Want to get away after the winter snow and ice? Head south and look to SoIN for a getaway! SoIN is just a mile north of Louisville, Ky. across the Ohio River. It’s our part of Southern Indiana. With our tried and true attractions, plus new businesses regularly opening, you’ll find plenty of new things to experience and explore.

1. Get Your Game On

Union GameYard DJ

Union Restaurant & GameYard is a restaurant and attraction all in one. With a sensational menu and outdoor gaming area for all ages, where else would you rather be?! These games include iceless curling, ping pong, giant beer pong, corn hole, and 4-way volleyball!

Recbar 812

RecBar 812

Spend the afternoon or evening at New Albany’s eccentric, mural-covered bar, Recbar 812. Don’t let the title fool you -- Recbar 812 is an arcade mecca. You can challenge your kids to a match of Dance Dance Revolution or give them a cup of tokens while you kick back with a brew and some southern-inspired eats.  
 

2. Satisfy your Sweet Tooth  

Boy holding candy at Schimpff's Confectionery

Candy maker working on red candy at Schimpff's

SoIN is home to some one-of-a-kind candy shops! Schimpff’s Confectionery and Candy Museum is the real deal! Watch Warren and Jill Schimpff and staff make their signature red-hot cinnamon drops and hand-dipped chocolates; then enjoy an ice cream float or an old-fashioned chocolate soda. Before you leave with your favorite candies, browse the store museum's collection of antique candy memorabilia. Call before you go to see when they’re holding live candy-making demonstrations.

Counter at the New Albany Sugar Shoppe

New Albany Sugar Shoppe is creating homemade candies "like Momma never made!" This hot pink sugar skull-themed shop serves up hundreds of candies including a variety of handmade fudge, pralines, buckeyes, and suckers.

 

Taylor's Cereal Bowl

Taylor's Cereal Bowl

Taylor's Cereal Bowl Kitchen is shaking things up in Downtown Jeffersonville. Build your own mixed shake, choosing from more than 30 of your favorite cereals. For a small fee, kids can explore the sensory-inclusive activities that help build critical thinking and fine motor skills.

 

Wacky Nachos

Wacky Nachos After creating your own wacky nachos, burritos, tacos, salads and more, round out your meal with some yummy, locally-made cotton candy from Mrs. and Mr. Cotton Candy. Flavors include sour green apple, pina colada, sour raspberry and bubble gum!

 

3. Learn Something While Having Fun (We Won’t Tell the Kids!)

Skeleton at the Falls of the Ohio Interpretive Center

The museums in southern Indiana and Louisville are can't miss attractions when you visit. The Floyd County Library Cultural Arts Center has rotating and permanent exhibits including "Ordinary People, Extraordinary Courage: Men and Women of the Underground Railroad." For science, hunt for fossils and explore trails at The Falls of the Ohio State Park--even in rainy weather, the indoor exhibits at the Interpretive Center bring the 390-million-year history to life! 

Kids at the Howard Steam Boat Museum

One of the most underrated museums in the area is the Howard Steamboat Museum. Located on the Jeffersonville riverside, the museum boasts a gorgeous mansion and highlights the history and industry of a once-booming river town.  

 

Baseball bat outside the Louisville Slugger Museum

Or take the bridge across the river into Louisville and head to Museum Row to experience the Muhammad Ali CenterSpeed Art MuseumFrazier History Museum, Louisville Slugger Museum, and more.
 

4. Have an Outdoor Adventure

Arches at the Rose Island

Rose Island walkway 1920s

Travel back in time while hiking the wooded trails of Rose Island at Charlestown State Park. Imagine what this 1920s-amusement park was like years ago, as you walk among the remains. Explore the Rose Island exhibit, then enjoy a picnic, or spend a few nights at the Charlestown State Park’s campground, which has 60 full hook-up sites. Charlestown State Park offers some of the best spring wildflower displays in the area.

The Woods ATV

Explore the scenic forests of Starlight, IN with The Woods ATV Adventures.  You-Drive ATVs allow you to take hold of your adventurous side on their guided sightseeing tour making it the perfect spring break adventure. Children must be at least 8 years old to ride. Guests must be 21 years old with a valid driver's license to drive their machines.​    

Be sure to use the Scenic SoIN digital passport while you explore! Each check-in earns you points toward the grand prize. For more outdoor recreation and unique sites, check out all of SoIN's parks and trails.  
 

