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Give directly to nonprofits you know and love, or open a charitable fund with us, and we’ll help you discover and support organizations that align with the causes you care about most.
42
SLICE OF LIFE
Indianapolis has emerged as a legitimate pizza powerhouse in recent years. From generations-old mom-and-pop shops to award-winning artisanal upstarts, the Circle City offers a style for every palate (and mood).
EDITED BY EVE BATEY
50
50 OVER 50
Thirty under 30? Pshaw. Proving that it’s never too late to shine, our bold and brilliant over-50 cohort has us awed. In a world fixated on youth, these inspiring individuals defy expectations every day.
58
DIVINE INSPIRATION
A couple who met through a misdialed text message allowed fate to guide them to purchase a historic home in Cambridge City where their growing family of eight and their creativity could flourish. BY JEANA HARRIS
Joy abounds in a Cambridge City charmer.
Photograph by Tony Valainis. Retouching by Andrew Davis.
PHOTO BY TONY VALAINIS
EDITED BY CHRISTINA VERCELLETTO
YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
BLOOD AND BONE MARROW INDIANA’S PREMIER TRANSPLANT PROGRAM 25
CIRCLE CITY
11 SPEED READ
The cycling environment is growing more welcoming on the Monon and Fall Creek trails, where pedalers both push their training limits and bike out of necessity. 14 THE HOOSIERIST
Our Indiana expert fact checks a quotable claim about the USS Indianapolis from the movie Jaws
UNSPOKEN RULES
A manner-festo for Turner Gymnasium, Indy’s newest— and oldest—gym.
ASK ME ANYTHING
Will Shortz has lived in New York for decades, but the crossword puzzle editor of The New York Times is still a Hoosier at heart. 18 BEST BETS
Five can’t-miss events in Indy this month.
GOOD LIFE
21 WANTED
Whether destined to be a mealtime helpmate or sleek grazing platter, this Purposeful Design cutting board is handsome enough to keep out on your kitchen counter.
22
STREET SAVVY
Noblesville’s courthouse square buzzes with browseworthy boutiques, a cigar aficionado’s haven, a crafty hub, and more.
24 REALTY CHECK
The founder of House Seven Design has listed her sweet Broad Ripple bungalow. 26 TRAVELER
Pour yourself a cup of ambition and visit Dolly Parton’s popular Tennessee park.
26 DAY TRIP
Make a memorable beach day at Michigan City’s sand sculpting festival.
A tour of the city’s best eats, from fine dining to favorite dives.
THE DISH
31 SWOON
Salt’s Carmel outpost serves up a Malibu power lunch of Indiana tomato salad with the catch of the day. 32
FIRST BITE
Tilly’s Tea Room makes a triumphant return, Daisy Bar blooms at the Factory Arts District, and Tanorria Askew eschews perfectionism. 34
FOODIE
Warfleigh Cottage Garden’s Ben Matthews delivers Indy-grown greens one bike trip at a time.
36
TASTE TEST
Bring on the bloody marys, a boozy brunch staple that sings with flavor.
38
REVIEW
Ambrosia Hospitality Group ushers in a French Renaissance with its latest offering, Carmel’s Josephine.
A witness to Fishers’ past as a farming hamlet struggles to withstand time.
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EDITOR’S NOTE
WHEN I considered topics for this month’s opening letter, I originally landed on pizza. Everybody loves pizza, right? I felt like I could not go wrong.
But then I met Barbara Boyd. Legendary Indianapolis broadcast icon Barbara freaking Boyd, who at 96 is as stunning and dazzling as she ever was in her WRTV consumer reporter days—maybe moreso. I was starstruck. This tiny, vivacious, stylish woman had the entire population of the IM headquarters eating from the palm of her hand when she came in to be photographed for our “50 Over 50” feature (p. 50, aptly).
Andrea Ratcliff Editor-in-Chief
As the editorial team discussed candidates for the compilation, Boyd’s name was among the first tossed in the ring. She was a shoo-in. But then others followed. Patachou founder Martha Hoover was a must, as were Pattern publisher Polina Osherov and all the members of rock band The Last IV, longtime veterans of Indy’s live music scene who recently released their debut album. The final roster, which is our spin on “30 Under 30” and “40 Under 40” lists, includes CEOs, artists, restaurateurs, animal rights advocates, journalists, podcasters, performers, and more who are living their best lives from middle age upward. Their stories uplifted us, and their personalities filled our offices with positive, contagious energy when they gathered for portrait sessions back in May. At the center of it all was a mysterious, distinguished gentleman with a crystaltopped walking cane who introduced himself by the moniker “As Usual.” His is a story we can’t tell, as he was accompanying another guest and preferred to maintain his anonymity.
After you digest the full list of inspiring 50-plus Indy residents, dig into our cover article (p. 42) showcasing local pizza trends such as Indian and halal styles, glutenfree crusts, and wood-fired pies. Our dining writers and pizzaiolos provide ample recommendations to assure that readers won’t go hungry anytime soon.
( CONTRIBUTORS )
PUBLISHER Ivy Bayer
EDITORIAL
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Andrea Ratcliff
FEATURES EDITOR
Julia Spalding
LIFESTYLE EDITOR
Christina Vercelletto
FOOD & DINING EDITOR Eve Batey
MANAGING EDITOR
Camille Graves
DIGITAL EDITOR Clay Maxfield
Art | production
DESIGN DIRECTOR
Margo Wininger
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Vu Luong
EDITORIAL ART DIRECTOR Maura Broderson
ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR Christiana Bertsch
Advertising | Business SALES DIRECTOR Holly Whitney ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Amy Cecil, Jena Jennings, Nancy Oliphant
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Missy Beiting
IndianapolisMonthly.com/ advertise-with-us
Camille Arnett
Writer and nonprofit pro
Camille Arnett writes shortand longform fiction and essays covering themes of romance, gender, Midwestern identity, and technology. A decade-long Indy resident, she is rediscovering the sense of childhood wonder that comes from exploring the city on two wheels, like the cycling enthusiasts in this month’s Speed Read (p. 11).
Jess McGregor
Illustrator Jess McGregor is the founder of Soulflower Print Co. She screenprints her designs blending whimsy with sustainability on upcycled apparel and handmade paper goods. She finds endless inspiration in nature and everyday affirmations—the kind you gain from hitting the trails and breezing through the trees on a bike (p. 11).
Vespe
Like puzzle-maker Will Shortz, the subject of Ask Me Anything (p. 16), Jim Vespe lives in Westchester County, New York. Vespe previously sold 150 jokes to Joan Rivers but has yet to sell any to another Westchester resident: David Letterman. Vespe has had a puzzle appear on NPR’s Weekend Edition. Hint: One of the answers is a famous Hoosier.
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS IN THIS ISSUE
65 // MEDICAL GUIDE
Our annual list of area hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and focused practices provides details about the services offered at each site. The accompanying doctor profiles introduce readers to physicians and dentists with a wide range of specialties, from ophthalmology to orthopedic surgery.
