What You Will ❤️ About Gulf Shores AL

• The Beach! Every beach has beautiful white sand and is relaxing.
• Getting Around! This might be my favorite thing is how easy it is to navigate the area. You definitely need a car – but everything is in a straight line – so you won’t get lost!
• The Food!! As a foodie – I love Gulf Shores. The Gulf is my absolute favorite place – it’s my first and last stop every time – don’t miss it!

1. Sunset on the Beach – I’ll start with my favorite thing to do – sit on the white sands of Gulf Shores beaches! There is nothing better than experiencing a sunset on the beach. I love a beach vacation, so every night, I check my phone for sunset time and head down from the condo to sit on the beach for an hour. So peaceful!

2. Pirates Cove – this is a hidden gem for sure! It’s definitely a favorite of locals – there’s a little beach, lots of beach dogs and some killer drinks! It’s off the beaten path for sure – but if you want to relax with the locals – this is THE place!

3. Big Beach Brewing – Jim & Julie decided Gulf Shores needed a brewery and the were right! There’s no food – but you can get tasty beers, wine or even a local soda!

4. Dolphin Cruise – If you’re near the Gulf – you can always find a dolphin boat! I went on the Cetacean Cruises Sunset Dolphin Tour on my most recent trip with my BFF from home. We had a BLAST and saw SO MANY dolphins! The cruise director really was a dolphin expert and the staff were so much fun – especially Karen – she made the ride! It takes off from the Wharf – so there’s plenty of great dining spots after the cruise.

5. Poke Bowl at The Gulf – One of my absolute favorite places I always go is The Gulf! It’s right on the beach with picnic tables everywhere. Better yet – the food and drinks are amazing. My favorite is the Poke Bowl – it’s got locally caught tuna and is so light and fresh – you’ll devour every bite!

6. Florabama – All visitors HAVE to stop at the Flora-Bama – it’s a legendary music venue! We went on a Saturday night and it was so much fun! There are 4 stages – all with live music – and we found one we loved! Each one had a different style of music and different atmosphere – there’s really something for everyone.

And – be sure to grab a bite at the Yacht Club across the street – their Crab & Parmesan Hash Puppies are the best thing I’ve eaten in the Gulf! And the only place I ever had oysters that I liked!

7. The Yard Milkshake Bar – What’s the other thing besides water you want when it’s hot?! ICE CREAM!!! The Yard milkshakes are LEGENDARY but don’t miss out on their edible cookie dough – or just make it yourself with my copycat recipe! Kids will love this place and all the crazy shakes they can get!

8. Kayaking – Every time I visit Gulf Shores, my friend Eva tries to get me to kayak. I can’t swim so it freaks me out – so I haven’t done it yet – but she keeps trying to talk me into it!

9. Make your own pottery – I was so excited when we decided to make pottery! The cool thing was the Arts Center had multiple options – we chose a simple version where we basically cut a slab of clay in a shape, molded it a bit by hand and then added texture. We then picked out a glaze we wanted and they fired it and shipped it to us! The class was super quick and fun – and be sure to ask to see the studio puppy! (And yes – that’s the tray I made – isn’t it cool and beachy!?!)

10. Fort Morgan Historic Site – It’s also nice to take in a little history and Gulf Shores has it in Fort Morgan. They were a key defense port in a number of war battles from the Civil War and more. It’s only about a half hour from downtown Gulf Shores.

11. Fishing – If you’ve got someone in your group that likes to fish – they’ll have a great time in the Gulf of Mexico! There are so many charters and fishing opportunities! Red Snapper and Sailfish are big – but here’s a chart of the fishing seasons.

12. Live Music at Fresh Off the Boat – there are so many amazing restaurants in Gulf Shores and so many of them have live music. The one I enjoyed was Fresh Off the Boat – the food was amazing, it was a great casual atmosphere and the owners were a delight. Plus their local musician was great as well and super friendly.

13. Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo – I’m a sucker for a zoo and the Gulf Coast Zoo is so cute! It’s not the biggest zoo – but you get up close with everyone and they have some really fun animal encounters. They have more than a petting zoo – we got to play with lemurs, pet a sloth and hang out with kangaroos! It’s a definite must-stop!

14. Get a Bush Whacker! – The Bush Whacker is pretty much the signature drink of Gulf Shores and every place has one. And if you just can’t wait to try this boozy milkshake – my girl PlainChicken has her own Bushwhacker recipe!

15. Cruisin Tiki’s – How can you turn down a floating tiki hut? It’s also BYOB – just drink responsibly – and you can bring food too! It was a blast!