5. Get moving across the Big Four Bridge!

Family biking on the Big Four Bridge

Big Four Bridge and Belle of Louisville At Dusk

Feel the river breeze and watch barges pass on the river below, and take in the vibrant nighttime views as you make your way across the Big Four Bridge. On the Indiana side, Big Four Station Park in downtown Jeffersonville has a playground and picnic area, as well as downtown shops and restaurants within walking distance. Grab a bike or hike along the Ohio River on the 7-mile long Ohio River Greenway connecting New Albany, Jeffersonville, and Clarksville for incredible views of the Louisville skyline. We recommend checking out the latest interactive art installation, the New Albany Flow Park, whether or not you have a skateboarder in the family.

 

6. The Farm Experience

Kids eating ice cream cones at Joe Huber's Soda Shoppe Ice Cream

Kids existing the Huber Slide

Southern Indiana is the sweet spot connecting city life and the farm life! SoIN's scenic Starlight, Indiana is home to Joe Huber's Family Farm & Restaurant (Joe Huber’s opens for the season on March 2), and Huber's Orchard, Winery & Vineyards. Both offer activities for kids as well as farmer's markets and family fun where you can enjoy the fresh country air. For more farm fun, head to Dylan Farms in Charlestown for the Scottish Highland Cattle experience. Spend a delightful session with these gentle giants, learning, feeding, and capturing fantastic photos.

 

7. The Stranger Things in SoIN

The Odd Shop

Raven's Roost

JB Magic Shop

Lady Trons

When we stay strange, we mean it. But in a good way! Southern Indiana embraces all the oddities and unique things our towns have to offer. Step back in time at The Odd Shop, this pop-culture time capsule has shelves full of vintage toys, clothes, music merchandise, and more. For something magical, head over to J&B Magic Shop and Theater or Raven’s Roost Boutique, they carry all supplies for the budding magician from instructional magic books to various magic tricks and supplies! Grab a bite to eat at Lady Tron's, a quirky soup and sandwich shop with a retro outer space vibe. Its tasty creations are out of this world.

8. Al Fresco Dining

Parlour Jeffersonville

Spring is coming, which means warm evenings, friends, delicious food, cold drinks, and outdoor dining near! Enjoy a meal while you take in a beautiful view of historic downtowns, the Ohio River, wooded parks, or the Louisville skyline! Check out our blog for the best patios and picnic spots in SoIN!

 

9. Soak Up the Sun and Public Art

NoCo Arts & Cultural District Murals

Brighten your day and have an afternoon of fun in the NoCo Arts and Cultural District at the colorful and interactive play area. Here you can play a game of oversized chess or Twister, have lunch on a 20-foot picnic table, or simply enjoy the whimsical public art. The Depot, a part of NoCo, hosts family-friendly events throughout the year. Check their Facebook page for event updates.

You can use the Inspired SoIN digital passport while you explore Southern Indiana's eclectic art scene, which earns you points toward the grand prize giveaway. 

 

10. Give them Theatre

Derby Dinner Playhouse

See a live theater production at Derby Dinner Playhouse, a Southern Indiana treasure noted for its musical and comedy productions. This spring they are showing Footloose and Fancy Nancy the Musical. Check out their other upcoming shows here.

 

11. Explore SoIN with Our Digital Passports

Scenic SoIN Passport

Our year-round Scenic SoIN and Inspired SoIN passports allow you to explore SoIN’s best sights and creative scenes with ease. Earn prizes along the way, as well as entries to the grand prize giveaways! These passes are perfect for out-of-towners wanting to explore what Southern Indiana is all about or locals wanting to discover all their hometowns have to offer. 

 

12. We all Scream for Ice Cream

Widow Walk

Boomtowm Creamery

And when all else fails always get ice cream! Looking for a sweet treat with a chill? SoIN’s seasonal ice cream shops will reopen in March (some opened in February)! Take the family to ChillersZesto’sPolly’s FreezeBerry TwistPearl Street TreatsWidow’s Walk Ice Creamery, and Boomtown Creamery.

 

2024 Southern Indiana Visitor Guide Cover

Want to learn more about Clark and Floyd counties? Order your FREE Visitor Guide here for all things SoIN. Don't forget to follow our social media pages to keep up with what's "SoIN."