I moved to Huntington in 2006 as a college freshman at Huntington University. Little did I know that I would fall in love with my small, quirky college town and decide to pursue employment there when I graduated in 2010. Now, 11 years later, my family and I are proud members of the Huntington community. Danielle Shafer moved to Huntington in 2006 as a college freshman at Huntington University.

When most people think about Huntington County, well-known businesses like Antiqology, Joseph Dequis, Nick’s Kitchen, and Two EE’s Winery probably come to mind. (And for good reason!) But for the purposes of this story, I wanted to highlight 10 things to eat, see, and do in my hometown that people in Northeast Indiana might not be as familiar with. 

I’m a stay-at-home mom for three little people, married to my college sweetheart, and we do a lot together as a family. So I wanted to create a list of our favorite places to visit and interesting things we’ve discovered here. 

I hope you enjoy this small town community as much as I do!



Eat

1. Bask in the hometown comforts of Markle’s Pancake House. 

Markle’s Pancake House has a large menu with low prices and generous portions.

Looking for a restaurant that offers breakfast all day? Markle’s Pancake House at 165 N. Clark St. is the place to go! They offer a large menu with low prices and generous portions. Plus, if you can’t decide between a savory or sweet breakfast, you don’t have to! This hometown diner offers the option of pancakes or toast with your meal. My kids love the Mickey Mouse pancake, and you can explore some unique breakfast items, such as the gyro omelet. 

During our most recent visit, when I was brave (or maybe crazy) enough to venture out alone with my three children, someone paid for our meal. Nothing beats that good ol’ Midwest generosity. 
 

2. Enjoy street tacos at Chava’s Mexican Grill—or an authentic Philly cheesesteak at Taste of Philly.

If you enjoy Mexican food, you can’t go wrong with Chava’s Mexican Grill.

If you enjoy Mexican food, you can’t go wrong with Chava’s Mexican Grill. Located at 102 Frontage Rd. in Huntington, this family-owned restaurant offers some amazing daily specials to satisfy any appetite. Years ago, when I had street tacos for the first time, I fell in love. Two corn tortillas, meat, cilantro, and onion makes for the perfect taco. But, I had to travel to Fort Wayne to enjoy such delicious cuisine. That’s until Chava’s came to Huntington. 

I was truly over-the-moon to discover street tacos on their menu! As an added bonus, you can get their amazing street tacos for just $1.50 on Fridays. My brother-in-law, who lives in Northwest, Ohio, is adamant that we dine at Chavas every time he visits. He says they are the “best tacos” he’s ever had! 

Insider tip: Don’t prefer street tacos? Hit up Chava’s on Tuesdays for their classic $1 tacos. You can also get an order of arroz con pollo (rice with chicken and cheese) for $5 if ordered between 3-6 p.m. any day of the week. It’s my 2-year-old’s favorite. 

If you’re looking for more lunch options, try Taste of Philly on Hwy 24 in Roanoke at 4227 E. Station Rd.

Taste of Philly gets their bread and meat is shipped in from the East coast.

My husband and I discovered this spot years ago and have always been so pleased with our experience. Although I’ve never been to Philadelphia to experience a true Philly cheesesteak sandwich, I’m confident that it can’t get much better than what I’ve eaten right here in Huntington County. 

Not only are the owners transplants from the Philadelphia area, but their bread and meat is shipped in from the East coast. And so are the fries! Fresh cut every day. I like to get my sandwich loaded with mayo, cheese, banana peppers, and jalapenos. Everything is so, so tasty. The bread is chewy, and the flavor combination is simply perfect. If cheesesteaks aren’t your thing, be sure to check out their case of deli meat and cheese! 

Insider tip: You can get a 6” cheesesteak and small fry for $6 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.! 
 

3. Treat yourself to drinks at the Copper Still.

The Copper Still is a classy 21-and-up establishment offering whiskey flights, cocktails, wine, and more.