16. Ferris Wheel at The Wharf – If you’re looking for a one-stop shop for fun – the Wharf entertainment district is it! Whether it’s food, entertainment, shopping or even a place to stay – they have it. One of the most things is their giant ferris wheel – be sure to check it out. And stop by The Pantry for a quick bite – they made us some amazing charcuterie boards for our Cruisin Tiki’s cruise!

17. Massage at the Beach Club – When you’re on a vacation – it’s all about relaxation – so be sure to check out the Beach Club and get a massage in the spa! It’s amazing! They have a whole resort that is a bit more private – but the spa is open to the public.

We also stayed at the Beach on our last trip and loved it! Great amenities like reserved chairs on the beach are a must! The Coast restaurant is also great for fresh seafood!

18. The Beach! – Elephant in the room – GO TO THE BEACH! It’s perfection! Whether you’re laying out, building sand castles, taking a walk or anything else – every white sand beach is more beautiful than the next!

19. Mini Golf – Like any tourist destination – there are a ton of mini-golf places and they’re just fun for all ages. I like Beachside for the atmosphere.

20. Pink Pony Pub – I’m not much of a drinker but the girls made me get out and indulge a little and the Pink Pony turned out to be my favorite place! I had a Raspberry Blast and let me tell you – I could have had about 5 more of them! Yum! We got nachos too which were HUGE!!! It’s a very fun and historic place – must stop!

21. Coastal Segway – One of my favorite things to do in any new city is a Segway tour! I’m not very athletic and – no worries – you get a quick lesson before you take off. We had so much fun and my BFF said this was her favorite thing we did during the whole vacation! The Gulf Shores tour is in the Gulf State Park – so it’s incredibly scenic! Our tour guide was super knowledgeable and we saw alligators and a tortoise in their natural habitat! You can also bike or walk these backcountry trails in the park!

22. Lulu’s – Jimmy Buffett’s sister Lucy created Lulu’s and man – it is a party place any time of day or night! The fried crab claws and Lulu’s WOW sauce are not to be missed! and the Live music, arcade games, a ropes course, delicious food and fun servers.

23. Parasailing – Now something you’ll NEVER catch me doing – but if you aren’t deathly afraid of heights and love adventure – you should try Parasailing! Everyone that’s brave enough has told me how amazing it is – so please do it for me!

24. Sandcastle University – While we were enjoying a beach day – we got to learn a bit more about sandcastles and how to make them successfully! Our instructor was super friendly and jumped in with us to make them. It was really fun and would be great for a family vacation!

25. Gulf State Park – Whether you want to hike, fish, dine or camp – you can do it all at Gulf State Park! Be sure to grab cocktails at Perch – great atmosphere and beautiful at sunset! Don’t miss the hiking trails! They also have a campground with cabin rentals if you’re looking for a place to stay.

If you want to fish – head to the Gulf State Park Pier. You can rent rods & reels, get your license for the day and catch your own dinner! They did have some damage from the hurricane but the restrooms are open.

26. Shopping – There are a ton of cute shops all around Gulf Shores! I urge you – if you see a shop that catches your eye – pull in and check it out! My favorite was High Cotton Bath Co at the Wharf. We even got to do a little class where we made our own lotion to take home with us! You got to pick your product, scent and color – then they mixed it for us. I really LOVE this lotion too!

27. The Sunliner Diner – If you want a delicious breakfast – stop into The Sunliner Diner! It’s a 50’s themed restaurant and you can’t go wrong there! Or click here for more Breakfast options in Gulf Shores! I’ve also got a copycat of their Corned Beef Hash recipe.

28. Escape Room – There are a bunch of Escape Rooms in Gulf Shores and the fun thing about them is – a lot will have a local bent on one of the rooms. Whether you’re visiting with a group or just you and a friend – make a reservation – you’ll have a blast! (I’ve always gotten out too – so team up with me!)

29. Anonyme Cruise – I’m a sucker for a boat – and we also went on the Anonyme Cruise with Captain DD. It’s an electric boat so its super quiet and so relaxing. I recommend a sunset cruise – and you can bring your own food and drink on board to enjoy yourself a little more!

30. Drinks & Food at Tacky Jacks – When I saw Tacky Jacks – I knew I would love it! It’s an explosion of neon colors and you can write something on neon duck tape and stick it anywhere – I mean – seriously?! The Garbage Nachos were so good – I had to copycat them for myself! (They also have a tasty Bushwhacker as well.)

31. Dinosaurs in the Woods – yes – a perfect roadside attraction. You can see a T-Rex in the middle of the woods of Alabama! They also have something called Bama-Henge (Stone Henge replica in the woods). It’s a fun quick stop that is fun because you have to do a little exploring to find them all!

