Muncie has more to offer than just fast-food chains and department stores. The city has made its downtown and surrounding areas a great place to explore and try new things. While every city might have a Walmart and a Taco Bell, not every city has the following places that make Muncie what it is: home.

Concannon’s Bakery Cafe

The local bakery serves pastries, cookies, cakes, coffee and more. Michael Concannon opened the Baker Lane location’s doors in 2009, but a former location, which has since closed, opened in 1959. The bakery also offers a cafe– a great spot for a coffee or tea between classes. The store is also cheap for a bite to eat, as most items are under the $10 mark. The location is next to multiple off-campus apartment complexes, which makes for a convenient drive. Concannon’s Bakery Cafe is open Tuesday and Wednesday 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thursday through Saturday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

The Island

This small concession located off the Cardinal Greenway is a beach-esque escape from the busy road of McGalliard. After a bike ride along the Greenway, the small shop offers smoothies, light food options and cold treats. Their smoothies are all-natural, and a healthy option after a walk or bike ride. This getaway-like spot is hidden behind the Olive Garden on McGalliard Road and hosts entertainment for guests on the weekends. The Island is open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday. 

Made in Muncie Pottery

Located within a cluster of businesses on Walnut Street in downtown Muncie, the pottery shop offers a fun date night, friendly get-together or multiple workshops to get creativity flowing. The shop sells hundreds of premade ceramic art pieces that can be painted and kilned for beautiful decorative pieces. The shop also hosts workshops to guide customers through more specific pieces like Halloween-style mugs. The pottery shop is a great place to calm down after a busy week, and let the brushes do the work. Made in Muncie Pottery is open Wednesday through Friday 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Twin Archer Brewpub

Just a short walk from Made in Muncie Pottery is a quaint restaurant hidden in the southern side of downtown. Twin Archer is best known for its art-covered walls that customers make themselves. As customers sit down to eat bar food at tables covered in brown paper, there’s a jar of crayons available for them. The usual conversation-filled waiting period before food is served is no longer, as customers can doodle and get carried away. The location is family-friendly as it has an all-ages entrance, as well as a bar entrance. Twin Archer Brewpub is open Tuesday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Craddock Wetlands

The John Craddock Wetland Nature Preserve, started by the City of Muncie, is located on the eastern side of the city. Just a 10-minute drive from campus, the preserve offers picturesque trails perfect for an off-campus adventure. The park is a great place to have a picnic and see wildlife without having to travel outside of the city. The trails are accessible at all times and can be a stargazing spot as well. 

Contact Jacy Bradley with comments at jlbradley@bsu.edu or on X @jacylbradley.

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