I am a child of the 80s, and I feel incredibly lucky in that regard to my appreciation of the Christmas Season and my Christmas Spirit. My generation had tons of Christmas TV Specials, memorable & fun tv ads for the amazing toys that were big sellers that year, and parents willing to wait in line for hours to get those toys! In addition, everyone I knew still had Christmas Day off because businesses were closed. Plus, I grew up in a small town in Northwest Indiana not far from Chicago, so we always had snow on Christmas. Between all the Christmas frenzy and our church-going traditions, it truly was a magical time of year for me as a child. So magical that I still watch videotapes that have these holiday specials and commercials on them to help transform me back to that time when I’m decorating for Christmas each year.
I know that when it comes to Christmas memories, I am pretty lucky, but I believe this is the same type of feeling you can capture when visiting Santa Claus, IN. It is a place that has not yet been touched by time. I mean this in relation to the need of having everything within seconds with the click of a button, and spending hours on our devices. Here in Santa Claus, you can get a sense of slowing down, taking in your experiences, and family goodness. A classically fun family getaway that, at least in my case, reminds me of childhood trips I used to take to smaller family-friendly amusement parks. So come take a little tour of Santa Claus with me, and see how you can create new memories as special as days gone by.
How The Town Came To Be
Santa Claus, IN claimed their town name because of the need for a new name to officially open their post office in 1856. The story goes like this. The town’s original name was Santa Fee, but there was a neighboring town of Santa Fe. To make things less confusing a new name was needed to receive mail. So, on a cold December night, the townspeople gathered in a local church. As they discussed the issue a gust of wind blew open doors, and everyone could hear sleigh bells in the distance. As this was happening a child yelled out “it must be Santa Claus”, and thus the town decided this should be its name. Today the Santa Claus Post Office is the only Post Office in the world with the Santa Claus name.
Since then, the town has owned its name as a National Christmas Destination. All the businesses in the area have a Santa Claus theme or name. They even have holiday-themed roads, such as “mistletoe drive.” Additionally, the world’s first theme park, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari was opened in Santa Claus in 1946. Plus, several of the businesses cater to the holidays and have been there for generations. Such as, unique candy and toy stores. It’s truly a unique small town full of holiday spirit, history, and is a great destination for families and those who want to feel like a kid again.
Inns and Institutions
It seems like every small town has unique old buildings, gathering spaces, or businesses that have been there forever, that capture your attention and imagination. It is wonderful when you’re able to visit a town that has invested resources in these institutions and brings them back to life, or they have been lovingly maintained.
In Santa Claus, you will find these investments at The Santa Claus Original Post Office, The Santa Claus Museum & Village, & Lake Rudolph Campground & R.V. Resort.
Lake Rudolph Campground & R.V. Resort
Come stay at a Campground & R.V. Resort that has been recognized for excellence as the Best R.V. Park in Indiana by Reader’s Digest, and Top Ten Best Campgrounds for families by Travel Channel! That’s because this Campground and R.V. Resort has been catering to the needs of families for a long time.
Looking at the list of all the amenities, Lake Rudolph has 289 vacation rentals, 245 tent & R.V. sites, fishing lake, mini-golf, several camp stores on-site, and even a waterpark! You would think this place would feel massive. But the truth is, Lake Rudolph feels like a small town resort. It’s a friendly, clean place to stay with great activities on-site for kids and adults. The entire time our family was there we kept commenting on how much Lake Rudolph has to offer, but how it did not feel big. This is exactly what My Town Loves!
My Town’s Stay
We stayed in one of Lake Rudolph’s Holiday Cottages which can sleep 5-7 people and includes two bedrooms, flat-screen TVs with cable, full refrigerator, stove, microwave, coffee maker, fully stocked kitchen, full bath, fire ring, outdoor grill, and top sheets for the beds. It also has a screened-in porch area that the whole family loved. It’s amazing how well space is utilized in these cabins. Our family of four was very comfortable, and furnishings were like-new and very clean.
We loved being able to establish a bit of home since there was a full kitchen and we were able to make meals while visiting. My kids’ favorite highlights were going to Blitzen Bay Pool, getting pizza & ice cream from Blitzen Kitchen, and heading down with me to get coffee and donuts in the morning from the Camp Store. Plus, we had a surprise visit from Rudolph on Friday! Staying at a place like Lake Rudolph will just add to the fun during your trip to Santa Claus and gives you lots of additional options to keep your family busy for a small price tag!
Santa Claus Original Post Office & Santa Claus Museum & Village
Did you know that over 400,000 pieces of mail run through the small town Santa Claus Post Office during the holidays? Not only that, but “Santa’s Elves” (who are volunteers) answer over 51,000 letters to Santa all sent with a special holiday picture postmark! You can send a letter through the Santa Claus Post office to get the postmark too! Click here for guidelines.
