Labor Day Weekend Trip
One of the best weekends of the year to visit Hendricks County, Indiana, has to be around Labor Day, specifically to plan your trip around two significant events that happen here -- NHRA U.S. Nationals and North Salem Old Fashion Days.
And while these two events occur on the same weekend in the same county, they couldn't be more different.
So whether motorsports gets your motor running, you want to celebrate a small town, or you want to plan an authentic weekend getaway unlike any you've ever experienced before, this three-day holiday adventure will offer all that and much more.
If you're looking more for inspiration instead of a detailed itinerary, check out our themed trip ideas to find which one is best for you!
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Morning
If you get here early enough, I would suggest kicking off your holiday weekend in North Salem, taking in their annual North Salem Old Fashion Days parade, which always begins at 11 a.m., running down Pearl Street in this out-of-the-way, quintessential Indiana small town.
The parade, which is the longest in Hendricks County, encompasses everything you would expect from a small-town event and is something everyone will enjoy.
Insider tip: Arrive earlier than 11 to secure a good spot for the parade, and be sure to bring something to sit on, such as folding chairs or a blanket. Visitors can usually find free parking along Nebraska and California streets. You can get much more insider information and tips about the festival here.
Lunch
There's no reason to leave Old Fashion Days after the parade. This festival offers a variety of options for food, ranging from traditional fair food to a pork chop dinner at the Christian church, and even a slice of pizza at the town's most popular restaurant, Perillo's Pizzeria.
Because so much is happening and there are many people in town for the festival, securing a seat inside or on the outdoor patio at Perillo's is nearly impossible that weekend. But it's worth it if you can find a spot.
Afternoon
After grabbing a bite to eat, don't leave the festival without taking in a little shopping. Numerous vendors are set up throughout town offering antiques, handmade goods and much more.
Every afternoon and evening, visitors can also enjoy live entertainment on stage in the heart of town and experience other activities and fun contests such as truck and tractor pulls, a car show, food-eating contests and more.
Every day is different, so you may want to check out their schedule, which is usually posted closer to the event date, to determine which day or days you should attend.
They even host one of the most unique events anywhere with their annual bed races, which are usually held on Monday of Labor Day Weekend.
Evening/Dinner
After a full day at North Salem Old Fashion Days, I'm sure your crew will be ready to check in to one of our great hotels in either Brownsburg, Avon or Plainfield. Freshen up or grab a quick nap before heading out for a nightcap.
For dinner, we recommend making a reservation at one of our CRG restaurants, depending on where you're staying.
In Brownsburg, you can dine at the eatery that started it all, Boulder Creek Dining Company or head into downtown to Bru Burger Bar.
In Avon, you can enjoy a night out at Charbonos, which offers a variety of options, including steaks, seafood, soups and salads.
In Plainfield, you have three CRG options, all located within The Shops at Perry Crossing, an outdoor lifestyle mall. They include Theo's Italian, Bru Burger Bar and Stone Creek Dining Company.
Sunday
Breakfast
We suggest waking up to a hearty breakfast by heading to Brownsburg to enjoy the best meal of the day at one of Big Bear Biscuits, The Breakfast Company or Flap Jacks Pancake House. All three have become local favorites, so you can't go wrong, and they are conveniently close to where we suggest spending most of your Sunday.
Mid-Day
After fueling up, we recommend making Sunday race day. Even if you don't think you're a fan of motorsports or racing, we truly believe you'll be converted after one visit to U.S. Nationals.
Make sure to bring sunscreen, walking shoes and good ear protection for this earth-shaking experience. You will need a general admission ticket to get into the event at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. It's a true spectacle, and you can purchase food from one of the many food vendors or bring your cooler to plan a picnic lunch.
Evening
After a long day at the track, we suggest heading back to the hotel to rest. Consider having food delivered to your room. If you prefer to go out for dinner, Sunday nights can be tricky, so choose from one of these options and call ahead to confirm they are open and to verify their hours.
Monday
Because this is a holiday, we want to leave this day up to you. It could be a travel day, but you could also return to one of the events you enjoyed or take in a scenic park. Here's a list of gardens and parks to get you started.
We have water parks, nature parks where you can go for a hike, and community parks with numerous amenities.
Just as a refresher, if you enjoyed North Salem Old Fashion Days, the bed race is worth checking out on Monday. True NHRA fans love Monday of U.S. Nationals because the winners are crowned in each category.