85 // WNBA ALL-STAR GAME FAN GUIDE
Indianapolis hosts the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game in tandem with the Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration, presenting a weekend full of games and competitions, fan-friendly activations, and arts and culture events.
COLLEGE GUIDE:
Our profiles of Indiana colleges and universities give a bythe-numbers guide to the stats, strengths, and specialties of higher learning institutions throughout the state. We’ll speak with educators and administrators about the college application process, curriculum, student activities, and more.
CIRCLE CITY
SPEED READ
Pedaling Progress
On the Monon or Fall Creek trails, it’s an everyday occurrence to spot groups of cyclists in training gear drifting by at 15 miles per hour. Less visible are those who need to bike out of necessity. But the cycling environment is growing more welcoming for both.
LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING. Since Indianapolis is such a heavily car-dominated city, it’s easy to assume bike commuters are in a tiny minority. Those biking for leisure seem to be much more visible, so it’s commonly underestimated just how many must pedal to work or to run errands. Not everyone has the luxury of auto transportation, stresses LaNisha Clark, executive director of Freewheelin’ Community Bikes, the only fullservice nonprofit bike shop in Marion County. “There are bike commuters who’re like, ‘I don’t own a car. This is it. I need help so I can get my medicine,’” she says. “It’s very common. It’s reflective of the community.” Many comparably sized cities have reputations as cycle-commute havens. We don’t.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IS NOT A STATE GOVERNMENT FUNDING PRIORITY. Car-free modes of transit have long been a point of contention in Indiana, perhaps most notably with the ban on the construction of a light rail in 2014 and the 2024 legislative session’s Senate Bill 52, which prohibited the designated bus lanes integral to the Blue Line bus project. Although that bill was eventually dropped, the Blue Line’s reach has been diluted by the ensuing compromise.
BUT WE’VE HAD LOCAL RESISTANCE TOO. Expansion of biking infrastructure hasn’t gone without pushback within Marion County. Meridian-Kessler businesses successfully fought the Department of Public Works’ plan to add bike lanes in the 49th and Pennsylvania area because it would infringe on street parking. Residents in Mapleton-Fall Creek also fought against bike lanes to protect their street parking but lost.
thanks to its small-town vibe and proximity to downtown. To get from Irvington to downtown, there are five routes to choose from: Michigan or New York streets, Pleasant Run Trail, Pogue’s Run Trail through Brookside, or simply riding through the neighborhoods in between. For Broad Ripple residents, the Monon is a straight shot to downtown, which then connects to Fountain Square via the Cultural Trail. Heading north, you can get from Broad Ripple to Carmel in less than an hour.
WE HAVE BIKING DESERTS. For every Irvington or Broad Ripple, there’s also a community—or two—with no infrastructure. Bike Indianapolis, a nonprofit supporting everyday cyclists, maintains a map of bike lanes and trails. Some areas are flush, but others, like Eagledale and the east side south of 38th Street, including MartindaleBrightwood, among others, are barren. “There are neighborhoods that have no resources,” Bike Indianapolis and Central Indiana Biking Association executive director Tony Cherolis points out. Without solid infrastructure and upkeep like proper signage and clean lanes, cycling is more dangerous. Even the residential streets that surround key biking corridors, like the B&O Trail in Brownsburg, the Monon Trail, and the Fall Creek Trail, don’t offer safe access to them by bike, adds Cherolis.
AND ADVOCACY IS ONGOING. Education— both for cyclists and for drivers—is a long-term project that Freewheelin’ is tackling. Getting the word out on the importance of supporting biking for all is key. “That education piece could trigger safer streets,” Clark says. “I look forward to the phase where we look at all these miles of new bike infrastructure trails and green spaces and can learn together how to use them.”
LOCATION MATTERS. Indianapolis is cruising ahead of such challenges, but to what degree depends on where you live. “I don’t think Indy is a good city to ride; I would say it’s a great city,” says Ron Lewis, general manager of Indy Cycle Specialist. He’s been bike commuting for decades, much of that time between Irvington and Broad Ripple. “Over the course of 24 years, the growth has just been tremendous.” Irvington is a commuter-friendly neighborhood
INDY’S REPUTATION IS CHANGING. The infrastructure to support bikers of all stripes is only expanding, with new lanes, sharrows (pavement markings on streets too narrow for regular bike lanes), and safety regulations. Organizations like Bike Indianapolis and the CIRTA Commuter Connect program create opportunities for people to make the jump to cycling. The Indianapolis portion of the Nickel Plate Trail’s opening was slated for June at press time. It will run from the fairgrounds near 46th Street and Fall Creek Parkway up to 96th Street and Hague Road. Cherolis has a positive outlook on the expansion of the Indy bike community: “The more people ride, the safer things will get.” Things will get safer for kids too. On National Bike to School Day, Clark was out first thing in the morning with her team to pedal to school with the kids at IPS School 60. Children can be commuters too, sometimes combining biking with a ride on an IndyGo bus. “I love that we’re seeing Indianapolis come online,” Clark says. “I feel like we’re catching up to where we want to be.” —CAMILLE ARNETT ( SPEED READ CONTINUED )
BUT IMPROVEMENTS ARE AFOOT. The city understands the importance of bike lanes better than most realize. In 2024, following a 12-month period which saw more than 100 cyclist or pedestrian deaths in vehicle collisions, the city created the Vision Zero plan with hopes of ending all such fatalities by 2035. These initiatives are crucial. As Lewis puts it, “The cyclist is going to lose a car-versus-bike interaction every time.” Additionally, the DPW began initiatives in 2024 to “transform roads to accommodate all road users,” including adding 21 miles of dedicated bike lanes, 84 new signals at intersections, 17 miles of trails, and 2,000 ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps. This mission, called Complete Streets, is also poised to improve situations for all commuters.
HER Design Build Leads with Boldness and Designs with Function and Beauty
From transforming residential remodels to training future carpenters, Keianna Rae Harrison-Williams, M.A., Ph.D., has transformed a knack for making bold, thoughtful choices into a multifaceted business. BY SARAH MULLINS
GOING FROM tenure-track professor to home designer isn’t a typical career path. But for Keianna Harrison-Williams, founder of HER Design Build, the journey began with a natural impulse to make bold moves and a knack for solving construction and designbuild problems. While Harrison-Williams was still teaching, her partner was a home flipper. She frequently visited his projects and felt the designs too often took unmindful shortcuts and sacrificed care for convenience, for example, placing bathrooms off of kitchens and laundry rooms in basements—choices Harrison-Williams says killed the resale value of many of the homes. She began having conversations with contractors and convincing them to make adjustments to plans. She didn’t realize it at the time, but she had an eye for where function meets beauty. And though she wasn’t formally trained, she wanted to learn. “I was not previously remotely interested in interior design or construction at all—I didn’t watch HGTV,” Harrison-Williams recalls. What began as adventurous baby steps into design evolved into a multifaceted business that offers residential remodeling and commercial construction services, from interior design, to home staging, to design build, and more.
craftsmanship, creativity, and care, whether you’re reimagining your home or building out a business space. She understands that remodeling and construction projects are deeply personal investments, and she prioritizes listening to clients and making thoughtful choices to ensure results are beautiful, functional, and built to last.
