Indianapolis Monthly - August 2023 Edition

Six charming Hoosier destinations worth a visit

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KASSIDY ILAYNE STUDIOS

42

MAIN STREET CHARM

Explore Hoosier hamlets brimming with scenery, historic character, quaint shops and restaurants, and cozy inns—all within three hours of Indy.

BY CHEZ CHESAK AND AMY LYNCH

52 SQUAD GOALS

From skateboarding, to cycling, to rugby, local womenpowered sporting clubs foster a shared sense of adventure, confidence, fitness, and teamwork skills. We introduce you to these spirited players.

BY MARY MILZ

64

FEATHERING AN EMPTY NEST

With the kids grown and flown, this Meridian Hills couple reclaimed space and style in their traditional ranch with the help of designer Heidi Woodman.

BY BAILEY BRISCOE

Members of the Indianapolis Hoydens

Women’s Rugby Football Club

Illustration by Lucie Rice

PHOTO BY ANGELA JACKSON

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GOOD

21 WANTED

Brace yourself for a piece of squeal-worthy decor.

22 SHOP TALK

Stop in SoBro to show off your hometown pride.

24

BODY+SOUL

Our intrepid lifestyle editor tries microblading.

26

TRENDING

We’ve cherry-picked the most tasteful fruit bowls.

28

STREET SAVVY

Take a peek at the delights of Old Bargersville.

30

REALTY CHECK

A beautified barn faces up against a turnkey Victorian.

32

THE DISH

35

SWOON

The Oakmont’s owners take on high-end Italian cuisine at their latest Mass Ave venture, Vicino.

36

FIRST BITE

Milkman’s Daughter shakes up the hospitality scene with hyper-creative cocktails; Beacon off the Path shines bright; Indonesian-trained chef Phil Ibrahim makes a case for flavored oils.

37

TASTE TEST

Detroit-style pizza, pillowy rectangles with crunchy burnt cheese edges, is having a moment.

38

FOODIE

Molly Wilson of Sprig + Plate creates next-level charcuterie.

40

REVIEW

TRAVELER

Green Bay has allure far beyond the Packers.

Family recipes made by mom give Nando’s Mexican & Brazilian Cuisine authenticity. 103

RESTAURANT GUIDE

A tour of the city’s best eats, from fine dining to favorite dives.

112

BACK HOME AGAIN

I’d take a plastic tree over a Bradford pear or a cottonwood any day.

Roll Call

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Andrea Ratcliff

FEATURES EDITOR

Julia Spalding

LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Christina Vercelletto

ASSOCIATE MANAGING EDITOR

Camille Graves

DIGITAL EDITOR

Madyson Crane

EDITORIAL INTERN

Reese Sanders

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Robert Annis, Philip Gulley, Jeana Harris, Terry Kirts, Amy Lynch, Sam Stall

Andrea Ratcliff Editor-in-Chief

MOST PEOPLE know me as Andrea Ratcliff, but I go by a more unusual moniker in certain circles. Fifteen years ago, I worked up the gumption to join a roller derby team and took on a new alias: Splatty Hearst. I was never particularly athletic or interested in sports, but I became instantly enthralled when I attended the inaugural Naptown Roller Derby bout in 2007. After that first event, I found myself returning to the Blue Ribbon Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds again and again to watch subsequent matches. With some prompting and prodding from friends and colleagues, I strapped on quad skates and joined the action with Circle City Roller Derby in October 2008. Among this league of women and men (our practices were coed), I discovered newfound strength and physical capabilities, a passion for the game, and a community that supported my growth and development not only as an athlete, but also as a leader.

When contributor Mary Milz pitched a story idea about the IU Health Momentum Indy Divas, the concept quickly spun into a photo essay about women’s recreational sports (p. 52). Admittedly, it felt a little self-indulgent to greenlight this piece, but I know firsthand just how powerful and transformational women’s sports programs can be. I’m not exaggerating when I say roller derby changed my life. Skating was a catalyst that propelled me to aim higher and challenge myself more.

Milz touches on the true allure of these sports programs: the human connection and esprit de corps. The women I met playing roller derby are some of my best friends to this day. We have knocked each other down and picked each other up. They might forget my real name occasionally, but that doesn’t matter. I’ll always answer to Splatty.

( CONTRIBUTORS )

Chez—rhymes with the candy—Chesak is an award-winning outdoor travel writer and the executive director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America. A son of a small town, he loves their laid-back timelines, historic downtowns, and tight-knit communities. This month, he shines a light on some of the most endearing (p. 42).

RANDOLPH W. HOBLER

Freelance writer Randy Hobler started playing piano with chords by ear at age

4. He was in rock bands in high school and college and more recently composed a musical and authored a book, 101 Arabian Tales: How We All Persevered in Peace Corps Libya. He loves to delve into milestones of music, as he does in his story on a paramount piece of Indiana history (p. 18).

ANGELA JACKSON

Nashville, Indiana freelance photographer Angela Jackson believes there is nothing that a long walk in the woods won’t heal. As a nature lover who enjoys paddleboarding, hiking, and backpacking with her friends, she was eager to document the strong women actively enjoying recreational hobbies (p. 52).

DESIGN DIRECTOR

Brittany Dexter

SENIOR ART DIRECTOR

Margo Wininger

ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR

Maura Broderson

PRODUCTION DESIGNER

Christiana Bertsch

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Tony Valainis

PUBLISHER

Ivy Bayer

SALES DIRECTOR

Holly Whitney

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

David Gerdt, Nancy Oliphant

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BUSINESS

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

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BUSINESS COORDINATOR

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CHEZ CHESAK

BUILDER OF THE 2023

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AUGUST

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

73 // COLLEGE GUIDE

This annual resource includes information and advice from university professors, academic advisors, and administrators about acing the application process, navigating campus visits, and preparing for changes to the FAFSA. Our accompanying profiles showcase institutions of higher learning, highlighting statistics and attributes of each school, including curriculum, culture, specialty areas, achievements, and history.

IN THE NEXT ISSUE ...

School Profiles

Take a peek inside Indy area academies to explore their educational philosophies, focuses, and strengths. We’ll include details about each school’s enrollment, studentfaculty ratio, graduation rate, tuition, and awards and recognitions to help parents make informed decisions about their children’s academic environments.

Dream Home

Get a glimpse of the 2023 Indianapolis Monthly Dream Home, located in Zionsville’s Holliday Farms community. The high-end show home built and designed in collaboration by Homes by Design and Dare 2 Design will be open to the public select weekends in September.

CORRECTION In our July issue, Cabinetry Ideas was incorrectly identified as Cabinetry Designs in the “Hitting the Right Note” Home of the Month feature. IM regrets the error.

SUPPORTING

HEALTHY FAMILIES

SPEED READ

Old

Glory,

New Vision

After two years and more than $6 million, a long-awaited reimagined Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site has been unveiled.

Photos by LEE LEWELLEN

HOME ELITE HOME. Built in 1874 at a cost of $24,000 (equivalent to $640,000 today, still not all that much for the home of a commander in chief), the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site (bhpsite.org) was originally the 16-room Italianate Victorian home of the 23rd president of the United States, the only one to come from Indiana. America’s Hoosier President would serve one term in the White House between 1889 and 1893, eventually dying in a second-floor bedroom of the house at 1230 N. Delaware St. in 1901. It was from the front porch that Harrison began his famous “front porch” presidential campaign, regularly speaking to crowds on the street.

PHASES OF HISTORY. The home of Benjamin Harrison and his family (first: his wife, Caroline, and their children, Russell and Mamie, and later: his second wife, Mary, and their child, Elizabeth) has undergone multiple stages throughout its “life.” After its distinguished service as the home of our 23rd president, it became a family rental home, followed by a stint as a dormitory for female music students. Finally, more than six decades after Harrison’s passing, the building was named a National Historic Landmark in 1964.

RENOVATION AND INNOVATION. On May 18, after two years of work and more than $6 million, the historic landmark and museum officially entered its next chapter. The Presidential Site’s 2-plus acres have been significantly enhanced with both building and property renovations. A new public commons is the cornerstone of the revamp, drawing more attention to the Presidential Site, especially when approaching from the south, and generally making the site a more prominent city and community fixture. That was something those spearheading the project felt was long overdue, despite the attraction regularly ranking in Tripadvisor’s top five things to do in Indianapolis.

STEPS IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. While the museum-home is, of course, primarily dedicated to Harrison, it pays homage to other presidents as well. Even before entering the home, visitors experience

a display of American history at the Stan & Sandy Hurt Presidential Promenade. They’re guided down a granite and brick pathway to the house. Along the way, they follow the “footsteps of the founders,” custom 3-D-printed stainless steel medallions that represent different presidents. Each medallion contains stars that represent the number of states that comprised the United States at the time of their administrations.

HISTORY PERSONIFIED. After following in the footsteps of the founders, guests are greeted by the Johnson-Floyd Family Presidential Commons. The striking wood and glass portico entices visitors to enter the property, where they will be led into the Sarah Evans Barker Citizenship Plaza. The plaza features many of America’s founding documents and “The Book of History,” which honors all the citizens—more than 1,500 at this writing—who have been naturalized at the Presidential Site since 2003.

A TREASURE HUNT. Inside, three floors and 10 rooms house more than 10,000 artifacts on display, from campaign memorabilia to artwork and personal effects, most of which are original to the Harrison family. Others are linked to George Washington and Teddy Roosevelt. Even the halls are lined with such treasures, encouraging hours of historical intrigue and learning.

DYNAMIC EXHIBITS. The Welcome Center and third-floor ballroom feature changing exhibits. Currently, visitors can experience Pan-American: Forging Bonds of Prosperity & Peace, a detailed look at how President Harrison created a trade policy that was groundbreaking at its time, and Residential to Presidential: 150 Years With the Harrisons, which explores the history of the house and the lives of its various occupants.

STAGING HISTORY. The museum not only boasts artifacts and exhibits of America’s past, but also unique stage shows. The Candlelight Theatre produces plays with the home as the set, providing an authentic and intimate backdrop to the performances. Mysteries, comedies, and historical thrillers are

all on rotation. The next production, Murder at the Manor, a grisly whodunit, opens this fall.

SUNNY DAYS AHEAD. While the interior of the home is a history buff’s dream, the Presidential Site grounds also offer a glimpse into the past, as well as a place to stroll. The historic gardens have been beautifully restored and landscaped to their original beauty. Upkeep is done by nine volunteer gardeners on a weekly basis. Head to The Freedom Garden to find a transformed area of small trees and shrubs along a brick walkway. Or enjoy the Presidential Lilac Garden that contains plants originally cultivated in the late 1800s during Harrison’s presidency.

HERE’S TO THE NEXT 150 YEARS. For decades, Indy’s presidential home has been lovingly cared for and has educated thousands upon thousands of adults and schoolchildren. However, the need for regular maintenance and larger renovations and improvements will never stop. Thankfully, more than $1 million worth of fundraising efforts ensures that the home will continue to be functionally sound. A new Neighborway connects Pennsylvania and Delaware streets, helping restore the access to the Old Northside landmark that was lost after the interstate was constructed 50 years ago. That’s just one of the enhancements that will help this local gem expand its recognition nationally and continue to thrive, quite possibly for another century and a half.

—NIKO VERCELLETTO

(1) RuPaul’s Drag Race

Werq the World Tour

August 5

Catch Asia O’Hara, Daya Betty, Kandy Muse, Lady Camden, Rosé, Naomi Smalls, and a select season 15 finalist in the world’s largest and best-known drag production at the Murat Theatre at the Old National Centre. concerts .livenation.com

(2) Luke Bryan: Country on Tour August 18

The “Crash My Party” singer is coming to the Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville with guests Chayce Beckham and Ashley Cooke. A VIP upgrade gets you an acoustic serenade by Luke pre-show. concerts .livenation.com

(3) The Bookworm Ball

August 19

Fantasy literature fans, grab those jeweled crowns and scepters: A ball will be held at the Scottish Rite Cathedral. Tickets include a professional photo, light fare, an aperitif, dancing, and a pre-party at Indy Reads. Black tie (or costumes) required. thebookwormball.com

(4) Special Event: Akaash Singh

August 23

Singh, who got his start in stand-up at an open mic night as a college freshman, is best known for his Flagrant podcast and comedy special, Bring Back Apu. His national tour stops at the Helium Comedy Club downtown. indianapolis .heliumcomedy.com

(5) IU Health

Momentum Indy

August 25–26

One of the nation’s biggest cycling weekends for racers, casual pedalers, and spectators alike returns to downtown streets. Friday evening’s race on Mass Ave has a street party vibe; Saturday’s is more of a family festival. momentumindy.org

Illustration by HATSUE

Riders on the Storm

Q : BEING A STORM CHASER SEEMS COOL. HOW DO I BECOME ONE IN INDIANA? A: If you want to join those ranks, veteran Northern Indiana–based chaser Caleb Ivins advises signing up for the SKYWARN Storm Spotter Program, offered to interested civilians by the National Weather Service. The two-hour online class familiarizes newbies with storm and tornado facts so they can serve as “spotters” for the NWS. Then, hook up with a group of chasers by approaching a state organization, such as Indiana Storm Chasers. Be aware, though, that tangling with Hoosier tornadoes is different than, say, hunting them in Oklahoma. Ivins says that while twisters farther west tend to form in the afternoon and without rain, Indiana tornadoes generally spawn at night, surrounded by rain or hail that can render them nearly invisible—until you’re on top of them. Just something to ponder before pursuing this line of work. And when we say work, we mean unpaid. Storm chasers are volunteers. —SAM

STALL

(

UNSPOKEN RULES )

Geist Park

A MANNER-FESTO FOR THE NEW WATERFRONT SPOT IN FISHERS

Go early. Cabanas, tables, shaded areas, and grills are limited. Wear a hat. The pirate ship playground is where the kids will be. Don’t count on swimming. By most accounts, the water isn’t clean. But the soft sand and the new bathrooms are. Rent a kayak or launch your own. The beach faces Olio Road, so it lacks a relax-witha-book vibe. Local food trucks are there Saturday and Sunday. NonFishers residents pay a $50 parking fee 48 hours in advance. And you won’t find a safe spot in the surrounding area to park that’s close enough to walk. But anyone can bike in free. Or just wait until September 5. The fee only applies during “swimming” season.

Indiana tornadoes in 2022

Nationally, the number of twisters has risen precipitously, with the U.S. reporting more than 1,000 every year since 2016. Last season Mississippi got the worst of tornado season, with 184 touchdowns.

ask THE HOOSIERIST

BY RYAN JOHNSON; RULES PHOTO COURTESY FISHERS PARKS

Frank Bill, “Grit Lit” Author

THE SOUTHERN INDIANA STORIES TOLD BY THE NEW YORK TIMES BEST-SELLING NOVELIST FRANK BILL ESCHEW SCENES LIKE FALL FOLIAGE AND WINERY TASTINGS. INSTEAD, THE HOOSIER’S LATEST NOVEL, BACK TO THE DIRT , EXPLORES RURAL WORKING-CLASS LIVES OF QUIET DESPERATION. BY SAM STALL

Your books feature a lot of crime, violence, sadness, and mayhem. How would you describe your genre, and how did you come to it?

It’s gritty literary fiction. Or as I call it, grit lit. It’s about the human condition and the things we carry with us throughout our lives. That’s especially true with Back to the Dirt. It comes from all my time working in a factory—the things I’ve had to deal with there, the stories I’ve heard, and the people I’ve worked with. My writing in this particular book is very much a

representation of how the war affected my dad and his experience as a combat engineer in Vietnam. He’s kept that horrible war with him forever.

How did you get into writing?

I read Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk. Then I read all of his other books. I thought, You know, I could do this. His minimalist style of writing turned me on to a lot of Southern writers, including Larry Brown. The things Brown wrote about were the same things I knew about. Even though

he lived in Mississippi and I lived in Indiana, I saw many commonalities— working-class folks, people who drank and smoked a lot, veterans, dead-end jobs, that kind of thing. When you’re working class, it seems like you’ve always got a problem, whether it’s money, a bad marriage, or alcoholism. And, of course, my generation of working-class people has had to deal with methamphetamines and, now, fentanyl.

Your work has appeared on The New York Times Best Seller list, yet you still live in Southern Indiana and still work in a factory. What gives? The factory makes paint additives. This is my 29th year. It’s hard to walk away from a job that provides good health insurance and a retirement plan. People think writers are rich, but that’s definitely not the case, at least for me. And Indiana is my home. It’s kind of in the middle of everywhere and nowhere. My wife and I talked about moving to Florida, and that’s a possibility, but I do like it here. I do like the climate. The only time I hate winter is when I have to drive to work and deal with it on the road.

What do you say is your main job?

I see myself to be a working-class author. I see writing as a full-time job, and I see my work in the factory the same way. I also see being a husband as a full-time job. I’ve got a lot of fulltime jobs.

You love Southern Indiana, but by your own admission, the place has changed—and not for the better. What’s happened?

I think people back in the day were a lot harder working than they are now, in some aspects. It seems like you have a generation where some, not all, rely on either being a victim or getting a handout. They lack dedication or discipline. I don’t really get it, because I had to work for everything. I have boxes full of rejection letters that chronicle eight years of getting nowhere in the writing world. And when I first started at the factory, I never wanted to be late for work—especially during [my] first year, because during that first year of employment, you are on probation. You cannot miss work. Now, for example, we’ve got a new guy who

PHOTO COURTESY CHRISTIAN DOELLNER

shows up late at least once a week. He doesn’t think it’s a big deal. Well, it’s about responsibility. If you aren’t responsible enough to show up for work on time, what else do you lack?

And how does drug abuse figure into all this?

When I was a kid, I knew a lot of people who drank because of things that happened to them in the military or because they had a bad marriage or were just down on their luck. Now, instead of alcohol, those same types of people use meth and fentanyl. And this isn’t your grandpa’s drugs. Originally meth was called crank, which on the grand scale of things wasn’t that big of a deal. But then the ingredients needed to make it started getting outlawed one after another. So new ingredients were introduced, and they changed the drug into something that alters the biological makeup of the brains of the people who use it. It doesn’t make you feel good anymore. It makes you paranoid and crazy.

So it’s part of the culture now?

I got a sense of that when I interviewed an ex-meth addict while researching my novel Donnybrook. He said that in his neck of the woods there were different areas in the countryside, called “hollers,” where different families or groups would make meth using their own recipes and different ingredients. So the various batches were looked upon kind of like the differences in moonshine, or maybe even salsa recipes, from one area to another. It’s kind of wild. Years ago, the stuff was shipped in from other states or even countries. When I was in high school, I ran around with a Latino guy whose family relocated here. They would get methamphetamine that was made in a lab somewhere and shipped to them in the mail. FedEx would deliver it. I’d never seen anything like that before. It was “old-school” meth. It made you feel good as in, if you’re smoking a cigarette, that was the best cigarette you ever smoked. You still got addicted, but it was a different sort of addiction. It’s not like that anymore because of the different substances used to make it. It affects the brain chemistry differently.

When do you have time to write?

I work 12-hour shifts three days one

week at the factory, then four 12-hour shifts the following week, so I get four days off one week and three days the next. And I work nights, so that leaves a chunk of my actual workdays free. Also, when I’m on the job, I carry a notebook and will do some writing. Though these days, I jot notes on my phone and print them out when I get home. I go to work, do my job, shoot the shit with the two guys I work with, read during breaks, and get a little bit of writing in. On my days off, I sit down sometime between 11 p.m. and midnight and write until 7 in the morning. I have a lot of other stuff to do during my free time, like helping to take care of my mother, who has dementia and cancer, making sure my dog gets walked, and taking care of things around my home.

What kind of dog is she?

I’ve got a red tick beagle because I was raised around hound dogs. My grandfather was a big raccoon hunter, and I hunted rabbits and squirrels as a kid. I also fished. I don’t have time anymore because of my writing.

What else stands out in your mind about your childhood?

My grandparents had a 100-acre farm that was connected to my grandfather’s brother’s farm, and there was another relative who lived next to them who had another 100 acres, so we had between 300 and 400 acres that I could roam when I was a kid. My cousins and I always thought everybody had the same life we did. But we’d go to school and talk about the things we did, and the other kids would have no idea what we were talking about. But that was how we grew up.

Where do your big thoughts typically come from?

Honestly, a lot of it comes from reading books that I can relate to. Certain authors just get my brain going. I used to pick up things by reading newspapers and news magazines, but it seems like those just want to divide us, so I quit reading them.

What do your neighbors and coworkers think about your “glamorous” job?

All the guys at the factory are really supportive of my work, but I don’t make a big deal of it. Sometimes people

have to pull it out of me, and they’ll say, “Why didn’t you tell me you did that?” Because I don’t really think that much about it. I mean, it’s not like I walk down the street and people recognize me for it. Also, my material is pretty dark. I had a friend whose wife picked one of my novels for her book club to read. Then they read the first few pages and decided it was a little too much for them. She told me she was sorry, but the fact is, I understand completely. It’s not for everybody.

