We’ve teamed up with all-star realtor Laura Musall to bring you the top nine things for couples to do in Hamilton County, Indiana.
As a veteran realtor and former local reporter and real estate writer, Laura knows about all the happenings, hot spots and popular attractions that make Hamilton County a great place to live and visit.
She specializes in helping people (including us!) buy homes in Hamilton County, which includes Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield and four northern towns: Arcadia, Atlanta, Cicero and Sheridan.
So what makes this area so great for couples? We asked Laura for the inside scoop on what to do around town, then checked out her recommendations!
*Items marked with two hearts (❤️❤️) are ideal for double or group dates.
Top 9 Things for Couples to Do in Hamilton County, Indiana
1. Urban Vines Winery & Brewery ❤️❤️
Realtor’s Recommendation:
“Enjoy live music at Urban Vines Winery & Brewery in Westfield. New in winter 2018 were heated igloos.”
Traveling Twogether Verdict:
Sipping wine in the heated igloos at Urban Vines was such a unique experience. We definitely recommend reserving one if you’re looking for a fun date idea during the winter months!
A few tips to know before you go:
- Despite the faux fireplace, it still gets pretty chilly inside the igloo, so be sure to dress appropriately.
- The igloos last winter seated eight people, so we recommend turning it into a double date and making a reservation for four or more. The igloos book up quickly, so be sure to call far in advance.
- There’s no waitressing service once you’re inside the igloo, so order a bottle or two at the bar and take them out with you.
- There’s only an old-school radio inside the igloos, so if you want to upgrade your experience, bring a small Bluetooth speaker to play your own music.
2. Strawtown Koteewi Park
Realtor’s Recommendation:
“Head to Strawtown Koteewi Park north of Noblesville to zipline at the Aerial Adventure or try your skills at the Koteewi Archery Range. You don’t need to be experienced to try archery; the trained staff patiently teach novices. In winter months, go tubing on the 700-foot snow-covered hill.”
Traveling Twogether Verdict:
The Koteewi Archery Range is such a unique date spot – and one that we never would have guessed would be so fun. We channeled our inner Katniss Everdeen and competed on three practice ranges to see who could hit the most targets. (Turns out, Emily’s pretty good at archery!)
We found a $15 Groupon for a two-hour session for two people, making this date spot one of the most affordable on Laura’s list of recommendations. To make a reservation for the archery range, call 317-776-8472.
3. The Monon
Realtor’s Recommendation:
“Bike the Monon Trail, which stretches from Sheridan to the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. You could start in northern Hamilton County, stop by Grand Junction Brewing in Westfield, pick it back up, then take another rest in Carmel by the Arts & Design District and have a burger at Bub’s Burgers.
If you’re super hungry, try the Big Ugly, which is a 1.5-pound burger. If you eat it, you get your photo on the wall.
Or, you could take a rest on the rooftop deck of the new Sun King distillery on the Monon. If you don’t have a bike, you can rent one through Zagstar in Noblesville or Carmel for $3 an hour.”
Traveling Twogether Verdict:
We put a little spin on Laura’s recommendation and rode our scooter and skateboard on the Monon in Carmel.
Kicking down the trail was a fun way to get some exercise and enjoy time together outside. Our favorite pit stop was the Kawachinagano Japanese Garden, a tranquil little spot where you can take a break and watch the koi swim beneath the lily pads.
4. Nickel Plate Express ❤️❤️
Realtor’s Recommendation:
“Hop on the Nickel Plate Express – which is 12 miles of rail from Atlanta to downtown Noblesville – in a 1950s passenger car. There are themed excursions; I recommend the Ales & Rails for couples. This just started in summer 2018.”
Traveling Twogether Verdict:
“Charming” doesn’t even begin to describe this train ride. From the pleasant country-folk musician playing just a few feet in front of us to the sights and smells of yesteryear, the experience was as nostalgic as it was fun.
We reserved seats on the Nickel Plate Express’ St. Patrick’s Day excursion – the Irish Express – and it was the perfect way to celebrate the holiday. With free Sun King beer samples, Just Pop In! popcorn, live music and beautiful views, you can’t beat the experience for the price ($35 each). Read more about our ride here.
