Couples looking for a romantic weekend getaway destination in Indiana can enjoy plenty of options. The state of Indiana is home to varied landscapes from the vast countryside to lakes and hills. The countryside boasts a few Great Lakes, outdoor recreation, and cozy waterfront hideaways, as well as other incredible Indiana vacation rentals. Consider staying in Indianapolis or Fort Wayne if you’re craving a bustling city atmosphere. In these big cities, there is no shortage of historic museums, unique shops, and live entertainment for you and your sweetie to enjoy. Here are the eight best romantic weekend getaway spots in the beautiful state of Indiana.
1. Indianapolis
Indianapolis is the perfect spot for couples seeking a romantic vacation destination that offers the best of everything. After spending a lovely evening in your rental, head to downtown Indianapolis for a fun walking tour. Stroll through the Museum of Art, then head to Massachusetts Avenue, where you can enjoy an abundance of attention-grabbing outdoor art displays. Blue Ribbon Carriages offers romantic horse-drawn rides through downtown, and you can catch an exciting show at the Indianapolis Symphony. For a more peaceful, romantic setting, take a long walk through Garfield Park Conservatory, which features multiple walking trails.
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2. Bloomington
Bloomington is the Home of Indiana University, a gorgeous campus with lush grounds, and the site of the world-renowned Eskenazi Museum of Art. The university is very welcoming to visitors, so grab your sweetie by the hand, and head over to enjoy the campus’s amazing natural landscape, and then walk into the museum to view more than 45,000 internationally acclaimed works of art. In the evening, head to Butler Winery or Oliver Winery to enjoy some wine tasting and create your own blend to enjoy back at your romantic hideaway.
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3. Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne is known for its amazing parks and natural beauty, making it a great destination for a romantic weekend. Visit the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, a tropical garden featuring waterfalls, fish ponds, fruit trees, and a gorgeous natural setting that’s sure to put you in a relaxed and romantic mood. Head to Lakeside Rose Garden to enjoy the wonderful scenery, and if you want to visit a restaurant where you can gaze into your sweetheart’s eyes while enjoying a romantic meal and cocktails by candlelight, check out Wine Down on Jefferson Boulevard.
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4. South Bend
South Bend is a medium-size town with plenty of nature and historic attractions. Spend the day at Potawatomi Zoo, a 23-acre park featuring exotic animals from all over the world. Then, head over to South Bend Chocolate Factory and Museum Tours to tour the 60,000 square foot facility and purchase some amazing chocolates, fruits, and nuts to enjoy back at your vacation rental. Spend an evening at Leeper Park and watch the sun set over the St. Joseph River Bridge. Finish your evening off by having drinks at LaSalle Grill, a cozy restaurant known for its delicious wines.
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5. Lafayette
Enjoy a day of wine tasting with your sweetheart at Wildcat Creek Winery in Lafayette, which features a stunning natural setting that makes it the perfect spot for a romantic daytime outing. While you’re out and about with your sweetie, head to McCord’s Candies, an old-fashioned candy shop, to grab some delicious treats to enjoy back at your vacation rental. If you book your romantic weekend hideaway during the summertime, check out Round the Fountain Art Fair in downtown Lafayette, where you can watch local and international artists showcase their unique works of art. End your weekend with a romantic meal for two at Bistro 501, an upscale downtown restaurant that serves French cuisine.
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6. Carmel
Art and theater-loving couples would have a great weekend in Carmel, home to the Carmel Center of Performing Arts and the Carmel Arts and Design District. Enjoy a matinee theater play, musical concert, or ballet at the Center of Performing Arts, then head to the Design District on Main Street to take a romantic stroll while viewing paintings, glasswork, sculptures, and many other types of art. Plan an afternoon or evening picnic at River Road Park, which features paved trails, a small lake, multiple wide-open fields, and an on-site interpretive building where visitors can learn about the area’s history.
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7. Evansville
Evansville is home to the Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve, a natural landmark that outdoorsy types love. It features more than 190 acres of gorgeous land and 6 miles of walking trails. Steal kisses behind one of the massive old-growth trees, and enjoy the beauty of the animal species, wildflowers, and wetlands you see throughout the park as you walk hand-in-hand. The Ohio River also flows through Evansville, so there are many areas in town where couples can enjoy a romantic picnic right near the water.
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8. Gary
After a romantic evening in a quaint Gary vacation rental, head to the beautiful Marquette Park, and spend the entire day there. Marquette Park features a beautiful lake with areas where you can launch jet skis and boats, making it a great destination if you want to spend the day on the water. Head over to the Lake Michigan shoreline to spend time at the Lagoon Miller Beach, then amble over to the park’s picnic pavilion, located right near the beautiful Japanese bridge, for a romantic lunch. If you’re a fan of the late Michael Jackson, don’t leave Gary without heading to 2300 Jackson Street, the location of the humble home where Michael Jackson grew up, to view the renovated house and a stunning granite monument that honors the late pop superstar.
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