Since those bold days, Harrison-Williams has developed HER Design Build into a company that delivers the best in
Harrison-Williams’ services don’t stop there. When she first started HER Design Build and began hiring its first employees, skilled applicants were scarce.
“I was getting graduates from college that couldn’t draw using computer programs and carpenters who couldn’t read a tape measure,” says Harrison-Williams. “I started training folks who wanted to learn the business.” Instructing students in everything from architecture and interior design to plumbing and HVAC, HER Home Design Academy was born.
HER Design Build and HER Home Design Academy now occupy a 15,000-square-foot space with offices, a boutique, and a community center that hosts mom groups and free communal events. “They say integrity is what you do when no one else is watching, and that’s how I operate, not only as a leader but as a person.”
Truth vs. Jaws
Q : I-465 IS ALSO THE USS INDIANAPOLIS MEMORIAL HIGHWAY. EVERY TIME I SEE THAT SIGN, I WONDER: IS THE BIT IN JAWS TRUE?
A: The heavy cruiser Indianapolis was sunk by Japanese torpedoes 80 years ago this month, going down in 12 minutes and plunging its crew into the Philippine Sea. It took rescuers four days to arrive. Quint’s monologue in Jaws— “Eleven-hundred men went into the water, 316 men come out. The sharks took the rest”—isn’t entirely true. Several hundred of the cruiser’s complement of 1,195 went down with the ship. Many of the rest died of injuries, hypothermia, or ingesting saltwater or fuel oil. But possibly as many as 150 were indeed eaten alive by the oceanic whitetip sharks that swarmed the site. So Jaws oversold the shark component, but the truth is still horrific. The USS Indianapolis represents both the U.S. Navy’s largest-ever single loss of life and the worst shark attack in history. —SAM STALL
( UNSPOKEN RULES )
Turner Gymnasium
A MANNER-FESTO FOR INDY’S NEWEST—AND OLDEST—GYM.
Take heart: Your favorite treadmill is still spinning. Most of the equipment— and many staffers—from the Athenaeum gym’s 23 years as a YMCA remain. Relax about finding parking. For an extra $15 a month, gym users have access to an adjacent garage during their visits. Lace up. Current group exercise classes include an Active Older Adults offering, with many more in the works. Flash your TurnerGym pass at the Athenaeum’s Coat Check Coffee for 10 percent off your order. Scoot over. The gym’s 140-degree cedar sauna is jam-packed during weekday evenings, so make room when a new heat-seeker steps in. Or go on Saturday.
The first was a WWI cargo ship; the second was the ill-fated vessel referenced in Jaws; the third was a fast attack nuclear submarine that served from 1980 to 1998. Today, a smallish littoral combat ship commissioned in 2019 is still sailing.
U.S. Navy ships named after Indianapolis
ask THE HOOSIERIST
Will Shortz, puzzle master
HE’S LIVED IN NEW YORK FOR DECADES, BUT THE CROSSWORD PUZZLE EDITOR OF THE NEW YORK TIMES IS STILL A HOOSIER AT HEART. AND HE HAS PLANS FOR LEAVING HIS MARK ON HIS HOME STATE. BY JAMES VESPE
America knows your work as the crossword puzzle editor of The New York Times and “puzzle master” on National Public Radio’s Weekend Edition Sunday. Less well known is the fact that you have deep roots in Indiana. I was born and raised in Crawfordsville in Montgomery County. I grew up on a 50-acre Arabian horse farm on the edge of town. So despite having lived most of my life in the East, I consider myself half-Hoosier. By the way, I’ve committed to donating the farm where I grew up to the city of Crawfordsville for a nature park. It will have miles of trails over hills and through woods, as well as a permanent puzzle treasure hunt that visitors of any age can play. That’s a good indication of my emotional attachment to Indiana and my sense of indebtedness to the place where I came from.
What are your fondest memories of your childhood? Oh, lots of things.
Riding ponies in the woods with my best friend, Pat; competing in the annual 4-H horse and pony show; reading about the history of puzzles in periodicals at the Wabash College Library; playing on the Crawfordsville High School tennis team—I was number 2 during my senior year; and competing on the high school debate team. My debate partner, Jack Oest, and I won many trophies in tournaments around Indiana.
Was your mom or dad into word play or solving puzzles at all? No, I was the only puzzle person in the family. However, I was fortunate in having a mother who was a writer. She was always submitting stories for publication. Once she saw my interest in creating puzzles, she showed me how to submit them for publication.
Do you remember the first puzzle you ever did? My guess is that it was in The Indianapolis Star. My family
subscribed to the Chicago Tribune, actually, which carried Jumble, a scrambled-word game, daily. That was my favorite. Eventually, I was able to complete Jumble on most days in 10 or 15 seconds.
When did you first sell one of your own puzzles? I sold my first one to Venture, my national Sunday school magazine, when I was 14. At 16, I became a regular contributor to Dell puzzle magazines. My first book of puzzles was published when I was 27. Today I’m the author or editor of more than 750 books of crosswords, sudoku, or other puzzles.
Besides having good vocabularies, crossword puzzle experts need broad knowledge of history and current events. Did that affect your choice of major at Indiana University? When I went off to Bloomington, I first intended to major in history, mostly because I love it. Then I switched to economics because I enjoyed a firstyear honors course on the subject. During my sophomore year, though, my mom read about an innovative new program at IU called the Individualized Major Program. If you were accepted, you’d be able to major in literally anything. I had always joked about majoring in puzzles at college, never imagining that it was possible. But I was accepted into the program, and by my senior year, I had officially changed my major to enigmatology, the study of puzzles.
How did that work, forging ahead with a major that didn’t exist? I took independent learning courses. But as IU had none on the subject, I made them all up myself! I found professors who’d work one-on-one with me on the subjects I was interested in. For example, I took a course on crossword construction with the help of an English professor who liked puzzles. Every few weeks I’d go into his office with a new puzzle I’d made, and I sat by his side while he solved and critiqued it. Other courses I came up with were on mathematical puzzles, logic puzzles, anagrams, crossword magazines, and the psychology of puzzles. I either created puzzles or wrote papers as my assignments.
ASK ME ANYTHING
“I’VE COMMITTED TO DONATING THE FARM WHERE I GREW UP TO THE CITY OF CRAWFORDSVILLE FOR A NATURE PARK. ... THAT’S A GOOD INDICATION OF MY EMOTIONAL ATTACHMENT TO INDIANA.”
My senior thesis was on the history of American word puzzles before 1860, which later was published in four installments in Word Ways: The Journal of Recreational Linguistics As far as I’m aware, I’m still the only person in the world to get a college degree in puzzles.
So, did you plunge directly into the professional puzzling world once you graduated? No. … I thought that a puzzle career would mean a life of poverty, that I’d be living in an attic somewhere churning out my little puzzles for $20 apiece. I actually wound up entering law school at the University of Virginia. My plan was to practice law for 10 years and make enough money to quit and do what I really wanted. But during the summer before I was to start law school, I did an internship with Penny Press, a puzzle magazine company in Connecticut. The whole summer was a blast. It let me see how I could support myself on puzzles, maybe not by making them, but by editing them. I did go ahead and complete my three years at UV to get my Juris Doctor degree. But I never took the bar exam and have no regrets.
