1891 Schoolhouse Inn Guidebook
Escape Naturally to Beautiful Brown County
Below you'll find a few of our favorite things to do, places to visit and must see shops --- don't forget to say you booked through Brown County Vacation Rentals and that you're staying at the Schoolhouse Inn for a local discount if offered.
You will also want to check out the Brown County Visitor Center for even more recommendations; and, if you're staying with us while visiting IU, we've also thrown in a few points of interest too!
Forgot something? Helmsburg General has got you covered! They stock a wide variety of food, alcohol and sundries and it's just a short drive from the Schoolhouse!
Helmsburg General Store
2268 W Main StForgot something? Helmsburg General has got you covered! They stock a wide variety of food, alcohol and sundries and it's just a short drive from the Schoolhouse!
Restaurants
Whether you want to sit down and take your time or grab a quick bite, Brown County restaurants have something for everyone including live music! From seasonal meals to BBQ and pizza you can always find locally grown, fresh and tasty eats in the Village of Nashville. Want to sit outside? There are plenty of terraces, decks and patios to take in the beauty of Brown County!
Enjoy a delicious meal in an early colonial setting, cultivated by warm colors, soft lighting, and terrific service. Enjoy a wide variety of delightful entrees, homemade soups, desserts, and the restaurant’s famous sweet potato fries. During warm weather months, front and side porches are open for dining, providing a scenic view of the bustling Village street. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Artists Colony Restaurant’s authentic and family-oriented atmosphere will give you a personal taste of what Brown County truly has to offer!
6 locals recommend
Artists Colony Inn & Restaurant
105 N Van Buren StEnjoy a delicious meal in an early colonial setting, cultivated by warm colors, soft lighting, and terrific service. Enjoy a wide variety of delightful entrees, homemade soups, desserts, and the restaurant’s famous sweet potato fries. During warm weather months, front and side porches are open for dining, providing a scenic view of the bustling Village street. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Artists Colony Restaurant’s authentic and family-oriented atmosphere will give you a personal taste of what Brown County truly has to offer!
Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, the Bird’s Nest Café is Brown County brunch done the right way. Dig in to creative, unique house-made menu items—artfully and artistically presented in a historic setting! Savor the flavor of fresh, local ingredients, perfectly combined for a new spin on all those brunch classics with an array of vegan options. From sweet potato waffles and homemade muffins to breakfast tarts and scrumptious sweets, dining at the Bird’s Nest Café is definitely a good start to the day. And a pretty healthy one too! You can even try out a tantalizing adult apothecary cocktail, beer, wine, or specialty, gourmet coffee drinks!
Gather your flock at the café’s new Henhouse Bar or celebrate in one of the private dining rooms now available.
19 locals recommend
Bird's Nest Cafe
36 Franklin StLocated in the heart of downtown Nashville, the Bird’s Nest Café is Brown County brunch done the right way. Dig in to creative, unique house-made menu items—artfully and artistically presented in a historic setting! Savor the flavor of fresh, local ingredients, perfectly combined for a new spin on all those brunch classics with an array of vegan options. From sweet potato waffles and homemade muffins to breakfast tarts and scrumptious sweets, dining at the Bird’s Nest Café is definitely a good start to the day. And a pretty healthy one too! You can even try out a tantalizing adult apothecary cocktail, beer, wine, or specialty, gourmet coffee drinks!
Gather your flock at the café’s new Henhouse Bar or celebrate in one of the private dining rooms now available.
Brake from biking, shopping, or hiking to enjoy lunch, dinner, drinks, or tableside s’mores at this streetside patio in the Village. Known for their Italian Beef and Stromboli sandwiches, ground chuck smash burgers, savory flatbread pizzas, and fresh salads. Signature drinks include the house-made, freshly squeezed lemon, and lime Italian ice served as a slush or spiked with a spirit–the lime with tequila is better than a margarita! Every Tour de Brown County should include a stop here.
