DESIGN FOR LIFE
JAMIE GAUKER
OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTS GROUP INDY CUSTOM POOLS DESIGN • BUILD • NURTURE • SWIM
DESIGN WITH PURPOSE
Indy’s best-kept secret for gourmet Mexican cuisine, Verde Flavors of Mexico is a culinary journey. With over 15 years of experience , we’ve perfected the art of combining traditional Mexican avors with an upscale dining atmosphere. Visit us today and discover why we’re a local favorite.
THE ABSOLUTE AGENDA
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with activities and events for the whole family, with creative arts and crafts, captivating cabaret and timeless classical music, and culinary pleasures throughout the month. Plus, a March Madness preview!
THE Q&A: TAKE HEART
February is American Heart Month. Discover why it's never too late to make positive changes towards sustainable, heart-healthy habits.
CORRIDOR CHARTS A NEW COURSE
Check out SoBro’s newest Mediterranean hotspot, nestled warmly into the well-loved space that once housed Nicole-Taylor’s Pasta.
LOVE YOURSELF WELL
Carmel’s premier medical spa helps clients feel as incredible inside as they look on the outside, with the philosophy that true beauty radiates from within.
SPRING TO PARADISE
Seeking adventure? Romance? Relaxation? Or all three? These spectacular Caribbean beaches offer the perfect escape, and each holds its own charm.
'ROUND THE TOWN
Our area's creative scene inspires with classes for everyone, from spinning yarn to shaping clay, and from glass blowing to ballet.
JAMIE GAUKER
EVERY HEARTBEAT IS EXTRAORDINARY
You’re not a name on a chart. You’re the pulse of what we do.
At Franciscan Health, we listen to the rhythm of your life by understanding what makes your heart beat stronger. From the first consultation to your routine follow-up, we’re here to make sure your heart stays as strong as your spirit.
IGNITE THE WELLNESS WITHIN
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Editor-in-Chief
EDUARDO PEÑA
Managing Editor
JUSTYNA PEÑA
Assistant Editor MATTHEW HUME
Writer SUSAN SALAZ
Photography JES NIJJER GABRIELLE NOËL
Graphic Designer NICO PEÑA
Social Media Specialist CHRISTIAN PEÑA
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AGENDA
By SuSaN Salaz
February
February 14
Glass Blowing Class
GRT Hot Glass Studios grthotglassstudios.com
Savor DeBrand's Fine Chocolates while creating a heart-shaped Valentine's keepsake at GRT Hot Glass Studios. Couples will gather molten glass from a 2100-degree furnace to craft personalized glass hearts under expert guidance. Each ticket includes admission for two participants and gourmet treats from our Absolute favorite premier chocolatier.
February 15
L’Amour Et Le Vin: A Wine Tasting Event
Le Macaron lemacaronfishers.com
Indulge in an elegant evening of French culture at Le Macaron, Fishers' charming Parisian-style patisserie. The intimate wine tasting features six curated pairings, from Tawny Port with chocolate bonbons to Champagne with their signature macarons—delicate French cookies that have made this boutique bakery a local favorite.
February 15
Bows & Bunnies A Yarn Market ayarnmarket.com
Experience a uniquely heartwarming shopping trip at A Yarn Market, where The Bunny Burrow's adorable rabbits hop in for a special visit. Cuddle with these gentle companions while exploring quality yarns—perhaps finding inspiration for your next knitting project or even meeting your future pet.
February 21
An Evening with Matt Soverns Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael feinsteinshc.com
Local singer-songwriter Matt Soverns brings his signature blend of music and comedy to Feinstein's intimate cabaret at Hotel Carmichael. Fresh off the release of his 2024 album "Phoning It In," Soverns and special guests promise an evening of unexpected moments and stellar entertainment.
February 22
Winter Blast
Clay Terrace clayterrace.com
Clay Terrace, Carmel's premier outdoor shopping destination, embraces winter's magic with a festive celebration on the Village Green. Watch live ice sculpture demonstrations and meet Elsa and Olaf while exploring the center's luxury boutiques and expanding collection of wellness offerings through a delightful (and delicious) hot chocolate passport trail.
February 28 – March 1
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra: Scheherazade
Hilbert Circle Theatre indianapolissymphony.org
Experience Rimsky-Korsakov's enchanting "Scheherazade," a musical journey through the tales of One Thousand and One Nights, as guest conductor Valentina Peleggi makes her ISO debut. The evening features award-winning pianist Joyce Yang performing Prokofiev's dazzling Piano Concerto No. 3 at Hilbert Circle Theatre.
