Finding charm where others saw chaos, they bought their homes for next to nothing and uncovered priceless gems. Four homeowners share lessons about sweat equity, Indy history, and the joys of putting down roots on their own terms.
BY JULIA SPALDING
HOLY ROLLERS
The sacred tradition of girls’ Catholic school kickball has bruised generations of shins and built one of Indy’s most enduring sporting traditions. It’s not just a game; it’s a rite of passage sprinkled with bonding and leadership skills.
BY NORA SPITZNOGLE
BY SAM
St. Mark Lions
ON THE COVER
Photograph by Tony Valainis, retouching
by Andrew Davis
PHOTO
HIRT
CIRCLE CITY
11 SPEED READ
Explore improvements to White River State Park with its 15-acre expansion.
14 THE HOOSIERIST
Our Indiana expert discovers the most unspoiled natural place in the state.
14
UNSPOKEN RULES
A manner-festo for the Indiana State Fair, which begins August 1. 16 ARTIFACT
Fabric swatches from Kahn Tailoring evoke 1930s summer menswear.
18
ASK ME ANYTHING
Custom frame builder Kevin Angell balances precision and creativity when showcasing works of art.
20 BEST BETS
Five can’t-miss events in Indy this month.
GOOD LIFE
23 WANTED
A blown glass sculpture from Sheafer + King Modern radiates with a golden glow.
24 SHOP TALK
Garfield Park’s Indy Type Shop touches on literary keys.
24 MY LOOK Sustainability strategist Macaira O’Connell shares her style secrets.
25 PET PROJECT
We asked six Indy shop pets to share their thoughts on their coveted gigs.
26 REALTY CHECK
A northside ranch blends midcentury charm with an out-of-this-world history.
28 TRAVELER
Boston brims with historic sites as well as vibrant arts, culture, sports, outdoor recreation, and dining scenes.
THE DISH
An all-day cocktail bar in Broad Ripple brings its charcuterie board to the breakfast table.
32 FIRST BITE
A former diner introduces Victorian style to Mooresville; a tasting menu in Columbus, Ohio, lives up to its hype; and a master distiller distinguishes labeling details. 34
TASTE TEST
Flock to these five roosts for fluffy waffles served alongside crispy fried chicken.
36 FOODIE
Sun Bean Roastery’s Jenny Holland turned a pandemic side hustle into one of the city’s most sustainable businesses.
38 REVIEW
Brooklyn Char pays homage to New York–style pizza in its southwest Noblesville digs.
EDITOR’S
NOTE
Can I Kick It?
AROUND TWO years ago, when I was just getting my feet wet in my role as IM’s editor-in-chief, a respected former colleague, Liz Joss, messaged me to suggest a story about the culture surrounding Indy’s Catholic Youth Organization kickball teams. I was instantly transported back to my elementary years, when daily kickball games ruled the schoolyard (or, in the winter, the cafeteria) during recess. I can still hear the thwack of Keds against hollowed, texturized rubber and feel the sting of a well-launched ball striking me out as I frantically scurried to reach the next base. A sucker for nostalgia, I gave the idea the green light and assumed Liz would write this story she pitched about the matches, the rivalries, and the traditions. But she demurred—repeatedly.
Andrea Ratcliff Editor-in-Chief
I joke that I’m not Catholic, but I have that level of guilt. When I played roller derby competitively, I used to call fouls on myself under my breath, praying the refs would neither hear me nor catch sight of my transgressions. (Forgive me, Father, for I have just committed a track cut against the opposing team.) My attempts to project even a little of that guilt onto Liz were fruitless—she felt she wasn’t familiar enough with the kickball scene to produce a reliable accounting herself. Instead, though, she did me one better. She delivered Nora Spitznogle, a bona fide Catholic school alumna, writer, and Circle City treasure who expertly recounts the history of CYO girls’ kickball along with her own personal experience on the field (p. 52). The end result is a story so well-crafted and endearing, it must have been preordained.
( CONTRIBUTORS )
RIDE OR DIE
THE INDIANA STATE FAIR MAKES ITS JUBILANT RETURN THIS MONTH (P. 14). THE IM STAFF AND CONTRIBUTORS SHARE THEIR FAVORITE CAN’TMISS THRILLS OF THE 17-DAY SHOWCASE.
“There is a kiddie roller coaster called The Crazy Mouse that is just my speed. It spins you around the corners and gets you only slightly terrified.”
—Julia Spalding, features editor
“Live bluegrass music on ‘the back porch’ at Pioneer Village, where I’ve watched folks play spoons, bones, jaw harps, and washboards.”
—Maura Broderson, editorial art director
For as long as she can remember, Indianapolis Monthly managing editor Camille Graves has attended the Indiana State Fair (p. 14) and looks forward to it almost as much as Christmas. A lover of history, nature, and random facts, when not at work, she can be found walking the city’s trails or with her nose stuck in her laptop at a coffee shop.
Freelance writer Michele Herrmann first visited Boston (p. 28) on a class field trip and got scolded for wandering off at the New England Aquarium. Since then, Herrmann has returned to Beantown for work and play and turned her recent stay into a leisure experience. While at home, she enjoys cooking, reading, watching movies and TV, and taking urban and nature walks.
Indianapolis-based photographer Samuel Hirt also works as director of marketing for Camp Tecumseh YMCA. He loves sad music, strolling through Irvington, cheering on Indy sports, and spending time with his wife, two kids, and friends. He was thrilled to have an inside look at Indy’s Catholic youth kickball league (p. 52), a little-known tradition in a long list of Hoosier sports.
“I take my kids every year and we have [what we call] the ‘Oli Pig-a-thon.’ … Our favorites are bison egg rolls, Ben’s pretzels, Wisconsin cheese curds, grilled cheese, ribeye sandwiches, pork chops, elephant ears, and Wilson’s sweet roasted corn.”
—Nancy Oliphant, account executive
“The free stage! We saw The Beach Boys with John Stamos a few years ago, and it was a summertime surfin’ safari.”
—Jeana Harris, contributing editor
Camille Graves
Samuel Hirt
Michele Herrmann
FEATURES EDITOR
Julia Spalding
LIFESTYLE EDITOR
Christina Vercelletto
FOOD & DINING EDITOR
Eve Batey
MANAGING EDITOR
Camille Graves
DIGITAL EDITOR
Clay Maxfield
EDITORIAL INTERNS
Jack Forrest, Peyton Tattersfield
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Amy Cecil, Jena Jennings, Nancy Oliphant
PUBLISHER Ivy Bayer
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Andrea Ratcliff
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
Vu Luong
EDITORIAL ART DIRECTOR
Maura Broderson
ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR
Christiana Bertsch
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Brian Garrido, Jeana Harris, Terry Kirts, Amy Lynch, Sam Stall
BUSINESS
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Missy Beiting
SALES DIRECTOR
Holly Whitney
DESIGN DIRECTOR Margo Wininger
PUBLISHED BY
CINCINNATI MEDIA, LLC, A SUBSIDIARY OF HOUR MEDIA, LLC
CEO Stefan Wanczyk
PRESIDENT John Balardo
EDITORIAL / ADVERTISING OFFICES
Indianapolis Monthly 8909 Purdue Rd., Suite 130 Indianapolis, IN 46268 317-969-6954
Our annual guide to Indiana colleges and universities provides expert advice about selecting a major, participating in student and campus activities, and comparing tuition rates and financial aid to maximize your education budget. College-bound students can peruse the latest stats and expanded details on schools throughout the state while searching for the best academic and culture fit.
95 // DREAM HOME
Take a sneak peek inside the 2025 Indianapolis Monthly Dream Home, designed and built by Carrington Homes, Revkah Design, and Emily Handke Design, along with a full crew of residential contractors and suppliers. Located near Geist Reservoir in Fishers, this spectacular home filled with luxurious finishes, furnishings, and amenities is open for tours starting August 8.
CANCER CARE:
Local doctors and health organizations weigh in on new developments in cancer prevention measures, early detection tools, and effective therapies and protocols that protect against disease and result in the best possible patient outcomes.
SCHOOL PROFILES:
Families researching local education options will find details about the learning environments, focus areas, academic programs, extracurricular activities, and policies of a variety of Indy-area schools in this yearly profile section.
Tickets include tastings from this year’s top restaurants, plus cocktails
early entrance and extra drinks when you upgrade to VIP
CIRCLE CITY
River Revival
The downtown section of White River is getting something it’s historically lacked: attention. Ignored for decades, it’s evolving into an amenity. The most obvious sign is a 15-acre expansion of White River State Park running down to the river’s bank. Here’s an update on the new development and a refresher on the river itself.
WHITE RIVER STATE PARK’S EXTENSION INCORPORATES SECTIONS OF THE OLD GM PLANT. A part of the massive structure, renamed the Kahn Pavilion, will be transformed into an enclosed entertainment space. An event lawn will sit beside it, along with an extension of the Cultural Trail passing over the nearby Henry Street Bridge, to be completed in 2026. An expansion of the riverside promenade is also in the works. The $65 million cost is being covered by the Lilly Endowment Inc., the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, and the state.
THE EFFORT MUST BE ACCOMPLISHED WITHOUT COMPROMISING THE LEVY UPON WHICH THE EXPANSION WILL PERCH. The turf-covered earthen barrier performs a critical job: keeping the river from overflowing its banks and soaking downtown. An observation deck will be anchored to it, and a limestone pathway leading to the riverbank will be added, but that’s all it can sustain.
THE PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS OUR LARGEST BUT MOST NEGLECTED NATURAL FEATURE. The White River begins in Randolph County and travels through the state for 362 miles before joining the Wabash River. The waterway bisects Marion County for 31.4 miles, entering it at around 96th Street, meandering south through downtown, and then exiting into Johnson County. Our city’s founders were disappointed to discover that it wasn’t deep enough for commercial ships. The arrival of railroads, though, salvaged Indianapolis as a business hub.
first home to low-income European migrants, who were then replaced by Black families as the migrants’ children achieved social mobility and areas were redlined following WWII.
IN CLEANER STRETCHES, THOUGH, FROLICKERS ABOUNDED. At the turn of the 20th century, Broad Ripple boasted an amusement area with a marina. And the Emrichsville Dam was built south of 16th Street to make the section that ran through what today is known as Riverside Regional Park deep enough for boats.
THE 1972 CLEAN WATER ACT BEGAN TO MITIGATE THE FILTH. “That gave us the chance to start limiting pollution discharges,” says Jill Hoffmann, executive director of the White River Alliance. But it’s still a work in progress. The just-completed DigIndy project created a 28-mile network of tunnels 250 feet below the city that traps sewage instead of releasing it into the river. “We’ve already seen huge improvements in water quality from that,” Hoffmann says.
TODAY, BOATING, FISHING, AND WADING ARE FINE. Agricultural runoff and other effluvia still make it into the river, which drains 1.7 million acres of Hoosier land. Also, E. coli counts in the water remain high, so swimming is ill-advised. Just follow the “feet, not face” rule. “As long as you don’t get the water in your eyes, ears, nose, and mouth, from our perspective there’s not much to worry about,” Gill says. “We want people to get out on the water, and if you follow this rule, it’s perfectly safe.”
Citizens White River Treatment Plant west of downtown. “Over two-thirds of Indianapolis residents get their water from the White River,” Gill says. “This astonishes people when they find out.”
ANOTHER IMPROVEMENT WILL SAVE LIVES. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service awarded Indianapolis a $750,000 grant to remove the Emrichsville Dam. It’s fallen into disrepair, threatening fish migration and causing drownings. In 2024, two kayakers died when the currents it creates pulled them under. “Just about every year, sadly, Indianapolis loses someone to that dam,” Gill says.
WILDLIFE IS ON THE REBOUND. Bald eagles nest along the waterway’s northern Marion County stretch (albeit not on the downtown banks). Everything from smallmouth bass to mink are making comebacks. “If you kayak, you see turtles piled up on logs,” Hoffmann says. “You can really have a natural experience, despite the human infrastructure all around the edges.”
WE DID THE RIVER—AND THE PEOPLE WHO LIVED NEAR IT—DIRTY. For most of the 19th century and well into the 20th, much of the downtown watercourse was lined with factories that discharged pollutants, from heavy metals to livestock carcasses. “For 200 years, the river was out of sight, out of mind,” says Eddie Gill IV, executive director of Friends of the White River. “It was everyone’s dumping spot.” The most toxic stretch of bank, Belmont Beach, was located near 16th Street. Residential neighborhoods surrounding it were
WE NEED MORE PUBLIC BOAT LAUNCHING SPOTS. In Marion County, they remain limited to Broad Ripple Park, Riverside Regional Park, and the Indy Arts Center’s Efroymson Riverfront Garden & Canoe Launch. But you don’t need your own equipment. Frank’s Paddlesports Livery in the Parks Alliance building at Riverside rents canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. They also do group tours.
BELMONT BEACH IS NOW A DESTINATION. Over the last five years, a grassroots neighborhood group has revived it with picnic tables, fire rings, gardening workshops, and movie nights. But like everywhere else, diving into the water is strongly discouraged. —SAM STALL ( SPEED READ CONTINUED )
MUCH OF THE CITY’S DRINKING WATER IS SOURCED FROM IT. The Central Canal in Broad Ripple diverts water to the
Vanished Wilderness
Q : WHAT’S THE MOST UNSPOILED NATURAL PLACE IN INDIANA?
A: I hate to break it to you, but our state’s about as unspoiled as a sushi joint after a daylong power outage. Originally, Indiana was covered end to end with forests. But almost all were cut down during the 18th and 19th centuries. So when you go to a place like Brown County to revel in its natural splendor, you’re looking at second-growth timber that may be no more than a few decades old. According to the Department of Natural Resources, of Indiana’s original 20 million acres of forest, only about 2,000 remain. Most of that old growth is in parks, with Pine Hills Nature Preserve in Montgomery County being the closest to Indy. Its gigantic and densely packed trees look like a scene from The Lord of the Rings. An afternoon there will really drive home what was taken from us. —SAM STALL
( UNSPOKEN
RULES
)
Indiana State Fair
A MANNER-FESTO FOR THOSE FEW GLORIOUS WEEKS WE LOOK FORWARD TO ALL YEAR.
Print out a map. Bring Ziploc bags to take food home. Try to park in the Infield, the most convenient lot. Or bike via the Monon Trail and take advantage of the free, easy Pedal & Park program. Pick a direction (clockwise or counterclockwise). Stick with it. Reenergize with coffee from the State Fair Cafe & Bakery on the northwest end of the oval. Dodge the throngs on the main thoroughfare and experience more by walking through buildings. Hold out for the lemonade in the Pioneer Village. Trying to eat healthy? Your best options are Black Leaf Vegan’s food truck or cottage cheese at the Dairy Bar.
ask THE HOOSIERIST
Kahn Tailoring Summer Catalog
VINTAGE:1932
Resides at Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center
THE ERSTWHILE clothing manufacturer and retailer Kahn Tailoring Company distributed this fabric book. The company manufactured uniforms for the U.S. military during both World Wars and outfitted former first lady Bess Truman. This particular marketing piece introduced a brand-new sensation in menswear: slacks. Before this innovation, men wore trousers as part of a suit or with suspenders or knickerbockers. The newfangled slacks, made of a thinner material that was more comfortable in warm weather, were intended specifically as “leisurewear.” The catalog included swatches for ease of ordering.
Kahn Tailoring was an Indianapolis fixture for more than 80 years, begun by Henry Kahn, the son of Alsatian Jewish immigrants and a Butler University alum. He was trained as a tailor by his father before opening his fi 1886. As his business fl Kahn brought Sephardic Jewish immigrants to Indianapolis and not only gave them jobs but also benefits that were unusual at the time, including health care and assistance attending night school. The company also sponsored weekend social activities for workers and their families and an orchestra that played during lunch breaks. —CHRISTINA VERCELLETTO
BY TONY
ARTIFACT
PHOTO
VALAINIS
We have the track. We have the BMWs, including the all-new M5 Touring. We even have the pro instructors. All that’s missing is for you to hop in and drive this iconic speedway like never before. Feel every turn tug at you, and every straightaway provide a rush of excitement. If you book now, you can get 20% off an Indy Half- or Full-Day Experience with code 25IMINDY20, valid through 10/12/25. Cannot be combined with other offers. Better hurry – everyone is eager for a chance.
To book your class, call 888-345-4269 or visit BMWPerformanceCenter.com for more information.
Kevin Angell, framer
IF YOU GO TO ART SHOWS IN INDIANA, THEN IT’S NEAR CERTAIN YOU’VE SEEN THE WORK OF KEVIN ANGELL. NO, HE DOESN’T DEPICT LANDSCAPES, PAINT PORTRAITS, OR TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS. INSTEAD, HE PLAYS AN UNSUNG YET CRITICAL PART: SHOWING IT ALL OFF TO BEST EFFECT.
BY CAIDEN CAWTHON
ASK ME ANYTHING
Framing is an uncommon dream job. How did it happen for you?
It’s been a surprising and completely unplanned journey. I’ve been a woodworker most of my adult life. My path to making frames for artists, which I’ve only been doing for six or seven years, began a long time ago. My first job was stocking shelves at a Michael’s in Poughkeepsie, New York. Eventually the manager asked me if I’d like to move to the framing department. I quickly found this was a lot more fun than opening boxes. I ended up going to Earlham College
in Richmond, Indiana, but found little academic success and moved to Michigan after my sophomore year, where I worked in a violin repair shop. After a year there, I decided to attend a school for luthiers [stringed instrument makers] in Minnesota. That’s where I really found my place in woodworking.
How did that journey in woodworking lead you to framing?
After building mandolins in Austin in the mid-2000s, I moved back to Indiana and started working in an antique furniture shop using the same hand tool skills and finish experience that I had learned
building mandolins. Furniture restoration really increased my ability to problem solve. I learned that what works in one situation rarely works the same way in another. I struck out on my own and started building furniture as well as restoring it. And once people figure out that you enjoy making something, you start getting requests for other things that you never anticipated. That’s when local artist Shamira Wilson brought me a gem. Shamira needed a frame. I told her I had never built a frame, but that didn’t faze her. Since I had worked in that frame department at Michael’s way back when, I at least knew what a frame was supposed to look like, so I tried. It wasn’t very good, but she asked me for another two anyway. Those were probably a little better. It was a slow start. I was still building furniture at first, but [almost] two years [later], all I was doing was making frames.