A trio of Bill’s works: 2011’s Crimes in Southern Indiana, 2013’s Donnybrook, and 2023’s Back to the Dirt.

All That Jazz

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO, SATCHMO MADE HISTORY BY SCRATCHING HIS VERY FIRST GROOVES IN EAST-CENTRAL INDIANA. BY

BY 1913 , the town of Richmond, Indiana, had not yet been able to nail down a lasting motto. Neither “The Rose City,” nor “The Quaker City of the West,” nor “The Lawnmower Capital” stuck in the public imagination. Maybe the roses, mowers, and even the Quakers failed to leave a strong impression. Regardless, anonymity was averted—that year, Richmond earned the motto that it’s been synonymous with to this day: “The Cradle of Recorded Jazz.” And that’s thanks to a man who would become widely regarded as the most influential figure in the history of American music.

Richmond’s trek to earning its spot on the music map started in 1884, when the Starr Piano Company bought 23 acres in the town, employing hundreds of residents, many of them German American wood craftsmen. Their first business extension was into the manufacture of a newly popular invention, the phonograph, in 1915. Starr expanded again soon after, this time into making 78 rpm records, selling 4 million a year under the name Gennett Records. (The business was named for managers Clarence, Fred, and Harry Gennett.) Finally, in a

RANDOLPH W. HOBLER

logical next step, the piano purveyors turned music moguls opened a recording studio in New York City and then another on the grounds of the piano factory in Richmond. Gennett Studio was soon drawing a passel of jazz musicians to Indiana from all over the country.

Meanwhile, the famous African American band leader Joe “King” Oliver telegraphed a sensationally gifted 21-year-old cornet player by the name of Louis Daniel Armstrong, inviting him to come up from New Orleans to join his band in Chicago. With Louis playing second cornet—a smaller but similar instrument to the trumpet for which he’d later become better known—King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band took the city by storm. Armstrong would eventually marry Lil Hardin, the band’s pianist.

The next year, the group of seven musicians boarded a train for the sixhour ride to Richmond to record nine songs at Gennett Studio. Those recordings, made on April 5 and 6, 1923, would be Louis Armstrong’s first ever. One of those tracks was “Chimes Blues,” which is especially significant, as it was his first recorded solo.

Gennett Studio bore no similarity to the cushy ones used today. It was cramped, unventilated, and intentionally kept as warm as possible so that the wax recording disc stayed soft enough for the stylus to scratch into the surface. Every time a train on the nearby mainline of the C&O Railway went by, they had to stop recording and start again. In stifling heat that usually hovered in the mid-80s, the band members huddled together around the recording apparatus, akin to a large horn—except for Armstrong. It was said that Armstrong’s cornet playing was so powerful that he had to stand out in the hallway, 15 feet or so from the recording horn, lest he eclipse his own band leader, King Oliver.

Around the same time, another Indiana city was building its own enviable motto. While Richmond may have been the recording hub of the day, Indianapolis was performance central. Circle City’s motto at that time was “The Entertainment Mecca of the Midwest.”

In the Missile Room, guitarist Wes Montgomery found fame. The Sunset Terrace Club welcomed Duke Ellington. The Skatarena, a popular roller-skating venue, hosted Bo Diddley and Fats Domino just before they hit the big time. Most prominent was the Walker Building’s Grand Casino Ballroom, where the Hampton Sisters, Jimmie Coe, and Pookie Johnson performed.

Indy showcased its own Cotton Club where the likes of Fats Waller and yes, Louis Armstrong, strutted their stuff. Arguably the most novel act was “Iron Jaw” Memphis, a showstopper who could scoop up a table with a woman perched on it with his teeth.

It wasn’t until decades later that Armstrong’s considerable vocal talents were embraced, his distinctive raspy, throaty voice as familiar as jazz itself. Since Satchmo’s momentous first trip to Indiana in 1923, he performed 28 times in the Hoosier state, including twice in Richmond and at least 11 times in Indianapolis. It’s hardly a surprise, then, that the song he routinely opened with worldwide for decades, including appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, was “Back Home Again in Indiana.”

Louis Armstrong plays the trumpet in 1950. Armstrong was also a composer and singer whose career spanned five decades. A turning point in his legendary life took place in Richmond, Indiana.

GOOD LIFE

WANTED

Soul Mates

Monsters, Inc. extras? New Muppets? Lima beans? We don’t know or care because we’re as smitten with this passionate pair as they are with each other. Standing just over 7 inches tall, the L’Objet Haas Huggers Box is made of fine porcelain with 24-karat gold finishing. And this delightful duo is as useful as they are captivating: Their heads lift off to reveal trinket storage. $695. Charles Mayer & Co., 5629 N. Illinois St., 317-257-2900, shop.charlesmayer.com —CHRISTINA VERCELLETTO

( SHOP TALK )

Hometown Pride

BE HELPFUL. BE KIND. BE HOOSIER. THE MOTTO OF A NEW SOBRO SHOP IS APROPOS.

BY CHRISTINA VERCELLETTO

United State of Indiana

ADDRESS

Wednesday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Sunday, noon–5 p.m.

WHETHER YOU want to rock a retro IMS bomber jacket, send your college kid an Indiana beanie, or pick up a 317 romper for a new baby, United State of Indiana is the place. From koozies and candles to magnets and mugs, if it’s Hoosier, it’s here. Owners Grant Gilman and Graham Brown built their brand for more than a decade with an online store and pop-ups. The jump to brick-and-mortar was inevitable. “A physical location gets people to connect with our company in a way that online shopping just doesn’t allow,” explains Brown. When a prime spot next to the Monon opened up, the stars aligned. “Broad Ripple has always been my favorite neighborhood,” says Brown. Bonus: The owner of adjacent Lux & Ivy is a personal friend. The space spills over with Hoosier pride. The bathroom is decked out with headshots of Hoosier celebs, while the jukebox plays only music by Indiana artists. Custom print jobs for family reunions, teams, and parties are a frequent request. “We use water-based inks, so the design is super soft and lasts as long as the shirt,” notes Gilman. And he has a favorite project. “As a 4-H kid, I’ve really enjoyed working on our Indiana State Fair collection. The theme this year, basketball, has been a great design inspiration.”

SUCH A CUTE JUMPSUIT! With platform sneakers, it’s perfect for jumping from the kitchen to a meeting looking slightly professional. It’s from Target!

OTHER GO-TO STORES? Free People. On-trend without trying too hard to say “young.”

YOU HAVE KIDS AND A BOOMING BUSINESS. TIME-SAVERS?

Relying on neutrals— white, cream, tan, brown, and olive—and one-piece outfits, like dresses with pockets. Slip-on shoes, like J/Slides and Birkenstocks, too. And wearing the same accessories.

WHICH ARE?

Three gold chains, gold rings, and an alligator hair clip. —C.V.

SCOUTED

(1) Indianapolis flag hardcover notebook, $13 (2) ”Indy” throw pillow, $25 (3) “Home” baby romper, $19 (4) Assorted magnets, $5 each

Alison Keefer Gallery Pastry Shop Owner

POWER-UP with included outlets and/ or USB-A and USB-C charging ports on both sides of the headboard.

STURDY+VERSATILE

The LINQ™ frame can be assembled to accommodate any size mattress. Making the height just right.

WITHIN REACH

The integrated power center and cable controls ensure you and your devices both get a nice recharge.

IT’S BEDROOM FURNITURE REIMAGINED

INTRODUCING LINQ™ BEDROOM FURNITURE FROM BDI. Combining innovative design, intelligent engineering and ingenious new features, the LINQ™ collection has reimagined what bedroom furniture can be. From connected headboards with built-in charging stations to unique nightstands that perform in magical ways, the bedroom has been reinterpreted as never before.

BEDROOM FURNITURE FOR THE WAY YOU LIVE.

Monday - Wednesday 10 - 6

Thursday 10-8

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Yep. A power station for this side of the bed too.

The sliding top and pull out shelf makes grabbing all the things a breeze.

TAKE CHARGE

Golden Arches

SICK OF FILLING IN MY BROWS, I TRIED MICROBLADING. HERE’S HOW IT WENT.

BY CHRISTINA VERCELLETTO

WHETHER DUE TO overzealous plucking trying to emulate

Gwen Stefani’s skinny brows in the aughts or the thinning that comes with—must I say it—age, my eyebrows were downright sparse. Fussing with pencils and powders had taught me one thing: Eyebrows really do frame our faces. And mine were seemingly blowing away like dandelion fluff

Enter Nora-based permanent makeup artist Corinna Uttinger, who explained what microblading was— pigment semipermanently tattooed onto your brows to mimic individual hairs—and assured me many clients my age (and much older) had excellent results.

tops. It stung a little but wasn’t bad at all. I expected my skin to be angry red, but it was barely pink. I went to Zoobilation that night and nobody gasped, “Your eyebrows!” Well, a coworker did, but in a good way.

Eye Love Brows

ADDRESS

1001 E. 86th St., inside Playful Soul PRICE

The day before my appointment, a text reminded me to eschew caffeine for 24 hours. (If you’re team “but first, coffee” like I am, take the earliest time slot.) After carefully plotting out my new brow shape and color options with me, Uttinger applied numbing cream. The tattooing took 30 minutes

$450 plus tip INFO

317-999-5164

Aftercare, involving much ointment, continued for 10 days. Moisture fades the color, so swimming, saunas, and vigorous exercise were verboten. Easy. But I had to wear a shower cap pulled down over my brows while washing (half) my face. Shampooing was tricky. Sun is also the enemy, so I donned Jackie O. shades. It takes two weeks for the final color to appear, during which time brows typically swing from too dark, to scabby, to too light. Mine were itchy but didn’t scab. And I kind of liked the “too dark”

Glow-Getter

phase, so at my mandatory six-week touch-up, I know to ask for a bit more drama. Uttinger says it can last three years if I avoid chemical peels, glycolic acid skincare products, and the sun (within reason).

The difference my new brows make, even on my bare face, is striking. The hairs Uttinger shaved to create their shape grew back, cruel irony. So while I can’t toss my tweezers, ditching brow makeup is still huge.

WE’VE ALL HEARD IT: “Wear SPF on your face 365, no excuses.” But as appealing as fending off timeworn skin is, most of us don’t because, well … excuses. Namely, that SPF goes on whitish and tacky. But! Trending clean beauty brand Kopari just launched a white cast–free, broad-spectrum SPF that protects and prettifies. Antioxidant Face Shield Mineral SPF 30 ($38) melts instantly into skin with zero pilling. It’s transparent, leaving behind only a subtle shimmer. Plus it’s vegan and cruelty-free. Ulta stores, multiple Indianapolis locations, ulta.com. —C.V.

BODY+ SOUL

This new skin savior doubles as a luminizer.

Fruit of the Room

STASH SUMMER’S BOUNTY IN BOWLS LOVELY ENOUGH TO DISPLAY ALL YEAR. BY STEPHEN

GARSTANG

(1) Tozai Home hand-painted porcelain blossom bowl $195. Charles Mayer & Co., 5629 N. Illinois St., charles mayer.com

(2) Handmade clay bowl by Chris Deprez. $120. Fountain Square Clay Center, 950 Hosbrook St., fountainsquare claycenter.com

(3) Carved cherry wood hearthandled bowl by Kevin Harvey. $290. Artifacts Gallery, 6327 Guilford Ave., artifactsindy.com

(4) Studio K cerulean clear glass bowl signed by artist Matt K. $310. Artifacts Gallery, 6327 Guilford Ave., artifactsindy.com

(5) Pomelo Casa bowl made in Spain. $46 Willa Gray Home, 6516 Carrollton Ave., willagray home.com

(7) Carved walnut wood vessel handmade by Kevin Harvey. $145. Artifacts Gallery, 6327 Guilford Ave., artifactsindy.com

(8) Tane Mexican sterling silver bowl $3,995 Eric Lausch Fine Silver at Midland Antiques, 907 E. Michigan St.

(6) Long aluminum standing bowl in pale yellow. $138. Willa Gray Home, 6516 Carrollton Ave., willagray home.com

Old Bargersville

AFTER THE ENTRY OF A FEW TRENDY EATERIES, THE MAIN THOROUGHFARE NOW BRIMS WITH MUST-BROWSE BOUTIQUES, A DOG-FRIENDLY JAVA SHOP, AND A WELLNESS STUDIO.

BY MICHELLE MASTRO

HUNT FOR TREASURE

How did The Pump House (1) get its name? Note the water pump as you enter. Inside, the curated fusion of new and pre-loved home decor fills every nook. If blending eras is your aesthetic, this shop can’t be missed. The main room boasts a vintage 8-foothigh wooden bed frame topped off with the cutest modern bedding and throw pillows. Around the corner, racks of vintage jeans are juxtaposed with graphic tees. 158 N. Main St., 317-458-0456, shoppumphouse.com

CAFFEINATE Hankering for a classic cup of Joe and mid-mod vibes? Coffeehouse Five (2) is the place to be. Beans are roasted on the premises daily, and bagels are made by hand. If refreshing is more your java speed, try the cold brew or nitro coffee. The seasonal selection of lemonades, including strawberry mint, blackberry, and coffee, will hit the spot as you bask on the new dog-friendly patio. 10 Plummer Ave., 317-300-4330, coffeehousefive.com

SUPPORT A GOOD CAUSE Nothing beats handmade. And everything in The Hope Gallery (3) is, by individuals with developmental disabilities or the shop’s own team. We spotted colorful aprons, inventive table pads, and mosaic magnets. Anything you buy, including the candies and ice cream, supports the nonprofit The Alex and Ali Foundation, which empowers young adults with autism. 74 N. Main St., 317807-6317, thealexandalifoundation.com

BROWSE GOODIES Fashioned after a European-style bakery, Cellar’s Market (4) adds a coffee shop and marketplace. Carry out pastries or settle into the quaint lounge with house-made

gelato. We’d go for lemon. 63 N. Baldwin St., 317-533-0810, thecellarsmarket.com

ENTER CARNIVORE HEAVEN After 5 p.m., the space above Cellar’s Market opens. Up Cellar (5) is a swanky restaurant set off with a massive chandelier. It’s a prime place to sip Old World wines and savor steaks and specialty meats from Indiana farms. 63 N. Baldwin St., 317-533-0810, theupcellar.com

Clockwise from above left: Cellar’s Market has an expansive fine wine selection that any oenophile will relish perusing; Pup-welcoming Coffeehouse Five roasts all its beans on premises; Purchasing any of the handcrafted finds, candy, or ice cream at The Hope Gallery benefits young adults with autism.

TURF South of Town

THINK HEALTHY “We are an eco-conscious salon, spa, barbershop, and yoga studio,” says Blythe Potter, co-owner of Bargersville Wellness (6). “We recycle more than 99 percent of the waste we produce and compost our food.” They even use bamboo toilet paper and animal-safe ice melt in the winter. The most popular services? A 60-minute massage and the summer Yin and Hatha yoga classes. 17 N. Baldwin St., 317-458-0743, bargersvillewellness.com

TOUR THE ORIGINAL The Old Bargersville location is the Taxman Brewing Co. ’s (7) flagship. Snagging a place on one of the brewery’s tours, given only four times a year, is special. Planning ahead is worth it to learn Belgian beer history, try a full pour of your choice, and taste a brewer-

chosen flight. In the meantime, stop by for lunch, but don’t be late. Doors open at noon and tables are scooped up fast. We suggest dunking Belgian-style frites in any of the 10 specialty sauces. 13 S. Baldwin St., 317-458-0210, taxmanbrewing.com

TRY SOME ‘CUE On a nice spot right off the tracks, Johnson’s BBQ Shack (8) cooks up smoked ribs, brisket, chicken, and more. Fountain drinks hail from Indy’s The Soda Guy. Every Friday and Saturday, you can enjoy the full bar on the patio with 20 beers on tap. 82 S. Baldwin St., 317-458-4660, johnsonsbbqshack.com

GREET THE SUN For a down-to-earth spot to grab morning grub, try the cute green building with the cheerful yolk-yellow interiors that is The Grove Cafe (9). The best seat is at the countertop, where friendly hosts talk up their menu favorites. You’ll get why their logo is an orange slice in the shape of a sun once you try a swig of their freshly squeezed orange juice. We also recommend the well-loved biscuits and gravy with a side of crispy bacon. 524 E. Old Plank Rd., 317-458-0218, thegrovecafecg.com

GET CRAFTY If you’re into upcycled goods, don’t let its distance from the other businesses deter you from The Shoppe’ (10) Owners Jim and JoAnn Houdek work with 12 vendors who each run their own booths at this popular market. The store has the complete line of Redesign With Prima products—think stencils, stamps, and paint. And The Shoppe’ offers DIY workshops for all ages. 291 E. Two Cent Rd., 317-422-1522.

Clockwise from near left: Juicy pulled pork sandwiches and stick-to-your-ribs macaroni and cheese are among the delights at Johnson’s BBQ Shack; Take flight at the original Taxman Brewing Co.; Yoga classes are only one of the offerings at the supremely eco-conscious Bargersville Wellness.

“Future Barista” children’s tee (other colors available). $22 at Coffeehouse Five.

Heavyweight pint glass with gold metallic logo. $5 at Taxman Brewing Co.

“Gnome Worries, Bee Happy” small embroidered tote. $15 at The Hope Gallery

Decisions, Decisions

A CONVERTED BARN BEAUTY? OR A TURNKEY VICTORIAN CHARMER, PERHAPS? EITHER WAY, YOU’RE LIVING PRETTY.

BY JEANA HARRIS

A BUCOLIC setting tucked into the convenience of the suburbs.

A pristine old home with all the charm and none of the renovation headaches.

While both of these scenarios may seem too good to be true, two unique listings fit the bill for those house-hunting with a budget around $1.25 million.

Traditional barn life might include rooster wake-up calls, but this beautifully converted barn home isn’t remotely that rustic. The best parts of its original structure greet you as you pass through the double front doors, beginning with a great room that lives up to its name. Soaring beams and posts are on full display thanks to enormous windows that flood the space with sunlight. A neutral color palette allows the natural wood and stone textures to stand out. You’ll find that the rest of the barn has been remodeled with classic, elegant finishes. Even though the home sits on more than an acre and feels completely cocooned from civilization, it’s only minutes away from downtown Zionsville.

Or … do you see yourself in a downtown home? Voilà! This 1874 gem sits on a double lot with curb appeal that has stood the test of time. The home has been updated with remodeled bathrooms and a large kitchen. Many original features were retained, like transoms above the doors, gorgeous woodwork, intricate molding, and an incredible staircase. Unlike many old homes, it’s ready to be enjoyed right away—no lengthy renovations needed. A carriage house has room for guests; the back patio area features a koi pond and vegetable garden.

839 Broadway St., Chatham-Arch

BEDROOMS 5 BATHROOMS 4 SQUARE FOOTAGE 3,954 YEAR BUILT 1874 WINNING EXTRA Three-story period staircase REALTOR Everhart Studio

BEDROOMS 4 BATHROOMS 5 SQUARE FOOTAGE 7,109 YEAR BUILT 1923 WINNING EXTRA Floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace REALTOR Encore Sotheby’s

35 Spring Dr., Zionsville SPRING DRIVE PHOTOS COURTESY THE ADDISON GROUP. BROADWAY STREET PHOTOS COURTESY THE HOME AESTHETIC

Go, Pack, Go!

GREEN BAY IS SYNONYMOUS WITH THE PACKERS. BUT WE’VE FOUND PLENTY OF REASONS TO VISIT OUTSIDE OF GAME SEASON.

BY CHRISTINA VERCELLETTO

DEPICTED as a frozen tundra populated with more cows than people in NFL game ads, Green Bay is stepping out as a four-season, longweekend haven. (For the record: A local in the know shared that film producers drive a good 30 minutes out of downtown to find cows.)

That said, Lambeau Field (packers.com) is something to see. The tour is super interesting even if you’re not into sports. Turns out, the history and pedigree of the 13-time league champion Green Bay Packers is filled with intrigue, dashed dreams, and unexpected triumphs. And you get to run through the players’ tunnel out to the field to exhilarating music and cheers of “Go, Pack, Go!” It’s pretty cool.

That out of the way, move on to The Automobile Gallery (theautomobilegallery .org). Displaying cars like art, the gleaming space is more Guggenheim than garage. The pop culture–driven collection spans more than a century. Ogle a 1963

Corvette, go back to the future in a 1981 DeLorean, and take a peek at the classic truck exhibit space. At least 100 pristine vehicles are here at any given time. Get your cheese fix (this is Wisconsin) with a charcuterie class at Bountiful Boards (bountifulboardsgb.com), a fromagerie showcasing the most buttery, delicate, sweet, and nutty cheeses from nearby farms. Two words: Marieke gouda.

