ABOUT
Get to know me…
Hi, I’m Kara!
I’m a Brown County local, mom of two, the creator of Tanglewood Hideaway, and owner of the Brown County Barn Burner.
I’ve called Brown County home since 2016. My husband, Clint, and I moved here with our daughters seeking a slower pace, a stronger sense of community, and more time in nature. We found all of that here, and so much more.
I created Tanglewood Hideaway to help people experience Brown County beyond the typical tourist stops – from hidden gems and scenic hikes to cozy stays, local events, and unforgettable small-town experiences. So you can plan a great trip (or, if you live here, a great weekend in your hometown) without spending hours figuring it out yourself.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or rediscovering your hometown, I’m here to help you explore Brown County like a local friend would.
I always say: “You don’t have to go far to get away.”
And around here, that couldn’t be more true.
Follow Me:
Start Exploring
Nashville & Brown County
Planning Your Visit
Local tips, seasonal advice, parking guides, and everything you need to plan the perfect trip.
Things to Do
Discover hiking trails, attractions, local experiences, and hidden gems throughout Brown County.
Food & Drink
From cozy coffee shops to wineries and local faves, find the best places to eat and drink in Brown County.
Shopping
Explore boutiques, artisan shops, antiques, local makers, and unique stores in Nashville and beyond.
Events
Find festivals, live music, seasonal celebrations, and monthly event calendars happening year-round.
How It All Started
My Journey to Brown County
Living in Brown County
I grew up in Ohio, but Brown County was always part of my story. My family camped here often when I was a kid, and we’d spend time exploring the State Park, wandering downtown Nashville, and eating fried chicken with apple butter at the Nashville House. One of my first big concerts was even at the Little Nashville Opry sometime in the ’90s.
As an adult, I kept coming back, and in 2016, Clint and I decided to make the move here with our daughters. What started on a bit of a whim quickly became one of the best decisions we ever made.
We can’t imagine living anywhere else. This place has a way of doing that to people.
How ‘Tanglewood Hideaway’ Started
After we built the Brown County Barn Burner in 2020, I found myself answering the same questions from guests again and again: “Where should we eat?” “What trails should we hike?” “What’s actually happening this weekend?”
I realized all of that local knowledge needed a home, so I built one.
I wanted to create more than a list of the typical tourist attractions. I wanted to share Brown County the way a neighbor knows it – the hidden gems, the honest takes, the backroads, and the things that make people fall in love with this place and come back year after year.
What started as a resource for our Barn Burner guests has grown into something bigger: a guide that reaches around 8,000 readers a month and an email community of 1,500+ locals and visitors who want to know Brown County the way I know it.
As a local business owner and active member on several boards and commissions, including the Brown County Convention & Visitors Bureau Board, I stay connected to what’s happening here at a community level – not just what’s trending online.
My Mission
- Share what Brown County is actually like year-round, not just the colorful fall leaf version
- Give honest, firsthand recommendations (and flag what’s overhyped)
- Make trip planning easier for families, couples, and groups
- Help locals rediscover their own backyard, and give visitors a reason to go deeper than the typical tourist trail.
Why Travel Matters to Me
Growing up, my family spent summers road-tripping across the country – camping, staying in cabins and lodges, exploring small towns, and making memories together outdoors.
As adults, Clint and I have continued that tradition and still prioritize experiences over things, whether that’s international travel, road trips in our DIY camper, or gathering family and friends together here in Brown County.
Since moving to Brown County, we’ve found our own version of paradise, where every day feels a little like vacation.
That’s what I want to share here. Not the glossy version of Brown County, but the real one, from someone who actually lives it.
Planning a group or family getaway?
The Brown County Barn Burner
If you’re coming to Brown County with a group and need somewhere to actually gather – not just sleep – I also host guests at the Brown County Barn Burner.
It’s a boutique Airbnb and Event Space in downtown Nashville, Indiana, with 4 units and a total of 9 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, space for up to 29 guests, on-site parking, a rooftop patio, and kitchens stocked for real cooking.
My Top Picks for
Every Season in Brown County
Winter
Winter is probably Brown County’s most underrated season, but it’s become one of my favorites. I love hiking the quieter trails, with views you can only see with all the leaves off, then warming up with coffee downtown while the shops are still peaceful. It’s a slower and calmer time of year, and definitely one of the coziest times to visit.
Spring
Spring is when Brown County starts waking back up again. One of my favorite traditions is packing a picnic lunch and enjoying it at an overlook, after the redbuds bloom. The trails get greener every week, wildflowers start appearing everywhere, and downtown Nashville feels creative and energized again.
Summer
Summer here is all about being outside as long as possible. We spend a lot of weekends camping, paddling Yellowwood Lake, grabbing local produce at the farmers market, and finding live music around town. It’s the season that makes Brown County feel the most adventurous.
Fall
Fall is beautiful here for a reason — but some of my favorite experiences happen away from the busiest areas. I love taking scenic backroads through Yellowwood State Forest, hiking early in the morning before town gets busy, and finding quieter places to enjoy the colors.