Brown Bike Eatery & Drinkery
Brake from biking, shopping, or hiking to enjoy lunch, dinner, drinks, or tableside s’mores at this streetside patio in the Village. Known for their Italian Beef and Stromboli sandwiches, ground chuck smash burgers, savory flatbread pizzas, and fresh salads. Signature drinks include the house-made, freshly squeezed lemon, and lime Italian ice served as a slush or spiked with a spirit–the lime with tequila is better than a margarita! Every Tour de Brown County should include a stop here.
Hungry? Head to Brozinni’s, an authentic New York-style pizzeria smack dab in the middle of Brown County! Featuring huge slices of pizza, pasta, salads, and its famous garlic knuckles, you’re sure to leave full and happy! Walk-ins always welcome. Pizza by the slice served every day at lunch. Special event catering options available.
14 locals recommend
Brozinni's Pizza
140 W Main StHungry? Head to Brozinni’s, an authentic New York-style pizzeria smack dab in the middle of Brown County! Featuring huge slices of pizza, pasta, salads, and its famous garlic knuckles, you’re sure to leave full and happy! Walk-ins always welcome. Pizza by the slice served every day at lunch. Special event catering options available.
Heavenly Biscuit Inc. is a small restaurant with big taste. Serving breakfast and lunch until 2 p.m. From fluffy biscuits with homemade sausage or chipped beef gravy to smoked salmon on a bagel, Heavenly Biscuit Inc. covers your taste buds. Enjoy a cinnamon or pecan roll while you wait, along with bottomless coffee and iced tea. Heavenly Biscuit Inc. has a small menu…and they do it right! Try their number one seller, the Commish, two biscuits covered with sausage gravy, fried potatoes and onions, two over medium eggs topped with a grilled tomato!
Heavenly Biscuit
Heavenly Biscuit Inc. is a small restaurant with big taste. Serving breakfast and lunch until 2 p.m. From fluffy biscuits with homemade sausage or chipped beef gravy to smoked salmon on a bagel, Heavenly Biscuit Inc. covers your taste buds. Enjoy a cinnamon or pecan roll while you wait, along with bottomless coffee and iced tea. Heavenly Biscuit Inc. has a small menu…and they do it right! Try their number one seller, the Commish, two biscuits covered with sausage gravy, fried potatoes and onions, two over medium eggs topped with a grilled tomato!
Whether this is your first visit or your hundredth, the artisan-inspired restaurant nestled in the heart of the village of Nashville is both satisfying and memorable ⏤ surrounded by rustic charm and history featuring the culinary stylings of Chef Eric Reid Cole.
Chef Eric's exciting take on offerings has developed quite the following of patrons with his "AFTER FIVE" menu. This specialty menu highlights dishes that are innovative, modern, and delightful, providing a dining experience that is unique and unmatched in the area--from the first savory bite to the last.
As a chef, he loves working with fish delivered fresh from Louisville, as well as, creating tantalizing vegetarian selections. He especially enjoys the versatility of pork. In 2014, he participated in a weekend "Nose to Tail" course to study Charcuterie. Since then he has produced many varieties of homemade sausages, including Chorizo, Italian, Bratwurst, and for the 2015 National Maple Syrup Festival he is introducing a tasty Maple Garlic Sausage. Periodically he also makes his own breaded Pork Tenderloin and features a variety of Pork Chops entrees on the seasonal and "AFTER FIVE" menus.
The Hobnob Wine Selection is extensive and carefully tested and chosen by Chef Eric and his father, Warren Cole. They share a particular enthusiasm and love of wines, especially Spanish red wines, which they often highlight on their menu. They are both able and ready to assist in the selection of a wine that pairs well with a particular entree.
12 locals recommend
Hobnob Corner
17 W Main StWhether this is your first visit or your hundredth, the artisan-inspired restaurant nestled in the heart of the village of Nashville is both satisfying and memorable ⏤ surrounded by rustic charm and history featuring the culinary stylings of Chef Eric Reid Cole.
