NEW OLD SCHOOL BARBER

Cody Potter opened Wild’s Barber Shop with the goal of “making you feel like you’re walking into a shop from the 1960s.” That means a set of original chairs from the era, a vintage fridge and pool table, and walls covered with classic advertisements. Potter initially operated a much smaller shop next door in the loft of leather goods shop Howl + Hide, then opened his five-chair storefront in July 2023. The business has quickly become a neighborhood staple, serving men, short-haired women, and even kids (little ones get their cuts while sitting in a special speedboat chair). 1048 Virginia Ave., 317-699-0467

DAB BAR

From the outside, Wildeye Dab Lounge looks like a random garage with a cool green mural. But once inside, you know you’re in for a fun time. In addition to nonalcoholic beverages such as the hibiscus-flavored Atta Boy Blue and the I’ve Got My Chai on You (served dry or infused with CBD, CBG, Delta-8), this nontraditional bar with live entertainment serves gummies and “dabs” of concentrated Delta-8 and hemp-derived cannabinoids from certified weed growers—all of it 100-percent legal. 1026 Shelby St., 463-279-2823

PET PHOTOGRAPHY

“That relationship you have with your pet is unlike any other relationship you have in life,” says Prickly Pears Photo’s Christine Erlandson, but pets are often left out when it comes to memorializing major life events. With her degree in animal science from Purdue and a past life as a zookeeper, Erlandson has grown to “love the chaos that comes with pets,” and her photos demonstrate a unique ability to sense an animal’s inner self and channel it for posterity. A 30-minute session starts at $200 and makes a great gift. Prickly Pears also offers free or discounted sessions for pets nearing the end of their lives. She notes, “I don’t want price to stand in the way of an important memory.”

WATER WORKOUT

Until this past summer, the only option for an organized paddling trip on White River kept you anchored in Hamilton County. Now, you can drift downstream in Marion County courtesy of Frank’s Paddlesports Livery based in Riverside Park, which offers kayak, canoe, and standup paddleboard excursions. Choose between a 4- or 7-mile trip to see a new side of the city and let the gentle currents carry you along as you glide past sunbathing turtles while the commotion of the city fades. That definitely floats our boat. 3001 N. White River Pkwy. Dr. W, 260-226-3075

GARDEN PARTY

Inspired by the famous book of the same name, The Secret Garden dinner party at Fishers Flower Farm (near 106th Street and Allisonville Road; inquire for details) captures the story’s enchantment in the form of an alfresco night amid fields of strawflowers and native pollinators. For $200, guests walk an illuminated trail through the woods to dinner tables set up on the garden’s path and dine by candlelight on a chef-prepared farm-to-fork dinner. Attendees make their own bouquets, watch a watercolor painter work en plein air, and pose for portraits with a professional photographer. Watch the website for announcements of future events.

HENNA AND TATTOO STUDIO

Growing up, childhood friends Daniel West and Joey Bauchle followed separate but similar creative paths, Daniel becoming a tattoo artist and Joey delving into the decorative South Asian body art known as mehndi. They’ve since reconnected as adults and founded Fountain Square’s Mehndi + Marked, a studio that also serves as a space for other artists to share their work. Patrons can get henna done for special occasions or fun or get permanently inked. They can also buy a pothos from plant-seller Happy Roots or a tin of handmade potpourri, peruse the vibrant art on the walls, and even check out events like poetry readings. 1339 Prospect St., 317-724-3117

THEMED AIRBNB

Be sure to pack your ring light for a stay at Paul’s Flower Shop, the ultimate photo shoot location inside a 2,000-square-foot home in historic Irvington. Once used as an actual flower shop, the home boasts a fusion of retro and vintage-style decor arranged specifically for creative sessions. Monochromatic, themed areas include a hot pink Barbie dream room; a black, Goth-inspired entryway; and a rustic living room in patterned browns. Reserve the space for $75 an hour on avvay.com or book it for a night on Airbnb.com. 5365 E. Washington St.

PARK AMENITY

Unveiled in January, the sleek, new Broad Ripple Park Family Center features an indoor walking track, a workout room, a gymnasium, a two-story play structure, party and meeting rooms, and enhanced space for programming in everything from crafting and senior fitness classes to science and art camps. It’s a considerable upgrade from the previous center and represents a $140 million effort to improve Indy parks’ community offerings. 1426 Broad Ripple Ave., 317-327-7161

ETIQUETTE TRAINER

Think etiquette is an antiquated concept? Minju Witte politely begs to differ. Her courses at Empower Etiquette live up to the name. Licensed by The Emily Post Institute, Witte has created a holistic brand of etiquette that goes beyond manners. While her clients learn which fork to use, they also receive lessons on how to set boundaries kindly, use awkwardness to their advantage when making small talk, and think before acting. The idea is to build connections based on mutual respect, something it seems almost everyone these days could do a little better at.

DOG PARK

Unlike most world-class cities, downtown Indianapolis suffers from a lack of freely accessible dog parks. That’s likely why you’ll see people with pups packing the Metazoa Brewing Company parking lot almost every evening. The beer destination boasts one of the area’s best runs for dogs, an AstroTurfed park that includes loads of shade and benches for humans, as well as play structures and shallow wading pools for dogs. As the bar doesn’t serve diners, dogs are allowed to walk in with their owners as they order; food is handled by a truck located outside. It all makes for a noteworthy social scene for canines and the people who love them—and it doesn’t hurt that 5 percent of Metazoa’s profits go to animal rescue groups across the country. 140 S. College Ave., 317-522- 0251

CO-WORKING SPACES

Maven Space

Woman-to-woman networking is a driving theme at this spiffy venue that caters to “Mavens of all identities, orientations, and backgrounds.” Taking full advantage of a location in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, it also provides members with a cafe, gym, and even a podcast studio. Membership levels range from a $25 day pass to the $2,950 annual team buy-in. 433 N. Capitol Ave., 317-426- 2235

Industrious

This company has three Indy-area locations that remain open 24/7—the buzziest one inside downtown’s Stutz building. The workspaces provide private offices, suites, and meeting rooms, as well as perks such as a weekly happy hour. They are also pet-friendly. Pricing starts at $299 a month. 1060 N. Capitol Ave., 317-383- 0630; 350 Massachusetts Ave., 317-734-0360; 880 W. Monon Green Blvd., Carmel, 463-235-1010

Draft Creative Space

Everything about this full-service coworking space in Fountain Square is artfully sleek, from the private studios to the shared sunroom and lovely covered garden. Draft’s target market is Indy’s creatives, providing a gorgeous space for meetings, retreats, and workshops. Rates start at $25 for a day pass and top out at $600 for monthly studio rental. 1525 Prospect St.

The Club Coworking

You can find luxury executive suites and meeting rooms, as well as an auditorium, fitness center, cafe, and recreation room with a golf simulator, at this northside outpost. The vibe is professional, suitable for anyone from a nomadic businessperson to an entrepreneur who needs a place to meet clients. Packages start at $110 a month. 9800 Crosspoint Blvd., 317-806-0003

The post Best Of Indianapolis: Lifestyle appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.

FURNITURE MAKER 

After learning his trade fixing up his century-old home, John Kirchner began building furniture for friends and family and eventually for paying customers. Kirchner sits down with each client and discusses their tastes and aesthetic, as well as the intended function of the piece, before any wood is cut. While his personal tastes skew toward craftsman-era design, he accepts commissions for all types and styles of furniture. One of his favorite projects was a dining room table made from wood from the client’s family farm. And just like the farm, that piece of furniture will likely be handed down to future generations of the family.

BY-APPOINTMENT BIKE SHOP

After working at some of the city’s best bicycle retailers for the last two decades, Jonathan Juillerat opened the truly bespoke (no pun attended) Bluegrass Bicycle Company with his wife, Tania. The shop is tucked into the back of their Brownsburg home. As such, hours are appointment-only, which also means the Juillerats can focus entirely on the customer, personalizing the experience right down to the music being played. They use that same approach to fitting and repairing bicycles, making them almost a seamless extension of their owners. 10929 E. County Rd. 750 N, Brownsburg, 317-513-3017

INDUSTRIAL JEWELRY

Rebecca Zink creates jewelry you won’t find at your local mall. Referring to her style as “modern industrial glam,” she pairs precious metals like gold with more common ones like steel in interesting yet still gorgeous ways. Instead of creating highly polished pieces, Zink prefers a chunkier, almost raw look created by overheating the metal.

SCENTED CANDLE

Indianapolis has no shortage of lovely, locally made scented candles. But the ones by iDesign Home Decor shine brighter than the rest by checking every conceivable box—and creating a couple of new ones. They’re vegan, hand-poured, petroleum-free (leaving very little soot), and cruelty-free, and they come with a naturally toxin-free wooden wick in a handmade, industrial-chic cement vessel that can be easily repurposed. The buttery, soy wax is infused with the flora-inspired scents that will make candle lovers forsake all others—think Pineapple Sage, Cypress Bayberry, Frazier, and Fir. As one devotee put it, “I want my whole body to smell like this.”

PINATA SHOP

The distinct shape of the sign in front of Irvington’s Dulceria LA 40 is a dead giveaway that the tiny shop was once the site of a Roselyn Bakery. Following its most recent iteration as a Boost Mobile store, it has now been restored to kid-friendly glory. The new purveyor of piñatas beckons visitors with an outdoor display of lovable creatures in their finest paper fringe. And that’s before you step inside to browse the selection of authentic Latin American candies, toys, and treats to fill your favorite papier-mâché finds. Shoppers can select individually wrapped goods or grab 5-pound bags of assorted candies to achieve the perfect explosion of fiesta favors. 5231 E. Washington St.

