Stars & Stripes Weekend Adventure
If you're looking to celebrate the 4th of July holiday a little early, Hendricks County has you covered with all the best experiences and restaurants to celebrate our country's independence. Experience the beauty of Hendricks County's Rib-Fest and BBQ and much more with this weekend getaway.
If you're interested in food more than festivities, our foodie tour might be just for you. Or, if you're looking for some retail therapy, check out our small town shopping trip itinerary.
Looking for ADA-accessible things to do? Browse this list of local attractions, restaurants and shops going above and beyond to provide inclusive experiences for all.
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're a runner or walker, start off your trip by burning some calories before your day of BBQ and other delights with Rib-Fest's 5K Rib Run/Walk at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds in Danville. The event starts at 9 a.m. and is welcome to walkers and runners alike.
The Kids Riblet Run also starts an hour later at 10 a.m.
Replenish your glucose levels with one of the best donuts in the state from Rise N' Roll Bakery in Avon.
If you're not a runner, head straight to Rise N' Roll to try their signature Cinnamon Carmel powered donut that is sure to make your mouth water just at the sight of it. Or experience their delicious cake donuts, or a personal favorite, chocolate white cream.
If you've got some extra time after donuts, head over to the Tie Dye Lab and create a signature patriotic shirt just in time for the 4th, or create something tailored to your favorite colors.
Lunch
After donuts and/or tie dye, drive just a few minutes down the road for the best Cajun/Creole food in Indiana at Yats Cajun Creole Restaurant. Yats specializes in etouffee, a thick, rich Cajun style stew. Try their signature drunken chicken, served on rice with delicious toasty bread, tailormade for dipping.
Or if you're really a fan of Cajun food, you've got to try the chili cheese etouffee with crawfish.
If Cajun food isn't for your crew, refuel at Charbonos, which offers a little bit of everything from steaks to seafood, pasta and more!
A couple other Avon dining favorites include Bangkok Kitchen or Opa! Authentic Greek-American Cuisine & Bar.
Afternoon
After lunch, you simply have to visit Beasley's Orchard. Just a short distance from the Fairgrounds, many residents and visitors think Beasley's is just a fall destination, but that couldn't be further from the truth.
Grab yourself a bag of the most delicious apples you'll ever taste. Seriously, you won't enjoy grocery store apples the same ever again.
Try their award-winning Apple Cider or perhaps you would rather sample some of their hard cider or better hot on a hot day, what could be better than a cider slushie! Or select from the vast wealth of produce available at the store.
They also have a Barnyard Bonanza children's play area that's open year round. You can also enjoy the last days of June by taking a stroll through the orchard, or pick some raspberries fresh from the bush with their u-pick program.
Evening/Dinner
After a stop at Beasley's Orchard, you may want to head back to your hotel to check in and/or rest up prior to heading back over to Rib-Fest for what makes that event truly special.
Rib-Fest festivities include the petting zoo, live music and their ever-popular craft fair, with more than 65 jewelry, home decor, woodworking, knitted-item vendors, and so much more.
Plan to eat dinner there. I mean why go to Rib-Fest if you aren't going to sample the wonders of midwestern BBQ? With almost a dozen vendors, there's plenty of options and hit up the Beer Tent for a signature craft beer.
As the evening winds down, Rib-Fest ramps up with the annual balloon glow at dusk followed by fireworks at dark to put the finishing touches on a wonderful last Saturday in June.
Day 2
Morning
Depending on where you decided to stay, start your travel day with delicious pancakes, omelet, or waffles at Emmy's Pancake House & Grill, or if you want something a little quicker, you can't beat the doughnuts from Hilligoss Bakery in Brownsburg.
We also highly recommend a stop at Oasis Diner for an out-of-this-world American breakfast. Their signature Kansas City, made up of loaded biscuits and gravy is to die for.
Mid-Morning/Lunch
Looking for one last stop before heading out? We recommend exploring nature with a leisurely stroll through an outdoor oasis at Avon Gardens or taking a hike through one of two beautiful nature parks -- Echo Hollow in Plainfield or McCloud Nature Park in North Salem.
Finally for lunch, choose from the dozens of great restaurants across the county. Here's a list of some of our top options, according to Indiana Foodways.