The city itself was founded in 1822 and is said to be named for county commissioner John Martin. Visitors would come to bathe, refresh, and take in the perceived therapeutic and restorative qualities of the mineral springs and waters. The last sanitarium closed in 1968, but the rich history and legacy of these unique structures live on.
This slice of history isn't the only thing that is unique about Martinsville. The city is replete with affordable shopping outlets, antique finds, natural beauty, and a plethora of tasty food joints.
When to Visit Martinsville, Indiana
The climate in Martinsville generally ranges from hot, humid summers to moderately cold winters. The weather is partly cloudy year round with temperatures varying from 23°F to 86°F. The city is famous for its laid-back lifestyle, beautiful scenic vistas, and winding rivers. If you are looking to experience the great outdoors with a kayak ride down the river or an afternoon spent on forest trails, the ideal time to visit is from early June to late September.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Martinsville, IN:
Martinsville, IN: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below we've posted 3 graphs illustrating avg. rate patterns by star rating class in Martinsville, IN. Browse these line graphs to evaluate the best time to make a reservation in Martinsville for upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Martinsville, Indiana
If you're looking for a luxurious option, then Le Méridien Indianapolis is a beautiful example of lavishness, but it's a bit far from the city. Even still, AAA discounts are offered here, as well as sumptuous rooms decked out with the latest appliances, in-room amenities, and even a bar/lounge.
Conrad Indianapolis is another option with a heated indoor pool, high-end rooms, and a bar/lounge. Another bonus - your furry companions are welcomed here.
Hyatt Regency Indianapolis should also be on your list of luxury stay options; it is classy, refined, and also offers a government/military discount. It provides a first-rate work desk in all rooms with a choice of king or queen size beds. All the rooms, including the restrooms, are wheelchair accessible.
Affordable Hotels in Martinsville, Indiana
3 Star Average Prices: $135.27
Best Western Martinsville Inn is a good highway hotel option with free breakfast and all in-room amenities. It also offers AAA, senior, and government/military discounts.
For an extended stay hotel, you can opt for WoodSpring Suites Indianapolis Plainfield, which is also handicapped accessible. It's got in-room kitchens, free wi-fi, and affordable rates.
Holiday Inn Express Airport Plainfield has an outdoor pool and all the basic amenities. In addition, it's pet-friendly, so you can bring along your furry friends.
2 Star Average Prices: $88.01
Martinsville, IN Hotels with Discounts
Wingate by Wyndham Indianapolis Airport Plainfield offers government/military discount, and so does Super 8 by Wyndham Plainfield/Indianapolis ARPT area. With indoor pools and 24-hour fitness facilities, they both provide all the essential amenities.
If you're looking for AAA discounts, Indianapolis Airport Suites offers one and is conveniently located by the airport - though it is a bit far from Martinsville city center.
La Quinta Inn & Suites Indianapolis Airport West is another comfortable location near the airport offering senior discounts.
Best Value Options in Martinsville, Indiana
De Lyn Jewelry, a family-owned and locally operated boutique, offers high-fashion, unique and designer jewelry at affordable prices. It also carries elegant ladies' accessories and one-of-a-kind estate jewelry pieces. You will also be spoiled in options here with jewelry options including silver diamond, silver gemstone, gold, and even copper magnetic bracelets. If your male partner likes jewelry, he too can pick out exquisite pieces instead of twiddling his thumbs at his smartphone while you shop to your heart's content; the store offers an extensive men's jewelry selection.
A to Z Auction House holds public auctions every Tuesday and Friday at 6 p.m. You'll find a wide variety of items that vary from week to week, including estate items, antiques, furniture, glassware, jewelry, tools, collectibles, and more.
Berries and Ivy Country Store is another value gem that features a fun mix of antiques and collectibles, furniture pieces, artwork, jewelry, and more. Primitives and an upscale country style are a specialty. This family-owned business also features locally created quality rug hooking and hand-painted gourds, and can accommodate group visits and schedule group classes.
If you are looking for that perfect custom accented furniture piece for your home, you can visit Reinvention. This fun downtown shop in Martinsville features custom furniture redesign services along with a wide variety of home decor items. Stop in and browse for the perfect accents to complete your home. You can even watch projects in progress.
