Rooted in History
The famous Van Buren Elm tree is forever etched in local lore, with a historic marker on a boulder where it once stood. As the story goes, the townspeople back in 1842 played a practical joke on President Martin Van Buren, causing him to fall from his stagecoach into the thick mud.
Another piece of history in downtown Plainfield, the iconic Oasis Diner, still serves amazing comfort food and plenty of nostalgia. You will also find beautiful architecture and preserved buildings and homes on both sides of U.S. 40.
Sweet Treats
If you are looking for a place to satisfy that sweet tooth, there are a few options in downtown Plainfield. But I have to start with Frigid Frog and More, where you can enjoy ice cream, shaved ice and more.
If you are looking for baked desserts to satisfy that sweet tooth, I recommend Momma Shell's Cookies or Two Chicks Whisky Business.
Cafes and Coffee
Looking for a great spot to enjoy freshly brewed coffee and a bite to eat? I will start with one of Plainfield's most iconic eateries: the Oasis Diner, a beautiful, fully restored landmark where you can enjoy homestyle American classics.
The Local Grind offers 72 handcrafted drinks with breakfast and lunch options and The Green Room Cafe is a specialty food and drink hangout located inside Hendricks Live!
Other options in the downtown area include:
Shop Local
I love strolling down main streets and discovering all the locally owned boutiques and stores. Downtown Plainfield shops waiting to be discovered include the brand-new Roots Market + Eatery, a locally curated market, butcher shop, bakery and restaurant, all in one.
You should also explore Patti's Mall, a flea-market-style shop filled with goodies from local vendors. Other fun stops include Flowered Occasions, a local florist; Gear Up Cyclery, perfect for any bike enthusiast and African Plum Home and More, a specialty home decor and furnishings store.
Nightlife & Entertainment
If you want to enjoy a night out in downtown Plainfield, first thing you need to do is to plan dinner at either The Prewitt Restaurant + Lounge, a renovated 1920's movie theater offering one of the best fine-dining experiences in Hendricks County or Tlahcos Mexican Cuisine, an upscale Mexican restaurant. If you are more in the mood for pizza, check out Sal's Famous Pizzeria, Greek's Pizzeria, or CJ's Pizza.
I would also plan ahead to see a performance at Hendricks Live!, a state-of-the-art theater that hosts national acts and local performances. If you need to enjoy a drink after the show, you can either head back to the bar at The Prewitt or The Side Door Pub, a 21-and-over bar.
A Place to Come Together
I love how community-focused Plainfield has become. Despite its recent growth, it still feels like a small town, especially when the community comes together for events and celebrations.
Some of the downtown community events include the annual Quaker Days Festival in September and summer farmers' market, but downtown Plainfield also has some event venues perfect to host any gathering and reception. They include: