New Harmony, Indiana is one my favorite places to visit when I want to relax, unwind, and surround myself with nature, art, and history. This quaint town was originally just known as Harmony since it was established by the Harmony Society in 1814. It was later renamed New Harmony by Robert Owen after he purchased it in 1825.
Robert Owen’s intention was to create a utopian community that was self-sufficient and free of inequality and poverty. His vision of a utopian community may have failed, yet New Harmony is still one of the beautiful and peaceful towns in the state of Indiana.
Several of New Harmony’s old Harmonist buildings like the Rapp-Owen Granary, David Lenz House, and Ludwig Epple Guest House still stand and have been restored. These structures, along with others related to the Owenite community, are included in the New Harmony Historic District. Modern additions to the town include the Atheneum and Roofless Church. New Harmony has a vibrant community where plays, concerts, and festivals are held throughout the year. It’s one of the most popular locations for photo shoots, hiking, biking, horseback riding, picnicking, and weddings. It’s the perfect place to visit if you want to retreat from the larger world to seek enlightenment, spirituality, and the beauty of being surrounded by nature and art.
One of the most refreshing things about New Harmony is that each business is independently own! There isn’t a popular chain of grocery stores or restaurants in sight. Downtown is the heart of this quaint and historic town. It boasts an array of antique shops, craft centers, bookstores, and restaurants. Their restaurants offer everything from fine dining by candlelight to deli-style sandwiches. I love stopping by Sara’s Harmony Way on Church St. to treat myself to one of their delectable smoothies like the Very Cherry!
David Dale Owen acquired the Rapp Granary property in 1843. He used the first level for workrooms and shops. He later developed and combined the second and third levels for a storeroom, laboratory, and lecture hall. The building was used as a woolen and grain mill after his untimely death in 1860. It was rebuilt by John Ribeyre in 1893 after the upper levels were destroyed by fire in 1878.
Kenneth Dale Owen acquired the property from the Corbin Estate in 1948 and later donated it to the Rapp Granary-Owen Foundation. The property’s stone masonry was restored during the years of 1997-1999 to help reflect the 1818 Harmonist exterior form. Today, its rich history and charming architecture make it the ideal location to use for weddings, rehearsal dinners, receptions, business meetings, concerts, conferences, and luncheons.
Labyrinths have been used by the humankind for over 4,000 years in a myriad of cultural traditions. The Cathedral Labyrinth and Sacred Garden is one of three labyrinths in New Harmony where you can address peace with yourself, family, town, country, or the world. It’s also the perfect place to remember a loved one that has departed from this earth or one that’s going through trials and tribulations. The pattern replicates the Chartres Cathedral labyrinth that was built near Paris in the 12th century.
The Cathedral Labyrinth and Sacred Garden was blessed on October 12th, 1997 by the Chanoine Francois Legaux, former Canon of Chartres Cathedral, France.
You’ll get the feeling of enlightenment as you reach the gates of the entrance that leads to the Roofless Church. Each detail within the grounds of the Roofless Church, whether it’s a quote, poem, scripture, or sculpture, has a wealth of history much as it does with spiritual intent.
The Roofless Church is a beautiful non-denominational church that was designed by architect, Phillip Johnson, in 1960. This architectural landmark stands at 50-feet, featuring an interior dome that is shaped as an inverted rosebud.
This curved parabolic dome also serves as protector of the sculpture that was sculpted by Jacques Lipchitz. His sculpture has various names: The Madonna of the Inverted Heart, The Descent of the Holy Spirit, or The Incarnation. Jacques Lipchitz insisted that the sculpture could be interpreted by each individual through his own lights and beliefs.
Tillich Park is one of my all-time favorite parks! It’s filled with so much wonderment, beauty, and delight. It was named after one of the most influential Protestant theologians of the 20th century: Paul Johannes Tillich (1886-1965). You’ll find several stones that have inscribed quotations from his writings. A larger than life portrait sculpture of Paul Johannes Tillich overlooks a serene lake that’s nearby. You’ll also see the Chapel of the Little Portion, a tiny white church; a giant wooden chair within Our Lord’s Woods, MacLeod Barn Abbey, and other notable attractions and sculptures as you venture past Tillich Park.
From the flat floodplains along the Wabash River to the lush, rolling hills, Harmonie State Park is the perfect park for the nature enthusiast like myself. It boasts camping, picnic, and playground areas; an Olympic-sized pool, and trails for horseback riding, biking, and hiking. There is also a pioneer cemetery, the Edmonds Cemetery, that’s deep within one of the hiking trails. The monuments are scarce, broken, and hard to read, but they’re interesting pieces of history, nonetheless!
My long-winded love affair with shoes began early on. As Marilyn Monroe famously quoted, “Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.” This season, creatively express your style and ignore the naysayers that suggest that your sense of style is shooed out the door once you get older or have entered the realms of motherhood.
