Hello, Reader.

We've spent a lot of time lately talking about the Dominican Republic: the planning, the trip itself, how to see the island without breaking the bank. And we'll keep talking about it, because there's more to share.

But this week I want to take you somewhere a little closer to home.

Last Friday I laced up my running shoes and headed out onto one of Indiana's Rail Trails. If you haven't explored the trail system here, it's worth your time. There are several well-maintained paths that wind through neighborhoods, cities and farmland, providing a respite from crowded streets for walking, running and biking.

Along the way, I came across a chalk message on the path:

I don't know who left it, but it was a little message that brought a lot of joy to my run.

That evening, a friend invited us to the Woolly Yak Ranch & Winery, a family-owned place about 45 minutes north of Indianapolis in a little town called Arcadia. We hadn't been there before, but we'll be back.

Here's what we found: yaks wandering freely through a pecan orchard. A food truck set up near the barn where guests can order a picnic dinner to go with their wine. Live music drifting across the property as the sun dropped lower. And next to the pond, an elaborate birdhouse that serves as a summer home for migrating Purple Martins (a little detail that means a lot).

We setup our own lawn chairs we brought with us and settled in with a wine flight of four 1-ounce pours of Woolly Yak Wine. My favorite was the Pawpaw wine, named for an Indiana native fruit: tropical and sweet (my favorite kind of wine), with hints of mango, banana, and melon. A little unexpected. Kind of wonderful. And, it turns out, very Indiana... There's a little pawpaw orchard right on the property.

It wasn't Napa with its big, beautiful, and often corporate wineries. Not even close (and I say that as someone who loves Napa). It was something different. It's the kind of place that's more like a neighbor, welcoming you over for a sip of wine to celebrate the end of another week.

Indiana has more of these small wineries and cideries than many people realize. Local treasures, tucked into the landscape, run by people who are genuinely welcoming and want you to relax and have a good time.

They're worth seeking out. And we'll keep sharing them.

Days like these are the heart of Wander for Days. Whether it's a sidewalk café in Malta, a cobblestone street in the DR, or a sip of wine surrounded by woolly yaks, there is so much to discover. And the beauty is, so much of it is closer than you think.

We'd love to hear about one of your favorite local gems. Reply to this email and tell us about your favorite spot to spend a Friday night with friends.

With love,

P.S. If you found us through the Indiana State Parks list, welcome! We're glad you're here and can't wait to share more Midwest destinations. 😊

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