Work off the creamy goodness on a rental from the Broken Spoke Bike Studio (brokenspokebikes.com). Take the flat Fox River bike trail 6 miles south to the De Pere Riverwalk and Wildlife Viewing Pier. (Be on the lookout for an American white pelican.) End the day at Titletown (titletown.com). The entertainment district just west of Lambeau Field hosts 70 vendors at its night market. Enjoy the public park with outdoor games, a playground, and a football field expressly built for public romping. In the winter, find an iceskating rink and a tubing hill. Titletown is also home to the buzzy Hinterland Brewery (hinterlandbeer.com).

Green Bay,

WI

IF YOU GO

STAY The circa-1924 Hotel Northland (304 N. Adams St., thehotelnorth land.com) is replete with stunning original fixtures. Marvel at the pink terrazzo steps from a local quarry, green mosaic pennypressed tile floors, oak paneling, chandeliers, and ornate plaster ceilings.

DINE An urban steakhouse with a secret spice recipe, Republic Chophouse (218 N. Adams St., republicchop house.com) is known as much for its four-layer red velvet cake as for meat.

SIP Dispense your own vino at the Aardvark Wine Lounge (304 Pine St.,aardvarkwinelounge .com). Try a taste or sample a half glass, then savor a full pour of your favorite.

magesProvidedBy ErinFeldmeyer,ErinKayPhotographyLLC

THE DISH

Special Sauce

The longtime omission of a real-deal Italian eatery on Indy’s most storied restaurant row came to a tasty end in early May. That’s when Chris Burton and Gus Vazquez, owners of The Oakmont, opened the doors to their second Indy effort, Vicino. While many of the plates at this Mass Ave newcomer would not look out of place on a red-checked tablecloth, one of its most surprising offerings is an unassuming bowl of gnocchi, al dente and crisp from pan frying with just enough pesto, tender pulled chicken, and earthy additions of olive tapenade, sun-dried tomatoes, and a dusting of parmesan. 350 Massachusetts Ave., 317-798-2492, vicinoindy.com —TERRY

SWOON

KIRTS

Photo by TONY VALAINIS

PINCH OF WISDOM

“For an easy green onion oil, heat some neutral oil in a pan, simmer sliced scallions a few minutes, steep until cool, and strain. It goes perfectly with eggs, stir fries, and rice dishes.”

Bright Idea

BEACON OFF THE PATH SERVES EVENING SNACKS TO THE BLACK CIRCLE BREWING CROWD. BY

TERRY KIRTS

BREAKFAST BURRITOS , lattes, and lunchtime muffaletta sandwiches have been the mainstays of JC and Kristine Bockman’s kitchen since they opened their darling GoldLeaf Savory & Sweet on a well-worn stretch of 46th Street in June of 2020. The playfully creative pair originally aspired to wine-worthy dinner fare before the pandemic rewrote their business plan. They’ve since taken a baby step toward all-day dining with Don & Viv’s Hot Dog Emporium pop-up nights on Mondays, which draw a crowd of hip insiders most weeks. And when the onetime Grumps Slicestop location at nearby Black Circle Brewing became available this spring, the pair took only a couple of days to put together a funky, inclusive sandwich counter concept at the edgy brew spot and concert venue. True to its name, Beacon Off the Path seeks to highlight the up-and-coming neighborhood while offering excellent noshes, including a buttery fried bologna sammie and street tacos with a very respectable vegan tofu option. The current highlight is a Portuguese steak sandwich with kicky peri-peri aioli. The addition of a frozen yogurt machine means desserts are looking up, as well. 2201 E. 46th St., 463-202-8405, blackcirclebrewing.com/food-partners

( CHEERS )

Party Mixer

Milkman’s Daughter delivers custom craft cocktails and mobile mixology to your door.

DEON HASKINS and Shakkira Harris are shaking up the local hospitality scene. The best part: They make house calls. Through Milkman’s Daughter, their mobile mixology service, the couple curates beverage experiences for private parties and events. The inspiration came during the pandemic quarantine. “A friend was telling me how much she wished I could come over and make her a cocktail,” explains Haskins.

“I joked that I could deliver a drink to her door and ring the bell like a milkman, so that’s what we started doing. We were modern-day bootleggers for a minute.”

Word of mouth helped the enterprise grow quickly and organically for the duo, who got their start sharpening their bartending skills at Harry & Izzy’s, Plat 99, and Beholder. milkmansdaughterbar.com —AMY LYNCH

RETURN CUSTOMER Mass Ave’s mixology-focused Liberty Street plans to reopen after a 20-month hiatus … GOOD SPORT Keystone Sports Review has relocated from its home of 33 years to the former Birdy’s spot on East 71st Street … AIR TIME LiftOff Creamery plans to open a location in Irvington … RING SIDE

Doughnut and boba chain Mochinut opened a location (its 149th) in Plainfield.

—Phil Ibrahim, the Indonesia-trained chef and Cunningham Restaurant Group alum behind dinner pop-up, Li Pu

PHOTOS BY TONY VALAINIS; CHEERS PHOTO BY ELIKA SANCHEZ

Pretzel

BIG PRETZELS

METAL HONEY FOODS

Motor Mouths

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MOVE OVER, CHICAGO DEEP DISH. DETROIT-STYLE PIZZA, WITH ITS PILLOWY RECTANGLES OF CRUST AND CRUNCHY BITS OF BURNT CHEESE AROUND THE EDGES, IS HAVING A MOMENT IN INDY.

BY AMY LYNCH

FOR THOSE WITH NOTHING TO HIDE.

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(1) Jet’s Pizza

You can also order round, thin, and New York-style ’zas for pickup and delivery from this Michigan-headquartered franchise. But really, why would you? The steel baking pans used here are made exclusively for the company by a Metro Detroit fabricator. Pictured: Eugene Supreme. Multiple locations, jetspizza.com

(2) Futuro

BIG HONKING PRETZELS

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Luke Tobias and Sarah St. Aubin perfected their recipes at home during the Covid shutdown before launching their Holy Cross hotspot. Toppings run the gamut from traditional sausage, mushrooms, and pepperoni to goat cheese, hot honey, and Buffalo sauce. Pictured: Bacon Basil. 19 Cruse St., 317-3604725, futuroindy.com

(3) TheMissing Brick

Although it’s not technically Detroit-style, this cheeky 21+ pizza joint collaborates with local partners to load its squared-off slices with the likes of Yaso Grill’s Jamaican jerk chicken, Hank’s smoked brisket, and Chef Oya’s The Trap’s buttah-drenched seafood. Pictured: Smoking Chic. 6404 Rucker Rd., 317-257-7557, themissingbrick.com

BIG PRETZELS

METAL HONEY FOODS

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(

4 ) Sam’s Square Pie

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Catch ’em if you can. Jeff Miner only serves his meaty masterpieces (which took 5th place in the Pan Division Challenge of the 2023 Pizza Expo) once a week or so. Keep an eye on social media for his schedule at Indy’s Kitchen as well as future pop-up locations. Pictured: El Jefe. 2442 N. Central Ave.

Photo by JES NIJJER

Graze Anatomy

MOLLY WILSON OF SPRIG + PLATE CREATES NEXT-LEVEL CHARCUTERIE THAT KEEPS THE PARTY GOING.

BY JULIA SPALDING

SPRIG + PLATE launched eight years ago when owner Molly Wilson, who had recently “been on kind of a health journey” for medical reasons, started doing whole-food meal prep out of her home for friends and family. One of them was throwing a cocktail party and asked Wilson if she could create a meat-and-cheese tray. “I thought … well, that sounds fun,” Wilson says. That request led to another, and another, and another. Wilson didn’t have a five-year plan or a strategy in place for expansion, but the business grew organically—aided, of course, by her original career trifecta of retail, banking, and marketing. “I had all of these experiences that did not seem related,” Wilson says. “But as soon as I became a business owner, it all clicked.”

This year, Wilson moved the operation into a northside commercial kitchen where her Sprig + Plate team assembles elaborate grazing

boards, snack boxes, and themed charcuterie spreads, as well as weekly a la carte meals. The rainbow swipes of fresh fruit and tidy bundles of sliced meats and cheeses arranged with mathematical rigor—including zigzagging stripes of cucumber (one of Wilson’s signature moves that involves cutting and stacking the vegetable into an impressive chevron

formation)—might look like wild abstract art. But Wilson says there is also a science to her edible masterpieces. “There is no shortage of ways to turn your salami into a flower,” she says. But through much research and development, Wilson has found ways to make her boards “still look pretty 20 minutes after people start digging in.”

(1) Late Harvest Kitchen’s caviar pie. “That place is just the standard.” (2) @ainttooproudtomeg. “The Instagram account of LA food stylist Meg Quinn.”

(3) Manchego. “A very underrated cheese.”

(4) 9th Street Bistro. “It’s small, and it’s cute. You can just tell how much creativity and care the owners put into what they make.” (5) Chef Jonathan Brooks of Milktooth and Beholder. “You always know you’re going to get a good experience.”

FAVORITE THINGS

FOODIE

PHOTO BY TONY VALAINIS

VIP Admission: 5 p.m.

General Admission: 6 p.m.

Join

Monday, September 25, 2023

VIP includes early entrance, two drink tickets, and swag bag

General Admission includes one drink ticket and swag bag

Get your tickets today at www.indianapolismonthly.com/bestrestaurantsevent

Close to Home

FAMILY RECIPES AND AN ACTUAL MOM IN THE KITCHEN GIVE NANDO’S MEXICAN & BRAZILIAN CUISINE AN AUTHENTIC EDGE BY JULIA SPALDING

FEIJOADA, the national dish of Brazil, centers around a deeply simmered stew of black beans thick with visible mounds of pork. It traditionally comes alongside steamed rice; sauteed collard greens topped with fresh orange supremes; a side of chunky tomato slaw that tastes like Mexican pico de gallo but with a punch of white vinegar; and a tiny bowl of farofa made from skillet-toasted cassava flour to be sprinkled on for crunch. There are a lot of moving parts—each component adding an essential texture or contrasting flavor to this

deliciously fortifying bowl of beans.

Restaurant owner Cristiano Rodrigues knew he would need to serve feijoada at Nando’s, the teensy restaurant with a generous covered deck that he opened along one of Broad Ripple’s back streets in June. A true Brazilian—someone like him—would pile all of the ingredients into one big meaty, starchy feast, but Rodrigues wanted to give patrons a chance to test the waters. “I deconstructed it a little bit, because I know that some people enjoy tasting the different flavors separately,” he says. Rodrigues grew up eating feijoada, and prior to this summer’s debut of Nando’s, the only place he could get

NANDO’S MEXICAN & BRAZILIAN CUISINE

834 E. 64th St., 317-377-4779

HOURS

Sun.–Wed. 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Thurs. 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m.

VIBE

Cantina chic

TASTING NOTES

Detailed dishes from the Brazilian and Mexican canons, with plenty of festive cocktails created by Kendall Lockwood of Ball & Biscuit

NEIGHBORHOOD

Broad Ripple

MUST-ORDER

Start with a trio of empanadas (one of each flavor) and a Mangollada cocktail. Then, the classic Brazilian picanha served still sizzling atop grilled onions and the silky homemade flan for dessert

3 STAR RATING

The Romeo & Julieta adds a not-too-sweet guava top to Brazilian-style cheesecake; The escondidinho de frango (a chicken shepherd’s pie) bakes in its own cast-iron dish.

it in Indianapolis was at his own table. Luckily for the rest of us, diners can now slip into one of the soft blue booths inside the 1,200-square-foot former home of Sangrita Saloon and get a taste of Rodrigues’s native cuisine—prepared by his own mother, no less. Classic comfort dishes, such as bolinhos de bacalhau (crispy salt cod croquettes bound with mashed potatoes and onions), a trio of empanadas (filled with beef, chicken, and cheese), and fragrant whitefish stew enriched with coconut milk, translate well to this neighborhood spot that manages to be both warmly welcoming and darkly sexy, with its rustic woodpaneled walls and dimly lit bar.

Katia Hundley oversees the kitchen, a snug workspace that her son recently enhanced with a converted shipping container out back. He lined it with shelves and added electricity for temperature-controlled dry storage. Hundley makes the food look easy. Her flan comes out flawlessly smooth and cool, and her empanadas are so delicately crisp. Her escondidinho de frango, an extravagantly layered Brazilian shepherd’s pie, sets the standard for what all potluck casseroles should aspire to be. It arrives piping hot in its own castiron baking dish, with a base layer of seasoned ground chicken topped with a thick blanket of starch and a melty crust of cheese that pulls impressively

when you dig out a molten spoonful. Such dishes are confident and flawless, perfected over the years.

Despite his mom’s ease in the kitchen, Rodrigues says she has had to work hard since arriving in the United States from Belo Horizonte, Brazil, in 1999 with her 13-year-old son in tow. They both started out with dishwashing jobs at Cafe Patachou’s flagship location at 49th and Penn. Rodrigues would go on to work at a series of local restaurants, including Bella Vita, Palomino, Fogo de Chão, and Los Arroyos. In the middle of all that, he studied finance and accounting at Indiana University and worked as a financial advisor. When the owners of Sangrita moved to a larger space at Fishers District, they offered Rodrigues a deal he couldn’t pass up. “It was the right opportunity at the right time,” he says.

Nando’s combines highlights from Rodrigues’s Brazilian cuisine with the Mexican dishes that his bride-to-be, Elizabeth Fernandez, grew up eating. The result is a seamless juxtaposition of Mexican arroz con pollo made with Miller Farm chicken and homemade queso against Brazilian chicken stewed with okra and tomato sauce; bottom-cut steak

fajitas against succulent picanha (the premium cut of fat-capped top sirloin made famous at Brazilian all-you-caneat steakhouses); Mexican fried rice against Brazilian steamed white rice; corn tortillas against soft corn polenta.

Kendall Lockwood of Ball & Biscuit and Baby’s fleshed out the cocktail list, and accomplished Indy restaurateur Craig Baker guided Rodrigues in scaling up family recipes into commercial-sized batches. “Craig is a good friend and a great chef,” Rodrigues says. “He got a little teary-eyed after working with my mom. He’s worked in the industry for a long time but rarely gets to cook with people who aren’t just cooking for a living but cooking because they love it.”

A cozy corner booth in the bar is the perfect spot to sip a caipirinha flight; For owners Cristiano Rodrigues and Elizabeth Fernandez, Nando’s is a family affair; The classic Brazilian picanha is served sizzling hot.

Hit the highway and explore half a dozen Hoosier hamlets brimming with breathtaking scenery, historic character, quaint shops and restaurants, cozy inns, and endless excursions and activities— all within three hours of Indy.

by Chez Chesak and Amy Lynch

LET’S GO!

illustration by Lucie Rice

Roanoke

ABOUT 10 MILES off Fort Wayne’s southwestern spur, Roanoke greets visitors with a beguiling interpretation of the quintessential small-town main street populated with thriving local shops and restaurants. It’s easy to cover the four-block stretch on foot in an hour if you’re in a hurry, but with so many adorable stops to explore, why rush?

Joseph Decuis (say: dah-QUEEZE) is the name you’ll keep hearing over and over. Paying homage to a 1700s ancestor, the husbandand-wife team of Alice and Pete Eshelman—a former front-office guy for the New York Yankees—and Pete’s brother, Tim, established their multifaceted hospitality enterprise here after moving

to Indiana from the East Coast in the 1980s. Converting an old downtown bank into a sleek private dining room for business entertaining in 1996, they made the restaurant public in 2000. Supplied with wagyu beef, Mangalitsa pork, free-range chicken, and fresh produce from the family farm mere miles away (available for tours, weddings, and events), the fine dining destination fully embodies the farm-to-fork concept. We recommend requesting a table in the conservatory or in the courtyard if the weather’s nice.

At lunchtime, the Joseph Decuis Emporium next door carries all the foodstuffs needed to assemble a perfect picnic and whips up sandwiches and other items to order. And at the end of the day, a branded pair of bedand-breakfasts allow for a choice of accommodations in town or on the farm.

Roanoke’s collection of local retailers has boomed in recent years thanks to savvy investors and shopkeepers who realized a good opportunity when they saw it. A few country-cute vendors still exist against the backdrop of colorful murals and hometown events, like a juried art fair and a fall festival. But these days, visitors are often pleasantly surprised to discover fine art galleries, stylish clothing boutiques like Ritual

by michelle marie and Peony & Rose, jewelry and quirky gift items at Paper Moon, Saving Grace’s restyled vintage furniture, and fragrant Lavender Valley Farms toiletries. Not every store is open daily. Double-checking hours online before you go is a smart move.

Break from the shopping action to refuel with dainty sandwiches and scones served beneath a sparkling chandelier at The Parker Grace Tea Room, sitting pretty inside a nicely reimagined consignment store. Those who prefer bourbon to tea can kick back with cocktails at The Copper Still on Cow Creek.

You’ve certainly stretched your legs by now. Exercise your arms by signing up for a canoe or kayak excursion hosted by Rustic River Outfitters at the Ole Sawmill on Salamonie Lake in nearby Mount Etna. Then cap off the entire trip with a toast and tasting at Two-EE’s Winery, founded by husband-and-wife team Eric and Emily Harris in 2013.

On the drive back to Indy, detour through Huntington and order up a true Indiana classic. Nick’s Kitchen claims to be the home of the OG Hoosier pork tenderloin, still made using founder Nick Freienstein’s early 1900s recipe.

French Lick Springs

THE SPECTACULAR sixstory dome of the historic West Baden Springs Hotel rises up out of the rolling Southern Indiana landscape from the approach on State Road 56 like some sort of magical circusthemed oasis. Just a mile down the road, its gilded French Lick Springs counterpart makes its own distinctive, but no less grand, first impression. Together, the luxurious partnering properties set out an opulent welcome mat for Orange County stays steeped in lore and legend.

Visitors who book accommodations at either resort enjoy access to both (with free trolleys running nonstop in between), including pools, restaurants, and spas that highlight signature mineral baths drawn from the underground natural springs, at one time reputed to heal all manner of physical and mental

conditions. A screening of So Cold the River, a supernatural thriller based on Hoosier author Michael Koryta’s novel and filmed on-site here in 2020, serves as helpful background prior to a trip.

If you’re traveling with young kids, put Big Splash Adventure on the itinerary. Sitting on a hilltop across from the French Lick Resort, the 40,000-squarefoot indoor water park with slides, a lazy river, and playground features (all under a retractable roof) ensures a good night’s sleep. For more subdued water adventures, make reservations for a nature cruise on Patoka Lake aboard the 60-passenger Patoka Voyager or the double-decker Patoka Pride. Excursions depart Wednesday mornings from the marina, rain or shine.

Back on dry land, day trips on the French Lick Scenic Railway through the Hoosier National Forest allow visitors to contemplate the stunning scenery. It’s also fun to feed the hungry resident deer, cows, and emus through the windows of your vehicle on a drive-thru safari at the Wilstem Wildlife Park in Paoli.

Another outdoorsy highlight is golf. Duffers are drawn to this neck of the woods to swing their clubs on legendary regional courses designed by Pete Dye, Donald Ross, and Tom Bendelow.

DISTANCE FROM INDY 105 miles

APPROXIMATE DRIVE TIME 2 hours

POPULATION

1,739 French Lick, 485 West Baden VIBE

A decadent resort getaway for couples or families

Among French Lick’s quaint momand-pop shops, Bear Hollow Wood Carvers, Hinshaw Rock’n Gems, and Hen Pecked Primitives stand out, and a surprisingly diverse lineup of hometown eateries covers Mexican, Japanese, German, Hawaiian, and Caribbean cuisines. 1875: The Steakhouse at French Lick claims to have invented tomato juice, but we prefer to wash down our premium Angus beef, lobster mac and cheese, and roasted garlic mashed potatoes with the house Manhattan rimmed with crushed candied almonds instead. Pay tribute to hometown hero hoopster Larry Bird by ordering a Legendary Burger and admiring the memorabilia on the walls at 33 Brick Street. And before you roll out, belly up to the tasting bar at French Lick Winery/Spirits of French Lick to sample some of the local offerings. Cheers!

Shipshewana

EVERYTHING moves at a slower pace in Shipshewana, home to the third-largest Amish settlement in the United States. The religious sect’s conservative culture pervades every aspect of daily life in this bucolic hamlet just shy of the Michigan state line, making visits here feel like stepping back to a simpler place and time.

Although Shipshewana reverently honors and preserves its Amish customs, don’t be fooled into thinking it’s backwards or sleepy. Visitors are often surprised to glimpse members of the faith-based community using cellphones and iPads, riding e-bikes, and installing solar panels at their humble homesteads. Still, many eschew modern technology to varying degrees in favor of plainclothes fashions, horse-and-buggy transportation, and the pursuit of pastimes like quilting, singing, and analog games.

