Q: If your patients were to take only one piece of advice to heart, what would you want it to be? A: The best kind of exercise is the one you’ll actually do.

 “PATIENTS OFTEN ask, ‘What kind of exercise should I do?’ The big problem isn’t identifying the type of exercise to do—it’s getting them to do any at all. For some of them, it’s Peloton. But for others, it can be dancing, walking, going to the gym, or swimming. There isn’t really a magic exercise or an exercise that works better than any other. Whatever you can stick with is the best option for you. Daily exercise is important. Even if you don’t lose weight or change your lung function, it’s wonderful for other things, like mental health and sleep quality. It doesn’t cost anything, and it doesn’t need prior authorization from insurance. I’m a pulmonologist, a lung doctor by training. A lot of lung diseases are treatable but not curable, so my patients struggle a lot with shortness of breath, particularly with exertion. The thing is, exercise really improves that. Even if the patient’s lung function doesn’t improve on testing, the things that matter to them—like how far they can walk, how many groceries they can carry, or if they can get up the stairs—really get better.”

— Christopher Huffer, M.D.

Pulmonologist with Witham Specialist Center

The post Doctor’s Orders: Christopher Huffer, M.D. appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.

THE MAJESTIC Rockies are in view from just about anywhere in Denver. The Mile High City is a popular way station to skiing, hiking, and more mountain-centric activities. But what you may not realize is how much else there is to do—and how easy it is to get to all the fun.

Hop on the Red Rocks shuttle bus to get to the Denver area’s best-known music
venue. At Red Rocks Amphitheater, a National Historic Landmark, the atmosphere can outshine even top tier concerts. The site is open from just before sunrise to just after sunset for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Nearby, The Fort Restaurant is a local favorite whose fame was earned thanks to perfectly seared buffalo, elk, and quail. (Yes, you can get a traditional steak, as well.)

Denver’s light rail system has more than 50 stations, including one at the airport. That means easy access to the three major downtown sports arenas: Empower Field, home to the Broncos; Coors Field, where you’ll find the Rockies; and Ball Arena, where the Nuggets play. Attending an event at the Colorado Convention Center or the 14-venue Denver Center for the Performing Arts? Light rail will get you there, too. Or ride the rails in a different sense. Just 25 minutes from Denver, the Colorado Railroad Museum offers locomotive-pulled passenger car rides along with intricate model train displays. Once back in the city, stroll around Larimer Square, a neighborhood of international restaurants, lively bars, and swanky boutiques, as well as historic 19th-century landmark buildings.

IF YOU GO

• STEP BACK The Gilded Age–era Oxford Hotel, welcoming guests since 1891, boasts a stunning collection of Western landscape paintings.
• LOOK UP The Denver Astronomical Society hosts weekly and monthly stargazing events at the University of Denver’s Chamberlin Observatory.

PLAN AHEAD The largest ticketed beer festival in the country, the Great American Beer Festival takes place in October.

The post Traveler: Denver appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.

IN THE Circle City, a budget in the $900,000 range can get you more house than in the pricier suburbs. Whether you lean toward new construction in a historic neighborhood or a Victorian with character, either of these options bring bang for your buck.

The Wow-Worthy Nest

From the street, this Cottage Home new build looks crisp and quaint, but the interior packs a punch. Soaring ceilings add interest to an open concept living area, while the exposed beams bring warmth with their woodgrain texture. Modern rustic finishes are complemented by a light color palette throughout. The primary suite is the only bedroom on the main level, offering privacy and relaxation. A large paver patio sits poised for entertaining, just waiting for twinkling lights, good friends, and a chilled bottle of chardonnay. A one-bedroom carriage house offers guest accommodations or a rental opportunity.

708 N. Highland Ave., Cottage Home

LISTING PRICE $955,000  BEDROOMS 3  BATHROOMS 2.5  SQUARE FOOTAGE 3,152  YEAR BUILT 2022  WINNING EXTRA One-bedroom carriage house  REALTOR Maywright Property Co.

