Things To In Richmond Indiana On A Weekend Getaway

Glasses of wine, decant chocolate and an abundance of shopping are a few of the many things to do in Richmond, Indiana.  Whether you are going with a group of friends, as a couple, or a family it is easy to see why Richmond Indiana is the ideal weekend getaway.

Richmond is a city bursting with beautiful works of art that pairs perfectly with its historic town.  Friendly locals create a welcoming atmosphere that captivates visitors encouraging them to explore all that their hometown has to offer.

From popular festivals like The Meltdown Ice Festival to beautiful waterfalls. Discover all the great things to do while visiting the hidden gem that is Richmond, Indiana.

A special thanks to the Wayne County Tourism Board for sponsoring this great trip so that we could share it with you. As always opinions are my own.

Where Is Richmond Indiana

Located in Wayne, County Indiana, Richmond is located in Eastern Central Indiana along the Ohio border. It is roughly an hour and a half drive from my hometown of Cincinnati. Richmond is also home to the Richmond Municipal Airport.

Things To Do In Richmond Indiana

Hit the Trail

There is a diverse selection of exciting trails to hit while exploring Richmond, Indiana. Culinary trails tempt the palettes of visiting foodies while cultural trails highlight the historical and artistic side of Richmond. There is the perfect trail waiting for you to discover.

Heartland Wine and Ale Trail

Sip your way through local wineries and breweries located throughout Eastern Indiana and even Western Ohio. There are eleven stops along the trail that will take you from a scenic vineyard in the country to an upbeat coffee shop in the heart of Richmond. It’s a great way to explore the area while tasting the local specialties.  Print out a copy of the Heartland Wine and Ale Trail and start planning your adventure today.

Mural Trails

The local art scene found in Richmond is quite impressive. Local artists create moving murals bursting with color, detail, and artistic expression. There are more than 80 murals found throughout the city and Wayne County which seem to pop out of nowhere. From an old fire station to a storage container public art is everywhere you look.

Discover more fun outdoor things to do in Richmond Indiana.

Chocolate Trail

Smooth, decant and locally-made chocolates tempt visitors to explore one of the sweetest trails in Indiana. Begin your chocolate journey by picking up a Chocolate Trail Passport at the Welcome Center.  We recommend making your first stop at Abbott’s Candy Factory where they have been crafting chocolate since the 1890s.

Then venture over to Ullery’s Homemade Ice Cream for a special treat, ice cream that is prepared 5 gallons at a time, and is churned by a 1928 John Deere engine!  There are plenty of other fun stops as well! This trail is a completely free, tasty addition to any Richmond itinerary.

Antique Trail

With over 1,200 antique dealers located near and in Richmond there are bound to be a few treasures you will leave home with. Antiquers flock to this area to spend a weekend browsing the countless shops and antique malls.

The hub of this Antique Alley can be found in Cambridge City. This charming small town boasts darling historic storefronts, local eateries, and over ten antique shops within a two-block area.

From family businesses to part-time dealers the wide, diverse selection of antiques found in Wayne County is hard to rival. The owners are all incredibly friendly and will help you plan out your route if you are in need of assistance. Many have been in the business for decades with their own fun, unique story to tell.

Tiffany Stained Glass Trail

Unknown to many, Richmond Indiana is home a spectacular collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany stained glass windows. There are four stops along the Tiffany Stained Glass Trail which includes the impressive collection at Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church.

All sixty-two windows in this church were specially crafted by Louis Comfort Tiffany at the request of Richmond native Daniel Reid. Daniel Reid funded the construction of the Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church which was completed in 1906. The church is currently closed however tours can be arranged.

The additional stops along the Tiffany Stained Glass Trail include St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, First Presbyterian Church, and the Morrisson-Reeves Library that are all within a five-block area.

The tours are self-guided however many of the churches require appointments for viewing the windows.

