Making Memories at an Indiana Christmas Tree Farm

Later, we retreat, shivering, to Dull's Stone Cabin Inn, a bed-and-breakfast most of the year that serves as a hospitality station during tree season. We sip hot chocolate by the stone fireplace, the dancing flames rekindling life in our numb toes. Our red noses perk to the scent of mulled cider, and old memories stir as new ones unfurl.

Outside, visitors who brought their own makings for s'mores become sticky around the fire pit. It's tempting, but this hewn-beam, bough-bedecked coziness wins out. We take time for a game on the 100-year-old checkerboard. Across the way, our tree is ready after its shaking and bagging. But it can wait, lined up neatly with others whose owners, like us, are taking their sweet time warming up for the drive home.

For more information: Dull's Tree Farm, 1765 W. Blubaugh Ave., Thorntown, Indiana. See reviews and ratings. (765) 325-2418; dullstreefarm.com

(A version of this story appeared in Midwest Living November/December 2011.)