How did you build a reputation in the puzzle community? I became convention program director for the National Puzzlers’ League, which is the world’s oldest puzzle organization, formed in 1883, at age 23. I revived their dormant conventions. I brought the convention to my family’s farm in Crawfordsville, where my parents held a big outdoor lunch under a tent. In 1978, I founded the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament in Stamford, Connecticut. It was the first such event in the United States in 50 years. It got a lot of publicity. I’ve continued to direct it, and it’s grown to 1,000 competitors. That same year, I became an editor of Games magazine.
In 1993, you assumed what is probably the top job in the field: crossword editor at The New York Times. Did that feel daunting? Honestly, I was a little trepidatious, as I considered myself just a country boy. I wasn’t sure I was educated or cultured enough. The fact that my predecessor had been 36 years older than me didn’t help. However, by then I had been at Games for 15 years, and I knew the puzzle world thoroughly. I was the best person for the job.
Did you shake things up when you took the reins? The first change I made was to add bylines to the daily crosswords. The contributors had labored anonymously up to that point. Also, I expanded the range of cultural references in the puzzle, brought in new, younger contributors, and I think added a greater sense of fun and playfulness. I wanted the puzzle to reflect the language and culture of everyone, young and old, who reads the Times.
In 2018, you received one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a graduate of Indiana University, delivering the commencement address. Did you handle it humorously or seriously?
Well, a little bit of both. I started my address by pointing out that the letters in “graduation” could be rearranged to spell “no drag at IU,” which I then said I hoped would be the case with my speech. Then I conducted a game. I named four well-known Indiana University graduates and challenged the audience to yell out guesses as to what their majors had been. The correct answers were all slightly unexpected. And that underscored my point, which was that it wouldn’t matter all that much in the end exactly what your particular college major was. If you get a good education, you can do anything in life.
Indiana in the Times
Here, examples of our state’s inclusion as answers in Shortz’s puzzles. “Indiana is an important part of American culture,” he says.
The Hoosier state
So-called “Crossroads of America”
Locale of the Battle of Tippecanoe
One of the red Monopoly squares
Where Parks and Recreation is set
Perennial college basketball powerhouse
A resident of this state might live in Angola, Brazil, or Lebanon Archeologist Jones
SHORTZ HAS ALSO INCORPORATED INDIANA INTO CLUES:
Indiana state fossil (MASTODON)
Indiana state flower (PEONY) Former stadium for the Indianapolis Colts (RCA DOME) Indianapolis 500 venue, informally, with “the” (BRICKYARD)
Indiana governor Holcomb (ERIC)
Sports organization headquartered in Indianapolis (NCAA)
Former six-term senator from Indiana (LUGAR)
Indiana Dunes among U.S. national parks (NEWEST)
Northern Indiana county or its seat (LAPORTE)
Indiana/Illinois separator (WABASH RIVER)
Indiana city where auto manufacturing was pioneered (KOKOMO)
Indiana city nicknamed “Middletown, U.S.A.” (MUNCIE)
Indiana town that’s home to the International Circus Hall of Fame (PERU)
Indiana birthplace of the Jackson 5 (GARY)
Indiana’s smallest county or the river it touches (OHIO)
(1) BLACK: A Festival of Joy
July 12
The popular celebration of Black culture at Taggart Memorial Amphitheater in Riverside Park is now officially an annual event. Performances by Okara Imani and Allison Victoria, a variety of vendors, and inspiration await. blackjoyindy.com
(2) Take Me There: Peru Opening Day
July 12
Take a simulated flight from IND to Peru, explore through immersive experiences, and “meet” llamas and alpacas. This unique interactive exhibit at the Children’s Museum is in partnership with Republic Airways. childrensmuseum.org
(3) AT&T WNBA All-Star Game
July 19
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home of the Indiana Fever, is the site of the21st WNBA All-Star Game. It’s the first time Indy hosts the league’s midseason showcase and its fans from around the globe. gainbridgefieldhouse.com/ events/detail/attwnba-all-star-2025
(4) Indy Shorts Festival Favorites
July 25–26
Part of the Summer Nights Film Series, Festival Favorites is a compilation from this year’s Indy Shorts International Film Festival. Arrive early to The Amphitheater at Newfields to grab popcorn as the sun sets. discovernewfields.org/ summernights
(5) Leanne Morgan: Just Getting Started
July 26
Morgan’s Netflix special, I’m Every Woman, showcased her knack for finding humor in the mundane and her Southern charm. Now the comedian from rural Tennessee is coming to the Fishers Event Center fisherseventcenter.com
WANTED Above Board
Whether destined to be a mealtime helpmate or sleek grazing platter, this heavy-duty cutting board is handsome enough to keep out on your kitchen counter. It was born from the furniture production process at Purposeful Design. “We specialize in solid wood tables and desks, and a cutting board is essentially just a small tabletop,” notes Brady Roberts, VP of sales and marketing. Crafted from certified sustainable, Indianasourced walnut and maple, it’s sanded and given a food-safe oil treatment. Finally, the board is laserengraved with a QR code revealing its backstory. And it’s a great one, explains Roberts. “Each board is made by a man coming out of addiction, homelessness, or incarceration as a part of our mission of rebuilding lives through sustainable employment.” $105. pdindy.com —CHRISTINA VERCELLETTO
Photo by TONY VALAINIS
Noblesville Square
THE QUAD SURROUNDING THE HISTORIC HAMILTON COUNTY COURTHOUSE IS BUZZING WITH BROWSE-WORTHY BOUTIQUES, A CIGAR AFICIONADO’S HAVEN, A CRAFTY HUB, AND MORE.
