Board a train, kayak up the White River, or drive up the scenic pastoral roads to the Nickel
Plate Arts Trail (NPAT), a 30-mile stretch of culture and history through six historic towns in
Hamilton County. The NPAT is home to this year's Nickel Plate Arts Weekend from June 3-5. The
weekend will be centered around the 3rd Annual Gathering of Plein Painters, and will also
feature a number of fun-filled activities for the whole family.
After you get a chance to meet the all the artists, who will be painting the scenic landscapes
of Hamilton County, stop by the Noblesville's First Friday "Art is in the Air"
Celebration from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Noblesville's Square. During the celebration, you'll
find outdoor painting, live music, the Lion's Club's pork chop dinner, and caboose rides
sponsored by the Indiana Transportation Museum.
On Saturday morning, join the Lion's Club at the Noblesville Square for their pancake breakfast
from 7-11a.m. After breakfast, head to the Garden Thyme at the Old Schoolhouse for their 3rd
Annul Chocolate Fest from noon to 4 p.m. If you're anything like me, you need a chance to burn
off the all too many treats you had at Chocolate Fest. What better way then cycling around
historic Noblesville's Square? Carmel Cyclery is having bike rentals from noon to 4 p.m. Arcadia
will be alive and happening this Nickel Plate Arts Weekend. Just head to downtown Arcadia to
find street dancers, artists around town, jewelry displays, and a violin woodworking project.
The fun is not over! After the Plein Air Paint Out festivities, an awards ceremony will be held
at 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 5. After the awards ceremony, you will have the opportunity to
purchase your favorite piece of artwork from the competition!
For more information, visit http://www.8greattowns.com/, or call 800-776-8687.