If you’ve ever road-tripped along I-70 through Indiana, chances are you’ve seen the giant candle rising from the landscape. That’s Warm Glow Candle Company, one of the most unique and iconic stops in the Hoosier state.
More than just a candle store, Warm Glow is a beloved destination in Centerville, Indiana, offering a mix of shopping, dining, seasonal events, and Midwestern charm that makes it a must-visit for travelers and locals alike.
Warm Glow began with a simple idea: hand-dipped candles with warm, inviting scents to fill a home with comfort. Over time, what started as a small operation grew into one of Indiana’s most recognizable attractions.
Alan and Jackie Carberry founded Warm Glow Candle Company in 1995 from their home in Indiana, determined to create the perfect candle. After months of testing and refining, they achieved a product that was fragrant, long-lasting, clean-burning, and affordable—qualities that quickly gained popularity and led to rapid growth. In 2000, they expanded by acquiring Sweet Liberty Candle Company, blending its primitive-style candles with Warm Glow’s signature designs.
As demand soared, production shifted to an 80,000-square-foot facility capable of producing 15,000 candles daily, while new fragrances and products were continually developed to meet customer requests.
The company’s success extended beyond production. In 2001, the Carberrys opened a 22,000-square-foot retail store in Centerville, Indiana, strategically located off I-70 and attached to one of the world’s largest candles. The store became both a shopping destination and a roadside attraction, offering over 60 candle fragrances along with home décor, gourmet foods, jewelry, wine, and more, plus the popular Stone Hearth Café.
Expansion continued with the launch of The Watering Can in 2012, a garden-themed sister store, and the introduction of online sales in 2016 to meet growing digital demand. Today, Warm Glow remains a beloved Indiana landmark, combining wholesale partnerships, community events, and unique shopping experiences that keep visitors returning year after year.
Now under new ownership, Warm Glow continues its tradition of high-quality craftsmanship while adding fresh energy to its beloved brand. The new team is dedicated to preserving the company’s heritage while expanding experiences for visitors—making it a place that keeps people coming back year after year.
The Stone Hearth Café, a longtime favorite inside the Warm Glow store, has recently relocated to a new location, where the Artisan and Java was previously situated, and has undergone a significant upgrade. The refreshed space offers guests an even more inviting spot to relax and recharge during their visit. With its cozy atmosphere and expanded amenities, the updated café remains the perfect spot to enjoy a snack, light meal, or a cup of coffee before heading out to explore all that Warm Glow has to offer.
Inside the main building, a new coffee bar is taking shape. Set to open later in 2025, guests can grab a cup of their favorite brew, snag homemade fudg,e and enjoy other sweet treats while they shop.
For many, Warm Glow isn’t just a store—it’s a road trip tradition. Whether you’re traveling across Indiana or just looking for a day trip from Cincinnati, Dayton, or Indianapolis, Warm Glow offers a little bit of everything: shopping, dining, family fun, and plenty of photo-worthy moments.
The enormous candle itself makes for a quirky roadside attraction, but once you step inside, you’ll see why this place has earned such a loyal following. It is a mecca for chic home decor, holiday decorations, and unique gifts.
Stepping into Warm Glow this fall, I was greeted with festive pumpkin decor, trendy witch boots bookends, plush ghost pillows, and a plethora of chic Halloween decor that I couldn’t leave the store without. As I rounded the corner, autumn-scented candles beckoned with their cozy scents of pumpkin bread and caramel corn, with beautiful artisanal wreaths hanging nearby.
Looking to my left was a rack of darling seasonal sweatershirts, while only a step away was cheery Christmas decor hinting that the holiday season is just around the corner.
What I loved most about the shop was that it offered something for all price ranges, with items ranging from high-end cowgirl boots to little trinkets perfect for little travelers looking for a souvenir.
Tip: Don’t miss their extensive collection of local wines and beers.
One of the best times to visit Warm Glow is during their annual Fall Festival, which brings together families, locals, and road trippers for a celebration of the season. Expect live music, local vendors, seasonal treats, and of course, plenty of candles in warm autumn scents. It’s the perfect way to kick off fall in Indiana, combining small-town hospitality with festive fun.
The Warm Glow Fall Festival is the last full weekend of September. Festival goers can expect the following:
When hunger strikes, Warm Glow’s on-site Stone Hearth Cafe is the perfect stop. Known for comfort food favorites and a cozy atmosphere, Hearthstone is a place where you can slow down, refuel, and enjoy hearty meals. It’s the ideal complement to an afternoon of shopping and exploring.
My personal favorite was their BBQ sliders and their delicious pizzas!
While Warm Glow is the star attraction in Centerville, the surrounding area has even more to offer:
The massive candle-shaped building has long drawn curious travelers off the highway, eager to shop the rustic store packed with candles, home décor, and gifts. Whether you’re chasing the scent of hand-poured candles, attending a seasonal festival, or just looking for a fun road trip stop, Warm Glow Candle Company in Centerville, Indiana, deserves a spot on your travel list. It’s a little slice of Indiana charm that keeps visitors coming back again and again.
Traveling through Indiana? Check out these related articles:
The Top 25 Fun Things To Do In Richmond, Indiana
10 Reasons To Attend The Richmond Meltdown Festival
17 Best Restaurants In Richmond
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