Carmel, IN Road Trips

It is one of the most affluent communities in the Midwest, lying in Hamilton County (the wealthiest county in the Midwest). 1 Hamilton County Convention and Visitors Bureau, 37 East Main Street, ☏ +1 317-848-3181, toll-free: +1-800-776-8687. Not-for-profit tourism organization that promotes and encourages the development of Hamilton County tourism, conventions, festivals and other special events. Carmel is home to the main office. Staff are very helpful and welcome visitors who need information. Visit their website for a full event calendar and interactive map of destinations, golfing, restaurants, shopping and places to stay.

1 Museum of Miniature Houses, 111 E. Main St, ☏ +1 317-575-9466. W-Sa 11AM-4PM, Su 1-4PM. This is a rare find, a museum that caters specifically to miniature homes, room boxes and vignettes. They also have a gift shop and a children's play area. $10 for adults, $8 for seniors (65+) or military, $5 for children under 10. (updated Jan 2024) 2 World's Smallest Children's Art Gallery, 40 W. Main Street, ☏ +1 317-844-4989. F Sa 5-7PM, Su 2-4PM. The World's Smallest Children's Art Gallery, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, showcases children's art from different schools from September–May. Special showcases in June. Free. (updated Jan 2024) Carmel Monon Depot Museum, 211 1st Street SW, ☏ +1 317-846-7117. Tu W 9AM-noon and 1PM-5PM, F Sa noon-3PM, Su 1-3PM. It is closed during the building of a new history museum, which is set to open in late 2024. Monon Depot will be attached. (updated Nov 2023)

Art of Wine. July. Browse at the shops in the Arts & Design District, gaze at local art, and enjoy wine tastings from about 10 Indiana wineries during this annual summer event. Carmel Artomobilia. Early September. The Carmel Arts & Design District promises to stimulate your senses by celebrating the art and design of the automobile. Unlike any other event, the Carmel Artomobilia marries the beauty of classic, vintage, exotic and rare car collections with artists inspired by automotive design. From historic Ford Model As to late model Lamborghinis, Artomobilia guests will celebrate decades of engineering and craftsmanship Carmel International Arts Festival. Late September Features juried artists (numbering close to 150 each year) that appeal to informal collectors as well as art enthusiasts. Dancers, local musicians perform and a children’s activity tent includes arts and craft projects geared for smaller children. Admission is free but food vendors charge. CarmelFest. Held every 4th of July features performances by the Carmel Symphony Orchestra in addition to annual firework display, a community parade, food, games and other family-friendly entertainment. Gallery Walks/ Second Saturdays. 2nd Saturday of each month Come to the Arts District for an evening of culture, art and fun! See local and visiting artists. Enjoy unique refreshments and a raffle for one of our local restaurants in the galleries. Rock the District. June.

Bub's Burgers & Ice Cream, 210 W. Main Street, ☏ +1 317-706-BUBS (2827). Bub's burgers are made from fresh, hand-pattied ground beef. The buns are custom made to fit their burgers and baked fresh at a local bakery. If you're up for a challenge, try Bub's Big Ugly Burger and get your picture on the wall. Divvy, 71 W City Center (just east of the Palladium and Tarkington Theatre), ☏ +1 317-706-0000. M-Sa 11AM-11PM, Su 3-9PM. S sharing plates restaurant & bar from the owners of Woodys Library Restaurant. Divvy’s menu features contemporary American small plates focusing on a dining experience to be shared. The concept allows patrons to experience and share a variety of items by ordering multiple plates. The menu has items in the range of $5-14 and accommodates a variety of dietary needs including vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free as well as traditional entrees. Co-owner and Chef Richelle Rider has degrees in nutrition and dietetics and has been named one of “Indy’s Top 10 Chefs.” $5-14. Dooley O'Toole's, 160 E. Carmel Drive, ☏ +1 317-843-9900. Dooley O'Toole's is an Irish-themed pub. Locally owned and operated, it is committed to buying from local suppliers. Kona Grill, 14395 Clay Terrace Blvd, ☏ +1 317-566-1400. American cuisine. Try Kona's signature Macadamia Nut Chicken, Sweet-Chili Glazed Salmon, Kona's Big Island Meatload or the sushi, hand-crafted by talented chefs at the elegant sushi bar. MCL Cafeteria, 1390 Keystone Way, ☏ +1 317-844-9217. Waiting in line is a cultural experience. Pick up your tray and pick up your choice of eats.

