This summer, escape to Festival Country to find a fun, festive vibe, discover chef-curated menus, sip unforgettable drinks, stroll through picturesque downtowns and experience the concerts, events and festivals that make this the place to find your fun.

Here are the ingredients to create the perfect couple's getaway just south of Indy.

Eat

For breakfast or brunch, locals love the artisan pastries, fresh bowls and handmade drinks at Main & Madison Market Café; Coffeehouse Five has great drinks and breakfast sandwiches; Ann's Restaurant is beloved for its diner-style favorites; and Le Croissant French Bakery is famous for its authentic French pastries. To find all the local coffee shops, click here. 

Some of the best places for casual dining are The Willard (try the tenderloin, it's an award winner), Oaken Barrel Brewing Company (the oldest brewery in Festival Country), Antilogy, Main Street Grille, Pizza & Libations, Taxman Brewing Company, Shale Creek Pub and Vino Villa (they have live music and bocce ball on the patio). If you're feeling adventurous, check out the Festival Country Indiana Tenderloin Tasting Trail and find your favorite version of Indiana's signature sandwich.

If you're looking for something a bit more upscale where you can enjoy dishes like fresh steak and seafood, Up Cellar (which offers rooftop dining as weather permits), Mo's A Place For Steaks, Our Table American Bistro, Revery, Iozzo's on Jefferson, The Foundry Gastropub and Ten Cuts Brazilian Steakhouse are great places to visit.

When it's time to wind down with a handcrafted beverage, check out Haberdasher Artisan Distillery, SIP Cocktails on Main, SmockTown Brewery (and its upstairs speakeasy, Attic Hardware) and Planetary Brewing Company. Discover even more on the Beer, Wine & Spirits Trail.

Play

When you're in Festival Country, visiting a concert, festival or event is a must-do. Luckily, there are more than 1,000 festivals and events that take place here every year, so there is no shortage of options. This summer, there are more than 65 concerts happening throughout the area (click here for the schedule). For beer and wine fans, visit Hops & Vines in Franklin or any of the concerts or festivals at Mallow Run Winery. If art is preferred, Ethos Celebration of the Arts in Franklin is just the thing. Or, how about all three? Enjoy wine, art, music and microbrew all at once during WAMMfest in Greenwood. Car enthusiasts can enjoy a cruise-in, music and food trucks at Cruisin' the Amp in Franklin. Find the full list of events here.

Stroll through the Franklin Arts District in charming downtown Franklin and take a commemorative photo at one of the many fun murals, art installations and reimagined alleys. Artcraft Alley has colorful kites hanging overhead; Kuji Alley has Japanese lanterns overhead, a red footbridge, a cherry blossom tree, and murals; and Veterans Alley has patriotic metal vignettes honoring those who have served in the military (which look even better at night when backlit). Another favorite for couple's photos is the Happily Ever After mural at the library (401 State St., Franklin). 

While you're in Franklin, see a classic film or live event at the 1920s-era Historic Artcraft Theatre. This iconic theater is beloved by locals and visitors alike. 

There are also unique, hands-on experiences in Festival Country, like taking a sushi-making class with the chef at Yokohama Japanese Cuisine & Sushi, pouring your own candles at Woven Co. Candles, learning to craft your own pottery at WaddleWorks Pottery, trying miniature bowling at 10 Pins and going wine tasting at Mallow Run Winery.

Shop

Festival Country is also known for its local shopping scene. If you're a fan of antiques or vintage treasures, don't miss Madison Street Salvage, Vintage Whimsy, Salvage Sisters, Farm Girl Mercantile, Upstairs Basement, Take Root Country Store, Main Street Vintage and more. 

Brick Street Boutique, Brianne's Boutique, At Home with Heartland, Small Town Girl Boutique or Junction 111 are great spots for boutique shopping.

You'll also find specialty stores like Wild Geese Bookshop, Toodleydoo Toys, Middle Davids Artisan Candles, Not Just Popcorn, Etc., Upstairs Basement, Eclectic Jade and more.

Explore all the local shops here.

Stay

After a day of fun, find the perfect place to rest at a modern hotel, charming bed and breakfast or cozy cabin. Click here for all the lodging options just south of Indy.