Adult’s Day Out on the HamCo Hubway

Begin your journey in the Carmel Arts & Design District along the Monon Greenway, where the brick-lined streets are filled with art galleries, design showrooms and one-of-a-kind shops. Start with brunch or coffee at Juniper on Main or Woody’s Library Restaurant, browse for unique finds at Indiana Artisan Gifts & Gallery or Silver in the City, or treat yourself to a boba-tea photo stop at Bober Tea & Mochi Dough. There’s plenty of parking around if you need it.

Once you’re energized with coffee, head south on the Monon. You’ll pass plenty of public art, some of which you can climb on and be a kid again! You’ll ride through stately neighborhoods for about 2 miles to the Monon Community Center, a state-of-the-art facility nestled in the 160-acre Central Park. You can enjoy the restored lakes and prairies of the park or jump into the Community Center, which offers an indoor gym, fitness center with daily group fitness classes, and an indoor pool. There’s also restrooms and a chance to cool off (or warm up) before continuing.

From the Community Center, ride down the Monon to 106th Street where you’ll pick up The 106 trail east to Hazel Landing Park (a total distance of about 4.5 miles). Here the White River opens up, with shaded trails and grassy space for a relaxed pause — a good scenic break before shifting toward Fishers. This park has a popular 18-hole disc golf course if that’s your thing, and you can also access the river. After taking in the scenery you’ll get back on The 106 and cross the new Bur Oak Bridge where you can pause and, if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of a bald eagle or great blue heron over the water. The bridge connects to Fishers Heritage Park at White River where you’ll pass by the historic Ambassador House.

Keep going another 5 miles on The 106 to the Nickel Plate District in Fishers where you’ll meet the Nickel Plate Trail. Here, you’ll meet real downtown energy and great food. Grab craft beer at Four Day Ray Brewing, lunch at Café Patachou, decadent macarons at Le Macaron French Pastries or indulge at Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream while spotting the Greetings from Fishers mural nearby.

After enjoying the downtown vibe, ride north around 3.5 miles to connect with the Midland Trace Trail. If you’re up for a small detour, take the White River Greenway into downtown Noblesville where you’ll find the Noblesville Cultural Arts District around the historic courthouse square. Wander around this slice of Americana and its historic storefronts, pop in to boutique shops or enjoy a relaxed meal in the downtown area — the kind of stop that lets you breathe before your finish. There’s also the Noblesville Creates community arts hub.

Otherwise, keep going on the Midland Trace rail-trail about 4 miles west to Grand Junction Plaza in Westfield, a modern park with an amphitheater, fountains and a row of trendy restaurants that provide a perfect wrap-up to your ride. Choose Italian House on Park for dinner, or keep it casual with pizza at Greek’s Pizzeria or sushi at Chiba Indy, and maybe a final coffee or treat at Rivet Coffee Bar & Roastery. There’s also a seasonal farmers market nearby on Thursdays.

When you’re done, keep going west until you hit the Monon, which you’ll take south to get back to Carmel where you started.

In total, you’re looking at roughly 26 miles of HamCo Hubway experience — combining art, nature, food and drink in a seamless journey across Hamilton County’s trail network.