Or visit Rustic Grace Barnwood Furniture, a shop with a social conscience. It stocks materials from old barns that are reused to create beautiful, functional new furniture. All the proceeds from the shop go toward a residential program that works with troubled young men, and the young men even help to make the furniture.
For music lovers, Tom Fiddlery is the area's go-to shop for anything and everything musical - instrument sales, accessories, and lessons. They also run a performance venue featuring performances from artists throughout the year.
For the style-savvy, Wigs & More is a nifty boutique that sells a wide assortment of high-quality wigs, hairpieces, and extensions, but that's not all. You'll also find beautiful costume jewelry, scarves, hats, purses and more!
Knead the Dough Bakery is another family-owned business that offers delicious handmade donuts, cake, other sweet goodies, and freshly baked bread. You can stop by for a snack or swing through the drive-thru. They make freshly baked treats for your furry friends as well.
Beefcake Burgers is for those who can't live without a good, juicy burger. Choose from a selection of pork tenderloin, chicken sandwiches, or salads. Don't miss their hand-dipped ice cream and shakes.
Satisfy your waffle cravings at “The Waffle Whitch.” This eatery offers familiar flavors made with a fun, "whitchy" twist! “Sandwhitches” served on flaky croissant waffles, paninis, freshly made soups, and desserts will have you coming back again and again!
Martinsville also offers the best of international cuisine. Los Tres Caminos has an extensive selection of fajitas, steak plates, combination dinners, vegetarian plates, and desserts while Li's China Buffet serves a variety of hot and cold dishes, including seafood, soft serve ice cream, and fresh fruit.
Top Martinsville, Indiana Destinations
The 68-acre Fred and Dorothy Meyer Nature Preserve is a nature lover's delight with its steep hillsides and ravines, beautiful old trees, and various rare plant and animal species, including the hooded and worm-eating warblers and the eastern box turtles. There is a natural trail inside the preserve as well.
Martinsville Candy Kitchen prides itself on their famous handmade candy canes. That's right - candy canes are made from scratch at this old-fashioned candy store/soda shop/ice cream parlor. A large window lets you watch the magic happening in the kitchen as they create delights such as peanut-butter fudge, cinnamon logs, and cherry cordial bark.
Cedar Creek Winery & Brew's tasting room offers a European flair in a relaxing setting for you to taste the wine and beer crafted at Cedar Creek. You will also find a beautiful array of gift and food items.
Hunter's Honey Farm should be a must-stop on your visit to Morgan County. You'll want to take a tour, taste the honey, and shop at the “all things honey” gift shop.
If you're a fishing or camping enthusiast, Morgan-Monroe State Forest is the place for you. Spread over more than 24,000 acres, it offers various camping sites, three lakes, picnicking and multiple hiking trails.
Martinsville Golf Club is a must-visit for golf connoisseurs. Featuring a par 71 course, it has 18 holes, rolling terrain, classic design, and ample natural beauty.
Morgan County Farmers Market is another must-do when you're visiting Martinsville. From May through October you can visit the Martinsville Square on Saturdays to find fresh produce, locally grown meats, handcrafted items, and baked goods.
For the geeks and nerds visiting Martinsville, Dwarven Hold Games is the perfect place. Dedicated to offering a fun, family atmosphere for all ages to explore and enjoy a wide variety of board games, tabletop accessories, and role-playing games. They offer demos of multiple games, space to create and paint miniatures, and fun events three times each week. Stop in and discover your family's next gaming adventure!
If you're a fan of the renowned jewelry artist Pam Hurst - whose creations have been featured on the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes - you won't want to miss out on your chance to visit The Sterling Butterfly. This gift shop and art studio stocks Pam Hurst creations along with various local and regional artisan-crafted products, fashionable apparel, accessories, and unique gifts.
In the mood for a little kayaking? Head to Waverly Canoe Company, which offers canoe and kayak tours for the entire family on the White River. You can explore some of Indiana's most scenic natural beauty.
Martinsville is a hidden gem. Although though the city shines in the commercial and industrial sphere, it still retains its pristine beauty and tranquil surroundings. Visit the city for nature walks, shopping, and gastronomic delights.