Brown County Blog

Summer in Brown County

2010-06-29T13:12:00.000-07:00

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy Brown County and all it has to offer. Many people are familiar with Brown County State Park - and its breath-taking views! Many others are familiar with Nashville - full of charming shops, candy stores, restaurants, and more! But not everyone is aware of the huge indoor Water Park and Aquatic Center at the Abe Martin Lodge in the State Park. The spiral water slides, fountains, waterfalls, and whirlpools are a big hit with everyone!

Down the road, closer to Nashville, there's the Poolside Saturday Night Cookouts at the Brown County Inn. In addition to the swimming pool, there's family fun in the form of miniature golf, game room, playground, horseshoe pits, shuffleboard, volleyball, basketball, and tennis courts.

Another fascinating attraction is the Pioneer Village and Museum, located in downtown Nashville beside the old Log Jail. The Pioneer Village provides spinning and weaving demonstrations every Saturday and Sunday. It's full of historical facts about Nashville and Brown County, too!

There's many interesting areas for family fun in Brown County, and summer is one of the best times to explore them!

Remember to visit www.BrownCountyShops.com and view the Events for the coming summer!

Nashville, Indiana, Shops in Spring and Summer

2010-05-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

The shops in Nashville, Indiana, are beautiful in Spring and Summer! Flowers are blooming, decorations are waving in the breeze, and each shop's unique items are proudly on display!

In fact, the merchandise, crafts, artwork, and antiques seem to burst from the doorways of the shops, tumbling out onto the front porches, and spilling down the steps and walkways!

Come enjoy this lovely time of year in Brown County and Nashville. New shops are open, new products and artwork are available through galleries and studios, musicians are strumming on the corner, and ice cream and ice-cold drinks can be found throughout the town!

Visit featured artisans on our website at www.BrownCountyShops.com, too.

Brown County Arts Festival in Nashville, Indiana

2010-05-05T06:01:00.000-07:00

The Spring Arts Festival in Brown County, Indiana, takes place on May 8 and 9. Artists booths will line the streets around the Village Green (Main Street and Jefferson Street) and the Courthouse Square (Main Street and Van Buren Street).

Artists and artisans will display their handcrafted wares: Rock Art, Metal Art, Glass Art, Wood Items, Leather Items, Jewelry, Paintings, Textiles, Pottery and Ceramics, 3D Sculptures, Mixed Media, and more!

Visit www.BrownCountyShops.com for more handcrafted items, too!

Spring in Nashville

2010-04-17T16:44:00.000-07:00

The white-flowering dogwoods are at their peak here in Brown County. And the pink redbud trees are still displaying their magenta blooms.

Here are dogwoods and redbuds in front of the Brown County Courthouse on Saturday, April 17.

A white dogwood also stands near the front porch of the Artists Colony, at the corner of Van Buren and Franklin Streets.

As April drifts into May, the blossoming flowers will put on a show of their own each day. In fact, the Spring Blossom Parade is coming up soon -- on Saturday, May 1!

Enjoy Nashville and Brown County this Spring!

For upcoming Events, see our website at http://www.browncountyshops.com/, and click the "Events" tab.

Redbud Trees in Brown County

2010-04-10T07:05:00.000-07:00

Redbud trees are in full bloom, making a stunning display throughout Brown County!

Take a scenic drive through the hills this weekend, and see hundreds of redbud trees, dogwoods, and magnolia trees in bloom!

Stop in Nashville for lunch or a shopping expedition, too!

Stores, restaurants, and antique shops are bustling!

Remember to visit our website at www.BrownCountyShops.com, too!

Visitors in Brown County and Nashville

2010-03-09T14:22:00.000-08:00

The first weekend in March saw lots of activity in downtown Nashville and throughout Brown County. The sunshine and 50-degree temperatures brought out visitors and residents, all eager to enjoy Spring-like weather in our lovely locale.

We were happy to see all the shops open, to hear music playing, and to see people enjoying ice cream cones, candies, and lunch in the local restaurants.

Here are a few pictures from our walk around Nashville this past weekend.

For any questions about Nashville shops, artists and artisans, or Brown County in general, visit our site at www.BrownCountyShops.com.

Hand Turned Pens as Works of Art

2010-03-01T13:20:00.000-08:00

These hand-turned pens are truly works of art! The depth and dimension in these pen designs are stunning!