32. Lazy River at Turquoise Place – Turquoise Place is a favorite of mine to stay at – their condos are amazing! If you’re a guest, they have beach chairs you can rent in prime spots, swimming pools and even a lazy river. It’s right on the beach and is sheer perfection!

33. Waterville USA – Who doesn’t want to hit a water park when it’s hot out? Waterville USA is super fun water park and amusement park with an abundance of slides, a wave pool and a lazy river!

34. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge – This is one of the last remaining undisturbed coastal barrier habitats. Bon Secour even means safe harbor. They were established to protect sea turtles, songbirds and even the Alabama beach mouse. All trails are for foot traffic only here.

There are truly so many amazing and fun things to do in Gulf Shores! This list is really just the tip of the iceberg – but I hope it gave you some new ideas and convinced you to make your own trip to Alabama beaches!

Looking for the BEST places to eat in Gulf Shores?

• Where to Brunch & Lunch in Gulf Shores
• Best Breakfasts in Gulf Shores
• Where to Eat in Gulf Shores

Copycat Recipes from Gulf Shores

• Garbage Nachos from Tacky Jacks
• Edible Monster Cookie Dough from The Yard
• Buttermilk Biscuits from Ruby Slipper
• Corned Beef Hash from Sunliner Diner

The post 34 Things To Do Near Gulf Shores Alabama appeared first on The Food Hussy.

If you’re here – you already know that Gulf Shores is a great place to visit! I’ve even got a list of over 30 activities you can do around the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area.

But we’re here to talk about BRUNCH! Brunch isn’t just for Sundays – when you’re on vacation – brunch is every day! That’s the best thing about visiting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area is that you can get between all the great places in about 15 minutes!

1. BuzzCatz Coffee & Sweets – 25689 Canal Road – Orange Beach, AL

Why We Love BuzzCatz

BuzzCatz Coffee & Sweets is a cute little coffee shop with home-baked pastries and a cute cat theme. I’m a cat lover so I had to visit! I took home the cute glass you see in the background even.

What to Order at BuzzCatz

• Housemade Pop Tarts – filled with a pastry cream and I couldn’t help but eat the whole thing!
• Cat Head biscuits – they were about the size of a cat head – and were served with their homemade jam. (The cinnamon raisin was my favorite)
• Pecan Pie Cinnamon Roll – no icing needed!

2. Ruby Slipper Cafe – 24151 Perdido Beach Blvd – Orange Beach, AL

Why We Love Ruby Slipper Cafe

The Ruby Slipper Cafe is a staple in New Orleans and are expanding across the south. Their Gulf Shore location is right on the main strip in Orange Beach – you can’t miss it – or those mimosas!

What to Order at Ruby Slipper Cafe

• Eggs Benedicts – this is their specialty! My favorite was the Biscuits & Gravy Eggs Benedict. Homemade biscuits topped with a poached egg and their in-house biscuits and gravy! So yum! The Chicken St. Charles was sooooo good too!
• Pig Candy – their candied bacon is so legendary – I had to make my own copycat version!
• Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes – Classic buttermilk pancakes with cinnamon & brown
  sugar filling & a cream cheese glaze – yes please!

Ruby Slipper also invited us to come back and learn the secrets to their biscuits! I’m obviously a biscuit queen and here’s the Ruby Slipper Biscuit Recipe so you can make them yourself!

3. Southern Grind Coffeehouse – 22843 Perdido Beach Blvd – Orange Beach, AL

Why We Love Southern Grind Coffeehouse

Southern Grind Coffeehouse was another great find – they’re really known for their coffee – but we also grabbed a bite – since we were there. Their decor is really awesome – it’s very beachy and they have so many cute art & decor items for sale too! We visited their Orange Beach location at Hotel Indigo but they also have one at the Wharf.

What to Order at Southern Grind

• Creme Brulee Latte – all of their coffee drinks are delicious but this was my favorite!
• Cinnamon French Toast – Cinnamon swirl bread with a side of bacon!
• Belgian Waffle – be sure to get the strawberries & cream version!

4. Sunliner Diner – 100 E 2nd Ave – Gulf Shores, AL

Why We Love Sunliner Diner

Sunliner Diner is a super cute 50’s style diner with a classic car out front – and it’s pristine!!! It’s picture perfect for sure!!! Plus they have amazing food that make for the best breakfast in town!

