Welcome to Hendricks County, Indiana!

We learned about lovely Hendricks County, Indiana at a meeting for travel professionals so, when our 40th anniversary rolled around, it was easy to decide to take a few nights in this charming area. We really knew nothing about the area so just put the address of the Visitor’s Center in our map gizmo and let it take us right there. We drove right into downtown quiet Danville to the Mayberry Cafe, named for the famous Andy Griffith show, to meet up with Josh Duke from the local visitor’s center, who we worked with when planning our trip. Anyone who loves this famous show will be familiar with the restaurant name and the many different, mouth-watering items on their menu. Parked in front of the restaurant is a police car, much like you would see when watching the show.

We have watched the show over the years and it was kind of thrilling to eat someplace that had Mayberry in the name. We went inside and settled in the waiting area, waiting for Josh who appeared shortly and escorted us to a table. Josh recommended some items from the menu and we were tempted by their famous chicken strips but he let us know we would be having chicken strips at the race track that night where we would learn about one of the most famous tourist draws in the area, The Lucas Oil Raceway. Our lunch was served quickly and time flew as Josh told us about the area and what we should see.

Lunch at The Mayberry Cafe

Josh had information to give us and, after we finished our lunch, we headed out to stroll around the area and check out the downtown where there are plenty of shops and restaurants. First, we headed to the Sheriff’s Residence and Jail which had been renovated.

Sign on Sheriff’s Residence and Jail

On our stroll through town, we found renovated areas, including an original movie theater and small shops, etc.

Original movie theatre

Sheriff’s House and Jail

The sheriff’s house and jail had been renovated and filled with fascinating items, many of which were donated by townspeople who had lived in the area for years. First, we checked out the kitchen which was filled with period furniture and interesting items from the time period.

Kitchen appliances and other items

Kitchen in Sheriff’s House

Then we wandered down the hall to the living room and other parts of the house.

Table set in dining room

We wanted to head upstairs but first went down to the jails, which were small and didn’t look too comfortable to spend much time in!

Jail and clothes for prisoners

We popped into one of the bathrooms – and were amazed at the heat!

Bathroom

Then we checked out the bedrooms. The master bedroom had a fairly nice size, double bed.

Double bed in Master Bedroom

There were clothes of the time period hung up.

Women’s Clothes of the time period

The kids bedrooms had lots of toys and looked very comfortable.

Beautiful dollhouse

There was plenty of furniture from the time period in all the rooms, both upstairs and downstairs.

Desk in the Living Room

It was easy to visualize people living in this house and dealing with the prisoners in the basement. OK, now it was time to get checked into our hotel and get ready to see the Lucas Oil Raceway. Can’t wait!

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