Labor Day is the official end of summer, and it’s our first long break after the first few weeks of school. Where should you go? What should you do, especially if you don’t want to travel too far?
One of the best things about Greater Lafayette is our proximity to, well, everything! Here are some of my family’s favorite destinations, all within a half-day’s drive from your front door. Can’t beat that!
Turkey Run State Park, Indiana
Drive time: 1 hour, 12 minutes
Just southwest of us is Turkey Run State Park, and it’s such a fun place, especially during the gorgeous fall months and especially if you enjoy doing things outdoors. This is often considered one of the Midwest’s best-kept secrets.
Book a room at the inn, a cabin, or if you’re feeling brave, try a campsite. There’s plenty to do, including hiking (don’t miss Ladders Trail), guided horseback rides, swimming, fishing, a nature center, and even canoeing. There really is something for everybody here—you just have to decide what you want your vacation to look like and make a plan.
Red River Gorge, Kentucky
Drive Time: 5 hours
Have you been to the gorgeous Red River Gorge area of Kentucky? If not, put this up at the top of your road trip list. This area is known for its natural beauty and world-class climbing and hiking. It’s the perfect family vacation (our family just went, and it did not disappoint).
You must see the Natural Bridge, and make sure to spend plenty of time in the Daniel Boone National Forest. This is truly an American treasure filled with tree, plant, bird, and animal life spread throughout 2,000,000 acres. See the most breathtaking views via the zipline!
While you’re in the area, don’t miss Miguel’s Pizza (get the Ale 8 to accompany your dinner). Also, stay in one of these freaking awesome treehouses rather than a hotel. Thank me later.
Hocking Hills, Ohio
Drive Time: 5 hours
Hocking Hills is another gorgeous area just filled with fun outdoor activities for the entire family. If you’re looking for a wide variety of things to do, you won’t want to miss this part of Ohio.
One of the most popular spots in the Hocking Hills area is Old Man’s Cave. There are also some gorgeous waterfalls, and you can rent a canoe at Lake Hope and Lake Logan state parks. There is also plenty of hiking, as well as annual festivals and events in the Hocking Hills area, which range from moonshine festivals to lily festivals.
Indianapolis, Indiana
Drive Time: 1 hour
OK, are you tired of me talking about hiking yet? If you don’t care for hiking or just want to do something different, I’ve got a little fancier outing for you. Check out Indianapolis’s trendy Bottleworks District. This is a $300 million reimagining of the spot where a Coca-Cola bottling plant operated in the 1900s. The Bottleworks Hotel is amazing—the gorgeous art deco design is TO. DIE. FOR.
There is also plenty of shopping, coffee, restaurants, bowling, a theater, and more. Basically, if you’re looking for good food, good shopping, and plenty of relaxation, this is the place to go.
Traverse City, Michigan
Drive Time: 6 hours
Traverse City is a small city on Grand Traverse Bay (part of Lake Michigan). It’s filled with endless lakes and rivers, a charming downtown area, historic lighthouses, and delightful vineyards. No matter what your interests are, there is something to do in Traverse City.
If you’re into wine, check out the many winery tours in the area. If you want to scale a Dune, check out the Sleeping Bear Dunes area, which is just gorgeous. You can also, of course, explore the beaches around the entire region. This is a foodie town, and I highly recommend some of the farm to fork restaurants.
OK, I’m dying to know—what are you doing this fall break? I could use some ideas, so spill the beans!
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