What to Order at Sunliner Diner

• Mimosas – I’m not much of a drinker but if there’s champagne – I’m in! They also do specialty mimosas during the holidays!
• Specialty Biscuits – I loved the Cinnamon Raisin Biscuit with a light glaze on top. My friend Stephanie loved the Bacon Cheese Ranch biscuits so much that she made a copycat version herself!
• Corned Beef Hash – House made corned beef, bell peppers, onions and hash browns topped with poached eggs and a horseradish cream sauce. I loved it so much I made a copycat version of this delicious corned beef hash!

5. The Gulf – 27500 Perdido Beach Blvd – Orange Beach, AL

Why We Love The Gulf

The Gulf is my all-time favorite!! Get your toes in the sand because the Gulf is RIGHT ON THE WATER! It’s a little more lunch than breakfast but it’s still delicious and the best seat in the area! Picnic tables on the beach, a cute shop with the CUTEST pillows, candles, cards, etc.; and lots of spots in the sun or shade. I go at least twice every visit to Gulf Shores!

What to Order at The Gulf

• Tuna Poke Bowl – when you’re on the water – eat seafood and this poke bowl is the best I’ve ever had! It’s so fresh and light!
• Grouper Sandwich – so delicious and served with a lemon dill sauce that I couldn’t get enough of!
• Shrimp Tacos – The pineapple corn salsa is so good on those grilled Gulf shrimp!

6. OSO Early – 27370 Canal Rd – Orange Beach, AL

Why We Love OSO Early

OSO Early is off the main drag but it’s worth the drive! It’s a great coffee shop, a quick grab-n-go stop (breakfast sandwich anyone?) and a delicious restaurant all in one! This is another must-try stop when you’re in Gulf Shores.

What to Order at OSO Early

• Bacon Bowl – braised pork belly, creole hash browns, collard greens, poached eggs, hollandaise and bloody mary pico! Every single component is PERFECTION.
• Nassau Cheese Grits – Filled with sauteed peppers, onions and ham and then finished off with bacon, tomatoes and gouda. (My copycat recipe!)
• Bushwhacker Pancakes – the famous Bushwhacker drink of Gulf Shores comes to life in pancakes!

7. Brick & Spoon – 24705 Canal Rd – Orange Beach, AL

Why We Love Brick & Spoon

Brick & Spoon is THE place to go if you’re looking for an amazing Bloody Mary! They even have a Bloody Mary menu where you can add all sorts of things like a deviled egg!

What to Order at Brick & Spoon

• Bloody Mary – they have a build-your-own menu so go for it!
• Beignets – You don’t have to go to New Orleans for these powdered sugar delights!
• Breakfast Tacos – loaded up with chorizo and a mango salsa – so good!

8. Foodcraft – 21196 East Beach Blvd – Gulf Shores, AL

Why We Love Foodcraft

Foodcraft is THE place to go for the breakfast buffet or a Sunday brunch! They are part of the Gulf State Park so you’ve got a great view and places to walk after you indulge!

What to Order at Foodcraft

• New York Strip Steak & Eggs – grilled steak, eggs, tomatoes and home fries with a cajun remoulade! Wow!
• Banana Bread French Toast – bananas, pecans, bourbon-maple syrup and bacon!!! are all things I want to eat on a Sunday!
• Crab Cake Benedict – Crab cakes are my favorite! They’re served on an English muffin and topped with spinach, poached eggs and a Cajun citrus tarragon sauce.

More Brunch Spots in Gulf Shores

No need to go to Waffle House when you’re on vacation – there are plenty of options! Here’s a few more:

• Tacky Jacks – with locations in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan – it’s one of the most eclectic and fun restaurants. While the menu options are not online, they open at 8am (it’s 5 o’clock somewhere) and have daily breakfast specials with bacon, eggs, sausage and more.
• Kitty’s Kafe – An unassuming diner in a strip mall with classic breakfast items like Dried Beef Gravy on Toast and lots of Kountry-style breakfast options! They also have lunch salads and sandwiches too.
• Safari Club at Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo – Sunday brunch from 10a-3p features chiaquiles, benedicts, blueberry pancakes & more. Plus – you can go to the zoo after!

We stayed at Turquoise Place and it was amazing! We had a four bedroom condo and it had all the amenities – a huge kitchen and dining room, grill on the patio, jacuzzi tub in the master bath, the most comfortable beds ever and so much more. We also learned that they launder the duvets after every guest – which is NOT something that happens in nearly any other vacation rental!

I can’t even begin to share all the benefits – free beach towels, free parking, cabanas, pools, fitness clubs, daily activities and games, a lazy river and more! The whole facility is beautiful. I can’t wait to go back!!!