Chef Eric's exciting take on offerings has developed quite the following of patrons with his "AFTER FIVE" menu. This specialty menu highlights dishes that are innovative, modern, and delightful, providing a dining experience that is unique and unmatched in the area--from the first savory bite to the last.
As a chef, he loves working with fish delivered fresh from Louisville, as well as, creating tantalizing vegetarian selections. He especially enjoys the versatility of pork. In 2014, he participated in a weekend "Nose to Tail" course to study Charcuterie. Since then he has produced many varieties of homemade sausages, including Chorizo, Italian, Bratwurst, and for the 2015 National Maple Syrup Festival he is introducing a tasty Maple Garlic Sausage. Periodically he also makes his own breaded Pork Tenderloin and features a variety of Pork Chops entrees on the seasonal and "AFTER FIVE" menus.
The Hobnob Wine Selection is extensive and carefully tested and chosen by Chef Eric and his father, Warren Cole. They share a particular enthusiasm and love of wines, especially Spanish red wines, which they often highlight on their menu. They are both able and ready to assist in the selection of a wine that pairs well with a particular entree.
The historic Nashville House has been serving travelers since 1927 with old-fashioned hospitality, homemade fried biscuits, and apple butter made in our very own kitchen! Our menu provides a wide variety of options and our bar provides tasty drinks and hand-crafted cocktails. Now serving breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays!
7 locals recommend
The Nashville House
15 S Van Buren StThe historic Nashville House has been serving travelers since 1927 with old-fashioned hospitality, homemade fried biscuits, and apple butter made in our very own kitchen! Our menu provides a wide variety of options and our bar provides tasty drinks and hand-crafted cocktails. Now serving breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays!
A straightforward, no frills, laid-back dining experience, Our Sandwich Place is your go to for good grub. Tucked away underneath the historic Nashville House, Our Sandwich Place is dedicated to good reasonably-priced lunches made from scratch, basketball and of course Bobby Knight! Decked out in Hoosier sports decor, this sandwich shop started with a simple plan…a fun atmosphere and limited menu, mostly of sandwiches, with a minimum of pretension and fussiness. Revel in IU glory while you enjoy fresh tasting breakfasts, sandwiches, soups, salads, some Mexican-inspired dishes, homemade ice cream, and desserts! Our breaded tenderloin sandwich is one of the best you will ever eat!
Our Sandwich Place
A straightforward, no frills, laid-back dining experience, Our Sandwich Place is your go to for good grub. Tucked away underneath the historic Nashville House, Our Sandwich Place is dedicated to good reasonably-priced lunches made from scratch, basketball and of course Bobby Knight! Decked out in Hoosier sports decor, this sandwich shop started with a simple plan…a fun atmosphere and limited menu, mostly of sandwiches, with a minimum of pretension and fussiness. Revel in IU glory while you enjoy fresh tasting breakfasts, sandwiches, soups, salads, some Mexican-inspired dishes, homemade ice cream, and desserts! Our breaded tenderloin sandwich is one of the best you will ever eat!
A family-friendly restaurant open year-round, Out of the Ordinary lives up to its name! Serving homemade specialties, the portions are as big as its employees’ spirits. Begin with a selection of starters, enjoy a monster-sized salad, soup of the day, mouthwatering sandwich, or indulge in a house dinner specialty after 5 p.m. From beloved pork tenderloins or chicken nachos to alfredo or rib-eyes, the menu is chock full of great choices. Menu items are available in both the restaurant and the Hickory Sports Bar, along with a large selection of drinks including beer, wine, and signature cocktails.
