Best Things to Do in Carmel, Indiana

Monon, Miniatures, and More!

There´s a reason that Carmel is consistently listed as one of the best places in live in Central Indiana, or the nation, for that matter. Its school system is tops, it´s home to some of Central Indiana´s most beautiful real estate, and you don´t have to go far to find lots of fun stuff to do.

We´ve compiled a list of our favorite things to do and see in Carmel.  Some are educational, some are entertaining, and some are just plain unusual.  Have fun!

Take a Ride on the Wild Side!  True, you aren´t likely to encounter anything too ferocious, but you will enjoy some beautiful scenery pedaling (or on foot) along the Monon Trail, a converted railway track which runs 5.2 miles from Carmel to Indianapolis where it connects with the Monon Greenway.  There are plenty of interesting places to stop along the way, including another Carmel hot spot, Clay Terrace! For more information on the Monon Trail, including trail maps, visit www.indianatrails.org

Shop ´til You Drop!  The upscale Clay Terrace outdoor shopping mall features retail therapy opportunities for just about everyone.  Teens will flock to American Eagle and Hollister, guys can head straight to Dick´s Sporting Goods, and "mature" shoppers will appreciate the Black and White Store and Eddie Bauer.  Kona Grill, The Fish Market and Montana Mike´s are among the many eateries perfect for a casual lunch or special night out. Clay Terrace is located off of 146th Street just west of Greyhound Pass.

Surround Yourself with Culture!  Art galleries, one-of-a-kind boutiques and superb restaurants make Old Town Carmel´s Arts and Design District an irresistible way to spend any day.  The district is part of the Carmel City Center, a master planned community along the Monon Trail in which residents can live, work, shop, eat and play.

Lace Up Your Skates!  Youth and adult hockey leagues, ice skating lessons, public skating sessions and even party facilities are available year-round at the Carmel Ice Skadium.  Special programs are presented throughout the year, including the Christmas Classics on Ice show December 15 & 16. Carmel Ice Skadium is located at 1040 3rd Avenue SW.  For more information, call 844-8888.

Marvel at Miniatures!  If you ever owned a dollhouse and dreamed of furnishing it in style, you won´t want to miss Carmel´s Museum of Miniatures. It´s hard not to be amazed by perfectly scaled-down replicas of grand Victorian-age homes complete with gilded moldings and tapestries, or a collection of tiny chairs from past eras. Special exhibits include a display of miniature theatres and military figures and vignettes through December 30. The museum is at 111 Main Street in Carmel. For information on hours of operation and ticket prices, visit www.museumofminiatures.org or call 317-575-9466.