Greenfield, Indiana

James Whitcomb Riley, the Indiana Poet, was born and raised in Greenfield, Indiana. It is apparent that Greenfield loves JW Riley. You see the Riley name over and over again through town.

His home is now the "James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home and available for tours -- showcasing the way the home looked when Riley was in residence. The adjecent home, the Mitchell Home, is now the James Whitcomb Riley Museum boasting a gift shop and the history of the famous Hoosier poet.

During the first, full weekend in October, Greenfield pays homage to its' favorite son with the Riley Festival. Each year, the theme based on one of Riley's poems -- for 2012 the 43rd annual festival theme is "Bear Story" and will be held October 4th - 7th.

The festival brings thousands of visitors to Greenfield to enjoy one of the largest festivals in Indiana.  It features crafts, live music, festival foods, tours, parades, flea markets and so much more. 

In keeping with the history of american school children sending donations to build the JW Riley statue that sits on the courthouse lawn, the festival is kicked off with Greenfield school children parading to the statue with flowers to lay at its base. 

image: Pollinator

Shopping in Greenfield gives a bevy of opportunity. From the North, as soon as you cross Interstate 70 on State Road 9, the beginning of the businesses jump into site. The variety is sure to please just about anyone! This stretch is home to large discount stores, chain stores, home improvement stores, grocery stores and some specialty stores (as well as tons of restaurants), including:

• Greenfield is home to the nation's largest, single retail Hallmark store (25,000 sq ft)  -- Cynthia's Hallmark -- located on State Road Nine in a shopping mall. 

Continuing South on State Road 9 at the intersection of the National Road (US 40) you arrive in Downtown Greenfield. The courthouse watches over the downtown businesses and activity as it has since 1876. 

Antique stores like the JW Riley Emporium and Red Ribbon Antiques make there home here. A Touch of Home and Hometown Comics offer decor and collectibles to the public. Moxie's Chocolates  & Cakes is a specialty bakery offering a wide variety of confections or custom creations. 

Restaurants include The Lincoln Square Pancake House and SoupHerb where you can leisurely eat while enjoying the downtown sites and stores.  

Image Credits- Carey D., Cynthia's Hallmark

Mandee Sears, J.W. Riley Emporium Antiques

Greenfield is a combination of a bustling city, a sleepy town and proud citizens offering smiles and hellos -- a perfect example of the Mid-West and Hoosier Hospitality. If you get an opportunity to visit, do it! You will enjoy all that Greenfield has to offer. If possible, plan your visit around the Riley Festival and you won't be sorry! 

See you in Greenfield!