Interested in grabbing a drink with friends or having a kid-free date night? The Copper Still is the place to go. Located at 165 S. Main St. in Roanoke, this classy 21-and-up establishment offers whiskey flights, cocktails, wine, and more. If you’re interested in more than just drinks, be sure to check out their line-up of charcuterie boards. I’ve tried nearly all of them and have loved every one! 

The Copper Still offers comfortable indoor dining and charming outdoor dining on their year-round patio. I visited The Copper Still a couple times while pregnant and was pleased to find a list of “mocktails” on their menu. There is truly something for everyone! 
 

4. Tour and taste fine Italian cheeses (made in Northeast Indiana) at Golfo di Napoli.

A 4 oz. ball of mozzarella at the Golfo Di Napoli Dairy Caffè.

If you’re in the mood for Italian food or ingredients for your next dinner party, check out Golfo di Napoli. When I heard that an Italian dairy was coming to Huntington County, I could hardly believe it. How lucky are we to have an amazing cheese factory right here? 

Golfo di Napoli is located in Warren on State Rte 5 at 7916 S. Warren Rd. It’s easy to forget that you’re in rural Indiana when you’re there. The building is beautifully decorated, and they offer wonderful indoor and outdoor seating. I was lucky enough to take a tour of the factory back in 2019, and it was so interesting to learn about the cheese-making process. 

Golfo di Napoli offers a wonderful menu full of charcuterie boards, paninis, pizzas, gelato and more. How cool to know that the mozzarella, ricotta, or provolone on your pizza or sandwich is made right here in Northeast Indiana?
 

5. Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Party Shop and Little Sweet Spot.

Little Sweet Spot opened in downtown Huntington in 2019.

I have a major sweet tooth, so I feel lucky to have not one, but two candy shops right here in Huntington! Both are located downtown. The Party Shop and Little Sweet Spot are great places to visit if you enjoy sweet treats. 

The Party Shop at 413 N. Jefferson St. is a Huntington favorite that has been around since 1920.

The Party Shop is a Huntington favorite that has been around since 1920.

Homemade chocolate turtles, freshly popped caramel corn, and creamy milkshakes are just a few of the delicious options to choose from. But dessert isn’t the only thing they offer! The Party Shop also serves all of your favorite coffee and espresso drinks. If you’re like me and don’t prefer coffee, be sure to try their chai! As an added bonus: The owner, Lynette, may just be the nicest person you’ve ever met. 

Insider tip: If you become regulars (like my family), you can open a tab! 

If chocolate isn’t your thing, be sure to check out Little Sweet Spot! This bright and colorful candy shop opened in downtown Huntington at 321 N. Jefferson St. in 2019. When you walk inside you can’t help but notice the giant gumball machine, vast collection of cotton candy flavors, and the wall of Jelly Belly jelly beans. They also offer an extensive assortment of saltwater taffy, gummies, suckers, and more.

Little Sweet Spot opened in downtown Huntington in 2019. 

My kids affectionately refer to Little Sweet Spot as the “new candy store” and are always thrilled to make a visit. 

See

6. Celebrate the arts with a tour of Huntington County murals.

The Ice Cream Vault on Main Street in Andrews features a mural of a Farmyard Hoedown by Bryan Ballinger.

Fort Wayne isn’t the only city with murals! Here in Huntington County, you can find murals in Huntington, Warren, and Andrews--with more murals on the way in Roanoke and Markle later this year. 

Grab your family or friends, and explore Huntington County by touring the area’s public art. Huntington was the hometown of Dan Quayle, 44th Vice President of the United States. Thus, you will find a beautiful quail mural on Market Street painted by America Carillo. You can also find an incredible sloth mural in the children’s section of the Huntington City-Township Public Library painted by Bryan Ballinger. 

My favorite Huntington County mural can be found on Main Street in Andrews. Painted on the side of The Ice Cream Vault at 63 N. Main St., Bryan Ballinger’s Farmyard Hoedown gives an ode to good ol’ rural Indiana. 