These are just a couple examples of the fine work being created by artisans through our Brown County Shops website. For more, visit our website at www.BrownCountyShops.com.

Brown County Snow February Update

2010-02-06T10:05:00.000-08:00

About 4 inches of snow fell between February 5 and 6 in our area of Brown County, Indiana. Early this morning, I sat on the back porch -- just listening to the snow falling in the woods. It was still dark. No birds or squirrels were up yet. No sound except the snow falling and the wind rushing through the trees. Cold, but exhilarating!

Here's a Tufted Titmouse entering the bird house near the feeders in our Brown County woods.

Brown County Snow February 2010

2010-02-05T09:19:00.000-08:00

Snow is falling in Brown County at noon on Friday, Februrary 5, 2010. Although it's melting on the main roads, the side roads are becoming snow-covered in areas.

Brown County Bowls

2010-01-22T09:28:00.000-08:00

Bowls, bowls, bowls! Here's just a sampling of handmade Brown County bowls in various stages of production.

For more information on the Brown County Artisan who crafts these bowls or to purchase bowls, visit our Online Store at www.BrownCountyShops.com/Store.aspx.

Nashville Shops in the Snow

2010-01-09T15:13:00.000-08:00

The 4-inch snowfall on January 7, 2010, turned the hills of Brown County to blankets of powdery white. The Nashville shops are as beautiful in the winter as they are in the fall and summer months. See some of the wintry scenes at www.BrownCountyShops.com/Jan2010Snow.aspx.

Remember to visit Brown County Shops' Online Store at www.BrownCountyShops.com/Store.aspx.

Happy New Year from Brown County

2010-01-01T18:45:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year from Brown County!

As the New Year begins, so do new resolutions, new goals, and new events for Brown County and Nashville!

Visit our new complementary site, www.BrownCountyLife.com, as well as our local artisans' site, www.BrownCountyShops.com, for new information and locally crafted gifts and unique products.

Our Brown County Blog and both our sites feature updates on Nashville and Brown County each week, throughout the year. Check back often for shop profiles, people profiles, exciting events, and local news of interest to all. And feel free to contact us at any time!

Happy New Year!

Nashville store on Van Buren, Nashville, Indiana.

Brown County Gifts @ Brown County Shops

2009-12-20T14:01:00.000-08:00

There's still time to get that special gift handmade in Brown County!

Visit our Secure Online Shopping Cart at:

www.BrownCountyShops.com/Store.aspx

Select from handcrafted bowls, turned wood pens, or a special artist's palette clock -- all handmade and signed by Brown County artisans, right here in the hills of Brown County, Indiana!

Visit www.BrownCountyShops.com/Store.aspx today!

Christmas in Brown County & Nashville, Indiana

2009-12-16T13:06:00.000-08:00

Christmas in Brown County and Nashville continues throughout December and into the New Year!

The town of Nashville is dressed up for the holidays with beautiful Christmas decorations all around. The Christmas Tree Walk on the Courthouse lawn presents a fabulous display of decorated trees. Stores and shop windows feature festive decorations throughout the village.

Enjoy a holiday weekend in Nashville, or stay in an authentic cabin in the hills of Brown County during a lovely snowfall.

Or shop from the comfort of your home and purchase handmade Brown County gifts from the artisans who reside here. Visit our secure Online Store here: www.BrownCountyShops.com/Store.aspx

Happy holidays!

Brown County Hand-Crafted Gifts

2009-11-15T10:57:00.000-08:00

Enjoy these wonderful, hand-crafted bowls and custom pens for yourself -- or give as gifts this holiday season!

The beautiful, turned wood bowls are handmade by a local craftsman in his shop, nestled in the hills and woods of Brown County. On the bottom of each bowl, you can see the craftsman's name, the date the bowl was made, and the type of woods used in the creation of each bowl. To see more of this artisan's bowls, visit www.BrownCountyShops.com.

Or select beautiful hand-turned pens of Wood and Corian, such as these. You can also contact the artisan to have a pen specially hand-crafted of woods or materials of your choice.

Simply go to www.BrownCountyShops.com or e-mail us at: info@BrownCountyShops.com. Then enjoy!

Brown County Fall Foliage

2009-10-18T08:37:00.000-07:00

Mid-October in Brown County, Indiana! Ahhhh, what beauty!

Bright orange, yellow, and red vistas as far as the eye can see! Crisp, cool air brings the hint of burning leaves across the county.

