Hancock County, Indiana – located just east of Indianapolis is one of the last bastions in central Indiana for small town life, but still next to the big city. While the rest of the donut counties around Indy have become bustling meccas of chain restaurants, traffic, and lots of people, Hancock County has remained relatively untouched by the overflow of Indiana’s capitol city. Greenfield, the county seat of Hancock County, has just a little over 25,000 residents, while the surrounding communities of Fortville, McCordsville, New Palestine, Shirley and Wilkinson are even smaller. Here in Hancock County, you will still see farmland, locally owned restaurants, and quaint neighborhood shops. However, the communities manage to host some impressive events and offer some unique attractions. 

Hancock County has dedicated itself to health and is working on establishing a county wide trail system. The annual Flat 50 Bike Ride saw over 1,000 participants last year, and a new Hancock Half Marathon and 5K will premiere this summer. These events allow the participants to really take in the beauty and small-town charm of Hancock County by walking, running, or biking through the communities and countryside. 

However, as a historically agricultural area, Hancock County’s communities are known for presenting some home grown and home made fare that is top notch. There are over 80 locally owned restaurants in Hancock County, and several that feature farm to table foods. Tuttle Orchards in Greenfield not only has a farm store and farm experience, but they also have a wonderful café. For the over 21 crowd, you can visit Griggsby’s Station in Greenfield which features farm to table foods. You can sample locally grown wines at Daniel’s Vineyard in McCordsville, and at Wooden Bear Brewing Company you can sample locally made ales, beers, and ciders. 

Hancock County is also the place to have fun. Depot Street Park features an amphitheater that attracts a variety of bands for a summer concert series. Fortville, and New Palestine also host summer concerts in their parks as well. Festivals and fairs are plentiful throughout Hancock County with the Riley Festival in the fall being the largest craft festival in the state. 

Of course, shopping is another pastime that many find fun. Greenfield’s Cynthia’s Hallmark is the largest Hallmark shop in the world. However, there are several smaller boutiques and antique shops, in all of Hancock County’s communities. Some like the Gilded Nest, feature locally made items.

A visit to the James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home and Museum will bring everything to full circle as you learn about the Hoosier Poet, and why he said, “Greenfield is your town, your parent’s town, and the best place this side of heaven.”