop, jazz, oldies and more in the rustic yet modern venue. Entertaining Brown County since 1949, the Brown County Playhouse offers movies, festivals, live musical performances and musical theater in the 425-seat venue. In December, don’t miss A Christmas Carol, a holiday classic performed at the Playhouse. Bill Monroe’s Music Park & Campground sits on 55 acres and is only five miles north of Nashville. It offers a family- and pet-friendly full-service camping and entertainment experience. Campers of all sizes are welcome with water and electric hookups, and two campers are available to rent along with 14 cabins for enjoying the weekend and weeklong music festivals.

13. Unique Lodging

Make memories this winter in Brown County by staying in a one-of-a-kind cabin, inn, bed-and-breakfast or boutique hotel. With many charming options to choose from, there are nearly 200 cabins and cottages, great for a romantic weekend getaway or a fun family trip. Many have hot tubs, firepits or game rooms, and most have a peaceful, rustic backdrop to get away from it all. Brown County inns, boutique hotels and B&Bs offer relaxing, comfortable spaces that are either close to downtown or off the beaten path.

See more: Kick Off the Holidays With a Weekend Getaway to Noblesville