5 Free Things To Enjoy In Wabash County This Winter
By: Christine Flohr
When you start to get stir-crazy in the house now that the weather’s getting colder, enjoy these 5 FREE ideas that will get you out and enjoying Wabash County!
1. Enjoy the Yule Time Stroll at the Charley Creek Gardens
Nothing feels oh so festive as a brisk walk through the enchanting Charley Creek Gardens during the cooler months. Offering six acres of naturalized and formal gardens, the self-guided walking tour brochure highlights key installations that include a maze, a stone labyrinth, and the Charley Creek Cottage. The walkable property is accented with thousands of lights for their annual Yule Time Stroll. The perfect backdrop for a family photo session or the obligatory selfie for your social channels. The Gardens are open to the public from dawn until dusk. The Yule Time Stroll is happening from December 13th through the 23rd from 6pm-9pm.
2. Explore the Center for History
Travel through time as you experience multiple vignette-style exhibits from the arrival of the first American Indians to the present day, the Center collects and preserves the area’s history with books, documents, artifacts, and other cultural objects. A visitor favorite is the Miller Barn interactive barn display and the 1910 opera curtain. The museum is inside of what was once B. Oppenheim & CO.’S high-end department store in the 1920s. The Center for History offers free admission Tuesday to Friday 10 AM to 4 PM. and Saturday 10 AM to 2 PM.
3. Enjoy Free Wine Samples and a Tour at the Charley Creek Inn
Perfectly situated right in the middle of everything, this boutique hotel features the restaurant Twenty, an Ice Cream and Candy Shoppe, and the Wine and Cheese Shoppe. Stop in for free wine samples and order a cheese board featuring regionally sourced cheeses. Ask the front desk concierge for a tour of the hotel and learn about its rich history dating back to the roaring 20s. Finish your visit with samples from the decadent candy shoppe that showcased South Bend Chocolates and nostalgic candies from across the decades. Individual shop hours vary.
4. Tour the Thomas Marshall Birthplace
This house museum was the birthplace of the 28th Vice President under Woodrow Wilson. The home is period-appropriate and has been completely restored. Enjoy hearing tales from tour guides as they share the rich history of Thomas Marshall and the experiences of living in North Manchester in the 1850s. The Thomas Marshall home is open by appointment only.
5. View the Art Exhibit in the Clark Gallery at the Honeywell Center
Beautiful art abounds the walls of the rotating Clark Gallery. Stop by the Honeywell Center Monday to Friday from 11 AM to 2 PM beginning December 4th for the Cash and Carry Exhibit that features one-of-a-kind art for sale. After you’ve perused the Gallery, stay for lunch at Eugenia’s Restaurant, named after Mr. Honeywell’s beloved wife. The Honeywell Center is open 11 AM to 2 PM Monday to Friday and for special events.
CLICK HERE for more ways to explore Wabash County!