STATIONERY SHOP

Old Northside papyrophiliacs must thank the heavens for Alexandria Dugan every day. Her small, bright temple of paper opened in August in the Penn Arts Building. Semantics Paper Goods satisfies two seeingly disparate desires: feeling like a kid again (with items such as stickers of teeny, chipper slices of toast with emoji faces) and being more responsible (planners with weighty, textured covers encasing creamy sheets). Among the lovingly curated products are postcards announcing, “Somebody in Indiana Loves You” and to-do pads that embrace procrastination. Clever risograph-printed greetings from Smarty Pants Paper Co. and cards letter pressed using hand-carved wood blocks by Heartell Press alone are enough to reignite an erstwhile tradition: mailing birthday cards. 111 E. 16th St.

BAR MERCH

Duke’s is well known for the pink neon sign above the stage reminding patrons to kindly “Please Shut the F*ck Up,” so it’s no wonder a black T-shirt bearing that irreverent slogan has been an instant hit among patrons and performers. And while live country music and cold Lone Star Beer remain the southside honky-tonk’s top draws, Duke’s-emblazoned hats and T-shirts declaring, “Only George Jones Can Judge Me,” aren’t far behind. 2352 S. West St.

TEAPOTS

All 22 styles of the classic MacKenzie-Childs tea kettle are for sale at Addendum Gallery’s showroom dedicated to the iconic American brand of high-quality ceramics. This year, the selection includes the holiday-themed Deck the Halls motif, too. Underneath the glass finial and fanciful botanical patterns, the heavy-gauge steel under-body is a workhorse, ensuring water heats at an even temperature. Each kettle ($148 and up) is destined to find a permanent home on the stovetop. 751 Hanover Pl., 317-253-3400

CHRISTMAS TREE FARM

There’s nothing like a live tree to fill your home with the fresh, crisp scent of pine (or fir) during the holiday season. You could drive to the nearest big-box home improvement store to pick up a decent-looking specimen to decorate, but you’d miss out on the winter wonderland experience offered by Thorntown’s Dull’s Tree Farm. You can meander through the more than 40 acres of white and Scotch pines, as well as Canaan firs, until you find just the right tree. Sustenance in the form of apple cider doughnuts, Dutch stroopwafels, and hot chocolate is available to warm shoppers’ souls. And don’t miss the farm’s dog days events on December 2 and 3, when Dull’s teams up with South Central Newfoundland Rescue to provide customers with adorable, woolly canine assistance in hauling their selections to the car. 1765 W. Blubaugh Ave., Thorntown, 765-325- 2418

URBAN GARDEN CENTER

Created by the landscaping and outdoor construction company Heath Outdoor, Digs Garden Center is an industrial oasis in the shadow of I-70 on the east side. Customers can maneuver their wagons through displays of annuals, perennials, shrubs, veggie starts, and fruiting trees, all artfully arranged on and around funky industrial salvage (shipping containers, a repurposed grain bin, and a transformed vintage bus). The constant whoosh of interstate traffic provides oddly soothing background noise. 1302 Columbia Ave., 317-420-4656

LEATHER SHOP

The bags, wallets, and accessories at 1979 Co. defy categorization. That’s by design, the one-man shop’s founder, Nate Olp, says. Sometimes the designs he creates “come out a little rustic. But other times it’s business and sleek, and other times it’s punk as hell.” The main thing is that everything must be useful. Most items are also one of a kind, made from locally sourced skins and hardware and designed, dyed, and hand-stitched in house. Olp even customizes designs “within reason” and makes swift repairs to items purchased from his shop that have begun to show wear. “I put as much love and work into something we sell for $20 as I do for something that goes for $500,” Olp says. “It’s the act of making special things that matters most to me.” 201 S. Audubon Rd.

ARCHITECTURAL SALVAGE

“Preservation first, salvage second” is Madison Street Salvage’s motto. But even with that philosophy, the retail arm of the restoration-minded Franklin Heritage, Inc. remains constantly packed with goods from the last century, if not earlier. The donation-based nonprofit boasts gems such as century-old fireplace surrounds, atomic age glassware, and chandeliers fit for a classic horror film, all without the shocking markup you might see at a traditional antique store. One reason for the magic hour, cinematic vibe of the shop may be that one of its chief beneficiaries is the 101-year-old Artcraft Theatre. 350 E. Madison St., Franklin, 317-739-0601

LIVING WALLS

Large, lush, and spectacularly green, the vertical gardens and moss walls that plantscape company Naturspire places in homes and businesses look like vibrant quilts sewn from the forest’s floor. “You have a piece of art on the wall, but instead of being painted, it’s natural,” owner Stephanie Carlson Miller says of the installments that require surprisingly minimal upkeep. For an up close look at Naturspire’s work (which has been around since 2016, when now-popular restaurant selfie greenery walls were but a twinkle in the eye), check out the verdant creations on public display at the Carmel Clay Public Library, 3Up, and MOTW’s Fishers location. 200 S. Rangeline Rd., 317-414-5607

TOTE BAGS

Don’t get caught frantically sifting through the closet looking for the perfect bag for the farmers market, grocery store, or coffee shop. The best ones are made of sturdy canvas, roomy—and most importantly, local. No longer must you put your precious parsnips or dear diaries in anything less than a cool tote bag from one of these Indy shops, which allow you to support small businesses and good causes.

Tomorrow Bookstore

$20. 882 Massachusetts Ave., 317-551-1893

Dear Mom

$25. 2121 E. 10th St.

United State of Indiana

$15. 1051 E. 54th St., 317-426-2552

Rooftop Fruit

$40 (proceeds support trans youth mental wellness through the Irvington Counseling Collective). 1058 Virginia Ave., 312-945-8334

The post Best Of Indianapolis: Shopping appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.

NEW ICE CREAM SHOP 

Occupying a corner storefront tucked deep inside a Southport strip mall, Paradise Mx dips out a delightful introduction to the sweet tradition of Mexican ice cream parlors. Jumbo scoops of dense guava, tequila, and Ferrero Rocher flavors are gateway treats at this spacious spot that covers a lot of dairy-based territory with ice cream–topped crepes and waffles, mangonadas spiked with chamoy, and the Chango Mango filled with fruit and topped with slivered almonds. 7045 Emblem Dr., 317-743-8942

STUFFED CROISSANT

The ham and cheese croissant at Landlocked Baking Company is perfect for those who prefer a savory start to their day. It wraps buttery, flaky pastry dough around Gruyere and prosciutto, then adds a sprinkle of dill. The flavors combine and complement each other to create the ideal bite of meat and cheese in a puffy cloud of bread. 118 S. Audubon Rd., 317-559-3231

WAFFLE

Rivet Coffee’s Spiced Apple Pie Waffle is what happiness tastes like. The Liege monstrosity is made with classic jumbo pearl sugar that caramelizes into chewy bites and eliminates the need for syrup. Instead, it gives you homemade apple pie filling, the perfect gooey complement to the dollop of whipped cream on top. Every bite tastes like a hunk of mom’s apple pie still warm from the oven. 337 Jersey St., Westfield, 317-763-0007

PEANUT BUTTER BURGER

It is an acquired taste, sure. But once you acquire the taste, this savory-salty-sweet delicacy is the ultimate example of IYKYK. We found an off-the-charts version at Broad Ripple’s 317 Burger. The Strawberry Hill features a juicy patty sandwiched between habanero-ghost pepper cheese, spicy strawberry compote, and gooey peanut butter. Add your favorite brew and some tater tots to make it an adult happy meal. 915 E. Westfield Blvd., 317-251-1317

PASTRY CHEF

Hailing from Central Morocco, Youssef Boudarine worked at bakeries in Casablanca, Spain, and France (including the famed Ladurée in Paris) before moving to Indianapolis. His quirky constructions have graced the dessert menus of The Cake Bake Shop, Gallery Pastry Shop, Anthony’s Chophouse, and Bluebeard. But Boudarine has nearly broken the internet on several occasions with his Instagram grid of pure whimsy, like a square of babka brownie decorated to look like a plot of soil with blades of grass sprouting out of it, to be eaten with a miniature shovel; TikTok trendy circular croissants spiraled with cream; and wee edible white chocolate crates filled with fresh fruit.

PICNIC COMPANY

It always sounds like a great idea, but somehow we never get around to it. Luxury Picnics takes the “Where?” and “What do we bring?” out of picnicking. Just choose one of their themes, like Amor, Tropical, or Zen, and show up. A bespoke picnic will be waiting, laid out with real silverware and glasses, candles, an outdoor rug, cushy pillows, and—perfect for proposals—an arch festooned with flowers. Sip sparkling cider, nibble from a Brie & Bartlett charcuterie box, and play cornhole or giant Jenga. The LP team even handles cleanup.

