Culver Staycation

GIRLFRIENDS’ GETAWAY

Culver provides the perfect backdrop and home base for a fun-filled girlfriends’ getaway! For day one, after a filling breakfast at Café Max, plan to spend the entire day shopping downtown. Culver’s colorful downtown has a plethora of unique and locally owned businesses. There are endless options to find one-of-a-kind clothing, handmade goods, art, books and unexpected finds. Enjoy lunch at one of several local restaurants such as Frida’s for Mexican cuisine and margaritas, or for classic American food during the summer – Lake Max Beach Bar and The Original Rootbeer Stand. Each year Culver hosts two annual shopping and dining events, Cupid’s Crawl during Winterfest (February 10-12) and Holiday Hop during Culver Holiday Weekend (December 1-3), with special deals and retail items. Say CHEERS as you indulge in delicious cocktails from Lucrezia or Papa’s for dinner and a night out!

Don’t forget to bring a bike! Day two begins with a walk or bike of the three Culver-area districts on the National Register of Historic Places, the trail in the Culver Park and along Main Street. For the more ambitious bikers, be sure to check out the Culver maps section on the Visitor Center website for the 12-mile route around Lake Maxinkuckee. Be sure to stop by the Culver Farmers’ Market at the Culver Park during the summer or The Culver Library during the winter from 9 am-1 pm. Later in the afternoon, channel your inner-artist at The Unintended Curator, a new art gallery located on Main Street.

FAMILY FUN

Start your visit with a morning walking tour of Culver Academies. Afterward, stroll over to The Lakehouse Grille for patio dining and more views of Lake Maxinkuckee. Plan ahead by bringing portable hammocks to the Culver Park and enjoy the afternoon relaxing and catching the breeze off the lake.

On day two, spark some creativity with the kids and book an appointment at Earthwerks Ceramic and Art. Earthwerks has an extensive selection of color palettes and professional staff that can help the most novice artist. In a short span of time and at a very affordable cost, you can create a unique and worthy piece of art which is appealing for all ages – adults included! Bourbon Street Pizza and The Original Rootbeer Stand are perfect eating locations for the kids for lunch and dinner.

Day three starts with breakfast and coffee at The Culver Coffee Company, the town’s upscale and locally-owned cafe. Next, head over to the Culver Beach to rent a kayak or stand-up paddle board, and spend the afternoon out on the lake. You can enjoy the beach at the Culver Park for an affordable daily admission. Swim, paddle, and take in the views. Once you finish, head over to Café Max for an evening meal and shopping on Main Street.

Consider renting a pontoon boat at the Culver Marina. You can’t go wrong on the lake! During winter months, plan your adventure during Winterfest, an entire weekend of winter fun with sledding, ice sculpting, a beer garden, polar plunge and much more! Don’t forget about the fall for Culver Fall Fest as well for a scarecrow competition, music, beer garden, outdoor movie, s’mores on Main Street, moonlight paddle and food vendors!

SHOP LOCAL FOR EVERY TRIP

During any type of stay, shopping on Main Street is a must! Start your shopping adventure at ONE11, offering the ultimate boutique shopping experience with gifts, home décor, and more. Next, stop in at Civvie’s, a small town urban boutique that features hand-picked clothing and accessories. The Collective at 120 is a perfect stop for unique goods from local artists, small makers, family-owned businesses, and businesses with solid values - don’t forget to say hi to the pet cats during your visit! The Culver Academies Museum and Gift Shop is home to perfect finds for some Culver Academies gear. The Garden by Elizabeth is a florist that specializes in coordinating events and curating a unique collection of artistic jewelry, candles, gifts, and more. Just walking distance from Main Street is the Culver Coffee Company where you can always find new and unique retail items here. Grab some "No Sharks" gear, fancy tea cups, specialty coffee, jams, local art, candy, or ice cream. Take a ride in a golf cart during the summer or your car because the next stop is Ace Hardware—yes, Ace! They carry lake decor and signs, lake apparel, Yeti mugs, and more! Then head to Gail’s, another great downtown shop for your “Lake Max” souvenir needs. To end your shopping journey, stop by at Maxinkuckee Board Shop at Culver Marina. They have EVERYTHING you need for an unforgettable vacation. The latest in beach fashion and swimwear, to the coolest equipment to make your time on Lake Maxinkuckee epic.

LODGING & TRANSPORTATION

Outside of driving, there are three necessary modes of transportation - biking, boating and golf carting. You can even rent a golf cart at Ringer’s Golf Carts. Be sure to call ahead and reserve a golf cart during busy weekends. Golf carting around the roads in town is a fun and convenient mode of transportation in Culver. Be sure to follow all local guidelines and rules before getting behind the wheel. Check out our online year-round Culver Event Schedule to book your visit during one of our family-oriented and unique events! And before you come, make sure you book your stay by reserving your lodging at a Resort and Bed & Breakfast or Vacation Home/Airbnb/VRBO (type in Culver, IN on Airbnb or VRBO for over 90 rental properties).