Looking for your next weekend getaway? There's no shortage of incredible places to explore right here in Indiana, so every Friday this month, we’re highlighting one destination that deserves a spot on your itinerary. Scroll for some fun Indiana Itineraries to fill your summer.

Franklin, IN

📽️ What to do

The Johnson County Museum of History is a hub of year-round historic + cultural event programming that highlights the region. Tomorrow, Aug. 8, it's hosting a show-and-tell with a colonial printer that helped kickstart the American Revolution, plus a discussion about the Hoosier paleontologist who inspired "Jurassic Park."

Speaking of film, don't leave town without catching a flick at The Historic Artcraft Theatre, which has been screening 35 mm movies since 1922. And if you want to pick up your own copy of "Jurassic Park," stop by the adorable Wild Geese Bookshop for new reads, thoughtful gifts, and pick-me-ups.

☕️ What to eat

The Willard, built in 1860, is a Franklin classic. You can’t go wrong with its legendary chicken wings or a classic pork tenderloin.

Main & Madison Market Cafe is the perfect cozy stop for a brunch or caffeine break. Try the peach white chocolate coffee cake or the pistachio avocado toast.

🗝️ Where to stay

Rent a room at the Ashley-Drake Historic Inn for a charming bed and breakfast experience. If you prefer your own space, check out The Howdy Inn, a sweet little one-bedroom cottage with rave reviews.

Can you imagine entertaining friends in the conversation pit at the Miller House? | Photo by Balthazar Korab via Wikimedia Commons

Columbus, IN

⛲️ What to do

The Miller House and Garden (which is owned by the Indianapolis Museum of Art) is a must-see for those who love architecture. Its international Modernist aesthetic was developed by several renowned architects and designers in 1953, and it's now a National Historic Landmark.

Though it’s not as big as our world-famous children's museum, Kidscommons offers three floors of hands-on exhibits, including a climbing wall that replicates the building’s exterior. Plus, did we mention its iconic giant toilet?

🍨 What to eat

4th Street Bar & Grill has been serving up creative dishes + entertainment for over 30 years. With nightly drink specials, live music on Fridays, and karaoke on Saturdays, it’s perfect for patio season.

Step back in time to 1900 by visiting Zaharakos Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor, featuring soda fountains and mechanical music instruments. Grab a malt, sit back, and listen to the sounds of a Welte Orchestrion.

🏨 Where to stay

The Inn at Irwin Gardens has changed very little in the last 100 years, with original light fixtures, furniture, and decor. It was built for Joseph Irwin (founder of Irwin Union Bank & Trust) in 1864, and was converted into an inn in 2009.

Hotel Indigo is walking distance to Mill Race Park + the Columbus Indiana Visitors Center (which has a stellar gift shop and Chihuly glasswork). Your stay includes a heated indoor pool + gallery showcasing regional artists.

Fort Wayne, IN

🦓 What to do

Immerse yourself in a tropical oasis or a peaceful desert landscape at Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, one of only a few conservatories in the world located in a downtown urban setting.

Brush a goat, feed a stingray, or ride the Z.O.&O. Railroad at the spacious, fun-filled Fort Wayne Children's Zoo.

🍔 What to eat

Hit up Editor Shea's favorite Fort Wayne restaurant, Bravas, for its addictive patatas bravas + inventive smashburgers. Don't sleep on the PB burger.

Get back to American culinary basics at The Stand, beloved for its extremely cheap but delectable coney dogs and ice cream.

🚲 Where to stay

The Bradley (which has won several prestigious awards for its hospitality) loans out bikes for guests to explore the city and welcomes pets with water bowls, treats, and pet beds.

The quiet, comfortable LaSalle Guesthouse is just a 10-minute walk from the Electric Works campus, another community hub filled with farm vendors, breweries, cafes, and restaurants.

Brown County, IN

🥾 What to do

Explore the rolling hills on a 2.2 or 3.3-mile horseback ride with Brown County Saddle Barn. Pro tip: Kiddos under seven can hop on a parent-assisted pony ride.

If you prefer to explore on foot, take a scenic hike around Strahl Lake + Ogle Lake, or skip the physical activity altogether in favor of shopping local art from Acorn Cottage Gallery or a new read from Fallen Leaf Books.

🍺 What to eat

Choose from 15+ decadent cinnamon roll flavors at Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Rolls & Cafe, or take a page out of Editor Shea's book and order the Breakfast Volcano: A cinnamon roll, scrambled eggs, and sausage gravy.

For dinner, you can't beat dining on pulled pork BBQ nachos and local spirits while enjoying fire pits + live music at The Restaurant at Hard Truth.

🍃 Where to stay

Bring your whole crew along for a weekend at Boulders Lodge. With two kitchens, two electric fireplaces, a sauna, a hot tub, a fire pit, and a massive rope swing, you won't have to go anywhere else to find entertainment.

Lovers of all things quaint and historic should check out Story Inn, which has taken over and repurposed what used to be a small town up until the 1930s. You'll get to enjoy varying cozy accommodations, a beautiful events space, and a fancy restaurant and more casual tavern, both utilizing ingredients grown on-site in Story's gardens.