Sunsets were the best!!! I met this little guy while I was down there taking pics one evening! So beautiful!!!! We absolutely loved our trip and I can’t wait to go back.

The post Best Places to Brunch in Gulf Shores appeared first on The Food Hussy.

Where is Highland County?

Highland County is east of Hamilton & Clermont County – the main cities you’ll find are Hillsboro, Highland, Leesburg, Greenfield and Lynchburg. I spent most of my time up around Greenfield, Leesburg and Hillsboro.

Breakfast Spots in Highland County

• Batter Up Bakery is always my #1 stop! I met Casey & crew a few years back and have been a loyal customer ever since! My favorite thing about Batter Up is that they use FRESH SEASONAL ingredients. They’ll have you saying Krispy who???

• We also enjoyed breakfast at Sassafras Kitchen & Bar! Their story is so interesting – it’s two sisters that started the coffee shop and are also the chef’s behind the delicious breakfast & lunch treats they have. The Maple Bacon Pancake Muffin is NOT TO BE MISSED!

• Cafe 28 in Leesburg, OH is a cute little cafe next to Batter Up Bakery. They have all sorts of coffee but also FLAVORED RED BULL! Their breakfast and lunch offerings are great too – my favorite was their biscuits and gravy.
• Holtfield Station in Hillsboro is also a favorite stop! They have baked goods and the best drive-thru coffee in town! They also sell local baked goods and have an amazing lunch deli.

Fun Things To Do Outside in Highland County

• We got to browse the Hillsboro Farmers Market while we were in town. It’s every Saturday from 9am-1pm on Government Square during the summer and fall. You’ll find fresh fruit & veggies, homemade pasta and breads, candies, crafts and so much more all from local vendors!

Here are some of my other favorite things we did:

• Rocky Fork Lake – We hit up Rocky Fork Lake Boat Rental and had a blast! We took out a pontoon boat and cruised around the lake on a beautiful sunny day! Not to be missed! And the staff is amazing!
• Pickleball Courts – Hillsboro has some amazing new pickleball courts near The Porch! They have leagues for all skill levels. We had a blast!!!

• Kayaking and Bike Riding with Greenfield Outdoor Adventures. Mike is a local pastor and wants to encourage folks to get out and enjoy all that Highland County has to offer.

• There is great hiking in Greenfield, Rocky Fork State Park Fort Hill, Fort Salem. We even explored a cave at the Highlands Nature Sanctuary. This used to be a tourist attraction but now it’s been turned into more of a nature preserve. It’s all free too! If you like Hocking Hills – you definitely need to check this out!

• B. Williams Farm in Leesburg OH – This is a super cute pumpkin patch with games for the kids to play, mums as far as the eye can see and even some home decor items to take home.

• Dark Harvest Productions in Hillsboro, OH – New to the area they are a ginormous pumpkin patch and corn maze. They have some scary areas and some not scary – so there’s definitely something for everyone! The pumpkins are next level and all grown on their farm!

• Karnes Orchard in Hillsboro OH – If you’re looking for apples – this is THE place! They have so many varieties that run from June – October! You can pick your own or just head in and grab a bag of any size. They also have very unique heirloom varieties. This is definitely a yearly visit for me and be sure to the get the apple cider slushie!
• Dancing on Tabletops – Cathy Rivas is a former teacher with an amazing space in the middle of a corn field (literally). She’s available for classes or retreats and will work with you to create the “craft” you want to do!

Shopping in Highland County

There are lots of cute shops in Hillsboro and the surrounding areas. There are clothing boutiques – but also lots of other unique stops. A couple of my favorites were:

• Mimi’s Kitchen in Hillsboro – This is hands-down the best cheesecake I have ever tasted in my life! It’s really light and fluffy – they have a little shop downtown. Check their group for hours or call to order your cheesecake. In the shop they have slices, parfaits, minis and more. Cindy (the owner) is also the sweetest thing ever with a wonderful story. If you’re looking to support a family business – and gain a few pounds – this is the one to go to!

• Twisted Violet Homestead in Hillsboro – Twisted Violet is such a cute shop! They have natural remedies (I picked up some sugar scrub and magnesium cream), cute jewelry and t-shirts as well as fun things for around the house. They’re moving to Hillsboro soon – so be sure to check their FB page for their location before you go. They even have classes where you can get your friends together and make sugar scrubs and more – a great activity for kids or adults!