While visiting the mural, be sure to grab some ice cream, too! The Ice Cream Vault carries ice cream from Good’s Candy Shop in Anderson, Indiana, and it is GOOD! During our most recent visit, my son and I shared the lemon ice cream. It was unbelievably creamy and the perfect balance of tart and sweet. 

If you know an elementary student in Huntington County, you might even find their artwork hanging on the wall! The Ice Cream Vault was recently named one of the best ice cream shops in Indiana by onlyinyourstate.com.
 

7. Embrace the changing seasons with a hike at Forks of the Wabash. 

Forks of the Wabash in Huntington features several historic buildings, a paved trail, and an incredible suspension bridge.

One of my very favorite places to spend time with my family is Forks of the Wabash in Huntington at 3011 W. Park Dr. This park features several historic buildings, a paved trail, and an incredible suspension bridge. While it’s a popular field trip spot for local elementary schools, my family simply enjoys visiting for a chance to move our bodies and spend time outside. It’s a beautiful park located on the Wabash River, so it’s not uncommon to see photographers on site. 

Load up your bikes, scooters, strollers, or whatever you might need to enjoy a nice stroll through the park any season of the year (even winter!). A highlight for my kids last summer was finding a baby turtle! And a personal highlight for me was the Splash on the Wabash event that happens every summer. Grab some friends, rent an innertube, and spend 90 minutes floating down the river. It was a blast! 

Do

8. Explore the county through a round of disc golf.

There are five courses in Huntington County.

One of my husband’s favorite pastimes is disc golf. It’s an amazing sport for people of all ages, and we are lucky enough to have five courses right here in Huntington County. 

My husband was introduced to the sport through a nine-hole course on Huntington University's campus. But his most-played course includes 18-holes at Memorial Park in Huntington. Every Tuesday evening, from April through October, the Huntington County Disc Golf League competes at the various county courses. 

Whether you are a disc golf lover, or trying the sport for the first time, be sure to check out the courses at Evergreen Park in Huntington, Tower Park in Warren, and The Wildcat in Markle. 
 

9. Make memories at Drake Goetz Memorial Park.

Drake Goetz Memorial Park has giant slides, opportunities to climb, and a smaller playground to accommodate the toddlers in your life.

One great addition to Huntington County in 2020 was Drake Goetz Memorial Park. Located next to Union Church at 4082 N. 350 E., this park is absolutely spectacular. The park offers giant slides, opportunities to climb, and a smaller playground to accommodate the toddlers in your life. 

Drake Goetz Memorial Park has giant slides, opportunities to climb, and a smaller playground to accommodate the toddlers in your life.

One of my favorite features of the park is the soft turf ground. It’s truly one of the nicest playgrounds I’ve ever been to, and I’m so grateful to have it right here in Huntington County. The park also offers a pickleball court, basketball court, soccer field, and walking track! It is truly a park for the whole family. 
 

10. Expand your game collection with a visit to TCB Games. 

TCB games is located in downtown Huntington and carries console games, board games, and card games.

I was pretty uninterested in strategy games until I was introduced to Settlers of Catan in college. I’ve never looked back! 

My husband and I are big gamers and have a closet full of our favorite strategy games. So we feel so lucky to have an amazing game store right here in Huntington. TCB Games is located in downtown Huntington at 44 E. Park Dr. and carries console games, board games, and card games. But, if games aren’t your thing, you can also find a collection of disc golf frisbees, comic books, movies, and more. The Pokemon stuffies are my son’s favorite part of the store. If you are a Magic the Gathering fan, be sure to check out TCB Games on Fridays at 7:30 p.m.! 

Insider tip: Coming soon to TCB Games is Bear & Beak Bakery. Located in the lower level, Bear & Beak will offer delicious cupcakes, cake by the slice, cookies, cinnamon rolls, and more!