5. Spencer Farm
Realtor’s Recommendation:
“Pick berries at Spencer Farm. This may sound like a chore more than an excursion, but it’s fun! At Spencer Farm in Noblesville, pick strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. In the fall, you can pick apples and also pumpkins.”
Traveling Twogether Verdict:
We were so happy to see Spencer Farm make Laura’s list of top date spots! We pick pumpkins every fall and this farm has one of our favorite pumpkin patches. Here, you can search for the perfect pumpkins and cut them right off their vines.
Afterward, stop in the store and grab some delicious fudge and other seasonal goodies. Below are a couple #throwback pictures from pumpkin picking in years past.
6. LouVino Restaurant & Wine Bar ❤️❤️
Realtor’s Recommendation:
“Start the weekend off with $2 mimosas at brunch Fridays through Sundays at LouVino. Nab an outdoor spot during warm weather in the Nickel Plate District in downtown Fishers. If you go on Saturday, wander over to the farmers market afterward and pick up fresh produce and enjoy live entertainment from the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater.”
Traveling Twogether Verdict:
LouVino is one of the best brunch spots in the Indy area. In addition to the delicious (and strong) mimosas, we recommend ordering the stuffed french toast – served with vanilla mascarpone, cinnamon, seasonal jam, bourbon maple and whipped cream – and the biscuits ‘n’ gravy – served with two biscuits, house goetta gravy and a sunny side up egg.
7. Topgolf ❤️❤️
Realtor’s Recommendation:
“If 18 holes of golf seems overwhelming or if you never picked up golf, play a low-key version at Topgolf, where you can be as competitive as you want, but you never need a caddy or a cart. Great for a couple or bring up to four friends.”
Traveling Twogether Verdict:
Like Koteewi, Topgolf is a fun date spot that brings out a little friendly competition between you and your partner. Bring some friends and turn it into a group date! Order some drinks and apps, then see which couple can get the highest score.
8. Symphony on the Prairie ❤️❤️
Realtor’s Recommendation:
“Pack a picnic and a blanket and listen to music under the stars at Conner Prairie’s Symphony on the Prairie. Go early and you can take a ride in a tethered hot-air balloon. The best place to sit is on the south side of the stage on the hill by the trees, which offers nice shade during the summer. Several concerts – such as the popular July 4th concert – have fireworks.”
Traveling Twogether Verdict:
What’s better than spending a beautiful summer night outside with your significant other, watching the sun set and listening to live music?
We went to Symphony on the Prairie with another couple to enjoy the music of Journey, Chicago and Kansas, and it was easy to see why this spot is on Laura’s list! We had a great time singing along to some of our favorite “oldies” songs, snacking on kettle corn and sipping on the specialty cocktail, The Hamilton Co. Smash.
9. Books & Brews ❤️❤️
Realtor’s Recommendation:
“Play a game while enjoying local craft beer at Books & Brews in Fishers (9402 Uptown Dr.), Carmel (61 West City Center Dr.) or Noblesville (13230 Harrell Pkwy.). The local brewery has an assortment of board and card games you can pick off the shelf, or you can bring your own.
As the name implies, this is also a small bookstore, so if you’d rather have some quiet time, buy a book and sip away. Names of beers are inspired by famous literature: Charlie and the Chocolate Milk Stout, Cream & Punishment, Nancy Brew and more. At the beginning of the year, Books & Brews was featured in the New York Times.”
Traveling Twogether Verdict:
This quirky and offbeat brewery is a great spot to spend a rainy day. We cozied up to the bar at Books & Brews in Fishers to order a Charlie and the Chocolate Milk Stout and a Clifford the Big Red Ale before heading to the back room to play Uno and Trouble.
On other occasions, we’ve found that Books & Brews is also a great place to get some work done. The back room is a good setting for writing and reviewing/editing photos. For couples that hustle together, this spot will bring out your creativity and give you some fuel to #getworkdone.
We’ve loved living in Hamilton County for the past four years – and thanks to realtor Laura Musall, we’ve enjoyed spending the last 10 months exploring more of what the area has to offer.
Use this list as your guide (or bucket list) next time you’re in the area or looking for something unique to do with your significant other!
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