There’s something charming and picturesque about a really good town square. There’s usually a beautiful courthouse with elements of history highlighted around the outside. There always seems to be a decent bakery or coffee shop, maybe some outdoor seating. Add in some shopping and restaurants, and you have yourself a full day enjoying all four sides of whatever square you find yourself in.

Lucky for us in Hendricks County, Indiana, we’re within an hour of some of the state’s most beautiful and engaging town squares. I’ve done my best to gather our top seven that are within an easy drive of Hendricks County to stroll, shop, and eat with your friends and family.

DanvilleHistoric Hendricks County Courthouse Square, Danville

I grew up in Hendricks County, so this one is easy. The historic Hendricks County Courthouse Square is surrounded by unique eateries and restaurants.

Can't-Miss Attractions

You can’t go without visiting Mayberry Cafe, a destination restaurant that pays homage to The Andy Griffith Show, or grab some breakfast and coffee at Court House Grounds.

The Royal Theater, which is currently being renovated and will reopen later this spring, is a perfect place to catch an old movie or a live theater show in an historic relic from the past.

Pick up donuts for the family at Reds Donuts, or get some of the best local and freshest ingredients just one block from the square at Bread Basket Cafe & Bakery, famous for their baked-from-scratch goods and made-from-scratch meals.

You can also check out some local boutiques such as Seize the Night Designs or local art at Gallery On The Square

You can find even more ideas of things to do and see in Downtown Danville by clicking here.

Events & Activities

Don’t miss their annual events such as the Destination Danville Festival, First Friday Cruise-Ins, Saturday Farmer’s Markets and Christmas on the Square. There’s even a scarecrow display around the square in October for the public to enjoy.

FranklinJohnson County Courthouse Square, Franklin

The Johnson County Courthouse Square in Franklin, Indiana, is incredibly beautiful. The iconic courthouse, built in 1881, still stands and is surrounded by restaurants, shopping and bakeries. You can get a drink, grab a coffee or get the kids some ice cream, all right there on the square.

Can't-Miss Attractions

Old Towne Beer Hall features pour-it-yourself beer, cider, wine and cocktails, a unique spin on grabbing a drink at the bar. Benjamin’s Scoops and Treasures is a coffeehouse that also offers breakfast and lunch all day as well as ice cream and desserts. 

If you want to grab breakfast any time of the day, pop into Ann’s Restaurant, an upbeat lunch and breakfast-all-day joint with proceeds benefiting an alcohol and drug addiction center.

Events & Activities

Franklin is known for its festivals, so plan your trip around their Holiday Lighting (which has been occurring for 60 years) or Strawberries on the Square, which takes place each year right on the courthouse lawn.

You can even take a short walk to the Artcraft Theater, which is slowly being renovated to return it back to an original movie house! They show movies on 35mm film, and I hear they have the best popcorn in town. I should probably investigate very soon.

Distance from Danville, Ind. - 45 miles


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LebanonLebanon

I grew up in Brownsburg, and honestly, when everyone told me to definitely include the Boone County Courthouse Square in Lebanon, Indiana, I was a little confused. But now that I see how it is today, I can see why! 

In 2018, this historic square received an $11 million renovation. The square was transformed. Everything from the infrastructure to the building façade to the courthouse lawn. Catenary lighting was added across the streets, which makes it mesmerizing to drive through at night.

Can't-Miss Attractions

When you plan your visit, make sure you include the 1830 Chophouse for one of your meals. They serve steaks, seafood and sandwiches, and are working on putting outdoor seating out front. If you’d rather have comfort food, Max’s Cubbard, a local sit-down and carry-out restaurant, boasts the best tenderloins around.

Are you more of the type to cook at home? Stop by Saint Adrian Meats & Sausage for local cuts of meat you can take home to grill, stew, roast and cook yourself.

If you’re the shopping type, make sure you swing into Samson Family Leather. They make all their leather products in-house, such as belts, purses and other leather goods. Another fun fact is the owners are also historical re-enactors! They also have a lot of historical products in their store.

If you’re in town with girlfriends, book some appointments at Stacy’s Salon & Boutique, a Merle Norman Cosmetic studio. And if you want a little bit of everything? Definitely stop into Just Us, a coffee shop, boutique store and salon all in one!

Events & Activities

If you love events, plan your visit around one of the Lebanon’s three annual events: Augtober Fest, a Bravarian festival; Mischief on Meridian, a Halloween festival and Christmas on the Square, their hallmark Christmas event.

Distance from Danville, Ind. - 22 miles

MartinsvilleMorgan County Courthouse Square in Martinsville

The Morgan County Courthouse Square is packed with local small shops, restaurants and eateries that will satisfy any family or group of friends.

The square is rich in history. Its centerpiece, the courthouse, was built from red brick in 1859 and boasts a distinctive clock tower. The surrounding buildings are all pre-Civil War, but they are filled with unique and modern places to shop and eat.

Can't-Miss Attractions

You can’t visit Martinsville without going to the Martinsville Candy Kitchen, which has existed for more than 100 years! They specialize in homemade candy canes and chocolate, offer hand-dipped ice cream, and of course every sort of candy or confection you could dream of wanting.