The Levi & Catharine Coffin Home

One historic stop I highly recommend is a visit to the Levi & Catharine Coffin home. Better known as the Grand Central Station of the Underground Railroad.  This family was able to help nearly 2,000 freedom seekers on their journey to pursue their God-given right to be free.

The tour of the home is nearly two-hours and shows visitors where the family was able to safely hide the escaped slaves down to the well that was dug in the basement for drinking water.

For those that may not have time for the full tour of the house, a visit to the new Interpretive Center is a must.  Located right next door to the Levi & Catharine Home the Interpretive Center has informative interactive displays to highlight what life was like for a fugitive slave and those anti-slavery activists.

Warm Glow Candle Co.

I would question if you even visited Richmond if you didn’t swing into Warm Glow Candle Co.  Located in Centerville is hard to not drive by this roadside attraction. A visit to this candle store is unlike any you have been to before. Known for its lumpy, bumpy candles, it has become a mecca for candle enthusiasts.

Warm Glow Candle Co has over 6o fragrances to choose from along with a wide selection of home decor, home goods, and plenty of culinary treats. Don’t forget to grab a photo with the massive candle in the front.

What Restaurants Are In Richmond Indiana

Cordial Cork Restaurant and Wine Bar

Where can you get phenomenal pasta, an extensive assortment of wine followed by a slice of the gourmet bakery cake? The Cordial Cork of course. Locals claim this as one of the best places to grab dinner and a drink and I concur.

Dive into a plate of the loaded brisket nachos, any of their pasta, and then go back for brunch. For those who enjoy bourbon, this is your place as the bar has a notable assortment.

Firehouse BBQ and Blues

This historic firehouse was transformed into a hub of great BBQ and blues by fireman Tom Broyles.  The fireman pole, murals, and decor of Firehouse BBQ and Blues let us remember the firefighting history behind this building.  Richmond’s deep ties to music are not forgotten as additional murals, musician quotes and live music bring history to life.

I have deemed Richmond a great place for the unofficial nacho trail. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that I recommend the nachos! The smoked meats were out of this world.

Old Richmond Inn

For a more upscale dining experience make reservations at the Old Richmond Inn.  Known for their timeless classics, fresh seafood, and tender steaks it’s no surprise that they tend to book up fast.  Everything on the menu consists of fresh ingredients making it difficult to choose just one entree!

The Old Richmond Inn opened up in 1984 in the old Ferdinand Grothaus house that has been around since 1892. The historic character of the old home adds a nice charm to the restaurant.

Legends

Another must while visiting Richmond is Legends. This is Wayne County’s oldest tavern and the second oldest in the state of Indiana.  They are known for their burgers and pork tenderloin sandwich. I personally feel that you can’t go wrong with any of the entrees because everything that came out of the kitchen was tempting.

The recommendations here are the fried pickles and their hamburgers. However, keep in mind this isn’t a kid-friendly place as it is a tavern.

Where To Stay In Richmond Indiana

The ideal spot to stay for a getaway is at the most charming Airbnb called Abington Cottage. This three-bedroom cottage is ideal for families, couples, and girlfriend getaways. The spacious rooms, a full kitchen, game room, and inviting patio area will make it hard to leave.

Rates are very affordable and it is only minutes to town. There is also plenty of nearby Bed and Breakfasts and hotels.

Special Girlfriend’s Getaway Offer

It is time to make that Girlfriend Getaway a reality. Richmond offers great packages that are ideal for gals looking to relax and indulge while away. Ladies can choose their own adventure with a wide variety of packages available.

Interested in a spa day? Maybe indulge in the culinary treats? Or perhaps create a beautiful floral arrangement together. There is something for everyone.

A fun bonus is that each package comes with a pack of fun goodies, a gift certificate to Warm Glow Candle, and freebies for each lady.  In addition, special packages include overnights at one of Richmond’s many great hotels or guest houses.

Start planning your weekend escape to Richmond, Indiana however on your drive check out the Covered Bridges in nearby Preble County.

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Things To Do In Richmond Indiana