March 5 – 9
Big 10 Women’s Basketball Tournament
Gainbridge Fieldhouse bigten.org
March Madness returns to Gainbridge Fieldhouse as Indianapolis hosts the 2025 TIAA Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament. The fiveday championship showcases the conference's top talent in the home of the Indiana Fever. All-session tickets offer courtside access to every thrilling matchup.
March 7
Taste of Carmel
502 East Event Center
tasteofcarmelindiana.com
Carmel's premier culinary fundraiser goes disco as over 40 local restaurants and beverage vendors (including many of our Absolute favorites) transform the high school into a food lover's paradise. The Carmel Education Foundation's signature event includes action items and getaways, along with an exclusive VIP First Taste party.
March 8
Second Saturday Dinner at Corridor Corridor corridorindy.com
Experience Mediterranean magic during Corridor's intimate Second Saturday Dinners, where locally sourced ingredients transform into cultural culinary adventures. Each month offers a different prix-fixe menu in this cozy SoBro spot, celebrated for its Mediterranean classics. Read more about Corridor in this month's Dining feature.
By SuSaN Salaz
Q&A
The TAKE HEART
Your Guide to Cardiac Wellness with Dr. Atul R. Chugh of Franciscan Health
This month, we spoke with Dr. Atul Chugh, MD, FACC, RPVI, a board-certified cardiologist at Franciscan Health, about the evolving landscape of heart disease prevention. From wearable technology to groundbreaking screening methods, Dr. Chugh shares how small lifestyle changes and modern preventative approaches can significantly impact heart health in 2025. Discover why it's never too late to make positive changes and how working with a compassionate physician can help create sustainable, heart-healthy habits.
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Dr. Chugh reminds us that exercise matters. "The goal should be 150 minutes per week," he says. "If you can maintain this for 40 days, it typically becomes a habit."
Q: What are the key lifestyle changes people can make for better heart health?
A: First and foremost is adhering to a heart-healthy diet. We now have strong data supporting diets rich in plants and antioxidants. Look for foods with vibrant colors in nature, as color usually indicates antioxidant content. Even following this diet six days a week with one cheat day can be beneficial.
Exercise is another crucial component. The best
approach is 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. You should break a sweat by the end of thirty minutes but still be able to speak in complete sentences. The goal should be 150 minutes per week. If you can maintain this for 40 days, it typically becomes a habit.
Weight loss is also critical. Even a modest 5-10% reduction in body weight can reduce cardiovascular risk by about 25%. Additionally, maintaining proper blood pressure control through lifestyle changes like following a low-sodium diet, and taking medications when necessary, is essential.
Q: What are your thoughts on wearable devices for heart health monitoring?
A: I'm actually quite enthusiastic about them. While consumer-level wearables aren't always the most accurate, they can provide valuable early signals that we can then confirm with medical-grade devices. They're also excellent motivators for maintaining exercise goals and tracking sleep quality. The ability to monitor sleep is particularly important as getting seven to nine hours of quality sleep per night is crucial for heart health. These devices can
even help identify conditions like sleep apnea, which is a risk factor for arrhythmias and hypertension.
Q: What diets have the strongest evidence for supporting heart health?
A: The two diets with the most robust data are the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) and the Mediterranean diet. The DASH diet focuses on high potassium and low sodium intake, which helps control blood pressure. The Mediterranean diet is rich in vegetables, fruits, grains, fish, nuts and healthy oils,
particularly olive oil. Studies like the Lyon Diet Heart Study have shown impressive results, reporting up to a 70% reduction in cardiovascular events and death with the Mediterranean diet. Plantbased diets are also showing promising data, though research is still ongoing.
Q: How can people better manage stress for heart health?
A: Stress management is highly individual, but we have good data supporting certain approaches. Transcendental Meditation has shown remarkable results in reducing blood pressure, almost equivalent to the effect of medication. Deep breathing exercises, particularly slowing breathing to 4-5 breaths per minute for 10-15 minutes daily, have also demonstrated significant benefits for blood pressure reduction.
Exercise can be an excellent stress management tool, and proper sleep is crucial. When we're under stress and
not sleeping well, our stress hormones (catecholamines) remain elevated, which can increase inflammation and blood pressure. While some people turn to alcohol for stress relief, it can disrupt sleep architecture and often causes more harm than good.
