The Most Charming College Town In Indiana Is Home To Delicious Dining, Shopping, And More
By Tori Jane|Published August 29, 2023
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Tori Jane
Author
Tori Jane is a storm chaser, writer, photographer, and the village idiot - in that order. When she's not out and about dancing with the meanest storms on planet Earth for funsies she can be found wandering, shooting landscapes, writing, editing photos, and otherwise up to no good. Legend has it that she can also be occasionally spotted typing up short bios in the third person, but those rumors are unsubstantiated.
If you’ve been reading our articles for any period of time, you’ve probably figured out by now that we here at Only In Your State may or may not have a minor obsession with small towns. And, why wouldn’t we? Come on! Small towns in every state are the lifeblood of the nation. They’re the places where you’ll meet the kindest folks, eat at the best restaurants, and enjoy all the mom-and-pop shops there are to explore. Small college towns are a close second – and might as well just be a sub-category if you ask me. Let’s check out West Lafayette, a college town in Indiana that’s perfect for shopping, dining, and more.
Welcome to West Lafayette, Indiana, home of Purdue University in all its wonder and glory.
The college certainly adds a unique vibrance to the place that you won't get elsewhere - it's a very unique, very Indiana feel with a collegiate twist.
The University itself is wonderful to visit and tour.
It's ridiculously picturesque - arrive in the fall and you're in for a special treat - and it makes for a great afternoon stroll. If touring a university isn't really your thing, not to worry - there are plenty more things to do!
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Did you know that West Lafayette is home to one of the best farmers markets in Indiana (and maybe the Midwest)?
Truth! The West Lafayette Farmers Market is famous for a reason: with more than 50 vendors, live music, amazing food, and more, it's quite literally day trip worthy all on its own.
Another must-do, especially if you've got kids in tow, is the spellbinding Lilly Nature Center.
This awesome little nature center in Indiana is home to Celery Bog, a highly unusual natural bog that you won't believe is even possible in the Hoosier State.
Hungry? Good. Triple XXX Family Restaurant is waiting, just like it's always been since the 1920s.
This is definitely one of the best places to eat in Indiana, offering up traditional drive-in fare like burgers, tenderloin, fries, onion rings and, of course, hand-spun milkshakes made with real ice cream.
There's nothing on the menu you won't love, so be sure to bring an appetite.
There are a large number of additional places in West Lafayette worth visiting, and I really wish I could mention them all, but it's impossible.
The final thing I'll mention by name, though (because it truly deserves it) is the gorgeous John and Catherine Christian House, built by none other than famed architect Frank Lloyd Writ
This home was completed in 1956, and it represents Wright’s most fully-realized "Usonian" design. It is a wonder of beauty and engineering, and touring it is a must.
West Lafayette is a special place; it’s home to people from all 50 states (and more than 130 countries). You’ll meet someone from everywhere here… it’s all a part of the experience! If you’re staying in West Lafayette, you might want somewhere to stay, so check out all the unique offerings on VRBO.
Need more ideas? You might want to check out Purdue, the wine capital of Indiana, which just so happens to be in West Lafayette.
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