Located at the junction of the Big Blue and Flatrock rivers, Edinburgh is a peaceful town just south of Indianapolis. It was settled by a Virginian of Scottish descent in the early 19th century and is believed to have been named after the Scottish capital, Edinburgh.
Things to do in Edinburgh
Spend an afternoon strolling the streets of Downtown Edinburgh, which are lined with homewares stores, a florist and a barbershop that’s been serving the local community since 1942. Once you’ve built up an appetite, you can grab a bite to eat at El Jefe Mexican or Peking Chinese, followed by a sweet treat from Not Just Popcorn.
The Edinburgh Commercial Historic District is clustered with buildings dating back to the mid-19th to mid-20th centuries and features impressive examples of Italianate and Classical Revival styles. A highlight is the Pixy Theatre, which was originally constructed in 1907 for use as a masonic lodge. It was renovated in 2008 and now hosts live music performances most weekends and film screenings throughout the year.
Coincide your visit with a Thursday to attend the weekly Edinburgh Farmers Market, which takes place adjacent to the Community Center. In addition to locally-grown produce, baked goods and handmade products, there are always several food trucks serving cuisine from around the globe. If you’re travelling with kids, it’s just a short stroll from the market to the children’s playground in Irwin Park, a leafy recreational area on the banks of the Big Blue River.
Getting around Edinburgh
Edinburgh is around 35 minutes’ drive from the centre of Indianapolis and 40 minutes from Indianapolis International Airport, which has flights to destinations across North America. Downtown Edinburgh is compact enough to explore on foot, although having your own vehicle is best for visiting the surrounding area.