PHOTO BY JAY GOLDZ
I’ve been incredibly thrilled to help artists in their process.
What exactly goes into making a frame?
The process of making a frame can be simple … or it can be involved and time-consuming. It depends on the piece and the client’s requests. It’s hard to say exactly how long it takes because I try to work in large batches as often as I can. My preference is to take a deliberate approach to give my brain time to consider how I want to design it, and that could take weeks, even a few months. But I’ve also built frames in a day or two plenty of times when an opportunity comes up with a client who demands a quick turnaround. I always want to help artists deliver their best if I possibly can. I start with large, rough-sawn boards from local sawmills. My process begins by jointing and planing the lumber into straight, flat lengths. I then shape those lengths into a frame in a way specific to the piece of art, cut the mitered corners, join the corners, and sand, sand, and sand some more before moving onto finish work.
The finish work sounds like the fun part.
Yes, that’s where the most creativity lies. Finish work has really become one of my favorite steps because it brings my creation into closer harmony with the art. If a frame is to have a clear finish, I can tweak it with pigment powders and waxes to get the right hue or add warmth or coolness. I can work with texture here. I can get creative with an assortment of different paints and lacquers for opaque finishes. I often try new materials in the finish process. When finishing a musical instrument or a piece of furniture, the durability is tantamount, and that curbs experimentation somewhat, but finish on frames is different. It needs to last, but it’s not going to be handled daily, so that allows me to have a creative mindset focused on aesthetics.
That certainly sounds like quite an intricate process. What would you recommend for those who want to frame as a home project?
“ONCE PEOPLE FIGURE OUT THAT YOU ENJOY MAKING SOMETHING, YOU START GETTING REQUESTS FOR OTHER THINGS THAT YOU NEVER ANTICIPATED. THAT’S WHEN LOCAL ARTIST SHAMIRA WILSON BROUGHT ME A GEM.”
Getting accurate measurements is always the first step. Making precise measurements never ceases to satisfy me. If you’re framing a work on paper, find a frame that has similar proportions. Secondhand and antique stores are good places to look for well-made frames. Always use acid free materials for mounting your art, especially when using tape or other adhesives. I typically keep matting simple and use white museum board. It’s the perfect neutral white for almost everything. It has no hint of pink or yellow, but it’s not stark white either. If you want to be a little more ambitious, take a long look at the piece. Is there something that your eye is drawn to? Is there a color that seems to be a focal point or a background color that seems to enhance everything else? This color could be a choice for a frame, as long as it won’t overwhelm or distract the eye from the art. If you find a frame that is the right size and a style you like, but the color doesn’t work, you can always paint it. Attention to detail—and accurate measuring— might be all you need to successfully frame something yourself.
When pairing your custom frames with client works, what do you consider?
I do my best when I have a chance to talk with an artist about more than just what I’m framing. I really enjoy learning about what an artist’s process looks like, what they’re trying to communicate, a bit about their overall aesthetic. The more I know about the person that created the piece, the more comfortable I feel playing a creative part in displaying it. It’s more than making something that looks good. It’s about contributing to and elevating an expression, feeling, or message. Simple frames can do that, too, lots of maple frames, or black or white frames, and I love making those.
A hallmark of your craft seems to be versatility. You have worked on immense installations as well as exceedingly small paintings like those for the annual TINY show by the Indy Arts Council. How do you balance the beauty of both endeavors?
I got here by saying yes to everything—and then getting back to my shop, which is not big, and realizing that I now have to figure out how to actually do the thing. I’ve really pushed my space to the limit both in size of installations and in the quantity of work that I have going at any one time. I always say it’s a game of Tetris, and space isn’t the only consideration. I’m not sure if I can say I have a preference for large or small work, but I do know I win Tetris more often when I have less large work. I imagine some practical person might say I should draw a lesson here, but I probably won’t. I’m dedicated to helping people make their creative dreams a reality if I can, and versatility is a huge part of that.
You’re a favorite of local artists Kyng Rhodes and Ashley Nora. How does it feel to be so essential?
Overwhelmed with gratitude. When an artist puts their time, power, and feeling into a piece, and then they turn to me ... there’s nothing better.
What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned about art? Why did you have to sneak in a hard one at the end? There’s no bad art. It all comes from a need to create, which every person has. Every artist I’ve worked with has put a whole lot of themselves into their finished product. I don’t necessarily feel that energy when I go to a museum. It’s too easy to form opinions about a piece when I haven’t met the artist. But when a person personally introduces me to something they’ve created? That’s sacred.
(1) Llama Costume Contest
August 3
Of all the traditions at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, this 4-H competition is a crowd favorite. Llamas trot out dolled up as everything from a box of crayons, to Cousin Itt, to a bath pouf. Some are in training as therapy animals. indianastatefair.com
(2) Indianapolis Pizza Festival
August 9
Whether you like pepperoni or pineapple, thin crust or Detroitstyle, head to Monument Circle. Expect endless samples of pies from local pizzerias, including King Dough and Coterie, plus live music and games. indypizzafest.com
(3) Goo Goo Dolls
August 15
The three-time Grammy nominated rockers take their Summer Anthem Tour to Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park. They plan a career-encompassing set, including their hit “Iris,” with 4.5 billion streams. Be ready to sing along. livenation.com
(4) Please Don’t Destroy
August 19
Sketch comedians Martin Herlihy, John Higgins, and Ben Marshall, lauded for their videos on Saturday Night Live and their movie The Treasure of Foggy Mountain, bring the hilarity to Shelton Auditorium at Butler Arts Center. ticketmaster.com
(5) Lucas Oil Eric Medlen Memorial Golf Tournament
August 28
This event at Eagle Creek Golf Course honors National Hot Rod Association Funny Car driver Eric Medlen, who diedat age 33. Proceeds go to Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital. ericmedlenmemorial.com
Here Comes
Sheafer + King Modern in SoBro houses one-of-a-kind pieces to accentuate just about any home. “Our gallery inventory is sourced from all over the Midwest, so a lot of our artists are local to the region,” notes Hailey Younkin, gallery manager. Among the selection at press time is this spectacular sculptural piece standing nearly 4 feet high. The 2003 work is signed and dated by its creator, Tom Rupnicki. Shades of butterscotch, tangerine, and burnt orange play together to create a mesmerizing, intersecting pattern that dances across the frosted glass. Rupnicki has taught ceramics and glassblowing at Columbia College Chicago, the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, and the Corning Museum of Glass. His sister work, Meadow, is also available. $1,200. sheaferking.com —CHRISTINA VERCELLETTO
Photo by TONY VALAINIS
( SHOP TALK )
Just Your Type
A GARFIELD PARK COUPLE BEGINS A NEW CHAPTER SELLING THEIR “LITERARY ANTIQUES.” BY
CHRISTINA VERCELLETTO
A GIRL STARES , agog, at a shiny typewriter. “A Christmas Dream Come True!” proclaims the poster. “You’ll know why they call it longhand after you’ve used an Underwood,” insists another. The framed 1950s ads capture bygone excitement that Adam Henze and Siren Hand are reviving in Indy Type Shop. In 2020, Hand gifted Henze a vintage typewriter, and the poet was so enamored that he acquired 100 by 2024. The shop was born with the mission to save a piece of culture. Many early typewriters were given to WWII scrap metal drives, and countless more were tossed once PCs took over. But hope springs. “People are excited to find out we’re here,” Henze says. The resurgence of analog media like film cameras and vinyl buoys typewriters, too. Some days, Henze reports, his supply—harvested from Facebook Marketplace and local sources—can’t meet demand. But this isn’t the place to go if you want a cool accent piece for a shelf, he insists. “We put a ton of effort into renewing them. They’re meant to be used.” Hand, a veteran, does repairs with skills learned in the military. Parts are scarce, but 3D-printed replicas work. The duo also sells typewriter ribbons, tea, books displayed on old North Central High School Library carts, and comics, the latter of which regularly draws Jack Ludington from Carmel. “Adam is really knowledgeable,” the 13-year-old says. “He doesn’t sell stuff just to sell it. He cares.”
2621 Shelby St., Garfield Park
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?
Eclectic. I love mixing unexpected pieces together, like these track pants with a button-down.
WHICH BRANDS GET SUSTAINABILITY RIGHT?
I lean into Pact for basics. They use fair trade practices, organic cotton, and have a resale site to extend the life of their products. I love any business that turns existing items into new pieces, like Mama Ochre. They do fun, creative things with screen printing and dyes.
WE ALL HAVE THAT ONE OUTFIT WE REACH FOR OVER AND OVER. WHAT’S YOURS? A graphic tee over a dress with lots of jewelry and sneakers. —C.V.
Tails of the City
WE ASKED SIX INDY SHOP PETS TO SHARE THOUGHTS ON THEIR COVETED GIGS. BY
CHRISTINA VERCELLETTO
Freddie Purrcury
CHIEF HEAD BOPPER, HOTEL TANGO DISTILLERY, FLETCHER PLACE
“Good energy is crucial. I tossed a guy out once by circling his legs until he got the message. I didn’t like the vibe he was putting off.”
Ripley
MASCOT, STOUT’S FOOTWEAR, DOWNTOWN
“The truth? Some days I think I’m over this. Sure, my title impresses the girls. But there’s not a lot of upward mobility.”
Nymeria
MORALE BOOSTER, MAPLE LAYNE MARKET, CARMEL
“I used to hide. But then I had a moment of introspection. I said, ‘Nymeria, why are you hiding? These people only want to pet you. Go out. You deserve all the love.’”
Hank
CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSISTANT GOODMAN’S SHOES, NORA
“If I left, this place would shut down. I mean, maybe not shut down, but this sizer comes with me. I know that much.”
Goose
BUG DISPATCHER, VALKYRIE’S VAULT, BROWNSBURG
“There’s a fly in here. I’ll get it and decide its fate. Why are you looking at me like that? I am a fair and just cat. I don’t abuse my power.”
Clover
ASSOCIATE FLOWER MODEL WATT’S BLOOMING, DOWNTOWN
“You don’t get the spotlight by just showing up. You have to work for it.”
Blast from the Past
THIS LOVINGLY PRESERVED NORTHSIDE RANCH BLENDS MIDCENTURY CHARM WITH AN OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD HISTORY. BY
WITH Purdue University known as the “cradle of astronauts,” Indiana is no stranger to mankind’s giant leaps. But it’s not every day we get a peek at the environment that fostered young dreams of space flight. The childhood home of celebrated Hoosier astronaut Dr. David Wolf is on the market for the first time since his parents built it in 1959.
While the north side’s landscape has changed drastically since the family broke ground (it was the first home in the neighborhood), the peaceful sense of community hasn’t. With quiet streets and well-maintained homes, the neighborhood sits mere minutes from The Fashion Mall and 465. Wolf attended nearby North Central High School before heading to Purdue to study electrical engineering and then to Indiana University for his doctor of medicine degree. He joined NASA in 1983.
JEANA HARRIS
Wolf logged more than 4,040 hours in space across four separate missions. He completed seven spacewalks, received 11 U.S. patents, won NASA Inventor of the Year in 1992, and was the first American to vote from space (aboard the Mir space station in 1997).
The classic brick ranch projects timeless curb appeal on its half-acre lot. It offers more than 3,000 square feet, with four bedrooms and three baths. “The interior is immaculate,” says Realtor Sherri Roizen. The perfectly preserved features include rich wood paneling, vintage wallpaper, and built-ins galore. The eat-in kitchen is largely untouched and brings 1950s nostalgia with metal trim countertops. Rooms are large and conducive to entertaining.
Between the den, living room, family room, and four-season room, there’s ample space to spread out or daydream … as Wolf once did, watching projects Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo unfold on his black and white television.
ADDRESS
426 Oakwood Dr. PRICE
$425,000
AGENT
Sherri Roizen F. C. Tucker
317-408-3045
REALTY CHECK
The Best of Boston
Boston, MA
MASSACHUSETTS’ CAPITAL CATERS TO HISTORY, SURE—AND JUST ABOUT EVERY OTHER INTEREST, TOO. BY
MICHELE HERRMANN
AS THE birthplace of the American Revolution, Boston is a history buff ’s must-see. But the harborside city also shines with new attractions, diverse neighborhoods to stroll, and a thriving arts scene. To start, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (gardnermuseum.org) doesn’t shy away from the intrigue behind the theft of 13 masterpieces in an unsolved 1990 heist. This Venetian-inspired palazzo houses a splendid collection of sculptures, paintings, tapestries, and furniture.
At the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum (jfklibrary.org), the Boston native is honored with exhibits that hark back to his childhood. See marine life at the New England Aquarium (neaq.org), wander around Faneuil Hall Marketplace (faneuil hallmarketplace.com), or head to View Boston (viewboston.com), a 360-degree observation deck atop the Prudential Center.
Beantown has tons of green space, too. Boston Common (boston.gov/parks/bostoncommon) is America’s oldest park, while Frederick Law Olmsted’s Emerald Necklace (emeraldnecklace.org/park-overview) is a system of parkways and waterways linking many locations. The Greenway (rosekennedy greenway.org) is peppered with gardens, fountains, food trucks, and public art. Ride the carousel , with native Boston Harbor animal figures, then stop by the Boston Public Market (bostonpublicmarket.org) to peruse locally made crafts and more.
Boston also offers eclectic dining experiences. Start your morning at Tatte Bakery & Cafe (tattebakery.com) with scrumptious pastries. At night, Grace By Nia (gracebynia .com) brings a modern supper club experience with soul-infused cuisine and live entertainment. Boston’s Back Bay holds Raffles Boston (raffles.com/boston). Be sure to grab a drink at the hotel’s Blind Duck, an intimate speakeasy bar.
IF YOU GO
STAY Adjacent to Fenway Park, The Verb Hotel (theverbhotel .com) jams with rock decor, record players, and vinyl. Sleep in a Backstage Trailer inspired by an iconic act like Van Halen.
SIP Nathálie (nathaliebar.com) brings femaleproduced wines to the forefront and pairs them with a menu of refined sharable bites.
BROWSE Lose track of time amid the stacks of the Brattle Book Shop (brattlebookshop .com). It has a prime antiquarian collection.
Find high-flying fun in Muncie at the NATIONAL MODEL AVIATION MUSEUM . See the biggest collection of model airplanes in the U.S., from early 1900s rubber band versions to WWII replicas and experimental drones. Visit a full-scale 1950s hobby shop authentic in every detail and experience a NASA wind tunnel. 5151 E. Memorial Dr., Muncie
Kristen Alderson is ready to shake things up. Her upscale Thieves, opened in Broad Ripple in 2020, breaking with the area’s quantity-first booze scene. Now she’s thrown another twist in the plot, moving her popular bar into the corner spot occupied by a Starbucks since Y2K. “We transformed a ’90s chain coffee shop into something that reflects our present-day aesthetic,” she says, with cushy seating, an over-21 zone, and an all-new food menu. Now, a day at Thieves begins with coffee, pastries, or breakfast sandwiches, then rolls into an after-dark menu of savory dishes and spirited drinks. But unlike other coffee-tococktails spots, evening erings like this lavish charcuterie board are available all day. “We want you to have what you want, when you want it,” Alderson says. “If a nurse gets off their shift and comes in at 7 a.m. looking for a charcuterie board, they can get that here.” 854 Broad Ripple Ave., thievesindy.com
—EVE BATEY
( NEW IN TOWN )
Wilde-ing Out
THE PARLOR P.S. BRINGS VICTORIAN STYLE TO MOORESVILLE.
BY EVE BATEY
WHEN longstanding diner Ralph & Ava’s closed its doors late last year, Paul and Shelly Slagle saw an opportunity to continue that spot’s legacy while trying something new—by which we also mean old. Their new business, The Parlor P.S., offers homestyle classics—many served by former Ralph & Ava’s staffers—in a dining room designed to replicate a Victorianera home. The theme was inspired by the turn-of-the-century building, which was constructed in 1906, just years after the era of Queen Victoria, Oscar Wilde, and Ada Lovelace came to an end. But though the dining room is fit for the queen, you can leave your crown jewels at home. “This is a casual, homey restaurant,” Paul says. “We want nurses in scrubs, construction guys with tool belts, and moms after drop-off. Don’t dress up; just come as you are.” 6 W. Main St., Mooresville, 317-584-3010, theparlorps.com
TWINKIE TWIST
PINCH WISDOM
nd a great artisanal whiskey, look for ‘distilled by’ before the brand name on the label. If it says ‘produced by,’ the whiskey was made by a mass distiller elsewhere.”
— Bryan Smith, master distiller and partner, Hard Truth
( ROAD TRIP )
Reality Bites
Head to Columbus, Ohio, where Agni will show you the world.
AGNI OWNER Avishar Barua gained national fame as a contestant on Top Chef, but the show his Columbus restaurant most evokes is The Amazing Race—famously, “a race around the world.” That’s also an apt description of his multicourse tasting menu (a la carte orders are available at the bar), which is based in Bengali flavors but touches on nearly every continent during the feast. Service is courteous, warm, and impeccable, proof that upscale and thoughtfully composed meals need not be stiff, stuffy, or fraught (take heed, The Bear). The two-year-old spot has quickly become the heart of Columbus’s dining scene, and for good reason. It’s worth a trip to see Agni’s inspiring magic for yourself.
716 S. High St., Columbus, Ohio, dineatagni.com —E.B.
The eastside factory that’s produced Hostess treats since 1957 will close in 2026, company owners say. Work from the plant will be moved to bakeries in Kansas and Georgia. HALF SHELL Watch for opening news from Balena Cucina Italiana, an Italian dining spinoff of Blupoint Oyster House that’s currently renovating the former Amara space. —E.B.
Distilling Co.
