INDIANAPOLIS – It’s no surprise to Hoosiers that Frommer’s named “Indiana Among the World’s Top Places to Go in 2020”. So, Visit Indiana is unveiling the ultimate 2020 travel experience, called The 20 IN 20. We will reveal 20 lists of 20 must-see, must-do Indiana experiences, one at a time, all year long.
“These lists will take you all over the state to see and enjoy new spots or old favorites,” said Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch. “Make this the year you really explore the Hoosier State.”
“The first list celebrates our small towns and communities,” Misty Weisensteiner said, director of Indiana Office of Tourism Development. “We want you to experience the hospitality and charm in one of Indiana’s small towns.”
A few must-see small towns include Franklin, Corydon and Whiting. Franklin was recently named in our 2019 Best of Indiana people’s choice campaign as the Best Main Street. Officials said new businesses to the downtown area, including restaurants and shops, are helping the area thrive. You can commemorate Indiana’s first state capital in Corydon. There you can follow the development of Indiana from a territory to a state, shop on the historic square or visit a nearby cave. Whiting, located along Lake Michigan’s south shore, is home to summer concerts, the Whiting Oilmen baseball team and the National Mascot Hall of Fame. They also have the famous, Pierogi Fest®, which has been featured on Oprah.com, the Travel Channel and the Food Network. You can see the full list here. These 20 cities and towns are all home to 25,000 people or less.
“As a new year bonus, Visit Indiana is unveiling a second list,” said Weisensteiner. “As an agricultural state, Indiana is lush with the bounty of farm-fresh ingredients, making the culinary scene across the state simply incredible.”
Home to delicious menus and incredible atmospheres, these 20 eateries are truly destination dining experiences. A few must-try experiences include St. Elmo Steak House, South Side Soda Shop and FARMBloomington. St. Elmo Steak House has been a landmark in downtown Indianapolis since 1902. It’s known for its great quality food and its famous shrimp cocktail and spicy horeseradish sauce. St. Elmo uses over 6,500 pounds of fresh horseradish each year. St. Elmo is no stranger to publicity and has accolades from all over the country, but there’s only one St. Elmo. Food Network recently named the South Side Soda Shop in Goshen one of the “Best Diners in the Country”. The 1950’s retro soda shop is known for its Green River sundae float and its cheesesteak sub. The South Side Soda Shop has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, twice. FARMBloomington and Chef Daniel Orr have been featured in Food Network Magazine. Chef Orr is known to take a sophisticated spin on regular dishes and create crowd-pleasing recipes. He uses locally grown and sourced foods. Read about all 20 dining destinations here.
Visit Indiana is dedicating a microsite to The 20 IN 20. Visitors can sign up for an email alert to know when the next list is going to be revealed. When you visit a destination from any of the lists, post your photos on Instagram with #The20IN20 for a chance to win a giveaway. Visit Indiana will randomly draw 20 winners every other month. Winners will receive one of the following custom items: beanie, golf umbrella, beach towel or stadium blanket. Begin your decade with a true adventure in 2020 by completing at least 20 of our 400 must-see Indiana experiences! Find out more about The 20 IN 20 here.
SOURCE: News release from Indiana Office of Tourism Development