Vol. 10 No. 16
21 Aug 16 - Aug 29, 2013
The Broad Ripple Gazette
Serving Broad Ripple Since 1978
Gettin’ Ripped in Ripple by Laura Minor
It’s All Good In Our Hood! Hello readers! You may or may not know that from time to time I am blessed with being a pretty regular contributor to the Health and Fitness section of the Indianapolis Star, and it is something that I really enjoy. Yesterday (then August 9th), much to my surprise I was featured in an article entitled “25 things I love about Broad Ripple”. My mug was on the slide “Small Business Owners” and I was SO honored! So, that gave me an idea… This article is going to be about my favorite things in SoBro and Meridian-Kessler The best neighborhood in the world in my humble opinion! 1. The 54th Street Shops: DUH! Haha… This is where my studio So.Be.Fit. is located along with several others such as Posh Petals Florist, Zest Cafe, and Nicole Taylor’s Italian Deli/Market. Since I have been at this location for about 4 ½ years, this area has exploded! Positive growth, heavy foot/bike traffic, and a very community oriented vibe all combine to put this at the top of the list. If you haven’t been there do yourself a favor and go. 2. The best running/biking courses in the city: Between the Monon Trail, Canal Tow Path, Butler campus, Crown Hill cemetery, and the Art Museum, getting the motivation for a workout isn’t nearly as challenging. And most of them connect and offer drinking fountains. Get off that darn treadmill and explore these areas! 3. 56th and Illinois intersection: I love this area! Between the meat market, old firehouse, cupcake shop and sidewalk café, it always takes me back in time as though it looks the same as it may have 50 years ago (well, I guess besides the Starbucks, but we will keep it!). It is very charming! 4. The Fresh Market: Yes, although it may burn a small hole in your pocket at times, you would find few that would argue its benefit to SoBro. Yes, we miss Atlas, but it ain’t bad to be able to grab a few items without having to go all the way up to Broad Ripple in rush hour. Now if they could have only designed that parking lot better… 5. Local Holes in the Wall: Pawn Shop Pub, Moe N Johnny’s, Twenty Tap, The Red Key to name a few. What is better than a watering hole with good, cheap eats in walking distance from your house? Not much says I! And it is rare to go any given night and not see the owner happily slaving away in their proudly owned establishment. 6. Rocky Ripple Neighborhood: This quirky little town always puts a smile on my face. I run here often as well, and I also have a good buddy who lives on the river who I visit often. Every house has its own “appeal” whether it be peace signs and dream catchers all over the yard, or watercraft variously stacked (that anyone in the town is welcome to use). They have their own festival every September with bands, art booths, food and kids events. Check it out! 7. The Rivi: Talking about going back in time! This club gives new meaning to the term “old school”! Its biggest draw is hands down its huge pool with and separate diving tank. Nope, they haven’t changed it almost at all since they opened in 1933, but that is part of its appeal. And it is well supported by the neighborhood; and why not? Who would want to leave our neighborhood anyway?! 8. Local Bike/Fitness Shops: Namely, Indie Bike, Bicycle Exchange, Blue Mile and Bike Line. You gotta hand it to those that open up a shop in an industry that could be crushed by big box chains. But they chose the right area. This neighborhood PROUDLY supports local even if it means shelling out a few more bucks. But it is worth it as their customer service is awesome! Try going to a big box store and see if they know your name AND your shoe size by heart. 9. 49th and Penn(sylvania): Ahhhh. I could go on and on about this intersection! I met nearly the entire neighborhood here while slinging omelets for many years at Café Patachou and this is where I fell in love with the hood. Where else would you WANT to wait 2 hours for breakfast, while having the super friendly service people at the Shell station rotate your tires, and pick up your dry cleaning at Meridian Heights Cleaners when you’re done? 10. Hinkle Fieldhouse: Wow, I just realized that I clearly am intrigued with “old things” haha. This building is just awesome and of course I don’t have to explain myself here. I go into this amazing structure at least a couple of times per week to get water during a run and each and every time, I am in awe. Not to mention the experience of attending a Butler Basketball game. They are like no other! A few times this year I ran into Brad Stevens randomly and he always greeted me with a smile and hello although he has no idea who I am. We will miss you dearly Brad! 11. Locally Grown: This darling fruit stand sits just across the street from So.Be. on 54th street. I swear the friendly owner Ron must live there as it always seems open and if it is…yep he’s there; and the reggae music is in full effect. Ever had one of their pies? Well, maybe you shouldn’t as it has addictive properties. Oh yeah, but they mainly offer produce ;) 12. Canterbury Park: This little gem is tucked away on the Monon Trail between 54th and 56th street and boasts a great play area and volleyball court. I often
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embarrass a client by making them workout there while the many kids point and laugh. Oh yeah and we even have a park that now has a flushable toilet! Take that Northside Monon! 13. St. Joan of Arc French Market Festival: St. Joan is literally a stone’s throw from my home I love the view of the bell tower from my kitchen window. Every September they have a huge throw down festival that is one of my favorite things of the year. Bands play literally all day; and we are talking the kind that draw a dancing crowd, which is a hilarious sight to see if you have been fortunate enough to have seen my family and I out there. The food vendors are from all local places such as Yats, King Ribs, and the Sun King is flowing! And is supports the school so it is for a great cause. Okay, I better stop now, as I could do this until the number 100 and beyond. While I started writing this article knowing my adoration of this area and its people, I now realize I love it even more than I thought! If you don’t live around the So.Bro. or Meridian-Kessler neighborhood, come check us out. One thing is for sure, it’s like a box of chocolates…you’re never really sure what you’re going to get. Laura Minor owner and operator of So.Be.Fit. Personal Training and Fitness studio located at 54th and the Monon. She is passionate about teaching others how to “FIT” exercise and physical activity into their daily lives, and have fun while doing so! Visit her website at www.sobefitindy.com or e-mail her at laura@broadripplegazette.com