STEAK NACHOS

There isn’t much action going on at Leonardo’s Mexican Food early in the day, but after the sun goes down, the 24-hour drive-thru gets busy. The menu features typical Mexican American fare with some crinkle-cut fries thrown in for good measure. But it’s the Super Steak Nachos that win the prize. Practically an entire bag of tortilla chips makes the base of this behemoth, with layers of refried beans, shredded cheese, fresh guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, and a truckload of grilled steak piled on top. It’s enough for the whole family, probably, but who wants to share? 8431 N. Michigan Rd., 317-337-9022

NO-ABV COCKTAILS

Other bars would be smart to take notice of the non-alcoholic cocktail menu at Natural State Provisions. The nostalgic restaurant has swiftly developed a reputation for its inventive yet comforting menu of Arkansas-leaning comfort foods, but its best kept secret is its rotating list of no-ABV cocktails developed by the entire team behind the bar, according to co-owner Alicia Sweet. “It’s really about what we’re thinking about or interested in right now,” she says of the creative effort. Influences as broad as one person’s memory of a UK soda or a change in the weather have led to new and interesting drinks. When Sweet has time, she hopes to start developing her own zero-proof spirits rather than using ones made by outside companies. “That way, we can really get creative,” she says. 414 Dorman St., 317-492-9887

HOT DOGS

GoldLeaf Savory & Sweet thinks outside the bun every Monday night. That’s when the popular SoBro hangout packs the house for Don & Viv’s Hot Dog Emporium. The “celebration of encased meats” takes its name from the fun, fictional Boca Raton alter egos of owners JC and Kristine Bockman and features a roster of $6 boutique dogs tucked into soft lobster roll–style split buns. Options include the Deep Ellum (loaded with Texas-style chili), the Half Moon Bay (vegan cheese, crispy fried onions, and sport peppers), and masterful one-offs, such as the Funky Chicken (built around a brat from Old Major Market) and the Oh, My Aching Banana (a garlic–ghost pepper sausage topped with refried beans, plantain chips, and pico). 1901 E. 46th St., 317-600- 3542

COOKING CLASS

Craving croissants? Wistful Francophiles will do well to reserve a space in Cindy Hawkins’ laminated doughs class at Circle City Sweets. After a couple hours of chef-led demos and hands-on activities—including an opportunity to roll slabs of dough through the “Ally Sheety” machine—you’ll come away with recipes and a box of butter, chocolate, and ham-and-cheese pastries big enough to start your own patisserie. 1220 Waterway Blvd., 317-632- 3644

COCKTAIL INGREDIENT

In a quest to concoct the perfect cocktail, mixologist Brett W. Butler started tinkering around with recipes for craft elixirs during the pandemic. His Alcomy efforts have since blossomed into a product lineup of 10 farm-to-glass potions (available at local farmers markets), each boasting its own unique flavor profile of fruit, herbs, and spices. The Blackberry Lavender Mojito is the best seller, but we’re partial to the spicy-sweet Bee Sting made with honey from Eagle Creek Apiary. 818-738-3489

CHAI

Inside A Cup of Chai, warm jewel tones and the aroma of cardamom combine with a patient, friendly staff to draw you in and make you want to stay for a while. The Fountain Square tea shop pours the perfect cup of chai—smooth, not too sweet, and full of flavor. According to owner Pravy Nijjar, chai drinkers like to have their cups prepared in very specific ways, which is why her menu includes chai variations to suit everyone’s preference. Whether you are a masala chai fan, a ginger lover, or someone who prefers a more peppery punch in your cup. A Cup of Chai is the place to go pinkies up. 1028 Shelby St., 317-998-4463

NEW TACO SHOP

At Julieta Taco Shop, a counter-service nook in the Stutz building, chefs Esteban Rosas and Gabriel Sañudo nail every detail of a Mexican taqueria, right down to the pastor meat roasted on a spit. Fresh tortillas are made in the back using several varieties of corn to ensure the right shell for each recipe. 1060 N. Capitol Ave.

NEW WINERY

Isn’t everything better with bubbles? The husband-and-wife team of Brent and Frances Kumfer opened The Rejoicing Vine this summer near Eagle Creek, sourcing regional grapes from Indiana and Michigan vineyards to inform an all-sparkling product lineup that includes fizzy whites, reds, and the bestselling dry Regenerative Rosé. With their emphasis on sustainability, environmental stewardship, and benevolent service, the couple donates 10 percent of the operation’s profits back to the community. 8440 W. 82nd St.

BAKERY POP-UP

The meticulous tarts, gorgeous galettes, and gleaming croquembouche towers that pastry chef Chantell Kayyod includes in her Beurre Sec pop-up collections would not look out of place in the window of any Parisian patisserie. That’s no mere coincidence. The Ball State grad who majored in advertising and minored in French eventually followed a sugar-sprinkled path to Paris, where she completed a six-month intensive training program at Le Cordon Bleu. Back in Indy, she launched her solo business selling limited- supply Vienoisseries out of Lulu’s Coffee & Bakehouse, where she quickly amassed a frenzied following, usually selling out in under an hour.

SCENE STEALER

A two-story Spanish-style building in downtown Plainfield that began life as Prewitt’s Motor Sales and became a movie theater in 1920 entered its most fabulous era last year, when it was lovingly restored and reopened as The Prewitt, an upscale restaurant serving 12-ounce ribeyes and espresso martinis against a backdrop of distressed brick. The makeover, which took nearly two and a half years to complete and folded the 1909 building next door into the design, caters to diners in a majestic main room that still sports a stage (for live performances) and screen (which lights up on special movie nights). The upper level brims with Old Hollywood glamour, and a private dining room peeks over the marquee. 121 W. Main St., Plainfield, 317-203-5240

NATIONAL DISH

It isn’t the most visually stunning entree at Fernando’s Mexican & Brazilian Cuisine (formerly Nando’s)— a plate of porky black bean stew piled next to steamed rice, sauteed collard greens topped with orange slices, pico de gallo with a pop of white vinegar, and a tiny bowl of farofa made from toasted casava flour. But feijoada, the national dish of Brazil, is one of the most satisfying combinations of flavors and textures that crossed our lips this year. Fernando’s bustling kitchen boasts not only the owner’s Brazilian mother’s version—but also his actual mother. 834 E. 64th St., 317-377-4779

FISH & CHIPS

Hunks of Icelandic cod are fried to a lacy crunch in beef tallow supplied by a local butcher. The chips—don’t you dare call them french fries—still wear their skins, along with a generous sprinkle of black pepper. This British dish with street vendor roots gets a proper sit-down treatment at Cheeky Bastards. 11210 Fall Creek Rd., 317-288-9739

CRUSHING IT

No longer tied to the tap, craft beer enthusiasts have embraced the convenience and (some claim) superiority of their favorite local brews chugged from a can instead of a glass. We sampled six of the year’s freshest pours.* All cans available at SoBro Spirits, 1721 E. 52nd St., 317- 255-7038

INDIANA BEER

PILSNER
Indiana Flyer by Four Day Ray
Light and crisp with hints of sweet corn
CRACK ONE OPEN: After mowing the lawn on a hot day
 
AMERICAN IPA
Go For Launch by Daredevil Brewing Co.
Vibrant, herby, and “aggressively hopped,” as advertised
CRACK ONE OPEN: On pizza night
 
AMERICAN IPA
Atomic Armadillo by Sun King
Full-bodied and almost creamy, with a citrus-forward sharpness
CRACK ONE OPEN: By the pool
 
PILSNER
Good Boy by Metazoa Brewing Co.
Bright floral flavor with golden malt undertones
CRACK ONE OPEN: At the dog park
 
BLACK KOLSCH
Sabbath by Bier Brewery
Rich and smoky coffee notes with a crisp finish
CRACK ONE OPEN: Beneath the moon
 
VIENNA LAGER
Hoosier Game Day by Upland Brewing Co.
Toasty and earthy with rich caramel base notes
CRACK ONE OPEN: Five hours before kickoff

The post Best Of Indianapolis: Dining appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.

COMMUNITY SPACE

Sure, downtown’s newest gathering space, Bicentennial Unity Plaza at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, looks great, with its large, gleaming metal sculptures and mural of notable Hoosiers. But its versatility is what we’re most excited about. The sunken basketball court, which will transform into an ice-skating rink this winter, has already hosted fitness classes, a concert, and a screening of Hoosiers. NBA All-Star Game festivities, pre-concert parties, Big Ten tournament pep rallies, and just about any community event will all be right at home here. A multilevel restaurant/ entertainment complex by Cunningham Restaurant Group is forthcoming. 117 S. Pennsylvania St.

FEVER PLAYER

After six straight sub-.500 seasons from 2017 to 2022, the Indiana Fever desperately needed a shot in the arm. Enter Aliyah Boston. The No. 1 overall draft pick followed up her All-American collegiate career with an impressive first-year campaign with the Fever, netting her the WNBA Rookie of the Year honor unanimously. Averaging nearly 15 points and eight rebounds a game, the 6-foot-5 center is the first rookie to lead the league in field goal percentage (57.8) and the second Fever player to earn Rookie of the Year accolades. With Boston as their star player, the Fever are well on their way to bouncing back.

CHAMPION OF THE ARTS

Adrian Matejka has a longstanding fascination with boxer Jack Johnson, and no wonder. Like the boxing great, the former Indiana Poet Laureate (2018–19) and newly appointed editor of Poetry magazine is a champion himself, though of a different kind. A tireless advocate of the arts—frequently collaborating with Indiana Humanities—and other creators, Matejka’s most recent work, Last on His Feet: Jack Johnson and the Battle of the Century, showcases the gripping illustrations of comic artist Youssef Daoudi as it revisits the heart- pounding Jim Crow–era match that made Johnson unforgettable. The project is based on Matejka’s Pulitzer Prize–nominated book of poetry about the complicated legend, The Big Smoke.

