As spring approaches, there are folks, including myself, who want to soon start getting outdoors more to enjoy warmer weather. Of course, there are the normal things we want or need to do such as yard work, simple walking around the neighborhood for exercise, maybe a little travel.
It’s also a time when folks want to look for something outdoors they have not done before or maybe don’t even think about having an opportunity to see right here in Hamilton County. Some events or interesting destinations are close at hand, but we may overlook them even though we know they exist.
I find that people in some parts of the area are hardly aware of places to go and things to do in other parts of our own county. There are residents in the southern part of the county that seem unaware of parks, restaurants or historic sites in Noblesville or northern Hamilton County.
At the same time there are folks in the north who drive through the Carmel or Fishers areas without giving thought to all the things those communities have to offer. I blame the lack of a central media source for some of this, but readers of the Reporter can learn a lot of what our county has to offer.
Communities are beginning to promote themselves with more events all the time. Take for example the schedule of Noblesville Main Street programs like First Fridays which are starting their seasonal run with events that involve art, music and food. Fishers, Carmel and Cicero also have community fun events, schedules of which can be found on the County Tourism website.
In addition to those there are some beautiful and interesting county parks like Kotawii at Strawtown and Coxhall near Carmel that should draw folks from all over the county. Our two reservoirs also provide great recreation, not to mention White River where canoeing and fishing are always something to be enjoyed.
Most people know of Conner Prairie, but many have never actually visited there. Not only is it a nationally recognized historical venue, but attractions like the balloon ride offer views of the area that few of us have probably ever seen.
Hamilton County is constantly adding to the network of trails. Hikers and bike riders can now enjoy not only the Monon Trail, but portions of the Midland Trail, the Fishers trail system and the Potters Bridge trail.
For those who have never visited them, there are interesting historical society museums on the Courthouse Square in Noblesville and on the Monon in Carmel, and a most interesting collection in the Taylor Center at Kotawii.
For those who enjoy seeing high school sports competition, spring sports season is upon us at all six local high schools.
Finally, there is the nationally acclaimed Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
So, if you or others in the family are among those who say “there’s nothing to do around here,” you might look more closely and you’ll find there’s more than you may think and a lot more than many counties have to offer.