Biking to Big Flavor: A Ride on the Cardinal Greenway and Stop at Elm Street Brewing

Biking to Big Flavor: A Ride on the Cardinal Greenway and Stop at Elm Street Brewing

It was one of those early summer afternoons where everything lined up just right — the weather was warm but not hot, the trail was open and clear, and the legs felt strong. We set off from Gaston, Indiana, heading southeast toward Muncie on the Cardinal Greenway, a 20-mile ride that’s more than just miles — it’s a moving postcard of small-town charm and Midwest landscape.

The Cardinal Greenway is Indiana’s longest rail trail, and it shows. The path is clean, well-maintained, and mostly flat, making it perfect for casual cruising or stretching out into a longer ride. The stretch from Gaston to Muncie passes through wooded areas, farmland, and quiet crossings — the kind of scenery that rolls by gently but never gets boring.

Along the way, we stopped at one of the old bridge crossings to catch our breath and take in the view. A couple of miles out from Muncie, we passed the Wysor Street Depot — a beautifully restored 1901 train station that now serves as a visitor center for the trail. It’s a great spot to refill water, grab a brochure, or just admire the historic architecture.

Rolling into downtown Muncie, we veered off the trail about half a mile to reach our real destination: Elm Street Brewing.

Elm Street Brewing sits in a beautifully converted industrial building at 519 N Elm Street. The patio was open, the umbrellas were up, and the tables were already filling with weekenders and locals. We grabbed a seat outside, still a little dusted with trail grit, and settled in for a late lunch.

Kellie ordered the pulled pork sandwich, served on a soft brioche bun with sweet potato fries. The pork was rich and smoky, with just enough tang from the house-made Coca-Cola BBQ sauce and a hit of sharpness from the pimento cheese and pickles. It was one of those sandwiches you have to pause and admire before diving in.

I went with a pound of smoked traditional wings, split between two sauces: Thai Sweet Chili and BBQ. Crispy on the outside, tender inside, and coated in just enough sauce to make each bite count. I’ll be thinking about those Thai Sweet Chili wings for a while.

To wash it down, I picked the Muncigan Farmhouse Ale – Saison — a 6% ABV beer brewed in collaboration with Big Lug, Shorts, and Hop Head Farms. It had that perfect balance of dry, citrusy tang and mellow malt backbone. Refreshing, complex, and the ideal post-ride pint.

Everything about Elm Street Brewing felt intentional: the beer list was well-curated, the food was bold without being overdone, and the staff treated everyone like regulars. It’s the kind of place that makes you wish your hometown had a spot like this.

After finishing up and stretching a bit, we rehydrated, gave one last look at the towering brick façade, and started our ride back toward Gaston. The return ride was quiet, with fewer stops, the sun starting its slow descent, and that familiar post-meal contentment setting in.

All in all, it was a day that checked every box — solid miles on the bike, memorable food, and a taste of small-town brewing that delivered far more than expected.

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