Hickory Sports Bar: With its history dating back to the 1940’s, you can only imagine the stories told and fun had at the Hickory Sports Bar at Out of the Ordinary Restaurant! The bar is long and the tables and chairs are comfortable…perfect for eating a meal or having drinks among friends. Enjoy tasty food, cold beers on tap, unique bottled beers, a selection of wines, and specialty drinks,
6 locals recommend
Out Of The Ordinary
61 S Van Buren StA family-friendly restaurant open year-round, Out of the Ordinary lives up to its name! Serving homemade specialties, the portions are as big as its employees’ spirits. Begin with a selection of starters, enjoy a monster-sized salad, soup of the day, mouthwatering sandwich, or indulge in a house dinner specialty after 5 p.m. From beloved pork tenderloins or chicken nachos to alfredo or rib-eyes, the menu is chock full of great choices. Menu items are available in both the restaurant and the Hickory Sports Bar, along with a large selection of drinks including beer, wine, and signature cocktails.
Hickory Sports Bar: With its history dating back to the 1940’s, you can only imagine the stories told and fun had at the Hickory Sports Bar at Out of the Ordinary Restaurant! The bar is long and the tables and chairs are comfortable…perfect for eating a meal or having drinks among friends. Enjoy tasty food, cold beers on tap, unique bottled beers, a selection of wines, and specialty drinks,
Located in the Seasons Lodge, Rafters Food & Spirits consists of elevated pub food, including burgers, fried chicken, steaks, their famous fried biscuits & more. The bar features a vast selection of craft beers, spirits & wine. Located across from the Brown County Music Center, Rafters is the ideal pre-show dinner and drinks spot! Outdoor dining is available on the patio when weather permits. Reservations are recommended for parties of 8 or more.
Rafters Food & Spirits
Located in the Seasons Lodge, Rafters Food & Spirits consists of elevated pub food, including burgers, fried chicken, steaks, their famous fried biscuits & more. The bar features a vast selection of craft beers, spirits & wine. Located across from the Brown County Music Center, Rafters is the ideal pre-show dinner and drinks spot! Outdoor dining is available on the patio when weather permits. Reservations are recommended for parties of 8 or more.
StoneHead Pizza Co. At Trails End is located along scenic route 135 South in beautiful Southern Brown County, Indiana. We offer a wide range of menu options from artisan pizza to award winning tenderloins. Stop in our lounge to try one of our 70+ beer selections or select one of our 35 wines, ciders, or meads.
Trails End Roadhouse & StoneHead Pizza Co.
StoneHead Pizza Co. At Trails End is located along scenic route 135 South in beautiful Southern Brown County, Indiana. We offer a wide range of menu options from artisan pizza to award winning tenderloins. Stop in our lounge to try one of our 70+ beer selections or select one of our 35 wines, ciders, or meads.
One inconvenient location since 1851, many believe the Story Inn Restaurant to be one of the finest restaurants in the state! This charming 19th century village near Nashville offers gourmet dining, quaint cottages for overnight stay (some of which are believed to be haunted), and many fine wines! Explore Story’s seasonal menu, extensive wine list, and casual underground tavern!
24 locals recommend
Story Inn
6404 IN-135One inconvenient location since 1851, many believe the Story Inn Restaurant to be one of the finest restaurants in the state! This charming 19th century village near Nashville offers gourmet dining, quaint cottages for overnight stay (some of which are believed to be haunted), and many fine wines! Explore Story’s seasonal menu, extensive wine list, and casual underground tavern!
Sugar Creek Barbeque Co is a true Hoosier-style BBQ restaurant that takes pride in offering a full-service, family-friendly experience! Filling up is easy with a menu chock-full of smoked meats and down-home classics—pulled pork, ribs, brisket, wings, smoked chicken, turkey, mac and cheese, cornbread, sugar cream pie, and so much more! Is your mouth watering yet? Check out Sugar Creek Barbeque Co in Nashville for lunch or dinner.
Sugar Creek Barbeque Co
Sugar Creek Barbeque Co is a true Hoosier-style BBQ restaurant that takes pride in offering a full-service, family-friendly experience! Filling up is easy with a menu chock-full of smoked meats and down-home classics—pulled pork, ribs, brisket, wings, smoked chicken, turkey, mac and cheese, cornbread, sugar cream pie, and so much more! Is your mouth watering yet? Check out Sugar Creek Barbeque Co in Nashville for lunch or dinner.