A stop at the immersive MennoHof Amish and Mennonite information center is the best way to get the lay of the land before setting out to explore. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays from May through the end of September, the sprawling outdoor Shipshewana Flea Market presents a picker’s paradise with more than 700 booths stocking all manner of merchandise. Themed maps make the whole event less overwhelming by helping shoppers beeline directly to antiques, furniture, clothing, baked goods, or farmhouse-chic decor.

Friendly local businesses line the streets of downtown Shipshewana, including the expansive Yoder’s Red Barn Shoppes. The four-story Davis Mercantile is home to more than 20 vendors and a 1906 Dentzel Carousel, but you’ll also want to take a leisurely country drive. The new self-guided Off the Beaten Path trail winds through some of the prettiest rural landscape in the region, passing dairy farms and murals.

Decidedly anti-keto, Shipshewana offers irresistible soft pretzels, cinnamon rolls, noodles, cheeses, jams, and other goodies. The Blue Gate Restaurant’s dizzyingly deep comfort food buffet includes 31 different varieties of pie. Das Dutchman Essenhaus hosts family-style dining and a similar smorgasbord in nearby Middlebury. Keep in mind, Shipshewana is a dry community. You’ll have to cruise over to LaGrange to find a cocktail, beer, or glass of wine.

Make a night of it by catching a show at the 1,500-seat Blue Gate Theatre Performing Arts Center before retiring to the Blue Gate Garden Inn to sleep off the carb coma. Cabins, Airbnbs, and cottage rentals expand the list of lodging options, including authentic Amish accommodations.

The 13-mile Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, which runs west from the Shipshewana trailhead to Middlebury and then down to Goshen, makes it possible to get a little fresh air and burn off a few calories. Feel free to bring your own bike or rent one. You can also snag a kayak or canoe and spend a few idyllic hours paddling away on Pigeon River.

THE QUILT GARDENS THROUGHOUT BRISTOL, ELKHART, GOSHEN, MIDDLEBURY, NAPPANEE, AND WAKARUSA.

MADISON’S charisma is immediate, a product of the fusion of its location within the Ohio River Scenic Byway and the fact that it hosts one of the nation’s largest National Historic Landmark Districts. Amid a backdrop of lush and rolling hills, there are an incredible 133 blocks of outstanding historic architecture.

Throughout the community, eight house museums are open to the public and several more open by advance appointment, including a 19th-century saddle tree (the base of a horse saddle) factory and the office of a buggy horse doctor. The crown jewel of

the historic district is Lanier Mansion with its Greek Revival architecture and formal gardens.

Downtown Madison is eminently walkable and lined with eateries and shops. Peruse the novels, novellas, and tomes at Village Lights Bookstore (and say hello to their cats, who all boast literary names), order up a delicious pizza and a microbrew at The Red Pepperoni, and top it all off with a cool treat from any of half a dozen ice cream shops. For more upscale dining, check out Red on Main or catch the mellow vibes at MAD LOVE eat + drink. Be sure to pop into the Historic Broadway Hotel & Tavern for a drink. Open since 1834, it claims to be the oldest tavern in the state. Lanthier Winery is located between West Main Street and the river. There you can enjoy a wine tasting in the cellar (note the “no wine snobs allowed” policy), peruse the art in The Loft Gallery, or stroll through the outdoor art gallery. Lanthier also make its own vodka and offers wine- and vodka-infused slushies.

For outdoor recreation, there are plenty of options for fishing the river, while nearby Clifty Falls State

Park features seven waterfalls, gorges up to 70 feet deep, a nature center, and 10 hiking trails ranked in difficulty from easy to rugged. You can also hike the Heritage Trail from the town center to a hilltop for spectacular views of downtown Madison, the mighty Ohio River, and pastoral Kentucky on the opposite shore. Bike among the farmlands via the Ohio River Scenic Byway or blast up the river with Rockin’ Thunder River Tours, the only New Zealand–style jetboat tour in the Midwest.

To recover from your day and recharge for the next, check out The Chandler Hotel. Located in a former

livery stable constructed around 1870, it has been reborn as a boutique hospitality space with a rooftop terrace, fitness room, spacious gathering areas, and a handful of elegant suites. Another historic property-turned-hotel is the Eagle Cotton Mill. The former mill was built in 1884 but is now a Fairfield Inn by Marriott hotel that’s located in the heart of downtown, just a short walk from the river. For a more classic experience, stay at the Riverboat Inn & Suites. Built in 1956, the hotel’s original charm is augmented with modern rooms, a bar, and sweeping views of the Ohio River from its ample patio and decks.

NASHVILLE could be the most idyllic town in the Hoosier state, and it’s an ideal basecamp for a slew of outdoor activities.

The town serves as a gateway to Brown County State Park. With almost 16,000 acres of steep-sloped hills, narrow ridges, and sheer ravines, the state park is Indiana’s largest. Some 20 miles of tree-lined roads make for brilliant drives through fall foliage, with numerous scenic vistas overlooking rolling forests below. Campgrounds, a dozen hiking trails, nationally recognized mountain bike terrain, guided horse rides, a nature center, and two lakes round out Nashville’s offerings for nature lovers.

Before gearing up for hikes and physical activities, head to Brozinni Pizzeria to carb-load on pizzas, pastas, calzones, and garlic knuckles. For a more deliberate dining experience, hit the restaurant at Artists Colony Inn. Hearty dishes of pot pies, country fried steak, and meatloaf are served within an early colonial setting that includes beamed ceilings and a large stone fireplace.

If you seek more relaxing experiences, stroll among a truly impressive array of galleries and studios, as well as numerous shops selling antiques, bikes, model trains, magic tricks, caramel corn, jewelry, old-fashioned candies, spices and jerkies, blown glass, leather goods, and toys.

In the evening, head to the Brown County Music Center, which attracts national acts like Lyle Lovett, Jackson Browne, The Drifters, and Melissa Etheridge. Accommodation selections include country-cozy lodges and inns with plenty of bed-and-breakfast and cabin options. The Brown County Inn, just three blocks from downtown, has 99 rooms and two suites, a restaurant and bar, a pool pavilion, a garden, a children’s play area, and a sun deck. Or check into a tiny house offered by Getaway Brown County. These well-appointed, dog-friendly cabins come with everything you need, including queen beds or bunk beds, firewood, full bathrooms, and kitchenettes, all situated along a forested ridge a short drive from town. Looking for more spirited fun? Head to Hard Truth Distilling Co. and taste their toasted coconut rum, cinnamon vodka, or sweet mash rye whiskey. Stay awhile on their 325-acre campus and take walking or ATV tours, enjoy a calendar full of musical acts, and visit the restaurant to dine on pulled pork barbecue nachos, brewer’s wings, and burgers, washed down with craft cocktails or beers from Hard Truth’s sister brewery, Quaff ON! Brewing Co.

For a relaxing, meditative experience, Harmony Tree Resorts is a nature retreat offering accommodations in suites, glamping tents, treehouses, and container cabins. Its Sycamore Saloon offers pizzas, burgers, craft brews, and live music, while the grounds include yard games, botanical and vegetable gardens, and a yoga meadow.

SEPTEMBER 16–17

KUNSTFEST: CELEBRATING GERMAN HERITAGE AND ART

New Harmony

A TOWN of idealistic intent, this historic village on the Wabash River was the site of not one but two attempts to create utopia. The Harmony Society, religious separatists from Germany who pursued perfection within their daily conduct, purchased 20,000 acres on the river in 1814. But in 1825, they decided to move back east and sold the town to a Welsh industrialist and social reformer who planned to create a model community of education and social equality. While Robert Owen’s ambitious plan failed just two years later, the work of both utopian initiatives resulted in a charming town filled with original Harmonist buildings standing within lovely, manicured gardens. Historic New Harmony

is actually a department within the University of Southern Indiana that maintains 23 buildings across 40 acres.

Start at the Atheneum Visitors Center, a brilliant white modernist building standing starkly resolute against a verdant natural backdrop. It houses historic exhibits, shows an introductory film, and serves as the starting point for guided walking tours of historic structures. The spacious rooftop viewing deck affords beautiful views of the town, the river, and the surrounding countryside. Walking tours take about two hours, or you can rent golf carts to explore the town, which is less than one square mile in size.

Be sure to visit the two labyrinths, including a hedge maze built by the Harmonists in 1815 and the Cathedral Labyrinth built in 1998. These single-path archetypes are used for walking meditation and as sites for rituals and ceremonies.

Lodging is available at the New Harmony Inn Resort & Conference Center, which offers 90 rooms—many of which have balconies, walk-

out patios, and lake views. There are also four historical guesthouses with private gardens. The Red Geranium Restaurant was established in 1964 and offers three distinctive dining rooms where steaks, bacon-wrapped filets, lamb chops, and seafood pasta are served. There’s also a full bar with a large fireplace, an extensive wine selection, and panoramic lake views.

The historic Yellow Tavern has an upscale saloon vibe and a menu filled with sandwiches, steaks, pizzas, and wraps. Save room for the homemade pies, bread pudding, and cheesecakes. Meanwhile, the delightfully quirky Sara’s Wine and Bier Bar is often described as New Harmony’s living room. There you can sip wine-based margaritas, sake bloody marys, mimosas, or local craft beers.

DISTANCE FROM INDY 180 miles

APPROXIMATE DRIVE TIME 3 hours

POPULATION 683

VIBE

The town that was almost utopia— twice

Nearby Harmonie State Park was once the home of Thomas Say, who is often considered the father of North American entomology. It was here that he first described the Say’s firefly, which became Indiana’s state insect in 2018. The site boasts several trails for hiking or mountain biking, a nature center, campgrounds, and two fishing ponds.

GOALSSQUAD GOALS

SQUAD

From skateboarding to rugby, these girl-powered sporting clubs foster a shared sense of adventure. Best of all, you don’t have to be a seasoned athlete to get in on the game. Meet the team players.

BY MARY MILZ

PHOTOS BY ANGELA JACKSON

SKATING

GRIND CULTURE

This brand of “Grind Culture” is actually the anti-grind culture, as co-founder Macy Lethco explains. “We’re not hustling,” she says. “We’re playing and having fun.” Focused on skateboards, longboards, and roller skates, the “grind” in the club’s name refers to a skateboard trick.

Lethco and her friend, Carly Moore, got things rolling in 2021, posting a meetup on Instagram for women as well as nonbinary and trans people interested in skating in a “low-stakes

MEETS

Wednesdays, 7 to 9 p.m., at the north end of the Circle City Industrial Complex parking lot, 1125 E. Brookside Ave. MORE

environment.” Five people showed up. These days, they often get 20 or more participants. It’s a very informal, skate-as-long-as-you-like weekly parking lot session. And if you’re new to wheels, Lethco says, “We’ll lend you a board and hold your hand as you go down the smallest hill.” Sometimes they skate for two hours. Other times they just sit and talk “because that’s what we need that week,” Lethco says. “It’s a safe and communal place where people have become great friends.”

JOIN IN

"It’s a safe and communal place where people have become great friends.”

BOAT RACING

INDY SURVIVEOARS

Members of the Indy SurviveOars dragon boat racing team call it "the club you don’t want any friends to join.” Why? Because membership is restricted to breast cancer survivors.

Dragon boat racing, which began in China 2,000 years ago, is one of the world’s fastest-growing water sports. It involves a long, narrow boat with 20 paddlers, a colorful dragon head, a drummer at the front, and a steer person at the back. The sport is not about strength or athleticism but rather the delicate skill of working together.

The Indianapolis club hit the water in 2007, buoyed by studies that found consistent, repetitive upper-body exercise promotes healing for survivors and reduces the risk of reoccurrence.

The 70 members, who range in age from 30 to 72, train three times a week and compete in races across the

country. Last spring, they traveled to New Zealand.

Lori Goldsby, who’s undergone 18 surgeries, refers to the club as a floating support group. “You don’t talk about cancer,” she says. “You get on the water and paddle it out. But when someone needs something, you’re there to support them.”

“You don’t talk about cancer. You get on the water and paddle it out."

RUGBY

INDIANAPOLIS HOYDENS

WOMEN’S RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB

A “hoyden” is a high-spirited, boisterous, or saucy female and, in this case, one who loves to play rugby, even if it means winding up bruised and battered. The only required gear? A mouthguard and cleats.

Club president Jodi Leonard jokes, “We pay to get beat up.”

Hoydens was founded in 1995 by a couple of athletes from Ball State University who wanted to keep playing rugby after they graduated. The current roster includes

15 to 20 members who compete against teams across the Midwest. During a recent practice, they worked on tackling and falling safely—knowing well that they will get hit. And sometimes, they will get hurt. Despite the physical intensity, Katherine Gering-Williams, sidelined due to an unrelated injury, can’t wait to get back in the game. “You know you’re strong and powerful,” she says. “You appreciate your body for what it can do, not what it looks like.”

"You appreciate your body for what it can do, not what it looks like.”

BOULDERING

WOMEN CRUSH MONDAYS

Indoor bouldering involves scaling 10- to 17-foot climbing walls one step at time without ropes or a harness … just a pair of climbing shoes, some chalk, and a thick crash pad below to cushion falls. It’s physically and mentally challenging, a full-body workout that can leave your heart pounding. As terrifying as this might sound to some people, it is the biggest draw of North Mass Boulder’s Women Crush Mondays.

The weekly event can attract as many as 30 people to the eastside rock climbing gym. Veteran

climber and Crush facilitator Jacq Perry describes it as a bit of a group effort.“It’s women with different skill levels helping each other out and cheering each other on,” she says.

The boulders and routes to the top vary in difficulty. Getting there requires balance, strength, technical skills, and a puzzle-solving mindset. “It’s not a ladder,” Perry says. “You have to think through different body movements to get to the top.”

When you do, you feel like you’re on top of the world.

MEETS

Alternating Mondays, 6–8 p.m., at North Mass Boulder, 1411 Roosevelt Ave.

ANNUAL FEE

Free with membership, or $20 for a day pass

MORE DETAILS

northmassboulder.com

JOIN IN

“It’s women with different skill levels helping each other out and cheering each other on.”

JOIN IN

MEETS

Thursdays, 6:15 p.m., in the Indiana Members Credit Union parking lot, 3975 W. 106th St., Carmel.

ANNUAL FEE

$150 membership

MORE DETAILS momentumindy.org/divas

CYCLING

IU HEALTH MOMENTUM INDY DIVAS

Bicycling is a great way to get outside, burn some calories, and meet new people, but learning the rules of the road can be intimidating. If you’re not sure where to ride, how to use hand signals, or what to do if you pop a tire, it’s Divas to the rescue.

Jennifer Cvar with Momentum Indy kicked off the new bike-riding and mentoring program in April “to provide an inclusive space for women of all abilities,” whether they’re out for a leisurely

trail ride or pushing 20 mph on the open road.

The membership fee includes a T-shirt, jersey, and clinics that cover everything from bike etiquette and repairs to cycling uphill and nutritional advice. Patti Hammerle is among the 60-plus members. New to cycling, she wasn’t sure how her new clip-in shoes worked or how to navigate a roundabout.

“I ask the dumbest questions,” she says.

“And I get a million wonderful answers. It’s such a great group.”

“I ask the dumbest questions. And I get a million wonderful answers.”

The simple, geometric silhouettes of the tufted leather chairs, arched bookcase, and oversized coffee table frame the main living space.

Designer Heidi Woodman added flair to the furnishings while staying true to the traditional roots of this Meridian Hills ranch home.

BY BAILEY BRISCOE

PHOTOS BY NOLAN CALISCH

LIKE MANY empty nesters, Gregg and Jamy Brase found themselves downsizing after their kids grew up and moved out of the house. After relocating and living in their current Meridian Hills ranch house for several years, the couple realized they needed to reclaim a bit more space. The Brases were happy they no longer needed to spend hours each week working on a larger yard, but they desired a different floor plan and more room for guests.

The Brases’ home got a new roof and gutters, but the front exterior remained mostly unchanged through the renovation process.

No strangers to home renovation projects, Gregg and Jamy began to assemble their remodeling team, knowing they would need the right people to complete this project the way they envisioned. They secured home builder Wedgewood Building Company and hired Mark Demerly as the architect.

When it was time for Jamy to choose a designer, she gathered plenty of recommendations from friends, but she kept coming back to Heidi Woodman. Brase frequented Woodman’s SoBro store, Haus Love, over the years and always admired her classic style.

“I really like what she does—her vision and her taste,” Brase says. “And when I talked to her, it was the right fit. She does a great job of listening to what you want.” In fact, the initial stage of the consulting process is called a “listen and learn” at Heidi Woodman Interiors.

“Their home was previously lacking a true reflection of them,” Woodman says. “Since they worked with an architect, builder, and a designer, they could really customize their new reimagined ranch to their personality and taste.”

Choosing Woodman as the designer meant Brase could enjoy the best aspects of Woodman’s aesthetic—a comfortable ambience with simple and neutral furnishings—and do so in a way that fit a ranch-style makeover.

But the Brases’ house transformation was more of an overhaul than a simple refresh. While expanding their threebedroom, two-bath house to a four-

bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath layout, the pair packed up their belongings and moved out for about a year. During this time, the home was completely gutted. While they didn’t build up or down, the renovation crew combined the kitchen and family room into one big space; built a large garage; and added a primary suite, along with additional guest quarters, a powder room, and a covered porch. The only areas left mainly untouched were the dining room and great room.

Woodman says the kitchen was the most dramatic transformation. “The challenge with the ranch layout was that we were a bit limited with space. So we had to be very creative with the flow,” she explains.

To add square footage to what was originally a glorified galley kitchen, crews took down walls and absorbed space from the screened-in porch and hallway. They also raised the ceilings almost two feet in this area of the house, which encompasses the living and dining rooms. Cabinets were extended up to the full height of the wall to create the illusion of an even larger space.

Brase credits her cabinetry designer, Nate Slabaugh of Nathan Alan Fine Cabinetry and Design, with prompting her to think about how she uses her kitchen in order to create a space that’s useful and gorgeous. At first, Brase had her heart set on lighter cabinets, but her vision changed when she saw a darker wood option. Rather than treating the natural wood grain with paint, the surfaces were

Above: Jamy and Gregg Brase enjoy time on the added covered porch with their canine companion, Prince.

Right: The dining table is surrounded by French-made Temps Libre chairs from designer Virginie Lobrot.

coated with stain, which leans into the home’s cozy, traditional vibe. The base of the island features a glossy black, skinny shiplap finish. An elegant white marble countertop and brushed nickel hardware complete the look.

But the centerpiece? No doubt it’s the back wall where the stove is situated. From counter to ceiling, glazed ceramic tile draws the eye upward in a subway motif. It even covers the stove hood, creating clean lines and a modern feel. An intentionally imperfect grout design adds a rustic balance. The tile pattern serves as the backdrop of the kitchen and captures the eye immediately.

Brase loves the flow of the main living area, which offers ample space for her entire family to gather and casually entertain. Surprisingly, her favorite room in the house isn’t a common space, but rather her daughter’s bathroom.

When you walk through the doors, it feels like you’re entering a European spa. This aesthetic is conveyed in the thick marble vanity, creamy tile backsplash, antiqued gold finishes, and lime-washed walls. With ridges on the front panel and an eye-catching dark veining, the curved vanity top was fitted over a floating wooden base.

“The clients share our affinity for repurposing and vintage furnishings,” says Woodman, who sprinkled older pieces throughout the house among new items.

The Brases were also on board to add some dramatic flair here and there despite their fondness for simple and neutral. Thankfully, Woodman has a way of nudging her clients out of their comfort zones while still delivering cohesive designs.

For example, the plaid bar stools in the kitchen were originally upholstered in an oatmeal color before Woodman had them transformed into statement pieces as a surprise for the homeowners. Sage green leather covers the seat cushions now, with the backrests redone in a gray, burnt orange, and cream plaid print. The colors complement the couch just a few feet away in the adjoining living room, helping blend the spaces together.

The creamy, richly veined Calacatta marble on the kitchen countertops was fabricated by Victory Surfaces. Golden tones in the faucet and hardware play off the warmth of the custom cabinets and hardwood floors.

Left: The elegantly curved vanity in the daughter’s bathroom combined old and new elements.

Right: The laundry room got an upgrade with Filmore Clark tile in a pattern called Circulos Red lining the back wall behind the washer and dryer.

“I never would have picked those out myself, but I love them,” says Brase. “Heidi has a way of pulling it all together.”

Woodman infused a whimsical style into the traditional ranch home that can read as moody in spaces like the dining room, which is designed around a modern gold-toned light fixture, with stark lines and a large footprint supporting the main focal point. The space is shrouded in slate-colored Venetian plaster on the walls and ceilings. A minimalistic black table is centered in the room, flanked with neutral wool chairs that add a touch of coolness to the space. A singular piece of artwork hangs off-center on one wall—a nude censored with the words, “Nothing To See Here.” It’s a bold design, an example of where the couple went off script with their aesthetic preferences.

