When winter hits, the best weekend getaways are the ones where you can stay warm indoors and still feel like you experienced something special.
This itinerary gives you a taste of local attractions, cozy restaurants, and a few easy outdoor strolls.
Stay: Courtyard by Marriott Muncie Downtown
Check into the Courtyard by Marriott Muncie Downtown, located right next to the Horizon Convention Center. This modern hotel puts you close to downtown dining and attractions while giving you everything you want after a long drive: warm rooms, comfortable beds, easy parking, and amenities to keep you entertained indoors, including an indoor pool, hot tub, and fitness center. Cozy and convenient, it’s a home base you’ll look forward to coming back to each evening.
Friday Night: Dinner & Drinks
After check-in, start your weekend off with some good food and drinks.
1925 PubHouse
1925 PubHouse in downtown Muncie offers a relaxed, upscale pub atmosphere with craft cocktails, local brews, and hearty comfort food. Conveniently connected to the Courtyard by Marriott Muncie Downtown, it’s an easy, inviting spot to grab a bite or unwind with a drink.
A local favorite for elevated comfort food, Vera Mae’s Bistro offers a welcoming atmosphere and a menu that works just as well for families as it does for a relaxed date night. In addition to thoughtfully prepared dishes, Vera Mae’s is known for its standout bar and creative cocktails, making it a great place to ease into the weekend without needing to head anywhere else.
If you’re 21+ and in the mood to keep the night going, The Heorot is just a couple of doors down. This local bar is known for its massive tap list featuring beers from all over the world, so there’s almost always something new to try. It’s also home to Bruce’s Pizza, serving some of the best pick-your-own topping pizzas in town, round or square. With its cozy, lived-in feel, you should definitely stop by and stay warm and toasty next to their fireplace.
Saturday Morning: Reset
Breakfast: Café at the Crossing
Saturday morning calls for brunch at Café at the Crossing. Whether you’re up with the sun or taking it slow, the diner serves up hearty breakfast sandwiches, hot coffee, and classic favorites that are perfect on a cold day. Surrounded by touches of greenery, refuel and relax before your day of indoor fun begins. Located less than a 10 minute drive from downtown Muncie.
Saturday Afternoon: Indoor Exploration
After breakfast, spend the morning and afternoon enjoying some of Muncie’s best indoor attractions, perfect for cold or snowy days.
Family Fun: Muncie Children’s Museum
If you’re traveling with kids, the Muncie Children’s Museum is an easy win. This indoor museum is packed with interactive exhibits that spark curiosity and creativity. Kids can dive into pretend play, experiment at hands-on learning stations, and explore at their own pace while parents stay warm and relaxed.
Shopping: Downtown Muncie
If the weather cooperates, you can bundle up and take a short stroll downtown to visit a few spots. Spend the afternoon browsing at some of downtown Muncie’s locally owned shops, like:
- Hoosier Made – A curated shop featuring Indiana-made gifts, home goods, apparel, and locally crafted items that make easy souvenirs or thoughtful presents.
- Ink Drinkers Anonymous – A small, cozy bookstore offering books for every taste, and even a few gifts for your favorite bookworm.
- Heidi J Hale Designs + Details – A jewelry studio specializing in hand-crafted pieces, including rings, necklaces, and personalized designs that blend modern style with thoughtful detail.
- Ivy Rose Boutique – A women’s boutique offering stylish, easy-to-wear clothing, accessories, and seasonal finds, with a focus on comfortable pieces that feel current and versatile.
Too chilly to walk around? You can still enjoy downtown without braving the cold.
Get Artsy at Made in Muncie
Head indoors at Made in Muncie to paint pottery. Choose a piece from decor, mugs, plates, figurines, and more, pick your paints, and enjoy a creative break from the winter weather. Finished pieces are ready in 5–7 days, and shipping is available if you’d rather have your creation sent straight to you.
Saturday Evening: A Night Out on the Town
Wrap up your Saturday with an evening that keeps you entertained.
Stargazing Indoors: Charles W. Brown Planetarium
Did you know Delaware County is home to Indiana’s largest planetarium? Ball State University’s Charles W. Brown Planetarium is a sight to see, plus shows are free and fully indoors, offering a relaxing and fascinating way to end the day. (Just check the schedule in advance!)
Live Theatre: Muncie Civic Theatre
Catch a live performance at Muncie Civic Theatre, a longtime local venue known for fantastic community theatre. Seasonal favorites like Miracle on 34th Street and Groundhog Day, along with Broadway musicals like Hairspray, take center stage here. Every show is a great option for families with an amazing cast of local talent who live and breathe their roles.
Late-Night Pizza & Pints: The Guardian Brewing Company
Cap off your night with pizza and a brew, cider, or wine from local Tonne Winery. Located downtown, it’s less than a minute from the theater. Enjoy unique pizza concoctions like the Crust Punk Deluxe, Purple Hippo, or even build your own. Play a game of pool or watch sports on the big screen while you wait.
Sunday Morning: Brunch Before You Go
After checking out of the hotel, ease into your final morning with a relaxed brunch stop.
The Cup
Just a short drive from downtown, The Cup is located in the heart of The Village on Ball State’s campus. Grab a warm cup of coffee and a light breakfast, then take your time waking up before the drive home. It’s an easy, cozy way to wrap up a winter weekend without feeling rushed.
If the weather isn’t too harsh, you can pop into a few nearby Village shops while you’re there, like Locked Groove Records, The Little Snack Shop, or Well Made Vintage. Or, if you’re looking to take in the sights, enjoy a stroll through Ball State University’s beautiful campus. The historic architecture and statues set against century-old oak trees is a site worth donning all your winter gear for!
Find Fun in Delaware County Year-Round
Winter weekends don’t have to mean staying cooped up or freezing just to find something fun to do. Delaware County makes it easy to enjoy a getaway that’s equal parts relaxing and memorable. Ready to plan your own itinerary? Check the calendar of events and see everything Delaware County has to offer during your visit.