BY CHRISTINA VERCELLETTO
LIGHT UP THE SCENE Carmack’s Cigar Shop & Lounge (1) was founded by Jeff Carmack and his dad, Dave, in 1998. For years, Jeff was the youngest cigar shop owner in the country, and he’s still at the helm today. Aside from premium cigars, Carmack’s proffers pipes, humidors—and vast knowledge. Never quite understood the herfing concept? Are you a BOTL searching for a unicorn or maybe the right bomb that will burn into a dime-stack? Jeff can walk you through it. Aromatic pipe tobaccos are offered in dozens of flavors, including bourbon, buttered rum, peach cobbler, and strawberry delight. Savor a drink with your smoke in the back lounge area. 822 Logan St., carmackscigarshop.com
FIRE IT UP Whether you opt for a box, bowl, figurine, mug, plate, or vessel, you’ll get your clay on at Kiln Creations (2). Pieces are fired on-premises, which is what sets the business apart from many others that only allow patrons to paint provided pieces, observes owner Louise Blazucki. Groups of friends take to the potter’s wheels, along with couples who just rewatched Ghost. Four or eight-week courses, as well as private or semi-private one-off classes and birthday parties, can be booked. 60 N. 9th St., kilncreations.net
PLAY ON Moonshot Games (3) feeds the board game resurgence with the classics and the new versions. It stocks 10 variations of Monopoly, like Horse-Opoly and Grey’s Anatomy Monopoly. You can also find Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce–themed Yahtzee. Moonshot also has a respectable stash of collectible trading cards, a smattering of toys, and a Jelly Belly wall. 50 N. 9th St., moonshotgamestore.com
LEARN You may have passed the striking example of second empire architecture with mansard roofs that is the Hamilton County Historical Society (4). It’s time to finally step inside the circa-1876 building. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the museum houses fully restored Victorian rooms, a research library, and jail cells that once held Charles Manson and KKK leader D.C. Stephenson. 810 Conner St., hamiltoncoinhs.com
SUPPORT LOCAL MAKERS Every item in NobleMade Gift Shop (5) is either handcrafted in Noblesville or benefits a local charity. But you’d want to snag scores of goodies even if that weren’t true. Crocheted stuffies, eye-catching accessories, and pretty jewelry sit alongside one-ofa-kind ornaments, striking artwork, and loads of gear trumpeting hometown pride. More than 100 artists are represented on the greeting card racks. 839 Conner St., noblemade.square.site
BE CHARMED Peruse wonderfully whimsical wares at Peony & Poppy (6). We spotted seed candles (plant the package to grow flowers), a mouse cheese slicer, and a stoneware chicken creamer. Illuminated with little lights and smelling, appropriately, of peonies, the snug shop vibes fairy cottage. 863 Conner St., peonyandpoppyhome.com
Call for price.
THE TURF Noblesville Square
The wooden snail olive fork set at Peony & Poppy also handily spears cheese cubes. $24
The Arturo Fuente porcelain cigar ash tray is a popular piece at Carmack’s.
PHOTOS BY TONY VALAINIS
STREET SAVVY
LOGAN ST.
CONNER ST.
From far left: Moonshot Games boasts a vast collection of favorites, old and new; Kiln Creations owner Louise Blazucki works on a mug; NobleMade Gift Shop is all about the hometown love.
ADDRESS
5946 N. New Jersey St. PRICE
Seventh Heaven
THE FOUNDER OF HOUSE SEVEN DESIGN, ANISSA ZAJAC, HAS LISTED HER SWEET BROAD RIPPLE BUNGALOW. BY JEANA
FOR MOST people, curating a richly layered, uplifting home takes time. But Anissa Zajac isn’t most people. The designer is known for her masterful ability to blend vintage and modern to create interiors that feel infinitely welcoming. Her personal home at 5946 N. New Jersey St. reflects what she calls a “collected” aesthetic. Built in 1942, the bungalow received a top-to-bottom refresh from Zajac. Its exterior exudes storybook curb appeal with creamy brick, a sage green door, and scalloped trim adorning the covered porch. From the street, the house’s dimensions appear diminutive, but it surprises with a footprint of over 4,000 square feet. Yet each room feels warm and snug. “I designed it to feel like it’s been worn-in over the years. While the design and items collected are new to the home, it feels cozy, like it’s been this way forever,” Zajac explains.
HARRIS
Wallpaper lovers will swoon at the perfectly paired selections that flow from room to room, even making the occasional, delightful appearance on the ceiling (don’t miss the ducks in the dining room). They’re a testament to the power of pattern play. “It’s the use of textured wallpapering and layering that really creates the warm, comfortable mood,” Realtor Matt King adds.
A small-but-mighty kitchen boasts plentiful storage, plus a La Cornue range. Marble appears in the countertops and backsplash, but its most eye-catching placement is around the window casing. Both bathrooms feature heated floors and stunning tilework in refreshingly bold colors.
The bright basement defies any subterranean stereotypes with its cheerful green walls. An adorable bunk room— complete with custom carpentry and wallpaper— awaits overnight guests.
Zajac’s final flourish? The lush rooftop deck added above the garage.
$899,900
AGENT
Matt King F.C. Tucker 317-313-5533
REALTY CHECK
Hello, Dolly!
POUR YOURSELF A CUP OF AMBITION AND CHECK OUT PARTON’S POPULAR PARK. BY LOU
HARRY
ONE OF THE most celebrated theme parks in the country, Dollywood (dollywood.com) has the same down-home appeal and energy as its visionary, the country music star whose style and spunk has made her a singular icon.
Dollywood is made up of three themed zones. Families can find kiddie rides aplenty, and thrill seekers can shriek in delight on the world-class roller coasters (the latest and longest, Big Bear Mountain, is accompanied by audio narration), while fans who prefer a low-key experience can take to the country music attractions. The latter can do a walk-through of Parton’s tour bus, peruse an exhibit of her concert and film costumes (including a wig display, of course) at their own pace, and stroll through a museum devoted to her career and charitable work, just added in 2024. Need a rest? Park yourself at one of the
Pigeon Forge, TN DISTANCE 390
multiple concert halls where the musicianship is a distinct upgrade from your typical theme park revue. This season, the park hosts a hit parade led by Parton’s niece, Heidi, and another celebrating the music of Trio, Parton’s hit album with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt. The outdoor gazebos where lively bluegrass players surprise with their talent are good spots for a short breather between attractions.
Like any theme park, the food isn’t cheap, and gift shops abound. But Dollywood boasts a unique sweetness and coziness. The Smoky Mountain surroundings seem integrated into the park, offering a comforting embrace. With that comes hills, though, so pick your shoes accordingly.
If you have time to go beyond the park, Pigeon Forge affords fun attractions, including Lost Mine (lostmine.com), mini golf alongside a mountain coaster that lets you control its speed, and SkyFly: Soar America (islandin pigeonforge.com), akin to Disney’s Soarin’.
IF YOU GO
STAY Amenities at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa (dollywood .com/dreammore) include pink lemonade in the lobby and evening s’mores at the firepits.
MUNCH Take home a loaf of intensely buttery cinnamon bread from Dollywood’s Grist Mill (dollywood.com/ themepark/crafts/ grist-mill)
COOL OFF Even in July, you can chill out with indoor tubing at Pigeon Forge Snow (pigeonforgesnow.com)
Make it a memorable beach day at the SINGING SANDS SAND SCULPTING FESTIVAL in Michigan City’s Washington Park July 18–20. Aside from lovely lakefront views, you can take in the incredible, massive creations made by the country’s best-known sand sculptors. Food trucks, a beach bar, kids’ activities, and live music also await. —CHRISTINA VERCELLETTO
TRAVELER
Support independently owned businesses with this go-to guide to local shops, personal services, dining and nightlife establishments, and more.
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.
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
RESTAURANT
Bluebeard
Bluebeard is an award-winning restaurant for people with an appetite for adventure.
