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How to Get the Most Out of Your Summer in Hamilton County

How to Get the Most Out of Your Summer in Hamilton County

By Luci Bluto, BSU Ambassador
Media Production Major, Class of 2027

If you’re new to Hamilton County, pursuing a summer internship, or just spending the break from school back home, you might be investigating the best ways to really get the most out of your summer. Whether you’re looking to fill some alone time, or gather a group of friends, there are more than enough opportunities to get out and enjoy all the summer months before school is back in session. As a Ball State University Ambassador, I’m always offering recommendations to friends or classmates spending time in the cities I’ve grown up in. And I’ve compiled an overall list of my favorite activities, shops, restaurants, and events you can’t miss this year and every year.

With the end of summer approaching, the final rush to complete those summer bucket lists is coming up fast. There are so many vibrant spaces constantly offering new and exciting events, shops, food, or even just a hidden gem you might have forgotten about! If you’re looking to fill a fun weekend exploring all Hamilton County has to offer, or even just a weekly activity or two, here are some of the best ways to spend the rest of your summer in Hamilton County without breaking the bank.

Enjoying the Outdoors 

One of the best ways to enjoy the summertime weather is to get outside, and Hamilton County offers so many different activities to get the most out of your time in the sun. Farmers markets are the best of all worlds, providing affordable shopping, supporting small businesses, and often times, live music.

Popular locations include:

If you’re looking for more active ways to spend your time outside, there are various parks and engagement opportunities across the county for you to choose from. Cool Creek Park and Nature Center provides wonderful walking trails and educational spaces for families to enjoy, while Coxhall Gardens offers beautiful views and green spaces right within Carmel. For more waterfront enjoyment, Morse Lake is a popular and well-enjoyed spot offering beach areas, rentals, and close by local restaurants such as the Boathouse right on the waterfront. If you’re checking out this location, be sure to check out the popular local ice cream spot Alexander’s, which has always been a family favorite.

More adventurous opportunities can be found quite close at varying locations across the county:

Mini golf has always been deemed an underrated summer group activity, and Birdies in Westfield offers a unique, sports restaurant atmosphere and fun outdoor courses! Strawtown Koteewi Park gives you the most outdoorsy experience and has more than one course to choose from with their Aerial Adventure! These activities are enjoyable no matter what age you are, and are recommended to any adult or kid looking for a weekend adventure.

Live Music 

Outside of farmers markets, there’s a large listing of live music performances across all cities, ranging from local concert series to large scale concerts.  For those seeking local artists to support, there are a few popular concert series!

Carmel offers summer concerts at multiple locations:

The very popular Nickel Plate District also offers similar concerts that are great for all ages. These shows range from weekdays to weekends, so staying tuned in with webpages for performance times at your preferred location is always recommended!

Local Restaurants 

For unique restaurants with a delicious menu, Big Hoffa’s in Westfield is a great spot for some savory BBQ that will surely add to your restaurant rotation. Just off Indiana State Road 32, the location is adjacent to a lovely antique store and just down the street from the heart of downtown Westfield. The downtown areas of all Hamilton County towns make for some of the best restaurants and small businesses in the county. Woody’s Library restaurant is in the heart of downtown Carmel and creates such a fun atmosphere for dining, and a menu that begs for you to come back time and time again. These places will not be one and done trips but create connections that you can’t help but return to.

Supporting Sports 

The Fishers Event Center is also a new hotspot that offers amazing opportunities to explore what the county has to offer! Indy’s newest sports team, the Fishers Freight, is ready to welcome new spectators to their games and it is sure to be a summer experience you won’t forget! If you happen to prefer winter sports you can catch the Indy Fuel on the ice every year as well! Keeping up with the latest event schedule throughout the year is absolutely recommended to catch all your sports favorites throughout the year.

Summer Reading 

Summer is one of the best times of year to catch up on reading, and the local summer reading programs offered at most county libraries are a fun and enticing way to keep you on track to that goal! They offer prizes, coupons, and easy ways to track your progress. Occasionally, you might find yourself seeking a new book with no specific title in mind. Turn the Page Books and Gifts offers “Blind Date with a Book” packages for purchase where your book is wrapped to hide the cover, but description and recommendation is written on the wrapping outside. Located in Westfield, this small bookstore continues to engage local businesses.

Whether you knock as many of these out as possible or save these for next summer, Hamilton County has more than enough engagement to offer you in all areas year round.