Vine & Table, 313 E. Carmel Dr, ☏ +1 317-817-9463. Vine & Table gourmet market has the largest selection of unique and fine wines in the state, including every day wines and collector wines. Vine & Table also has scotch, liqueurs, fine spirits and domestic and international beers.

Carmel has its share of “big chain” hotels, including the Doubletree Guest Suites, Hampton Inn Carmel, Hilton Garden Inn, Residence Inn by Marriott and Courtyard by Marriott. Visit the chain websites to locate the hotel and special deals. 1 Hotel Carmichael, Autograph Collection, 1 Carmichael Square, ☏ +1 317 688 1700. (updated Aug 2023) Holiday Inn Express & Suites Carmel North - Westfield, 15131 Thatcher Ln, ☏ +1 317-575-0000. 75 suites. This hotel is next to Cool Creek Park and Village Park Shops and offers indoor pool/whirlpool, exercise room, whirlpool suites and free continental breakfast. Copier and fax on site. Meeting space accommodates up to 30 people. Free parking. Hot breakfast items. Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 9797 N. Michigan Rd. Homewood Suites by Hilton, 11355 N. Meridian St, ☏ +1 317-844-7994. Holiday Inn Indianapolis Carmel, 251 East Pennsylvania Parkway. Hilton Garden Inn Carmel, 13090 Pennsylvania Street, ☏ +1 317-581-9400. 110 guestrooms including two whirlpool suites. All guestrooms (standard and suites) come with the following amenities: Refrigerator, Microwave, Coffeemaker, Hair Dryer, Iron, Ironing Board, High Speed Internet, Electronic Door Locks, Two dual-line speakerphones with data ports, Large Work Desk w/Convenient Desk-Level Outlets, and Ergonomic Chairs, Free USA Today, and AM/FM Alarm Clock Radio. Meeting space is approximately 1300 square feet. Residence Inn by Marriott Carmel, 11895 N. Meridian St, ☏ +1 317-846-2000. 120 suites (studios and 1 and 2 bedrooms available).

From the metropolitan Indianapolis area, take U.S. 31 north to 126th Street. Carmel's city center is located between U.S. 31 and Keystone Ave. (State Road 431). It takes approximately 30 minutes to drive from downtown Indianapolis. Carmel has become the defacto roundabout capital of the US, with more than 80 such roundabouts, much as are found in major European countries. US 31 at the Carmel boundary is a major US highway that has been renovated with off ramp roundabouts that eliminate stop lights from I-465 to the northern boundary of Carmel. The speed limit on this road, however, is a paltry 50 mph and is routinely monitored by the local police, however with no lights travel from one end to the next is about 7 minutes. In addition to the Col. Weir Cook Indianapolis International Airport, located off of I-70 in Indianapolis, smaller planes can schedule a landing at one of two airports in Hamilton County and nearby Boone County, just west of Hamilton County. Both offer aircraft charter, sales, rental, catering, and flight school. Metropolitan Airport, 10401 Willow View Rd, Fishers, ☏ +1 317-849-0840. Indianapolis Executive Airport 11329 East SR 32, Zionsville. +1 317-769-3288. Sheridan Airport, 27045 Jerkwater Road, Sheridan, ☏ +1 317-758-4161.

General speed is between 55–70 mph (89–113 km/h) on interstates and highways, and generally 35 mph (56 km/h) on other roads unless otherwise posted.