Who better to recommend what to do, see, eat and explore in Hamilton County than the people who live and work here? We asked a few locals to tell us where they take out-of-town guests, why they love living in Hamilton County and more.
Carmel
Niki Burt
Yelp Indy Community Director
Q: What’s a must-see or do for visitors coming to Carmel?
A: Have you eaten a patty from Jamaican Reggae Grill? Gone to a gazebo concert? Rode the entire Monon? Driven around a roundabout eight times? Those are definitely bucket list items of the locals.
Q: What is your favorite part of living in Carmel?
A: I love living in a place that is constantly growing and changing. There are always parks, restaurants, bars and sites popping up that surprise you every time you drive by. From concerts and walking paths, to festivals and street parties, it feels like there's never a shortage of activities.
Q: When you host guests from out-of-town, where do you take them?
A: I switch it up every time! There are truly so many amazing spots that keep popping up, so I like to explore right alongside my guests. Most recently, I took an out-of-state friend to 1205 Distillery North for live music, rode bikes down the Monon to check out Sun King and Cake Bake, and consumed the most amazingly fresh guacamole on Agave's patio. The owners there are so kind and a family I love to support. If it's a beautiful day outside, we'll order takeout bibimbap or japchae online from Omoni and eat it, picnic-style, at Potter's Bridge Park or Coxhall Gardens.
Q: What is one thing you do every year in Hamilton County?
A: Each year I try to see a musical at Civic Theatre, brush up on my archery skills (they're limited!) at Koteewi, devour a few pretzel bites on the patio at Matt the Miller's (I used to work there!), and attend a Symphony on the Prairie concert on the massive Conner Prairie lawn.
Q: What’s your go-to restaurant and order?
A: We go to Pho Real almost once a week. Don't let the exterior keep you from going inside. The inside is nice, the staff are incredible, and the pho, dumplings, pad Thai, and laotian entrees will blow you away.
Fishers
Arwa Ghalawan
Diversity and Inclusion Lead at Infosys
Q: What’s a must-see or do for visitors coming to Fishers?
A: For visitors coming to my city, I must find a suitable place for them to stay at. I also must take them for a tour in the city and introduce them to its attractions.
Q: What is your favorite part of living in Fishers?
A: My favorite part of living in Fishers is Geist area since it is on a beautiful lake.
Q: When you host guests from out-of-town, where do you take them?
A: When I host guests from out-of-area, I take them to downtown Fishers and downtown Carmel.
Q: What is one thing you do every year in Hamilton County?
A: One thing I do every year in Hamilton County is attend Nickel Plate District Amphitheater concerts.
Q: What’s your go-to restaurant and order?
A: My go-to restaurant is Papa Fattoush in Carmel, Pita Land in Fishers and I usually order Shawarma from Lava Express in Fishers.
Noblesville
Aili McGill
Executive Director at Nickel Plate Arts
Q: What’s a must-see or do for visitors coming to Noblesville?
A: Anyone new to Noblesville should reserve some time to shop on the Noblesville Square and walk along the River Walk. Our historic downtown is picture-perfect, with unique, fun shops and beautiful views of the White River. Be sure to swing by Nickel Plate Arts on your walk, too!
Q: What is your favorite part of living in Noblesville?
A: My favorite part of living in Noblesville is how walkable downtown is – I love walking along Logan Street and enjoying the beautiful, old houses, or through Forest Park.
Q: When you host guests from out-of-town, where do you take them?
A: We always plan to have a meal at Rosie’s Place and Uptown Café. We also usually plan a hike at Koteewi or MacGregor Park, and if they have kids, I always recommend Conner Prairie.
Q: What is one thing you do every year in Hamilton County?
A: My husband and I always look forward to the St. Michael’s Strawberry Festival in June and the accompanying Maker Faire put on by Nickel Plate Arts!
Q: What’s your go-to restaurant and order?
A: I love Rosie’s quiche and Massaman Curry at Thai Kitchen!
Beth Forst
Local Impressionist Oil Painter
Q: What is your favorite part of living in Noblesville?
A: I have enjoyed raising a family in Noblesville, gathering with other artist and musician friends to hone our skills here. It is a small town and a big town and has a lot of charm from an artistic authentic point of view. I walk the river trails, go up to Koteewi and hike. I enjoy the community here and find this town is a great place to be, work and share.
Q: When you host guests from out-of-town, where do you take them?
A: For visitors coming to visit Noblesville, first thing to do is a mini-tour of my art gallery and studio on 8th Street. Then time to fill the tummies and see the sights on the Hamilton County Courthouse Square where several of my favorite places to eat can be found. There is a mural I painted many years ago which graces Matteo’s Restaurant and Italian food that is number one on my list. There is the Asian Grill for a Thai fusion, too, I recommend. There are antiques, boutiques and breweries to enjoy.
Westfield
Butler Blue III, known as “Trip”
Retired Butler University Mascot
With assistance from his owner and handler Michael Kaltenmark, Director of External Relations at Butler University
Photo credit: Zach Bolinger, ZJB Photography
Q: What’s a must-see or do for visitors coming to your city?
