Winter Getaways: Good time to try an Indiana destination.

• Author: Kaelble, Steve
• Position: Hotels & Resorts

If there ever was a time to plan a getaway that doesn't cross the state line, this is it. The recession is on and terrorism has given many people the air-travel jitters.

The good news is that Indiana can deliver. When it comes to getaways, Indiana is a winter wonderland. Fob lowing is a sampling of the many possibilities. Find many more getaway ideas at enjoyindiana.com or 888/ENJOY-IN.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS, SIGHTS AND SHOPPING

Nashville--Few places in Indiana look like an old-fashioned Christmas more than downtown Nashville in December. It's a quaint and festively decorated place, with some 300 shops and galleries full of antiques, paintings, pottery, mountain dulcimers and unusual gifts. The town glistens at night with Christmas lights by the thousand.

Those planning a Nashville getaway have a variety of lodging options, from bed-and-breakfast inns to more traditional lodging such as The Seasons Lodge and Conference Center (812/988-2284), Brown County Inn (812/988-2291), Hotel Nashville (812/988-8400) and the Abe Martin Lodge at Brown County State Park (812/988-4418).

Madison--A trip to Madison is a trip back in time, thanks to its unequaled collection of historic real estate, some 1,500 structures in a 133-block historic district. The city hosts a variety of holiday activities throughout the season and offers visits with Santa downtown, amid antiques and specialty shops and art galleries. Accommodations range from the area's numerous B&Bs to the Clifty Inn (812/265-4135) at nearby Clifty Falls State Park.

Evansville--Old-time holiday charm can be found in Evansville at the historic Reitz Home, which is especially attractive when decked out for its annual Victorian Christmas. Also in Evansville, the Mesker Park Zoo features Santa Claus, games, choirs, crafts and storytellers.

Evansville lodging choices are many, including the hotel connected with the gaming riverboat Casino Aztar (812/433-4000), the Radisson Hotel Evansville (812/424-8000) and the newly renovated Executive Inn Evansville (812/424-8000).

Downtown Indianapolis--One of the state's biggest outdoor light displays is at the Indianapolis Zoo. Also downtown is the Circle of Lights adorning the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument on Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis, this year done up in patriotic colors. While on the Circle, take in the annual "Yuletide Celebration" featuring the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra at the Hilbert Circle Theatre. Or walk to the Indiana Repertory Theatre...