THEATER COLLECTIVE

The idea for Naptown African American Theatre Collective came to LaKesha Lorene in 2021, and after two years of gathering support and planning, the group debuted its first two shows, Black Book and Detroit ’67, this year. As the first Black-operated member of the Actors’ Equity Association in Indianapolis, NAATC’s mission is to create a sustainable source of opportunities for Black performers and showcase Black playwrights in Indy, where roles, pay, and representation have historically been sparse. NAATC also hosts community conversations and an Instagram Live show.

NEW MUSEUM

One car museum isn’t enough for a city with our automotive history. At 10,000 square feet, the Stutz Car Museum opened this year as part of the historic building’s $100 million renovation, putting Turner Woodard’s private collection on public display for the first time. It’s free to cruise into the street-level spot tucked into the Stutz’s new restaurant row and check out the dozen mint-condition vintage beauties, including a Stutz Bearcat, often called America’s first sports car. 1060 N. Capitol Ave., 317-488-7374

READING NOOKS

Open since August, the 22,000-square-foot Fort Ben branch of the Indianapolis Public Library manages to be spacious and airy while also feeling intimate and warm. The first library in the state to become a Certified Autism Center, its modern interior is punctuated by patterned accent walls in serene shades of blue and green, with plenty of comfortable seating areas to hunker down. On a Saturday afternoon, you might find all the private study rooms occupied, but available tables by the windows provide workspaces with ample natural light. The best spot? The back corner, where watery, teal-colored subway tile surrounds a fireplace on the back wall. 9330 E. 56th St., 317-275-4570

CULTURAL CENTER

Philip Smith co-founded The Philippines Cultural Community Center for two reasons: to give members of Indy’s Asian community a place to connect and to share Philippine culture with those outside the group. Started in late 2020 in a small suite, it’s since moved to a 9,000-square-foot building with a daycare, gathering spaces, and a community food venue called Indiana Kitchen of Culture, where on some nights you may find a Filipino cooking demo. The center also houses an art gallery and museum and hosts career-building classes, drag nights, and regular karaoke and open mic events. “Even if you’re not Filipino,” Smith says, “you’re welcome to take a seat at our table.” 4141 S. East St., 317-721-6217

LIGHT SHOW

Following in the footsteps of Blink Cincinnati and The Lume, Carmel’s new seasonally evolving projection-mapped Palladiscope extravaganza dazzles as it transforms the facade of the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts into an animated masterpiece. BYO chair or blanket and take in the spectacle as 12 projectors bathe the building in shifting images set to music. The nightly show starts at sundown and repeats every half hour. 1 Carter Green, Carmel

REALITY TV STAR

Gerry Turner of Hudson, Indiana, may be the star of Hulu’s first season of The Golden Bachelor, but he’s a total silver fox. The retired restaurateur gave us a refreshingly wholesome slice of reality TV life. The gallantly goofy, 72-years-young Gerry drew the biggest Bachelor audience in years, taking us along for the ride through laughter, tears, and wide-eyed delight in every episode. Married for 43 years to his high school sweetheart before her sudden passing, Gerry was urged onto the show by his daughters and granddaughters—so sweet!

THEMED BOOK CLUB

If you are the type of moviegoer who leaves the theater saying, “The book was better,” Kan-Kan Cinema’s Book to Film Club is for you. Past titles have included Crazy Rich Asians, The Color Purple, and The Princess Bride. Organizers have hosted smart pairings such as Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew with the movie 10 Things I Hate About You. The last one in October focused on Sleepy Hollow and was hosted by local author Ashley C. Ford. To join, snag the print version at the club’s partner bookstore, Indy Reads, purchase your ticket, and simply stick around after the film for the group chat. 1258 Windsor St., 317-800- 7099

REGIONAL FILM

Liminal is a cinematic journey across Indiana using aerial drone footage to explore the transformation of Earth’s environment through human activity—the epoch called the Anthropocene. The film, accompanied by music from electronic composer Metavari, is stunning yet relentless in revealing the enormous scale of industry and development in Indiana. Filmmakers Zack Schrank and Aaron Yoder want Hoosiers to contemplate humanity’s regional footprint. Schrank explains, “Because the visual association is so far away, it is easy for most of us to assume the Anthropocene is just somewhere else.” Liminal will be the focus of an exhibit at the South Bend Museum of Art in May through June 2024 and is available to stream on Hoodox.

EMBROIDERY STARTER PACK

If you’ve tried teaching yourself embroidery and only ended up inventing new combinations of expletives out of frustration, Bumble + Bird’s embroidery workshop, hosted at Create Art Studio, is the class for you. Bumble + Bird owner Meghan McGovern, an artist who sells colorful hoops with even more colorful language on them, will lead you through all the basics of stitches, floss, and fabric. After just two hours, you’ll leave with a beautiful piece you made yourself. 6511 Ferguson St., 317-469-1309

ARTS EVENT

GANGGANG’s fine arts fair, Butter, has only been around for three years, but with its rapid growth and important focus, it’s already in the national spotlight. Butter’s goal of highlighting Black artists is an important starting point in an evolution away from what the Indianapolis Museum of Art once controversially referred to as the region’s “traditional, core, white” arts scene. This year’s three-day event was its biggest yet, with the work of 49 artists on display and thousands of attendees. Founders Mali Simone Bacon and Alan Bacon promise even bigger things in 2024.

LOCAL PODCASTS

Black Girls Eating
Indy food royalty Tannoria Askew and Candace Boyd bring delicious food talk to the table and educate listeners during their weekly toast to Black culture and sisterhood. 

Classical Pairings
Food and wine pairings? Nope. Musicologist Nick Johnson sits down with owners of local Indianapolis eateries and pairs their food with a classical melody in this clever examination of delectable notes. 

Don’t Cut Your Own Bangs
In its tagline, this weekly self- help program styles itself as “the remedy to comparison and feeling like everyone has life figured out but you.” Licensed therapist Danielle Ireland’s goal is to help listeners live their best lives and tune out the noise of the world. 

Off the Bricks
Poetry lovers tune in to hear from a different poet each month, learning about their works, lives, and creative tips. Hoosier poet Joyce Brinkman hosts. 

This is Problematic!
Uncover history in a new way alongside Conner Prairie history buffs Hannah Murphy and Easton Phillips during this monthly deep dive now in its second season. The podcast is a straight-up review of our past and the ramifications affecting our present. 

Voices of Indy
Singer-songwriter Josh Gillespie hosts these weekly discussions with local musicians. Each episode plunges into the artist’s discography and inspirations.

The post Best Of Indianapolis: Culture appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.

Photo by Todd Urban

Exhibit

You’ll be absorbed by every punk-rocky square foot of Stephen Sprouse: Rock | Art | Fashion, a tribute to the Columbus-native fashion figure known for graffiti-centric designs and a collab with Louis Vuitton. Andy Warhol’s Sprouse portraits, Debbie Harry’s “Heart of Glass” wardrobe, and light-sensitive frocks that change colors are a few of the surprises that make this the exhibit for people who rarely remember museum exhibits. Newfields, 4000 Michigan Rd., 317-923-1331

Radio Show

Every Monday at 7 p.m, The BEAT with Dave Lindquist on WTTS-FM (92.3) features the esteemed entertainment journalist’s favorite tracks from up-and-coming and local artists, with thoughtful insight from a man who has heard it all. It’s basically a weekly playlist of all the new songs we should know.

After-School Program

This fall, Christ Church Cathedral expanded its long tradition of including youth choristers when it launched a comprehensive daily Choir School for students in grades 3 through 8. The program includes choral training alongside private music lessons on other instruments, academic tutoring, and community-building projects, such as providing snack packs for struggling neighbors and the homeless in downtown Indy. 125 Monument Circle, 317-636-4577

Breakout High-Culture Star

Since Park Tudor School grad Alyssa Gaines was named Urban Word’s 2022 National Youth Poet Laureate at a Kennedy Center ceremony, she has spoken alongside Bill Gates and enrolled in Harvard. Praised by the judges for “fierce, wide ranging, and funny” poems that “unfold like origami,” Gaines writes about her heritage and childhood. Follow her turn in the spotlight on social media.

Albums

Drag Me

Service

This rock ‘n’ roll powerhouse is the brainchild of star-crossed lovers Jilly Weiss and Russell Simins, whose former bands include Indianapolis’s We Are Hex (for Weiss) and New York City’s Jon Spencer Blues Explosion (for Simins). Having now shared the stage with a similarly raucous outfit in the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Service lives up to high expectations on this debut full-length album.

Ghost Electricity/Vampire Draw

Richard Edwards

The former frontman of local indie rock heroes Margot & the Nuclear So and So’s, Richard Edwards presents a beautifully arranged album of love songs with the latest addition to his solo catalog. After opening up with the instrumental piano ballad “Ghost Electricity Theme,” Edwards consistently tugs at the heartstrings, exemplifying a knack for tender songcraft that he’s undoubtedly possessed since the days of “Broadripple is Burning.”

Never Be King

Native Sun

Consisting of bassist Brandon Meeks, drummer Richard “Sleepy” Floyd, and rapper Bobby Young, Native Sun shows off its melodic brand of hip-hop with Never Be King. From the soulful contributions of vocalist Allison Victoria on “Under the Sun” to the play of Indy jazz saxophonist Rob Dixon on the album’s title track, the trio represents Indianapolis time and time again, while also proving why they continue to be one of the city’s longest-standing hip-hop groups.

Soil

Pat and the Pissers

Channeling the Midwest angst of legendary Hoosier punk bands like the Zero Boys, Pat and the Pissers
have quickly made a name for themselves in the Indianapolis music scene, thanks in large part to frontman Alex Beckman’s fervent, Iggy Pop–esque energy on stage. A 12-track album that comes in at just over 17 minutes, Soil perfectly encapsulates the band’s sharp, in-your-face sound.

