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 and encourages them to explore all their hometown offers.

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

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

Where Is Richmond, Indiana

Located in Wayne County, Indiana, Richmond is 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 Richmond’s historical and artistic side. There is the perfect trail waiting for you to discover.

Heartland Wine and Ale Trail

Sip your way through local wineries and breweries throughout Eastern Indiana and Western Ohio. The trail has eleven stops, 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 Heartland Wine and Ale Trail copy and start planning your adventure today.

Mural Trails

Richmond’s local art scene is quite impressive. Local artists create moving murals bursting with color, detail, and artistic expression. More than 80 murals seem to pop out of nowhere throughout the city and Wayne County. 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 prepared 5 gallons at a time and 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 is 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 your route if you need assistance. Many have been in the business for decades and have their own fun, unique stories to tell.

Tiffany Stained Glass Trail

Unknown to many, Richmond, Indiana, is home to a spectacular collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany stained glass windows. The Tiffany Stained Glass Trail has four stops, including the impressive collection at Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church.

Louis Comfort Tiffany specially crafted all sixty-two windows in this church 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, but tours can be arranged.

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

The tours are self-guided; however, many churches require appointments to view 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 helped 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 who 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 that highlight what life was like for fugitive slaves and 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, it is hard not to 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. offers over sixty fragrances, along with a wide selection of home decor, home goods, and plenty of culinary treats. Don’t forget to take 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, and a slice of the gourmet bakery cake? The Cordial Cork, of course. Locals claim this is 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

Fireman Tom Broyles transformed This historic firehouse into a hub of great BBQ and blues.  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 its timeless classics, fresh seafood, and tender steaks, it’s no surprise that it tends 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 in 1984 in the Ferdinand Grothaus house, which 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 Indiana. It is known for its burgers and pork tenderloin sandwiches. 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 fried pickles and hamburgers are recommended here. However, as it is a tavern, it isn’t kid-friendly.

Where To Stay In Richmond Indiana

The ideal spot to stay for a getaway is at the charming Airbnb Abington Cottage. This three-bedroom cottage is ideal for families, couples, and girlfriend getaways. The spacious rooms, 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 ideal for gals looking to relax and indulge while away. Ladies can choose their own adventure from a variety of packages available.

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

A fun bonus is that each package includes 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. On your drive, check out the Covered Bridges in nearby Preble County.

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Things To Do In Richmond Indiana