The Indiana State Fair is always a family affair. My dad, sister, stepmom, aunt, cousins, and grandparents all traveled to the fairgrounds this year to celebrate cheese, fried food, and people watching.

A fun hidden gem at the fair is the Drug Store. This little shop has been preserved from it’s original 1900’s apothecary to display what your local drug store would have looked a hundred-so years ago. They also feature fun candy and an original soda fountain, because everyone at the fair has a sweet tooth. Take a look next summer!

My must-see’s/must-do’s at the fair are always the sweet little baby piglets, a visit to the diary barn for a milkshake and grilled cheese, and in family tradition a ride on the weird haunted house thing next to the log ride. It’s like if the Haunted Mansion in Disney World was assembled in 10 minutes from the nearest Spirit Halloween store. Charming.

I will always have fond memories of the Indiana State Fair because I have always been walking in between my favorite people on earth. And sometimes when we’ve had enough of the walking we just sit and wave from the comfort of giant wooden benches being pulled along by tractors. Whatever works.