Chances are pretty good that when you hear about Hendricks County, Indiana, you're familiar with many of our main attractions.
Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park in Brownsburg is home to U.S. Nationals and many other motorsports events on the oval track and the drag strip.
The Mayberry Cafe in Danville has gained national fame.
But are you familiar with some of our best-kept secrets?
We enlisted the help of our Facebook and Instagram followers to complement my own list of lesser-known favorite spots in Hendricks County, and we bring you our selection of the Top 10 best-kept secrets in Hendricks County.
1. Amo Pizza 
In the southwestern quadrant of Hendricks County is the quaint little town of Amo. And within that quaint little town is one of our best-kept secrets: Amo Pizza.
Tucked into the back of the Amo General Store, Amo Pizza is one of those places that doesn't look like much, but holy smokes, their pizza is GOOD! They don't skimp on the toppings, either.
Order a large Around the World, and I would bet money that you're getting somewhere close to 10 pounds of pizza. No joke. I regularly drive from Danville to Amo for Amo Pizza.
So whether you're walking or biking the Vandalia Trail, enjoying a youth ballgame at the new Brian Burch Memorial Park or just on the hunt for some outstanding pizza, make a point of visiting Amo Pizza.
2. Avon Gardens 
Avon Gardens boasts an oasis of natural beauty located, as you might guess, in Avon.
Spread out over 5 acres, Avon Gardens offer the opportunity to purchase trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals. And you can also tour their gorgeous display gardens to spark your imagination and wow your eyes.
A gazebo located within the display gardens is a popular place for weddings, family gatherings, baby showers, retirement parties and more.
This attraction has been highlighted in regional and even Midwest magazines as one of the best garden destinations around. So, if you have never been, you should add it to your list to visit soon.
3. Brew Link Brewpub 
If you enjoy unique flavors of hand-crafted beers, you're going to love Brew Link Brewpub in Plainfield.
Located next to the Oak Tree Golf Course, this veteran-owned business features brew flavors that I guarantee you have never experienced before.
Couple that with delicious food, excellent customer service and indoor and outdoor seating, and you've got yourself a must-visit spot in Hendricks County.
4. Brightly Art Studio 
Brightly Art Studio in Brownsburg is a creative place for kids and adults alike. It’s a place to explore, create, imagine and shine.
Brightly Art Studio believes in nurturing and celebrating creativity through a variety of lessons and workshops that includes pre-school playtime, elementary school age workshops, couples workshops, open studio time and more!
And they just moved into a new location within a historic building near the Main and Green streets intersection providing more space for creative fun in the heart of downtown Brownsburg.
A visit to Brightly will be an experience any DIY family will love.
5. Indiana Lyons 
This organization is near and dear to my heart. I attended the very first game of our American Basketball Association (ABA) team, the Indiana Lyons, in 2018, and I've been absolutely hooked ever since.
Bring the entire family to Bosstick Gym in Danville -- affectionately known as the Lyons Den -- for some fast-paced, high-scoring, very family-friendly entertainment.
This organization also boasts some of the nicest, friendliest athletes and staff that I have ever encountered. Lyons games are a wonderful experience.
The regular season takes place from November through March, with the playoffs lasting into April.
6. McCloud Nature Park 
I was absolutely thrilled to see an Instagram user recommend McCloud Nature Park outside of North Salem as a best-kept secret because Hendricks County Parks & Recreation, where I work, operates that park!
This 232-acre property has a ton of stuff for families to enjoy -- a historic truss bridge that's more than 100 years old, a huge boardwalk and observation deck that overlooks a wetland habitat, 6.5 miles of trails, Big Walnut Creek, a live observable honeybee habitat, a Nature Center, all sorts of family programming and camps and much more.
Plus it's very common to see bald eagles, foxes, deer and many additional species of wildlife in the park.
Best of all, it's absolutely free to explore!
7. Nehemiah Ranch 
Nehemiah Ranch is an unassuming 34-acre slice of natural beauty in Avon that is named for a Biblical verse: Nehemiah 4:14.
Not surprisingly, given its namesake, Nehemiah Ranch is a faith-based ranch that emphasizes and facilitates family time.
There is a neat barn at Nehemiah Ranch that serves as the central gathering place there, and it is a perfect location for a wedding, a birthday party, a graduation party, a family gathering, a company outing or any other activity where you want to bring people together.
A great spot for outdoor recreation year-round, Nehemiah Ranch is especially popular during their Fall Harvest Days in October.
8. Paw Street Bakery 
Dog lovers of the world, we have a shop in Plainfield that you need to visit. Paw Street Bakery provides a little piece of paradise for dogs and their humans.
Paw Street Bakery welcomes all dogs, who are encouraged to bring their humans, to pick out hand-made treats by the pound, gourmet treats, grain-free treats, birthday cakes, custom baskets and more.
Think of it as a bakery for your dog. At Paw Street, the treats look so good you will think they are for human consumption, but instead they are made with human grade, dog-safe ingredients!
Bring your dog in for hand-made treats by the pound, gourmet treats, grain-free treats, birthday cakes, frozen yogurt and even a few wearables like bandanas and bow ties.
9. Press Play Gaming Lounge 
Located in Brownsburg, Press Play Gaming Lounge is a new style of family fun and entertainment.
Activities for groups of all ages include foam wars, 3-Point basketball challenge, virtual reality, Xbox gaming and an interactive games projected on the floor for toddlers in a 28,000-square-foot building.
This attraction also includes a bar and a cafe.
Looking to host a birthday party, a team bonding event or a simple gathering of friends to watch the big game?
You can rent a family pod for 10-13 people or a party room for up to 40 people at Press Play Gaming!
10. Rusted Silo Southern BBQ & Brewhouse 
Simply put, the Rusted Silo in Lizton is where carnivores die and go to heaven.
Owner Rob Ecker is an absolute guru at barbecuing ribs, chicken, brisket, pork butt, sausage and wings, and then pairing them with southern favorites like cheese grits, collard greens, ranch beans, cole slaw and more.
Take it from someone who lived in Texas for 10 years. Rob knows his barbecue.
Rob has experience as a microbrewer, too, so it's no surprise that the Rusted Silo offers a slew of craft beers from Indiana, Michigan and Kentucky, including some of Rob's own recipes.
