The Guide to Summer in a Small Town: A Spotlight on Muncie, Ind.
5 min readMay 23, 2018
Summer is just warming up and most of us are settling into new routines. For many of the student employees at the Digital Corps, this means we’re sticking around Muncie while our colleagues head to their hometowns or new cities for internships. Some people may be turned off by the idea of spending summer in a small town like Muncie, but don’t let the size scare you. The spirit of Muncie is bigger than the city limits.
Despite campus looking like a ghost town under construction, Muncie in the summer is actually full of life. So whether you’re with a pack of film fanatics or nature lovers, Muncie, Indiana has something for you!
The Foodies
- Located in The Village, this food spot is a taste of Hawaii in Muncie! Their sushi bowls and bubble teas will be sure to refresh and delight any visitor.
- Greek’s Pizza in the Village has the essential cute pizzeria charm and delicious doughy crust that every college pizza place needs.
- Every college town needs a 24-hour diner. But not every college town is lucky enough to have the welcoming environment of Sunshine Cafe.
- If you haven’t already been to Puerto Vallarta, what are you doing? There are three locations in Muncie and they all have the same delicious Mexican food and energetic environment.
- This local cafe is a quick-bite in downtown Muncie. The food ranges from Cuban-inspired to traditional cafe sandwiches and soups.
- For the real foodies out there, this one’s for you. Every Friday afternoon in June and July between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM there will be food trucks, music, and fun at Canan Commons in downtown Muncie.
The Sweet Tooth Society
Concannon’s Pastry Shop or Bakery Cafe
- Concannon’s is a Muncie dessert staple. Whether you’re craving a rich cake or a flaky pastry, Concannon’s has you covered.
- The perfect place to enjoy a nice cup of coffee and a donut. Jack’s Donuts has delicious gourmet donuts that will delight any sweet tooth.
- Need something a little more refreshing than baked goods? Check out BerryWinkle Frozen Yogurt. They have a delicious assortment of frozen yogurts and a toppings bar that will make you feel like a kid in a candy store.
- This delicious truffle spot has been a hot spot to get your chocolate fix in downtown Muncie, and we are excited that they’re relocating to the village! The shop also carries unique home decor that highlights the LGBTQA+ community.
- This tropical ice cream stand can only be accessed through the Cardinal Greenway, making it one of Muncie’s hidden gems! It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy a smoothie on a hot summer day.
- Finally, a vegan bakery! Slowly but surely, Muncie is becoming more accessible to dietary restrictions with their delicious cupcakes, breads, and even treats for your four-legged friends!
The Drink Connoisseur
- This coffee shop is conveniently located in village. Whether you’re stopping in for a caffeine fix or looking for a place to sit outside and enjoy the weather, the Cup is the place for you.
- The Caffeinery prides themself on their expert baristas, gourmet coffee and tea delights. Stop in, grab a cup, be amazed by their latté art!
For those over 21, these pubs are worth a taste!
The Entertainment Entourage
- Free movies!? Yes, we mean it, free. Grab a blanket or a chair, and head down to Canan Commons at dusk for a free movie. See their schedule.
Muncie Three Trails Music Series
- The Three Trails Music Series puts on free public concerts at Canan Commons, located in downtown Muncie near the Marriott hotel, in the summer. These occur on Friday and Saturday nights throughout July and September.
- This summer the Muncie Civic Theatre will put on three shows. Our favorite? “The Little Mermaid”! It opens June 8 and it’s a great opportunity to visit downtown Muncie.
- Be Here Now isn’t just a bar. It has both an indoor and outdoor stage that features live music, open mic nights, karaoke, and comedy nights. Grab your friends and enjoy a night out in the Village!
The Art and Culture Admirers
- Head to downtown Muncie to enjoy a film outside of The Fickle Peach. The first featured film — a tribute to Pink Floyd’s album “The Wall” — shows on Thursday, June 7th.
Farmer’s Market at Minnetrista
- Every Saturday morning at the Minnetrista Gathering Place, you can shop from local vendors at the farmer’s market. When you’re in a small town, it’s always worth checking out the local goods!
- Looking for a fun way to spend the day? Go to the Vintage Shoppe in downtown Muncie! The store is full of high quality, unique pieces that will make any thrifter happy.
- We all know there is an art museum on campus, but during the school year, it’s hard to find time to visit. Take advantage of the quiet atmosphere and spend a rainy day touring through the museum!
The Nature Lovers
- It’s easy to spend a day at Minnetrista. The beautiful gardens, trails, and historic spots are perfect for an afternoon walk! If it starts raining, don’t be afraid to check out their Dinosaur Discoveries exhibit.
- Right outside the Muncie city limits, this park is suited for every activity. Whether you want to kayak, ride your bike, or camp, Prairie Creek Reservoir is the place for you!
- On a particularly hot day, head to Tuhey Pool to cool down and enjoy the water! The community pool opens Memorial Day weekend, so get your floaties and grab your sunscreen for a day in the sun!
- If you’re looking for a scenic hiking spot, Christy Woods is the place to go! It serves as an outdoor teaching laboratory for Ball State University students, but it’s open to the public for all your nature needs.
The Three Trails: These trails are perfect for a bike ride or a walk. Pick a path or two and start exploring!
The Muncie Arts & Culture Trail
- A lot of Muncie is dog-friendly, but if you’re looking for a special spot to play with your furry friend, look no further. This dog park is fenced in and has plenty of room to run around!
Muncie is for everyone
The point is, no matter who you are, rain or shine, Muncie has something for you. And, this can be true of any small town. All you have to do is look closely, ask questions, and stay open to possibilities. As for us, we can’t wait to make the most of our small town summer right here in Funcie.