“Sometimes I like modern pieces, but this isn’t a modern house,” Brase says. “Heidi does things I never would have thought of.”

Though the house came together differently than she imagined, one feature that was on Jamy’s vision board from the beginning is the wine wall stationed in the living room. Gregg, being in the liquor and wine business, has curated

quite a collection for the couple. They didn’t want to hide it away in a closet or a wine cellar. The solution? A temperature-controlled, glass-doored cabinet that holds 300 bottles of wine and matches their kitchen cabinets. Thanks to creative construction and placement, it looks like a furniture or decor piece, but it has much more meaning and function for the family.

While getting creative with a limited footprint was one of the challenges in this house, it was also a blessing. “It allowed us to really focus on the details and embrace the coziness of the ranch,” Woodman says.

Brase appreciates this the most, as she didn’t want to make their house something it wasn’t. “Now, it’s an updated version of a classic ranch house,” she says. “We made it into exactly what we needed. It’s perfect for us.”

Below: Reeded white oak faces on the vanity cabinets and textured shades on the light fixtures add visually interesting focal points to the light, neutral palette in the primary bathroom.

Rustic elements such as the vanity base in the bathroom (below) and a vintage console table salvaged from a wine cellar in Europe (right) blend and balance with new, modern finishes.

NUMBER ONE IN THE NATION

Did you know Rose-Hulman has been ranked No. 1 in the nation for undergraduate engineering for 24 years straight? That’s one affirmation of the unique Rose experience that invites dynamic, driven, and innately curious minds to learn and thrive in a community that challenges, inspires, and supports them in and out of the classroom.

Our new Rose Squared program allows students to earn bachelor’s & master’s in four years at Rose-Hulman.

It’s an innovative, hands-on and collaborative environment at Rose. And it’s one that pays dividends, as illustrated by rankings that place Rose in the nation’s top 1% on lifelong ROI measures.

We are leaders, entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers, scientists, mathematicians, and engineers.

ROSE-HULMAN

ACING THE APPLICATION

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By Lori Roberts

COLLEGE GUIDE 2023

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A guide to updates on the 2024–25 FAFSA and upcoming changes in student loan repayment.

By Shari Held

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Campus visits let students and their families determine which institutions are a good fit.

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ACING APPLICATION THE

CAPTURE THE ATTENTION OF COLLEGE ADMISSIONS OFFICERS WITH SOME RESEARCH, PREPARATION, AND DUE DILIGENCE. /

By Lori Roberts

HOW CAN YOU ace the admissions process? Start early, say higher education professionals. Most colleges begin accepting applications in the fall of a student’s senior year of high school, but the work should begin months (or years) earlier. “Anymore, students can start doing their research during their freshman year,” says Chris Munchel, associate vice president for enrollment planning and management at Ball State University. “To me, that is a very motivated student. But I would definitely recommend students start digging in during their junior year.”

Many colleges and universities look beyond traditional grade point averages and standardized test scores previously used to determine admission. Instead, they seek well-rounded applicants whose activities and interests align with their missions. A little prep work now can mean a coveted acceptance letter later.

RESEARCH PROJECT

There are approximately 4,700 degreegranting institutions in the United States, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Some universities focus on liberal arts curricula, while others are geared toward science, technology, engineering, or mathematics disciplines. It’s up to applicants and their families to determine which schools offer the features and programs they desire.

“When a student is looking at schools, the first thing they should do is get familiar with the learning environment of that institution,” says Thomas Bear, vice president of enrollment management with Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. “A student who comes here very much has to have a passion for STEM. You have to be able to work in a community. Nobody graduates from a STEM school by themselves. They have to work with a team.”

Applicants have ample opportunities to learn more about each potential university home. They can plan a trip to tour the campus and see what’s really happening there or engage with admissions professionals via social media or phone to find out what the school offers and what it requires for entry.

“We want to make sure we provide students with the information they need to be successful at Ball State or wherever they choose to go,” Munchel says.

COLLEGE PREP 101

The admissions process begins long before students fill out their applications. Colleges may have different requirements for admission, including prerequisite classes and a level of community involvement. Test scores may or may not be required, as many schools are now test-optional. Grade point averages are important, but so are soft skills and extracurricular activities that indicate a student’s passion for development opportunities outside of class.

“We love to understand a student’s background in the community, what they’ve done, how they’ve been involved in their churches and other activities,” says Tod Dalberg, chief marketing officer with Indiana Wesleyan University, a Christian-based school. “Our goal is to find a student who is going to thrive here on our Marion campus.”

It may be tempting to sign up for every club, organization, and charity to create a resume of engagement. That’s not necessary, admissions professionals say. What they want to see is authenticity and passions that align with the school’s overall mission. That’s why Indiana Wesleyan may seek students active in their church families, while Rose-Hulman might focus on students who participate in groups like robotics club. More activities won’t tip the scales, Munchel says, but genuine participation efforts will.

APPLY HERE

Each school has its own application requirements. Many accept the Common Application, which allows students to apply to multiple schools at the same time. Others may have their own unique application processes. Take this task seriously, Bear says. Pay attention to the details, fill out the application completely, and have someone else proofread it before it’s sent. “Students are still going to graduate and apply for internships and jobs,” Bear says. “They’re going to have to communicate

effectively. It’s critical that we see that ability to follow instructions and express themselves.”

Most applications rely on the college essay, which often gives admissions professionals a window to see beyond grades and club activities. Again, sincerity comes into play. Students should write essays that reflect who they are, not who they imagine the school wants them to be.

HONEST EFFORT

Students may mistakenly believe they need a flawless high school record to get into college. Some candidates might have made some bad decisions during high school or struggled in class due to outside influences, mental health concerns, or pressures at home. Be honest about these hurdles. Admissions officers want to know about applicants’ backgrounds.

“First and foremost, we always say be honest and transparent,” Dalberg says. “We have students who were C students in high school. We want those students to apply. We value those students as much as we value the valedictorians. If you have a lower GPA, talk to us about why. Give us a view of what your life was actually like and what challenges you faced.”

BACKUP PLAN

The hard truth is universities cannot accept every qualified student who applies. While rejection can be difficult, applicants must remember that other educational options exist. They may wind up at a different four-year institution, or they could opt to focus on an associate degree before they transition to a four-year college. Many schools, like Ball State University, have programs that allow students to live on campus and attend Ivy Tech while planning their transition into the Ball State curriculum path.

Remember, the university application process may not unfold as planned, but often the outcomes are just as good. “The world is full of people who didn’t get into their first choice of institutions, and they’re doing fine,” Bear says. “They just found out that another school was a better fit for them.”

FAFSA FORECAST /

IF YOU’RE AMONG THE APPROXIMATELY 18 MILLION PEOPLE WHO COMPLETE THE FAFSA EACH YEAR, HERE’S A GUIDE TO SOME OF THE MAJOR CHANGES YOU’LL FIND ON THE 2024–25 FORM, PLUS INFORMATION ABOUT UPCOMING CHANGES IN STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT.

By Shari Held

ANYONE WHO has ever applied for college knows about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The very thought of completing the crucible of student financial aid has intimidated applicants and their families throughout the years. But complete it they must, for each year the student wishes to qualify for assistance. Good news is ahead. For the first time in decades, the form is undergoing a major revamp via the FAFSA Simplification Act. Its overarching goals are to make a college education accessible to more applicants and to make the FAFSA easier to complete.

The 2024–25 FAFSA won’t be available in October as it was in previous years. Don’t expect to see it until the end of December this year. Meanwhile, information about the changes is being rolled out bit by bit as the Department of Education finalizes the new form.

“We’re still in the learning process on some of this,” says Joanna Riney, director of student financial assistance at University of Southern Indiana. “We don’t really know all the changes that are coming or the things we’re going to need to implement.”

Please note, the information in this article is based on available information at the time, which may change somewhat by the time the FAFSA comes out in December.

FRIENDLIER FORMAT

So, what changes can you expect to see on the revised FAFSA? First of all, in the spirit of simplification, there won’t be as many questions for students and parents to answer.

Scott Thum, student financial services director for Indiana Tech, points out that although the FAFSA may require less information from students and families,

schools might need to modify their application forms to capture information no longer found on the FAFSA. “For example, schools need to know where students will be living because we have to make separate budgets for off-campus or on-campus students,” Thum says.

IRS data retrieval is also simplified. “Starting with the 2024–25 year, students and parents will provide their consent, and the IRS will directly exchange the data with the FAFSA instead of them having to go in and import the information themselves,” Riney says. “That’s a huge change.”

the FAFSA. If they are completing the form online, they will need to request that their “contributor” (parent, guardian, etc.) go online and provide their information to the FAFSA.

SWITCHING FROM EFC TO SAI

Besides simplifying the FAFSA, the Department of Education is changing the calculation for determining a student’s eligibility for financial aid. Beginning with the 2024–25 school year, the Student Aid Index will replace the Expected Family Contribution. “The Department of Education is indicating that we should see more students who qualify for the Federal Pell Grant under the new calculation than under the old approach,” says Nathan Lohr, FAAC, director of financial aid for University of Indianapolis.

The Federal Pell Grant is the main needs-based award offered by the federal government.

Riney adds that this feature will be available to the majority of students and parents, but it may be unavailable to some applicants depending on marital status and tax filing status.

Another change is students are now able to provide their own information on

The SAI will focus less on the family’s cash flow and more on the family’s overall wealth. Two changes could make a big difference to current students’ eligibility for financial aid, which could result in a significant reduction in the amount of assistance they receive. For one, the SAI doesn’t consider the number of students a family has attending college. The second change is that farms and small businesses, previously excluded as assets, must now be reported. “We encourage students who see a change to their eligibility to get in contact with the financial aid office at their school right away so they can explore options to assist them,” Lohr says.

Schools will try to make up the difference where they can. Some even offer

“We encourage students who see a change to their eligibility to get in contact with the financial aid office at their school right away so they can explore options to assist them.”

—NATHAN LOHR, FAAC

scholarships specifically to students affected by the changes.

REPAYING STUDENT LOANS

Starting in March 2020, student loans were deferred and no interest was accrued. That’s all expected to end August 31, with interest beginning to accrue on September 1 and payments due beginning in October.

Since repayment has been deferred so many times over the last few years, this could catch some people by surprise. For those who struggle to repay their loans, Thrum suggests contacting the servicer to make them aware of the situation and explore options to stay out of default. It’s a good idea in general for students who must begin repaying their loans to contact their servicer and provide them with a current address. “If they can’t contact you, eventually you’ll default on your loan,” Thum says. “That’s not good.”

PROACTIVE MEASURES

So what can current students and college applicants do while they wait for the 2024–25 FAFSA to become available?

Mary Beth Petrie, vice president for enrollment management with DePauw University, says this generation of students is particularly motivated to move ahead in the process of applying to college. She

encourages students to put together a broad list of potential schools without letting the anticipated cost of tuition limit them. Then, they should reach out to the institutions on their list and ask the admissions offices and financial aid offices if they can get an estimate on their financial assistance in advance of the upcoming FAFSA. Finally, they should get to know the admissions and financial aid officers at the colleges to which they’re applying. “When they know someone is in their corner, and they know who that person is, it can make the process less stressful,” Petrie says.

Riney suggests students and families watch Department of Education videos coming out this summer. The series will go over the features of the 2024–25 FAFSA and direct students and families on how to prepare for the new forms.

“Once the FAFSA is available, apply early,” Thum says. “January is the time to apply. Right now, you don’t know how it’s going to impact you. So the earlier you apply, the better.” He adds that current students who see that their eligibility amount has changed substantially from the previous year should contact their school to review it.

Lohr emphasizes the importance of keeping track of financial aid deadlines,

staying connected with the school, and asking questions, particularly for families who have filled out the form before. “The experience is going to be a little bit different,” he says.

And take advantage of available resources. DePauw, like other schools, is planning activities, events, and webinars to help families navigate the changes and the new process of completing the FAFSA.

“I want students and families to know that we’re going to be right there with them,” Petrie says. “And we’re going to be helping them all along the way.”

TOP PHOTO COURTESY DEPAUW UNIVERSITY, BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY ROSE-HULMAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

GRAND TOUR /

By Julie Young

THE COLLEGE VISIT is a time-honored tradition and an important part of a student’s scholastic journey. It gives them the chance to try on a variety of academic environments and learn more about the physical campuses, degree programs and course offerings, and student life. While collegiate visits vary by school and student interest, each offers standard and semi-custom tours that can help prospective applicants and their families get a feel for the institution and make the most of their time on campus.

BEYOND THE BASICS

Pursuing a post-secondary education is not only a significant financial investment, but it’s also a highly personal choice. Families should discuss what they want from the college experience, then make a list of schools that may fulfill their requirements. Characteristics like campus size, location, accommodations, housing, access to faculty, academic programs, campus life, and athletics should all be taken into consideration when weighing the options. Decide what qualities are most important to your student and keep an eye out for those details during your visit. Faith Haley, admissions executive director for Indiana State University, recommends that students ask lots of questions, take pictures and videos, and talk to everyone they meet. “You should walk

away with a good sense of whether or not this could be a good fit for you,” she says.

A standard college visit should include a tour of the campus and some type of interaction with the admissions office. This might be structured as an information session with other prospective applicants, a presentation, or a one-on-one meeting with an admissions counselor. Larger schools tend to offer these opportunities in groups, while small to medium schools may schedule them individually. When classes are in session, campus tours are led by current student ambassadors who can offer insights into the campus lifestyle. Depending on the time of year, visitors may be invited to attend a class or meet with faculty members.

Mike Targonski, director of admission visits and events at Valparaiso University, says visitors attending open houses, preview days, and special events will likely see presentations, group sessions, and tours for interested families. “These are great opportunities, especially early on in the college search. Events like this will likely have a combination of a general college presentation, academic sessions, a campus tour, and interest sessions or tours,” he says.

When planning your personal visit, it is helpful for prospective applicants and their families to think about what they would like to learn during their time

on campus and ask for experiences that best meet their needs. Many schools offer customized or semi-custom visits that may include appointments with specific departments, a session with a financial aid counselor, an overnight stay (often reserved for admitted students), or a com-

plimentary meal.

When scheduling a visit, reach out to the admissions office ahead of time to inquire about additional opportunities, and don’t hesitate to ask if you would like more information about an experience, program, or process. “Admissions staff and students are very eager to assist families throughout the college search process and want to provide helpful information and insight,” says Stephanie Stephenson, senior associate director of admissions at Indiana University’s Bloomington campus.

CAMPUS VISITS LET PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES DETERMINE WHICH INSTITUTIONS ARE THE RIGHT FIT FOR THEM.

“You should walk away with a good sense of whether or not this could be a good fit for you.”

—FAITH HALEY

SOAK UP THE SURROUNDINGS

During college visits, families will naturally want some basic information about admission requirements and costs, but it is also worthwhile to inquire about potential scholarship opportunities and fi nancial aid deadlines. Parents should ask what makes the institution unique and which habits and activities will help position their children for success beyond college. Find out more about the support systems in place to make the transition to college life less challenging, and don’t forget to evaluate both the strengths and weaknesses of a place and its people.

Chip Timmons, dean for enrollment management and director of admissions with Wabash College, says visitors should ask more open-ended questions during their tours. They should inquire about the most valuable skills and talents students learn during their four years on campus and what kinds of adjustments enrollees typically make in order to be academically successful. Students should expect different answers from different types of institutions, but the responses will help them determine whether they see themselves

fitting into particular environments. Timmons also encourages prospective applicants to ask faculty, students, staff, and administrators why they chose a particular school and, more importantly, why they stay. “[They] had plenty of options but chose to make that school their academic or professional home. Why? If the people being asked these questions are happy with their choices, students should expect quick, thoughtful answers,” he says.

Andrew Hendricks, interim vice president for enrollment and marketing and director of athletics at Franklin College, says the college experience should be transformational as opposed to transactional, and students should know that they are selecting a place that will help them grow and develop as a human, both inside and outside of the classroom. “I suggest they ask about the culture of the campus, such as social activities, clubs, and Greek life,” he says. “I also suggest that they ask about support from professors and academic resources, as well as internship experiences, professional outcomes, and other interests, such as study abroad opportunities.”

OPTIMIZE THE EXPERIENCE

Because campus tour capacities can be limited and appointments tend to fi ll up quickly, especially at larger institutions, families should start planning their visits early to maximize the available options. In addition to the standard campus visit the school offers, be sure to build some time in your schedule to informally check out popular gathering areas and the community surrounding the campus on your own.

Sample the fare at the dining hall (if not included) or have a meal at a nearby restaurant and tell the locals you are in town for a college visit. This is a great way to get an opinion of the school from someone who isn’t on the payroll. You should also evaluate the safety and security measures that are in place both on and off campus.

“While the campus visit is an important piece of the college search, you will want to make sure that you feel comfortable and at home in the area surrounding the school, as it will be your home away from home throughout your college experience,” Stephenson says.

DEPAUW UNIVERSITY /

204 E. Seminary St., Greencastle, IN 46135 765-658-4800 / depauw.edu

Discover a transformative education that ignites your curiosity and brings out your best. Whether you are studying in our nationally recognized College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, our new School of Business and Leadership, or our Creative School (launches in 2024)—all dedicated exclusively to undergraduate education—you will fi nd unparalleled innovation, collaboration, and hands-on learning with one of the smallest student-faculty ratios in the country. With 1,800 curious, compassionate students who lead by example and seek connection across differences, you will experience a sense of community like no other that extends to an incredibly engaged alumni network.

STATS

YEAR FOUNDED : 1837 / CURRENT ENROLLMENT: 1,800 / STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO: 9:1 / U NDERGRADUATE DEGREES OFFERED: 75+ majors, minors, and programs / SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE: DePauw University offers popular majors such as Business Administration, Psychology, Communications, Biology, and Computer Science, providing students with diverse academic pathways for their career goals and personal interests. / DISTANCE FROM DOWNTOWN INDIANAPOLIS: 44 miles // IN-STATE/OUT-OF-STATE TUITION : $55,410 // PERCENTAGE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: 21 / TOP THREE AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: U.S. News & World Report Top 50 National Liberal Arts College, #1 Liberal Arts College in Indiana, #16 Nation’s Most Innovative. / AFFILIATED COLLEGES/SATELLITE CAMPUSES: DePauw ranks in the top 10 for study-abroad programs. This includes a wide range of off-campus offerings in over 45 countries, including summer and semester-long study abroad, Winter Term in Service, and internship and practicum experiences.

Discover a transformative education that ignites your curiosity and brings out your best.

Whether you are studying in our nationally recognized College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, School of Businesss and Leadership or our Creative School – all dedicated exclusively to undergraduate education – you will find unparalleled innovation, collaboration and hands-on learning with one of the smallest student-faculty ratios in the country. With 1,800 curious, compassionate students who lead by example and seek connection across differences, experience a sense of community like no other that extends to an incredibly engaged alumni network.

Recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a top 50 national liberal arts college, the #1 liberal arts college in Indiana, 16th most innovative university in the country and top 10 in study abroad, it’s no wonder that DePauw’s graduates are among the top 7% in lifetime career earnings.

THE STATS

YEAR FOUNDED: 1865 • CURRENT ENROLLMENT: 8,658

• STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO: 16:1 • UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES OFFERED: 100+ majors • MASTER’S DEGREES/ CERTIFICATES OFFERED: 65+ • DOCTORAL DEGREES OFFERED: 13 • SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE: Arts and Sciences, Education, Health and Human Services, Business, Technology, Graduate Studies • DISTANCE FROM DOWNTOWN INDIANAPOLIS: 75 miles • IN-STATE TUITION/OUT-OF-STATE TUITION: indstate.edu/costs-aid • STUDENTS RECEIVING FINANCIAL AID: 96% • PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: indstate. edu/academics/accreditation/programs • TOP THREE AWARDS/ RECOGNITIONS: 94% placement rate among 2022 graduates; Ranked among the top 12% of schools nationwide by Third Way’s Economic Mobility Index; 18 years running as Best in the Midwest by Princeton Review • AFFILIATED COLLEGES/SATELLITE

CAMPUSES: Honors College, Summer Honors, Made at Plainfield, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Your legendary experience begins when you WEAR BLUE.

In fact, we have been a student-focused public institution since our founding in Terre Haute, Ind., in 1865! Indiana State is located on a beautiful, tree-filled residential campus where 8,000+ undergraduate and graduate Sycamores pursue life-changing education in nationally recognized, hands-on degree programs.

Indiana State University is The Forest. You’ll want to call it home.