Stroll through Fables & Fairytales, an independently owned local bookshop. Look for unique gifts at the Sterling Butterfly for locally handcrafted art and goods.  You can even take a workshop here to create your own masterpiece.

Don’t forget to leave time for dinner at 21 North, a restaurant that offers chef-inspired menu items. It truly is an experience at dinner, not just another place to eat.

Finally, don’t forget to get a photo of the iconic Martinsville: City of Mineral Water Sign, a nod to the past. It makes a great photo backdrop.

Events & Activities

Downtown Martinsville hosts two monthly events -- the Cruise-in on the Square that takes place every Thursday evening, April through October, and Third Thursdays on the Square, which is a retail-focused event organized by the Main Street Organization, Rediscover Martinsville. 

Distance from Danville, Ind. - 28 miles

NoblesvilleHamilton County Courthouse Square, Noblesville

I’ve been to the Hamilton County Courthouse Square several times, and I just love it. I saw somewhere it was described as “hipstoric,” and I think it perfectly describes the vibe!

Noblesville is the Hamilton County seat, and the old courthouse is an impressive relic of history that’s surrounded by new businesses, shops and restaurants. Even new buildings are required to fit the historic look of the square, and they are filled with a plethora of antique and boutique shops, all with their own unique flare.

Can't-Miss Attractions

Every time I go, I tend to gravitate toward Rosie’s Place, an amazing little breakfast and lunch cafe with coffee and baked goods. It’s unique, delicious and comforting with a cozy vibe of exposed brick and cases of baked deliciousness. Get your coffee to go so you can stroll the square and pop into the shops and boutiques for gifts or clothes.

Want a fancy date night? Don’t forget to make a reservation at Matteo’s Ristorante Italiano, a white-tableclothed, upscale family Italian dining restaurant.

Events & Activities

The Noblesville Farmer’s Market is the largest and oldest farmer’s market in all of Hamilton County and has been running for more than 30 years. There are usually close to 100 vendors, and it’s become more of a destination than just a place to grab veggies! There’s live music, ready-to-eat food, yoga, dance classes and more.

You may also want to strongly consider attending the Annual Duck Race, which is exactly what it sounds like! Tickets to this event are sold, and each ticket has a number attached to one of 3,000 rubber duckies that are dropped from the train bridge upstream in White River. There’s live music, food trucks and a whole festival vibe as thousands of people line the river to cheer on their rubber ducky.

Distance from Danville, Ind. - 45 miles

RockvilleParke County Courthouse Square, Rockville

Rockville may be small but they’re mighty in their desire to make their pocket of Indiana “a special place to eat, shop, stay, play and live.”

The Parke County Courthouse Square has numerous places for antique gifts, food and coffee.

Can't-Miss Attractions

Grab a comforting breakfast or lunch food all day at Aaron’s on the Square, shop local beautiful clothing at Rubie’s Boutique and definitely do not skip Shannon’s Sugar Rush, which is pretty self-explanatory. Get velvet ice cream, draft root beer or order delectable pastries or baked goods from scratch for your next party or special event.

Make sure to stop into the Thirty Six Saloon for dinner, a family restaurant complete with a game room and three full bars. When the weather is nice, sit in the Hog Pit, a seasonal outdoor deck, and enjoy live music. 

Events & Activities

Rockville is famous for its annual Parke County Covered Bridge Festival, which features all 31 covered bridges in the county. The best parts of Indiana are featured, including the gorgeous fall foliage, delicious foods and arts and crafts that can be enjoyed all around the square. 

If you plan to stay in town, make sure you "spend the night behind bars" and book your overnight stay at the Old Jail Inn! These nine cells once served as Parke County's third jail fro​m 1879 to 1998 when the prisoners left. Talk about an interesting, unique experience!

Don't wanna stay the night but you do want to visit? Step into the basement at the Drunk Tank Winery, an out-of-the-ordinary place to enjoy an unusual and entertaining wine tasting! 

Distance from Danville, Ind. - 38 miles

CrawfordsvilleCrawfordsville

The Old Montgomery County Courthouse Square's historic core is strong and inviting, with the Crawfordsville Commercial Historic District being on the National Register of Historic Places.

You can easily park and enjoy the area for a full day. Within a two-block radius, there are four museums, three arboretums, Wabash College and numerous places to get food, beverages, or just shop at local antique and boutique shops.

Can't-Miss Attractions

Definitely don't miss Backstep Brewing Company on North Green Street. It's housed in the Old Monon Hotel, where in the past, people disembarking from the train station not far away would come to stay the night. Backstep is a real neighborhood gathering place with award-winning products, music, games and charitable events.

Francis and Mount on North Washington is a famous local eatery housed in a building where people used to buy their seeds, dry goods and other materials.  Maxine’s on Green Bakery & Bistro also has a terrific following, offering salads, sandwiches, soups and wraps of the healthier variety. 

Pike Place, a half-acre urban park, serves as a local community gathering place offering lots of activities, programs and events.

Events & Activities

Main Street hosts First Friday every year through June, July, and August, where the public can catch free concerts providing the perfect vibe of historic Crawfordsville.

Every Saturday from 8 a.m to 1 p.m., you can also stroll through their Farmer's Market, which offers more than just local veggies. There's live music, activities for families and more.

Distance from Danville, Ind. - 32 miles