His Place Eatery
Chef James Jones treats waffles like a blank canvas on which to build inspired creations; think peach cobbler–topped chicken and waffles with ice cream or a wild red velvet recipe with cream cheese glaze. Purists appreciate the traditional option: four wings or a boneless breast on an airy waffle with two sides. Two locations, hisplaceeatery.com
TASTE TEST
Cluck Yeah
FLUFFY WAFFLES MAKE THE PERFECT FOIL FOR CRISPY FRIED CHICKEN, ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIZZLED WITH SWEET SYRUP. HERE’S WHERE TO FIND THIS SOUL FOOD STANDARD AT ITS BEST. BY AMY LYNCH
The Roost
You can count on a place called “The Roost” to know what it’s doing when it comes to chicken. Here, Nashville hot tenders command attention on a bacon and cheddar savory waffle slathered with cinnamon honey butter. The plate also includes a choice of sides, if you still have room. Two locations, theroostindiana.com
Cobblestone
Executive chef Chuck Davis celebrates his Southern California childhood memories of Roscoe’s (IYKYK) with his own brunch interpretation: a boneless chicken breast on a Belgian waffle with honey butter, maple syrup, and berries. A fried chicken and waffle sandwich is also available on weekdays. 160 S. Main St., Zionsville, 317-8734745, cobblestonez.com
Kountry Kitchen
This soulful spot lays it all out on a chicken and waffle board appetizer that includes a spread of wings and miniature waffles with fresh berries, syrup, and hot sauce. Smart brunchers know you can always DIY by ordering a regular or sweet potato waffle on the side to go with your chicken entree. 1831 N. College Ave., 317-635-6000, kountrykitchenindy.com
Antilogy
Antilogy’s buttermilkmarinated fried chicken breast atop a Belgianstyle waffle, bourbon candied bacon, and a scoop of fresh corn slaw laced with roasted poblanos is a study in spicy-sweet tastes and textures. The jalapeño-infused syrup and kicky hot sauce take it over the top. 5867 N. State Rd. 135, Greenwood, 317530-5312, antilogycg.com
BY
PHOTO
TONY VALAINIS
Bright Idea
HOW
A PANDEMIC SIDE HUSTLE BECAME ONE OF INDY’S MOST SUSTAINABLE BUSINESSES.
BY BRIAN GARRIDO
WHILE OTHER Hoosiers spent the pandemic lockdown making pickles or sourdough, Jenny Holland and her husband, Billy, started roasting coffee beans. It began as a stovetop hobby, but the couple quickly realized it could be much more. “My husband is a mechanical engineer,” Holland says. “He loved the process, while I imagined building a business around it.”
Eventually, they opened Sun Bean Roastery—Indiana’s first fully solar-powered coffee roastery—from their Fall Creek–adjacent home. Their three-car garage has been modified to house a commercial kitchen, the centerpiece of which is a $25,000 electric roaster operated by Billy but powered by 31 solar panels harnessed to the garage’s roof. Many other aspects of Sun Bean are also sustainable, including compostable bags, labels, and even the tape used to seal in the beans’ flavor.
Jenny’s day job is vice president of brand strategy at The Children’s Museum, so she naturally gravitated to the marketing and collaborative side of Sun Bean. She instituted creative partnerships with likeminded businesses and engages in teacher appreciation and fundraising efforts with local schools.
While solar-powered roasteries are
still novel in the Hoosier state, Sun Bean is otherwise quite similar to any other small-batch coffee company: They roast to order with a focus on local wholesale customers, farmers markets, and online subscribers.
“I go to bed excited for my cup the next morning,” Jenny says. “We just want to make good coffee accessible, joyful, and kind to the planet.”
(1) Biking the Monon: “It’s a bikefriendly trail for the family to ride on.” (2) Amelia’s Bread: “They’ve been great supporters.” (3) The Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab trails on the Marian University campus. “It’s a great spot for wildlife.” (4) Golden Hour Books: “They have a great selection.” (5) Guggman Haus: “It’s a kid-friendly atmosphere with delicious food.”
FAVORITE THINGS
FOODIE
Char And Away
TRUE NEW YORK–STYLE PIZZA IN NOBLESVILLE? YES, INDEED. BY TERRY
KIRTS
IN 2016, vaunted food magazine Bon Appétit claimed that all cities, even Indianapolis, were starting to resemble Brooklyn.
Indy’s proud chefs issued a terse, wry response: “Brooklyn, we don’t need you.” Nearly a decade later, one enterprising restaurateur is suggesting Indy may need a little Brooklyn after all, at least when it comes to its pizza options. Launched by Camby-born-and-raised Benjamin Butterworth this spring, Noblesville’s Brooklyn Char is intended as an homage to the borough’s distinct pizza style.
Like many home chefs, Butterworth got the itch for a pizzeria of his own during the pandemic, when the KECO Coatings employee spent hours reading websites and watching videos about Brooklyn-style pizza. In March of 2023, he made a pilgrimage to New York, visiting legendary Brooklyn pizzerias like Lucali in Carroll Gardens and Best Pizza in Williamsburg, as well as Scarr’s Pizza in Manhattan’s Chinatown. “Pizza is really just bread,” Butterworth says, “and you need to treat it as such.” To perfect the “bread,” he starts with a mix of 00 and King Arthur flour, which he takes through a traditional warm rise before a
Wed–Thu, 3–9 p.m.; Fri–Sat, 12–9 p.m.; Sun 3–9 p.m.
VIBE
Brooklyn-style pizzeria
TASTING NOTES
Light, crisp-crusted pizzas with judicious toppings, Jerseystyle tomato pies, and Crystal Springs Creamery shakes
NEIGHBORHOOD
Noble West Shoppes
MUST-ORDER
A classic pepperoni pie with slightly cupped, crunchy pepperoni; fragrant, modestly topped mushroom and onion pizza; garlic knots with a light brushing of compound butter
3-STAR RATING
Clockwise from left: A pepperoni slice; a Quaff On draft; Benjamin Butterworth in the kitchen; cheesy stuffed breadsticks; garlic knots.
24-hour cold ferment. He uses San Marzano tomatoes for a fresh-tasting sauce and mozzarella that’s part whole milk, part skim, lending a gentle tang. These he adds with a delicate touch so the pies aren’t wet or gloppy and don’t flop at the point. He heats his gas oven to a somewhat moderate 600 degrees to produce crusts with a gentle, more even “leoparding,” the insiders’ term for the spotted pattern an oven leaves on the crust. The result is a balance and lightness that’s refreshing and unique, even within a growing local craft pizza scene.
Additional toppings are scant, though Butterworth uses as many ingredients from his home state as he can, including sausage from Fischer Farms and bacon and salumi from Smoking Goose. He taps Ohio for its well-known Ezzo pepperoni, which cups slightly and perfectly browns around the edges.
A somewhat basic-sounding mush-
by
room and onion pizza comes dressed with veggies so beautifully cooked down that they’re more an aromatic counterpoint to the crust, and Butterworth’s Bee Sting pie gets just the right kick from calabrese soppressata and the slightest bit of hot honey, cut with the perfume of fresh basil. (Trendy local pizzaiolos should take note: When it comes to hot honey, less is always more.)
Butterworth’s restraint with his pies makes his doughy garlic knots and melted mozzarella-stuffed sticks a bit brow-raising. “They’re more for the kids,” he admits, though he makes a special compound butter for the knots. “I wanted to give them something to nibble on, kind of like at the family pizzerias of the ’70s and ’80s.”
To add to that kid-friendly charm, he offers vintage candies, sodas, and
milkshakes made with dairy goods from local creamery Crystal Springs. Those sweets are about as far afield from pizza as his offerings go. “I’ll never add salads or wings to the menu,” the soft-spoken Butterworth says with a rare chuckle, though a roster of craft beers rounds out the docket.
Seating is limited at his Noble West Shoppes restaurant, a former Pizza Hut takeout location that Butterworth considers a good starting point for his still-evolving business. He’s currently spending his summer perfecting the recipe for rarely seen New Jersey–style tomato pies, baked in electric ovens to let the generous tomato topping and spare dusting of cheese meld with the crust. He also has plans in the works for a second sit-down spot, this one serving wood-fired pizzas. Stay tuned.
Photos
TONY VALAINIS
OldHouse,
New Life! Finding
charm where others saw chaos, these frugal homeowners bought houses for next to nothing and uncovered priceless gems.
BY JULIA SPALDING PHOTOS BY TONY VALAINIS
The first time I stepped inside my eastside home of seven years,
I didn’t see the flaws that had likely turned off other potential buyers and placed this property well within my means. But the flaws were there: wobbly banister, termite poop, broken garage door, root-choked backyard, and a basement that made my home inspector mop his brow as he ascended its creaky steps.
Instead of all that, I saw the cutest little postwar Tudor with arched doorways, glass doorknobs, gleaming MCM woodwork, and—be still my magazine journalist’s beating heart—a vintage Chicago hand-crank pencil sharpener still screwed into the wall near the back door. It was love at first sight. “Do we even need to look at any more houses?” my real estate agent asked when she saw how my eyes lit up at the sight of the home’s original 1949 kitchen with canaryyellow countertops and no modern appliances to speak of. I bought it for a great price during a more forgiving time in the housing market, even as I calculated the work ahead.
And it has been a lot. I’ve replaced old clay sewer lines with PVC, shored up the foundation, removed dead trees, replaced stick-on bathroom tiles with fabulous porcelain mosaic scallops, and written home-repair checks that could’ve easily bought a car (or two). But I’m not mad about it. In fact, I’m glad I’m the one who chose to take care of this ornery old house—because I don’t think anyone else would be quite this patient with all its protests and surprises.
So when I interviewed the Hoosier homeowners featured on the following pages— people who bought their own cheap old houses and are in various stages of making them one-ofa-kind beauties—I understood every bit of their devotion. These are their stories—the good, the bad, the ugly, and the incredibly worthwhile.
BLACK AND WHITE
Double Vision
A retired art teacher’s DIY dream started with one Noblesville house—and she’s already moved on to the next.
PAM SMELTZER
spent the last decade transforming a onceabandoned house in Noblesville into a modern, art-filled home with a unique, rustic-industrial aesthetic. With help from an architect, she opened up walls, added thoughtful touches like exposed support beams, and made a bold decision to paint the exterior a gothic shade of black. It was originally white siding. “I took a gamble on that,” Smeltzer says. The payout is stunning—a dramatic backdrop for the home’s front porch details and vegetation.
She paid $70,000 for the house in 2016, spent roughly $300,000 on the renovation, and recently sold it for $500,000. Now, she’s ready to do it all over again.
“This is much larger than what I need now,” says Smeltzer, who recently retired from a career as an elementary school art teacher.
“My kids are out of the house. I’m divorced,” she explains. And though it is no surprise that she is ready to downsize, what’s unexpected is her decision to do so in a house she just bought right across the street from her current one.
A few months ago, she noticed people moving things out of the home, which was owned by an elderly man. “I saw a lot of activity,” Smeltzer says. She asked her real estate agent to see if the family was thinking about selling the house. “He said, ‘That’s funny, because just yesterday they
Pam Smeltzer used an architect to help her gut and redesign the home she bought a decade ago in Noblesville. One of her boldest choices was to swap out the white siding for a striking shade of black paint.
BEFORE AFTER
contacted me,’” Smeltzer recalls.
She’s ready to dive into a new round of DIY projects on a home she describes as a “Victorian ranch house”—with 10-foot ceilings and a six-car garage.
“Right now, it’s three bedrooms and one bath, and I am sacrificing a bedroom to make two full baths,” she says. She also plans to knock down a wall between the dining room and kitchen and eventually add a sunroom at the back of the house. Another big selling point? She can always look across the street for a little inspiration.
INNER BEAUTY
A former elementary school art teacher who has tackled several previous home makeovers, Smeltzer added artistic touches to her Noblesville home remodel, above, and has big plans for her next total makeover, left. NEIGHBORHOOD
HER NEXT PROJECT
The House That One Dollar Built
Thanks to former Indianapolis mayor Bill Hudnut’s bold Urban Homestead Program during the early 1980s, the dream of homeownership became a reality, costing less than a gallon of gas.
JUST BEFORE her 30th birthday in 1984, Kay Niedenthal acquired her first home. She had a modest income working in advertising for L.S. Ayres, so this particular house on a dead-end street near Garfield Park was right in her budget. Her mom went along to sign the papers. “Let me buy you this house,” she said—as she pressed a dollar bill into Niedenthal’s hand.
That made it official. As part of the city’s Urban Homestead Program launched in the early 1980s by then-mayor Bill Hudnut, Niedenthal became one of Indianapolis’ lucky few homeowners to purchase abandoned or foreclosed homes for just $1 through a city-run lottery. The catch? Buyers had to bring the properties up to code and live in them for five years.
But before they got to that point, all applicants had to apply and demonstrate they had the money or skills necessary to complete the required repairs. “They were so organized about it,” says Niedenthal, now retired and living in Florida. “When the list of homes would come out, you would drive by all of them and say,
‘No, I don’t want to live in that neighborhood,’ or, ‘Oh look! That one has the roof in the basement.’ There would be one day that all of the houses were open, and you could look inside. They had to post a list of every single thing you had to fix in it—including all of the code violations.”
Like the other homes in the program, Niedenthal’s home was neglected but full of potential. It needed a new roof, lead paint abatement, and even a toilet. She set a renovation budget of $5,000 as people pitched in to help (including her engineer brother). Niedenthal lived in the home for 14 years before selling it for $50,000, using the proceeds as a down payment on her next home. “That house gave me breathing room,” she says. “I still drive by.”
The Urban Homestead Program fizzled out by 1991. But for Niedenthal, it was transformative. In an unforgettable footnote, Mayor Hudnut launched his final reelection campaign from Niedenthal’s front porch, declaring his commitment to neighborhoods just like hers.
With some help from their friends, siblings
and Michael
and at right with their spouses, Moriah Taft and Ian Illig, on their two front porches) renovated homes that they bought in a unique, twofor-one real estate deal.
FAMILY STYLE
Susanna Taft Illig
Taft (above,
Sibling Revival
Spotting a real estate deal too good to pass up, this brother and sister ended up next-door neighbors in side-by-side fixer-uppers. Years later, they are living proof that a family tha t saves together stays together.
WHEN SHOPPING around for her first home in 2017, Susanna Taft Illig didn’t plan on becoming a double homeowner—or a next-door neighbor to her brother. But that’s exactly what happened when the seller of her early 20th-century house in Mapleton-Fall Creek offered her a deal she couldn’t refuse. He gave her a great price on the house she wanted, but only if she agreed to buy the deteriorating property next door, too.
The total cost of both homes? $84,000. While Susanna’s house needed a lot of work, it retained much of its original character thanks to a previous owner who had started restoring it. The second home, on the other hand, was practically skeletal—vacant for years and needing to be stripped to the studs. So Susanna and her brother, Michael, hatched a plan. She bought the first home, and their dad temporarily purchased the second, giving Michael time
OLD
to save up, get a mortgage to fund improvements, and make it his own.
Then the real work began. They did the bulk of the renovations themselves. Badly, at first. “Everybody starts out not knowing how to do any of this,” Michael says. “If we needed to fix something, we would look it up on YouTube. Ten minutes later, we sort of knew how to do it, and we would do it poorly. But the next time, we would do slightly better.”
Raised in a renovation-happy family, the siblings were no strangers to DIY home projects. But this was a new level of commitment. Susanna, only a year out of college and without a car, rode her bike from her apartment on 16th Street to her new, mid-renovation house so she could refinish the floors on the second level herself. For big projects, she filled a BlueIndy car with supplies.
Both siblings also relied on a lot of help from their friends to complete larger projects, such as painting and lifting heavy things—like a 500pound salvaged bowling alley worktable that now serves as Michael’s dining room table. When it came time to hang new cabinets in his kitchen, he hosted a themed house party titled “Boxed,” which wasn’t just a reference to the Ikea boxes awaiting guests. “I had like 12 friends come over, and I had Franzia boxed wine,” he recalls. “We assembled cabinets and drank wine. And you can definitely tell some of the cabinets that were assembled toward the end of the night.”
NEIGHBORHOOD
Mapleton-Fall Creek
SQ. FOOTAGE
2,652
BEDROOMS
4
BATHROOMS
2.5
PURCHASE PRICE
$72,500
BEFORE AFTER
HOME TEAM
Susanna Taft Illig’s kitchen, left, was one of the most barebones rooms in her newly purchased home. “It was down to the slats,” she says. Years later, the same room is a gleaming example of her hard work and vision. An unfinished attic room, right, now serves as a cozy music studio.
Susanna estimates the renovation of her home amounts to roughly the same as what she paid to buy it. But she has lessened the financial burden by having a series of roommates. “That’s a great piece of advice,” she says. “If you have income from friends who are renting from you, that can go directly back into the house.” After years of replacing rotted floors and joists, installing electrical wiring and plumbing, transforming unfinished attic space into a livable area, replacing doors, and fencing in the yards (with a gate in the middle to connect the two properties for parties, of course), the Tafts’ homes are a testament to sweat equity and the slow joy of fixing something up with care. And many of their former roommates who helped with their renovation projects? They’ve gone on to buy old houses of their own.
BEFORE AFTER
GRISSOM
PHOTO BY ANGIE JACKSON
NEIGHBORHOOD
Mapleton-Fall Creek
BEFORE AFTER
School of Hard Knocks
GO BIG OR GO HOME
Michael Taft’s home required a major overhaul, but he was up for the challenge. “It’s a puzzle to figure out,” he says. “How can you use the existing historic elements to save money and also preserve the history?”
WHEN STACIE GRISSOM bought a derelict brick schoolhouse in Franklin in 2021, she and her husband, Sean Wilson, were looking for a forever home. What they got was a 9,000-square-foot monster with 67 windows and absolutely no functioning plumbing, electricity, or heat. “It is the kind of thing that can make you lose your marbles a little bit,” she says, still mid-renovation. “But when things finally come together—it is one of the most fulfilling things we’ve done.”
The work has been intense: a new roof, new septic, masonry repair, all-new plumbing and electrical systems, and the painful replacement of most of the original floors due to livestock damage and water rot. They’ve preserved what they could—like some of the 110-year-old joists and doors—and added their own touches, including tile mosaics and vintage school photos. You can follow their progress on the family’s Instagram account (@schoolhousehomestead). Grissom compares the project to raising children—messy, chaotic, but deeply fulfilling. Still, she warns that no amount of optimism can replace preparation.
Stacie’s Top Advice for Renovators:
#1: VET YOUR CONTRACTORS. “Check references and make sure you have contracts. Don’t go on a good vibe alone.”
#2: AVOID DEALBREAKERS. Foundation issues or built on a floodplain? Walk away.
#3: EXPECT DELAYS.
#4: FIND YOUR PEOPLE. Online communities like Reddit and Facebook groups dedicated to old houses can save your sanity. “I’ve asked a bunch of questions on Reddit and learned so much,” Grissom says.
Chairman of the Boards
A carpenter and an artist stake their claim on East 10th Street, transforming a forgotten storefront into a handmade marvel— one plank at a time.
