Off the Beaten Path: Indiana

Off the Beaten Path

by Phyllis Thomas, Bill Thomas

Discover hidden places all over the U.S. and Canada with this signature Globe Pequot series that is devoted to travelers with a taste for the unique. Knowledgeably written and extensively researched, these state-by-state guides features the out-of-the-way finds that resonate with local color and touch the true heart of the region. Takes these "roads less traveled" to discover each state's unsung, unspoiled, and delightfully appealing spots.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1989

Reviews

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is 4 years out of date, so naturally there's going to be some issues (some attractions have closed, and a lot of the URLs are moved) and some of the attractions are about as "Off the Beaten Path" as saying you're into a little-known show called Game of Thrones (see: The Indianapolis Zoo, Brown County State Park) but I still got a few places out of this that I'd never heard of, or that I'd heard of and always meant to go. Worth thumbing through!

[Kristen Claiborn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I moved to Indianapolis from Albuquerque in 2015. I had only been here in passing a VERY long time ago, I didn’t know anybody here outside of three people that I worked with that were also coming out for the job, and I was doing it completely on my own (with the help of my dog, who was my bestie for a long time). After about a month, I met my now-husband (thank you free dating apps). When we met, I was very clear that I wasn’t going to live in Indiana forever. I missed New Mexico the minute I drove away, and I was always planning on going back. He knew that, and decided to marry me anyway, knowing he was going to be required to follow me back home eventually.
Our eventually is closing in on us, and I have decided I want to experience as much of Indiana as possible before we leave. There are a bunch of Indiana tourism books in every bookstore, but this was the only one available as an ebook from the library’s ebook access. It was pretty dated by the time I got around to reading it; most of the attractions listed have phone numbers rather than websites listed. I did find a TON of places that sounded intriguing, so I was able to make a list of places Husband and I are going to visit before we move. Thankfully, many of them are natural attractions that can’t really shut down. However, some of the museums and a large number of restaurants and hotels are no longer in business, which was disappointing (some of them sounded pretty amazing!). So when it’s time for Hubs and I to play tourist, we’re going to have to do our own digging (thank gawd for Yelp) to find accommodations and places to eat.
It’s a great jumping off point to start your adventure in Indiana, and I’m certain there does exist a more updated visitor’s guide, but this one did the job for me (despite the age of the material). I love that I can find stuff like this through my library, I just wish the library had also acquired an updated version.

[Todd Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book helps you learn about the full state and what to see and do in Indiana. Some off-the-beaten-path sites are the following.

You can experience pioneer life at Connor Prairie's authentic 1800s settlement.

See a replica of the Batcave inside Elkhart's Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum, which chronicles the history of comic book characters from the 1930s to the present day.

Hikes include the trails through Portland Arch State Nature Preserve where you can marvel at the natural bridge.

I will use this book to check out some tourist sites in Southern Indiana. This book is helpful such as Hoosier Hill, the highest point in Indiana, which is just off the main highways.

This is a great place to start in exploring Indiana.

[Leeann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little gem of a travel guide! Although the 9th edition is sorely out of date (several restaurants, festivals, and museums have permanently closed), I’m thrilled to learn that a revised edition is due out in May 2021. This guide has whetted my appetite for exploring my home state and I imagine several fun family road trips with the the assistance of the new edition. Peppered throughout the guide are “fun facts” and trivia tidbits.

[Brianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm fairly certain the author never traveled Indiana, because this whole book just feels like a summary of each county's tourism website. There's not much offered that's actually a unique or little-known attraction, which was very disappointing. The book is organized nicely though and works well as a regular guide book.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seeing if there is anything worth checking out on the drive to Bouchercon this autumn.

Nice descriptions and good organization. My only complaint is that this book was revised in 2007 and there is hardly a website or web address to be found.

[A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hoping for some more unexpected things in Tippecanoe County and Clinton County (which was not featured at all), but in general this was filled with more-or-less interesting things to do in Indiana and I would probably pick up a copy if/when we move back.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great suggestions for unique things to do.