Q: Is there a healthy level of alcohol consumption for heart health?
A: If we strictly adhere to one unit of alcohol per day for women and two for men, there might be some minor heart health benefits, primarily through a marginal increase in good cholesterol. However, these measurements need to be precise. We're talking about a 12-ounce beer, 6-ounce portion of wine, or 0.5 ounce of liquor. Once you exceed these amounts, you risk increasing blood pressure. The good news is that reducing alcohol consumption to these levels or below can help lower blood pressure.
Q: What are some warning signs people shouldn't ignore?
A: While we often talk about classic symptoms like chest pain radiating to the left arm, shortness of breath, or swelling in the legs, heart warning signs can be quite subtle. This is especially true for two groups: diabetics and women. About 20% of diabetics may have "silent ischemia," experiencing heart attacks without feeling any
pain. Women often have more atypical symptoms, which can include unexplained nausea or sweating.
One key warning sign is a decrease in your normal functional capacity. If activities that were easy for you two months ago, like climbing stairs, suddenly become difficult, that's a major red flag that warrants medical evaluation. In general, if something feels wrong, see a healthcare provider. It's better to identify these issues early rather than too late.
Q: Beyond annual checkups, what screenings should people consider?
A: In 2025, our approach to preventative cardiology has really evolved. Given that cardiovascular disease remains the number one killer in the country, we clearly need to do more than just routine check-ups. I recommend a fasting lipid profile to check cholesterol levels, and once patients reach age 45, I strongly advocate for a heart
scan—a CT scan of the heart that takes less than five minutes and usually costs around $49.
This scan is particularly valuable because it can identify calcium in the heart's blood vessels, which is a component of plaque architecture. Finding calcium gives us the opportunity to be more aggressive with preventive measures, such as blood pressure control and managing LDL cholesterol. You don't need a prescription for this scan—you can simply call and schedule it at most major healthcare centers.
This screening is especially important if you have a family history of heart disease, particularly in first-degree relatives (parents, siblings).
Q: Any final thoughts on heart health?
A:While discussing heart health can be scary, we're in a great era of medicine where almost everything is solvable, and the risks
involved with fixing problems are very low. It's never too late to make lifestyle changes. The key is working with a compassionate physician who understands your lifestyle and can help you make sustainable changes.
Remember that every positive change you make has an incremental effect. Think of it like managing expenses— small changes in multiple areas add up to significant improvements. These small changes in aggregate can make a huge difference, and that should be reassuring for most people. You don't have to do everything perfectly, but each step in the right direction counts toward improving your heart health.
Take the first step toward better heart health today. Schedule a same-day cardiology appointment at Franciscan Physician Network Indiana Heart Physicians at 317-893-1900 or visit FranciscanHealth. org/HeartCare for more information.
design for life
Jamie Gauker of J. Gauker Interiors
By SuSaN Salaz | PhotograPhy By Gabrielle Noël | artwork By eduardo Peña
Jamie Gauker transforms houses into personalized environments that truly reflect everyone who lives there. Through her full-service philosophy at J. Gauker Interiors, she helps clients create homes they love with thoughtfully curated furnishings, finishes and design elements that work for real life.
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Beautiful interiors should be lived in, not just looked at. This belief drives Jamie Gauker's approach to interior design, where performance fabrics meet elegant patterns, where custom window treatments frame perfectly lit rooms, and where every piece of furniture tells a story while serving a purpose. When it comes to designing, styling and making a room your own, "Most people don't do anything because they're too afraid to make a bad decision," observes Jamie, founder of J. Gauker Interiors. "They have decision fatigue." But with the right guidance, creating a home you truly love doesn't have to be daunting.
For over two decades, Jamie has been guiding clients past their hesitations, turning seemingly intimidating projects into engaging journeys of discovery. While her Carmel-based firm offers full design services—from new builds to complete renovations—Jamie finds particular joy in helping clients reimagine their existing homes. A room refresh with J. Gauker Interiors can encompass everything from new flooring and fresh paint to custom window treatments, innovative lighting, and carefully selected furnishings. Jamie's expertise allows her to see the potential in every interior, whether it needs a completely new layout or thoughtful enhancements to existing elements.