A: If it were up to me, I’d take everyone for a lap through Crew Carwash. I love that place! But apparently, the high-pressure sprayers are not as entertaining for humans, so I might suggest a trek across the street to Birdies Miniature Golf Course and Grill House & Sports Bar. My family always enjoys a competitive round or two there.
Q: What is your favorite part of living in Westfield?
A: Trails for days! With paths leading in every direction, there’s so much connectivity in Westfield. This is great for dogs like me who enjoy being active, getting out for walks, and exploring. See you on the Midland Trace Trail!
Q: When you host guests from out-of-town, where do you take them?
A: We just head right down the Midland Trace Trail to Park Street where we can grab a yummy bite to eat, enjoy a delicious scoop of ice cream, and observe the construction underway on Union Square.
Q: What’s your go-to restaurant and order?
A: If the family talks about grabbing carryout from Big Hoffa’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que, then I’m all ears. You could call the smoked meat table scraps from that takeout a true doggy delicacy!
Steve Latour
Westfield Chamber of Commerce Executive Director
Q: What’s a must-see or do for visitors coming to your city?
A: Find the original downtown, park the car and then get those steps in and take a walk. There is something special about each and every downtown city in Hamilton County. They all feel different, have unique stores and restaurants, and look nothing like their neighbors. Within ten minutes, you can be transported to a whole new experience different from the one you just left. They all showcase a memorable Main Street USA experience that either feels like a bygone era or has a big city's height. The icing on the cake would be access to world-class golf courses, ice cream worth waiting in line for, and parks and trails that are unlike any you would find in major cities around the United States.
Q: What is your favorite part of living in Westfield?
A: In the two years that I have lived in Westfield, I have learned that our schools are first-class and that our residents volunteer and give in significant quantities. We want to keep our ‘main street’ charm while building upon the things that make us unique, like the restaurants on Park Street, the walking trails, and Grand Park. With 184 years under our belt, we are who we are today because of the contributions of so many who came before us. The variety of businesses, shops, and restaurants helps create a community that is drawing more and more people to visit and call Westfield home.
Q: When you host guests from out of the area, where do you take them?
A: Cake Bake, Grand Park, Park Street, Sun King Brewery, and Conner Prairie in the summer for the summer concert series. I love to pile into the car and drive family and friends to the Village of West Clay, the downtowns, and outdoor shopping malls in Carmel and Noblesville. No matter what time of year, I like to send everyone home with a local ornament, a 5x7 of one or two unique Indiana locations or events. I always encourage them to buy a few things while they are here – support local and leave with an excellent gift for someone or yourself.
Q: What is one thing you do every year in Hamilton County?
A: I love Symphony on the Prairie in the summer – the entertainment is outstanding, and the experience of being at a concert outside near the big bandshell is always a hit. I love that you can bring in your own food and drinks, making the experience even more memorable. In the fall, I have to visit the Stuckey Farm Orchard & Cider Mill twice – once in September to pick apples, purchase the warm fresh donuts, and drink a cider slushy and then again in October for another dozen apple cider donuts and one or two cider slushies. There is nothing like the Carmel Christkindlmarkt and the feeling of Christmas. It is a must-do. If I ever move away, I would come back every Christmas season just to go to the market. Spring brings back the farmer's markets – one in every city offering something a little different from the other. I also love to walk the trails and visit the parks in the spring – the flowers and new growth just fills you up with joy and all the feels.
Q: What’s your go-to restaurant and order?
A: Matt the Miller's for their Bavarian-style pretzels with a hint of sea salt and the side of roasted garlic sauce (they offer a second sauce, but I ask for double garlic sauce). If I had to pick one that never disappoints and has a menu that offers me everything I could ever hope for, it would be the Italian House on Park Street in Westfield. They never disappoint, and who doesn’t love all things pasta and carbs. As a bonus, I would like to mention that we have some excellent donut places in Hamilton County - Rebellion Doughnuts in Noblesville, Titus in Westfield, and Taylor’s Bakery in Fishers. Hands down the three best donut establishments.
Northern Towns
Dagny Zupin
Director of Nickel Plate Express and Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad
Q: What’s a must-see or do for visitors coming to Hamilton County’s northern towns?
A: A walk across the causeway over Morse Reservoir is a must! Whether it's a sunset walk to end the evening or a mid-day walk to soak up sun, the causeway gives off major vacation vibes.
Q: What is your favorite part of living in Cicero?
A: The Hoosier hospitality! Cicero is a wonderful mix of genuine, small-town hospitality coupled with dining and recreational experiences worth traveling for.
Q: When you host guests from out-of-town, where do you take them?
A: The Boathouse Kitchen and Swan Dive! When hosting guests in the summer the lakeside views, craft cocktails and live music at the Boathouse are sure to serve up a memorable experience.
Q: What is one thing you do every year in Hamilton County?
A: The Nickel Plate Express holiday train is an annual tradition of mine. It's a relaxing and nostalgic experience that offers views of the countryside while serving cocktails and locally sourced brews.
Q: What’s your go-to restaurant and order?
A: 10 West Restaurant and Bar is my go-to for a delicious meal. I can't leave without ordering the sweet & spicy Thai shrimp or the house salad with their famous green goddess dressing!