At Indiana State, classes are taught by brilliant, personable faculty who lead practical, innovative instruction that prepares you for professional excellence and career success. Our average faculty/student ratio is 16:1, which means you’ll form face-to-face connections with teachers who know your name and care about your success.

We offer challenging, high-demand degree programs designed to help you achieve your career ambitions. Programs include: cybercriminology and security studies; intelligence analysis; operations and supply chain management; packaging engineering technology; computer engineering technology; unmanned systems; insurance and risk management; communication, sciences and disorders; and interior architecture design. Many of our undergraduate degrees are available on campus or 100 percent online!

Academics at Indiana State incorporate hands-on learning activities with engaging projects, field and laboratory research, service learning, study-abroad experiences, and outstanding internship placements. These experiences add depth and context to your classroom studies and prepare you for the world beyond the university.

And, with 260+ student clubs and organizations, plus a fun, vibrant downtown community in Terre Haute, your campus life won’t just be academic – it’ll be the greatest, most formative four years of your life so far.

Princeton Review has listed us as among the Midwest’s best universities. Employers also know the value of hiring Sycamores; Indiana State graduates enjoyed a 94 percent job placement rate in 2022, and 69 percent of Sycamores remain to live and work in Indiana after graduation.

Indiana State is OUR state’s university – and your choice for a practical, marketable college degree that can take you wherever you want to go.

Visit our campus to discover for yourself how becoming a Sycamore can change your life. We can’t wait to welcome you to The Forest!

IndianaState.edu

THE STATS:

START YOUR STORY AT IU BLOOMINGTON

A storybook experience of what college should be like, and the endless opportunities that come with it. This is where leaders, innovators, and explorers are made. Fuel your passions—and discover new ones—with top-ranked academics, caring faculty, and a community that will support you every step of the way.

You’re ready to put in the work. And IU is ready for you. Explore more than 300 undergraduate majors—many which rank among the world’s best. Work hand-in-hand with professors who care about your future. Gain real-world experience with internships and study abroad opportunities. Discover a career path to propel you forward.

Get hands-on research experience within patients. Work with an organization that shares your commitment to service. At IU, you’ll be able prepared for anything.

IU is a window to the world. Learn one of more university in the United States. Broaden your cultural knowledge by exploring international and multicultural student organizations. Even go beyond borders with over 380 study abroad programs.

your community, or the world with service. Make meaningful connections and develop your leadership skills. At IU, you have more than 750 explore your interests.

IU’s storied history continues with you. Show basketball to soccer. Raise millions by dancing

at First Thursday art festivals.

INDIANA.EDU

Year founded: 1820

• Current enrollment: 47,005

• Student-faculty ratio: 17:1

• Undergraduate majors: 300+

• Subject matter expertise: Business, Public Health, Nursing, Public Affairs, Global and International Studies, Media, Music, Informatics and Computing

• Languages offered: 80+

• Study abroad programs: 380+

• In-state tuition: $11,560

• Students on financial aid: 75%

• Top three awards/recognitions: #8 best undergrad business program in the nation, Kelley School of Business (U.S. News & World Report); #1 public affairs program in the nation, O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs (U.S. News & World Report); #1 in the U.S for the number of foreign languages taught and number of Language Flagship programs

“I was able to get hands-on research experience within shape my career path.”

THIS IS INDIANA UNIVERSITY

AS YOU’VE NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE

You’ll find the world-class academics you’d expect from IU, along with real-world learning opportunities you won’t find anywhere else. With the city as an extension of our campus, you’ll get the best of everything our state has to offer.

BE PART OF OUR NEXT CHAPTER

For more than a century, we’ve been growing alongside the Indianapolis community—constantly evolving to meet the needs of the people and businesses around us. Now, we’re embarking on the next phase of our journey. And we want you to join us.

EARN A FUTURE- PROOF DEGREE

Artificial intelligence and biomedical informatics degrees at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. Venture creation programs at the Kelley School of Business. Cytotechnology degrees at the IU School of Medicine. With more than 200 degree programs in business, health care, science, technology, and more, it’s easy to design an academic journey that will launch you into a successful future.

MAKE THE REAL WORLD PART OF YOUR CURRICULUM

With the city at your doorstep, there are countless opportunities for internships, volunteer projects, and other experiences. In fact, almost 75% of our students get hands-on experience.

HAVE THE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE OF YOUR DREAMS

The IUI campus has everything you’re looking for. You can get involved in more than 350 student clubs, including 24 fraternities and sororities. Cheer on 17 different Jaguar athletics teams. Dance the night away in the Dance Marathon. Race a canoe down the canal during Regatta. Watch a movie in the Campus Center. Kick back in your residence hall. And when you’re hungry for a change of scenery, explore all downtown has to offer.

THE STATS

IUI’S FIRST CLASS STARTING: 2024 // FIRST COURSES OFFERED IN INDY: 1891 // CURRENT ENROLLMENT: 20,453 // STUDENT- FACULTY RATIO: 13:1 // UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES OFFERED: 203 // GRADUATE

DEGREES OFFERED: 274 // TOTAL DEGREES: 477 // SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE: Health, Business, Science, Education, Law, Public and Environmental Affairs // DISTANCE FROM DOWNTOWN INDIANAPOLIS: Steps from the State Capitol // RESEARCH FUNDING RECEIVED: $629.5M // STUDENTS RECEIVING FINANCIAL AID: 75.8% // TOP THREE AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: #3 top public university in Indiana (U.S. News & World Report, 2023); #22 nursing program in the nation, School of Nursing (U.S. News & World Report, 2023); eleven-time winner of the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award (Insight into Diversity)

WELCOME TO INDIANA UNIVERSITY

INDIANAPOLIS

PROOF YOU REALLY CAN HAVE IT ALL

World-class academics that prepare you for a career. A vibrant, fun-fueled campus steps away from all Indianapolis has to offer. Opportunities to intern at Indiana’s most innovative startups. Programs at the School of Science that give you direct admit status at the IU School of Medicine. It’s got everything you want in a college—and tons you never knew you needed.

SEE HOW YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL AT IUI

MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY /

A WELL-ROUNDED EDUCATION Students at Manchester University start their journey of self-discovery, learning all about their chosen area of study—and they also learn to harness the core skills that will help them succeed in any career they choose. The world is ever changing, and knowing how to adapt is one of the qualities of the next generation’s leaders.

The Manchester experience is active and immersive. It encourages students to discover their passions and prepares them to become the kind of well-rounded graduates who stand out to potential employers.

LEARN BY EXPERIENCE At Manchester, a classroom might be in a river performing environmental research, in New York singing on the stage of Carnegie Hall, or on a football field interning as an athletic trainer for a professional team. Students learn by doing firsthand with support from expert faculty who inspire and challenge them to better understand themselves and the world.  Manchester offers rich study away opportunities. Studying away for a semester or year or traveling with a group during January session instills an understanding of how we fit into the world. It can be a life-changing experience.

TOGETHER IS BETTER Shared experiences help to shape our lives, and Manchester is a safe and accepting community of 1,400 students who find common interests and form lifelong relationships. Professors get to know their students and teach them the power of discussing ideas respectfully and the value of contrib-

uting to their communities.

Student-athletes can take their love for athletics to the next level and participate in one or more of our 21 sports. And with more than 40 clubs and organizations, students explore their interests, develop leadership skills, gain resumé-worthy experience and have lots of fun!

AFFORDABLE EXCELLENCE Manchester University does everything possible to make sure quality education is accessible. That’s why we invest in students with generous financial award packages. On average, a student receives $21,813 in scholarships and grants—that’s gift money that never has to be paid back.

In addition, we’ve locked annual tuition rates from the first day to give students and families a predictable total cost and make it easier to budget. You won’t experience a raise in tuition throughout the next four years!

AFTER MANCHESTER Employers see Manchester graduates as problem-solvers and innovative thinkers, and they come to career fairs on campus to recruit them. It’s no wonder that 95 percent of graduates in the last five years were employed, in further studies or in full-time voluntary service within six months of graduation.

We encourage you to visit. It’s the best way to find out if our beautiful campus feels like a home away from home. Students who visit during their senior year earn an additional $2000 toward their tuition that will be applied over the next four years!

UNIVERSITY OF EVANSVILLE /

The University of Evansville is a private, comprehensive university located in the southwestern region of Indiana. Established in 1854, UE is recognized across the globe for its rich tradition of innovative, academic excellence and its vibrant campus community of changemakers.

1800 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, IN 47722 812-488-2000 /evansville.edu

Home of the Purple Aces, UE offers over 75 majors, 17 Division I sports, and a unique study abroad experience at Harlaxton College, a Victorian manor located in the countryside of England. For more information, please visit www.evansville.edu.

EMPOWERING

Community that cares

Our close-knit campus community provides a safe environment for your student to grow in ways they never thought possible.

Experiences that will set your student apart

Employers seek experience, and your student will be well-prepared for any career they choose.

Hands-on education and internships are just a starting point. Here, you won’t just learn about it. You’ll do it.

Imagine the unimaginable

Students have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to study abroad at Harlaxton College, our Victorian manor in the English perspective that cannot be developed purely in a classroom.

This is what it means to be a Purple Ace.

Come see UE for yourself!

evansville.edu/VisitUE

98% Class of 2022 graduates employed or in grad school within six months of graduation

$25,000 Average Academic Merit Scholarship for freshmen in 2023 #1 Study abroad program

At Valparaiso University, we endeavor to light the way with a generous spirit, believing always in the power of a personal touch. That’s why we prefer to

At Valpo, you are known as more than a student and your experience is marked by more than an education. Valpo is the place where you belong from the beginning and discover more of who you are along the way. You’ll be immersed in top-tier

academics, work closely with your professors, and gain hands-on experience as early as your freshman year. And then you’ll take all of that,

the difference in the world that you want to see.

Where exceptional is normal, distinction is inevitable, and impact is eternal.

70+ UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

OUR CAMPUS & CURRICULUM

As diverse as its vibrant community, Valpo’s 350- acre campus offers plenty of space for every form of creative expression…

ART Art, digital media, and teleproduction studios, Center for the Arts including a 275-seat theater, 170-seat recital hall, and the Brauer Museum of Art

ATHLETICS

ENTERTAINMENT & PLAY Disc golf course, racquetball and sand volleyball courts

FAITH Chapel of the Resurrection

GATHERING 202,000-square-foot Harre Student Union serving as the hub of student life and offering space for recreation and meetings as well as a computer lab, bookstore, career center, and two dining options at Founders Table and the Campus Cafe

SCIENCE Laboratories, Doppler radar equipment, weather forecasting studios, advanced research light and electron telescopes, and our James S. Markiewicz Solar Energy Research Facility with the only undergraduate solar furnace facility in the U.S.

STUDY Christopher Center Library which stores 600,000 volumes and offers 180 public computers

Not only will Valpo offer you a place to explore and discover, but you will also receive a comprehensive, rigorous education within the liberal arts tradition, learning to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems creatively. With unprecedented access to resources, facilities, and above all, faculty, you obtain the individualized attention and guidance fundamental to reaching your full potential.

5 UNDERGRADUATE COLLEGES

STUDENTFACULTY RATIO

Valpo prides itself on being innovative, continually expanding upon its premier programs in response to an ever-changing job market and an ever-changing world. Although opportunities abound on campus, learning at Valpo extends far beyond the classroom to incorporate experiential learning, service trips, internships, and undergraduate research opportunities.

OUR SENSE OF COMMUNITY

With leadership and service at the core of who we are, thoughtful dialogue and an approach that is both global and interdisciplinary, Valpo applies the belief that we truly build better by building together. And together, we have a lot more fun in the process, too! That’s why we offer a number of opportunities to connect, learn, lead, and grow through study abroad programs, sorority and fraternity life, NCAA Division 1 athletics, thriving arts programs, and more than 100 student clubs and organizations. With endless opportunities, belonging comes easily.

OUR CULTURE OF RECOGNITION

Even with our exceptional academic programs receiving national rankings and recognitions, what tops the charts at Valpo is our amazing students and faculty. With committed and inspiring faculty leading the way, Valpo students are encouraged to accept challenges and are empowered to meet them head on and heart open, continually learning, serving, and leading, no matter where they are in their journey or where their path takes them. That’s how Valpo has become a place where exceptional is normal, distinction is inevitable, and impact eternal!

BALL STATE UNIVERSITY

/2000 W. University Ave., Muncie, IN 47306 800-382-8540 / bsu.edu

For 104 years, Ball State has had an unwavering belief in an education rooted in innovation, values, and intellectual curiosity. The institution was founded on the beneficence and tenacity of the Ball brothers, who gave back to the community that gave them so much. They purchased the land and buildings of a defunct institution and donated them to the State of Indiana. This gift became the Indiana State Normal School Eastern Division, which opened in 1918. What began as a teachers college has grown into a world-class university with highly respected programs in education, architecture, business, communications, fi ne arts, sciences, humanities, and the health professions. Symbolized by the statue Beneficence, our enduring values guide us today and will endure as we enter a bright future.

STATS

YEAR FOUNDED: 1918 / CURRENT ENROLLMENT: 19,777 / STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO: 14:1 / UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES OFFERED: 117 / MASTER’S DEGREES OFFERED: 70 / DOCTORAL DEGREES OFFERED: 16 // SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE: Education, architecture, business, communications, fine arts, sciences, humanities, and the health professions. / DISTANCE FROM DOWNTOWN INDIANAPOLIS: 65 miles / IN-STATE TUITION: $8,688 // OUT-OF-STATE TUITION: $26,696 / PERCENTAGE OF

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: 2 / TOP THREE AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: Top 100 among public colleges and universities in the nation— U.S. News & World Repor t, one of the best universities in the Midwest—Princeton Review, best undergraduate teaching at a public university in Indiana— U.S. News & World Report

Focused on A Bright Future

Becoming a Ball State Cardinal opens the door to a future full of possibilities. Our beautiful campus, welcoming culture, passionate learning partners, and focus on innovation and collaboration allow our students to chart a unique path to meaningful careers and fulfilling lives. Discover Ball State and see how as Cardinals, We Fly.

EARLHAM COLLEGE

801 National Road West, Richmond, IN 47374 765-983-1200 / earlham.edu

Earlham is a small, nationally ranked liberal arts college located in Richmond, Indiana. But above all else, Earlham is home to humans who want to make big changes in their communities, and the world, for good.

Founded by Quakers in 1847, the Earlham community is uncommonly welcoming, respectful, and committed to peace and social justice.

When you start your education here, you’ll embark on an Epic Journey that includes immersive research, internships, and study abroad—and you’ll have a team of supporters cheering you on and guiding you along the way. Plus, our Epic Advantage ensures that every Earlhamite has the funding and support they need to pursue an impactful, career-discerning opportunity before graduation.

And when it comes to generosity, we practice what we preach through our many scholarship programs. This includes INspire Earlham, which offers free tuition to Indiana students whose families are Pell and State of Indiana grant-eligible and earn up to $60,000 per year.

YEAR FOUNDED: 1847 / CURRENT ENROLLMENT: 677 / STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO: 6:1 / NUMBER OF UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES OFFERED: 40 / NUMBER OF MASTER’S DEGREES OFFERED: 2 / SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE: Environmental Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Social Justice, and Pre-Health / DISTANCE FROM DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI (IN MILES): 72 miles / IN-STATE TUITION: $50,970 / OUT-OF-STATE TUITION: $50,970 / PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS ON FINANCIAL AID: 95% / TOP THREE AWARDS/ RECOGNITIONS: One of 40 “Colleges That Change Lives”; A Best Classroom Experience according to The Princeton Review ; A “Best Value College” according to The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report / AFFILIATED COLLEGES/SATTELITE CAMPUSES: Earlham School of Religion, Earlham Graduate Programs in Education

STATS

FRANKLIN COLLEGE

/

101 Branigin Blvd., Franklin, IN 46131-2598 317-738-8075 / franklincollege.edu

Established in 1834, Franklin College is located in charming Franklin, Indiana, just 25 minutes south of downtown Indianapolis. Our beautiful, tree-lined campus spans over 207 acres and provides state-of-the-art academic buildings, residential facilities, athletic fields, and a scenic biology woodland, all catering to our vibrant community of learners. Our students hail from different backgrounds and have a unique set of interests, skills, and aspirations, adding to the richness of our academic environment.

At Franklin College, we offer over 50 majors, 40 minors, and 12 pre-professional programs to around 1,000 students. Our small class sizes allow for highly personalized attention and experiential learning opportunities. Our dedicated professors are passionate advocates, imparting knowledge and expertise to our students and helping them transform into well-rounded individuals ready to face modern challenges head-on.

In addition to the transformative education at Franklin College, our students fi nd their fit in a variety of extracurricular activities, including over 40 student clubs, academic organizations, and Greek life. More than 50 percent of Franklin College students participate in our 21 varsity athletic programs.

Schedule your Franklin College visit today to discover all we have to offer!

YEAR FOUNDED : 1834 / CURRENT ENROLLMENT: 959 / STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO : 12:1 / UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES OFFERED: 50+ majors in 24 academic disciplines

STATS

/ MASTER’S DEGREES OFFERED: Master of Science in Athletic Training, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies / SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE: Biology, Business, Exercise Science, Mathematics, Psychology, Public Relations / DISTANCE FROM INDIANAPOLIS: 25 miles / IN-STATE TUITION/OUT-OF-STATE TUITION:

$36,600 / STUDENTS ON FINANCIAL AID: 100% // TOP THREE AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: Recognized as a leader in Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report (2022); National Model United Nations (NMUN) “Distinguished Delegation” at Annual NMUN International Conference (2022); Four student-journalists recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) as Mark of Excellence Winners for best collegiate work published or broadcast during 2022.

Devin Byers, psychology and music major, class

of ’23

“At Franklin College, you are not just another face on campus. You get to know colleagues in your classrooms, and the relationships you gain are more than just relationships, they’re mentorships. The opportunities at Franklin College go beyond just sitting in the classroom listening to lectures. And you get tons of professional development opportunities. Everyone at Franklin gets involved.”

For more information, visit FranklinCollege.edu or call the office of admissions at 317.738.8075.

INDIANA TECH

1600 E. Washington Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46803 260-466-2121 / indianatech.edu

Indiana Tech is a comprehensive university that educates students beyond its home base in Fort Wayne with regional locations throughout Indiana and Kentucky, as well as online programs that meet the needs of students worldwide. The university offers degree and certificate programs that help working adults advance their careers. Indiana Tech offers degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. levels, as well as professional certificate programs. Each is aligned with an in-demand career, including project management, engineering, business, cybersecurity, accounting, information technology, computer science, global health leadership, health information technology, supply chain management, and more. The university’s programs are fully accredited through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and many programs hold discipline-specific accreditations. Beyond quality degree programs, busy working adults find Indiana Tech an ideal fit due to class schedules that allow them to take one class at a time and still make rapid progress towards their degree. Classes start every six weeks, allowing students to begin their education at any time of year. Indiana Tech also works with employers to provide education and training to their team members, helping companies attract and retain top talent. Indiana Tech can even develop custom programs for corporate partners, as well as offer on-site courses at partner locations.

YEAR FOUNDED: 1930 / CURRENT ENROLLMENT: 1,500 undergraduates on the main campus, 6,500 online undergraduate and graduate / STUDENT-FACULTY

STATS

RATIO: 16:1 / UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES OFFERED: 50 / MASTER’S DEGREES OFFERED: 8 / DOCTORAL DEGREES OFFERED: 1 / SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE: Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Criminal Justice, Busine ss, Communication, Information Technology, Life Sciences, Health Care Administration, Psychology, and Human Resources / DISTANCE FROM DOWNTOWN INDIANAPOLIS: 1 18 miles / IN-STATE/OUT-OF-STATE TUITION: $399 per credit hour undergrad/$525 per credit hour graduate / STUDENTS ON FINANCIAL AID: 90% / TOP THREE AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: Indiana Tech is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, while some of our programs have earned program-specific accreditation/recognition from ABET, IACBE, CAHIIM, SHRM and the Project Management Institute; Ranked #6 in Indiana for return-on-investment by PayScale.com; Recognized as a Top 10-Gold Level Military Friendly School

WORKING MOMS + DADS ONLINE.INDIANATECH.EDU

LIFE CHANGING EDUCATION

Indiana Tech will help you go further with 100-plus quality online degree and certificate programs. Our class schedules allow you to take one class at a time and make rapid progress toward program completion.