This personalized method sets Jamie apart in the design world. Rather than simply selecting furniture or suggesting paint colors, she takes time to understand how clients live in their homes. "It's a partnership," she explains. "I want to know
what's important to each person in the home, and when it's all done, they're all happy because it encompasses the whole family."
Jamie's path to interior design started in retail, where she worked as assistant director of stores for Galyan's Trading Company, overseeing apparel merchandising. After starting her family, she combined her merchandising background with her love of interior design, initially offering paint consultations and accessorizing services. Her business grew organically through word of mouth, eventually expanding into spatial planning and full interior design. She worked out of Savvy Décor for a time, participating in two Indianapolis Monthly dream homes before establishing her own studio.
Jamie's transitional style allows her to adapt to each client's unique taste, seamlessly blending different design elements to create a cohesive look. She's known for incorporating performance fabrics on main upholstery pieces—ensuring durability without sacrificing style—while adding personality through patterned chairs, beautiful rugs and gorgeous pillows. "I love color," she shares. "There's a lot of designers where it's all black, white, and beige, but I really feel like color should elicit an emotion.” She goes on to say that color “should create excitement or calmness when you enter the room. It can really help define the personality of each space.”
Jamie's commitment to crafting beautiful homes extends far beyond her client work. For six years, she has been a driving force behind Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity's Women Build initiative, leading teams of
Carmel interior designer Jamie Gauker, owner of J. Gauker Interiors, brings over two decades of design expertise to creating personalized, livable spaces that reflect each client's unique style.
With an eye for color and pattern, Jamie Gauker guides clients through every detail of their design journey—from selecting performance fabrics to placing the perfect finishing touches that make a house feel like home.
women in constructing homes for local families in need of affordable housing. This year, she's taken on an even bigger challenge—leading two teams of 12 women each as part of the 11th Annual Greater Indy Habitat Women Build.
"It's about women from all walks of life working together," Jamie says of the initiative, which aims to raise $350,000 to build homes for two local families. This dedication to community service reflects the same principles that guide her design work: creating environments where people can thrive, supporting women, and building strong communities.
At her studio in the Carmel Arts & Design District, Jamie and her team guide clients through the complexities of interior design with confidence and clarity. Her systematic method breaks down major decisions into manageable steps, considering how each choice affects not just the room at hand, but adjacent areas as well. "If you're only doing one space, you have to consider everything it touches," she explains. This comprehensive approach ensures that whether you're refreshing a single room or reimagining an entire home, the result feels cohesive and intentional.
For those still hesitant to take that first step toward enhancing their home, Jamie offers this reassurance: "I'm not going to let you fail. I'm only going to show you good choices." Her process starts with an onsite consultation where she learns what clients love about their current environment, what they'd like to change, and how they want to live in their home. From there, she creates a detailed plan that brings their vision to life, breaking down the process
into manageable phases that build toward the ultimate goal.
Beyond her design studio, Jamie Gauker demonstrates her commitment to the community by leading two teams for Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity's Women Build initiative, where she helps construct affordable homes for local families in need.
Jamie and her family call Carmel home, giving her a firsthand understanding of the lifestyle needs of her North Side clients. "You should love your home," Jamie emphasizes, a philosophy that has guided her work since founding her business. While Jamie stays current with design trends, she believes in adapting them thoughtfully for Indiana homes. "I love staying on top of trends, exploring interior design publications and going to High Point Market every year," she explains. "But I also make sure that it's true to our community." This practical perspective, combined with her active involvement in the local design community, helps her create interiors that work for how people really live.
Visit J. Gauker Interiors at 316 Rangeline Road in the Carmel Arts & Design District. More information can be found online at jgaukerinteriors.com and by following @jgaukerinteriors on Instagram.
By SuSaN Salaz
CORRIDOR CHARTS A NEW COURSE
Set Sail for SoBro'S neweSt Mediterranean dining experience
The warm glow of Turkish lights now illuminates the dining room that was once Nicole-Taylor's Pasta, marking the transformation of this beloved Indianapolis establishment into Corridor, a new Mediterranean dining destination that opened last month.
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Chefs Erin Kem and Logan McMahan have reimagined the space while honoring its storied past. For Kem, the location holds special significance. "I worked for Tony and Rose [Hanslits] 22 years ago – they were my first job out of cooking school," she shares, describing how the opportunity to take over the space emerged naturally through years of connection with the previous owners.