WHEN MOLLY Hedge spotted the listing on Zillow, it was barely more than a shell—an empty storefront on East 10th Street, part of it stripped down to the studs and part of it covered over in a coat of suspiciously pristine white paint. The real estate agent did the walk-through by flashlight. “She was very hesitant to even come in and show it to us because we didn’t know what state it was in,” Hedge says. “But we saw what we wanted to see.” She and her husband, fine furniture-maker Larry North of North Design Company, were looking for the right place to combine their home life with their creative life. This building had the bones—and just enough mystique—to be the one.
In August of 2021, the couple bought the two-story building with a century of updates and repairs for $130,000. As they peeled back its layers, they found evidence of a circa-1930 fire, floors badly in need of support, and previous renovations that didn’t exactly meet their standards. “It’s architectural archeology,”
says North. A veteran of the trades, he has done much of the work himself, serving as architect, engineer, contractor, and laborer as he reconstructs nearly every inch of the place to add light, flow, and space for some of the couple’s own unique treasures. One of the doors upstairs came off an old commercial freezer. A planned nook for tea and reading will have tall bookshelves with a library ladder. And their sofa will be constructed out of the salvaged back seat of a 1968 Thunderbird.
North took down walls to make way for an open-concept kitchen and living room with a loft for guests and meditation. He used a jack to lift sagging floors from the foundation up in a delicately terrifying process (Creak! Pop! Boom!) that they referred to as “building chiropractics.”
The couple has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in the renovation, which includes the value of their own manual labor. Once the makeover is complete, they plan to open a gallery shop in the front room, turn the back portion of the building into a workshop, and use the top floor as their living quarters. But the home is still a work in progress, a skeleton of sturdy beams and plywood. There is no
NEIGHBORHOOD
Near Eastside
SQ. FOOTAGE
3,000
BEDROOMS
SKY’S THE LIMIT
Molly Hedge and Larry North are doing all of the labor for their 10th Street home rehab themselves. When complete, the building will have a streetfacing gallery and second-story living space.
BEFORE AFTER
2 BATHROOMS
2.5
PURCHASE PRICE
$130,000
solid timeline for moving in. When they first acquired the property, they thought they would have the gallery up and running within six months. That was four years ago. Still, every slow and calculated step forward feels like they are heading in the right direction. “We can’t wait to move in,” Hedge says of the home they have lovingly named Edith Ann. “She is majestic.”
H oly R ller
The sacred tradition of girls’ Catholic school kickball has bruised generations of shins and built one of Indy’s most enduring sporting traditions.
By Nora Spitznogle
Photos By Sam Hirt
LAST SUMMER, we photographed some of the most cutthroat kickball teams competing in Indy’s Catholic Youth Organization. Like the fans waving their handwritten signs from the grassy sidelines, we got swept up by the action as we teetered on the edge of our lawn chairs. We asked one of our favorite local writers, who has her own personal connection to the orange rubber ball, to break down the rules of the sport, its rich local history, and the athletes who keep things exciting. This is how they roll.
I’VE HAD only one sports related injury in my life—and it was during a Catholic Youth Organization girls’ kickball game. As a spectator.
My niece was a fifth grader at St. Louis de Montfort in 2011. Molly’s team was playing an away game against the team at St. Thomas Aquinas, where the field doubles as the church parking lot. At the time, I was considered a bit of a social media expert among the CYO parents. My expertise mostly stemmed from not having children and needing to stay up to date on my own social media accounts. The middle school set was all about Instagram, and a mom asked me to look at her daughter’s profile.
I found the seventh grader’s Instagram page, which featured the child’s full name, picture, city, and phone number—all right there for the world to see. I was so engrossed in explaining to the woman that her daughter needed to lock down her account that I failed to see the line drive headed my way.
The orange rubber ball hit me squarely on the forehead. My glasses went flying one way and my phone the other. My vintage aluminum lawn chair with frayed webbing folded underneath me, and I landed awkwardly between first and second base. My unsympathetic brother yelled that I should have been paying attention, and, in my embarrassment, I squeaked back, “I was saving a life!”
Both kickball teams avoided looking my way, some more studiously than others. That rogue ball reminded me just how fierce— and beloved—this sport really is, especially in a city where Catholic kickball has shaped childhoods for decades.
THE INDIANAPOLIS Diocese
CYO officially formed in 1939. The first year’s activities included organizing a golf tournament and a dance, creating boys’ softball and basketball leagues, and choosing a patron saint—St. John Bosco, who dedicated his life to helping young people. The next spring, the girls’ kickball league was formed, with rules established by Father Bernard Gerdon.
CYO kickball is played in both the spring and fall seasons. Surprisingly, the games are played on paved parking lots around the city—a tradition decided in 1950 in the only note written on the schedule that year: “At the meeting of the Priests on Thursday, April 20, all agreed that wherever possible games should be played on those school grounds where there is a black top surface.”
Nothing says childhood safety like blazing hot asphalt.
In 1950, there were 16 teams split into two divisions. Each division played seven regular-season games. The Holy Cross team was declared the spring playoff champion, and St. Catherine took home the fall honors. An official size and color of the kickball to be used was the big news of 1955: “The most popular make is manufactured by the Seamless Rubber Company, and is carried by the Sportsman’s Store. The manufacturer’s number is 504. If you don’t wish to use this particular brand, at least take pains to see that the balls you use conform exactly in size, weight and cover to the ball mentioned above.”
By 1961, the league had expanded to four divisions and a whopping 32 teams. This was the first year an illustration of the standard CYO kickball diamond—outlining the exact dimensions of the field, along with notes on painting the park-
SISTER ACT
On the south side of Indianapolis, the St. Jude Raiders (in red) take on the St. Luke Rams (in blue) during a Tuesday night game on the traditional church parking lot court. Spectators come with their own folding chairs to cheer on the athletes from the grass. Indianapolis CYO kickball, open to girls in grades 3-8, is the country’s only organized kickball league, culminating in tournament play.
ing lot—was included in the schedule. Just two years later, three pages of revised guidelines and rules were added, including 19 notes on parish-specific irregularities. For the teams playing at St. Joan of Arc, for example, the directions advised, “Any ball kicked into Park Ave., into one of the trees, or into the fire plug is a ground rule double.” A 1979 note congratulated the coaches and priest moderators for working with nearly 2,000 girls in such a wholesome way. In 1992, a notice to all CYO kickball coaches was included with the playoff schedule, reminding the coaches, “You must help your players feel proud that they have succeeded in reaching realistic goals, whether the game was won or lost. Winning means trying as hard as possible to improve, relative to one’s own standards and goals.” What a great message, not just for kickball, but for life.
I AM the least competitive person I know. It’s true—I’ve been tested. That said, I love sports, and I wish I had been exposed to competition and teamwork growing up. The closest I got to playing CYO kickball? My mom taught at Holy Name Catholic School while she was pregnant with me. For the record, the Holy Name kickball team beat Holy Cross 26 to 2 on the day I was born.
Kickball wasn’t played at the Catholic grade and middle schools I went to, including St. Joseph’s Catholic School, which closed after my third-grade year. I attended Ladywood St. Agnes (go Lizards!), the last all-girls Catholic high school in Indianapolis. I remember my class being divided into teams for gym and being sent outdoors to play a field game. I was lost. I’d never played on a team before. I wandered to the edge of the field, trying to look invisible while blinking back tears. Thankfully, my classmates—many of whom had played CYO kickball—knew exactly how to console someone on the sidelines.
St. Agnes closed after my freshman year. For those keeping
FULL OF GRACE
The St. Roch Rockets (in gray) host the St. Mark Lions (in black and yellow), whose bumblebee striped knee socks demonstrate one of the Catholic kickball world’s traditions: wearing a sock on one leg—your kicking leg. Games last about an hour under the blazing Indiana sun, making water bottles required sideline equipment.
HAIL MARY
St. Lawrence Catholic Church on Shadeland Avenue is the site of a face-off between the parish’s top Cadet team, the Rams (in red), and the Immaculate Heart of Mary Warriors (in blue). The games are officiated by one referee. Many of the league’s referees have decades of experience.
score, that means I closed two Catholic schools during my academic career. I didn’t dare attend a Catholic university.
TODAY, CYO kickball is still going strong. The 2024 fall league had 124 teams split into A and B divisions, each with 10 to 14 players. Kerry Lynch, girls’ athletic director for CYO Archdiocese Indianapolis, estimates that at least 100,000 girls have participated in the kickball program since its inception. While the tradition runs deep, change is inevitable. In 2024, the iconic orange kickball was discontinued by the manufacturer. The newly approved kickball is a white Mikasa S3030, although you may still see the old ones in play. Molly Spitznogle, no longer a fifth grader, is now 25 and the account executive for group sales with the Indianapolis Colts. I’m happy to report she doesn’t remember my lawn chair incident. (Maybe I shouldn’t have reminded her—yet another setback in my quest to be the cool aunt.) CYO sports made a difference in Molly’s life. “There was so much you could do without even having to be athletic,” she tells me. “Some of my friends weren’t great athletes, and it was still fun. No one got kicked off for not being good. You still got the cheers. You were learning about leadership without even realizing it.”
Maybe the priests in 1950 weren’t off-base about kickball being played on asphalt. Molly adds, “I remember going to kickball practice in the summer on the black asphalt that was freshly coated with tar—a very distinct smell that reminds me of summer and kickball.”
Most kids participate in CYO kickball through Catholic grade schools. Parishes without schools can also form teams and join the fun. So, if you see a group of girls hurling a big white ball across a shiny church parking lot, don’t dismiss it as just a game. It’s a rite of passage sprinkled with bonding and leadership skills. And look up from your phone— those girls are powerful kickers.
At Rose-Hulman, our mission is to provide students with the world’s best STEM education in an environment of individual attention and support—and the results speak for themselves. We’ve had a 95–99% placement rate for over two decades, with an average starting salary of $82,817 for the Class of 2024. With hands-on experience, personal mentorship from world-class faculty, and a career services team that connects students with top employers, it’s no surprise Rose-Hulman ranks among the top 50 U.S. colleges for return on investment.
COLLEGE GUIDE 2025
Get expert advice about selecting a major, participating in student activities, and comparing tuition rates and fi nancial aid to maximize your education budget.
Check out our profi les of public and private schools in the Midwest!
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
MIDWEST COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES STRIVE TO KEEP EDUCATION COSTS WITHIN REACH BY STABILIZING FEES, OFFERING SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID, AND DELIVERING HIGH-QUALITY ACADEMIC PROGRAMS EFFICIENTLY.
By Lori Roberts
THIS ISN’T YOUR FATHER’S tuition bill. Today’s college costs can range from about $25,000 to $30,000 annually for an in-state public university and between $40,000 and $70,000 for a private school. If a student is looking at an out-of-state public school, expect to pay extra as well. But before families throw up their hands in sticker shock, let’s take a moment to look at what students are really paying for college and how families can afford to pay the bills.
“If you have a school you’re interested in, don’t let the stated price on the website prevent you from pursuing your dreams and goals,” says Andrew Hendricks, vice president for enrollment and marketing at Franklin College. “Nine times out of 10 that school is going to work with you.”
ASSURANCE MEASURES
Recognizing the significant financial burden of higher education, university leaders are implementing measures to stabilize or reduce costs. In a recent move, Indiana’s public colleges committed to freezing undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees for the next two academic years. Other institutions are adopting similar strategies, such as fixed tuition plans that guarantee students the same rate for four years. According to Beth Johnson, director of student financial assistance at Miami University in Ohio, these policies provide critical predictability.
“It really provides confidence for students and families as they’re planning financial aid for the next four years,” she says, noting that even with potential out-of-state surcharges, the core costs are known upfront.
Hanover College is one of many schools offering a four-year graduation guarantee, says Peter Ashley, vice president for enrollment and marketing. That means if a student cannot graduate within four years through no fault of their own—
perhaps a required class was cancelled at the last minute and the student needs an extra semester to take it—any extra tuition costs are covered, Ashley says. Hanover also offers its Pell Promise, a financial initiative that covers tuition for students who are eligible for a Pell Grant and meet the academic standards of the school.
“We would make up the difference in tuition when you factor in various scholarships and federal programs,” Ashley says.
DOING THE MATH
Rising tuition rates reflect the combined costs of maintaining facilities, personnel, and campus grounds. But schools are constantly looking for ways to reduce expenses and achieve optimal efficiency, Hendricks says.
“I always say Franklin isn’t in the business of making money,” Hendricks says. “We’re a nonprofit institution. We’re in the business of making just enough money to deliver the students a highquality education.”
Most colleges and universities are committed to working with families to understand and lower the cost of an education. Transparency is key. Price calculators can be found on many websites, helping prospective students
understand what their final fees will be. Oftentimes, thanks to generous scholarships and grants as well as student and parent loans, tuition is more affordable than families expect.
“There are a lot of things we do to help college become affordable,” Ashley says. “A student with a 3.5 grade point average can get a merit scholarship. You can get a $4,000 scholarship simply for visiting the campus.”
Instead of viewing higher education as a pure expense, consider the return on investment, Miami’s Johnson says. Research shows that people with a higher education degree enjoy better earning power throughout their lives than those without.
“I think the return on investment in higher education is going to pay off in the end,” Johnson says.
Ideally, a degree should prepare students for a lifetime of jobs, Hendricks says. Students should graduate with the ability to communicate effectively and translate their skills into different professional opportunities.
“You’re trying to deliver the most affordable education you can at the highest level of achievement and expectations,” Hendricks says. “We want to produce the greatest outcomes possible for our students.”
CHARTING A PATH /
IS YOUR STUDENT UNDECIDED ABOUT SELECTING A MAJOR? ACADEMIC ADVISERS SHARE DETAILS ABOUT PROGRAMS THAT HELP STUDENTS NAVIGATE THE ARRAY OF CHOICES BEFORE THEM.
By Lori Roberts
CHOOSING A MAJOR can seem like a monumental decision for an 18-year-old just starting a college journey. While many students enter college with an idea of what they want to do with their lives, others are starting from scratch, hoping to make that decision in the first couple years of their collegiate career. Majors are often subject to change as well. Many students change their major at least once before they graduate. And that’s perfectly OK, say educators.
“It’s important to note that many college students will graduate with a major different from the one they originally considered,” says Tim Fitzgibbon, director of advising for the Center for Exploring Majors at the University of Southern Indiana. “National data suggests that over 50 percent of college students change their major at least once.”
How can students choose the right major, and what support systems are in place for this important decision? We reached out to several colleges and universities to get the details on how students can take advantage of the many available resources on campus.
MAJOR DRIVERS
A vast majority of students enter college with a major or field of study in mind. For instance, only about 5 percent of incoming students enter Grace College undecided, says Mark Pohl, vice president of enrollment management. But all students are encouraged to keep their options open, especially in the pivotal early days of their academic careers.
“College is when you’re learning the most about yourself,” Pohl says. “You’re seeing multiple opportunities.”
Whether a student is set on a major or still exploring options, most schools have formal programs in place to support them and provide insights. For instance, Grace College’s First-Year Experience program comprises four core classes, as well as learning communities of 30-35 students who take the classes together. Faculty mentors and student mentors from higher years serve as resources and help newer students navigate the social and academic adjustments to college life.
Earlham College has its own comprehensive program called the Epic Journey. Students are paired with academic advisers who foster conversations about potential fields of study, says Jennifer Seely, academic dean for student success at Earlham. Career coaches are available to help students
“College is when you’re learning the most about yourself. You’re seeing multiple opportunities.”
—MARK POHL, GRACE COLLEGE
sift through potential areas of study, and students can take aptitude tests to help them narrow down their options, Seely says. The school’s required core classes are also a potential entrance for making the decision.
“Every student is going to get a lot of
exposure to various ways of thinking,” Seely says. “They might stumble onto something they didn’t really know about before.”
At Indiana Tech, enrollees are connected to their academic adviser before they ever register for their first class, says Kris Bliss, associate vice president of student success. The advisers can also reach out to faculty members for help exploring major options.
“The faculty within the various programs play an incredibly important role to help students make decisions related to careers, internships, and specialties within majors and degrees,” Bliss says. “Advisers use information from the faculty to provide a framework for students’ degree progression.”
Fortunately for undecided students, most schools’ curricula allow room to explore during the first two years of studies. Many core classes apply to multiple majors and focus less on a specific field of study and more on the skills students need to thrive in a professional setting. General education courses expose students to new ideas and fields of study, says Daniel Lersch, director
of advising and major exploration services for undergraduate education at Indiana University Bloomington.
“The right decision is unique to each student and will likely change over the course of their lives,” Lersch says. “We want students to become lifelong learners, because they are preparing for jobs and opportunities that we can’t even imagine right now.
DECIDING FACTORS
Students have many tools at hand to help them determine a major, from professional aptitude tests to parents and family friends who are ready to offer an opinion. But at the end of the day, this is an individual decision and should be driven by the student’s passions. That is why college students are encouraged to dig deep and ask themselves what makes them excited. What drives their interest? What makes them want to learn more? Listen to these hints and follow them.
“It is difficult to choose a major if a student doesn’t have a strong passion pointing them in a specific direction,” Fitzgibbon says. “That’s why it’s important for students to pursue interests. Instead of trying to pick one subject they love, they should choose 10 that they might not dislike. … Students who follow their interests are motivated to learn more about the subject. They are also more likely to dedicate their time to get better at the academic pursuit. Motivation and commitment are two important factors that lead to success in academic areas, as well as careers.”
GETTING INVOLVED /
CAMPUS ORGANIZATIONS HELP DEVELOP THE WHOLE PERSON THROUGH HANDSON EXPERIENCES, LEADERSHIP TRAINING, AND SOCIAL INTERACTION.
By Julie Young
STUDENT ACTIVITIES PROVIDE opportunities to augment the classroom experience. Often considered to be “add-ons,” they are an integral part of a college career and an important aspect of campus life. Intentionally designed to help develop the whole person, these extracurricular and cocurricular activities are essential to a well-rounded college education. Not only do clubs and organizations help students find community within their academic environment, but they also help them explore new areas of interest, hone skills they will use for years to come, and create connections that will help them in their future careers.
EXTENSION LEARNING
Colleges and universities offer a wide range of clubs and organizations that are as diverse as their student populations. They include academic societies, cultural groups, service-based programs, professional and careeroriented associations, performing arts/ media guilds, Greek chapters, recreational
sports, and much more. Tish Kalita, student life engagement collective leader at Manchester University, says extracurricular and cocurricular opportunities allow students to customize their experience during their time on campus. Manchester offers more than 30 student-led organizations, and there is a place for everyone to carve their own path.