2 Minutes in Indiana

Various artists

Veteran musician Andrew Gustin challenged 20 local artists to create a two-minute instrumental composition representing life in Indiana. Gustin released the captivating result digitally and on vinyl on his homegrown label, Ameliorate Records. Mostly ambient in nature, 2 Minutes in Indiana features contributions from local experimental music mainstays like Mark Tester and Rob Funkhouser, along with pieces from classical clarinetist Eric Salazar, multitalented com-
poser Mina Keohane, and 16 others.

Photo by Tony Valainis

New Mural 

After combing through 500,000 objects in the Indiana State Museum’s archive, artist Artur Silva eventually chose a mere fraction of them for his 136 Images From the Collection mural installed in Gallery One. The Hoosier-related photograph collage of people, clothing, artwork, furniture, and animals creates a Where’s Waldo–like overview that’s as layered and complex as the state itself. Can you spot Wes Montgomery’s Grammy? 650 W. Washington St., 317-232-1637

Attraction Upgrade (Adults)

Traditional cultures and modern technology embraced when the Eiteljorg’s reimagined Native American Galleries were unveiled in July. Beadwork, textiles, pottery, jewelry, paintings, and sculptures are now displayed in striking glass cases (which, unlike the former cabinets, allow a 360-degree view). Numerous interactive displays include a huge wall map of North America. The highlight? Connected by Water, a collection of the detailed handiworks of Great Lakes tribes, including brightly ornamented moccasins and elegantly patterned bandoliers. 500 W. Washington St., 317-636-9378

Attraction Upgrade (Kids)

Eighteen years after Dinosphere opened, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis dug deep to expand its top exhibit this year, adding lesser-known creatures that its own paleontologists excavated from Wyoming’s Jurassic Mile. Two soaring long-necked sauropods and a curious-looking marine reptile called a baptanodon are among the fossils that now have a home here. Talk about good bones. 3000 N. Meridian St., 317-334-4000

Art Sale

If someone on your holiday gift list is a fan of both racing and art, this online auction benefiting the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is a no-brainer. Sleek: The Art of the Helmet auction offers nine designs by local artists with materials ranging from the shredded rubber of drivers’ Firestone tires to copper to party beads. Even if you don’t win a work of art (bids close December 11), you can see even more cool helmets at the current exhibit by the same name.

Books

The Far Land

Brandon Presser

The mutineers of the Bounty sought out an uninhabited island upon which to settle. They wound up on remote Pitcairn, where hopes of a life in paradise ended violently, but not before a new generation was born and spawned a fraught society that has survived for 200 years. Presser, a travel journalist who resides here, got a rare invitation to visit the restricted shores of Pitcairn and came away inspired to write a lusciously styled thriller. Tom Hanks (yes, the Castaway himself) nicely summed up the draw of this book on Instagram: “The Far Land swells in the cause and effect of actions of passion. Brandon Presser’s fascinating narrative of the relentless consequences of the Bounty mutineers asks: Were they brave or damned? They lived such troubled lives ever after. You can’t make this stuff up!”

The Rabbit Hutch

Tess Gunty

This novel won the Waterhouse Prize for Debut Fiction, the Barnes and Noble Discover Prize, and, as of this writing, a National Book Award nomination. The so-called rabbit hutch is a low-rent apartment house in Vacca Vale (a thinly disguised version of Gunty’s hometown, South Bend). Gunty uses several literary devices, including a protracted obituary and free verse, to tell about its residents. Their stories take us into Roman Catholic mysticism, the anti-gentrification movement, and even—eep!—animal sacrifice. The novel stands apart visually, too. It has 20 pages of hand-drawn illustrations, a rarity in modern publishing. In that respect, it’s not so different from another novel with abundant hand drawings: Kurt Vonnegut’s Breakfast of Champions. Guess it’s a Hoosier thing.

Billie Starr’s Book of Sorries

Deborah Kennedy

One morning, a 28-year-old single mother faced two challenges: getting her daughter ready for a school trip to Chicago, and going to a hotel to entrap a political candidate. The ensuing government intrigue and family drama take place in fictional small Indiana towns. The book is filled with vivid prose and clever turns of phrase, plus the many possible answers a mom can give to an 8-year-old’s question, “Why do people drink?” Fort Wayne native Kennedy’s first book, Tornado Weather, was nominated for an Edgar Award for debut mystery novel.

Inciting Joy

Ross Gay

Beethoven composed Ode to Joy. C.S. Lewis was Surprised by Joy. Now IU professor and award-winning poet Ross Gay comes to us with his take on the powerful emotion. But this thesis is a paradox—instead of it being erased by difficulty and loss, it deepens. Thus, essay titles seem like oxymorons, like “Joy and Losing Your Phone” and “Grief Codex.” But they all share a single goal—to break down negativity and overcome the barriers that separate us from one another with healing joy. In a culture so poisoned with division and suspicion, what Gay delivers is no small gift.

The Best Night (Ever?) In Indianapolis

In the other 31 NFL cities, it was just the first weekend of the new NFL season. But this is Indianapolis, and Jim Irsay was ready to rock. So, on September 9, the Colts owner threw a free, all-day-and-into-the-night party at Lucas Oil Stadium that would have blown the roof off if it wasn’t retractable. Fans got to see his extraordinary collection of music, sports, and history memorabilia and take in a concert featuring Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Buddy Guy, John Mellencamp, Mike Mills (R.E.M.), and Ann Wilson (Heart), plus Indianapolis native John Hiatt and an exceptional backing band.

The roof was open, the temperature perfect, the crowd about 20,000 strong. NFL Films and NFL Network captured footage, as did a documentary crew making a film about The Jim Irsay Collection. The whole thing deserved a name: Irsaypalooza.

Irsay’s collection had been to six cities before Indianapolis, but our version had more than 100 extra items. We got to see Johnny Unitas’s final-game cleats, 10 game-worn helmets from Super Bowl XLI, a locker from Shea Stadium used by the Beatles, and a Super Bowl XLI guitar gifted by Stephen Stills. Lines snaked around the stadium to see those along with signed letters by George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, and first editions of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. And guitars. Dozens of guitars.

Before the show, Irsay suggested that Kenny Wayne Shepherd play David Gilmour’s iconic black Stratocaster, which Irsay purchased at auction for $3.9 million. The guitar was moved twice—once for the cameras the night before the show, and again the night of the concert, when it was handed to Shepherd as the band launched into Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb.”

That was just one of the many great performances. Shepherd and Guy electrified the stadium with their guitar work on “How Blue Can You Get” and “I’m a King Bee.” R.E.M. fans savored hearing bassist Mills lead the band through “(Don’t Go Back to) Rockville” and “Superman.” Wilson sacrificed Heart for Led Zeppelin—including “Stairway to Heaven”—and a little Van Morrison. Drummer Kenny Aronoff backed Mellencamp for the first time in a few decades on a celebratory version of “Pink Houses.”

Then there was Irsay’s version of Nine Inch Nails’s “Hurt.” The owner’s voice is car wheels on a gravel road, but “Hurt” is more about striking the tone than hitting the notes. The Colts organization has made mental health its cause through the Kicking the Stigma campaign. Irsay’s “Hurt” provides the soundtrack.

Irsay has talked about finding a permanent home for the collection—in Indianapolis or elsewhere—but during a pre-show news conference, he backed off. Instead, he’s making like his hero Bob Dylan, who’s been on his Never-Ending Tour since 1988. The collection will make a few as-yet-unannounced stops in 2023 before heading to Europe in 2024.

As for the band, its focus on classic rock may not suit the Super Bowl, but it’s perfect for the Pro Bowl Games.

The post Best Of Indy 2022: Culture appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.

Yoga Setting

Art stretches the mind, but Sunday-morning classes inside The LUME Indianapolis stretch the body, too. Amid what is arguably Indy’s most inspiring atmosphere for yoga, Invoke Studio instructors lead attendees in an hourlong set of vinyasa poses while dreamy digital artwork by Monet and other famous impressionists flashes across the floor and walls. Inhale extra deeply—the exhibit’s piped-in floral scent is a lovely bonus. Newfields, 4000 Michigan Rd., 317-631-9642, invokestudio.com

After Work Hangout

You want to put some mental space between the work day and the rest of the evening? Cannon Ball Lounge makes you feel like you’re somewhere else—somewhere sophisticated, relaxed, and a little secret. Set on the top floor of the new Hotel Indy downtown, the midcentury-modern–inflected space has a rooftop patio and wide-open views of the city. The private elevator straight to your cocktail doesn’t hurt, either. 141 E. Washington St., 317-735-2592

Kids Night

Planning a kid’s party these days takes more creativity than most of us can muster after what we’ve been through lately. One call to Circle City Sleepovers can keep you sane. The duo behind the new venture expertly brings an outer space–themed sleepover to life, complete with matching teepee tents, flocculent pillows, and coordinating snack trays. Not into planets? Choose from five other inspired themes and a bundle of party frills that are sure to elicit a few squeals and TikTok likes. 314-680-3835

Shag Haircuts

Amid the coolness of SoBro’s 46th Street, D&G Studio is turning back time by turning out modernized versions of ’70s shags, mullets, and curly cuts favored by trailblazing celebrities—Miley, Zendaya, and Taylor, to name a few. 2017 E. 46th St.

