Find fun in Festival Country Indiana

Staff members at Festival Country Indiana, just south of Indianapolis, help tour operators tailor happy group experiences.

“Festival Country Indiana offers a more festive destination for groups,” said Ken Kosky, director of tourism. “From the friendly proprietors, to the plentiful entertainment, to the unique dining and drinks, to the great group-friendly attractions, it is a destination that groups often count among their favorite trips.”

Kosky said bureau staff members work with group tour planners to create an itinerary and make sure the stops are ready to deliver a festive experience to groups.

The staff also can join the group for some, or all, of their visit to help the group learn about the area. In addition, staff can work with hotels to secure lodging for overnight groups. And they can offer the little touches to make the group’s visit special, like giving them official Festival Country Indiana postcards or arranging for surprises like custom-made cookies from DJ’s Sweet Retreat in Franklin.

One of the most popular group attractions is Mallow Run Winery in Bargersville, where visitors learn all about winemaking from growing grapes to bottling and labeling, then sample wines to find a new favorite.

At The Historic Artcraft Theatre in Franklin, groups experience a classic movie in a restored single-screen theater where the staff dresses up as characters from the movie, serves Indiana popcorn and engages in interactive games.

In the late summer and fall, The Apple Works in Trafalgar is the perfect place for apples, pumpkins and tours.

Festival Country Indiana also is home to notable antiques, and outlet and mall shopping.

Discover unique dining options like sitting under the retractable roof shared by two businesses: Historic Don & Dona’s Restaurant and Shale Creek Brewing in Franklin.

Kosky said Festival Country Indiana is a place where groups can find things they won’t find anywhere else. Consider visiting Middle Davids Artisan Candles in Franklin, the famous Not Just Popcorn in Edinburgh, the renowned Taxman Brewing Company in Bargersville, and P&D Flower Farm near Greenwood (a U-pick flower farm). Groups can participate in hands-on experiences, too, like goat yoga at Tagalong Farms Boutique and Goat Yoga in Franklin.

For more information, visit festivalcountryindiana.com.