“Participating in clubs is a learning experience on its own,” Kalita says, noting that clubs act as mini-organizations to provide students with the hands-on experiences and soft skills they’ll need
“Many students start by joining two or three organizations that align with their passions ...”
—GAELYN ROSE, DEPAUW UNIVERSITY
when they enter the job market. “Within clubs, students often hold leadership positions that encourage decision-making and delegation, collaboration, teamwork, communication, time management, and conflict resolution.”
Student engagement is at the heart of the DePauw University campus community and an extension of the classroom, with over 100 student organizations ready to welcome new members. Gaelyn Rose, DePauw’s director of enrollment marketing strategy, says student activities
allow scholars to apply classroom learning to real-world challenges while exploring new interests or taking a deeper dive into old favorites.
“We encourage students to be intentional about their involvement,” Rose says. “Many students start by joining two or three organizations that align with their passions and reflect on their commitments from there. At DePauw, quality of engagement matters more than quantity, and students are supported in fi nding a healthy balance [between extracurriculars and coursework] that allows them to thrive.”
MEET AND GREET
To help students connect with the 900-plus clubs and organizations on its Bloomington campus, Indiana University hosts an Involvement Fair during the fi rst week of the fall semester. As students settle in and familiarize themselves with their new course load, they can learn what the different organizations have to offer, meet people affi liated with these groups, and fi nd out when callout meetings are being held.
Mara Dahlgren, director of IU’s Student Involvement and Leadership Center, says
participation in extracurricular activities not only helps students improve their GPA but also allows them to delve deeper into their areas of interest and connect with people they may not otherwise have the chance to meet.
“Oftentimes, organizations that have an academic focus or are tied to an academic program may bring in alumni of those programs so that students can connect with them. These connections can provide guidance and support for students navigating college and looking to their careers afterwards,” Dahlgren says.
Of course, student organizations not directly tied to an academic program can still offer resume-building skills that make future job candidates competitive to prospective employers. Stephanie KendallDeitz, director of the Professional Edge Center at the University of Indianapolis, says that serving in a student government role helps future leaders learn to listen to a constituency. Being a “buddy” to a fi fth grader through the College Mentors for Kids program expands students’ knowledge of working with children, while managing the budget for a gamer’s club teaches fi nancial responsibility and how to advocate for a group.
“One of my favorite things to tell students is that you can’t take your sports medicine degree to the Colts Complex and expect them to give you a job,” KendallDeitz says. “Yes, you need the degree, but you also need to have done the right things around that degree, such as making connections, building knowledge, and getting experience.”
BEST FOOT FORWARD
While it can be daunting for a student to walk into an informational session when they don’t know anyone, most campus clubs and organizations are happy to have new members and will offer any newcomer a warm welcome. Experts advise students to choose one of two activities to take part in while they get used to their new campus life and adjust their calendar and commitments as needed.
“Students need to do so many things while they are in school, and it can be taxing to try and do it all,” Kendall-Deitz says. “If they can make friends in these early days of trying out various clubs, then they can build important social bonds that are important to the college experience.”
Step into a welcoming community where curiosity meets ambition. At DePauw, classmates and professors celebrate differences and inspire growth, both in and out of the classroom. You’ll find hands-on learning, creative problem-solving and real-world experiences in our College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, School of Business and Leadership, and Creative School –all dedicated exclusively to undergraduate education.
YEAR FOUNDED: 1837 / CURRENT ENROLLMENT: 1,900 / STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO: 10:1 / UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES OFFERED: 75+ majors, minors and programs / SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE: DePauw University offers popular majors such as business administration, psychology, communication, 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: $57,990 / PERCENTAGE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: 21 / TOP THREE AWARDS/ RECOGNITIONS: U.S. News & World Report Top 50 National Liberal Arts College and #1 Liberal Arts College in Indiana; A Colleges That Change Lives member. / AFFILIATED COLLEGES/SATELLITE CAMPUSES: DePauw ranks in the top 10 for study-abroad programs – 90% of students study abroad in a wide range of off-campus offerings in more than 45 countries, including summer and semester-long study abroad, Winter Term in Service, and internship and practicum experiences.
TOP 50
National Liberal Arts College
75+
Majors, minors and programs
100+
Student clubs and organizations
23
NCAA Div. III
varsity athletic teams
23 Greek-letter organizations
84% of students complete an internship
90% of students study abroad
Take a virtual tour.
FRANKLIN COLLEGE
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, ath letic 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 30 student clubs, academic organizations, and Greek life. More than 50 percent of Franklin College students part icipate in our 22 NCAA varsity athletic sports and three co-ed athletic programs including bass fi shing, cheerleading, and Esports.
Schedule your Franklin College visit today to discover all we have to offer!
WHAT THRIVING LOOKS LIKE Real learning. Real support. Real outcomes.
RIGOROUS ACADEMICS
At Indiana State University, your academic path is as dynamic as your ambition. Expert faculty, small class sizes, and hands-on learning empower you to explore boldly and think critically—whether you’re beginning your journey or advancing your career.
REWARDING EXPERIENCES
From immersive research and global study opportunities to internships and leadership roles, Indiana State delivers real-world experiences that shape your future.
NURTURING COMMUNITIES
Indiana State is a welcoming, close-knit campus where mentors support you, friendships sustain you, and opportunities elevate you personally
ENDURING ACHIEVEMENTS
As an Indiana State graduate, you will begin your edge. Your Sycamore success story starts here
INDIANA UNIVERSITY
PUSH BOUNDARIES AT IU BLOOMINGTON
This is where leaders, innovators, and explorers are made. Find your purpose and unlock new possibilities with top-ranked academics, breakthrough research, and a supportive community every step of the way.
You’re ready to put in the work, and IU is ready for you. Choose from 200+ majors—many ranked among the world’s best. Master the business of medicine. Empower communities through transformative tech and artificial intelligence. Learn across disciplines, collaborate in dynamic spaces, and shape a future that reflects your ambition.
Gain hands-on research experience in bioscience, public health, business, and more within your first semester on campus. Help treat real patients. Work with an organization that shares your commitment to service. At IU, you’ll be able to refine your skills, build new ones, and graduate prepared for whatever tomorrow brings.
GLOBALLY MINDED
We’re #1 for languages taught, #5 for students studying abroad, and top producer of Fulbright scholars. Whether attending the United Nations Conference of the Parties or studying sustainable nonprofit leadership models in Denmark, students develop cultural fluency to make future-facing decisions.
GET INVOLVED
Whatever you’re into, you’ll find it at IU. Serve others, lead boldly, and connect with your community—on campus and beyond. Make meaningful connections and develop your leadership skills. At IU, 900+ student organizations mean countless ways to get involved and make your mark.
IU’s legacy continues with you. Show your Hoosier pride at Big Ten sporting events from football to basketball. Raise millions by dancing your heart out at IU Dance Marathon to benefit Riley Children’s Hospital. Fuel your creativity at First Thursday art festivals. Whatever you choose, you’ll have your dream college experience in Bloomington.
THE STATS: YEAR FOUNDED: 1820 / CURRENT ENROLLMENT: 48,424 / STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO: 18:1 / UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS: 200+ SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE: business, public health, informatics and computing, public affairs, global and international studies, nursing, media, music / LANGUAGES OFFERED: 80+ / STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS: 380+ / IN-STATE TUITION: $12,386 STUDENTS ON FINANCIAL AID: 76% / TOP AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: #1 best best business program in the state, Kelley School of Business (U.S. News & World Report) ; #2 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
PREPARE TO LEAD
BRING ON TOMORROW
Turn curiosity into confidence. Transform ideas into impact.
Learn from world-class faculty. Lead transformative research from day one.
Be part of Indiana’s proudest traditions in academics, leadership, and sports.
At IU, you don’t just thrive. You become a leader with a degree that prepares you to take on the world.
INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY
4201 S. Washington St., Marion, IN 46953 866-468-6498 / indwes.edu
Since the beginning, our university has been a Christ-centered academic community committed to changing the world by developing students in character, scholarship, and leadership. IWU is proud to claim a top-rated nursing program, a growing engineering program, and the John Wesley Honors College, which serves as a model for other honors colleges across the country. Additionally, recent years have seen expansion into a total of 22 intercollegiate sports, with notable success in football. Since its founding in 1996, our trailblazing online branch has experienced continual growth and reached a current enrollment of 11,500 total students. With the start of degrees connected to the field of AI, we will soon train tomorrow’s business leaders to use AI through the lens of Christian ethics. The university’s third branch, Wesley Seminary, provides a biblically sound hybrid learning experience where stude nts develop in ministerial training with personal faculty mentorship. Our dedication to forming world changers who live into God’s calling in a strong Kingdom community will always remain the core of Indiana Wesleyan University.
CAMPUSES: Innovative Online Campus that pioneered distance learning approach to education; 10 regional campuses with locations throughout Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky; and a residential campus in Marion, Indiana
YOUR VISION
YOUR AMBITION
YOUR IDEAS
Your vision. Your ambition. Your way forward.
With flexible pathways — online, hybrid, and in-person — Indiana Wesleyan University offers accessible tuition and world-class connections
DISCOVER THE WAY WITH
IU INDIANAPOLIS
THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
Make the most of your campus and your city. IU Indianapolis provides students with future-ready degrees and real-world career experience in Indy, with access to major healthcare systems and Fortune 500 companies like Eli Lilly and Salesforce.
START YOUR FUTURE HERE
Who do you want to be? We’ll help you get there. Explore
degrees, and jump into hands-on research starting your
SAVINGS IN THE CITY
Our students begin their bright futures without breaking undergraduate scholarships each year, and nearly half of our undergraduate students graduate with zero additional debt.
LIVE THE JAGUAR LIFE
Race your canoe through the canals at Regatta. Roar with the crowd at D1 basketball games. Make lifelong friends and get leadership experience in one of 300+ student clubs. IU Indianapolis is an experience like no other, pairing city living with college campus vibes.
TAKE A VIRTUAL CAMPUS
TOUR
THE STATS:
STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO: 13:1 / UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS OFFERED: 100+ / GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS OFFERED: 140+ / SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE: healthcare, biosciences, business, science, technology, public and environmental / DISTANCE FROM DOWNTOWN INDIANAPOLIS: steps from the State Capitol / RESEARCH FUNDING RECEIVED: $69M+ / RESEARCH CENTERS AND INSTITUTES: 50+ / TOP THREE AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: #3 top public university in Indiana (U.S. News & World Report ), #5 nationally in sustainable development ( ).
SUCCEED IN THE CITY
BRING ON TOMORROW
Earn a degree built for the future and make connections that last a lifetime.
Gain real-world experience in Indianapolis that leads to a prosperous career.
Get the best of both worlds at IU Indianapolis.
FIND SUCCESS AT GO.IU.EDU/SUCCEED
KETTERING UNIVERSITY /
1700 University Ave., Flint, MI 48504 810-762-9500 / kettering.edu
Kettering University isn’t for everyone. It’s for those who demand more from their education—and themselves.
What began in 1919 as a night school for automotive engineers has grown into a university that produces leaders across industries.
At Kettering, students don’t just study. They alternate every 11 weeks between rigorous on-campus learning and full-time Co-op employment. One term is spent mastering concepts in classrooms and labs; the next, applying those skills on the job with one of more than 550 employer partners across the country and around the world. By graduation, students can already be earning $55,000 to $75,000 (often more) and have gained up to two-and-a-half
years of professional experience well before most peers enter the workforce.
Forged from a history of industry-embedded education, Kettering is at the forefront of next-generation technologies like advanced mobility, new energy vehicles, intelligent manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and sustainability.
Kettering has built a STEM learning experience like nowhere else, allowing students to work shoulder to shoulder with industry leaders, put their ideas to the test, and solve tomorrow’s problems.
Our students don’t wait for opportunity—they build it. They graduate miles ahead, and they don’t look back.
/College
For the Driven
Students at Kettering University don’t wait for the future — they build it.
KETTERING PARTNERS WITH OVER 550 INDUSTRY LEADERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY, AROUND THE GLOBE, AND RIGHT HERE IN INDIANA:
+ Allison Transmission - Indianapolis, IN
+ Dexter Axle - Elkhart, IN
+ Edward Jones - Highland, IN
+ Endress+Hauser - Level+Pressure and Flow - Greenwood, IN
+ Steel Dynamics Inc. - Columbia City, IN
+ THOR Industries - Elkhart, IN
NOT OUR ALUMNI. OUR STUDENTS.
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS: -
GRADUATE DEGREES:
READY FOR WHAT’S NEXT?
MIAMI UNIVERSTIY
/
501 E. High St., Oxford, OH 45056 513-529-1809 / miamioh.edu
Established in 1809, Miami University is consistently ranked among the top 50 national public universities by U.S. News & World Report for providing students with an Ivy League-quality education at a public school price. Located in quintessential college town Oxford, Ohio—with regional campuses in Hamilton and Middletown, a learning center in West Chester, and a European study center in Luxembourg—Miami serves more than 18,000 undergraduates across more than 100 areas of study, and more than 2,200 graduate students through 78 master’s and doctoral degree programs.
At this comprehensive research university, students engage and conduct research with premiere teacherscholars. All undergraduate students benefit from a wellrounded liberal arts foundation, developing lifelong skills for any career. In 2022–2023, 60% of Miami students graduated with at least one minor or additional major, and nearly 100% participated in internships or field work prior to graduation. Miami adds $2.3 billion each year to Ohio’s economy through innovative partnerships and job creation. Miami is a NCAA Division I school, serving more than 500 student athletes across 19 varsity sports.
YEAR FOUNDED: 1809 / CURRENT ENROLLMENT: 22,508 / STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO: 16:1 / NUMBER OF UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES OFFERED: Over 120 programs of study with over 200 majors and minors / NUMBER OF MASTER’S DEGREES OFFERED: 66 /
13 /
DEGREES
MATTER EXPERTISE: Business; Marketing; Entrepreneurship; Communications; Media Arts and Design; Education; Engineering; Computer Science and Technology; Human Behaviors, Cultures, Languages, and Literature; Law, Government, and Global and Public Policy; Math; Stats and Data Analytics; Medicine, Health, and Wellbeing / DISTANCE FROM DOWNTOWN INDIANAPOLIS: 102 miles / OUT-OF-STATE TUITION: $42,042 / IN-STATE TUITION: $18,520 / PERCENTAGE OF ON FINANCIAL AID: 92% / TOP THREE AWARDS RECOGNITIONS: Ranked a Top 50 National Public University by U.S. News & World Report, a Top 50 Best College for Future Leaders by Time, and No. 8 Entrepreneurship Program in the World by The Princeton Review / AFFILIATED COLLEGES/SATELLITE CAMPUSES: Miami University has two regional campuses in Hamilton and Middletown, Ohio; a learning center in West Chester, Ohio; a European study center in Luxembourg; and Miami Online.
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN INDIANA
8600 University Blvd., Evansville, IN 47712 812-464-8600 / usi.edu
The University of Southern Indiana is a vibrant public institution located on a scenic 1,400-acre campus in Evansville, Indiana Founded in 1965, USI has grown significantly since its inception, continuously evolving its programs, campus, and student experience while staying true to its student-centered mission. USI offers over 130 areas of study through its four academic colleges and School of Graduate Studies, enrolling nearly 9,500 dual credit, undergraduate, and graduate students. Known for its welcomi ng community, beautiful environment and affordable, high-quality education, USI provides flexible learning options including inperson, online, hybrid, and accelerated programs.
Experiential learning is at the heart of a USI education. Students benefit from accessible faculty, innovative housing, and meaningful engagement with industries and businesses. The university is recognized as a Carnegie Foundation Community Engaged Institution and reaches more than 15,000 participants annually through outreach and engagement programs. Athletics play a key role in campus life. As a member of NCAA Division I and the Ohio Valley Conference, USI Screaming Eagles compete in 19 varsity sports and boast strong academic performance among studentathletes. Whether through academics, community involvement, or athletics, USI offers a dynamic and supportive environment where students can thrive.
(68% of undergrad and grad combined) / TOP
Romain College of Business MBA program recognized as the second largest in the state by the Indiana Business Journal; Radio and TV Program ranked sixth in audio programs, 27th in sports programs, and 22nd overall of over 150 schools by the Broadcast Education Association; men’s basketball led the Ohio Valley Conference in fan support in 2024–25, with 26,850 fans hosted at Liberty Arena, Home of the Screaming Eagles.
Shine Brightly at Valparaiso University
At Valparaiso University, we don’t just prepare you for what’s next — we prepare you to lead it. With rigorous academics, real-world experience, and mentors who challenge and You’ll graduate ready to make decisions that matter, lead with purpose, and drive change wherever you go. Discover how Valpo can help you unlock your potential and become the leader you’re meant to be. Begin where it matters — at Valpo.
GROUNDED, WE SHINE. GROUNDED, WE SERVE. GROUNDED, WE RADIATE. VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY.
Faith. Leadership. Connection.
98.2%
CAREER OUTCOMES RATE
Students at Valpo discover a welcoming campus committed to excellence in academics, community, and opportunity. Our students not only realize their calling, they grow through study, inquiry, and service. Grounded in faith, they develop compassion they go forth and shine brightly in all that they do.
5
UNDERGRADUATE COLLEGES
70+
UNDERGRATUATE PROGRAMS
12:1
STUDENT-TOFACULTY RATIO
19
NCAA DIVISION I SPORTS TEAMS
The Princeton Review
Colleges (Midwest)
EARLHAM COLLEGE /
801 W. National Rd., Richmond, IN 47374 765-983-1200 / earlham.edu
Is college worth it? At Earlham, it absolutely is.
A college education is a big commitment—but at Earlham, it pays off. The Princeton Review named Earlham a “Best Value College” for its powerful blend of outstanding academics, stellar career support, and commitment to affordability. But true value goes beyond building skills for the jobs of today. Earlham excellence prepares students to think, adapt, and thrive though change—for life.
At Earlham, every student is guaranteed a career-focused experience—such as an internship or research opportunity—funded up to $5,000.
Brilliant and uniquely approachable faculty are dedicated to providing epic classroom and career prep experiences to help students discern and design the life they want after graduation. Build the foundation for a good life at Earlham.