Colorful "leaf showers" rain down upon us and swirl across the roads and meadows. Deer pause to watch us watching them. Squirrels and chipmunks dash about, gathering walnuts and hickory nuts.

The beauty and wildlife surrounding us is almost too perfect to believe! How blessed we are to live in such a heavenly haven, where time seems to stand still.

Come rejoice along with us! Relax and experience the beauty of Fall in Brown County, browse the many quaint stores in Nashville, or contact us with any questions at www.BrownCountyShops.com!

Brown County Studios and Artisans

2009-09-30T14:16:00.000-07:00

Take the "Backroads of Brown County Tour" during the month of October and watch local artists and artisans at work!

You'll see demonstrations of artistic techniques, meet the artists, and be able to purchase fine arts and crafts direct from their creator. It'll be a wonderful opportunity to shop for special Christmas gifts, too.

Artistic items will include hand-woven rugs and throws, crocheted scarves, woven purses, handmade jewelry, baskets, clocks, stained glass, pottery, ceramics, stoneware, 3D artwork, gourd art, photography, wood furniture, mixed media artwork, oil paintings, and many other unique gifts.

The woods and hills of Brown County will be vibrant with color throughout October. What a beautiful time to drive the Back Roads of Brown County and meet many of the wonderful artists who call this area home!

For more information about the Backroads of Brown County tour, click here:

www.browncountystudiotour.com/falltour2009.htm

Enjoy your stay in Brown County!

Brown County Stone Carvings

2009-08-30T10:56:00.000-07:00

Mary Ann Whitaker and Tom Thompson have been creating stone carvings in their Antique Alley shop in downtown Nashville, Indiana, for 24 years. At "Through the Looking Glass," they create some of the most unique, sought-after pieces in Brown County.

Read their Shop Profile -- and more about their stone-carved artwork, wood signs, and hand-etched glass pieces -- on our Website at www.BrownCountyShops.com.

Brown County Gifts, Arts, & Crafts Delivered

2009-08-16T11:05:00.000-07:00

Home Delivery! With all the beautiful gifts, paintings, antiques, and decor available in Nashville, Indiana, and throughout Brown County, it's sometimes a challenge to get all your purchases back home!

We can help! If you need your purchases hand-delivered to your home, let us know. If you need to arrange packing and shipping, we'll be happy to help.

Simply go to www.BrownCountyShops.com or e-mail us at: info@BrownCountyShops.com.

Then start enjoying your new decor or additions to your home or gardens!

Brown County Crafts and Artisans

2009-07-28T09:14:00.000-07:00

Brown County, Indiana, is home to many artists, artisans, craftsmen, and craftswomen. Here, we see two beautiful, turned wood bowls, handmade by a local craftsman in his shop nestled in the hills and woods of Brown County. On the bottom of each bowl, you can see the craftsman's name, the date the bowl was made, and the type of woods used in the creation of each bowl. To see more of this artisan's bowls, visit www.BrownCountyShops.com.

Brown County Attractions around Nashville, Indiana

2009-07-04T12:33:00.000-07:00

Although Nashville, Indiana, is well-known for its artists colony and hundreds of interesting shops, the town also offers a variety of dining facilities, unique arts and crafts, and historic buildings. Here's a few photos taken this month.

Sometimes parking can be a challenge in Nashville, so come early! Take advantage of the trolley or horse-drawn carriages to help you get around town or to return to your parked car.

While in town, try to visit the log jail -- and see the two-headed calf! Tour the Pioneer Museum, too. When open, you can see weaving demonstrations, a variety of working looms, a pioneer home and furnishings, an old-fashioned doctor's office, a blacksmith's shop, and other interesting exhibits of historic merit. Kids of all ages will enjoy this!

As always, contact us with any questions you might have regarding attractions, dining, store hours, parking, or help with finding that special item you saw! Visit www.BrownCountyShops.com or e-mail us at: info@browncountyshops.com.

Brown County State Park, Nashville, Indiana

2009-06-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

June is a beautiful time to drive through Brown County State Park, with its cool, lush foliage and 16,000 acres of forests, lakes, hiking trails, picnic areas, camping sites, and wildlife!

We just had our family reunion in the State Park and became reacquainted with all it has to offer.

If you enter via the North Gate, you'll have the opportunity to drive through the covered bridge, which was originally built in 1838 and relocated to Brown County State Park in 1932. Lookout towers and vantage points offer spectacular views, any time of the year!