Post-Workout Hang

If you need an incentive not to skip leg day, the promise of açaí bowls, well-dressed avocado toasts, and craft brews at Top Out Cafe, the high-ceilinged lounge at North Mass Boulder, should be more than enough to get you in for a climbing session or conditioning class. It’s open to nonmembers, which means the lattes, gochujang sticky wings, and paninis are worth a stop, whether or not you’re recharging your quads. 1411 Roosevelt Ave, 317-953-6669

Library

A recent renovation by Indy’s RATIO Architects turned the Carmel Clay Main Library from a tired, dour presence on a downtown block into a glass-enclosed temple of modern media. In addition to the stacks of books, there’s a digital lab with 3-D printers, music practice rooms, a teen lounge, a bookstore, and a Java House coming soon. Nonresidents of Hamilton County can buy a statewide library card for $65. 425 E. Main St., Carmel, 317-814-3900

Sound Bath

Hear us out—sound baths aren’t BS. They’re like a massage for your nervous system. These multisensory experiences include yogic breathing techniques and meditative mantras that can help increase relaxation, lower stress, and heighten your focus. Devon Ginn uses singing bowls, bells, chimes, and indigenous instruments to create ambient, calming vibrations to soothe both body and mind. Sounds good to us.

Wellness Class

In A Moveable Feast, Ernest Hemingway said we should “write hard and clear about what hurts.” He was right. Research has shown it’s therapeutic to write about what’s weighing on our hearts and minds. Locally, Dominique Weldon teaches Creative Writing for Wellness at Butler University and facilitates free, online Writing for Wellness classes through the Indiana Writers Center. Her classes help you identify “what hurts” and encourage healing. 1125 Brookside Ave.

Book Club

Imagine a happy hour for introverts or anyone who dislikes the pressure of traditional lit groups. There’s no assigned reading for Silent Book Club, so you can bring whatever book you want. The Indy chapter, founded by communications professional Kelsey Jones, meets roughly every month, usually at Hotel Indy. Lose yourself in the latest best-seller or mingle with fellow bookworms at these relaxed, inclusive meetups.

Funny Instagram Account

The silver lining to the interminable I-65 North Split construction? Stuck on College Ave, documenting the mishaps of rerouted heavy vehicles—and a new walk of shame. It’s when a passenger has to alight from a box truck or school bus that can’t make it under the train trestle at College Avenue and Washington Street downtown and guide the driver out of the jam. Chances are, someone in the cars stuck behind them is filming and hashtagging.

Spa Day

There’s a bit of cognitive dissonance going from the Bottleworks District sidewalk to the inner sanctum of Woodhouse Day Spa in just a few steps. All of your senses instantly encounter solace and indulgence, as if you stumbled through a secret portal to a luxurious dimension. The service and treatments are excellent, and you can make a day of it with shopping, dining, drinks, and a movie right there at Bottleworks. 850 Massachusetts Ave., 317-981-8888

Pilates Classes

With just three Reformers, the brand-new drop-in classes at Era Pilates in Fountain Square feel more like semi-private sessions than group ones, ensuring plenty of personal attention from the top-notch instructors for $40 (they specialize in pre- and post-natal Pilates, too). The commitment-free aspect is attractive, but you’ll find yourself clearing your schedule to return to the small, sunny studio. 1224 Prospect St., 317-828-3251

Pickleball Lessons

Hundreds of new pickleball players are learning block shots and backhand punches from Steve Farley, a retired Butler University baseball coach with a phys-ed degree (although even he’ll tell you that advanced players should get tournament-tough through Team Witskin). Farley’s 90-minute class at Life Time Castle Creek in Castleton fills up every month, and you just need one to hold your own in the kitchen. It’s open to nonmembers, and he’ll give private lessons at your neighborhood’s tennis courts, too. Email him at sfarley19@yahoo.com.

Free Workout

With an open field, some tractor tires to flip, a cargo net to climb, low beams to vault, and more classic obstacles, Gatling
Gauntlet in Nineveh is a no-cost, low-frills workout covering 20 skills in 1.6 miles. If you can’t torch the whole thing, or don’t exactly look coordinated on the incline wall, there won’t be many people to notice. Two laps around equals a 5K, perfect training ground for an upcoming race once the course reopens in the spring. Watch the YouTube videos for a demonstration on each challenge, and post your time on the leaderboard if you’re good. 7995 S. Gatling St., Nineveh, 317-739-8600

Targeted Workout

At the risk of being the butt of many jokes, Glutes 317 opened this year and embraced all the buns puns. The membership-based near-eastside gym is an indoor-outdoor setup made of cargo shipping containers with dedicated “boxes” for classes, free weights, and a sauna. Sessions cover light- and heavy-lifting days and a focus on core stabilization for better mobility and health. A suggested routine of three times per week promises to plump the rump to peachy perfection. The first class is on them. 218 S. State St., 317-660-1911

Ninja Workout

Started by a five-time American Ninja Warrior, Ultimate Ninjas opened in the summer with a warped wall and 19 other obstacles made famous by the hit show. Ninjas in training and ninjas at heart only are all welcome at classes and open play. 9625 E. 150th St., Noblesville, 317-473-7480

New Trail 

Yes, the point of the 4.5-mile Nickel Plate Trail is to move, but the railbed conversion’s rest stops are the reason to toot the horn—top restaurants and watering holes along 116th Street, Adirondack chairs, monumental stairs for people-watching, and swings hanging from the old train platform in a playful nod to city history.

The post Best Of Indy 2022: Lifestyle appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.

New Spirit

With marshmallow, caramelized sugar, and vanilla extract, ’Shmallow, the newest bourbon from Hotel Tango Distillery, is a far more sophisticated take on flavored spirits than the gourmand Smirnoff you drank in college. The s’mores-like profile is strengthened by subtle hints of smoke, and ’Shmallow is smooth enough that even clear-liquor fans might be tempted to sip it on its own—perhaps with a crushed-graham-cracker rim?

Outrageous Cookies

It was only a matter of time before a local crumble-master arrived on the scene to give a certain chain sensation a run for its sugar bombs. While the focus at The Cavity Factory cookie truck is the rotating menu of unparalleled mashups like Almond Joy, Oreo Butterfinger, and milk chocolate pistachio, don’t snooze on the chocolate chip, a thick, gooey treat you’ll hunt down all over the city. 317-281-7659

Pasta Night

Every toothsome piece of perfectly al dente pasta at Cortona’s Italian Cuisine & Wine Bar is a real deal made by owner Simone Lucarini, who hails from the Tuscan town where Eat, Pray, Love was filmed. If the special is spaghetti awash in a family-recipe pecorino sauce, order it and watch as it’s tossed tableside in a hollowed-out shell of Parmigiano-Reggiano. The required vessel isn’t always on hand, so catch the show if you can. 209 S. Main St., Fortville, 317-747-4242

New Restaurant

Giving comfort food the respect of fine-dining finesse, The Fountain Room lives up to its self-appointed superlative, “Mass Ave’s finest supper club.” The two-story showstopper borrows the Art Deco splendor of the Bottleworks Hotel next door with tufted leather chairs, glamorous clamshell booths, marble bar tops, and cascading chandeliers. Executive chef Andrew Popp’s big-shouldered menu covers everything from fine-tuned steaks and seafood to wild-card winners like a 20-ounce Circle City Cut prime rib with a tableside pour of jus, a noble old-school relish tray, utterly decadent French onion soup, and the best Coca-Cola barbecue ribs in town. 830 Massachusetts Ave., 463-238-3800

Sangria

Sangria isn’t just for summer, and Bocca proves it. The new midtown hotspot’s take blends Italian red wine, deep-flavored Italian herbal liqueur, apple cider, and housemade spiced syrup into a low-alcohol cocktail you can enjoy without overindulging. It’s the perfect intro into what Bocca does best: infuse traditional menu items with modern Italian ingredients. 122 E. 22nd St., 317-426-2045

Canned Cocktails

Newcomer distiller Hi & Mighty nailed its first round of canned offerings by perfectly capturing seasonal flavors. Those missing the State Fair need only to crack open a Lemon Shake Up, a gin-based riff on the midway staple. And when the leaves start to change, the brandy-forward, cinnamon-spiked Spiced Apple Sidekick is practically a requirement around a bonfire.

Smoothies

It may look like a humble produce stand from the outside, but the counter staff at Isaro’s Market and Juice Bar in Fletcher Place take their blenders seriously, whether they’re making a textbook strawberry–banana festooned with fruit
garnishes or innovating with hemp, strong-brew coffee, or beetroot. 642 Virginia Ave., 317-426-4916

Ice Cream Case

Pans brimming with voluminous folds of colorful housemade gelato and ice cream—some studded with marshmallows, drizzled with fruit syrup, or even layered with soft hunks of snack cakes—fill the cold cases at The New Age of Ice Cream and More. And tidy rows of gem-like popsicles stand like soldiers, ready to be pulled from their chilly ranks. Many flavors here are seasonal, but expect at least one cookie variation—like the creamy, aromatic Mint Oreo swirled with cookie chunks—and nearly as many vegan options as milk-based ones. 1325 Shelby St., 317-384-1093

New Canned Sodas

If you’re looking for a more exotic, less sugary sipper than traditional colas, Bollygood should be your go-to. Maxine Henderson riffs on the lemony beverage nimbu pani that’s popular in Indian markets by spiking up the sparkling soda with ginger and mint or lime and cumin, plus a signature hit of salt. Drink one straight up or use it as a mixer for an aromatic cocktail. You’ll have to stay online to get them, try clicking the above.