STATS YEAR FOUNDED: 1847 / CURRENT ENROLLMENT: 670 / STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO: 7:1 / NUMBER OF UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES OFFERED: 42 / SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE: Engineering, Business, Pre-Health, Psychology, Environmental Leadership, Social Justice / DISTANCE FROM DOWNTOWN INDIANAPOLIS (IN MILES): 71.4 miles / INSTATE/OUT-OF-STATE TUITION: $71,638 / PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS ON FINANCIAL AID: 95% / TOP THREE AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: One of 40 “Colleges That Change Lives”; recognized for Best Classroom Experience by The Princeton Review; deemed a “Best Value College” by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report / AFFILIATED COLLEGES/SATTELITE CAMPUSES: Earlham School of Religion, Earlham Graduate Programs in Education
for our balance of outstanding academics, stellar career services and affordability
Students who live within 150 miles of Earlham automatically receive the Heartland Scholarship — $2,000 each year for up to four years.
Rankings reflect inclusion in The Princeton Review, Fiske Guide to Colleges and U.S. News & World Report annual lists.
Scan to learn more about how to apply.
HANOVER COLLEGE
517 Ball Dr., Hanover, IN 47243 812-866-7000 / hanover.edu
Hanover College is a nationally recognized liberal arts institution that has core strengths in the natural and life sciences, education, and business. Founded in 1827, Hanover is Indiana’s first private four-year college and sits on a beautiful 650acre campus overlooking the Ohio River. Hanover is a distinctive intellectual, challenging, and supportive community whose members value transformative learning, meaningful service, and lifelong inquiry. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning and for developing their individual gifts. Bachelor’s degrees are offered in more than 35 areas. Accelerated, hybrid, two-year doctoral programs in physical therapy and occupational therapy are also available. Nearly 100 percent of Hanover’s undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid.
YEAR FOUNDED: 1827 / CURRENT ENROLLMENT: 1,226 / STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO: 12:1 / NUMBER OF UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES OFFERED: 35 / NUMBER OF DOCTORAL DEGREES OFFERED: 2 (Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy) / SUBJECT
Education, Humanities, Sciences / DISTANCE FROM DOWNTOWN INDIANAPOLIS: 99 miles / IN-STATE / OUT-OF-STATE TUITION: $44,777 / PERCENTAGE OF ON FINANCIAL AID: 99% / PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: Higher Learning Commission, Independent Colleges of Indiana, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA Division III), Heartland C ollegiate Athletic Conference. / TOP THREE AWARDS RECOGNITIONS: Ranked 103rd among national liberal arts colleges and 71st in student social mobility by U.S. News & World Report ; ranked in the top five best Midwestern colleges by The Princeton Review
INDIANA TECH
1600 E. Washington Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46803 888-832-4742 / online.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 and 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 doctoral 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 fi nd Indiana Tech an ideal fit due to class schedules that allow them to take one class at a time and still make rapid progress toward 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 and offers on-site courses at partner locations.
STATS YEAR FOUNDED: 1930 / CURRENT ENROLLMENT: 1,500 undergraduates on the main campus, 6,500 online undergraduate and graduate / STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO: 16:1 / NUMBER OF UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES OFFERED: 50 / NUMBER OF MASTER’S DEGREES OFFERED: 8 / NUMBER OF DOCTORAL DEGREES OFFERED: 2 / SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE: Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Criminal Justice, Business, Communication, Information Technology, Life Sciences, Health Care Administration, Psychology, and Human Resources / DISTANCE FROM DOWNTOWN INDIANAPOLIS: 118 miles / IN-STATE/OUT-OF-STATE TUITION: $399 per credit hour undergrad/$525 per credit hour graduate / PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS ON FINANCIAL AID: 90% / TOP THREE AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: Indiana Tech is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, while some programs have earned program-specific accreditation/recognition from ABET, IACBE, CAHIIM, SHRM and the Project Management Institute; recognized as a Top 10-Gold Level Military Friendly School
WORKING MOMS + DADS
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.
FINISH FASTER. Go Further!
Take advantage of our accelerated program by earning your bachelor’s & master’s or doctorate degrees in six years or less at our North Manchester or Fort Wayne campus.
MBA
(OPEN TO ALL MAJORS)
BACHELOR’S 3 YEARS + MASTER’S 1 YEAR = 4 YEARS
PHARMACY
ASSOCIATE’S 2 YEARS + DOCTORATE 4 YEARS = 6 YEARS
ATHLETIC TRAINING
BACHELOR’S 3 YEARS + MASTER’S 2 YEARS = 5 YEARS
PHARMACOGENOMICS
BACHELOR’S 3 YEARS + MASTER’S 1 YEAR = 4 YEARS
NUTRITION & NUTRIGENOMICS
BACHELOR’S 3 YEARS + MASTER’S 2 YEARS = 5 YEARS
Schedule your Schedule your visit t oday! visit today!
Manchester and Fort Wayne
NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
1 Nunn Dr., Highland Heights, KY 41099 859-572-5100 / nku.edu
Nationally recognized as a Best Value College by The Wall Street Journal, Northern Kentucky University offers an affordable, high-quality education. NKU offers 100-plus academic programs, including nationally ranked nursing and business programs, on a growing suburban campus just minutes from downtown Cincinnati. Through flexible class formats, hands-on learning, faculty mentorships, and world-class facilities like the Health Innovation Center, students graduate from NKU with the real-world experience they need to fuel their success. High school seniors with a GPA of 2.75 or higher can simplify their college journey with NKU’s Direct Admit program—no application, fee, or essay required. Your future, your way at NKU!
/ NUMBER OF MASTERS’S DEGREES OFFERED: 24 / NUMBER OF
DEGREES
/
Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Health and Human Services, Informatics and Law / DISTANCE FROM DOWNTOWN INDIANAPOLIS: 120 miles / IN-STATE TUITION: $11,121 /
TUITION: $14,999 / PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS ON FINANCIAL AID: 97% / TOP THREE AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: Ranked the 9th Safest Campus in America by Academic Influence; recognized as 29th in the Nation for Best Value by The Wall Street Journal; recognized as 89th in the World University Rankings for Innovation / AFFILIATED COLLEGES/SATELLITE CAMPUSES: University of Kentucky College of Medicine – Northern Kentucky Campus
BUILT BYDESIGNED BYDESIGNED BY
Built to Thrill
Striking modern design elements, one-of-a-kind amenities, and livable luxury features combine in the showstopping Indianapolis Monthly Dream Home, which opens its doors for weekend tours on August 8. BY
THE 2025 Indianapolis Monthly Dream Home checks a lot of aspirational boxes. Opulent luxury? It’s there. High-end kitchen? Wait until you see the Gaggenau appliances that will have professional chefs coveting a spot at the stove. Spacious rooms colors? The top-quality design unfolds from the moment you step inside the
LORI ROBERTS
Fishers home. An NBA regulation-
Dream Home without over-the-top amenities?
This year’s home, built by Carl McIntyre of Carrington Homes with interior design by Revkah Gordon of Revkah Design and architectural design by Emily Handke Design, is more than just a showpiece. It’s a
PHOTOS BY SARAH SHIELDS
THE OFFICIAL INDIANAPOLIS MONTHLY DREAM HOME DESIGNER
Don’t miss your chance to tour this masterpiece of contemporary design. The 2025 Indianapolis Monthly Dream Home is the epitome of architectural innovation and luxurious living. This 18,000-square-foot private residence, nestled on 8 acres near Geist Reservoir in Fishers, Indiana, showcases our commitment to creating spaces that harmoniously blend modern aesthetics with natural surroundings
Blending the sleek lines of modern interior design with the timeless allure of classic elegance, Revkah Design can transform your space into a testament of enduring beauty and contemporary grace.
LOCATED IN CARMEL, IN
2025 IM Dream Home Fishers, Indiana Interior Design • Furnishings and Decor
family home. The owner, a professional athlete with roots in Indiana, knows this will be his legacy home. But he also wants a space that’s comfortable enough to hold his family, including his children, adult siblings, parents, and extended family members. The result is a residence that encompasses every luxury you can imagine, from the spa area on the lower level, with a hot tub, spa bath, and barber chair, to the dual primary suites that offer extravagant comfort and privacy and the U-shaped
only one of its kind currently installed in the state.
“We really wanted luxury, but ahead of luxury, we had to choose an approachable living environment,” Gordon says. “This was not going to be just a show home. It was a family home and would be lived in.”
The Dream Home is a study in exceedingly modern beauty. It’s contemporary without becoming sleek or cold, offering more than 18,000 square feet of indoor living space and extensive outdoor living and entertainment areas. And with seven bedrooms and nine-plus bathrooms, there’s plenty of room for family and visiting friends.
“We really want you to have this immersive modern home experience from the moment you walk in the front door,” Handke says.
Visitors to the Dream Home should expect to be wowed from the moment
innovative design at a Las Vegas trade show and had to work it into the plans.
Every level and space, from the grand pool area to the butler’s pantry on the main level that offers a cozy spot for the kids to grab their snacks after school, was designed intentionally.
luxury homes
What makes us unique is that we design your entire home in our 3D software from day one. Every design presentation is done in 3D so important to have this 3D capability throughout the design process to help our clients visualize their home from the beginning. We focus on all details both big and small to ensure the home we are designing perfectly suits you
Watch out for little details that have
• Large doorways accented with wooden transoms that give the illusion of height without the weight and safety concerns of an extra-tall door
different areas their own character
natural stone
• Furnishings chosen to offset the home’s symmetrical angles, for gathering or retreating
many walk-throughs, conversations, owner’s dreams and elevated them,”
Tour Details
This year’s Dream Home tour starts Friday, August 8, and runs three consecutive weekends until the
indianapolismonthly.com/ dreamhome
DESIGN BUILD REMODEL
RESTAURANT
Bluebeard
Bluebeard is an award-winning restaurant for people with an appetite for adventure.
653 Virginia Ave., Indianapolis | bluebeardindy
CHILDREN’S CLOTHING
Little Tulip Tree
Little Tulip Tree is a Beaufort Bonnet Company Signature Store offering clothing for babies and children with a refined sense of style.
840 S. Rangeline Rd., Carmel | littletuliptree.com
BOUTIQUE & GIFT SHOP
Salt & Ash Market
Salt & Ash Market is a trendy boutique with local gi s and apparel, plus handcra ed soap and body care made in-house. 1011 Massachusetts Ave., Ste. 111 | saltandashmarket
Homestead
At Urban Homestead, find home decor thoughtfully curated to reflect timeless sophistication and warmth.
Chef Alex Teague
Chef Alex Teague is a private chef specializing in high-end dinner parties and catered events in the Indianapolis metropolitan area and beyond. Indy Metro Area | chefalexteague.com
DAN’S Automotive Detail is a specialist for interior and exterior vehicle-cleaning service. With free pickup and delivery within Hamilton County, Geist, and Zionsville, we work around your schedule. Noblesville, IN | dansdetail.info | 317-650-8888 PRIVATE CHEF
Magic Hat Barber Shop
Magic Hat is a premium barber shop prized for our attentive service & selection of grooming products from Brosh Pomade, D.S. & Durga, Ursa Major, and more. 885 Monon Green Blvd., Ste. 101, Carmel magichatbarbershop
WINE BAR
Solely Wine
Solely Wine is a wine bar & retail shop specializing in wines that are organic, natural, biodynamic, and produced in a sustainable manner!
1106 E. 16th St., Ste. 100, Indianapolis | solely_wine
Wise Aesthetics is a luxurious medical spa with personalized care, ensuring your unique beauty and wellness goals are met with excellence. Carmel, IN | wise-aesthetics.com
DAN’S Automotive Detail
RESTAURANT
Pizzology
Pizzology Cra Pizza + Pub is a chef-driven pizzeria with unique pastas, salads, cra cocktails, and more. 13190 Hazel Dell Pkwy., Carmel | pizzologyindy.com
RESTAURANT
Twenty Tap
Twenty Tap is a neighborhood scratch kitchen offering a unique selection of cra beers and cocktails in Meridian-Kessler.
5408 N. College Ave., Indianapolis | twentytap.com
Valet Your Laundry Valet offers pickup and delivery laundry services so you can have your time back. Noblesville, IN | yourlaundryvalet.com
BARBER SHOP
Photo by TONY VALAINIS
Bouillabaisse blanc at Josephine (p. 108)
Brunch Outdoor seating Reservations V Vegetarian friendly
Named one of IM’s Best Restaurants in 2024 New addition to the guide
$$$$ $50 and up
$$$ $30–$40
$$ $20–$30
$ Under $20
Restaurants included in this guide are selected at the discretion of the Indianapolis Monthly editorial staff based on food quality, innovation, atmosphere, service, value, and consistency. IM does not accept advertising or other compensation in exchange for dining coverage. Price symbols indicate the average cost of a meal per person (without tax, tip, or alcohol). Due to limited space, this list does not cover every evaluated restaurant. For a more comprehensive guide to Indianapolis dining, visit IndianapolisMonthly.com/Dining Feedback? Please email ebatey@IndianapolisMonthly.com
9th Street Bistro
BR 2024 SEASONAL Co-owners Samir and Rachel Firestone Mohammad’s tiny innovator is almost always packed by fans eager for the duo’s globally inspired Midwestern dishes. In response, the pair has created a community dinner series to allow even more patrons to sample their takes on the local farmstead ingredients that inspire their dishes. Mussels in aromatic broth, house-made burrata with of-the-moment garnishes, and pasta with shrimp and lemony cream sauce still anchor the menu, but it’s better to let the creative duo keep you guessing. 56 S. 9th St., Noblesville, 317-774-5065, 9thstbistro.com V $$$
10th Street Diner
VEGAN Surprisingly familiar and hearty plant-based 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, chili that rivals your favorite con carne version, and a variety of Indian dishes. 3301 E. 10th St., 463-221-1255 V $$
Antilogy
BRUNCH This snug corner spot divides its energy between the morning meal and evening libations. Early birds can choose from thoughtful combinations of fat biscuits, sunny eggs, bourbon-candied bacon, and Belgian waffles, with plenty of Bovaconti Coffee–based lattes and mochas to kick-start the day. In the evening, the menu shifts to shareable plates, such as a panko-crusted crispy burrata, parmesan truffle fries, and a molten spinach-Gruyère dip. 5867 N. State Rd. 135, Greenwood, 317-530-5312, antilogycg.com V $$
Aroma Experience
INDIAN Tandoori and tikka masala staples mingle with heartier 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 the meal. 885 Monon Green Blvd., 317-993-3021 aromaindy.com V $$
Ash & Elm Cider Co.