I walked in comfort and style with the Summit ($159.99; available in Stone, Black, or Wine) by Earth Brands during my recent visit to New Harmony! The Summit are inspired by the classic hiking boots and feature a plush leather collar, wide laces, and D-ring hardware.
The versatility of the Summit is simply perfection. They’re true to size, versatile, comfortable, and undeniably chic.
Earth® was founded by Anne Kalso, a Danish yoga instructor, who set out to create shoes that made total body wellness its mission. She believed that wellness starts from the ground-up. To walk tall, one’s feet must be grounded and comfortable. To this day, this philosophy is designed into every Earth® shoe.
Giveaway
One winner will receive a pair of Earth® shoes of their choice from the Fall 2016 Collection. Prices range from $95 – $140. The giveaway will conclude on October 31st.
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I like the Women’s Davana boot style in black. It is so pretty. And we had Expo 74 in my town, and the Park that is in the middle of town, is a big landmark where there is all kinds of activities going on.
New Harmony Indiana looks like a gorgeous place to visit. There is so much history there and it really does look like a very peaceful place. The Earth Brand shoes I will have to check out for sure. They looks so comfortable and would be perfect for a walk in the woods. Thanks for sharing your experiences and these awesome shoes.
What an adorable town. I just love historic buildings like that. I would love to go see it. Those boots are super cute too! I hope I win!
I love how much you were able to see on your walk!! The scenery is beautiful, I love taking pictures on my walks.
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I like the Anise shoes. They would be perfect for work. We are very close to the Lake Michigan shoreline, so it is very popular to visit and beautiful to see. We have a dune area called Silver Lake that is simply awesome to see. It can take your breath away.
What a beautiful park. I love walking through parks int he fall. The fall colors are just so beautiful.
there is a nice lake in our city where we like to go boating
This looks absolutely amazing! I love exploring quiet towns like this. I always find the most adventures there!
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This looks like such a fun town to visit! I love exploring “less famous” places, they’re usually filled with wonderful surprises
What a beautiful and charming town. I just love historic buildings like that, full of history!
The boots you are wearing are so cute! They look like they would hold up well, but they just make the outfit pop.
Wow, there should was lots of neat things to see while walking with you. I loved all your photos.
wow some really stunning places that look beautiful! making me want to visit! Those shoes are also really pretty but so useful for walking and travelling!
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I love the charm of the historic district. The old combined with the new makes for great backdrop. Perfect for Fall!
We have the football hall of fame in my city. We call it “the juicer.” If you come and see it, you’ll know why. I like the Marsala flats in burgundy.
I’ve never been to Indiana, but this will definitely be on our travel list. Great pictures!
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In the Twin Cities MN where I live, there is a nice bike route you can take. You go through Minnehaha Falls, then Coldwater Spring, then Fort Snelling State Park, then cross the river and go up the river road. It’s really scenic! As for the shoes, I would choose the Crowley boot in the rusty red color!
Oh my gosh, I am SO in love with those boots, I need a pair exactly like them! I live in NW Indiana and had never heard of New Harmony, but it sounds like I need to make a day trip out of it. Love the history and the photos make it look so inviting. In my town, the skyline that includes a shining Golden Dome on a sunny day is one of my favorite views.
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I have never heard of New Harmony before. But it looks gorgeous, and like a great place to visit and explore!
I have never been there! It looks gorgeous in the fall time and I am sure was so much fun for you!
Love to go walking and admire all nature has to offer. Would be so comfortable (not to mention cool) in a pair of these.
Oh I love little towns! You can feel the history and charm right away. Looks like a beautiful place to spend the day!
Beautiful pictures. New Harmony, Indiana looks like a good place to visit. I love the boots.
I am from there! I grew up just a few minutes away form New Harmony. MY family would do day trips all the time and it is breathtaking in the fall. I love it. I have great memories from there!
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That red coat you’re wearing when walking through the woods is beautiful! Great color for fall.
My favorite Illinois state park is Starved Rock. Unlike much of the state, it’s not flat, but instead features canyons, waterfalls, river gorges, and stunning views of an island where bald eagles nest.
If I won I would like to have a pair of Prosper sneakers, or possible a pair of Paris boots.
I love the architecture of these buildings! I’d love to see that roofless church. Indiana has some beautiful places.
These photos are truly beautiful and you make the scene look nice! Loving those boots. Wish fall would come to Florida! 😉
Beautiful. I am in St Louis now, but have not had much chance to explore everything. We do have a lovely zoo, beautiful botanical gardens, and a great park for walking. I would love the Angelica shoes.
I like the anise shoe. Looks like it could be for work or casual. We live in the middle of the state. A few hours drive west and we’re in some of the prettiest mountains and hiking trails you have ever seen. A few hours to the east and its ocean and light houses. Live this state of mine. So much to do.
All of your pics are amazing…I feel like I’ve had a getaway to New Harmony, IN! What a stunning place to refresh…I love the quaint little businesses. LOVE the roofless church too, super cool!