653 Virginia Ave., Indianapolis | bluebeardindy
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 PERSONAL LAUNDRY SERVICE
Your Laundry Valet Your Laundry Valet offers pickup and delivery laundry services so you can have your time back. Noblesville, IN | yourlaundryvalet.com
DAN’S Automotive Detail
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
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
YOUR
To advertise, email hwhitney@indianapolismonthly.com
BARBER SHOP
PHOTOS BY MEGAN NOLL PHOTOGRAPHY
THE DISH
Power Move
Those familiar with Salt from its decade-old showcase spot on Mass Ave might be surprised this August, when its new iteration opens at Carmel City Center. The moodily lit restaurant has entered its coastal era on the north side, with a bright and airy dining room that feels a bit like a Malibu power lunch destination. Yes, we said “lunch,” as Salt’s Carmel outpost is its initial foray into daytime dining, with former Gallery owner Alison Lineberry on deck to develop lunch and weekend brunch menus. One example: this Indiana tomato salad served with the catch of the day. But fear not, your favorite Salt dinner dishes will remain. “Seafood will always be our first passion and guiding light,” company spokesperson Caroline Smith says. 11 City Center Dr., Carmel, saltdining.com —EVE BATEY
SWOON
Photo by TONY VALAINIS
( NEW IN TOWN )
Everything Connects
TILLY’S TEA ROOM MAKES A TRIUMPHANT FISHERS RETURN.
BY EVE BATEY
FOUNDED in Fishers over a decade ago, Tilly’s Tea Room was bumped to Saks Fifth Avenue at the Fashion Mall soon after, where it built up a loyal following of patrons thrilled by owner Sharon Moore’s witty and fun take on classic English tea. When she got word that Saks would be shuttering last year, Moore was in the middle of opening Fishers chip shop Max & Tilly’s, but instead of crumpling under the news, she doubled down. “The spot next door opened up right as we were renovating,” she says, so she reopened Tilly’s Tea Room there this spring. Her crowd from Saks followed. “In fact, I think many of them like it here more,” Moore says of the spot inside the First Internet Bank building. With old favorites like house-made scones with clotted cream and fresh features like a rooftop events space for fashion shows and parties, it’s possible Tilly’s third act is its best one yet. 8701 E. 116th St., Fishers, 317-537-2185, tillystearoom.com
PINCH OF WISDOM
“Instagram and TV has told us that every cut and plating has to be perfect. But, no. Throw perfection out of the window, and you’ll be freer to create something amazing, and delicious, and rewarding.”
–Tanorria Askew , Master Chef contestant, author, chef, and educator
( CHEERS )
So Fresh, So Clean
Daisy Bar ushers in a new era at the Factory Arts District.
JON CARLOS RANGEL was born to open Daisy Bar, the New American drinking and dining spot in the long-awaited reimagining of the former Circle City Industrial Complex. Rangel was raised in his family restaurant, La Margarita, and took over its management not too long after he came of age. “I’m a restaurant guy, through and through,” he says. His new spot is a culmination of what he’s learned from his years in the legacy business, through a fresh, big-city lens. That means multicultural dishes, like a green chili falafel, and everything made from scratch, starting with a late breakfast and lunch menu that turns to grown-up small plates and thoughtful cocktails after dark. 1011 Massachusetts Ave. —E.B.
GRAND DESIGNS Downtown Noblesville has announced plans for a street redesign that puts outdoor dining front and center, turning it into a European-style cafe culture scene. Expect a full unveiling in 2026. BUZZY BIZ Newly opened Southeast Asian java joint Claypot Coffee House is the talk of the south side, with a menu of bracing yet sweet drinks and fresh juices served until 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. —E.B.
Growth Cycle
WARFLEIGH COTTAGE GARDEN’S BEN MATTHEWS DELIVERS INDYGROWN GREENS ONE BIKE TRIP AT A TIME. BY
BRIAN GARRIDO
INDY’S HARDEST
working cyclist isn’t spinning around Major Taylor Velodrome. He’s digging in the dirt. Ben Matthews, the founder of Warfleigh Cottage Garden, isn’t just the sole produce vendor at the SoBro Farmers Market—he’s also behind the business’s newly launched community supported agriculture boxes, which he delivers via his Surly Long Haul Trucker bike.
Matthews started his urban farm in 2021 with an aspiration to build a sustainable food system in the heart of Indianapolis. But the idea was seeded far earlier: Growing up in a nomadic Navy family, he watched his mother garden a plot at every temporary residence and applied his experience as he earned degrees in horticulture and business at Iowa State. “I wanted to grow something that fed people,” he says.
Today, his farm spans a patchwork of land across multiple sites, including his backyard. “Our front yard is a native habitat,” Matthews says of the home he shares with his partner. “He takes care
of the front. The vegetables and back are my responsibility.”
Matthews keeps his garden green with the help of a couple of seasonal workers, then offers up its bounty at the Binford and SoBro markets. This past spring is the first time he offered a weekly CSA box, which included five to seven items per week delivered—by cargo bike—in neighborhoods from
49th Street to the Indianapolis Art Center. Preorders for the box sold out almost immediately and inspired him to add a fall offering, as well. “My goal is to grow nutrient-dense yet high-quality produce for the local community,” he
(1) Rosie’s Gardens & Hughes Landscape. “They have a nice selection of different plants.” (2) Limelight Coffee. “I have one every Saturday at the Binford Farmers Market.” (3) Johnny’s Selected Seeds. “I use organic seeds whenever I can.” (4) Surly Long Haul Trucker bike. “My recent purchase for delivering the CSA.” (5) Delicia. “Our favorite place for dinner.”
FAVORITE THINGS
FOODIE
BOX OFFICE TUE.-FRI. | 10 VISIT FEINSTEINSHC.COM SCAN TO SEE UPCOMING S
5PM HASE TICKETS ENUS & MORE ! AM UNTIL TO PURC HOWS, M
BRING ON THE BLOODY MARYS, A BOOZY BRUNCH STAPLE THAT SINGS WITH FLAVOR. HERE ARE SOME OF THE BEST IN TOWN.
BY AMY LYNCH
Hotel Tango Distillery
Milktooth
Why wait until Sunday? Here, the black pepper vodka–based sippers fragrant with aromatic garlic, thyme, and dill are an anytime, any-day vibe. “It’s all about the herbs, spices, and a little personality,” says marketing director Kelsey Strohmeyer. 702 Virginia Ave., 317-653-1806, hoteltangodistillery.com
This eastside neighborhood spot definitely takes a “more is more” approach. Served in a pint glass and loaded up with skewered potato tots, olives, cheese cubes, celery, bacon, and pepperoni, this hefty cocktail is a drink and a meal all in one. 2602 E. 10th St., 317-634-8625, ticktocklounge.com
The brunch and lunch landmark subs amontillado sherry in for the usual vodka, bringing housemade bloody mix and lemon to the party for its own unique spin on the classic. A row of skewered olives is the finishing touch. 534 Virginia Ave., milktoothindy.com
Cafe Patachou
Indy’s most iconic brunch destination offers a bloody as stylishly minimal as its cool blonde founder, Martha Hoover. It starts with house-made bloody mix, then a generous pour of Humboldt vodka, which is made with organic American sugar cane. Sweet Meyer lemon closes the deal. Multiple locations, cafepatachou.com
Aristocrat Pub & Restaurant
Named for a woman who operated a cafeteria in the building back in the day, Bernice’s Bloody Mary builds on a Tito’s Vodka and Zing Zang mix base with celery, sweet gherkin, olive, lime, and lemon accompaniments. For an extra kick, ask for a Cajun-spiced rim. 5212 N. College Ave., 317-283-7388, aristocratpub.com
BY
French Revolution
AMBROSIA HOSPITALITY GROUP SWITCHES GEARS WITH ITS LATEST OFFERING. BY
TERRY KIRTS
IF MY collection of midcentury menus from Indianapolis restaurants is any indication, French food, even in a city far from Lyon and Marseille, was long the local standard for fine dining. Chateaubriand, Dover sole, and crêpes suzette starred at nearly every swank spot, often served (or set ablaze) tableside. That wave started subsiding in the mid-1990s, with Camby’s bucolic Chez Jean, prom date favorite Chanteclair, and Renee’s French Delicatessen shuttering soon after. In the present day, French pastries have more than made a
REVIEW
Josephine’s moody and dark dining room (right) offers Carmel diners a grown-up option for a date night dinner or celebration. CONTINUED ON PAGE
comeback, but real-deal French cuisine has yet to follow suit.