ENROLL TODAY! | 888.832.4742 3500 DePauw Blvd. | Indianapolis

INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

/4201 S Washington St, Marion, IN 46953 765-674-6901 / indwes.edu

Indiana Wesleyan University celebrates over 100 years as a Christian, global, comprehensive university providing liberal arts and professional education to approximately 11,000+ students worldwide. IWU is one of the largest faith-based universities in America with rich undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs. An early pioneer in adult and online education, IWU is known for excellence in training a skilled workforce ready to meet the needs of companies today. IWU offers a residential campus where students live and learn on the beautiful 350-acre traditional campus in Marion. Also offered through IWU-National & Global are 100% online programs and onsite/hybrid programs at education centers in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio.

way the way

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN INDIANA

8600 University Blvd., Evansville, IN 47712 812-464-8600 /usi.edu

Discover the University of Southern Indiana, renowned for affordable academic excellence. From here, you’ll engage with dedicated faculty, tackle real-world challenges, and forge invaluable relationships. With a student body of nearly 9,200 from 88 Indiana counties, 47 states, and 36 countries, our vibrant 1,400acre Evansville campus offers 130-plus areas of study. Embrace a sense of connection through our 150-plus student organizations that foster lifelong friendships. Experience the thrill of NCAA Division I athletics, featuring 19 varsity sports, adding to our lively campus atmosphere. Immerse yourself in our culture of care and join our community of passionate Screaming Eagles.

YEAR FOUNDED : 1965 / CURRENT ENROLLMENT: 9,178 /STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO: 16:1 / UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES OFFERED: 63 / MASTER’S DEGREES OFFERED: 14 /

STATS

DOCTORAL DEGREES OFFERED: 2 / SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE: USI offers programs through the College of Liberal Arts; Romain College of Business; College of Nursing and Health Professions; Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education; and School of Graduate Studies. / DISTANCE FROM DOWNTOWNINDIA-

NAPOLIS: 173 miles / OUT-OF-STATE TUITION: $21,873 / IN-STATE TUITION: $9,527 / PERCENTAGE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: 2 / TOP THREE AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: USI’s graduate nursing program is ranked among the best in the country (U.S. News); the Romain College of Business is accredited by T he Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), an honor earned by less than 5 percent of the more than 16,000 business schools worldwide; and USI engineering students designed and built a satellite for NASA, the first spacecraft built and flown by a public institution in the state of Indiana, which was deployed from the International Space Station. / AFFILIATED COLLEGES/SATELLITE CAMPUSES: College of Liberal Arts; Romain College of Business; College of Nursing and Health Professions; Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education; and School of Graduate Studies

Founded: 1832

Enrollment: 800 men

Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1

Mission: To educate men to think critically, act responsibly, lead effectively, and live humanely.

Majors: 27 with pre-professional programs in medicine, law, and business; dual-degree programs in engineering, law, and accounting

Outcomes: 94% medical school acceptance rate since 2017; 96% law school acceptance rate since 2013; 9 Rhodes Scholars; 27 Fulbright Fellowships since 2014; nation’s #4-ranked School for Internships; #2-ranked Alumni Network Athletics: 13 intercollegiate sports in NCAA Division III Tuition : $4 Students Receiving Aid: 98%

Contact Information: wabash.edu | admissions@wabash.edu

800-345-5385 or 765-361-6225

301 W. Wabash Avenue | Crawfordsville, IN 47933

What you want to do, who you want to be, and how you define success is all in your hands at

SHOP. DINE. ENJOY. LIVE.

$$$$ $30 and up $$$ $20–$30

$$ $10–$20

$ Under $10 UPDATED

9th Street Bistro, p. 106

Recently opened establishment.

Open for more than five months but making its first appearance in the guide. Recently revisited and reevaluated.

Restaurants included in this guide are selected at the discretion of the Indianapolis Monthly editorial staff based on food quality, innovation, atmosphere, service, value, and consistency. IM does not accept advertising or other compensation in exchange for dining coverage. Price symbols indicate the average cost of a meal per person (without tax, tip, or alcohol). Due to limited space, this list does not cover every evaluated restaurant. For a more comprehensive guide to Indianapolis dining, visit IndianapolisMonthly.com/Dining. Feedback? Please email TheDish@IndianapolisMonthly.com.

Photo by TONY VALAINIS

DOWNTOWN

INCLUDES Fletcher Place, Fountain Square, Mass Ave, Mile Square

Aroma

INDIAN Familiar tandoori and tikka masala staples mingle with heartier, more elevated offerings at this elegant pan-Indian spot. Lunchtime lamb and chicken rolls in crispy flatbread wrappers stand out, as do hearty chaat dishes dressed up with yellow peas, yogurt, and chutneys. An impressive lamb shank is the highlight of the chef’s specialties and easily feeds two. A full bar and an artful array of desserts help round out a special occasion meal. 501 Virginia Ave., 317602-7117, aromaindy.com V $$

Ash & Elm

GASTROPUB A long-awaited move to the historic former Ford assembly plant building on East Washington Street not only brought Indy’s premier cider-maker a few blocks closer to downtown but also ushered in a full menu of snacks and dinner dishes created by chef Tracey Couillard. Start with a cider slushie or a cidermosa to enjoy with tangy, rich deviled eggs or crisp, light elote fritters with a bright cilantro crema. Then move to a flagship cider such as the semi-sweet or tart cherry for the main courses, including a standout roasted chicken breast with a crispy hasselback potato, hanger steak with chanterelles, or pan-fried walleye. But don’t pass up the apple-cheddar melt or the burger of the moment, lavished with crab dip

or garlic scape pesto. 1301 E. Washington St., 317-600-3164, ashandelmcider.com $$

Bluebeard

CONTEMPORARY Bluebeard opened in 2012, and crowds still roll in for chef Abbi Merriss’ take on seasonal comfort food. Start with the bread baked next door at Amelia’s—it’s especially delicious slathered with anchovy butter—and build your meal from the ever-changing menu of small and large dishes. Fried morels may show up on a spring picnic plate, while winter nights call for a comforting butcher shop Bolognese. 653 Virginia Ave., 317-686-1580, blue beardindy.com V $$

Bodhi: Craft Bar + Thai Bistro

THAI This Mass Ave restaurant serves a small, focused menu of Thai dishes like massaman curry with braised beef and Bodhi’s own version of non-Americanized pad thai. Cocktails get a lot of attention on a drinks list designed by Ball & Biscuit’s Heather Storms. 922 Massachusetts Ave., 317-941-6595, bodhi-indy.com V $$

Bru Burger Bar

BURGERS The generous patties here combine sirloin, chuck, and brisket and are paired with cocktails and craft beers. Highlights include the signature Bru Burger, with bacon, Taleggio, sweet tomato jam, and porter-braised onions. 410 Massachusetts Ave., 317-635-4278, bruburgerbar .com V $$

The Capital Grille

CLASSIC A theme of decadence permeates this steakhouse adjoining the equally posh Con-

rad hotel, from the gilt-framed pastoral paintings that hang on its dark-paneled walls to the selection of elaborate steaks (one of them drenched in a Courvoisier cream sauce, another flavored with aged balsamic—and some of them dry-aged). The servers are exquisite, of course. 40 W. Washington St., 317-423-8790, thecapital grille.com V $$$$

Easy Rider Diner

DINER Chef Ricky Martinez oversees this colorful Fountain Square diner that connects to the Hi-Fi music venue. The daylight menu applies Latin flourish to breakfast and brunch dishes, including a chorizo omelet with roasted tomato salsa, queso, and lime crema, shrimp and grits, and a waffle flight. For dinner, Martinez spotlights fried chicken and steak sandwiches, along with an appropriately indulgent late-night lineup of garbage can nachos and Cubanos available from 10 p.m. until the entertainment next door calls it a night. 1043 Virginia Ave., 463-224-0430, easyriderindy.com V $$

The Fountain Room

UPSCALE Restaurateur Blake Fogelsong filled this two-story showstopper with tufted leather chairs, glamorous clamshell booths, marble bar tops, and cascading chandeliers as a tribute to the Art Deco splendor of the restored Bottleworks Hotel next door. Meanwhile, 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 slab of prime rib, 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, thefoun tainroom.com

$$$

Gallery Pastry Bar

CONTEMPORARY The second location for the popular Broad Ripple bakery and brunch spot specializes in European-inspired pastries, brunch, dinner, and cocktails. 110 S. Pennsylvania St., 317820-5526, bar.gallerypastry.com $$

Harry & Izzy’s

STEAKHOUSE Craig Huse’s casual alternative to big brother St. Elmo holds its own as a clubby hangout worthy of destination-steakhouse status itself. The marbled bone-in rib-eye sizzles in its juices, a smart umami-rich pick among the high-quality (and high-priced) Midwest-sourced prime cuts. The menu expands to thin crust pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and seafood selections like pan-seared scallops. 153 S. Illinois St., 317635-9594, harryandizzys.com $$$

King Dough

PIZZA Chewy and with just the right flop in the middle, the pizzas here are bona fide craft, from the dough to the quality toppings. Standouts include the Stinky Pete with wild mushrooms, gorgonzola, and plenty of garlic and herbs. Burgers, including one made from chorizo and topped with manchego cheese, play surprisingly close second fiddles to the pies. Cocktails concocted from boutique liqueurs and aromatics are reason enough to drop in, and they make for perfect sippers while you wait for your pie on the patio. 452 N. Highland Ave., 317-602-7960, kingdough pizzas.com V $$

Leviathan Bakehouse

BAKERY Pastry chef Pete Schmutte’s patisserie and lunch cafe near Chatham Arch is a welcome addition to the downtown bakery scene. Schmutte draws on his talented staff’s specialties to produce earthy artisan breads, ultra-flaky French-style laminated pastries, and elegant financiers. If you oversleep the day’s breakfast sandwich with creamy, soft eggs and local charcuterie, grab a chimichurri roast beef sandwich with apple-fennel chutney and brie on porridge bread. 1101 N. College Ave., 317-493-1879, leviathan bakehouse.com V $$

Livery

LATIN This place feels like a hidden urban treasure, especially when the mezcal cocktails are flowing and the partially open kitchen is sending out plate after plate of contemporary Latininspired fare. Favorites have included a salad tucked inside a folded manchego crisp, meltingly tender steak fanned over a block of polenta, and a silky tres leches cake to die for. Snag a spot on the upper-level deck for a real treat. 720 N. College Ave., 317-383-0330, livery-restaurant .com $$

Love Handle

SANDWICHES Daily lunch and brunch features such as schnitzel and waffles and a pulled chicken Hot Brown are the main draw at Chris and Ally Benedyk’s cheeky sandwich shop. The chalkboard menu also offers side options in the form of braised greens and potato salad with roasted tomatoes. 877 Massachusetts Ave., 317384-1102 $$

Maialina Italian Kitchen + Bar

ITALIAN Straw-wrapped chianti bottles, wood-

en cross-back chairs, and family photos give a throwback trattoria feel to this addition to the city’s Italian scene. Meatballs, from a family recipe, are always a good choice with a solid house marinara. Pastas range from a straightforward toss of rigatoni with sausage and broccoli rabe to a rich, three-meat Bolognese lavished atop plump gnocchi. 1103 Prospect St., 317-982-7676, maialinaindy.com $$$

Milktooth

BRUNCH This diner-style cafe has a playfully gritty vibe. The early morning counter service featuring pastries and coffee gives way to a full-service brunch menu with daytime craft cocktails. 534 Virginia Ave., 317-986-5131, milk toothindy.com V $$

Modita

ASIAN-INSPIRED The lavish restaurant in Bottleworks District’s showpiece slot gets extra style points for its gorgeous industrial-sleek decor that is equal parts silk wallpaper and factory-grade doors. Sip a Singha or a citrusy Tokyo Exchange Rate under the glow of dangling pendants and soak up the thoughtfully preserved vintage vibe. 850 Massachusetts Ave., 317-316-0470, modita .com $$$

Nesso

ITALIAN Highly stylized seafood and meats paired with small pasta courses and shared a la carte sides add up to a sumptuous dining experience inside the Alexander hotel. Pass around a plate of prosciutto-wrapped prunes or crab arancini, but keep the tortelloni and sea bass all to yourself. 339 S. Delaware St., 317-643-7400, nesso-italia.com $$$

Rolli

tion. Hot pastrami and corned beef sandwiches on rye have drawn long lines for more than a century. The Reuben contends for the city’s best, and heartier fare such as potato pancakes, stuffed cabbage, and matzo ball soup are perennially satisfying standbys. If you don’t load up on a massive wedge of pie, you haven’t really had the proper Shapiro’s experience. 808 S. Meridian St., 317-631-4041, shapiros.com $$

St. Elmo Steak House

STEAKHOUSE Since 1902, this stately house of red meat has served as the unofficial ambassador of downtown Indianapolis—the walls carry decades’ worth of celebrity photos, the burnished bar hearkens to an earlier era, and the servers remain starched and bow-tied. The drill remains the same as well: a generous martini, a shrimp cocktail with that notoriously hot sauce, the bean soup or tomato juice, the wedge, and one of the legendary steaks. 127 S. Illinois St., 317-635-0636, stelmos.com $$$$

Tinker Street

NEW AMERICAN Reservations are a must, so snag whatever date you can get and hope for a warm night and a seat on the twinkling patio. Then settle in for small plates such as surprisingly light and flavorful chickpea ravioli with vegan ricotta and a host of colorful garnishes. Or try one of the vegan soups or a seasonal salad, such as a refreshing mix of greens with asparagus, pickled rhubarb, and tangy blue cheese. 402 E. 16th St., 317-925-5000, tinkerstreet restaurant.com V $$$

Tony’s Steaks and Seafood

NEW

SUSHI Creative, colorful rolls such as Ponzu Paradise, with salmon, spicy fruit-forward mayo, and beets, or Mango Tango, with tempura-fried shrimp, Thai chili sauce, avocado, and pickled mango, make this recent addition to The Garage food hall a fun destination for sushi lovers and those still a bit squeamish about raw fish. Traditionalists can opt for “simple” rolls with just seafood or veggies and rice wrapped in nori, and build-your-own options let customers’ imaginations run wild, with a solid selection of vegetarian options, including surprisingly tasty yuzu shiitakes. Much of the fun is watching the sushi batch machine shoot out a perfect square of rice that is rolled and cut in the blink of an eye then served in a sturdy, stylish box. For a hearty alternative to rolls, try one of four Umami Bommi options, tofu pockets with tasty toppings and sauces, the best of them finished with a torch. A nice selection of canned teas, kombuchas, sakes, and beer complete the experience. 906 Carrollton Ave., 317-210-3559, rollisushi.co $$

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

STEAKHOUSE While nightly specials at this stately steakhouse include innovative seafood and poultry options, supper club classics abound, from the succulent, fat-marbled rib-eye to a delicate petite filet, all served on sizzling-hot plates. 45 S. Illinois St., 317-633-1313, ruthschris .com $$$$

Shapiro’s Delicatessen

DELI Slide your tray along and take your pick of kosher comfort foods at this downtown institu-

STEAKHOUSE Elegantly presented oysters, mussels, and calamari tossed with pepperoncini and cherry tomatoes top a list of mostly seafood appetizers, but don’t miss what has to be one of the city’s biggest crab cakes, mounded on a swath of tangy mustard aioli. A special seasoning blend of paprika, sea salt, and pepper means New York strips and bone-in prime ribeyes have an especially flavorful char. 110 W. Washington St., 317-638-8669, tonysofindiana polis.com $$$

Upland Brewing

GASTROPUB Bloomington’s Upland Brewery brings its casual dining experience to Indy’s near south side, with an open concept dining room and a popular dog-friendly patio. The Upland repertoire gets proper representation in the wall of taps behind the bar. You can casually sip a flight of sours and snack on smoked chicken wings, or get busy with dishes plucked from the chef’s rotating seasonal menu. 1201 Prospect St., 317-672-3671, uplandbeer.com V $$

EAST

INCLUDES Beech Grove, Irvington, Windsor Park

10th Street Diner

VEGAN Surprisingly familiar and hearty plantbased takes on diner classics occupy the entire menu at this rehab of a former pawn shop, a comfy backdrop for enjoying such tasty fakeouts as a gooey seitan Reuben, a “chicken” pot pie, and chili that rivals your favorite con carne version.

Arrive early, before the day’s supplies run out. 3301 E. 10th St., 463-221-1255 V $$

Beholder

CONTEMPORARY You never know what to expect from restaurateur Jonathan Brooks’ Windsor Park kitchen, aside from one of the most innovative and well-executed meals in town. The menu is difficult to track, mainly because Brooks builds his dishes around seasonal ingredients that are fresh and of-the-moment. Impeccable servers will guide you through the evening’s offerings, which start small at the top of the menu (fresh oysters, perhaps, or pork rinds with kimchi and chicken liver mousse) and bulk up toward the bottom (think wild boar Bolognese or a massive pork Wellington for two). Finish with the most exotic flavor of house-made ice cream. 1844 E. 10th St., 317-419-3471, beholder indy.com V $$$$

Kan-Kan Cinema and Brasserie

UPSCALE CASUAL Dinner and a movie has never quite been as local or as luxe as it is at this cinematic and culinary collaboration in Windsor Park. First-run indie and classic films play on the screen in the cinema, with snacks and expert cocktails from the bar nodding to movie culture, as with the Hollywood Boulevard(ier) or the 35MM with dry gin, orgeat, and lime. Leave plenty of room pre- or post-film (or just come back the next night) for blockbuster dinner offerings. 1258 Windsor St., 317-800-7099, kankanindy.com V $$$

Landlocked Baking Company

CAFE What began life as a production bakery along Irvington’s tucked-away Audubon Road has expanded into a full-service daytime spot serving sandwiches and plated entrees. The menu keeps things brief, with a special focus on fresh-baked carbs. 120 S. Audubon Rd., 317-207-2127, landlocked bakingco.com V $$

Mayfair Taproom

FAMILY PUB Housed in a 120-year-old structure with a colorful past, this eastside hang has the timeless feel of a well-loved neighborhood pub. Walk-ins can relax over pints of beer at the bar, right next to a family-friendly dining room with window seat booths and local art on the walls. The menu is brief and sandwich-heavy, with equal love given to the thick and cheesy Mayfair burger and daily vegan breakouts like the spicy seitan sloppy Joe and the massive bean burger. 2032 E. 10th St., 317-419-239 V $$

Natural State Provisions

CASUAL Customers order at the counter and find a table inside this former microbrewery reinvented as an endearingly kitschy eatdrinkery. The food is rooted in homestyle Arkansas cooking from co-owner Adam Sweet’s native state, heavy on the deep frying and sweet tea brining. Order a Sling Blade cocktail, get a side of collard greens with your fried bologna sandwich, and don’t miss the daily soft serve ice cream flavor. 414 Dorman St., 317-492-9887, naturalstate provisions.com $$

Open Kitchen

NEW AMERICAN Breakfast specialties such as light-as-air French toast, biscuits and gravy, and eggs Benedict lavished with crab and avocado are stars on the menu at the new location of Dexter and Toni Smith’s cheery eatery in the former Jailbird location near the University of India-

napolis. But lunch and dinner are equally respectable, especially a generous shrimp po’ boy or a crispy chicken sandwich with peppered bacon, onion rings, and barbecue sauce with your choice of spice level. More substantial entrees include a grilled pork chop with apple chutney or salmon with wild rice and sauteed broccoli, with elevated touches owing to Dexter Smith’s Chef’s Academy pedigree. After operating mainly as a carryout spot on North Sherman and later in Little Flower, this location comes with a full bar, which means cocktails—such as the creamy, floral Respect Your Elders with bourbon, elderflower, and lemon—are a must. 4022 Shelby St., 317- 974-9032, opennkitchen.org $$

NORTH SUBURBAN

INCLUDES Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield, Zionsville

9th Street Bistro

BISTRO In a snug cafe off Noblesville’s town square, owners Samir Mohammad and Rachel Firestone Mohammad create meals worth lingering over, from a lamb shank slow-smoked to buttery tenderness and served on top of fresh pappardelle to a house-made burrata that makes several appearances on the menu. Hyperlocal ingredients fill out seasonal dishes, such as butternut squash bisque and duck confit toast. The rotating Fried Thing of the Day (from tofu to artichoke hearts) should not be missed. 56 S. 9th St., Noblesville, 317-774-5065, 9thstbistro.com $$$

101 Beer Kitchen

CASUAL The energy is high and the flavors are forward at this Ohio import. In a dining room that combines the best parts of a craft brewery and an unfussy family haunt, crowd-pleasing dishes like loaded tater tots, Andouille sausage–spiked shrimp and grits, and brown-buttered pierogies have lots of moving parts, complex but more fun than fancy. The Yard at Fishers District, 317-537-2041, 101beerkitchen.com $$

1933 Lounge

STEAK AND COCKTAILS This clubby cocktail lounge offers a younger, sexier take on its fine dining parent, St. Elmo Steak House. The twist here is that the black-vested servers deliver the Oysters Rockefeller and 45-day dry-aged rib-eyes to diners tucked into noir-lit corners where no one can see their faces melt into a brief ugly-cry at that first bite of incendiary shrimp cocktail. The Yard at Fishers District, 317-7581933, 1933lounge.com/fishers $$$