The Stately Beauty

What was once the home of Indy’s first city councilwoman, Nannette Dowd, and her family teems with history in the Old Northside. It has been immaculately preserved, delicately updated but not overhauled. Pristine woodwork in the entryway sets the tone for what else is in store—namely, original, two-tone hardwoods, ornate tile fireplace surrounds, and pocket doors. The stained glass alone is enough to make an old house lover weak in the knees. A surprisingly large backyard offers an in-ground pool, outdoor kitchen, and perennial gardens.

1507 Broadway St., Old Northside

LISTING PRICE $940,000  BEDROOMS 4  BATHROOMS 3  SQUARE FOOTAGE 6,434  YEAR BUILT 1880  WINNING EXTRA In-ground pool  REALTOR F.C. Tucker

The post Realty Check: Cottage Home Or Old Northside? appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.

Q: If your patients were to take only one piece of advice to heart, what would you want it to be? A: Talk to your kids about health consequences.

“ER DOCTORS don’t see people on their best days. In fact, we often see them on one of their worst days. We joke that the famous last words before someone ends up here are, ‘Hey, watch this!’ Humans are an impulsive breed every now and then. It’s something that I can’t really fault people for. But sometimes taking a few seconds to think about the consequences can help prevent a fair amount of injuries and even sometimes some illnesses. For example, maybe the cinnamon challenge isn’t the best idea for your lungs, or vaping isn’t as harmless as you think. And jumping off a second story to impress someone is likely not going to go well in the long run.”

— Tyler Stepsis, M.D.

Medical director of emergency medicine with Eskenazi Health

The post Doctor’s Orders: Tyler Stepsis, M.D. appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.

WHETHER YOU’RE A fan of ’80s teen dramas, sci-fi comedies, or romantic musicals, Pins Mechanical Co. has crafted a drink to match your movie taste. The popular old-school entertainment venue has unveiled eight new seasonal cocktails inspired by nostalgic films.

“We wanted to bring these classic movies to life in a way that’s fun and nostalgic,” says Erin Frum, VP of marketing and creative. “Each cocktail is our way of tipping the hat to these films, whether it’s through the flavors, the garnishes, or even the colors. It’s all about giving our guests a little taste of the movies they love.”

The iconic lunch scene in The Breakfast Club inspired the “Breakfast Club,” a mix of vodka, Irish cream, coffee, and chocolate, served with a side of potato sticks. Notes of strawberry and rose show up in the “American Beauty,” a blend of gin, Campari, and amaro—it’s a sophisticated sip worthy of its Oscar-winning namesake.

Creative garnishes appear throughout this cocktail list, most spectacularly in the “Purple Rain.” A cloud of blue cotton candy tops this gin-based cocktail, which blends ube, citrus, and ginger into a pretty pink concoction. As the cotton candy melts into the drink, it transforms into a cool purple hue, a pitch-perfect callback to the purple coat Prince wore in the 1984 musical drama with its classic soundtrack.

Another garnish callback is more subtle. Say Anything made holding up a boom box romantic. The cocktail delivers a fruity mix of cognac, blackberry, plum, and lemon, garnished with berry gummies perched across the top of the glass—IYKYK. Other tasty additions include the “Cliffhanger,” “Richie Rich,” “Moulin Rouge,” and “Mars Attacks,” each promising its own unique flavor profile and garnish.

For those curious about the full drink lineup, Pins has created nostalgic movie posters showcasing each cocktail on Instagram. The complete drink menu is also available at pinsbar.com/menu.

The post Pins Mechanical Co. Debuts Movie-Inspired Drinks appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.

Q: If your patients were to take only one piece of advice to heart, what would you want it to be? A: Do not skip your annual exam.

