The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Morgan County, Indiana Now
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Welcome to Morgan County, where you'll find a friendly, laid-back lifestyle amid charming small towns, beautiful scenic vistas and winding rivers. Truthfully a small city rather than a small town, Martinsville is home to one of the few remaining pre-Civil War county courthouses in Indiana. The historic downtown district encircles the 1859 Morgan County Courthouse, built from red brick with an Italianate design and a distinctive clock tower.
Martinsville, Indiana is filled with locally-owned and operated independent small businesses. Be sure to explore new shops and eateries in the downtown district, as well as long-time favorites such as the Martinsville Candy Kitchen—a downtown icon for over 100 years. You'll find local artwork, carefully curated boutiques, furniture, home decor and even an independent bookshop. Morgan County's two largest communities include Martinsville and Mooresville. These are the top five reasons why Morgan County, Indiana should be on your bucket list.
1. THE CUISINE & COCKTAILS
21 North Eatery & Cellar is located on the downtown square in Martinsville. The upscale, chef-owned gastro pub features a carefully curated menu with fun and unique flavors. For your artisanal cocktail fix, we recommend trying the Blueberry Lemonade Margarita—concocted with triple sec, premium tequila, lemon, wild blueberry syrup or their Espresso Martini.
21 North in Martinsville, Indiana
The menu at 21 North Eatery & Cellar features a creative fusion of New American flavors. Favorite dishes include Pan Seared Salmon with orange soy glaze, Fischer Farms One Pound Smoked Porch Chop with cherry hard cider glaze or Poblano Chicken with buttermilk fried chicken, fire grilled poblano, honey sriracha, provolone, and Texas toast.
Dessert are created daily at 21 North Eatery & Cellar for an in-house dining experience unlike any other in town. Reservations are encouraged.
2. THE ART
Morgan County, Indiana, has a growing arts community with various opportunities for art appreciation and participation. While the art scene in Morgan County may be more community-oriented and smaller in scale compared to larger urban areas, it still offers a chance to appreciate and engage with local artistic talent. Embracing and supporting the arts can contribute to the enrichment of the local community and provide opportunities for artists to thrive.
Look for local art galleries and studios in the area. Some artists may open their studios to the public during special events or studio tours, providing an opportunity to view and purchase original artworks directly from the creators. Keep an eye out for art-related events and festivals that may take place in Morgan County. These events often feature local artists, art displays, live performances, and hands-on activities for all ages.
3. THE SHOPPING
An antique hunter's paradise, Morgan County offers a wide variety of antique shops, flea markets and secondhand stores to search through—you're sure to find a few treasures to take home. The Martinsville Candy Kitchen is an old-fashioned candy store, soda shop and ice cream parlor, featuring handmade candy canes, divinity, peanut-butter fudge, cinnamon logs, cherry cordial bark and a whole lot more.
Don't forget to explore the rest of Morgan County's retail offerings while you're here—you'll find unique gift items, beautiful creations, tasty treats and more to take home as souvenirs of your visit or gifts for loved ones. There are even specialty shops with fun and unique items, including clocks, miniatures, barn wood furniture and, of course, Indiana's largest jean and fashion store - still family owned and operated today.
4. THE HIKING
Hiking in Morgan County, Indiana, provides a wonderful opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area. The primary hiking destination in Morgan County is the Morgan-Monroe State Forest. This state forest is located in the northern part of Morgan County and offers a variety of well-marked hiking trails suitable for different skill levels. Some popular trails include Low Gap Trail: A moderate to challenging 10-mile loop trail that takes you through diverse landscapes and offers scenic views; Three Lakes Trail: A 2.5-mile loop trail that takes you past three beautiful lakes; North Rim Trail: A 2.5-mile trail that leads to a fire tower with impressive views of the surrounding area.
As with any outdoor activity, it's essential to come prepared when hiking in Morgan County. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear, bring plenty of water, and consider carrying a map or using a GPS device to stay oriented on the trails. Also, remember to follow any posted guidelines or rules to help preserve the natural environment for others to enjoy. Before heading out, you can check with local authorities or the Indiana Department of Natural Resources for any trail updates, closures, or special considerations. Enjoy your hiking adventures in Morgan County!
5. ARCHITECTURE
The Mooresville Historic District is a charming area located in Mooresville, Indiana. Mooresville is a town in Morgan County, approximately 10 miles southwest of Indianapolis. The historic district is known for its well-preserved architecture and its significance in the history of the town. The district is home to several historic buildings dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries. You can find various architectural styles, including Victorian, Italianate, and Greek Revival. Some of the streets in the historic district have retained their original brick paving, adding to the nostalgic charm of the area.
Source: Downtown Mooresville
A prominent building in the historic district is the Old Town Hall, which dates back to 1853. It has been restored and serves as a community space for events and gatherings. The area around the historic district has several antique shops, making it a great destination for antique enthusiasts. Visiting the Mooresville Historic District provides an opportunity to step back in time and appreciate the town's historical roots. You can take a leisurely stroll through the streets, admire the well-preserved buildings, and soak in the unique ambiance of this charming part of Indiana.
WHERE TO STAY IN MARTINSVILLE, INDIANA
Brickhouse Loft, a Boutique Hotel is uniquely, and centrally located between Indianapolis and Bloomington, in historic Downtown Martinsville. They proudly offer affordable luxury accommodations and every room is a sumptuous suite. They offer the charm of a bed and breakfast, with the amenities and privacy of a hotel. You will feel right at home. When you step inside the meticulously remodeled boutique hotel, you’ll experience an inviting, eclectic mix of tasteful mid-century modern design, exposed brick walls, and sophisticated, contemporary furnishings and décor.
