Experience the Arts

Welcome to Brown County, the Art Colony of the Midwest, and a gathering for handmade arts, crafts, and culinary delights.

Day 1

Morning: Arrive at the Artists Colony Inn for your weekend getaway, a 19th century B&B where the rooms are named after famous local artists. Grab a delicious breakfast at one of our Village of Nashville restaurants such as the Hob Nob Corner Restaurant, Muddy Boots Café, or C & D Catering. Afterwards, walk around the Village to some of our many galleries and shops that boast handmade items and fine arts. Brown County Art Guild, Brown County Craft Gallery, and Hoosier Artist Gallery showcases a number of local and regional artists, as well as permanent collections of famous Brown County artists. Brown County has the highest concentration of Indiana Artisans living and working in the area, so you are sure to see some great artwork.

Afternoon: After a quick lunch at in the Village (Like Trolly’s Hot Dogs and BBQ or The “Original “ Soup to Nuts), take on area shops that feature handmade items. Brown County Pottery, Ferrer Gallery, Bathology, Bare Feet Socks, and Antique Alley are only just a few shops and areas that specifically showcase handmade items in Brown County. Find that perfect, unique gift or something just for you!

Evening: Wind down after your full day of shopping and roaming with some local wine from Chateau Thomas Winery or Brown County Winery (both have tasting rooms in the village). Or enjoy our only microbrewery in Brown County, Big Woods Brewing Company, which features 5 different kinds of craft beers and a variety of yummy entrees. Finish off the evening with some live music around town.

Day 2

Morning/Afternoon: Following breakfast, go to the Brown County IGA for some picnic lunch items (Grab some coffee at McDonalds if you need it!) and head on out to T.C. Steele State Historic Site on State Road 46 West, the last home and studio of Indiana artist Theodore Clement Steele and his second wife Selma Neubacher Steele. Steele was attracted to Brown County by the scenery he encountered while hiking in the area. He purchased the land that now comprises the T.C. Steele State Historic built a home to what became known as the "House of the Singing Winds." Artists from around the country came to visit and to paint with Steele, finding for themselves the area's spectacular beauty. Many stayed and settled to form the famous Brown County Art Colony.

Enjoy a peaceful picnic at your own secluded spot in or around the area. Be inspired and make sure you take your camera/ art materials to create your own artwork at one of the many gorgeous spots around the area.

Evening: Finish a great day with another kind of art, the performing arts! Enjoy fun and laughter at the Palace Theatre of Brown County, which features top-notch professional entertainment, a wide variety of original shows, fresh hot-buttered popcorn, old time candies, and ice cold ‘bottled’ sodas. Add in a unique gift area with a ‘player’ piano and arcade antiquities and you have the ultimate theatre-goer experience.

Day 3

Morning/Afternoon: Experience nature’s own work of art at the Brown County State Park, where you can hike, bike, or ride a horse on the many trails. Overlooks, streams, and lakes offer many beautiful photo and painting opportunities. Before heading back for an early evening of shopping and resting, stop and eat at the Little Gem Restaurant at Abe Martin Lodge in the Park.

Evening: Shop, rest, and try homemade ice cream, fudge, and popcorn in the Village!

*Art events and activities are notorious in Brown County, so make sure you check the calendar before you arrive for your getaway!