“EVEN IF you don’t have symptoms, it’s important to check in regularly. It’s getting a baseline of where your body is at from the perspective of your vital signs, basic screening, and blood work. I think for a lot of people, there’s this sense that if you go to the doctor, you’re going to walk away with a medication. But if you’re proactive with it, you can often prevent the need for medication by correcting something. When your car’s check engine light comes on, you get the engine checked. Let’s try to fix it before there’s a problem and something needs to be repaired. It’s the same with your health. My goal is to avoid medication if possible. The sooner we recognize an issue, the sooner we can address it and make lifestyle modifications, ideally to correct it. The definition of ‘doctor’ in Latin is ‘teacher.’ So our job isn’t to make you do anything. Our job is to help guide you and teach you. So my message to patients is to take control of your own health. Recognize when something’s going on with your body, know when to seek help, and come to us.”

— Greg Specht, D.O.

Family medicine doctor with Franciscan Physician Network

The post Doctor’s Orders: Greg Specht, D.O. appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.

• Ask customerservice@hendrickslive.org if you can meet the artist before or after your show.
• Know that the venue is cashless.
• Park free at 125 N. Center St.
• Eat dinner at The Prewitt across the street, but sit down by 5:30. Everyone has the same idea.
• Check your coat next to the concession area.
• Find the selfie station on the far west side as you enter.
• Scan the QR code on each local painting in the lobby for a video.
• Use the in-seat cup holders: Cocktails are sold.
• Consider donating—it’s a nonprofit. Donors get dibs on tickets and are allowed refunds and exchanges.

Peruse the spring 2025 lineup at hendrickslive.org.

The post Unspoken Rules: Hendricks Live! appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.

Guggman Haus Brewing Co.

Made with Oregon-sourced fruit puree, wild yeast, Madagascar vanilla beans, and milk sugars, Guggman’s Cranberry-Tangerine Sour has earned a loyal fan following. 1701 Gent Ave., 317-602-6131; 4601 College Ave.

                                                  Amelia’s

Slather on the butter and sink your teeth into a slice of sourdough studded with plump cranberries and crunchy walnuts. It also makes great French toast. Multiple locations,
317-686-1583

Gather 22

Is this rich pumpkin cranberry bread pudding with white chocolate and a scoop of gelato a dessert? A brunch item? A stand-alone lunch? Who cares. Just order it and enjoy. 22 E. 22nd St., 317-258-2222

Lick

Available between mid-October and Thanksgiving, Lick’s frozen dessert balances tart berries with chunks of buttery shortbread in a smooth ice cream base. “The flavor definitely has a cult following; we get lots of requests to package it in quarts instead of pints!” says owner Meredith Kong. 906 Carrollton Ave., 1049 E. 54th St.

BRU Burger

The popular Gorgonberry Pecan Salad featuring mixed greens, gorgonzola crumbles, cranberries, candied pecans, and bacon comes drizzled with a cranberry-poppyseed dressing. It’s a fresh alternative to the restaurant’s mainstays of burgers, fries, and onion rings. Multiple locations

The post Taste Test: Tart Me Up appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.

Q: If your patients were to take only one piece of advice to heart, what would you want it to be? A: Take a walk after dinner.

“I’D LIKE my patients to have knowledge about their disease state, and I encourage them to engage in their health through lifestyle changes. I don’t just mean healthy food choices and daily exercise, but also self-care practices like meditation, taking care of mental health, and engaging in preventive care. They can start small by taking a walk for 20 minutes after dinner. Most of us don’t move after dinner—we watch TV and then go to bed. We have a big, carb-heavy meal, don’t digest it well, and then complain about feeling lethargic the next morning. But a short walk after dinner could help, and it might even lead to having a lighter meal. I also think that social activity is important for older patients. For instance, many of my patients enjoy pickleball, which has become a social activity that gets them up and moving. The worst thing that can happen after retirement is to isolate yourself—socially, mentally, and physically. Walking and engaging with others can make an enormous difference.”

—Priya Menon, M.D.

Endocrinologist with Hendricks Endocrinology & Diabetes Specialists

The post Doctor’s Orders: Priya Menon, M.D. appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.

The post Gallery: Taylor Swift Eras Tour 2024 appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.