Dinner and DJ

If you don’t already love Cholita for the heady margaritas and build-your-own taco platters, we have another reason to hit the Broad Ripple taqueria. With popular DJs on tap, they also know how to turn up the volume on date night. Before you can even care that it’s too loud to hear, you’ll be ordering another round to enjoy the free concert from the comfort of a cushy velvet booth. 1001 Broad Ripple Ave., 317-389-5555

Pancake

You only need one Lemon Souffle Pancake at Gallery on 16th, not a stack. This Japanese riff is a fresh-baked pillowy shell that stands a few inches tall and is filled with smooth lemon curd and then dressed up like a luau dancer with fresh fruit, flowers, and flakes of gold leaf placed with tweezers. 319 E. 16th St., 317-820-5526

Mochi Doughnuts 

These colorful Hawaiian-style doughnuts combine the best aspects of a pillowy glazed yeast and sticky-sweet mochi ice cream bon bons—a science that Mochi Joy Donuts has mastered in the most delightful way from the modest kitchen of Noblesville’s VFW Thursday through Sunday. Owners Tom Nguyen and Rachel Burnett churn them out in a rainbow of flavors: banana pudding pie rimmed in crushed Nilla Wafers, a pixie-dusted purple Taro Unicorn, strawberry funnel cake, deep-purple ube, sweet corn pie, and even a slightly savory black sesame. Buy them individually or by the box—but do not dawdle. Arriving after they have sold out for the day (as they often do) is a killjoy. 654 S. 9th St., Noblesville, 463-266-0021

Pastry Box

If you can’t attend one of Ruchi Shah’s interactive, educational high teas featuring her family’s recipe for aromatic chai, you can order a box of Chai High Tea’s tasty sweet and savory pastries for your own afternoon party. The boxes, available for pickup in spring, include twists on Indian snacks such as chutney sandwiches, curried sweet potato hand pies, scones with clotted cream, and pistachio cake rusk, a biscotti-like treat that’s perfect for dunking in one of their own chai blends.

Chips and Dip

Some people call it junk food, but Bluebeard does not trifle with our most compulsive snack habit. The Fletcher Place eatery presents its appetizer potato chips—thin-sliced yet sturdy, ringed in a filament of potato skin—in a proper white bowl. The accompanying trivet of chunky French onion dip is cool and surprisingly light with pockets of garlic and complex waves of umami. Instead of salty overkill, you get this perfect balance: an earthy snap of spud that holds up well under the dip’s delicate creaminess. For the record, you can’t eat just one. 653 Virginia Ave., 317-686-1580

Wings

Not many great chefs fuss over this game-day staple, but thankfully, Tia Wilson of Chicken Scratch isn’t snobby. She brings a slam-dunk combination of tradition and creativity to crispy, juicy, bone-in drumettes drenched in sauces like hot honey, mango habanero, garlic buffalo, and Cajun ranch. 5308 N. Keystone Ave., 317-426-3457

Onion Rings

More tennis bracelet than chunky bangle, the wispy loops of allium served by the paper basket at Apocalypse Burger take the less-is-more approach to deep-fried bliss. Sweet onions are sliced on a mandolin, lightly coated in a peppery seasoned flour, and flash-fried into a crunchy nest of addictively munchable ringlets. (Imagine a warm, finger-food version of French’s crispy-fried casserole topper.) Each batch comes with a dipping sauce of choice, from ranch to wasabi aioli to ginger chili, making a good thing even better. 115 E. 49th St., 317-426-5001

Savory Pastries

Customers who can resist the urge toward sweet at Amelia’s gourmet bakeries are rewarded with limited-edition tarts and Danishes that substitute for meals. Cheddar cheese and savory granola have topped the laminated green tomato chutney toast. There have been Crois-Dawgs (like jumbo pigs in a blanket), sweet-pepper pizza pastries, Cuban croissants garnished with cornichons, and caprese kites. Danish variations have included tomato and hot honey popping with Baharat-spiced fried chickpeas, and a mouthwatering beauty topped with au gratin potatoes, spring onion, and mornay. Try not to fall in love with any of them, though. The flaky inventory rotates weekly. 653 Virginia Ave., 1637 Nowland Ave.; 317-686-1583

Pizza by the Slice

Last year, they went deep with their Detroit-style Futuro. This year, Indy’s first couple of pizza dough, Luke Tobias and Sarah Saint Aubin, took on the oversized New York slice at their cozy follow-up, Grump’s Slice Stop. The massive triangles are lightly sauced, generously crusted, and pliable enough to achieve a classic Naples al libretto fold. A single slice makes a meal—and a fine one when you consider the range of toppings includes a solid margherita, a State Fair–inspired ranch pickle, and a fierce spicy salami lit up with jalapeño and hot honey (plus piped-on ricotta for the cooldown). The $5 weekday lunch special that bundles a piece of cheese or pepperoni with a fresh, hot jumbo breadstick, dipping sauce, and canned soda is the best deal in town. 2201 E. 46th St., 317-792-1413

Lunchbox Cakes

Supersize a cupcake so it fits perfectly inside a small styrofoam clamshell and voila—a social-media sensation. A few bakers here offer the darling Korean lunchbox cakes by special order, but you can usually find the two-person, double-layer treat ready to go at The Flying Cupcake in Carmel for $29. 831 S. Rangeline Rd., Carmel, 317-396-2696

Iced Cookies

It takes a lot for a home baker to stand out from the crowded pack. Banner Sparks of Blooming Bakes makes the cookie her canvas for gorgeous handpainted (not printed) masterpieces, including uncanny portrait work. The new mom’s custom orders are on hold, but she starts selling four-pack holiday gift sets in early December. And yes, the soft sugar cookies are delicious. 

Lasagna

Other versions might soar higher off the plate or have a more impressive noodle count. But the gooey, old-world entree at Our Table is so tender and cheesy, so judiciously sauced so that the sticky-tomato flavor punches through the mozz and Parm, that you might weep with the first bite. Don’t worry that it sits so low on the plate, a midcentury-modern pasta structure buried under heavy layers of molten cheese. It’s an unapologetically humble version (a grower, not a shower, if you will) that any nonna would be proud to serve. 5080 State Rd. 135, Bargersville, 317-530-2624

Milkshake

When Sugar Factory opened in April, confection connoisseurs lined up. And Instagram blew up … with the over-the-top shakes. In classic flavors of vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, cookies and cream, and coffee, Insane Milkshakes are poured into chocolate-and-sprinkle-coated mugs, thick but sippable and worthy of their old-timey striped paper straws. The towering concoctions are stacked with chocolate-dipped bananas, spiral lollipops, candy necklaces, caramel waffles, blue glazed doughnuts, pink frosted cupcakes, cotton candy, and cheesecake hunks. If you’re going to do it, do it right. 49 W. Maryland St., 463-217-0383

Biscuits

Soft. Flaky. Warm. Substantial. Crunchy (just a little). Grandma’s recipe at Big Bear Biscuits earns every adjective. While the heavenly heft adds to the experience of the many sandwiches (bologna, short rib) and sweets (blueberry cobbler, bourbon brownie), if you came for the namesake nibble, we suggest The Bears and The Bees. That’s just biscuits loaded with brie, pecans, fruit, jam, and local honey. 3905 E. 96th St., 317-343-2103

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Bookbags

The old-school cloth totes at Indy Reads combine the nostalgia of the Troll Book Club with modern sass. Skim them all: “Books—The Original Touch Screen,” “Read Like a Girl,” and “Talk Wordy to Me.” Then fill up your favorite with bargain used novels and get to class. 1066 Virginia Ave., 317-384-1496

White Shirt

All the cool kids have been wearing this button-down workhorse. The “Schiffer” shirt from the Indy-based label Lyssé New York has been spotted over a sports bra and biker shorts on the Monon, a tank and jeans at Newfields, and even as a coverup at the pools. At $108, it’s a smidge longer in back, has a generous boyfriend cut, and refuses to wrinkle. Frances + Parke, 20 N. Main St., Zionsville

New Beauty Product

You know the scent. We know the scent. Heck, Australians know the scent of sweet, earthy, enigmatic Ambre Blends, born here and sold worldwide. Now the unofficial fragrance of Indianapolis has evolved into Ambre Blends Natural Solid Essence, a dab-on version of the super-clean formula.

Belt Bags

Gen Z calls them belt bags. Millennials know they’re fanny packs. But everyone agrees that Stoney Clover sets the new standard with felt patches, sequins, gold hardware, and monograms. Customize one at Addendum Gallery. Carmel City Center, 317-253-3400

Expansion

Chef-favorite Gravesco Pottery spun out to a bigger space near downtown this year, allowing Rebecca Graves more room to showcase her signature grooved mugs, tumblers, tableware, and home accessories alongside a bevy of blankets, gourmet food items, and personal care products with the same contemporary, earthy spirit. 1501 E. Michigan St., 567-694-4750

Grab-and-Go Bouquets

Flower Boys Jake Rupp and Jake Smith brought a whiff of European romance to Fletcher Place when they opened a storefront in March. While their workshops and stem wall have many devotees, the ready-made bouquets have found a cult following among posy-lovers. For $13, you get your pick of colorful, compact, adorable arrangements wrapped to travel. 702 Lexington Ave., 317-734-9356

Hip Children’s Shop

HGTV star Mina Hawk has birthed two kids and one store since her show, Good Bones, became a hit seven seasons ago. Originally dedicated to comfy-cool homegoods, Two Chicks District Co. has expanded into similarly styled kids’ clothes. And like Hawk, the flared denim, mini shackets, workwear-style jumpsuits, and early-empowerment statement tees like “Babes Supporting Babes” and “World Changer” aren’t too precious to get dirty. 1531 S. East St., 317-426-3652

Preppy Children’s Shop

Steve Schwartz of Zionsville’s bygone Ballerinas and Bruisers just moved school districts. Find the popular kids’ clothing trendsetter at Lunch Money Boutique, now turning heads in IPS territory with faux-leather dresses, cutesy holiday pajamas, and baby oxfords. Owner Shallan Hazlewood gets extra credit for design, down to the cafeteria-esque speckled floor. 5617 N. Illinois St.

