Carmel is a quiet and quaint town on the outskirts of Indianapolis in Indiana. There are quite a few attractions in and around Carmel for people of all ages to enjoy.
1. Carmel Arts and Design District – Located in the heart of Old Town Carmel, the Arts and Design District is home to interior designers, art galleries, showrooms, specialty shops and restaurants. You can take a stroll through the quaint streets of the Arts district and see several interesting specialty shops and showrooms, such as a Museum of Miniature Homes, Monon Depot Museum and many more. There are art galleries located in a stretch as well as a trail called Monon trail, which is a scenic route for walks/jogs. You can find various statues of people along the streets and well-known restaurants to satisfy your taste buds. There is even a restaurant called Bob’s Burger visited by the famous Food Network star Guy Fieri for the triple D’s show (Diners, Drive Ins and Dives)
2. Indianapolis Arts Museum – The museum entry is free and has some stunning works, such as works from Georgie O’Keffe, Robert Indiana and many more. There are four levels of art featuring traditional to contemporary arts.
3. Children’s Museum – Located in Indianapolis, the Children’s Museum is a famous place to hit, especially if you have kids. The museum has been rated #1 by many establishments and has exhibits for kids of all ages. There are exhibits on topics ranging from science to social studies to dinosaurs! There is even a specialized play area for kids under five with hands-on exhibits to tingle their sensory aspects and expose them to topics from science to music. The best thing about this museum is that everything is hands on and kids can touch and feel and play with things to learn more.
4. Conner Prairie – Located in Carmel, Conner Prairie is an interactive historic park that people of all ages will enjoy. It has five themed historic areas where you can look, touch, smell, feel and learn about history. From the ways people lived in pioneer community to how things happened at an Indian trading post, kids and grown-ups can see how things happened back then. You can see people in character and costume reenacting and living the lives of people back then. Kids get to make clay pots or make animal tracks or get involved in the lives of a pioneer man or woman. It is truly one of a kind experience. There is even a balloon ride (weather permitting)
5. Monon Trail – This is a great trail surrounding Carmel. It is great for running, walking, biking and other physical activities. The trail is studded with green trees providing a cool shade and provides several wooded routes. There are great restaurants and shops along the way to rest up and eat and spend time away.