So, when word got out last year that Ambrosia Hospitality Group—arguably best known for patriarch Gino Pizzi’s Italian family recipes—was expanding to Carmel with a place called Josephine, news that the menu would be French raised some brows. “We knew Carmel had several beloved Italian restaurants,” says Dan Cage, who took the reins of the restaurant group with wife Anna Pizzi Cage in 2019. “We wanted to bring something new to the northside dining scene.”
Cage began his
JOSEPHINE
110 W. Main St., Carmel
317-548-3589
josephinecarmel.com
HOURS
Sun–Thu, 5–9 p.m.; Fri–Sat, 5–10 p.m.
VIBE
Contemporary French TASTING NOTES
Parisian bistro staples such as escargot, steak frites, and creme brulee with modern twists such as a cordon bleu sandwich, pasta with truffles, and a double smashburger.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Downtown Carmel
MUST-ORDER
Beef tallow with mushroom duxelles and Comté cheese served in a beef femur; coq au vin with chunky, al dente mirepoix; shellfishstudded bouillabaisse enriched with cream and absinthe; ultrathick chocolate pot de crème crowned with amaretto whipped cream
3-STAR RATING
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38
career in basketball and was eventually recruited by Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2003. A subsequent professional career took him to France, Spain, and Germany, where he and Anna fell in love with European culture.
Returning a Parisian flair to Indy wasn’t a slam dunk, even for seasoned restaurateurs. “Honestly, we worried customers might not embrace it,” Cage says. “We knew we had to get things right.”
To accomplish that, the Cages tapped chef Andrew Popp, recently of The Fountain Room, who came up with a tight, well-executed selection of dishes that balance tradition with contemporary tastes. French standbys like duck or rabbit are nowhere in the opening lineup, but hors d’oeuvres include the requisite escargot and steak tartare, though the latter includes an egg yolk cured with Japanese tamari. French onion soup, often heavy, is lightened with chicken stock, herbs, and sherry and isn’t gutted with cheese. A refreshing salad Popp calls Le Beau Citron mingles fresh greens and citrus with aromatic fennel, pickled strawberries, and lemon-poppyseed goat cheese, all married with light tarragon dressing. For those seeking richness, look to the beef tallow served on an eye-popping beef femur, which is paired luxuriously with mushroom duxelles, bubbling Comté cheese, and piquant, sweet, pickled pink peppercorns.
At times, the mix of Continental standards with modern trends is more puzzling. A double smashburger, a cordon bleu “sandwich,” and ricotta-stuffed pasta dusted with truffle seem like disjointed additions, intended to appeal
to a different market entirely. And the ratatouille, excellent in isolation, suffers when topped with a hefty—and unnecessary—wedge of Boursin cheese.
But most of the time, the rulebreaking works: Purists might be skeptical of the cream Popp stirs into the broth of his bouillabaisse or the generous cut of the mirepoix in his coq au vin, but the tweaks are a success. Beets tossed with Dijon and Roquefort cut into small cubes topped with a treat of crispy shallots retain a nice bite, and the squash and eggplant have just the right tenderness, seasoning, and gentle heat.
More rule-breaking would be welcomed when it comes to the familiar bistro dish of steak frites. A crust of peppercorns has a bitter note that its mild brandy cream sauce can’t combat, but Popp’s frites are so light and crisp and his roasted garlic aioli so lusciously rich, it hardly matters.
Desserts show skill, particularly a dense, lush pot de crème made with dark chocolate and topped with fragrant amaretto cream. A goat cheesecake with a distinct tang, a crispy chocolate drizzle, and syrup-soaked cherries is just as celebratory.
With a dining room dominated by funky curved booths and velvety floor-to-ceiling drapes—both of which help absorb a soundtrack of throbbing club beats—Josephine can seem more A Night at the Roxbury than a night in Montparnasse. For a lighter approach, head to the bar, a delightful area filled with French jazz and quirky pendant lighting. “The feedback we’ve had so far is to lean more into the French theme,” Cage says of Josephine’s first few weeks in business, “which means we must be doing things right.” Anyone old enough to remember Indy’s French restaurant era will undoubtedly agree.
Josephine’s menu includes classic dishes like pot de crème (left) made with dark chocolate and amaretto cream.
Life Slice Of
Indianapolis has emerged as a legitimate pizza powerhouse in recent years.
From generations-old mom-and-pop shops to award-winning artisanal upstarts, the Circle City offers a style for every palate (and mood).
EDITED BY Eve Batey
PHOTOS BY Tony Valainis
Chicken Tikka Magoo’s California Pizza
Hey Zeus Gather 22
STATE OF THE
Pizza Nation
For the longest time, Hoosiers viewed pizza like tap water: The best and only flavor profile was the one they grew up with. In many cases, that meant quantity ruled the day, with arms-width pies covered in cheese and pepperoni providing comfort and fuel.
Nick Pastrick, whose year-old Beech Grove shop Hey Now Pizza serves up nostalgic pies, says he gets why that is. “We’re all trying to get back to the happiest time in our lives,” he says. “For so many people, pizza is a big part of that.”
A change is afoot, however, as local diners catch on to national food trends. Many are looking for artisanal ingredients, asking about ferment times for dough, and willing to pay big bucks for a (compared to those vast pies from middle school) modestly sized pie. This passion for pizza has spurred a new wave of shops putting their stamp on an old beloved classic. Indy’s pizza scene has grown up into something beautiful.
SPICE UP YOUR PIE
PIZZAS TOPPED WITH CHICKEN TIKKA, PANEER, AND GREEN CHILES ARE ON THE RISE IN INDIANAPOLIS. BY TERRY KIRTS
IN 2006 , when Tasawar Awan opened Magoo’s California Pizza at 38th Street and Georgetown Road, local pizza options were mainly the standard thin crust, hand-tossed, or deep-dish styles. A Pakistani entrepreneur who’s lived in Southern California, Awan knew how popular pizzerias that wove in South Asian flavors could be. So he decided to start his own.
