A New Loop

Art, antiques, and lavish gardens await you in Indiana this weekend on a circuit that loops from Warsaw to Etna Green, including shops, galleries, and restaurants in Silver Lake, Pierceton, North Webster, Syracuse, and Milford. Here, four scenic stops on what Hoosiers call the Lake Loop of the Art and Earth Trail. (For a complete list of the 34 stops, click here.)

1. Warsaw Biblical Gardens
   More than 100 plants specifically referenced in the Bible are spread out over the gardens including Pheasant’s Eye (lilies of the field), wormwood, Persian reeds, and rockrose. They’re all labeled by their scientific names and place mentioned in the Bible. May marks the height of the high-color season at the gardens, so expect to find a rainbow of blossoms. Guided tours are offered daily.
   GO At the corner of Canal Street and State Route 15N in Warsaw, Indiana. For more information, go to warsawbiblicalgardens.org or call 574-267-6419.
2. Warsaw Cut Glass Company
   Since 1911, artisans have been hand crafting gleaming goblets, oil lamps, vases, stemware, and one-of-a-kind crystal pieces at the Cut Glass Company, which remains in its original building and maintains the vintage machinery used in the last millennium.
   GO 505 S. Detroit St., Warsaw, Indiana. Call 574-267-6581 for a tour; for more information, go to warsaw-cutglass.com.
3. Winona Lake Fat & Skinny Tire Fest
   If you’re in the mood to pedal, consider participating in the weekend-long Fat & Skinny Tire Fest (pre-registration required). The fest kicks off with a Critical Mass ride on Friday night (May 19) from Trailhouse in Winona to Mad Anthony’s Lake City Taphouse in Warsaw. The fest continues Saturday with races, demos, and gravity-defying BMX exhibitions. Saturday features a multi-length ride—19, 39, or 65 miles—through the rural terrain of Kosciusko and Whitley Counties, with lunch after the ride at Cerulean Gardens. A less strenuous four-mile bike ride through historical Winona is scheduled at 1 and 3 p.m. on Saturday.
   GO For more information, call 574-267-7581 or go to fatandskinnytirefest.com.
4. Antique shops
   From vintage pottery to sports collectibles, the browsing is rich at Pierceton’s Village Antique Gallerie (109 N. 1st St.; 574-594-9494). While you’re in the small town, visit Blue Pearl Antiques and Art Gallery (112 N. 1st St.; 574-594-9800, bluepearlestatejewelry.com), where you’ll find sparkly accessories along with locally made sculpture, metal, and wood works. For vintage clothing and décor items (as well as hand-made soaps and candles), head for the Old General Store (221 S. Main St., North Webster; 574-834-4505).

Where to stay: The Anchor Inn Bed and Breakfast (11007 N. State Rd. 13, Syracuse; 574-457-4714) has four guestrooms overlooking expansive gardens and sits next to an 18-hole golf course. Brook Pointe Inn (4906 E. 1200 N., Bowser Rd., Syracuse; 574-457-4466, brookpointeinn.com) has 30 rooms (including several whirlpool suites), an indoor pool, all on 20 acres of forest threaded with hiking trails; rates range from $90 to $110 a night.

Where to eat: The Old Train Depot (115 E. Market St., Pierceton; 574-594-2090, theoldtraindepot.com) offers house-made soups and daily specials served in a 145-year-old refurbished train stop. Cerulean Restaurant (1101 E. Canal St., Winona Lake; 574-269-1226, ceruleanrestaurant.com specializes in Asian and Mediterranean dishes, including Japanese bento boxes and tapas.

Photograph: Courtesy of the Kosciusko County Convention & Visitors Bureau