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Photo courtesy Enjoy Indiana

One of the oldest state nicknames, Indianans have been called Hoosiers since the 1800s, with several documented cases illustrating its widespread use in the 1830s. As soon as the nickname came into general use, speculation began as to its origin. Here are a few of the theories offered by the Indiana Historical Bureau

When a visitor hailed a pioneer cabin in Indiana or knocked upon its door, the settler would respond, "Who's yere?" From this frequent response, Indiana became the "Who's yere" or Hoosier state.
Indiana rivermen were so successful in trouncing or "hushing" their adversaries in bar-room brawls that that they became known as "hushers," eventually Hoosiers.
A contractor named Hoosier was employed on the Louisville and Portland Canal. He preferred to hire laborers from Indiana. They were called "Hoosier's men" and eventually all Indianans were called Hoosiers.
Indiana historian Jacob Piatt Dunn, Jr. noted that the word "hoosier" was frequently used in the 19th century South to describe woodsmen or rough hill people. He traced the word back to "hoozer," in the Cumberland dialect of England, meaning high or hill. Immigrants from Cumberland, England, settled in the southern hills of what is now Indiana, and brought the name with them.

Southern Indiana Loop
Second Street Bridge, Columbus Photo courtesy of Sandy Soule
Getting Around
Consider an easy-driving tour of southern Indiana, from the revitalized city of Indianapolis to the college town of Bloomington, to the rolling hills of Brown County, to the architectural surprises of Columbus, to historic Madison, on the Ohio River. From Indianapolis, head south on Highway 37, with a convenient overnight in Martinsville (about 33 miles). Continue on 37 for about 20 miles to Bloomington. From Bloomington, go east on Highway 46 to Nashville and Brown County State Park, then on to Columbus, a total of 36 miles. From Columbus, follow Highway 7 south for about 46 miles, to Madison (about 46 miles), on the Ohio River on the Kentucky border. Return to Indy via Highway 7 to I-65 north (about 92 miles). Total is around 225 miles; be sure to supplement our suggested routing with a map! Information below on sights, activities, and lodging is listed in the order given in our itinerary.
When to Go
As always, midweek visits offer the best rates and availability, minus crowds, traffic and congestion. Spring and fall are most appealing; rates are highest weekends during fall foliage and football. Indiana stays on Eastern Standard Time year-round.
Sights & Activities
Indianapolis: Designed by the architects of Washington, DC, Indianapolis is laid out on a mile-square grid with Monument Circle serving as the centerpiece. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosts three major sporting events: the Indianapolis 500, the Brickyard 400 and the SAP United States Grand Prix. Summer Indy events include the Indy Jazz Fest in mid-June, the Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration in mid-July, and the Indiana State Fair in August. North of town is Conner Prairie a living history museum and frontier village. White River State Park is home to the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, the NCAA Hall of Champions, the Indianapolis Zoo and the new Indiana State Museum. More info. Bloomington: The home of Indiana University, Bloomington is an appealing college town, with lots to see and do, from music to museums, from serious sports to serious shopping. Be sure to take key academic and athletic event dates into consideration when planning a visit. Nashville, Brown County: The "Art Colony of the Midwest," the Nashville area is home to over 100 artists and craftspeople. The May and June festivals are good times to sample the area's art, food, music, and theater. More info. The rolling hills of Brown County State Park, are ideal for hiking, biking, riding, fishing and swimming. Columbus: The first architectural boom came in the late 1800s, with such buildings as the magnificent county courthouse, completed in 1874. The second wave started in 1942, and was greatly enhanced when the Cummins Engine Foundation offered to pay architects' fees for public buildings designed by such notables as Eero Saarinen, Harry Weese, Richard Meier, and I.M. Pei. Allow ample time to tour the city ranked sixth in the U.S. by the American Institute of Architects. More info. Madison: Settled in 1809, Madison prospered as an Ohio River boat-building town. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, its gracious streets, lined with 19th century homes and commercial buildings, are delightful for strolling, and several historic properties are now museums. The area is great for biking, and the Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge and Clifty Falls State Park are ideal for hiking and birding. Shopping in the local antiques malls is an equally popular activity. More info.
B&Bs and Inns
The Villa Inn & Spa, Indianapolis
Indianpolis The high-energy Life family owns and operates three first-rate inns in the historic Old Northside neighborhood: The Stone Soup Inn and the Looking Glass Inn are beautifully renovated turn-of-the-century homes, with both Mission and Victorian furnishings, and lovely stained glass windows. A personal favorite at the Stone Soup is the affordable Craftsman Room, completely furnished with Mission-style antiques, Arts & Crafts stenciling, a bay window seat, and a queen-size bed. When extra pampering is needed, choose the Life's newest property, The Villa Inn & Spa, with a lovely restaurant, posh spa, and strikingly handsome guest rooms that are virtually guaranteed to delight even guys who think they hate B&Bs. Downtown Indy's revitalized Mass. Ave. Arts District is home to the Nestle Inn, a century-old Victorian home renovated by Steve and Barb Tegarden. The fresh and uncluttered guest rooms and the generous common areas appeal to both business and leisure travelers. We were particularly taken with Room 4, sparely elegant in shades of gray, with black and white accents. Thom and Barb Feit welcome guests to their Classic Revival-style banker's mansion, The Tranquil Cherub, offering genuine Hoosier hospitality at affordable rates, with beautiful Victorian antique decor. More B&Bs. Martinsville Midway between Indy and Bloomington, Martinsville's Tapestry Manor is a spacious 1869 Dutch Colonial home, carefully restored by owner Mike Durham. Guest rooms are attractive and well-equipped; after a day of area exploration, return "home" for a soak in the hot tub, or a dip in the inn's swimming pool. Bloomington Just two blocks from IU, Grant Street Inn is a popular choice for Bloomington visitors, with 24 individually decorated guest rooms in three adjoining houses. Another popular choice is the Scholars Inn, including the B&B, a café and wine bar, and bakery. More B&Bs Nashville Five miles from Nashville is 5th Generation Farm, offering romantic country Victorian-style guest rooms in a peaceful country setting. Located on a quiet street in the heart of Nashville, the cheery yellow Allison House Inn has immaculate accommodations, and is hosted by long-time innkeeper Tammy Galm. Cindy and Tom Neville welcome guests young and old to enjoy the simple homey charms of The Olde Magnolia House, within easy walking distance of all Nashville shops, restaurants, and theaters. Two other downtown choices include the Artists Colony Inn and the Cornerstone Inn. Both are recently built twenty-room properties with guest rooms individually decorated with appealing antiques and reproductions. More B&Bs Columbus Dating to 1884, the Ruddick Nugent House is a dramatic Colonial Revival mansion, combining rich history with such modern conveniences as free DSL Internet connections in each guest room. Affordable rates, welcoming owners Dennis and Joyce Orwin, and appealing accommodations make this inn a fine base of operations for area explorations. More B&Bs Madison A remarkable restoration of an 1800s stagecoach stop, Lanham House offers elegant guest rooms with queen-size beds, clawfoot tubs, and working fireplaces; a coffee-bar and café for breakfast and lunch; and a charming gift shop for quality antiques and accents. An 1849 Federal-Greek Revival home, Schussler House is hosted by Ann & Larry Johnson, Chicago transplants who are pleased to share their beautiful home and town with their guests. The Whitehall B&B is a 150-year-old mansion decorated with real antiques of extraordinary quality, and overlooks the Ohio River. More B&Bs More Southern Indiana B&Bs