Delicious Spots for Lunch & Dinner in Highland County

Here’s the thing – you can definitely make a day trip – but it’s also not too far that if you’re just wanting to explore someplace new – head over for lunch or dinner! We stopped at:

• Catch 22 Sports Pub, Greenfield – This bar & grill had a wide array of delicious beers and yummy food. The burgers were great but everybody’s favorite was the Buffalo Chicken Flatbread.
• Leesburg Dairy Barn – This newly opened spot is very popular! With ice cream, burgers, chicken strips and more – it’s a great spot for lunch or dinner!

• The Alley in Hillsboro – We stopped in for dinner the night of the Bengals game and it was so good! They have a bowling alley and a bunch of games to play – but the food is where it’s at. I encourage you to get all appetizers! The fried mushrooms were the best ones I’ve had in my entire life!

• The Porch in Hillsboro – Another great spot for dinner! Family owned & operated with live music every Friday. The Rueben Egg Rolls and Cobbler Skillet were a big hit!
• Maplecrest Meats in Hillsboro – This is a premier butcher shop with Certified Angus Beef – but they also have a deli, meals-to-go and serve a daily lunch special!

• JR’s General Store & Country Crust Bakery in Bainbridge, OH – If you like Amish country – you can get a taste of it at the General Store and Bakery. I grabbed up a bunch of bulk spices (so cheap) at the general store and then headed to the bakery for a delicious pretzel rueben and some fry pies!

• Terry’s Pizza & Crazy Shakes in Lynchburg OH – If you’re looking for Crazy Shakes but don’t want to travel all the way to Gulf Shores – you can get them right here in Ohio! Terry’s Pizza is a grocery/gas station/pizza/ice cream parlor all in one. They have a huge (and delicious) deli too! Their crazy shakes are $10 and don’t miss out on the Dill Pickle Pizza!!!

Where to stay in Highland County?

There are loads of cabins, campgrounds, air bnbs and mom & pop hotels in the area. I’ve stayed at a locally owned spot each time I spent the weekend.

• Lakeside Oasis in Hillsboro – this 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom home has 6 beds, a hot tub, lake access, outdoor sauna, game room and so much more! This is definitely a fun spot for a big family! There are two primary bedrooms and then one room with multiple beds that is perfect for kids!

• WhiteOak View Farm in Hillsboro – It’s a four-bedroom farm house that has everything you need for breakfast as well as a beautiful farm. We got to see the cows, pet a kitty and take a break by their pond.

• Woodhaven Farm Bed & Breakfast in Leesburg – This B&B is a unique space with a single room with on-suite bath downstairs and then the upstairs is a wide open space with four antique beds. It was a great space for a girls weekend like we had. They also had a super cute dog I got to snuggle with!

All in all – a great time was had by all! We even got to play a little Highland County-Opoly before we left!

More Day Trips from Cincinnati

• Santa Claus Indiana during the Holidays
• Day Trip to Springfield OH
• Weekend Trip to Adams County OH

The post Road Trips from Cincinnati: Highland County OH appeared first on The Food Hussy.

Santa Claus, Indiana is the epitome of a Christmas town! It’s like a Hallmark movie come to life. Want to roast chestnuts? You can! Have Santa send a letter? You can! Pet a reindeer? You can! Here are the best Christmas Things To Do In Santa Claus, Indiana.

Visiting Santa Claus Indiana during the Christmas Season is a pretty magical experience! The small town of Santa Claus Indiana is a perfect weekend trip from Cincinnati, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Columbus, Louisville or even Nashville!

Where to Stay in Santa Claus? 

We chose to stay at Santa’s Lodge – it just felt like THE place we had to stay! It was a positive experience – the lodge is honestly nicer and in better shape than we thought it might be.

We had a room with two queen beds and it was ample size and space. The beds were comfortable. The TV and cable were a little old – but we were out and about the whole weekend – so we didn’t really mind. There is an indoor pool & hot tub that gets pretty busy with kids by the evening but in the afternoon when we arrived – it was empty! 

There was a special holiday package that included the dinner with Santa and more. If you’re visiting in Summer (Holiday World Theme Park) – they have a zipline course for the warmer months (oh July!).

Other Places to Stay in Santa Claus

There are also a number of other places to stay in Santa Claus from B&Bs, camping at the Lake Rudolph Campground, motels and more.

When we go back, we’ll probably opt for a cabin or one of the cottages for a bit more quiet, woodsy atmosphere.

I have to admit – we chose Santa’s Lodge because we assumed the proprietor would be very sexy and shirtless and in financial trouble needing the assistance of a marketing guru (like myself) from the big city. (i.e. the plot of every Hallmark Christmas movie – haha!)