Well, I live in San Antonio so the thing that comes to mind is the Alamo. 🙂
It’s a great historical building but I don’t like that it’s surrounded by a Ripley’s Believe it or not museum and other weird things – you’re looking at a historical landmark, then all you have to do is turn your head and boom! 21st century cheesiness. 🙁
My goodness, New Harmony looks like one awesome place to visit!!!! It’s so very pretty and has so much history!!!
Love the Summit Earth shoes…these boots are awesome! You can travel a long way in them-such a great give away too!
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What a beautiful place! I love the way the autumn sun shines throughout your photos.
Exploring what could have been in Harmony as a utopian community and Harmonie State Park sounds right up our alley. Great post and beautiful images. It’s about time for new hiking boots, these look great – I’ll have to check out the black Women’s Davana boot
Those boots are awesome and look great on you! I love all these photos from Indiana, feels like I am right there as well.
I live in MN and the Split Rock lighthouse is an important monument where I live. I would love to get the Women’s Pegasus boots in black!!
We have a lake nearby that I love to walk around. It’s so pretty, especially in the Fall.
I love walking around and exploring charming towns like this!
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Places like this that make you feel like you’re transported back in time are my favorite places. I love the quiet, simple life that they have here and the fact that there aren’t many large structures or huge chains from popular companies make it even better.
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I love historical places like this. I live near Indiana, so I will have to check it out soon! Those boots looks super comfy!
We really enjoy the peaceful views at our local reservoir.
Beautiful photos. One of my favorite places to visit where we live is the botanical gardens at Riverbanks Zoo. I like the Orion in Bark.
Wow this seems like an awesome place to visit. I love all of the architecture as well as the cool statues and art. I would definitely like it.
I love historic sites like these. It is interesting to learn about the history of a town or city. You find some really cool nuggets of history hidden around that you didn’t even know about.
New Harmony, Indiana is such a beautiful town. I just love all the historic buildings and the fall colors are so beautiful.
I like the Angelica in Bark. I live in a rural area and love hiking on the New River trail and the A.T. We also are just a few miles from Buffalo mountain, which is a landmark in our area. Thanks for the chance!
I love the Downtown area in my town. It has a vintage charm. It has great restaurants that are modern meets southern and cute boutiques. I also love the Essen shoe by Earth Shoes. It would be perfect for First Fridays which are a monthly artsy event that happens in our downtown area.
I love small towns like this. The history is so rich and wonderful. It looks like a beautiful and fun place to visit.
What beautiful architecture and amazing history to explore in New Harmony. You definitely had some very stylish shoes to do your exploring in.
During Christmas, there’s a cross up on a hill that is all lit up. I love looking up at that cross. I wish they would keep it up all year. I like the Devin boot. Thank you!
I love the pictures.
I live near Chicago , which easily has one of the world’s tallest skylines . However, I’m a country girl and this looks like more my scene here.
The Alamo is an iconic landmark in my city. I love the Paris boots!
I love being out on Georges Island in Boston where there’s a giant fort to explore and beautiful areas for picnics with tables.
I would choose the Crowley boots if I won. They look super warm.
Love the Dolly in black. My favorite place is Cheaha Mountain. Its the highest peak in Alabama and 20 mins away from me. Love to go sit there and just relax on the top of Bald Rock http://www.alapark.com/cheaha-state-park
Living in Pennsylvania I have easy access to both Philadelphia and New York City both have fabulous skylines. Philadelphia at night is beautiful and the view of the Statue of Liberty is gorgeous and a sight to behold.
The Pegasus in black is my favorite.
The Arch!! It’s where my husband proposed. 🙂
And, I love the Serano’s!! I have never seen anything like them. They’re awesome.
A landmark where I live in the “M” on the mountain above the university grounds. I would love the Sierra boots.
Love the Pegasus boots. In my area, I can see the Philly skyline.
I like the Pegasus in Bark. Our little town has a nearby fort and battlefields. Lots of historic sites.
I love the character of old towns. Just beautiful. I love the Crowley boot.
I like the pleated leather black Treasure boot from Earth Shoes and their fall line. In my area the beautiful Rocky Mountain range provides an iconic backdrop to our area.
We have a church that is built up on a huge hill surrounded by woods. It is beautiful
Such beautiful history, with rich photos – thanks for sharing! In Sacramento, the downtown area has many beautiful landmarks. My favorite to visit with my kids is the old school house near the river, from the 1800’s, a beautiful reminder of the past. The beautiful yellow Tower Bridge goes across the Sac River and is most beautifully lit up at night. I like the Earth Treasure shoes.
We are not that far from Graceland in Memphis, Tn.
Love to visit Dallas town wearing New Harmony Indiana
Here in Biloxi we have our beautiful lighthouse. You can see the Gulf Coast from it and it came through Hurricane Katrina standing tall and proud. I love the Anise shoes in Bark.
What an awesome look at a hidden jewel! Thank you for sharing. I love that TS Elliot quote.