The restaurant's Mediterranean focus reflects both chefs' culinary passions while expanding beyond
Nicole-Taylor's Italian roots. The menu spans what Kem calls "the Mediterranean corridor," incorporating flavors from Portugal to the Middle East. A new mezze section features small plates that guests can mix and match to create their own meals or share with friends.
McMahan, known for his plantfocused cooking, brings his expertise in vegan cuisine to the menu. The Mediterranean influence aligns perfectly with this approach, as he notes it's "the easiest cuisine or region of food to make vegan... because it's already naturally that way."
While embracing change, Corridor maintains connections to NicoleTaylor's legacy. Popular items like Rosa’s Tiramisu remain available, and the restaurant continues producing fresh pasta for retail sale. "We didn't want to abandon Italy altogether," Kem explains. "Corridor is the Mediterranean corridor, so we're trying to span a lot of countries."
The transformation extends beyond the menu to the space itself. "The feel of the space is warmer," Kem says, describing the intentionally cozy atmosphere created by dark paint and dimmed Turkish lighting in the back dining room. The redesign has already caught attention, with Kem noting that "people are going just gaga over the color scheme."
The restaurant offers several dining experiences, including intimate Chef's Table dinners—which are already booked through 2025. But don’t worry, if you didn’t secure one of these coveted spots, Corridor hosts special Second
Saturday events in its main dining room. These events feature a coursed dinner with optional wine pairings.
The market at Corridor continues to be a neighborhood destination for both everyday essentials and special occasions. Alongside their signature Nicole-Taylor's fresh pasta, the Mediterranean Market offers house-made sauces, fresh mozzarella and carefully selected charcuterie. Longtime customers will still find cherished Italian classics like Rosa's Tiramisu and Mimi's Cookies, while new visitors can explore an array of products imported from Italy, Spain, France, Morocco, Greece, Turkey and more. The market's specialorder menu includes take-home lasagna, charcuterie boards, and other prepared dishes that bridge the familiar with Corridor's expanded Mediterranean focus.
Located in the vibrant SoBro neighborhood, Corridor aims to be more than just a restaurant –it's a cultural bridge connecting Indianapolis to Mediterranean traditions. Through their thoughtfully curated menu, special events and market offerings, Kem and McMahan are creating a space that honors both their culinary heritage and their community's future.
Corridor is located at 1134 East 54th Street, Studio C, in Indianapolis. For more information, news about upcoming events and future Chef’s Table availability, visit Corridor's website and sign up for their newsletter at corridorindy.com and follow @corridorindy on Instagram.
By SuSaN Salaz
LOVE YOURSELF WELL
WISE AESTHETICS
A NEW PATH TO WELLNESS
AT CARMEL'S PREMIER MEDICAL SPA, TRUE BEAUTY RADIATES FROM WITHIN. WISE AESTHETICS INTRODUCES AN INNOVATIVE WELLNESS PROGRAM COMBINING HORMONE OPTIMIZATION, MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS AND IV THERAPY TO HELP CLIENTS FEEL AS VIBRANT AS THEY LOOK.
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Carmel's premier medical spa is transforming the meaning of complete beauty care with the addition of board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner Crystal Stutler and a comprehensive suite of wellness services. "While aesthetic treatments enhance your outer beauty, true transformation begins from within," Stutler explains. "Our new wellness services work in harmony with our aesthetic treatments, helping clients feel as radiant on the inside as they look on the outside."
The expansion marks an exciting evolution for Wise Aesthetics, founded by Crissy Wiseman as a sanctuary where science meets sophistication. A highly skilled Nurse Practitioner with extensive training in aesthetic medicine, Wiseman has built her practice's reputation on delivering natural-looking, premium results through personalized care. Now, with the addition of hormone optimization, medical weight loss and IV therapy programs, Wise Aesthetics offers a sophisticated approach to beauty that begins at the cellular level.
Optimizing Hormones for Better Living
The journey to wellness often begins with hormone balance, and at Wise Aesthetics, that starts with comprehensive thyroid management. "I really feel like hormones and weight loss begin with thyroid management," Stutler explains. “If you don't have an optimum thyroid, you're not going to have a great metabolism, and you're going to have chronic fatigue, which affects everything from your energy levels to your weight loss journey."