18 Things to Do in Santa Claus, Indiana in December

The fun holiday activities start at Thanksgiving in the town of Santa Claus. We found the weekend before Christmas was packed FULL of activities around town. There are other weekends prior that have activities as well – so plan early! And – you’ll be shocked at how many of the activities are FREE – and every place has free parking as well. 

1. Purchase a customized ornament at the Santa Claus Christmas Store – This Christmas Store has EVERYTHING – including a bakery & coffee shop! I picked up a cute white ceramic tree with lights and a giant cookie! (Cost: whatever you spend, the cookie was about $3)

2. Live reindeer at Santa’s Toys – Santa’s Toys is right next to the Christmas store and they have different events throughout the holiday season including LIVE reindeer as well as toy drives where you can help out those in need during the holidays. (Cost: FREE) 

3. Breakfast with Santa at this Historic Santa Claus Campground – this annual event is held every December. I’m putting it on my list for next year because the RV park has a giant Saint Bernard pup that greets all it’s visitors! (Cost: not available at this time)

4. Santa’s Candy Castle for a Frozen Hot Chocolate – This candy castle is the ultimate sweet treat EXPERIENCE! Pro Tip: Go early in the day for shorter lines! The line wraps through the store – so you don’t miss anything – and you can get all sorts of unique candy from your childhood.

They are known for their frozen hot chocolate – which was pretty much like the coldest chocolate milk ever! But their CAN’T MISS ITEM is their flavored popcorn! I devoured the cheddar popcorn one day and the dill pickle popcorn the next day – man they were so good! I’m wishing I could get it sent to me!  (Cost: Frozen Hot Chocolate was $4.50) 

5. Play games and have pizza at Frosty’s Fun Center & Arcade – located across the parking lot from Santa’s Lodge, Frosty’s is an arcade and pizza parlor. They also have a mini-golf course in the summer months. They have a really big menu with breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert offerings (ice cream!). (Cost: depends on your purchase)

6. Write a letter to Santa at the Santa Claus Museum – The Santa Claus Museum has the first original post office for Santa Claus, Indiana. Go inside and write a letter to Santa and pop it in the mail. Be sure to ring the bells so the elves know to get your letter! Then you – or your recipient – will get a real letter from Santa for Christmas! While there, you can visit the Santa Claus Museum as well! (FREE! Donations appreciated)

7. Get a Christmas card postmarked at the Santa Claus Post Office – If you want the only postmark in the country that says it’s from Santa Claus – head to the post office and send your cards from there! (Cost: a stamp)

8. Roast Chestnuts on an Open Fire – this is a real thing! Santa’s Candy Castle is bringing this tradition back by roasting those chestnuts. They have a big campfire in the back and tell the story of the tradition! Stick around and you get to try them for yourself! Chestnuts are pretty sweet – who knew?! (FREE!)

9. Visit the Treemendous Village at the Lincoln Pioneer Museum – Stroll through 13 Lincoln-era replica cabins decorated for the holiday season inside Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum. The festive atmosphere will include carolers, music, refreshments, and more. This holiday event is only offered one day and is part of the City of Rockport’s Christmas Festival. (Cost: Adults $3, Kids FREE!)

10. See a Holiday Play at the Heritage Hills Auditorium  – This year’s play was “It’s a Wonderful Life”. It’s put on by the Lincoln Boyhood Drama Association. (Cost: Ticket prices unavailable at this time – but it was less than $10)

11. Take a selfie with one of 20 Santa statues around town – everywhere you go – there’s a Santa statue! Be sure to use #SantaSelfie as you’re snapping shots around the village. (FREE!)

12. Drive thru the Santa Claus Land of Lights display and learn the story of Rudolph – there are a few different holiday light show displays in the area. We enjoyed the Land of Lights the most at the Lake Rudolph Campground. They tell the story of Rudolph that the kids can follow along with along the way. (Cost: $15/car)

13. Have dinner and story time with Santa at Santa’s Lodge – whether you’re staying at the lodge or not, you can stop in for dinner and story time with Santa! It’s a buffet dinner & dessert and Santa & Mrs Claus are in attendance. After dinner, they take pics with all the guests and read a story. I will say – the dinner wasn’t great – but you’re really there for the quaintness and Santa! Plus – you take your own pics so that’s free. (Cost: $18.95/adults, $12.95 for ages 4-10, 3 & under are FREE)

14. Shop for gifts at the many cute shops – you’ll find cute little boutique shops in Santa Claus and a few nearby towns. We liked Evergreen Boutique the best – it’s a Christmas shop and a clothing boutique. I picked up a couple of ornaments with me and my boyfriends names on them for the tree! (Cost: whatever you purchase)

15. Ride the Candy Cane Express train and have milk & cookies with Santa – there are a couple of different train rides you can go on. Our train left Tell City (about 20 minutes away from Santa Claus). We paid extra to get a little room to ourselves with a sofa – which was nice since we were kidless.