When visiting the Santa Claus Museum & Village you can stop in at the Original Santa Claus Post Office and write your letter. Then head over to the museum to see the history of the Santa Claus Museum, fun artifacts like letters to Santa that go back as far as 1930, and learn about Santa Jim “The Quintessential Santa Claus”! Plus, you can explore the historic 1880s Santa Claus Church and take pictures with Santa Claus statues, cut-outs, and more!
The Unique- Interesting – Yours – of Santa Claus
What is it about a town that makes it special? A local attraction or event, a family-owned business that has been there forever? A piece of history you cannot find anywhere else, or a bookstore with just the right vibe? Here are a few of the Unique, Interesting, Yours of Santa Claus.
Holiday World & Spashin’ Safari
Opened in 1946 as the world’s first theme park (Disneyland did not open for nine more years), Holiday World first started as Santa Claus Land, and over the years they continued to add additional holiday-themed areas and renamed the park Holiday World in 1984. In 1993, they added the waterpark Splashin’ Safari that has been named the number one water park in the nation by TripAdvisor & USA Today. It is also continually voted as the friendliest and cleanest theme park by its guests, and I would say, I fully agree!
My Town’s Experience
My family unit consists of me, my husband, and my two boys who are 12 & 14. They have been raving about Holiday World since we visited, and that is a pretty high bar for teens! But it’s not because Holiday World is super flashy. My entire family noticed right away that Holiday World had an atmosphere unlike any other theme park; what My Town would consider a small town atmosphere. Friendly, clean, and not overcrowded. Even though Holiday World is a theme park serving thousands of people a day, you will not feel like you’re arm to arm trying to see its attractions. You also will thoroughly enjoy how friendly not only the staff, but the patrons are. I do not know why, but Holiday World just seems to attract a crowd of kind people. At least that was my family’s experience.
Additionally, Holiday World offers free pop, Gatorade, and water all day at their Oasis Stations. Yes, you read that correctly, it’s actually free! So, as a family you’re not spending additional money just on drinks, I know some theme parks now charge up to a whopping $4.00 per bottle! They also offer free sunscreen and WIFI. This alone should be a great incentive, but I would still go to Holiday World without the freebies because the great rides, shows, and atmosphere made me have a greater experience with my family; which is why we came in the first place.
There is nothing worse than spending a lot of money on a theme park and having a bad experience. And this usually happens because of overcrowding and overpricing. We had completely the opposite experience, and I will continue to promote how wonderful and special a place Holiday World is, because I do not believe there are many places left like it.
The Holiday Drive-In Theater
One pastime that I feel has continued to be a small town staple in many respects is Drive-In movie theaters. Because so many have closed over the past 30 years, it’s truly a novelty for the towns that still have preserved this fun movie experience. Right outside Santa Claus, The Holiday Drive-In has been entertaining since 1955! They have six screens, 3 concession stands and boasts being one of the oldest Drive-Ins still in operation. This place will bring you back no doubt. It has been well taken care of, it’s super easy to navigate, and will have you relaxed in no time!
Santa’s Candy Castle
The first time I heard about Santa’s Candy Castle was while my family and I were trail riding at Santa Stables. This is not just a themed tourist trap. This is a beloved, local candy and famous hot chocolate stop that was introduced to the town in 1935. The story of Santa’s Candy Castle is one of love and dedication. First with the vision of Curtiss Candy (maker of Butterfinger & Baby Ruth), and later with a restoration effort of one family who brought Santa’s Candy Castle back to life. Read the full story here.
Its history, charm, hard-to-find candy options, and famous hot chocolate is a can’t miss. My Town was recommended to get one of their specialties; frozen hot chocolate. Honestly, I did not think it would live up to the hype. I was wrong!!
Great Places to Visit in the Great Outdoors
Lincoln State Park
While Santa Claus is all about holiday fun and finding your inner child, there are also great places to visit nearby with huge historical significance. Spencer County Indiana is also home to President Lincoln’s Boyhood Home, his father’s farm.
You can learn all about Lincoln’s early family life spanning 14 years in Spencer County at several designated sites. This includes the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, A Living Historical Farm, Lincoln Pioneer Village, and several other related sites. My Town had fun exploring Lincoln State Park, a scenic area dedicated as a memorial to Lincoln’s mother in 1932. This Park has great R.V. and camping rentals, trails, a nature center, and our favorite feature, a beach. This is a great option to stay for nature lovers who want to explore the Santa Claus area!
Santa’s Stables
When My Town travels as a family we love to do outdoor activities. One in particular we love is horseback riding! We have found that horseback riding is a great way to learn about the area you’re staying, and make new friends (human and horse) all at once! At Santa’s Stables, their family-friendly ponies are great for beginners. Their beautiful trails head in and out of small, wooded areas and cornfields. If you have small children that are over 5 years or older they will love this adventure with experienced guides. Check out the video of the My Town Family here!
MTT Antique and Market Finds
Great Antique Shops, Boutiques, & Farmers Markets are familiar sights in small towns. This also includes Thrift Shops, Local Eats, and the like! In Santa Claus, there are great Christmas and Unique Shops everywhere you look. Below are some of My Town‘s Favorite Finds.
