8 Alluring and Charming Places to See in my Hometown
When we moved to Highland, Indiana we were a little concerned about where we were moving to as all parents do. Are the schools good enough? Is the community safe? What will my children be able to do here? Will they make friends easily? We had a rough start, but since we moved four years ago, we have found Highland to be a very quaint town. Bigger than we thought, but the downtown Highland district has that old hometown feel. Let me tell you about the alluring and charming places to see in my hometown.
Entertainment
Main Square Park
Main Square Park was the first park we saw when coming into town. It was alive with games, rides and people. We were excited to see a carnival covering the area. With live bands, carnival games and ride, and good old fair food! We loved it! Kids enjoyed the time with friends, while parents walked around scouting the food selections. The park is always live with music, concerts, plays and entertainment throughout the summer.
With a playground near the pavilion, children can play while parents can enjoy a shaded area to set up food and drinks for the afternoon. My sister and I have even pulled out a deck of cards or a book. The park is very relaxing when there isn’t so much excitement from all the entertainment. You can find one of the many trees to sit under or the fountain to sit next to, to study, read or just take a nap.
During the winter it’s lit up with figures, statues and twinkling lights. It looks like a winter wonderland spread through the whole park. It’s a magical sight.
Lincoln Center
The Lincoln Center is a great place for a good workout. With it’s fitness center right when you walk in, who wouldn’t want to get a good workout in. Maybe join in on a Zumba, Yoga or morning exercise. They even offer a personal trainer for a cost. If you’ve had a great workout and are in need of a shower, they have that too. Their field house is great for walking, jogging, running or playing a friendly game of basketball.
They have a class for dance and aerobics, a room for seniors to play cards or bingo, and a banquet hall for activities and receptions. The kids love the Friday night dances and getting all dressed up. There are many chaperones on duty so the kids don’t get hurt or have any problems. Just a good time with music and friends.
Plaza Lanes
Plaza Lanes is one of our favorite places to go as a family. I’d say “Who doesn’t love a game of bowling”, but my daughter refuses to play when we go, opting to draw in her sketchbook. The rest of us on the other hand, love to bowl. With it’s 60 bowling lanes, we rarely have to wait for a lane. The staff has always been friendly and helpful when we have an issue with the lane and the food isn’t bad. We always get the garlic bites and of course the french fries with cheese sauce. oh, and a pitcher of Pepsi always quenches your thirst during the game.
With my son being on the bowling league the last couple of years. I have yet to be able to beat him at a game, but I can still beat my husband although he will tell you otherwise.
Shops
Hoosier Highland Stationary
I absolutely love this little hometown shop with all its stationary and journaling need are met. The Owner of Highland Stationary is a wonderful kind woman who is always there to help you find whatever you need. From stickers, to paper, to journals. They also have a variety of frames in varying colors and styles to choose from.
If you feel more creative, pick up a canvas and paints to satisfy your artistic nature. With pens, pencils, colored pencils, and other art supplies. I come here for some of my bullet journaling supplies. Stickers and washi tape, scrapbooking paper and drawing pad. There isn’t a better hometown store like it, but that’s my opinion. probably cause I love being creative and this shop has everything I need.
Ya Ya Sisters
Ya Ya Sisters is a resale boutique on one of the downtown streets of highland. It has wonderful items such as clothing, jewelry and more. My daughter loves walking the isles with her friends imagining what they would wear if they could choose. Browsing the isles for ideas for gifts and knowing that a part of the money we spend goes to cancer research. How generous they are!
With more than just clothes and jewelry, Ya Ya Sisters has a wide variety of merchandise for you to browse and buy. With the help of the employees, I know you will find something wonderful within.
Restaurants and Cafés
Sip Coffee House and Artisan Café
Sip is our favorite place to just hang out, eat a sandwich or drink our favorite drink, peach tea! We love the atmosphere of the place, the energy, the style. The chalk board menu with it’s ever changing dinks and images is a very creative aspect. There are also painting on the walls of Sip made by local artists and they are all for sale.
The employees are mostly college students and are amazing! They are always so friendly and inviting. They also give you some tips, like when a young man told me I should try a splash of raspberry flavoring in my peach tea. I gotta tell you, it was so good. I get it with the raspberry flavoring all the time now. It’s perfect for when you take a long walk and need a nice cold refreshment.
The food is delicious. My daughter raves about their pasta salad that comes with most meals and my sister loves that there are vegan options for her and her kids when they come to visit. Sip is our go to café for food and drinks.
The Green Witch Cafe
We were a little skeptical of the Green Witch when we first saw it, thinking it was just a health nut café, but turned out to be a very relaxing, delightful place. The waitstaff was very friendly and always on top of taking care of the customers. The healthy foods and drinks was a plus, the garlic hummus is fabulous!
They were also very patient with the kids. They take a long time to make up their minds as children tend to do, but it didn’t bother them to wait while they made their decisions. They also have vegetarian and vegan options, which is great for my sister and her kids.
We all got to enjoy lunch with the quiet, calm, serene atmosphere that gave us just what we needed. Peace.
The Counter Ice Cream and Italian Ice
We didn’t discover the Counter Ice Cream Shop at first. It’s tucked away within the strip of shops and restaurants down Highway Ave, but we were glad we did. On a hot day, walking anywhere is horrible, but we were determined to make it to the Counter for Ice cream. They have a wonderful selections of Ice Cream, Italian Ice, Sundaes, Milkshakes and floats, Ice Cream Sandwiches and Ice Cream Pies. They even had Dairy-free Ice cream for my sister!
Another great thing about the Counter is that the staff is very friendly and quick, we haven’t had to wait more than a few minutes for our ice cream. They even have pup cups, so bring your pup out for some ice cream. Not only that, but when the weather gets too warm, they offer dog bowls of water for your furry friend. What a great company to think of our fuzzy four legged friends as well.
This comes to the end of my hometown excursion of my favorite places to see and visit. If you’re ever in town, come out and see them!