Stutler focuses on achieving optimal wellness rather than just meeting basic lab values. The practice specializes in bioidentical hormone therapy, including pellet therapy, which delivers consistent hormone levels over three months through a simple subcutaneous placement. Whether clients are experiencing perimenopause symptoms, thyroid issues, or simply seeking to feel their best, Stutler's approach emphasizes personalized care that helps optimize their natural systems.
A New Approach to Weight Management
The medical weight loss program at Wise Aesthetics transcends traditional approaches by combining cutting-edge technology with personalized support. Using their advanced InBody machine, the team precisely measures muscle mass and adipose tissue to create targeted treatment plans. "I really
like to make sure that we're focusing on sustainable goals," says Stutler, “not just relying on peptides and medication, but really focusing on nutrition and resistance training."
The program incorporates nutritional counseling, exercise guidance, and, when appropriate, innovative medications like Semaglutide or Tirzepatide. Each client's journey is closely monitored with regular check-ins and body composition analyses to ensure steady progress toward their goals.
IV Therapy: The Wellness Boost
Completing their wellness trifecta, Wise Aesthetics now offers three specialized IV therapy treatments. The Myers cocktail provides immune system support and helps combat chronic fatigue and migraines. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts can benefit from the Recovery and Performance drip, while the signature Wise drip promotes collagen stimulation and supports healthy hair, nails and skin from within.
Ready to start your wellness journey?
Schedule a consultation with Crystal Stutler at Wise Aesthetics to discover how their comprehensive approach can help you feel your best from the inside out. Visit Wise Aesthetics at 2325 Pointe Parkway in Carmel. Find out more at wiseaesthetics.com online follow @wiseaestheticscarmel on Instagram.
By SuSaN Salaz
Spring into Paradise:
Discover the Caribbean's Best Beaches
Escape winter's chill and trade frost for sunshine—Caribbean beaches are your ultimate destination for what your traveling soul is seeking.
As winter lingers in the Midwest, the Caribbean's crystalline waters and sugar-soft sands beckon spring break travelers. Whether you're seeking adventure, romance, or pure relaxation, these seven spectacular beaches offer the perfect escape, each with its own distinct charm. Trade snow for white sand and discover why these shores rank among the Caribbean's finest.
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The crown jewel of Caribbean beaches, this immense stretch of powdery white sand sets the standard for tropical perfection. The impossibly clear, turquoise waters remain calm yearround thanks to the protective barrier reef, which also provides world-class snorkeling just offshore. Luxury resorts line the shore without overwhelming it, making this beach sophisticated yet surprisingly serene.
Caribbean’s Crown Jewel Grace Bay Beach Turks & Caicos
A Secluded Sanctuary Shoal Bay East Anguilla
For those seeking the perfect balance of sophistication and seclusion, this two-mile arc of blindingly white sand delivers. The beach's gentle slope creates ideal swimming conditions, while offshore reefs harbor vibrant marine life. Unlike many Caribbean hotspots, Shoal Bay maintains its peaceful atmosphere even during peak season, with just enough beachfront restaurants to keep you satisfied.
Nature’s Sculpture Garden
The Baths
Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
Nature's most impressive sculpture garden, this geological wonder combines massive granite boulders with pristine beach coves. Navigate through hidden grottoes and tranquil pools via wooden walkways and rope handrails, emerging onto secluded patches of sand. Time your visit for early morning to experience this natural masterpiece in solitude.
An Underwater Classroom
Trunk Bay
St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
Perhaps the most photographed beach in the Caribbean, Trunk Bay's quarter-mile underwater snorkel trail makes it a must-visit for marine enthusiasts. Part of the Virgin Islands National Park, this pristine curve of white sand remains beautifully preserved. The marked underwater trail, complete with plaques identifying coral formations and sea life, offers a unique educational experience.
The Rosy Wonder Pink Sands Beach
Harbour Island, Bahamas
This blush-colored beauty stretches for three dreamy miles along Harbour Island's eastern shore. The salmon-hued sand, created by crushed coral and foraminifera shells, appears most vivid at sunrise and sunset. The beach's position offers protection from rough seas, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling in translucent waters.
By SuSaN Salaz
’Round the Town
From spinning yarn to shaping clay, blowing glass to striking a pose, our area's creative scene is a masterpiece in the making. Whether you're painting your first landscape or taking your first plié, these local studios prove that when it comes to creativity, class is always in session.