CIDERY Ash & Elm’s array of complex and quaffable ciders gets broader all the time, with funky cocktails demonstrating a flavor profile well beyond sweet apples. The food pairs beautifully with the drinks, showcasing how cider brings out the flavors in world cuisines as deliciously as fine wines. Multiple locations, ashandelmcider.com V $$
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 knowhow 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 shines among the entrees, especially crispy-skinned roasted cod, though diver scallops with asparagus puree showered with herbs and toasted almonds also impress. 175 S. Main St., Zionsville, 317-733-8755, auberge-restaurant.com $$$
Baan Thai Bistro
THAI Roxanna Williams’ cozy Thai eatery, which she opened in a former house and hair salon in late spring of 2023, is a welcome addition to Wanamaker’s dining offerings, bringing aromatic flavors and artful presentations to dishes like the lightly breaded and fried Son-in-Law Eggs (Kai Look Keuy), which is drizzled with earthy-sweet tamarind sauce, and generous summer rolls that come with a trio of tangy dipping sauces. Less expected shareable starters include rich and flavorful Isan Thai Sausage with just the right amount of spice, served with a nottoo-hot dipping sauce and a darling bamboo basket of sticky rice; a Crispy Rice Salad that crackles and pops; and airy steamed dumplings. Hearty Boat Noodle Soup and Crispy Pork Belly Ramen with a light mushroom-scented broth are good bets for main dishes, as are the kicky Crying Tiger Steak and more typical curries and noodle dishes. Adventurous diners will want to try one of three fish dishes redolent of ginger and basil, and a funky mix of whole chicken drumsticks and sweet curry noodles make for a comforting supper. 8705 Southeastern Ave., 317-759-8424, baanthaibistro.com V $$
Baby’s
BURGERS This playful, family-friendly joint limits its menu to smashburgers, broasted chicken, milkshakes (spiked or not), and cocktails. Housed in a former drag show bar, it also has fun with the building’s artsy legacy—the house burger is called a Strut Burger, and all of the cocktail names come straight from the RuPaul meme factory. Sip a Tongue Pop or a Sashay Away as you
polish off the last of the Talbott Street Style fries dressed with bacon, cheese sauce, white barbecue sauce, and pickled jalapeño. 2147 N. Talbott St., 317-600- 3559, babysindy.com V $$
Bearded Bagel
DELI Food truck veteran Tom Race opened this brick-and-mortar bagel deli on Indy’s northeast side in late 2021, featuring his signature steamed bagel sandwiches with dozens of topping combinations. Breakfast versions, such as the Slammin Sammy with bacon, egg, and American cheese or the Hangover Helper with spicy cream cheese, bacon, egg, and three slices of cheese are a no-brainer. But whimsical tributes to fast-food favorites, such as the R-Bee’s with roast beef and extra cheddar, are great lunch choices. Vegetarians can opt for the Urban Farmer with “all the veggies,” avocado, and cheese, and traditionalists can sink into a cream cheese–schmeared bagel with lox, tomato, capers, onions, and cucumbers. Puffy, sweet cinnamon rolls, hearty biscuits and gravy, and loaded tater tots with sausage gravy, bacon, cheese, and eggs complete the menu, along with Nutella and peanut butter bagels and a short list of cookies and brownies. 7305 E. 96th St, 317-516-5938, beardedbagel.com V $
Beholder
BR 2024
CONTEMPORARY You never know what to expect from restaurateur Jonathan Brooks’ Windsor Park kitchen, aside from one of the most innovative and wellexecuted meals in town. The menu is difficult to track, mainly because Brooks builds his dishes around seasonal ingredients that are fresh and of-the-moment. Impeccable servers will guide you through the evening’s offerings, which start small at the top of the menu (fresh oysters, perhaps, or pork rinds with kimchi and chicken liver mousse) and bulk up toward the bottom (think wild boar Bolognese or a massive pork Wellington portioned for two). Finish with the most exotic flavor of housemade ice cream. 1844 E. 10th St., 317-419-3471, beholderindy.com V $$$$
Bluebeard
BR 2024
CONTEMPORARY Tom and Ed Battista’s charming little restaurant has led the charge in getting Indy’s dining scene on the national radar. A perennial nominee for the James Beard Awards with mentions in outlets such as The New York Times and Bon Appétit, Bluebeard—which takes its name from one of native son Kurt Vonnegut’s novels—still delivers on the hype. The seasonal menu has settled into a comfortable groove, starting with shareable small plates such as house-frizzled chips and French onion dip, gourmet bar nuts, and grilled bread from sibling bakery Amelia’s served with a flight of slatherings. It’s a string beginning to a nice, lingering dinner accompanied by ambitious cocktails in a dining room decorated with shelves of books and Vonnegut-era typewriters. 653 Virginia Ave., 317-686-1580, bluebeardindy .com V $$$
Bob’s Indian Kitchen
INDIAN A surprisingly spacious and airy counter service located 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, and the mini section of Indian pizzas. Curries are solid, as are standards like paneer tikka and kadhai chicken or goat. 618 E. Main St., Brownsburg, 317-983-0225, bobsindian.square.site V $$
Bodhi Craft Bar + Thai Bistro
BR 2024 THAI This Mass Ave restaurant serves a small, focused menu of Thai dishes like massaman curry with braised beef and Bodhi’s own version of pad thai. Cocktails get a lot of attention on a drinks list designed by beverage director Dalton Lineback. Bodhi doesn’t accept reservations, and the line can be long, but you can stroll down Mass Ave while you wait for a seat. 922 Massachusetts Ave., 317-941-6595, bodhi-indy.com V $$$
Bonge’s Tavern
CLASSIC Opened in the 1930s near the rush of the White River and purchased by Charles Bonge a little over 10 years later, Bonge’s Tavern has been a part of Indiana dining history for more than 90 years. In the fall of 2023, Burgess Restaurant Group purchased it and installed Dean Sample as executive chef. The star of the menu is still the signature tenderloin, appropriately named the Perkinsville Pork. Other favorites include a stuffed duck breast and a fresh fish entree. Make sure to grab a reservation long before you plan to go, and arrive early enough to tailgate in the parking lot with other diners—a Bonge’s tradition worth keeping. 9830 W. 280 N, Perkinsville, 765-734-1625, bongestavern.com $$$
Borage
BR 2024 ALL-DAY CAFE Josh Kline and Zoë Taylor’s long-awaited all-day cafe, dinner spot, and market took years longer to open than they expected when they chose its Speedway site. Some even despaired that the couple in business and life—who met while toiling in the kitchen at Milktooth—might never see their dream realized. But suddenly last summer, Borage threw its doors open, and all worries vanished. Every menu lineup, from breakfast to dinner and everything in between, is a collage of standby ingredients, such as polenta or milk bread, reimagined into well-portioned small plates that will fill your table. Mussels float in kimchi-flecked coconut broth alongside a meatloaf sandwich made with brisket and bacon. Every aspect of the restaurant, its bakery, and the attached retail space feels thought-through and intentional. Borage was worth the wait. 1609 N. Lynhurst Dr., 317-734-3958, borageeats.com V $$
Cafe Patachou
CAFE The original “student union for adults” continues to draw in the morning crowds and has inspired citywide offshoots, such as the sleek, post-art deco, downtown location in the historic Stutz building, a huge hit with the business and weekend hordes alike. At every location, the cinnamon toast remains as thick as a brick; the produce is still locally sourced; the massive omelets continue to have cheeky names; and the broken-yolk sandwiches are a perennial lunch favorite. Multiple locations, cafepatachou.com V $$
Che Chori
ARGENTINEAN The focus of the menu at this wildly popular and colorful drive-thru is a selection of traditional butterflied-sausage sandwiches as well as warm empanadas filled with seasoned meats, vegetables, and cheeses. Make sure to pick up the house-made dulce de leche, which is sold by the jar, as well as their churros and specialty Argentinian shortbread cookies. And don’t overlook the cook-athome sausages, from Spanishstyle chorizo to Argentinean black sausage. 3124 W. 16th St., 317-737-2012, chechori.com $$
Cheeky Bastards
BR 2024 ENGLISH Co-owners
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and it reflects its neighbor’s baller vibes with lavish design (score a round booth, if you can), a three-figure seafood tower, caviar service, and an eight-steak menu (which offers add-ons such as foie gras and lobster tail). Sure, you can play small with its excellent burger, sizable salads, or chicken or fish entrees, but if you do, you’ll be missing the point. Appropriately, its wine list leads with bubbles by the glass or bottle, while its cocktail list boasts eight takes on a classic martini. 110 S. Delaware St., 317-550-2500, commissionrow.com $$$$
Convivio
FORK TURN
Michael Rypel and chef Robert Carmack fell in love with British culture and cuisine during travels abroad. Their Geist restaurant is a true tribute to the food, serving not only a classic full English breakfast and sausage rolls made with imported meat but also a very convincing fish and chips featuring crispy planks and hand-cut potatoes. Don’t forget to ask for the malt vinegar or the HP Sauce for the full UK experience. 11210 Fall Creek Rd., 317-288-9739, cbindy.com $$
Chin Brothers
Fountain Square’s Rise & Revel has been rebranded as West Fork Social House a few months after opening. A second Social House is slated to open in Broad Ripple this summer.
BURMESE One of the oldest Burmese restaurants in town, this brightly lit and friendly spot attached to a large, well-stocked market (which itself is definitely worth a stop) serves as a cultural center for immigrants from the Chin state of Myanmar. Invigorating refreshers such as sweet tea with condensed milk and a cane syrup beverage with puffed rice offer a colorful taste of Burmese culture. Fried rice and soups are solid standards here, as well as luscious and tender curried goat. Their Lahpet Thohk salad, made with fermented tea leaves, greens, and spices, may be one of the best in the region. 2320 E. Stop 11 Rd., 317-888-1850, chinbrothers.com V $$
Chopped Cheese Boys
DELI New York’s beloved bodega snack is the eponymous specialty at this no-frills Irvington convenience store and takeout deli. True to form, well-seasoned ground beef gets chopped on a sizzling flattop, then pressed into a sub sandwich roll and topped with plenty of gooey cheese and mayo, which makes for a rich and flavorful mashup of the smashburger and a Philly cheesesteak. Equally good are crispy fries on the side, especially when seasoned with a shake of lemon pepper. But be sure to dip into the eye-popping menu of wings, chicken tenders, fried fish, and—another Big Apple food cart favorite—chicken over rice (tender grilled chicken breast meat with a signature white sauce slathered over rice). 1520 N. Arlington Ave., 317-3774951, chopped-cheese-boys.business.site $$
Commission Row
BR 2024 FINE DINING This glossy spot from Indy’s near-ubiquitous Cunningham Restaurant Group is just steps from
ITALIAN With a menu that traces the geographical regions in Italy, this is not your average red-sauce joint. The pasta, including curled nests of black squid ink spaghetti and purple beet-infused fettuccine, are all made in-house. The torchietti pasta, tossed with dried figs, black olives, basil, goat cheese, and parmesan, has been known to induce deep cravings in the weeks after eating, and the frutti di mare packs a generous serving of mussels, clams, shrimp, scallops, and calamari with tonnarelli pasta in a spicy and bright tomato sauce. Beyond pasta, the menu offers Neapolitan-style pizzas served blistered and hot from the imported Italian pizza oven, rotating regional specials, and an easy-to-navigate, Italian-heavy wine list that makes picking a bottle for the table a pleasure. 11529 Spring Mill Rd., Carmel, 317-564-4670, convivioindy.com $$$
A Cup of Chai
TEAHOUSE Punjab native Pravy Nijjar’s cozy, funky teahouse, which opened in July of 2023 on a secluded section of Shelby Street in Fountain Square, offers a true taste of Indian-style chai with several different spice profiles. For the genuine article, go for the masala chai, a dairy-forward drink that features ginger, cardamom, fennel, and cloves, equally good hot or iced. Pair that with one of Nijjar’s street food–inspired snacks, such as golden, aromatic samosas or tasty kati rolls (tender paratha stuffed with spiced chicken, paneer, or potatoes). Coffee drinkers can get an espresso or cappuccino, and those avoiding caffeine can go for a spice-infused golden latte, mango lassi, or minty pineapple lemonade. 1028 Shelby St., 317-998-4463, acupofchai.us $
Diavola
PIZZA Pies emerge expertly bubbled and charred from a centerpiece brick oven. Ingredients are simple but top-shelf, including homemade meatballs, spicy sopressata, smooth clumps of fior di latte, and torn basil. 1134 E. 54th St., 317820-5100, diavola.net V $$
Don Juan Peruvian Sandwiches
PERUVIAN Crisp-crusted fresh bread made by a local baker and finished on-site surrounds tempting meats at this darling sandwich shop tucked behind a secluded strip mall at Raymond Street and Sherman Drive. Favorites include the lomo saltado with tender strips of beef tenderloin and the lechon, a South American
SMALL BITE
take on a Hoosier tenderloin featuring breaded pork roast topped with an onion salsa criolla. A fried-fish sandwich and creamy chicken salad get a boost of flavor from the tasty mild green sauce served at the table. 3720 E. Raymond St., 317-377-4677 $
Fernando’s Mexican & Brazilian Cuisine
BR 2024 LATIN AMERICAN A subtle name change due to a legal request from international fast-food chain Nando’s, has done nothing to diminish the spirit and vibrant flavors of this Broad Ripple restaurant featuring the cuisines of Mexico and Brazil. Enjoying a flight of fruit-infused caipirinhas and a plate of crisp, savory chicken croquettes on its spacious sheltered patio is still a warm-weather delight, and dishes like feijoada with fall-apart-tender pork and rich stewed black beans, as well as chicken stroganoff and a Brazilian take on the homey pot pie, remain hearty staples that are hard to find. Fare such as queso fundido and arroz con pollo more than hold their own against the best, and refreshing desserts such as an ultra-creamy flan and Brazilian-style guava cheesecake are worth saving a few bites of your entrees to make room for. A generous list of no-ABV cocktails is also on offer. 834 E. 64th St., 317-377-4779, fernandosindy.com $$$
Field Brewing
BREWPUB This Westfield addition to the local craft brewery scene would be dazzling enough for its mod fixtures and bocce ball court that spans the family-friendly outdoor space, but the menu is as daring as it is easy to pair with the house brews. The kitchen skillfully prepares standout dishes, such as tender lamb ribs with chimichurri and deeply caramelized Brussels sprouts with hunks of bacon that are some of the best in town. 303 E. Main St., Westfield, 317-8049780, fieldbrewing.com V $$$
The Fountain Room
mansion into a glossy place to drink and dine, complete with vintage china and a wildly patterned bar. The oft-changing menu from chef Matt Hamilton defies easy categorization, with influences from across Europe, Indiana’s colonizer class, and big-city trends. Desserts are clever and adventurous without being cloying, while a full bar welcomes solo diners and mixes excellent cocktails. Wines from a wellcurated list, and hail from California, France, Italy, and beyond. 875 Freeland Way, Carmel, 317-400-0436, freelandsrestaurant.com $$$
Gather 22
BR 2024
CONTEMPORARY This colorfully cozy all-day hangout and cocktail spot in Fall Creek Place from Byrne’s Grilled Pizza owners Adam Reinstrom and Pablo Gonzalez draws on Reinstrom’s love of interior design and Gonzalez’s background in innovative mixology. Vibrant wall fixtures by creators such as Bootleg Signs & Murals and revolving works by locals from the LGBTQ art community provide a funky backdrop for sipping seasonal elixirs; salads include a wedge with smoked blue cheese and roasted-poblano ranch. Byrne’s original pizzas, cracker-thin and charred, are on offer, as are thicker-crusted Roman-style oval pies with well-chosen toppings. Fresh takes on shareable plates include crispy-skinned salmon with kale and quinoa. On Sundays, the brunch menu features classics such as egg dishes, French toast, and breakfast pizzas such as the Chilaquiles, a thin crust topped with chorizo, salsa, eggs, and fried tortillas. Coffee drinks and a solid sandwich list anchor the daytime menu, and desserts feature a luxe take on the Hoosier classic sugar cream pie. 22 E. 22nd St., 317-258-2222, gather22.com $$
ON A ROLL
Bloomington’s NY bagel boss, Gables Bagels, is opening an outpost on Zionsville’s Main Street this summer with a menu of breakfast and lunch sandwiches, as well as standard and specialty schmears. To-go orders come through a takeaway window, while lingerers can enjoy a nosh on one of two outdoor decks.
STEAKHOUSE This fine dining offering from local restaurant group Clancy’s Hospitality offers an upscale menu of steaks and seafood in a glitzy Art Deco environment. Sides and appetizers are generous enough to share, so bellying up to the full bar—which offers a classic array of cocktails—can be a great way to begin (or end) a long night out, while those with heartier appetites can opt for one of the restaurant’s comfortable, eyecatching booths, the perfect place to see and be seen. On weekends, brunch is a popular scene, with a broad-ranging list of substantial favorites, from bountiful egg dishes to sweet inspirations. 830 Massachusetts Ave., 463-238-3800, thefountainroom.com $$$
Freeland’s Restaurant
EURO FUSION Tinker Street’s Tom Main says this heritage-based restaurant will be his last, making it worth a visit for the farewell tour aspect, alone. But the setting also compels: A massive renovation has turned an 1890s
The HC Tavern + Kitchen CONTEMPORARY The term “tavern” hardly captures this swank addition to the Huse Culinary Group/St. Elmo family. A hit among starters is the Lobster “Cargot” with lumps of lobster meat in garlic butter and melted havarti. Chops include the supper club darling steak Diane with mushroom cream sauce and horseradish mashed potatoes, though equally regal is the wagyu meatloaf enriched with pork and veal, sauced with a truffle mushro om demi-glace. The Yard at Fishers District, 317530-4242, atthehc.com $$$
Hikaru Hibachi Express and Sushi
JAPANESE While not for sushi purists—the most popular roll is NY strip steak, and many others are deep-fried, heavy on mayo and sweet sauces, or feature baked fish—this unimposing eatery in the former Hellas location does what it does well. Onion soup is piping hot, bright, and bolstered with bits of mushroom. Seaweed salad is dotted with red pepper and cucumbers. Forkful after forkful of savory veggie fried rice is fluffy, needing not a drop of the accompanying Yum Yum Sauce. Shrimp tempura is wonderfully
light and crunchy. Flavorful chicken hibachi includes aromatic wedges of just-soft-enough sweet potato. When you dine in, know that you’re supposed to place (and pay for) your order at the register before you sit down. 8501 Westfield Blvd., 317-552-2988, hikarunora.com V $$
Hoosier Roots
COMFORT Don’t miss this gem serving familystyle mains and side dishes in a roadhouse setting. Owner Greg Steller runs the tiny kitchen, preparing house-smoked salmon, herb-crusted roast beef, beer can chicken, and other classics. 26 E. Main St., Pittsboro, 317-892-0071, hoosierrootscatering.com $$
Hyderabad House
INDIAN This Texas-based chain bills itself as a “Biryani House” and specializes in nearly 15 varieties of the hearty basmati rice dish. Giant, delectable dosas filled with potatoes, chili paneer, or chicken tikka and served with a trio of spicy sauces are a highlight, especially on Thursday’s unlimited dosas night. Multiple locations, hhindianapolis.com V $$
Julieta Taco Shop
BR 2024 MEXICAN Gabriel Sañudo and Esteban Rosas’ taco shop in the Stutz Building shows the pair’s skill and fine dining experience in little details such as the marinades for meats, tortillas handcrafted from heirloom corn varieties, and surprisingly flavorful vegetarian options. Their tender grilled or braised meats are excellent but the signature taco al pastor is the star. 1060 N. Capitol Ave. $$
Josephine
NEW CONTEMPORARY FRENCH Ambrosia Hospitality Group might be best known for its Italian ventures, but for their newest restaurant, Dan Cage and Anna Pizzi Cage looked back to their newlywed days spent in France. The result is Josephine—named after Emperor Napoléon Bonaparte’s first wife—a modern take on bistro fare. Chef Andrew Popp has built a menu that balances out classics of the genre (yes, escargot and steak tartare are on the list) with twists on French onion soup—lightened here with chicken broth and sherry—and a citrus and fennel salad. Standout desserts include pot de crème topped with amaretto cream and an individual goat cheesecake topped with syrup-soaked cherries. For a breezier experience, ask for a seat at the bar, soundtracked with French jazz and dotted by quirky pendant lighting. 110 W. Main St., Carmel, 317-548-3589, josephinecarmel.com $$$$
King Dough
PIZZA Chewy and with just the right flop in the middle, the pizzas here are bona fide craft, from the dough to the quality toppings. A standout is the Stinky Pete with wild mushrooms, gorgonzola, and plenty of garlic and herbs. Burgers, including one made from chorizo and topped with manchego cheese, play surprisingly close second fiddles to the pies. Cocktails concocted from boutique liqueurs and aromatics are reason enough to drop in, and they make for perfect sippers while you wait for your
SMALL BITE
pie on the patio. Don’t miss trying one of the carefully curated natural wines. Multiple locations, kingdoughpizzas.com V $$
Late Harvest Kitchen
CONTEMPORARY A luscious comfort food menu delivers top-shelf versions of family-table dishes, such as chunked kielbasa (on a base of mustard spaetzle browned in dill butter) and braised short ribs. 8605 River Crossing Blvd., 317-663-8063, lateharvestkitchen.com $$$
Livery
LATIN This place feels like a hidden urban treasure, especially when the mezcal cocktails are flowing and the partially open kitchen is sending out plate after plate of contemporary Latin-inspired fare. Favorites have included a salad tucked inside a folded manchego crisp, meltingly tender steak fanned over a block of polenta, and a silky tres leches cake that is to die for. Snag a spot on the upper-level deck for a real treat. 720 N. College Ave., 317383-0330, livery-restaurant.com $$$
The Loft Restaurant
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 and locally cured meats. Niman Ranch steaks, seasonal fish, and housemade yeast rolls are always solid choices, as is the burger made with 100-percent grass-fed beef. 9101 Moore Rd., Zionsville, 317-733-1700, traderspointcreamery.com V $$$
Lone Pine
STEAKHOUSE Beholder partner Josh Mazanowski’s solo restaurant is a cuttingedge chophouse with a menu that has a range as wide as Mazanowski’s palate, which he’s honed during his career as a sommelier. While steaks remain a mainstay, much of the menu is a rotating feast. Watch for items like a cassoulet with Old Major Toulouse sausage, smoky roasted carrots with tahini, or creamy local greens with miso. Desserts are made in-house and include a stellar panna cotta, and the wine list leans heavily on Napa Valley’s best, with some notable bottles from France and Italy to also consider. 710 S. Rangeline Rd., Carmel, 317-907-0177, lonepinecarmel.com $$$
Love Handle
SANDWICHES Daily lunch and brunch features such as schnitzel and waffles and a pulledchicken Hot Brown are the main draw at Chris and Ally Benedyk’s cheeky breakfast and sandwich shop. The chalkboard menu (which is also updated online) offers a list of side options such as braised greens and potato salad with roasted tomatoes. Fridays often see a fish special, and weekends are a chef’s playground of eggy experiments, satisfying hashes, and sweet sides. 877 Massachusetts Ave., 317-384-1102 $$
Macizo
MEXICAN/PERUVIAN Owners Luz and Omar Gonza have married their respective Peruvian and Mexican backgrounds with a creative and experimental approach to dining that weaves unexpected offerings such as housemade focaccia and pound cake a la mode in with standout ceviche, tortas, and unique, culturebridging tacos. Beverages include beer, wine, and lower ABV cocktails like sangria and milk punches, as well as agua frescas and coffee drinks, all served in a brightly colored and minimal-chic dining room soundtracked with a hip throwback playlist. Keep an eye out for the house-made salsa macha and grab a sourdough loaf to go. 6335 Intech Commons Dr., 463-202-2853, macizorestaurant.com $$$
Magdalena
SOUTHERN West side born-and-raised Nick Detrich has returned to Indianapolis after decades running restaurants in New Orleans— and he’s brought the French Quarter back with him. This seafood-heavy Fountain Square spot leverages its building’s crumbling brick and exposed infrastructure to create a moodily lit space that makes for a great date night, but a solo dinner at a bar seat is just as satisfying. Start with some oysters, then order an assembly of small plates to share, or head straight to the substantial list of mains paired with an expertly crafted cocktail; no-ABV options are also in abundance. The dessert list also nods to the Lowcountry, with puddings, ice creams, and possets that are generous enough to easily satisfy two. 1127 Shelby St., 317-691-8021, magdalena.bar $$$
Chef Alex Teague
PRIVATE CHEF
Chef Teague specializes in creating unforgettable high-end cuisine focusing on dinner parties & events, meal prep, private chef services, restaurant consulting work, cooking classes and any fun project that involves sharing his passion for food! His eclectic organic, and sustainably sourced ingredients whenever possible.
