More to Edinburgh than Outlets

When my family moved to Columbus about a year ago, the landmark we used to give everyone directions to our new house was to get off the highway at the “outlet exit.” If you’ve ever traveled I-65 in this area, then you know what I’m referring to–the massive Edinburgh Premium Outlets just off Exit 76B in Edinburgh, Indiana. I could write an entire post about my love for these outlets and the bargains you can score… but I’ll save that for another day.

Recently, we discovered that the town of Edinburgh has a charm all its own. And since it’s just minutes away from the outlets, add it to your list of reasons to spend a day in this area of the state. Here you’ll find a quaint, yet historic village, with several little shops that you can stroll between as well as some beautifully restored homes you can admire.

Here are a couple of my favorite stops:

Not Just Popcorn, a gourmet and specialty popcorn shop located 114 E. Main Cross Street. You’ll find more than 240 flavors of popcorn in every color of the rainbow. My favorite part was the enormous variety of tins they had for storing popcorn. Since nearly every university was on display, it would make a great graduation gift. You’ll also find race car teams, professional sports teams and so much more. Call ahead and you can probably even arrange a tour of the factory.

Pepper Mill Cafe. Don’t be deceived by its tiny size. The Pepper Mill offers big flavors. It is just up the street from Not Just Popcorn (205 E. Main Cross Street). All that shopping will surely leave you hungry, and this place can deliver. While the melt-in-your mouth sandwiches and daily specials are amazing, the best is the personal service you’ll get from the friendly waitstaff (which is usually the owners themselves!)

I visited both places with my always-on-the-move 2-year-old son, so I give them both the family-friendly seal of approval.

There’s still more of Edinburgh I’d like to explore. Anything you’d recommend?