You'll find about 20 miles of hiking trails, 20 miles of biking trails, and 70 miles of horse-riding trails through the scenic, hilly countryside. Guided horse riding is also available at the Park.

The Nature Center has snake and bird exhibits, along with other special events throughout the summer. Swimming, fishing, tennis, playgrounds, and a country store provide plenty of activities and picnic supplies.

To reserve one of the many picnic shelters, cabins, or campground sites, you can contact the Brown County State Park at www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2988.htm.

For information on local Brown County shops or the Nashville shops in the quaint little town of Nashville, Indiana, visit www.BrownCountyShops.com.

Spring Blossom Arts Festival, Brown County, Indiana

2009-05-09T18:48:00.000-07:00

The Brown County "Spring Blossom Arts Festival" -- May 8 through May 10, 2009 -- featured handcrafted pottery, stained glass, metal work, paintings, "name art," bottle-art, painted furniture, gourd dolls, gourd birds, baskets, clocks, jewelry, wood bowls, and more! Definitely something for everyone! And many of the artists provided demonstrations of their crafts.

If you didn't make it to the Arts Festival on Saturday, hopefully you can enjoy the Festival on Sunday -- and celebrate Mother's Day in Nashville, Indiana, at the same time!

Here's a picture of some of the artists' booths, plus an artist creating personalized "name art."

Nashville Store Hours in Brown County

2009-05-08T14:07:00.000-07:00

We hear from many people who want to know the store hours in Brown County and Nashville, Indiana.

From Spring through Fall, most stores are open daily from 10 a.m. till 6 p.m. Some shops open at 11 a.m. and close around 5 p.m. But, like most stores here, they often stay open later, when many visitors are in town.

If there's a special shop you're wanting to visit, you might call ahead to check their hours for the day you'll be in town. (If you can't locate their phone number, just e-mail us, and we'll find it for you.)

Restaurants in Nashville and Brown County usually stay open through the evening hours. Some of the restaurants serve breakfast and lunch, while others serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, such as the Artists Colony Inn and the Hobnob Corner Restaurant. Some stay open until 9 or 10 p.m., such as the Holy Cow Steakhouse & Grill and the Harvest Moon Pizzeria.

Coffee shops, such as Common Grounds, Daily Grind, and Muddy Boots, open around 8 a.m. Some of these serve pastries, espresso drinks, and teas, as well as coffee. Others serve breakfast and lunch, too. And some stay open until 8 or 9 p.m., while providing live music for your listening pleasure.

As with the stores, you might want to call your favorite restaurant, cafe, or coffee shop to check their hours. Again, if you need help finding a local number, simply e-mail us at info@browncountyshops.com. We're always happy to help!

Spring Blossom Parade, Nashville, Indiana

2009-05-02T17:49:00.000-07:00

Brown County's Spring Blossom Parade entertained hundreds along the streets of Nashville on Saturday, May 2. Bands, musicians, pioneers, antique vehicles, floats, horses, the Shriners, and more thrilled the crowds!

The shops and restaurants enjoyed the large crowds, as well. It was a perfectly beautiful Spring day for a Spring Blossom Parade!

For more photos of Nashville and Brown County, visit www.BrownCountyShops.com.

Nashville, Indiana, Shops and Studios

2009-05-01T13:38:00.000-07:00

The shops and studios of Nashville, Indiana, in the heart of beautiful Brown County, are once again welcoming visitors from near and far.

Storefronts are cheery, flags and ornaments are waving in the breezes, and redbuds, dogwoods, pansies, and petunias paint lovely colors throughout the charming streets.

On today's trip through Nashville, we saw displays of Brown County arts and crafts, pottery, spinning pinwheels, glassware, garden decor, antiques, leaf spirits, quilts, wind chimes, handcrafted novelties, vintage wares, paintings -- plus a log jail, an antique tractor, a horse-drawn carriage, and a mining company!

Families wearing smiles were perched on benches throughout the town, enjoying ice cream cones, sandwiches, cool drinks, and the lovely views.

Yes, Nashville is once again in full bloom! Visit our site, www.BrownCountyShops.com, and remember to e-mail us with any questions you might have. We can help locate that special item you saw in Nashville, connect you with shops and studios, or provide information on local restaurants, store hours, or parking information!

Happy browsing and shopping!