Depot Historic District
If you are ready to sample what Indiana offers off the interstate, get your Wayne County travel plans ready for one of Indiana’s best-kept secrets – Richmond, IN.
Wayne County Travel Plans
Richmond, Wayne County’s largest city, is the “Birthplace of Recorded Jazz,” and the city’s musical significance is commemorated by the Gennett Records Walk of Fame. Louis Armstrong, Gene Autry, Hoagy Carmichael, Jelly Roll Morton and Duke Ellington are a sampling of the early American musicians that recorded in Richmond. The walk is part of the Whitewater Gorge Trail and memorializes 35 Gennett Records legends.
Richmond’s Depot District
Richmond’s Depot District is home to local shops and eateries. This charming area of the city, which once housed one of the Midwest’s busiest railroad depots, is a textbook example of urban renewal. Visitors can take a carefree afternoon stroll through the district; ducking into bookstores, antique shops, specialty boutiques and the Ford Model T Museum. Richmond’s musical heritage is once again on display at Firehouse BBQ and Blues.
This restaurant, locally-owned by firemen, often features national blues acts and is housed in a carefully restored firehouse that dates back to 1860. Firehouse is a “can’t miss,” as is nearby Ghyslain Chocolatier. An artistic delight, Ghyslain’s desserts are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Vicki Vardaman – Levi Coffin House
Levi Coffin House
When considering the history of Wayne County, few places can match the impact and importance of the Levi Coffin House. “Grand Central Station” for the Underground Railroad, the house is the meticulously preserved nineteenth century home of Levi Coffin, the great Quaker abolitionist. Today’s visitors follow the footsteps of the more than 2,000 fugitive slaves who were protected on their journey to freedom. With work currently underway for a new interpretive center and museum, the Levi Coffin House was selected by The History Channel as one of the twenty five most historic sites in the United States.
Wayne County is also the perfect destination for antique hunters. Over 1,200 antique dealers are represented on the two convenient loop trails that comprise Antique Alley. Cambridge City is at the hub with twelve antique shops and malls within a three-block area of Main Street. Antique Alley was one of the destinations cited by Best of the Midwest magazine in spotlighting Richmond and Wayne County as a great weekend getaway.
Veach’s Toy Station
With a bevy of options, including a chocolate trail, Warm Glow Candle Store and nationally-known Veach’s Toy Station, Wayne County is a day-tripper’s dream. Heritage and music, a revitalized historic district, chocolate and antiques await travelers who exit the highway and are ready to experience Wayne County’s fantastic destinations. Richmond and Wayne County have embraced their cultural and artistic heritage and the resulting renaissance is a benefit to travelers and residents alike. For more information and to plan your Wayne County trip, log on to www.VisitRichmond.org.
Find Out More:
Indiana Office of Tourism Development
One North Capitol, Suite 600
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2288
VisitIN@VisitIndiana.com
(800) 677-9800
@VisitIndiana
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