Indiana winter getaways: away from it all, but not too far.

• Author: McKimmie, Kathy
• Position: HOTELS & RESORTS

INDIANA OFFERS A VARIETY of small, charming winter getaway spots, whether you're looking for relaxation, romance or the increasingly popular themed get-togethers. These and many other inns and B&Bs will give a needed respite and recharge your batteries in the cold-weather months.

The Cornerstone Inn, Nashville. Any time of the year is a good time to visit quaint Nashville, and the Cornerstone Inn, established in 1993, is a particularly good place for families. "It's a perfect time to get out of your element and read a book," says owner Pam Gould. "Nothing is expected of you. Here you just get waited on, or rather, pampered."

Twenty of its 25 rooms are in the main Victorian-style building, which features turrets and balconies and gingerbread trim. Those rooms are named for six generations of family members who have called the Peaceful Valley, Brown County's nickname, home. A few rooms have fireplaces, whirlpools and extra sofa sleepers, and Grandma Rachel Tilton's room has a private balcony.

Five additional guest rooms added in 2004 are called the Upper Rooms because they are above retail shops on Main Street. They have their own kitchen and are frequently sold as a block. They're named in honor of guesthouses serving Nashville's visitors at the turn of the last century, such as Allie Ferguson, a rooming house, and Pittman House, a haven for the first artists who painted in the area.

The Cornerstone Inn caters to family reunions, weekend quilt and scrapbooking clubs, sorority events and church retreats. The meeting room holds up to 49 people and can be used for corporate functions. Many weekends are sold out for the winter, she says. With a few exceptions, however, the second night is free during the week in the winter. Guests can expect a bountiful breakfast buffet set out on antique kitchen cabinets, and complimentary coffee, teas, fruit and popcorn are available anytime.

An expansion is planned for next year on adjacent property, adding 12 guestrooms with private balconies. "They will have more of a connection to the outdoors," says Gould. "There is a creek and trees on the property."

Frederick-Talbott Inn, Fishers.

If you've never been to Conner Prairie in Fishers in Hamilton County during the winter, you may be surprised to discover the array of special programming at one of the country's premier living-history museums. Through December, the Gingerbread Village will get the whole family in the holiday mood. January through March...