Everyone From Indiana Should Take These 10 Awesome Vacations

Shipshewana is proudly dubbed "A Town of Character," which is exactly what you can expect from this charming town. Located in the northeastern region of Indiana, Shipshewana is famous for housing the largest flea market in the midwest, as well as their many Amish stores, their antique auctions, and the Blue Gate Restaurant and Theatre. In fact, this city is the only Indiana spot to top the 2003 book, "1,000 Places to See Before You Die."

Not to be confused with Nashville, Tennessee, Nashville in Indiana is a gorgeous small town to vacation in. So what's there to do in Nashville? Known as the center of the Brown County Art Colony, Nashville is a mecca for art, galleries, theater performances, entertainment venues, and antique shops. You can also find two of the state's covered bridges here, the Ramp Creek Bridge and the Bean Blossom Bridge.

Santa Claus is an ideal vacation spot for kids (or the young at heart). If you love Christmas, you'll enjoy vacationing in this Christmas-themed town. Enjoy attractions like Santa's Candy Castle, Frosty's Fun Center, Christmas Lake Golf Course, and of course, Holiday World and Splashin' Safari.

Marengo is a small town in Crawford County that makes for a great vacation spot for explorers. The famous attraction here, Marengo Cave, is one of only four caves available to tour in state and is actually a National Natural Landmark. Extend your trip a bit and visit the gorgeous Patoka Lake as well, for swimming, fishing, and boating activities.

Metamora is a small town that sees a lot of tourism, and for good reason. You can visit the Grist Mill, a water powered mill that grinds flour and cornmeal, experience the gorgeous Whitewater Canal in a horse-drawn boat, or take a ride on the Whitewater Valley Railroad. With tons of shopping and great restaurants nearby, Metamora makes a fantastic getaway.

Columbus is a fantastic city to visit in Indiana. This city is well known for its amazing architecture, as well as art and public sculptures. In fact, Columbus was even nicknamed "The Athens of the Prairie" and has six buildings which are National Historic Landmarks. Aside from buildings and art, the city also has a thriving restaurant scene with beloved places like Zaharakos, Tre Bicchieri, and Zwanzigz Pizza.

Speedway Indiana is home to...well...the Indianapolis Speedway and Indy 500, of course! Vacationing in Speedway is great during race season, but can be pretty exciting other times of the year, too. Visit the Motor Speedway to race in your own Indy car or visit the Hall of Fame to view antique cars, sports trivia, and fantastic photographs.

Carmel resides just north of Indianapolis and has been in the top 5 of the best places to live in the U.S. for almost a decade. Carmel is highly dedicated to the arts with its own Arts & Design District, public art and sculptures, and performing arts centers. There's almost always an event going on in Carmel during the spring and summer, so check the city's website for event listings for your vacation. They also have the Monon Trail to walk and an indoor water park!

Angola is a small north eastern town that is a popular vacation spot for many. Why? Angola is home to Pokagon State Park, a fantastic waterside park along Lake James. At Pokagon State Park, vacationers can hike, bike, picnic, fish, boat, swim, and explore all of the nature Angola has to offer.

Chesterton is located in northwest Indiana and is arguably the best Hoosier town to visit to experience the Indiana Dunes. Chesterton is home to the Indiana Dunes State Park where visitors can walk the shoreline, hike through the sand dunes and trails, go swimming, relax on the beach, fish, go boating, and much more. Aside from the beauty of Lake Michigan, Chesterton also has a charming downtown area with upscale and eccentric restaurants and events, like their annual Wizard of Oz Festival. You won't regret this fun-filled vacation.