Girls' WEekend Getaway in elkhart, INdiana

If you’re in search of your next Midwest girls’ weekend destination that has a little bit of everything from art, nature, history, shopping, live music, rooftop cocktails and great food..I’ve got you covered! My mom and I recently visited Elkhart, Indiana and had the best time. I couldn't believe how much this city had to offer while still maintaining its small town charm. 

Disclaimer: Our trip was planned in partnership with Elkhart County, IN Convention & Visitors Bureau. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

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Day 1: The Vine, Jackson Rooftop & Hilton Garden Inn

Our first stop after arriving to town was dinner at The Vine which had an outstanding menu and offered a true wine and dine experience in a relaxed, bistro setting. We ordered the baked brie as an appetizer which ended up being our favorite dish of the night. I also had the tortellini alfredo with shrimp and my mom had their signature Caesar salad. They have a great craft cocktail and wine selection and regularly host live music. 

After dinner, we headed over to Jackson's Rooftop for a cocktail. The views here are everything - be sure to go around sunset. There are several different seating areas to choose from as well as fire pits to keep you warm on those chilly evenings. At the end of the night we checked into our room at the Hilton Garden Inn which was beautifully designed with modern furnishings and spacious suites. The hotel is also a great location just a few minutes outside of downtown which was perfect for exploring throughout the weekend.

Day 2 Morning: Moringa Tree CAfe, WEllfield Gardens, Shopping

We started the morning with a delicious and healthy breakfast at Moringa Tree Cafe which had such a cozy café vibe. Their menu features a variety of dishes focused on local, organic & nutrient-dense ingredients including smoothies, toasts, and breakfast tacos. Next door to the cafe is a marketplace which offers everything from locally-raised meats, dairy and pantry staples as well as in-season produce. 

After fueling up we we off to wander through Wellfield Botanic Gardens. The half-mile paved walking loop around the property features over 20 themed garden areas as well as 18 acres of lakes, streams, waterfalls and other water features. It was so peaceful here and the property runs right along the river so we loved sitting and listening to the flowing water. If you're traveling with little ones they also had the cutest Children's Garden with lots of interactive elements and a treehouse with swings. 

Then we drove back to downtown Elkhart to do some shopping at the many boutiques. I loved how walkable the area was and you could easily pop into several stores right along Main Street. A few of our favorite stops were The Twisted String, Coco & Common Boutique, and Main Street Mercantile. 

Day 2 Afternoon: Bird in the HAND, RUTHMERE MUSEUM, BRASS ELK BREWING, LERNER THEATRE

For lunch we stopped by Bird in the Hand which offers a laid-back vibe serving the best chicken sandwich, smash burgers, fries, and salads. You order at the counter and enjoy your meal inside or out on their patio. 

If you love learning more about the history of places you travel to, you won't want to miss the opportunity to tour the Ruthmere Museum. Built by Albert and Elizabeth Beardsley in 1908, the home was once the centerpiece of Elkhart  society. It has since been lovingly restored to offer guests a look into what life was like during the “Gilded Age.” You can tour rooms that are lavishly appointed with historic furnishings, and world-class fine and decorative arts. You'll also get to wander the grounds, admire vintage automobiles in the garage and even see the underground tunnel that leads to the outdoor greenhouse. While visiting the campus you can also tour the home of  Elkhart’s founder, Havilah Beardsley.

Following our tour we headed back downtown for dinner at Brass Elk Brewing. They had a great selection of craft beers on tap - my favorite was the Elk Lime which had the perfect hint of lime. We also enjoyed their pretzel sticks and Brussel sprouts as well as the fish and chips. In addition to seating in the tap room they have a spacious outdoor patio with table top fire pits. 

We ended our evening with live music and dancing at the Celebration Under the Stars featuring the musical stylings of Kool & The Gang and The Commodores in celebration of the Lerner Theatre’s 100th anniversary. It was such a fun night and a beautiful tribute to the city's role as the "Band Instrument Capital of the World" as many of the brass instruments used on that stage that night were made in Elkhart. 

DAY 3: Relish Cafe & Quilt Gardens

Before heading back to Michigan we stopped for breakfast and coffee at Relish Cafe located inside the historic Hotel Elkhart. They had a breakfast buffet option as well as a full menu including the best breakfast sandwich and of course coffee. 

Depending on the season you're visiting, you can't miss the opportunity to visit some of the many Quilt Gardens locations throughout the area. This free event happens May through September and features more than a million vibrant blooms in gigantic gardens, and hand-painted, super-sized murals. We spotted one of the gardens outside of Wellfield Gardens and two of the murals during our trip. For the full list of locations, and to plan your adventures in Elkhart County, click here.