Greencastle picked getaway 'best'

With gas prices soaring, Putnam County residents may find the best vacation spots are in our own backyard. According to the June 2007 publication of "Midwest Living" Greencastle is among the top 100 Best Small Town Getaways in the midwestern United States.

With approximately 8,500 midwest towns with populations less than 20,000, the well known magazine ranked Greencastle number 87 out of 100. Citing DePauw University and local covered bridges as attractions, the magazine also considered criteria such as vibe, scenery, walkability, shopping, dinning, lodging, art scene, outdoor activities, proximity to major cities, and special events such as festivals.

The magazine states, "It took us years to compile this list of the best places to visit, but you'll need only a weekend in any of these 100 to see why we did."

Other towns ranked from Indiana include Madison at number 4, Shipshewana at 14, Corydon at 39, Chesterton at 41, New Harmony at 61, Centerville at 66 and Seymour at 71. First place winner is Ephraim/Fish Creek, WI followed by Petoskey/Charlevoix, MI and Galena, IL in second and third place respectively.

According to city-data.com Putnam County is growing over twice as fast as the State of Indiana. And, it's no wonder with our W.W.II Buzz Bomb which is believed to be the only one on display in the US, nine covered bridges in Putnam County and 30 in nearby Parke county, great eateries, historic graveyards, local ghost stories, buffalo and elk farms, and proximity to state parks, recreation areas and nature reserves.

With over 20 years experience in visiting small towns, "Midwest Magazine" gives great advice. "When a free weekend comes along, everyone wants to use it wisely," they state. "Our list of the 100 best will guarantee you find the perfect place to escape for a little shopping, sightseeing and relaxing."