Book Now

Planning Your Getaway

Booking a getaway at Cabin Porch Paradise can be customized to your trip style.  Whether you are seeking outdoor adventure, live music & restaurants, quite time recharging, celebrating that special occasion or hitting an IU game.  I'm delighted to assist in making your vacation a success.  I've put together a complete guide to the area with activities, restaurants, nearby attractions and anything that may be of interest.  I hope you enjoy my recommendations.  Please feel free to ask for help or if you have any questions.   Your host ~ Melanie


Restaurants & Cafés

  • The Porthole Inn  https://www.facebook.com/profi...Located on Lake Lemon, South Shore Drive.  Known for the Catfish! Full service menu, bar, family dining, live entertainment.  The best cocktails my favorite is the Lake Lemon Drop Martini! 
  • Brozinni's Pizzaria  https://www.brozinnis.com/Best pizza in town, serving Italian dishes, beer & wine.  Covered outdoor dining, lunchtime pizza by the slice.  The best is you like a New York style, my favorite is 34th street!  Yummy garlic, basil, & ricotta.. Say hello to Georgia.  
  • The Bird's Nest Cafe  https://birdsnest.cafe/Eclectic café style serving a variety of dishes including breakfast and the best quiche ever.  
  • Hobnob Corner  https://www.hobnobcornerrestau...Breakfast, lunch & dinner.  Wide variety of delicious food, family owned and operated with an in-house chef Eric Cole.

Parks & State Forests

My Favorite Hiking Trails & Nature Preserves

Rock shelter has very interesting rock cliff formations, with a stream running in the valley.  One of my favorite hikes.  Steep, stairs, & rugged.  

Low Gap Back Country Parking area is a fantastic area to hiking entrance.  Any of the above trails connect here and can be accessed.  Head east over the bridge to view beautiful spring wildflowers, crossing several creeks, winding through a pine forest absolutely a magical hike!   https://goo.gl/maps/ogHkdJ6d66...

Trevlac Bluffs is close to the cabin and a beautiful sight of Hemlock trees cascading the cliffs with a fantastic winter view of the area.  The trail extends into Yellowwood across Dolsberry Lane for the adventurers.  Be sure to Park off of Old state Road 45 for the Bluff view over Bean Blossom Creek!  https://sycamorelandtrust.org/...

Laura Hare Nature Preserves is a fantastic loop trail just under 5 miles located near Gnawbone & Nashville.  https://sycamorelandtrust.org/...

Bean Blossom Bottoms Nature Preserve is a little out of the way, it's well worth the time for water fowl and bird lovers!  Easily navigated with boardwalks and viewing areas.   https://sycamorelandtrust.org/...

Hitz-Rhodehamel Woods is near the cabin just outside of Bean Blossom near the overlook.  Perfect hike loop divided by the road, 1 mile & 2 miles.  I've hiked it several times and would say it's further than listed!  https://www.nature.org/en-us/g...

Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries

The wineries are minutes from the cabin and if you like wine why not tour my favorite spots away from Nashville and off the beaten path.  They all serve charcuterie items such as cheeses, crackers, and snacks to accompany the wines.  Or plan to stop at Cedar Creek for a meal!

    Fantastic experience when visiting Oliver, try one of their many wines, book a guided tour, arrange a picnic or simply stroll the lovely garden's with a glass of wine!  A win all the way around.  

    Serving local goat cheese, olives, sweets & crackers.  

    • Cedar Creek Winery Brewery & Distillery  https://cedarcreekbrewingco.co...                                                             

    Live music venues & restaurant at the Martinsville location.  

    Nashville tasting room  https://www.facebook.com/cedar...

    Best Moonshine Mojito ever!  Makers of moonshine, the famous Hoosier Hooch & bourbon!  Located in Gnawbone.

    Full service venue from live music, events, tours, restaurant, and spirits.  The Gin is to die for!  Try one of their amazing cocktails, walk the grounds and the scenery.

    Visit either the Bloomington or Columbus location for a full service restaurant or beer.  Enjoy a cold brew or a flight sampler.  I'm a big IPA fan and this is my go to is Dragonfly.

    Points of Interest & Local Flair

    Reserve a pontoon, kayak or paddleboard!  Take a ride around the lake, visit the Porthole Inn and enjoy the lazy days of summer on the water.  Kayaking can be an adventure sure to please bird lovers.  Experience nature with views of The American Balk Eagle nesting, cranes, swans, snow geese, & many species of water fowl.  Explore the South shores of "Little Africa"  known for bird diversity and a prominent migratory area.

    Yoga enthusiasts be sure to join a class -SUP or Yoga shoreside with https://underthiswildmoon.com/... As well check out her facebook page for other classes and events in the area.  https://www.facebook.com/under...

    Join Local Yoga & fitness instructor Erika Weddle in one of many options in-studio, SUP Yellowwood Lake, or a personal session.  https://www.simplyfitnessyoga....

    Visit one of the many local artisans live in their studios for an adventurous day driving the back roads of Brown County.  This is definitely a "MUST DO" in the month of October.  https://bcstudiotour.com/

      Catering, meals & special occasions 

      Looking for a special meal prepared on-site by a personal chef?  Or have a meal delivered to the cabin.  Check out Bonafide Bites Catering menu for vacation rentals and take the hassle of planning meals for your getaway.  https://www.bonafidebites.com/...