A Yarn Market
1905 S. New Market Street, Suite 167 Carmel, IN 46032 ayarnmarket.com
Newly opened in West Clay, A Yarn Market is weaving community through the art of fiber crafts. Owner Ali Dillingham's welcoming studio offers knitting and crochet classes for ages 9 and up, from complete beginners to seasoned crafters. The shop showcases high-quality yarns, including locally hand-dyed selections from Indiana artisans, making it a vibrant hub for "yarn therapy."
Indy Art Center
820 E. 67th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46220
indyartcenter.org
For over 90 years, The Indianapolis Art Center (formerly the Indianapolis Art Students League) has ignited creative passions through diverse offerings, including blacksmithing, figure drawing, photography, weaving and more. The Broad Ripple institution welcomes students of all ages and skill levels, with classes unfolding in their stunning Michael Graves-designed facility and surrounding ARTSPARK sculpture garden.
Looking Glass Pottery Studio
1385 South 10th Street, Unit 1 Noblesville, IN 46060
lookingglasspottery.com
Founded in 2023, Looking Glass Pottery Studio brings the rich tradition of ceramics to Noblesville's art scene. From one-night wheel-throwing sessions to comprehensive eight-week courses, the studio welcomes both beginners and experienced potters. Classes, led by expert instructors, include all materials and open studio time, offering options for both casual crafters and serious ceramicists.
Naturspire
200 S. Rangeline Road, Suite 120B Carmel, IN 46032 naturspire.com
At the Indiana Design Center, Naturspire specializes in bringing the outdoors in through innovative biophilic design and education. During their popular DIY Moss Workshops, founder Stephanie Carlson's team guides participants in creating stunning, maintenance-free wall art while sharing their expertise in nature-centric design solutions. Their mission is simple: enhance wellness by connecting people with nature in their daily environments.
GRT Hot Glass Studios
6400 Brookville Road, Suite D Indianapolis, IN 46219 grthotglassstudios.com
Step into the mesmerizing world of glassblowing at GRT Hot Glass Studios, founded by Gregory R. Thompson in Indianapolis. Beginners can create their own glass hearts, bubble bowls or delicate birds under expert guidance during introductory classes. The studio also offers private lessons and group experiences, where participants witness the ancient art of transforming molten glass into stunning works of art.
Grace M Design
1125 Brookside Avenue, Suite C14 Indianapolis, IN 46202 gracemdesign.com
Army veteran, Purdue graduate and certified gemologist Grace Marshall shares her metalsmithing mastery through intimate jewelry-making classes at Circle City Industrial Complex. Drawing on over 20 years of experience and GIA certification, she offers both private instruction and small group workshops covering essential techniques from soldering to stone setting. Classes can be tailored for everyone, from beginners to advanced metalsmiths.
Kicasso Sneaker Art Bar
6416 Ferguson Street Indianapolis, IN 46220 kickassoindy.com
Turn blank sneakers into wearable masterpieces at Kicasso Sneaker Art Bar in Broad Ripple, where creativity meets footwear. This unique art studio offers self-guided painting sessions for ages 5 and up, providing all materials needed—from shoes to supplies. Choose from canvas low-tops or bring your own sneakers to customize, with expert staff guidance throughout the process.
The Art Studio of Carmel
30 N. Rangeline Road
Carmel, IN 46032
theartstudioofcarmel.com
Founded by a group of art educators with over 125 years of combined teaching experience, The Art Studio of Carmel nurtures artistic expression for all ages. Adults can explore oil painting, watercolors and mixed media in intimate weekly classes led by accomplished artists. From beginner-friendly sessions to specialized workshops, the studio offers multiple pathways to discover creative potential.
Indianapolis Ballet
502 N. Capital Avenue, Suite B Indianapolis, IN 46204 indyballet.org
Indiana's premier destination for dance instruction, Indianapolis Ballet combines a prestigious professional school with welcoming adult programs at their downtown studios. While the school trains future professionals, their Adult/Open Classes invite beginners and former dancers alike to experience classical ballet. Evening classes are available twice weekly, taught by experienced instructors who maintain high standards while accommodating all skill levels.
The Center for the Performing Arts
1 Carter Green Carmel, IN 46032 thecenterpresents.org
Beyond its stunning concert venues, the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel offers an array of enriching classes for arts enthusiasts. From beginner to advanced ukulele instruction with local musician Meghan Cristeen Martin to stand-up comedy workshops and vocal coaching, the Center's educational programs provide unique opportunities for adults to explore performing arts in an inspiring environment.
