One of the best ways to experience Southern Indiana is through its food.
We’re talking winery patios and locally roasted coffee to chef-driven dining and small-town favorites. The Indiana Uplands region offers plenty of reasons to plan your next getaway around a meal.
The best part? You don't have to spend your weekend driving across the entire region.
No matter where you’re from, we put together two food-focused weekend itineraries designed to keep you close to the action and even closer to your next great meal.
Weekend Builder #1: Brown County & Bloomington
Perfect for: Food lovers, couples, friends getaways, and travelers coming from Indianapolis and points north.
This itinerary keeps you within a comfortable 30-minute radius while combining scenic beauty, local flavor, and walkable downtown experiences.
Friday Evening: Arrive in Nashville
Start your weekend in Nashville, Indiana, where art galleries, local shops, and welcoming restaurants create the perfect introduction to Brown County. After dinner, enjoy a leisurely evening exploring downtown or stop by Hard Truth Distilling Co. for craft spirits, outdoor seating, and a relaxed atmosphere tucked among the trees.
Weekend Builder Tip: Don't rush the evening. Some of the best travel memories happen when you linger a little longer than planned.
Saturday Morning: Coffee, Breakfast & Brown County Charm
Ease into the day with breakfast at a local café before exploring more of Nashville's galleries, boutiques, and artisan shops.
If you're looking to balance indulgence with activity, spend some time exploring Brown County State Park, where scenic overlooks and wooded trails provide the perfect excuse to work up an appetite.
Saturday Afternoon: Bloomington's Culinary Scene
Just 20–25 minutes away, Bloomington offers an entirely different flavor of Southern Indiana.
Spend the afternoon exploring local coffee shops, craft beverage destinations, independent restaurants, walkable downtown streets and seasonal patios and outdoor dining
Bloomington's strong food scene makes it easy to build your own culinary adventure. You'll find plenty of options for pretty much every craving within a few blocks.
Saturday Evening: Dinner & Downtown Bloomington
Choose a restaurant that catches your eye and settle in for a long dinner. Afterward, enjoy a stroll through downtown Bloomington, grab dessert, or catch live music at one of the city's many entertainment venues.
Sunday Morning: One Last Taste Before Heading Home
Before wrapping up your weekend, enjoy brunch and take one final walk through downtown. We firmly believe that every great foodie getaway deserves a proper sendoff.
Local Spotlight: Three Places Locals Recommend
When friends visit from out of town, locals often skip the tourist checklist and head straight for their favorite spots.
Here are three experiences that combine great food, atmosphere, and local flavor:
Hard Truth Distilling Co. | Nashville
Known for craft spirits, outdoor gathering spaces, and a beautiful wooded setting, Hard Truth has become a favorite destination for visitors and locals alike.
Everything from coffee shops and bakeries to upscale dining and casual patios. Seriously, downtown Bloomington offers something for every appetite.
Brown County Winery | Nashville
A longtime local favorite where visitors can sample Indiana-made wines while enjoying the relaxed pace of Brown County.
Weekend Builder #2: French Lick, Jasper & Huntingburg
Perfect for: Louisville-area travelers, couples, friend groups, and anyone looking for a mix of food, entertainment, and small-town charm.
This itinerary keeps travel times short while showcasing some of Southern Indiana's most unique communities.
Friday Evening: Check Into French Lick
Begin your getaway in French Lick, one of Southern Indiana's most iconic destinations.
After checking in, enjoy dinner at the resort or a nearby local restaurant before exploring the area's evening attractions.
Options include:
- Resort dining
- Live entertainment
- Scenic evening walks
- Casino gaming
It's an easy way to start the weekend without feeling rushed.
Saturday Morning: French Lick Favorites
Spend the morning enjoying the attractions that make French Lick famous.
You might explore the French Lick Scenic Railway, French Lick Winery, Historic West Baden Springs Hotel, or leave the place behind and hit up the local shops and attractions.
The beauty of French Lick is that everything feels close and accessible.
Saturday Afternoon: Discover Jasper
Just 35–40 minutes away, Jasper offers a welcoming downtown filled with restaurants, local businesses, and riverfront scenery.
Spend the afternoon exploring downtown shops, local dining, breweries and beverage stops, and the iconic Jasper Riverwalk
Jasper's walkable downtown makes it easy to spend several hours simply enjoying the atmosphere.
Saturday Evening: Dinner in Jasper, Explore Huntingburg
After dinner, make the short drive to nearby Huntingburg.
Its historic downtown provides the perfect setting for an evening stroll, and both Jasper and Huntingburg feature Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas (DORAs), allowing visitors to purchase beverages from participating businesses and enjoy them while exploring designated downtown areas.
It's a uniquely Southern Indiana experience that encourages visitors to slow down and enjoy the evening.
Sunday Morning: Coffee, Pastries & One More Walk
Before heading home, grab coffee and breakfast in downtown Jasper or Huntingburg.
Take one last stroll through town, browse a few shops, and savor those final vacation moments before getting back on the road.
Why Food Is One of the Best Ways to Explore Southern Indiana
Food tells the story of a place. It introduces you to local traditions, favorite gathering spots, family-owned businesses, and communities that take pride in welcoming visitors.
Whether you choose the Brown County and Bloomington route or the French Lick, Jasper, and Huntingburg itinerary, you'll discover that some of the best Southern Indiana experiences happen around a table.
So bring your appetite, and trust that the rest of the weekend will take care of itself.
