Columbus, Indiana, is about 45 mi/75 km south of Indianapolis. The number of structures designed by famous 20th-century architects in Columbus is amazing—and unprecedented—for a town of its size.You'll find the work of I.M. Pei, Eero and Eliel Saarinen, Harry Weese and others in more than 60 public and private buildings.
For an overview of the architectural development of the city, which was sponsored in part by the Cummins Engine Foundation, stop by the Columbus Visitor Center to see the laser-disc program and displays highlighting the city's architectural history. Guided bus tours of some of the buildings, such as the inspiring North Christian Church, also begin at the visitors center. You can also take your own driving tour to see the buildings.
Columbus also offers a Seven Wonders walking tour (May-October) that features "amazing structures, unforgettable landscapes, hidden gems and large-scale public art."
In the Commons, downtown, there's a satellite gallery of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. To the north of town stands one of the state's larger outlet malls, and to the south there's an antiques mall.
Nearby Vernon, designated a National Historic District, is worth a drive to see its courthouse and antiques shops.
Just south in Commiskey, visit Stream Cliff Herb Farm, where herbs are grown in intricate quilt patterns (http://streamclifffarm.com). Be sure to include lunch, afternoon tea or a candlelit dinner in the Twigs and Sprigs Restaurant nestled in the garden. The menu changes seasonally, but constant favorites include birdseed pasta salad, dill and rosemary chicken salad, and hummingbird cake.
The Columbus area is often seen when driving between Indianapolis and Louisville, Kentucky, or as a day trip from Indianapolis.
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