The Ferguson House was originally built in 1873 as a boarding house. Allie Ferguson hosted many artists and visitors over the years. Since then The Ferguson House has been many things - an antique shop, a retail shop, apartments, and now a bistro and bar. Now taking things to the next level by offering creative, international cuisine in a beautiful setting with fantastic service and creativity.
Ferguson House
78 Franklin StThe Ferguson House was originally built in 1873 as a boarding house. Allie Ferguson hosted many artists and visitors over the years. Since then The Ferguson House has been many things - an antique shop, a retail shop, apartments, and now a bistro and bar. Now taking things to the next level by offering creative, international cuisine in a beautiful setting with fantastic service and creativity.
Sightseeing & Adventure Outfitters
Exploring Brown County State Park in the rolling hills of Nashville, Indiana is a sure way to escape naturally!
Nicknamed the “Little Smokies” because of the area’s resemblance to the Great Smoky Mountains, Brown County State Park encompasses nearly 16,000-acres of rugged hills, ridges, and fog-shrouded ravines.
The Brown County State Park is a traditional fall color hot spot, with nearly 20-miles of tree-lined roads and many scenic vistas overlooking miles of uninterrupted forestland.
The park was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2021 as the largest historic district in Indiana.
∙18 miles of easy to rugged hiking trails.
∙30 miles of easy to expert mountain biking trails.
∙70 miles of bridle trails where you can bring your own horse.
∙Saddle Barn provides guided trail rides and pony rides.
∙Olympic-size swimming pool
∙Warm-weather fishing or ice fishing for bass, bluegill and more on 7 acre Strahl Lake and 17 acre Ogle Lake where canoes, kayaks, rowboats and boats with electric trolling motors are allowed.
NOTE: A state license is required to fish at the park and a DNR is Lake Permit is required when boating.
124 locals recommend
Brown County State Park
1801 Indiana 46Exploring Brown County State Park in the rolling hills of Nashville, Indiana is a sure way to escape naturally!
Nicknamed the “Little Smokies” because of the area’s resemblance to the Great Smoky Mountains, Brown County State Park encompasses nearly 16,000-acres of rugged hills, ridges, and fog-shrouded ravines.
The Brown County State Park is a traditional fall color hot spot, with nearly 20-miles of tree-lined roads and many scenic vistas overlooking miles of uninterrupted forestland.
The park was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2021 as the largest historic district in Indiana.
∙18 miles of easy to rugged hiking trails.
∙30 miles of easy to expert mountain biking trails.
∙70 miles of bridle trails where you can bring your own horse.
∙Saddle Barn provides guided trail rides and pony rides.
∙Olympic-size swimming pool
∙Warm-weather fishing or ice fishing for bass, bluegill and more on 7 acre Strahl Lake and 17 acre Ogle Lake where canoes, kayaks, rowboats and boats with electric trolling motors are allowed.
NOTE: A state license is required to fish at the park and a DNR is Lake Permit is required when boating.
Yellowwood State Forest is located 7 miles west of Nashville and 11 miles from the Schoolhouse Inn.
The forest’s 23,326 acres offer many recreation opportunities for people of all ages and skill levels. With three pristine lakes, hiking, horse trails, rowboat & kayak rentals, abundant wildlife, and primitive overnight campsites, Yellowwood has everything to keep you busy!
Hikers may use designated hiking and horse trails. Trail difficulty includes easy, moderate, and rugged and are suitable for hikers of all levels.
The 133 acre Yellowwood Lake is noted for its excellent fishing. A valid Indiana fishing license is required for fishing
35 locals recommend
Yellowwood State Forest
772 Yellowwood Lake RdYellowwood State Forest is located 7 miles west of Nashville and 11 miles from the Schoolhouse Inn.
The forest’s 23,326 acres offer many recreation opportunities for people of all ages and skill levels. With three pristine lakes, hiking, horse trails, rowboat & kayak rentals, abundant wildlife, and primitive overnight campsites, Yellowwood has everything to keep you busy!