Head Shop

Five women form the smoke circle of success behind Mona, a modern cannabis-lifestyle boutique packed with curated smoking vessels and accessories from women- and minority-owned businesses. From Indy-based Fluff’s Delta 8 vegan gummies to the CBD-cannabis-free munchies lining the shelves, the joint prioritizes quality first. You can put that in your pipe and smoke it. 977 Hosbrook St., 317-500-4686 (text only)

Crystals

Unearth a treasure trove of crystalline proportions at Inner Path, a longstanding new-age shop with two locations. Whether you want to awaken your mind’s eye or just add some sparkle to a living space, the selection of abundant and rare stones begs for a serendipitous splurge. Don’t miss their handmade, crystal jewelry collections, like Brooklyn-based artisan Bora Jewelry. 1484 W. 86th St., 317-228-9411; 7673 S. Shelby St., 317-883-1100

New Vintage Shop

D.C. transplant Macey Schumacher of Nuova Vita Vintage blends modern and vintage pieces into a shoppable collection of timeless, rotating staples. There are racks devoted to both men’s and plus-size fashions, which are often less organized elsewhere, even in these glory days of vintage shopping. 907 N. Pennsylvania St.

Tennis Skirts

Now that the fashion set has co-opted tennis style, go for the real thing at the Indianapolis Racquet Club pro shop. Nonmembers are welcome to score the latest quality collections from Nike, Adidas, Fila, and Eleven by Venus Williams. Ready to serve? 8249 Dean Rd., 317-849-2531

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Brandon Presser

The author of The Far Land doesn’t have to go far for some of his favorite things.

Sandwich

A self-proclaimed sandwich aficionado (with no expertise whatsoever), I’m a faithful subscriber of a certain meat/fixings/sauce/crunch/bread ratio for the most perfect bite. I will riot if the patty melt at Milktooth (534 Virginia Ave.) ever falls off the menu; same goes for the brisket grilled cheese at Half Liter Beer & BBQ Hall (5301 Winthrop Ave.)—get a side of pickles and sneak them into the sando. And if you don’t want a total coronary, opt for the house-roasted turkey club with extra mayo at Cafe Patachou (4901 N. Pennsylvania St.).

Place to Read

In the throes of winter, I like to escape the house and catch up on my reading at the Central Library (40 E. St. Clair St.). The top floors get great afternoon sun through the floor-to-ceiling windows. In summer, I grab a bench in Holcomb Gardens (Butler University, 4600 Sunset Ave.) under the shade-bearing branches of an old tree. For something more social, leather couches and lattes pair nicely with the latest lit at Parlor Public House (600 E. Ohio St.).

Neighborhood

I’m a bit partial, having purchased a home in Meridian-Kessler last year, but the area has proved even more lovely than I imagined. It’s practically illegal not to wave hello to neighbors on my morning runs. And I’m never more than a few blocks from a great restaurant, brewery, or boutique. Eat your heart out, Brooklyn.

Benedict Polizzi

Sure, TikTok stardom is real. But TV stardom is still better. Southside native and standup comedian Benedict Polizzi hit the national spotlight this summer when he wisecracked his way through auditions for HBO’s dating show FBoy Island and was cast as a “nice guy” contestant opposite the titular jerks. The 32-year-old lasted the whole series but didn’t end up with the girl. Instead, he started a serious relationship with success—opening for the show’s host, Nikki Glaser, in Las Vegas. But he gets some of his best material back home in Indianapolis.

Pickup Spot

Starbucks on Mass Ave (430 Massachusetts Ave.) because there are more dogs than humans.

Sports Team

The Colts because I start every morning by kissing the Peyton Manning statue.

Restaurant

The Ball & Biscuit (331 Massachusetts Ave.) because the lighting is so low that no one can see my crow’s feet.

Club

The Patron Saint (250 S. Meridian St.) because I feel like we’re breaking fire code.

Comedy Club

Helium (10 W. Georgia St.) because all the best comedians perform there and they’re dumb enough to book me.

Band

The guy who plays the saxophone at the Chatterbox (435 Massachusetts Ave., 317-636-0584) outside my apartment until 2 a.m.

Chicken Wings

Bru Burger (multiple locations) because it feels naughty.

Boys Night Out

The Garden Table (342 Massachusetts Ave., 317-638-0321) because the homies love good lighting for Insta picsssssss.

Hangout

Burn (110 S. Meridian St., 317-602-2260) because I can pretend like I smoke cigars and bet on games.

Sports Bar

The Tap (306 N. Delaware St., 317-820-5880) because of the firepit and they let me put two pieces of salmon on every salad.

Clothing store

Naptown Thrift (2174 E. 54th St., 317-602-5639) because how are they even finding this stuff?

Store

Corporate (245 McCrea St., 317-426-3813) because I’m gonna walk out with an overdraft fee but you’re gonna ask where I got my shoes.

Trainer

Max Fleetwood because he made me do squats until I had a dump truck for Fboy Island.

Barber shop

Legends Barbershop (8923 S. Meridian St., 317-361-4018) because I can panic-text Sean Wendling at 3 a.m. and go in for a haircut at 8 a.m.

Joey Chestnut

The world-champion competitive eater—now a Hamilton County resident—once ate 17 pounds of St. Elmo shrimp cocktail in one sitting. He has also consumed enough of his new home to have some opinions.

Local Dish

This is surely influenced by the fact I’m cutting out sugars right now and literally dream of sugar and starch. The bourbon bread pudding at Harry & Izzy’s (153 S. Illinois St., 4050 E. 82nd St.) has been on my mind more than anything. The server brings it to the table fresh out of the oven and drenches it with enough Maker’s Mark to make me nervous. I don’t even want to know how much sugar is needed to balance out the booze, but there is enough. The texture of the bread pudding is perfect, not burned, super moist without being soggy. I fantasize about sitting at the circle bar and only ordering the bourbon bread pudding and Budweisers, over and over again.

Chicken Wings

I love chicken wings. All of the Ale Emporium locations do a great job. Quality and consistency, which is hard with chicken wings, plus unique sauces and employees that love wings.

Bar

Close to me in Westfield is a Joe’s Bar and Grill (16156 Spring Mill Rd., Westfield). The food is great (for a bar); I get the BLT. There is a great mix of people. It is amazing how busy the place can get on Friday and Saturday nights. I’ve used the free shuttle they offer to keep everyone safe. Oh, yeah, they have great bartenders who can be convinced to take shots.

Tenderloin

I love that I never had tenderloin before moving to Indiana. Trying new foods and learning about them makes me feel like a kid. Close to where I live, Grindstone on the Monon (17470 Wheeler Rd., Westfield) has an amazing tenderloin sandwich—perfectly seasoned and fried in a way that reminds me of great fried chicken. The bun is big enough for the tenderloin and toppings. I’ve had some sandwiches that are all tenderloin and nothing else. For dinner, I get the Hoosier plate with the same tasty tenderloin covered in gravy.

Sandwich

Hoagies & Hops (4155 Boulevard Pl.) is about 25 minutes from where I’m at in Westfield, but it’s worth the drive. The owner or her husband drive to Philly to get the bread! The steak is ribeye and the cheese is wiz, just like the best places in Philly. But it tastes so much better in Indiana.

Hole-in-the-Wall Restaurant

Pupuseria Casa Maria (7363 N. Michigan Rd.) is a small joint, but I have always been able to sit down and enjoy a variety of awesome pupusas. Maria is in the kitchen making the pupusas fresh. Her husband works the register and is happy to give recommendations. Every meal I’ve had at Maria’s has been more than satisfying.

Hangout

Urban Vines (303 E. 161st St., Westfield) is sweet. In the winter, they have igloos that you can rent and get crazy in.

Tip for Eating Shrimp Cocktail

I’m honest with myself. I accept that it is going to hurt and know the pain will go away. The first shrimp is always the hardest. The fresh horseradish hits so hard I want to panic. I get a rush from not panicking, then I chew the shrimp and swallow. Almost like magic, the heat goes away and I’m left wondering if I was exaggerating. So I end up eating another … then I’m addicted. And in trouble. 

The post Best Of Indy 2022: Personal Bests appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.

Worst of Indy? Pffft—the construction. But the Best of Indy is a tougher question because there’s so much very-good in our very-lovable city. We spend the whole year being judgy about lasagna, belt bags, local novels, houseplants, hangouts, exhibits, pizza, libraries, and anything else we can think of to compile our vetted cheat sheet of Indy’s best in class. We also enlisted a little help this year: The world’s best competitive eater, Joey Chestnut, now a proud Hoosier, and HGTV’s best designer, MJ Coyle of Good Bones, both share their expertise. Here’s to the highest standards.

Health And Beauty

Food And Drink

Shopping And Style

Arts And Culture

Personal Bests

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