They tell a story over the PA system on the train and you get a visit from Rudolph’s cousin and from Santa. Let me also say – they had the BEST Santa! At the end of the ride each passenger gets milk & a cookie! The ride itself isn’t that interesting in terms of scenery but they did a great job with the story and the staff on board. There’s a free library outside, a little gift shop inside and a photo station. (Cost: Admission for the train start at $15)

* After the train ride, stop by the Domestic Goddess Boutique! It’s just a block away and I got a super cute purse! 

16. Visit the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, Lincoln State Park and see historical sites from where Abraham Lincoln lived for 14 years of his childhood. Visit the Spencer County Visitors Bureau for more information. (Cost: FREE!)

17. Enjoy the Santa Claus Christmas Parade – the parade starts at Holiday World and was held on Dec 11 in 2021 – so keep in mind – it’s a couple of weeks before Christmas. (Cost: FREE)

18. Tour the Holiday Lights at Twilight at the Wilstem Wildlife Park! We came across Wilstem Wildlife Park on our drive from Cincinnati to Santa Claus – it’s about an hour away. They have a holiday light show which we missed. We did hit the drive through safari tour on our way home. It was so fun! (Cost: Tickets start at $17, cup of food is $3)

One thing I really liked is that nearly all the animals have free roam of very large areas. The bear area was especially cool and we met with their handler Jeff. He’s had shows on Discovery+ and more. The bears are pretty much Hollywood stars as they’ve been in several movies, etc. Jeff is available during the tour for as much Q&A as you can come up with! 

Where to eat in Santa Claus, Indiana? 

You’ll find a few chain restaurants but most of the dining in Santa Claus and surrounding towns are local places. Here’s where we went: 

• Casey’s General Store – Here’s the thing – if you haven’t had Casey’s Breakfast Pizza – you do NOT know what you’re missing! I was giddy to find a Casey’s just a block from our lodge! I got a piping hot piece of breakfast pizza every morning! My friend even said “This is the happiest I’ve ever seen you!”. (I also have a copycat recipe on my blog if you don’t have a Casey’s near you.) They’re also known for their homemade donuts and taco pizza. 

• Hoosierland Pizza – I forgot to take a pic – but frankly – we were starving and took the pizza to the Land of Lights and ate while we oohed and ahhhed over the lights. We got a pepperoni pizza – it was fine. Nothing magical but good! 

• Ben’s Pretzel Truck – On Saturday, there was a host of food trucks at the Christmas shopping mall. We were eating other places – but did grab one of Ben’s Soft Pretzels. The bearded young man working there even flirted with me…made my day. It’s a good pretzel! 

• The Chateau – We went to The Chateau for lunch. It’s about 15 minutes from Santa Claus and you don’t know what to expect from the outside. Inside – it’s a very casual sports bar with pretty good food. The breadsticks weren’t so great – but the breaded pork tenderloin sandwich was yum! (I have a copycat of that too!)

• Mama T’s – while we were at Evergreen Boutique – they recommended we try Mama T’s Italian Restaurant in Huntingburg, IN (about 20 min away). There are quite a few shops in their downtown as well if you’re looking for shopping. They are really known for their steak but we’d had a lot of food during the day – so I stuck with pasta and got their Lasagna trio – so much cheese!!!! 

What is closed during the holidays in Santa Claus? 

Unfortunately, not all the attractions in Santa Claus are open during December. So keep in mind that Holiday World amusement park, Santa’s Stables horseback riding and many of the Abraham Lincoln Boyhood Home buildings are closed during the holidays. 

There are a lot of events but they’re not all going on every weekend. The website for Santa Claus Indiana is very comprehensive and lists out all of the fun events. 

Tips, Tricks & FAQs

Overall Thoughts on Santa Claus Indiana 

While, unfortunately, I wasn’t scooped up in some Hallmark movie plot – our visit to Santa Claus was very fun. I’m an adult with no kids who isn’t even a huge Christmas fan and I really enjoyed it. Go into it looking to have some kitschy fun – and you’ll enjoy it!  Kids will LOVE it!

More Day Trips from Cincinnati

• Day Trip: Highland County OH (Hillsboro & More)
• Day Trip: Springfield, OH (Frank Lloyd Wright House)
• Day Trip: Adams County, OH (Nature!)

The post Christmas Things To Do In Santa Claus, Indiana – Fun And Cheap! appeared first on The Food Hussy.