Anthony’s Chophouse

STEAKHOUSE The interior of this swanky heavy hitter along Carmel’s Main Street has the polished gleam of a new Vegas hotel, with an upper-level lounge containing the salvaged mahogany bar from The Glass Chimney, a fine dining legend. The food has equal flourish. Lobster bisque with a hunk of tempura-fried meat begins a meal that might include a cowgirl rib-eye, a flight of filets, or a domestic wagyu “smashburger.” Black-suited servers and wellcomposed cocktails keep the high-dollar meal running smoothly. 201 W. Main St., Carmel, 317740-0900, anthonyschophouse.com

$$$$

Auberge

FRENCH Brick Street Inn’s classic French bistro installed talented chef Toby Moreno (The Loft at Traders Point Creamery, Plow & Anchor) in early 2022 and immediately sent him to Paris, where he trained in the kitchens of famed chef Alain Ducasse. Moreno has added that continental know-how to the vintage dishes he makes fresh with as much local produce, meats, and cheeses as he can. That translates to an impressive plate of buttery escargot topped with croutons, seasonal salads, and a deeply flavorful French onion soup with a rich broth. Seafood stars among the entrees, especially crispy-skinned roasted cod, though diver scallops with asparagus puree, showered with herbs and toasted almonds, also impress. Quiche of the day is a solid choice, as is the house burger slathered with tarragon aioli. Old-school cocktails are even better when enjoyed on the streetside patio. 175 S. Main St., Zionsville, 317-733-8755, auberge-restaurant .com $$$

Ben’s BBQ Shack

BARBECUE Ben Hoffman gained a following for his old-school barbecue technique (smoked with hickory and cherry wood with no assist from electricity or gas) when he parked his trailermounted smoker outside Grand Junction Brewing a few days a week. When a 300-square-foot shack on Westfield’s main drag became available, he snatched it up and turned it into a prep kitchen and walk-up window. Standard sides like baked beans and cole slaw are available, but as you would expect, the meat’s the star of the show. There is no way to go wrong, whether you order the juicy, flavorful brisket or shredded pork by the pound, or a smoked pork belly sandwich with jalapeños and onions. The only mistake you might make is waiting too long to place an order. Your best bet is to order on the website in advance. 124 E. Main St., Westfield, bensbbqshack.com $$

Chao Vietnamese Street Food

VIETNAMESE Sourcing the beef and pork for its noodle bowls, tacos, and pho from Fischer Farms, this strip mall eatery delivers fresh, flavorful dishes. Shrimp spring rolls come with a rich and complex dipping sauce, and a bracing green papaya salad is refreshing. Pork belly tacos are highlights among the lighter choices. A full list of coffees and bubble teas make this a great place to bring the family for an intro to one of the world’s great cuisines. 7854 E. 96th St., Fishers, 317-622-8820, chaovietstreetfood.com $$

Cheeky Bastards

ENGLISH Co-owners Michael Rypel and chef Robert Carmack fell in love with British culture and cuisine during travels abroad. Their Geist restaurant is a true tribute to the food, serving not only a classic Full English breakfast and sausage rolls made with imported meat, but also a very convincing fish and chips featuring crispy planks and hand-cut potatoes. 11210 Fall Creek Rd., 317-288-9739, cheeky bastardsrestaurant.com $$

Edicta39

NEW LATIN FUSION This modest addition to Pendleton’s main drag combines smalltown sweetness with a menu of Spanish-inflected dishes. Arepas (crispy stuffed corn cakes) dominate at breakfast, containing fillings that range from pulled chicken to avocado and

THANK YOU! The 36th annual Zoobilation presented by AES Indiana on June 9, 2023, was an evening to remember! This year’s Zoobilation: Wild Encounter had more than 5,000 guests, a multitude of fantastic restaurants and rocking musical groups scattered throughout the Zoo. It was an incredibly successful year, which raised $2.6 million to support animal care and programs at the Indianapolis Zoo.

Because the Zoo receives no direct tax support, events such as Zoobilation are vital to the continued growth of our organization. Thank you to everyone who participated. Mark your calendars now for Zoobilation 2024 on Friday, June 14. Tickets will go on sale Feb. 1 and sell out fast. Visit IndianapolisZoo.com for more information.

Restaurants

1830 Chophouse

Abbiocco Pizzeria

Amazeball by Eat Surreal

Arni’s Restaurant

Azucar Morena

Back 9 Golf & Entertainment

Blondie’s Cookies

Boba & Everything

Boozee Bundts

BRU Burger Bar

Byrne’s Grilled Pizza

Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop

Cinnaholic

Classic Cakes

Clean Eatz

Convivio Italian Artisan Cuisine

Cretia Cakes

Daniel’s Vineyard

Dick’s Last Resort

Special Friends Recognition

92.3 WTTS

Alsco

All Occasion Tent Rental

PepsiCo

Encore Entertainment

Enflora

Domino’s

The District Tap

Eddie Merlot’s

The Fountain Room

Garrett’s Smokehouse BBQ

The Garage Food Hall

Grindstone Charley’s

Grindstone on the Monon

Harry & Izzy’s

The Hulman

Indie Coffee Roasters

Jack’s Donuts

Joella’s Hot Chicken

Log Still Distillery

Los Arroyos Mexican Restaurant & Bar

Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria

Mambo’s Cheesesteak Grill

Market Square Popcorn Company

Market Wagon

MCL Restaurant & Bakery

Modita

Nameless Catering Company

Nesso Italian Kitchen

Nothing Bundt Cakes

The Oceanaire Seafood Room

Open Kitchen Restaurant

Osteria by Fabio Viviani

Panadas

Pizza & Libations

Porkopolis

Portillo’s

Pots & Pans Pie Co.

Punch Bowl Social

Punkin’s Pies Sweet Treats

Rare Brew

The Rathskeller Restaurant

Rick’s Café Boatyard

Rise’n Roll

Salt on Mass

Samano’s Mexican Food

Schakolad Chocolate Factory -

Zionsville

Shake Shack

Slapfish

Social Cantina

Sun King Brewery & Spirits

St. Elmo Steak House

St. Joseph Brewery & Public House

SweetCakesbyRonda

Taste of Innova Wings + Greens

Taxman Brewing Co.

Tinker Coffee Co.

Vanilla Bean Bakery

Verde Flavors of Mexico

YATS

YUMMY!

Home City Ice

Indianapolis Business Journal

Indiana Lawyer

Indianapolis Monthly

Indianapolis Zoo Staff and Volunteers

Indianapolis Marriott Downtown

King Shots Photography

Molson Coors

Reagan Outdoor Advertising

Republic National Distributing Company

Service Sanitation

Sodexo Live!

Sterler Productions

US Foods

Waste Management

White River State Park Commission

black beans. Later in the day, cheese-topped tostones and ceviche join a variety of creamy risottos and elaborate burgers. Paella takes a bit longer to cook but is worth the wait and portioned to serve the entire table. 104 W. State St., Pendleton, 765-602-2110 $$

Grindstone Public House

COMFORT You can appreciate the original tall shop windows and pressed tin ceilings of this restored historic building as you chomp into a fully loaded burger. Or, go for one of the more elaborate selections (such as a prime-rib Manhattan or chicken and waffles) on Grindstone’s Midwest-casual menu. A full bar stocked with all the brown bottles gives the place cred as a neighborhood watering hole. 101 N. 10th St., Noblesville, 317-774-5740, grindstonepublichouse.com $$$

The HC Tavern + Kitchen

CONTEMPORARY The term “tavern” hardly captures this swank addition to the Huse Culinary Group/St. Elmo family. A hit among starters is the lobster “Cargot” with lumps of lobster meat in garlic butter and melted havarti. Chops include the supperclub darling steak Diane with mushroom cream sauce and horseradish mashed potatoes, though equally regal is the wagyu meatloaf enriched with pork and veal, sauced with a truffle mushroom demi-glace. The Yard at Fishers District, 317-530-4242, atthehc.com $$$

Juniper on Main

SOUTHERN Chef Christine Daniel adds flavor every step of the way at this laid-back salute to Southern coastal cooking. That means the shrimp and grits contain heirloom hominy; the

grilled salmon is plated with chili-lime butter, coconut rice, citrus black beans, and plantains; and nearly everything arrives with a heaping side of okra. Even the sweet 1907 house that wraps Juniper on Main in a porch and pergola evokes the homey charm of its culinary inspiration and the owner’s former home of Savannah, Georgia. 110 E. Main St., Carmel, 317-591-9254, juniperon main.com $$

The Mash House

DISTILLERY The distillers behind KennedyKing’s West Fork Whiskey opened this second, destination tasting experience and spirits education center in the summer of 2022. Start with a textbook Old Fashioned featuring house-blended bitters, and pair that with a plate of crunchy corn “puppies” with whipped maple butter. 10 E. 191st St., Westfield, 317-763-5400, westforkwhiskey.com $$

Noah Grant’s Grill House & Oyster Bar

SEAFOOD The sushi list is solid at this surf-andturf spot, but even better bets are super-fresh oysters and savory short rib wontons to nibble on while you explore the voluminous menu. Entrees range from fish and chips to coconutcrusted mahi mahi. 91 S. Main St., Zionsville, 317732-2233, noahgrants.com $$$

Trax BBQ

ADDED BARBECUE Owner Andrew Klein, who has a background in high-end steakhouses, oversees the tender headliners at this no-frills barbecue joint that sits beside the train tracks in McCordsville. You can taste

his expertise in the essential meats: brisket hacked into fatty hunks, pulled pork that melts in the mouth, and ribs by the rack, all prepared in a smoker that customers walk past just before they hit the front door. Fans of smoked meats order off a menu that covers traditional carnivore territory (the Smokehouse Plates come with two sides, house-made pickles, and Texas toast) as well as some creative upgrades, including a heap of pulled pork nachos and The Willie brisket sandwich topped with hot liquid cheese and slaw on a toasted brioche bun. 7724 Depot St., McCordsville, 317-335-7675, traxbbq.com $$

NORTHEAST

INCLUDES Broad Ripple, Castleton, Keystone at the Crossing, Meridian-Kessler, Nora, SoBro

Big Lug Canteen

BREWPUB In this spacious hangout steps from the Monon Trail, seasonal beers and house standards include spins on wheats, ales, and IPAs. The menu is always filled with fun surprises (a Taco Bell–inspired pizza or a “horseshoe of the week” inspired by the gloppy sandwich of Springfield, Illinois), as well as excellent poutine, salads, and sandwiches, none more macho than the Nashville Hot Chicken. 1435 E. 86th St., 317672-3503, biglugcanteen.com V $$

Blupoint Oyster House

SEAFOOD A blue dining room draped in rattan

pendant lights and subtly nautical decor sets the scene for Gino Pizzi’s ode to coastal Italian fare. The scaled-down menu focuses on heartfelt dishes like squid ink tonnarelli in lemon cream sauce, misto mare, and pan-roasted salmon. Fresh oysters are shucked to order. 5858 N. College Ave., 317559-3259, blupointindy.com $$

Broad Ripple Brewpub

PUB GRUB We love the mainstays at Indiana’s oldest operating microbrewery: a creamy beer cheese crock, Scotch eggs, and crunchy fish and chips. Depending on the season, you will want to grab a spot next to the fireplace or outside on the see-and-be-seen patio. 840 E. 65th St., 317-2532739, broadripplebrewpub.com V$$

Hollyhock Hill

FAMILY DINING Hollyhock Hill sticks with what’s worked since it opened in 1928: comfort in the form of chicken. Among the frilly tables, servers dole out platters of skillet-fried goodness paired with mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, and buttermilk biscuits. 8110 N. College Ave., 317-2512294, hollyhockhill.com $$$

Petite Chou

BISTRO Tucked into one of Broad Ripple’s most iconic backstreet parcels, this French cousin of Cafe Patachou keeps its menu brief but fancy. Diners might enjoy onion soup gratinée and butter lettuce salad before the evening’s dinner rush, when côte de porc and lobster and frites are served with champagne in bottled or cocktail form. Even the family-style fried chicken dinner (offered on Wednesday nights only, with mashed potatoes, buttered peas, and a salad for the table) involves a pretty white bucket embellished with a pink Petite Chou logo. Whether you opt for the knife-and-fork burger or the duck confit, start with the steak tartare and end with the ice cream–stuffed profiteroles under chocolate syrup poured tableside. 823 E. Westfield Blvd., 317-259-0765, petitechoubistro .com $$$

NORTHWEST

INCLUDES College Park, Lafayette Square

Byrne’s Grilled Pizza

PIZZA Since 2015, this onetime food truck has been serving its quirky, addictive brand of charred-edge grilled pies with crackly, waferthin crusts to the pizza lovers of Butler-Tarkington. A transfer of ownership has ushered in even funkier decor touches, as well as new cocktails, organic wines, and seasonal specials, such as pies showered in Indiana sweet corn or slathered with beet puree and topped with delicata squash and goat cheese. 5615 N. Illinois St., 317-737-2056, byrnespizza.com V $$

Chapati

MIDDLE EASTERN It’s not enough that the butter chicken melts in your mouth or the lamb kebab bursts with flavor—or that those family recipes, passed from generation to generation, barely scratch the surface of a menu that goes deep into Pakistani, Indian, and Middle Eastern cuisine. This chill westside counter service spot has a fried chicken side hustle called Shani’s Secret

WE NAIL THE CONCEPT

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It all starts with a conversation.

To learn more about Woodstock and see examples of our lifestyle home design, visit WoodstockCustomHomes.com or swing by for a personal tour of our newest, fully-decorated model home in Carmel’s beautiful Grassy Branch at Bridgewater neighborhood.

15436 Spring Winds Drive is open every Saturday & Sunday 12-4.

Chicken focused on humanely prepared Halal fried chicken cooked three ways. 4930 Lafayette Rd., 317-405-9874, eatchapati.com V $$

The Loft Restaurant

UPDATED

FINE DINING With its pastoral setting on the grounds of an artisanal dairy farm, Traders Point Creamery’s farmstead restaurant (housed in one of several restored historic barns) feels like a working model for farmto-table dining. Some of the ingredients on executive chef Jon Warner’s menu are grown on-site, and it would be a shame to pass on the charcuterie board, an appetizer featuring the creamery’s award-winning cheeses. Niman Ranch steaks, seasonal fish, and house-made yeast rolls are always solid choices, as is the burger that’s made with 100 percent grass-fed beef and dressed with caramelized onions, snappy bread-and-butter pickles, bacon, and cheddar. For dessert, go a la mode. 9101 Moore Rd., Zionsville, 317-733-1700, traderspointcreamery.com V $$$

SOUTH SUBURBAN

INCLUDES Bargersville, Greenwood

Antilogy

BRUNCH AND COCKTAILS This snug corner spot at the end of a Kroger parking lot divides its energy between the morning meal and evening libations. Early birds can choose from thoughtful combinations of fat biscuits, sunny eggs,

bourbon-candied bacon, and Belgian waffles, with plenty of Bovaconti coffee-based lattes and mochas to kick-start the day. In the evening, the menu shifts to shareable plates, such as a panko-crusted crispy burrata, parmesan truffle fries, and a molten spinach-Gruyère dip. 5867 N. State Rd. 135, Greenwood, 317-530-5312, antilogycg .com $$

Revery

CONTEMPORARY This chef-driven bistro in Old Greenwood offers approachable fine dining, with a casual workingman’s bar on the historic building’s back end. Unexpected small plates have included beets with whipped goat cheese and wasabi and cheese curds fried in chorizo oil.

299 W. Main St., Greenwood, 317-215-4164, revery greenwood.com V $$$

WEST

INCLUDES Brownsburg, Pittsboro

Bob’s Indian Kitchen

INDIAN A surprisingly spacious and airy counter service location in a new mini-strip houses Bhavesh “Bob” Patel’s ode to home-cooked Indian cuisine. Entry-level cream cheese bhajia and dreamy butter chicken get just as much respect as the crispy pani puri filled with tamarind water, the goat biryani lavished with ginger and garlic, and the mini section of Indian pizzas. Whether you opt for the mild or spicy seasoning,

always include a cooling mango lassi in your order. 618 E. Main St., Brownsburg, 317- 983-0225, bobsindian.square.site V $$

Hoosier Roots

COMFORT Blink and you might miss this tuckedaway gem serving family-style mains and side dishes in a roadhouse setting. Chef and owner Greg Stellar runs the tiny Hendricks County kitchen, assembling shareable portions of house-smoked salmon, herb-crusted roast beef, beer can chicken, and other rib-sticking classics. 26 E. Main St., Pittsboro, 317-892-0071, hoosierrootscatering.com $$

Rick’s Cafe Boatyard

SEAFOOD You don’t have to be a Parrothead (though it helps) to appreciate the pontoon-life allure of Eagle Creek’s waterside restaurant, with its breezy dining room on stilts over the Dandy Trail boat slips. The menu gets creative with all of the casual dining tropes, mixing smoked salmon nachos and chicken cordon bleu fingers in with the jumbo shrimp martinis. 4050 Dandy Trail, 317-290-9300, ricksboatyard .com

$$$

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VIP Preview Party Public Tours

The Trees of Life

SLEEP, CREEP, AND LEAP IS MY MOTTO, BUT I STILL SAY PLASTIC TREES ARE THE WAY OF THE FUTURE.

BY PHILIP GULLEY

the new trees must be planted on town property, so there went my scheme, which was to see four oak trees planted in my side yard at no expense to me. Now that I’m footing the bill, I’ll dig up four oak trees in the woods at our Orange County farm and replant them in our Hendricks County yard.

Over the past 15 years, I’ve been relocating the trees from our woods to our farmhouse yard a tree at a time, two or three each autumn—oaks, beeches, maples, and dogwoods. The rule of thumb when transplanting a tree is patience, following a pattern my father called “sleep, creep, and leap.” The first year, you’ll think the tree’s a goner. The second year, hints of new life emerge, until the third glorious year when the tree takes off, sprouting new limbs and leaves. Sleep, creep, and leap. The average nursery tree is five to 10 years old when purchased, but I pull mine out of the woods at two or three years of age, when the trunks are pencil thin. The root ball is small, so the transplant is almost always successful—if I don’t accidentally mow them down in a distracted moment.

risk of being mowed down has passed. If I were running for president, I’d promise a white oak on every lawn. And if I won the election, I’d order every Bradford pear to be cut down. A smelly, poorly structured, and invasive tree native to China and Korea, the Bradford pear was brought to our shores in 1908 to breed resistance to the fire blight fungus then ravaging America’s pear crop. Fortunately, Bradford pears can be burned down with flame throwers, chopped into little pieces, poisoned, crushed by bulldozers, or yanked out by the roots with a backhoe, all of which are appropriate solutions to this despicable cultivar. As long as I was ridding America of contemptible trees, I’d also chop down cottonwoods (messy and prone to rot), willow trees (water hogs), and mulberry trees (insect magnets).

THIS PAST SPRING , two large trees in our side yard breathed their last, like an old couple who die within minutes of one another, unable to imagine life without the other. I phoned Roy Wolfe, our town’s preeminent tree man, who added our trees to his summer work list. But before he could cut them down, my neighbor Bill Eddy, our town’s preeminent expert on all things Danville, pointed out that our trees were in the easement and therefore the town’s responsibility to remove. I drove to the town garage and spoke with the superintendent of Public Works, who sent a crew the next day to cut them down.

The superintendent told me that for every tree the town removed, two new trees must be planted. So I suggested the four new trees be placed in our side yard where the old trees had been. However, it turned out

I’ve been doing this long enough to see scraggly sticks become robust trees. And although I had little to do with their growth, I take full credit, pointing out the trees to our visitors, naming the variety and year they were transplanted. Clearly, God or Mother Nature has done the lion’s share of the work, but you’d never know it for how I hasten to claim responsibility.

My favorite tree is the white oak due to its longevity, canopy, and resistance to oak wilt. I’ve planted three white oaks in our farmhouse yard and suspect each one will last several hundred years now that the

Now that I think about it, what America needs are plastic trees, which would not only endure drought and flood but would also remain green the year round. Perpetually green, they’d never have to have their fallen leaves raked nor be sprayed for bugs or blight. With electric cars on the rise, we’d no doubt be saving billions of barrels of oil each year, which could be turned into plastic to make even more trees. Every 10 years or so, we’d recycle the old plastic trees and make new ones. The circle of life!

There’s a man in my town who has decorated his yard with two plastic palm trees. Everyone laughs at him and says they look tacky, except for me. To me, it’s the wave of the future. And when his plastic palm trees produce plastic palm tree seeds, I’m going to get some, plant them in my yard, and grow my own plastic palm trees to replace the trees the town cut down.

Illustration by RYAN SNOOK

Philip Gulley is a Quaker pastor, author, and humorist. Back Home Again chronicles his views on life in Indiana.

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