Hikers may use designated hiking and horse trails. Trail difficulty includes easy, moderate, and rugged and are suitable for hikers of all levels.
The 133 acre Yellowwood Lake is noted for its excellent fishing. A valid Indiana fishing license is required for fishing
Just 4 miles for the Schoolhouse Inn is Trevlac Bluffs Nature Preserve named for its towering 200-foot bluff over Beanblossom Creek that features a rare stand of native eastern hemlock trees, found naturally in only about two dozen places in Indiana. The preserve also protects over 100 acres of forested wetlands in the floodplain of Beanblossom Creek and over a mile of the creek itself, which is the main input for Lake Lemon about a mile and a half downstream. This preserve is one of three critical forest blocks in the Midwest for breeding migratory songbirds.
There are two trails located on this Nature Preserve. The Yellowwood Trail is 2.6 miles (moderate) and the Bottomland Trail is 0.7 miles (easy).
Trevlac Bluffs Nature Preserve
Indiana 45Just 4 miles for the Schoolhouse Inn is Trevlac Bluffs Nature Preserve named for its towering 200-foot bluff over Beanblossom Creek that features a rare stand of native eastern hemlock trees, found naturally in only about two dozen places in Indiana. The preserve also protects over 100 acres of forested wetlands in the floodplain of Beanblossom Creek and over a mile of the creek itself, which is the main input for Lake Lemon about a mile and a half downstream. This preserve is one of three critical forest blocks in the Midwest for breeding migratory songbirds.
There are two trails located on this Nature Preserve. The Yellowwood Trail is 2.6 miles (moderate) and the Bottomland Trail is 0.7 miles (easy).
1,650-acre Lake Lemon is located in the beautiful rolling hills of south-central Indiana just 7 miles from the Schoolhouse Inn. Riddle Point Park at Lake Lemon has a swimming area, shelter house, and bathhouse.
Lake Lemon Conservancy District
7599 N Tunnel Rd1,650-acre Lake Lemon is located in the beautiful rolling hills of south-central Indiana just 7 miles from the Schoolhouse Inn. Riddle Point Park at Lake Lemon has a swimming area, shelter house, and bathhouse.
Brown County Bikes is the premier bike shop located in downtown Nashville. We have a variety of bikes to rent, sales, accessories, repair, services, merchandise, professional coaching, and guided tours are available to keep you having more fun on your bike.
Brown County Bikes is a proud partner of DNK. They host a wide range of Brown County trips and events, including hiking, camping, backpacking, mountain bike clinics, rides and camps, as well as yoga and wellness retreats..
Brown County Bikes
Brown County Bikes is the premier bike shop located in downtown Nashville. We have a variety of bikes to rent, sales, accessories, repair, services, merchandise, professional coaching, and guided tours are available to keep you having more fun on your bike.
Brown County Bikes is a proud partner of DNK. They host a wide range of Brown County trips and events, including hiking, camping, backpacking, mountain bike clinics, rides and camps, as well as yoga and wellness retreats..
1891 Schoolhouse guests can vacay the easy way with a relaxing paddle or yoga class. Use promo code BCVR for a 10% discount for paddleboard out of Yellowwood or yoga at Simply Fitness.
A native of Brown County, Indiana, Erica Weddle, developed a love for outdoor recreation at an early age. When not working with clients, she can be found on her paddleboard, backpacking, hiking, flowing through a yoga routine or working out in the Brown County State Park or on the Salt Creek Trail.
Simply Fitness
1891 Schoolhouse guests can vacay the easy way with a relaxing paddle or yoga class. Use promo code BCVR for a 10% discount for paddleboard out of Yellowwood or yoga at Simply Fitness.
A native of Brown County, Indiana, Erica Weddle, developed a love for outdoor recreation at an early age. When not working with clients, she can be found on her paddleboard, backpacking, hiking, flowing through a yoga routine or working out in the Brown County State Park or on the Salt Creek Trail.