Spring for a visit to Brown County

Spring is one of the most colorful times of the year in Brown County, Indiana. The birds announce the season with their songs and nature opens its arms with magnificent flowering buds and scents. To welcome this season, Brown County is debuting a spring promotion surrounded by a variety of events: “Spring for a Visit to Brown County, Indiana.”

The Golden Egg Passport will begin March 20 and continue through May 10. The free passport offers visitors and residents the opportunity to win gift certificates, gifts, a grand prize of $500 cash, and a Brown County weekend. Shopping, dining, and spending time in Brown County is fun with the passport. Each time a purchase is made at a participating business, the passport is stamped in the amount of the purchase. There is no limit to the number of passports that can be completed and turned in, increasing the chances of winning. Passports are available online at <www.springinbrowncounty.com>, in the Visitors Center, and at participating merchants including lodging properties. During the past holiday season a similar program was initiated, over 1,400 cards were redeemed and 79 winners were chosen after the campaign ended on December 24.

The inaugural all-girls Hen Party Weekend kicks off the spring season of events March 20–22. Activities and events are planned throughout the Village of Nashville and in Brown County, themed around the best chick flick movies ever made. Friday night begins at the new Coachlight Musical Theatre with their own live cabaret version of “Life is A Cabaret” or catch “Death Bemoans Her,” a murder mystery dinner at Story Inn, followed by a “Top Gun” late night party at Mike’s Dance Barn. Saturday begins at the Season’s Lodge with “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” an all-out star studded fashion show, decorated tables, door prizes, and the perfect beverages to start off the day for the “Perfect Woman” of shopping, relaxation, hands on workshops and dining around the Village of Nashville. Saturday night choose from country music at The Little Nashville Opry featuring Gene Watson or experience a live show at Coachlight Musical Theatre featuring “Hollywood Serenade.” End the day with some surprises and pampering “Pajama Party” at Chateau Thomas Winery. Sunday’s “Golden Egg Awards” breakfast at Salt Creek Golf Retreat will be the morning of Oscars where winners will be announced and awards handed out for the various competition categories held throughout the weekend. Reservations are required for some activities and meals. Lodging specials are also available. To sign up and view complete details of the weekend, visit springinbrowncounty.com or call (800) 753-3255.

Red Carpet Extravaganza is the perfect weekend to discover what’s new in Brown County while enjoying the inaugural festival of Singers, Songwriters, and Storytellers from around Indiana. April 17–19 will feature open houses, celebrate business milestones, and provide the opportunity to discover new hidden treasures only Brown County can offer.

2nd annual Taste of Brown County will be held April 24 and 25 in conjunction with the Indiana Wine Fair at Story Inn and the Wildflower Foray at T.C. Steele State Historic Site. Brown County’s finest restaurants, candy stores, and snack shops will be offering samples of their specialty dishes Friday and Saturday. Shuttle buses will be running on Saturday from the Indiana Wine Fair to Story Inn, so guests can park once and enjoy the day of great food and great wines. Advance tickets can be purchased for both events at the Visitors Center, located at the corner of Main and Van Buren streets.

A long-standing tradition in Brown County is the Spring Blossom Parade, historically held in honor of the many apple orchards located throughout the county, celebrating their blossoms and colors. Saturday, May 2 join in the town’s annual celebration as floats, bands, and organizations continue the tradition. The Morel Mushroom Festival is a must do after the parade, head out to Brown County State Park to learn how to hunt, cook, and savor these unique delicacies.

The spring promotion ends on Mother’s Day weekend celebrating the Art Colony of the Midwest’s artists during the 2nd annual Spring Blossom Arts Festival. Over 65 Brown County and regional artists will proudly display their talent and various works of art throughout the Village of Nashville. This three-day festival will also showcase musical talent, offer live artist demonstrations, a fashion show, and the unveiling of a tree sculpture: “The Tree of Life–Brave Art for Brave Hearts” completed by seven Brown County artists. The tree will be auctioned on June 6 at the FigTree Gallery in Helmsburg. Proceeds will benefit Brave Heart burn victims.

Complete details about all Spring events, activities, and happenings in Brown County can be found by visiting <www.springinbrowncounty.com> or calling the Brown County Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 753-3255.