Scan the QR Code to book a consultation or visit chefalexteague.com for more information.
Max & Tilly’s
BRITISH A traditional UK-style chip shop from the owner of Tilly’s Tea Room, Max & Tilly’s serves traditional pub classics such as cock-a-leekie soup and mushy peas alongside house-baked scones, spotted dick, and Bakewell tarts. It’s the fried offerings that transport you to a cozy mystery mindset, especially the Filthy Fries with hot shredded roast beef and, of course, the golden planks of beer-battered cod over hand-cut chips. 8701 E. 116th St., Fishers, maxandtillys.com $$
Milktooth
BR 2024 BRUNCH This airy diner-style cafe has a playfully gritty vibe and a menu that changes with both the seasons and the whims of its chef. The early morning counter service featuring pastries and coffee gives way to a full-service brunch and lunch menu—if they’re serving a Dutch baby pancake, get it. Daytime craft cocktails are also on offer, pairing well with a rotating selection of substantial savory offerings such as latkes, sandwiches, and salads. 534 Virginia Ave., 317-986-5131, milktoothindy.com V $$
Modita
ASIAN-INSPIRED The lavish restaurant in Bottleworks District’s showpiece slot gets extra style points for its gorgeous industrial-sleek decor that is equal parts silk wallpaper and factory-grade doors. Sip a Singha or a citrusy Tokyo Exchange Rate under the glow of dangling pendants and soak up the thoughtfully preserved vintage vibe. 850 Massachusetts Ave., 317-316-0470, modita.com $$$
The Monk’s
INDOCHINESE Popularized during the British Empire in Calcutta, the aromatic fusion cuisine known as Indochinese food takes the stage at this stylish Houston-based franchise that opened in the summer of 2023 just off Main Street in Carmel. Starters, such as paneer-stuffed steamed dumplings, juicy chicken drumsticks, samosas, and spring rolls, are a must. For the true experience, try one of the wok-cooked dishes labeled Chinese, or go for delicate Hakka noodles or fried rice with either burnt garlic or masala. House-made desserts include a small case of pastries and a version of the popular gulab jamun with rose preserves. Most dishes have some heat, so be sure to ask for your preferred spice level. 13080 Grand Blvd., Carmel, 317-564-8266, monkscarmel.com V $$
Mr. Patakon
COLUMBIAN The name of Diana Moreno and Brenda Sánchez’s festive southside Colombian restaurant comes from the popular Latin and South American dish patacones—flattened, fried plantains filled with everything from shredded barbecue chicken criollo to cheese, corn, and shredded beef. Other fare includes colorfully conceived hot dogs like the Super Perro, topped with every meat in the kitchen, quail eggs, and a special house sauce. Fruit drinks and desserts, especially obleas (wafer cookies filled with dulce de leche and cheese), are a rich flavor experience like no other in the city. 7415 U.S. 31, 317-692-9829, mrpatakon.com $$
Natural State Provisions
PUB Customers order at the counter and find a table inside this former microbrewery reinvented as an endearingly kitschy restaurant, while on warmer days they take a seat outside in a breezy, tented space next to the bar’s friendly dog park. The food is rooted in homestyle Midwestern traditions, which means many options are fried and best enjoyed on the spot. Unpretentious beers rule the day, but the bar also boasts a low-key strength in the cocktail arts. 414 Dorman St., 317-492-9887, naturalstateprovisions.com $$
Nesso
ITALIAN Highly stylized seafood and meats paired with small pasta courses and shared a la carte sides add up to a sumptuous dining experience inside The Alexander hotel. Pass around a plate of prosciutto-wrapped prunes or crab arancini, but keep the tortelloni and sea bass all to yourself. 339 S. Delaware St., 317-6437400, nesso-italia.com $$$
Nowhere Special
avocado, are stars on the menu at the south side location of Dexter and Toni Smith’s cheery eatery. 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. The restaurant began as a carryout spot on North Sherman and later in Little Flower, so this location luxuriates in its permanence with a full bar, and cocktails—such as the creamy, floral Respect Your Elders with bourbon, elderflower, and lemon—are a must. 4022 Shelby St., 317974-9032, opennkitchen.org $$
ATHLETIC SUPPORTER
The Sports Bra, a Portland, Oregon, sports bar that only shows women’s athletics on its screens, has Indy in its sights. The company says it’s expanding to cities with a deep commitment to ladies in the game. We assume Caitlin Clark will have a standing invitation to the VIP section.
COCKTAIL BITES Opened in the erstwhile subterranean home of The Libertine on Mass Ave in late June of 2023, Dan Cage’s funky cocktail lounge and small bites spot is far from its all-too-modest name. Sleek banquettes in earthy greens and brushed brass tabletops provide an elegant backdrop to classic pours and a host of new elixirs created by the talented bar staff. Try the light and fruity Love Island with passion fruit liqueur, tangy citrus cordial, and bubbles. Surprisingly generous small plates include an Asian-inspired smashed cucumber salad and an earthy wood ear mushroom salad that’s meaty and satisfying. Hearty beef dumplings with chili crisps and a soy dipping sauce are a highlight, as is the luxe mushroom butter on the bread plate. A nicely restrained bread pudding with a good hit of salt in a warm caramel sauce is a knockout of a finale that won’t weigh you down on a night of barhopping— or bar-staying. 608 Massachusetts Ave. $$
Oakleys Bistro
CONTEMPORARY The meticulously plated fare at Steven Oakley’s eatery hails from a culinary era when sprigs of herbs and puddles of purees provided the flavor, and every single element on the plate served a purpose. The presentations are wild, with menu descriptions giving little more than clues as to what might arrive at the table. Before ordering, ask some probing questions about anything that appears in quotes, such as a creative “Coq au Vin,” so you can be sure you’re getting what you’re expecting. 1464 W. 86th St., 317-824-1231, oakleysbistro.com V $$$
Open Kitchen
NEW AMERICAN Breakfast specialties, such as light-as-air French toast, biscuits and gravy, and eggs Benedict lavished with crab and
Our Table
CONTEMPORARY The location is suitably cozy and out of the way for Bargersville’s newest fine dining destination, which lurks at one end of a glossy Johnson County strip mall. Chef and owner Joe Miller focuses on gorgeous, rustic plates of steak, seafood, and Old World lasagna made with fresh pasta and generous layers of beef Bolognese, mozzarella, and creamy ricotta. The $2 brioche sliders (buttermilk fried chicken or beef tenderloin with crispy onions and horseradish creme fraiche) are little bites of heaven. 5080 State Rd. 135, Bargersville, 317-8474920, ourtablerestaurant.com V $$$
Pisco Mar
PERUVIAN Carb-rich Peruvian fare gets some surprising touches at this Allisonville Road restaurant. Vibrant music and a spacious dining room provide a bustling backdrop for a hearty cuisine that pulls from both land and sea, served swiftly and in eyepoppingly generous portions. Tangy, citrusy ceviche is a good starting point and comes in different versions, including Leche de Tigre or Vuelve a la Vida. Both pair beautifully with Causita de Pollo, a mound of creamy mashed potatoes layered with avocado and topped with a creamy chicken-based sauce. Shredded chicken with a lush yellow pepper sauce and a wine-enriched, vegetable-laden beef stew are the most classic main dishes for those getting a first taste of the cuisine. The big appetites at the table will appreciate meaty dishes such as Lomo Saltado, sauteed strips of beef with onions and tomatoes, or a so-called “poor man’s plate” that pairs two generous strips of angus steak with french fries, rice, plantains, and eggs. 9546 Allisonville Rd., 317-537-2025 $$$
Revery
CONTEMPORARY This bistro in Old Greenwood offers approachable fine dining, with a workingman’s bar on the historic building’s back end. Small plates have included beets
SMALL BITE
with whipped goat cheese and wasabi and cheese curds fried in chorizo oil; mains include ambitious fish, beef, and chicken entrees as well as an occasional pasta. Desserts are generous enough to share. 299 W. Main St., Greenwood, 317215-4164, reverygreenwood.com V $$$
Rick’s Cafe Boatyard
SEAFOOD You don’t have to be a Parrothead 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 $$$
Sam’s Square Pie
BR
2024
PIZZA Detroit-style pizza obsessive Jeff Miner’s pop-up pie shop now has a permanent home on Indy’s near eastside, giving followers and newcomers easy access to his award-winning square-cut pizzas. Just don’t expect a laundry list of available toppings or side options like salads and wings. This spot is a single-minded homage to pan-baked pizzas with a signature crown of well-browned cheese around the edges of the chewy, sturdy crust. Topping combos include the signature El Jefe with two styles of pepperoni, kicky Italian sausage, dollops of ricotta, and a drizzle of spicy honey. Slightly thinner and larger Sicilian pies occasionally appear on the menu, so snag one if you can, especially his sausage-topped High Plains Drifter that garnered second place at Las Vegas’ Pizza Expo. Cheesy garlic bread made with Miner’s pizza dough and garlic knots slathered in butter are also available, but it’s best to save room for the main attraction. Order ahead for faster service, but be sure to dine in to enjoy the whole funky experience. 2829 E. 10th St., samssquarepie. com, V $$$
Sidedoor Bagel
BRUNCH Appropriately dense and chewy with that required crackly sheen, the hand-rolled sourdough rings at Josh and Emily Greeson’s walk-up bagel shop are the stars of the show. The flavor selection varies, but flaky salt, Everything, sesame, and poppy are all solid standbys. Order yours sliced and schmeared at the counter, then score an outdoor table or head back home (it’s carryout only). Don’t miss the daily sandwiches, which range from the open-faced Lox & Loaded to the Turkey Bacon Club with Fischer Farms turkey and Old Major Market bacon. Those who prefer to dine at home can stock up a bagged dozens and containers of flavored cream cheese to go. 1103 E. 10th St., sidedoorbagel.com V $$
SmockTown Brewery
BREWERY Brother-in-law duo Mark Sublette and Ken Johnson’s Old Town Greenwood brewery and Attic Hardware walk-up speakeasy do double duty for day drinking ambers and porters or sipping old fashioneds on the second-story veranda. The food menu includes pizzas, loaded tots, and a fun bruschetta. 223 W. Main St., Greenwood, 317-215-4836, smocktown.com $$
St. Elmo Steak House
BR 2024 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 martini or bottle from its vast and lauded wine list, a shrimp cocktail with that notoriously hot cocktail sauce, the bean soup or tomato juice, the wedge, and one of the well-aged, gorgeously marbled and completely legendary steaks. 127 S. Illinois St., 317-635-0636, stelmos.com $$$
Shadow Lounge
SOUL FOOD After a major renovation, the former Marco’s Restaurant and Lounge has been transformed into a rollicking dining destination. Chef Tia Wilson, late of wing spot Chicken Scratch, is in the kitchen, serving Southern and soul-infused dishes such as lamb lollipops, Cajun penne, and garlic-parmesan wings. The cocktails are strong, the music is loud, and while dinner is delightful, brunch is the real scene. 2380 E. 54th St., 317-9749288, shadowloungeindy.com $$$
Shapiro’s
Delicatessen
DELI Slide your tray along and take your pick of kosher comfort foods at this family-owned downtown institution, which is just as well known for its food as it is as a cozy, comfortable gathering place for generations of Hoosiers. Hot pastrami and corned beef sandwiches on house-made rye (which is available by the loaf) have drawn long lines for more than a century, and its Reuben is a contender for the city’s best. If you don’t load up on a massive slice of cheesecake or pie, you haven’t really had the proper Shapiro’s experience. 808 S. Meridian St., 317-631-4041, shapiros.com $$
Tinker Street
BR 2024 NEW AMERICAN Diners are in for a delightful treat at this cozy, detailoriented restaurant where the open kitchen almost feels like part of the dining room. The menu changes with the seasons, but the soup is always something lush and vegan, the Duck & Dumplings (featuring duck confit and truffled dumplings) sells out fast, and the person who orders the pork chop will be the most envied diner at the table. The cocktails are delicate, the wine list well-curated, and its bar staff ready to offer mocktails. Don’t skip dessert, especially if it involves a scoop of ice cream. While Tinker Street sets aside some tables for walk-in diners, reservations are available online and are a good idea Thursday through Sunday. 402 E. 16th St., 317-925-5000, tinkerstreetrestaurant.com V $$$
Trax BBQ
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 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 $$
Umi Sushi & Seafood Buffet
BUFFET The sheer volume of all-you-can-eat food offered at this Castleton feed house is most impressive. Diners are greeted just inside the door with a full sushi bar cranking out vibrant raw fish in every configuration, including flanks of smoky unagi on sticky rice and tiny saucers of fish roe offered up like condiments. Piles of steamed crustaceans await cracking, and you can create your own ramen combo. Dim sum gets its own section of dumplings and sticky chicken feet. And milky boba teas in already-sealed cups sweeten the deal. 6304 E. 82nd St., 317-350-8888, umibuffet.com $$$
Vicino
BR 2024
ITALIAN More than filling Mass Ave’s pasta needs, this modern, colorful trattoria from the owners of The Oakmont measures up to some of the best Italian spots anywhere in the city. Pastas are rotating and seasonal, as is a menu of substantial mains and blistered, wood-fired pizzas, many of which are tweaked for a fun weekend brunch menu. For lunch, there are sandwiches, salads, and tweaked versions of dishes from the dinner menu. A solid wine and craft cocktail list rounds the experience out nicely. Its fenced-in outdoor dining area on one of downtown’s most colorful corners makes for excellent people-watching; dogs are welcomed on the patio with water and abundant praise and attention from the excellent staff. 350 Massachusetts Ave., 317-798-2492, vicinoindy. com V $$
Wisanggeni Pawon
BR 2024 INDONESIAN The talents of chefs Bambang Wisanggeni and Putri Pratiwi make dining at Wisanggeni Pawon a superb experience. The husband-andwife duo presents the complex, spice-forward dishes of their homeland, as well as some hibachi favorites drawn from their experience at nearby Japanese restaurants. Split a platter of martabak telor, a hearty beef omelet encased in crispy wonton skin, or share some steamed Indonesian dumplings with a rich peanut sauce. The signature beef rendang also stands out, as does the Maduranese fried duck. 2450 E. 71st St., 317-756-9477, wpawon.com V $$
YOU MAY HAVE BEEN TO A CONCERT, A YOGA CLASS, OR EVEN A WEDDING CEREMONY IN ITS SHADOW. BUT THIS FIXTURE SYNONYMOUS WITH HOLLIDAY PARK HAS A TALE ALL ITS OWN TO TELL.
BY CHRISTINA VERCELLETTO
IT’S SO FAMILIAR that an obvious question may not register: What is it the ruins of? The answer is an 1898 office tower. At 26 floors, the St. Paul Building was New York City’s first “skyscraper,” named for the adjacent St. Paul’s Chapel now famed for miraculously escaping damage when the Twin Towers collapsed less than 100 yards away. On the building’s face was a trio of high relief atlas figures sculpted by Karl Bitter called The Races of Man. Before the building was demolished in 1958, a national contest solicited proposals to preserve the statues, worth $150,000 ($1.7 million today). Indianapolis artist Elmer Taflinger sketched the winning design. A proposed reconstruction of the building’s facade in Holliday Park, it also included major landscaping, including one European hornbeam for each U.S. state. (The trees couldn’t tolerate our winters and were replaced with silver leaf lindens.) The project took 20 years to finish due to Taflinger’s continual need of funds and habit of improvising. As buildings in Indianapolis were torn down, he salvaged bits to work into his project. Among those were a horse trough formerly at the base of a monument in Fountain Square, Greek columns from the Sisters of the Good Shepherd Convent, statues of goddesses from atop the Marion County Courthouse, and part of a church altar. Time was not kind to the Ruins, though, and it eventually sat decaying behind a chain-link fence. But in 2012, a four-year push to save it began, bolstered by thousands of donations to the Holliday Park Foundation, says co-chair of the revitalization committee, Lisa Hurst. “We hope the community treasures this priceless asset they helped bring back to life.”