Santa Claus Christmas Store – Santa’s Toys – Evergreen Boutique & Christmas Shop – Santa’s Ornament Shop
A Note From My Town
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The idyllic small town of Granville, Tennessee, is one that we’ve wanted to visit for many years. Why, you ask? Well, it’s the hometown of both of my husband’s grandparents, and it conjures the nostalgia of times gone by!
From Bustling – to Bust – to Bustling Again!
You’ll find Granville an hour east of Nashville, nestled on the banks of the Cumberland River. From the early 1800s until 1920, Granville was a thriving riverboat town and farming area. However, by the mid-1900s, when the Cordell Hull Dam was built, much of the once profitable farmland was buried underwater. Residents left to find better economic opportunities, and Granville became a near ghost town.
Around the year 2000, a group of volunteers united with the vision of making Granville a destination city and preserving the story of this riverboat farming community. It’s a testament to the town’s southern hospitality that this committed force of 200 volunteers maintains the town’s operations and its many museums.
Highlights & Suggestions For Exploring Granville
Granville’s historic center is contained to a three-by-two-block radius at the tip of a peninsula surrounded by the Cumberland River and its tributaries. Over ten museums, a smattering of retail shops, and a small restaurant are available to tour.
Start your day by purchasing a ticket at the Sutton General Store. The $7 admission fee gives you access to all of the museums mentioned above. It’s important to note that historic Granville has limited hours. The facilities are open Wednesday – Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM (5 PM on Saturdays).
Below is a list of the museum sights you might want to see. Your ticket includes guided tours of the Sutton Homestead and the Pioneer Village & Car Museum. All other museum facilities are self-guided, although several have volunteers on hand to provide demonstrations, etc.
- Sutton General Store
- Sutton Homestead
- Granville Museum
- Pioneer Village and Car Museum
- Farm to Table Agriculture Museum
- Daniel Barber Shop and Post Office Museum
- Clemons Car Museum
- Mayberry – I Love Lucy Museum
- Whiskey Decanter Museum
- Whistle Stop Saloon and Ice Cream Museum
- Tennessee Quilt & Textile Museum
The Sutton General Store & Homestead
While we did not have time to tour every one of the above locations, a few places stood out as favorites. The Sutton General Store is a two-story gem that boasts many fixtures that are original to the early 20th century. The first floor offers a variety of merchandise, including cookbooks, food items, and small toys, while the 2nd level features an Artisans’ Gallery of handmade goods. It’s a great spot to pick up a souvenir or two! You can also grab lunch here or even see a live bluegrass show – see details on food & lodging below.
The Sutton Homestead is one of the venues where you will receive a guided tour with your ticket. This home features many of the original furnishings and memorabilia of the Sutton family and one-time owners of the Sutton General Store. We were thrilled to come across a quilt displayed here that features the surnames of both of my husband’s great-grandparents!
The Granville Museum
The Granville Museum beautifully preserves the memories and artifacts of the residents of Granville. Photos abound, helping paint a vivid portrait of what life was like here when riverboats ruled in rural Tennessee. You’ll also find displays dedicated to the military service of Granville residents, popular fashions, the history of education in the area, and more. If, like us, you have family from the region, extensive genealogy records are available here.
Time Saver Attractions
The remaining museums your ticket provides access to are small and quick to visit. We enjoyed the Post Office Museum with its original letter boxes, and the demonstration at Granville Broom Works was really interesting. We were sad to learn that the Whistle Stop Saloon and Ice Cream Museum doesn’t actually sell ice cream, but fear not, you can get your fill of it down the street at the General Store
A Mayberry Town
Granville refers to itself as Tennessee’s Mayberry town, but I found this to be a bit confusing. We understood that the “real” Mayberry is located in North Carolina. While I’m sure the Mayberry and I Love Lucy museums here are a hit with many, the town has such an important and active history that I’d love to see them veer away from gimmicks and maintain the focus on Granville & its residents.
Granville Food & Lodging
Stop for a hearty Meat & 3 Lunch at the Sutton General Store during your historic Granville tour. The menu is small but delicious, filling, and very reasonably priced.
If you are in town on a Saturday night, call ahead for tickets to the weekly taping of Tennessee’s #1 live bluegrass radio show. You can select an option that includes dinner or an option for the music program only. This is sure to be an incredibly rare and memorable vacation activity! CLICK HERE TO VIEW YOUTUBE VIDEO.
While a handful of B&Bs are in the historic downtown, just a mile outside of Granville, you will find the Wildwood Resort & Marina. This newer complex offers lakeside lodging, boating facilities, dining, live music, and more. It makes a great base for those wishing to spend a weekend in the country.
Why Visit Granville
Towns like Granville are becoming harder and harder to find. This charming little spot in the country makes for a perfect, relaxing day trip from party-hearty Nashville. For nature lovers, it’s well worth spending a bit more time. Enjoy life along the river, hike, catch a few fish, and restore your soul. Granville will be there to welcome you!
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