The cuisine known as halal or Indian pizza got its start in San Francisco in the 1980s soon after an
innovator named Dalvinder Multani moved from India to Queens, New York. He worked at East Coast pizzerias for a few years, then moved to the Bay Area and bought a longstanding pizzeria, where he augmented its menu with foods from his homeland. Patrons of his business, Zante Pizza and Indian Cuisine, urged him to marry the two. The combination was an immediate hit and swiftly spread along the West Coast, then across the country.
The fusion makes sense, given that flatbreads such as naan, paratha, manakish, and lavash—all baked at high temperatures in tandoors or brick ovens—are some of the most common breads east of the Mediterranean. These bubbly, charred-edge
delights are often spread with garlic, oil, and zesty seasonings such as the oregano-based za’atar and are commonly stuffed with tasty fillings like spinach, herbs, or paneer. Fountain Square’s A Cup of Chai is an excellent example of that iteration, with butter chicken spread across a soft, warm naan and topped with cheese.
PRIZED PIES
Clockwise from r: Jasvir Singh of Spicy Doner enjoys his work, a staffer in the kitchen, a finished pie.
Jasvir Singh, owner of southside counter spot Spicy Doner, spent nearly two decades in Europe cooking up pizza and doner kebabs. The latter is a favorite takeout dish in Italian cities like Milan and Brescia, where Singh’s son Jassi was born, and when the Singh family moved to Indy, they brought the dish with them. Singh spares little spice in his chicken tikka masala and paneer tikka pizzas, which are made with a Midwest-meets-New-Yorkstyle crust. A version with shawarma is a particular standout, while proteins like shrimp, marinated lamb, and sliced kebabs are a break from the standard pepperoni and sausage. Heat fans should seek out Spicy Doner’s green chile, cilantro, and curry toppings for an extra kick.
In-the-know customers at Awan’s groundbreaking westside pizza spot ask for their pie “Indian-style,” which in Magoo’s case means a handful of
chopped ginger is added to the mix. Another hit is the house special “white sauce,” a creamy, garlic-heavy topping that pairs well with chicken tikka over a mid-thickness crust. Other offerings to try include his Pashtun-style cumin and fenugreekspiced chapli kebab version, which offers an excellent lesson in the California trend. He also caters to Hoosiers whose faiths steer them away from pork, offering beef-based versions of traditional cured meats and sausage for those who keep halal.
Nick Pastrick, Hey Now Pizza
“These are the places that produced me as a pizza maker.”
Just Pizza & Grill
3852 E. 10th St., 317-359-2446, justpizzaindy10.com
WHERE INDY’S PIZZA CHEFS
GET THEIR AFTER-HOURS PIES
Aunt Polly’s Pizza
5339 English Ave., 317-638-3663
Byrne’s Grilled Pizza
5615 N. Illinois St., 317-737-2056, byrnespizza.com
California Love
INDIAN PIZZA IS ONE OF AMERICA’S HOTTEST PIZZA TRENDS. HERE’S WHERE TO FIND IT IN INDIANAPOLIS.
Magoo’s
California Pizza
The OG of “Indian-style” pies, this is the place to start for ginger-spiked chicken and ground meat kebab pizza with Tasawar Awan’s signature rich white sauce. Multiple locations, magooscalpizza.com
Mr. A Pizza and Wings
This Fishers spot known for its “big wings” and Insanity Stix is perhaps the only spot to get tangy achari, a pickled spice blend, on pizzas with chicken and paneer tikka, as well as milder butt er chicken pies. 9516 Haver Way, 317-3432900, mrapizzawings.co
Pizza Palace Halal
This Michigan Road takeout shop is as popular for its gyros as its pizzas, but don’t sleep on a delectable shrimp curry pie, as well as a house special with marinated lamb shoulder, garlic sauce, and green and red peppers. 7940 Michigan Rd., 317- 974-9041, pizzapalacehalal.com
Spicy Doner
Owner Jasvir Singh’s two decades of working in pizzerias and kebab shops in Italy shows in the delicious blend of standard and Indian styles. A kicky chicken tikka pie is a customer favorite. 8028 S. Emerson Ave., 317-294-4015, spicydoner.square.site
Luke Tobias, Futuro
“Full disclosure: If a pizza exists, I’ll eat it.”
Enzo Pizza 3940 Madison Ave., 317-808-2284, enzopizza.net
Daredevil Hall 2721 E. 86th St., 317-757-2888, daredevilbeer.com
The Original Noble Roman’s 7201 W. 10th St., 317-247-9161
Jeff Miner, Sam’s Square Pie
“A lot of days, I’ll get off a 12-hour shift at Sam’s, go home, and order a pizza for delivery.”
Some Guys Pizza Pasta Grill 6235 Allisonville Rd., 317-257-1364, someguyspizza.com
Roselli’s 4335 W. 106th St., Carmel, 317-228-9090, rosellispizzeria.com
Abbiocco Pizzeria
The Garage food hall, 317-875-1666, abbioccopizzeria.com
Square pie guys
V HOOSIERS WHO prefer a deeper-dished experience have long relied on Chicago or Sicilian-style pies. But Detroit-style, with its crispy and caramelized edges and deceptively thick crust—that’s ascendant. At Sam’s Square Pie (2829 E. 10th St., sams squarepie.com), owner Jeff Miner developed his own unique base for his pizza, a naturally-rising sourdough with a longer-than-usual ferment that he says makes for an easier digestion process than some other pizzas. “You can eat one of mine and not feel awful the next day,” he says.
Miner is a pizzaiolo, not a gastroenterologist, so we’ll leave his medical claims for a professional to evaluate. But it’s true that an excellent crust makes or breaks a Detroit pie, which is topped more thoughtfully than its thick cousins. Cheese comes next, then sauce, an order that gives some diners pause. (“It’s cheese against crust,” a patron was once overheard saying in shocked disbelief.) That order gives the sauce nowhere to hide, which means a lot of care goes into creating a flavorful, textured red or green sauce that’s dropped on the cheese, along with any other desired toppings. It all makes for a more portable pizza than many others, as the hearty crust makes it an easy walk-andnosh, with toppings well-anchored by that controversial cheese placement. This is not a pizza most folks need to eat with a knife and fork. (But between its cheese crust and toppings, you’ll want a healthy handful of napkins.)
Detroit-curious diners who want a custom experience are best served by Futuro (19 Cruse St., 317-3604725, futuroindy.com), which offers a panoply of options like nondairy cheeses and multiple pie sizes. The more confident can place themselves in Miner’s hands and choose from one of his 10 or so combinations.
Thin and light
V YOU MIGHT have seen the term “tavern-style” pizza pop up on menus recently and wondered how that is different from the regular old thin crust you’ve seen for years. Futuro co-founder Luke Tobias is here to explain. “Tavern-style is made especially for bars, especially ones that don’t want to deal with washing plates. So it’s small, light pizzas cut into squares, so you can eat it off a napkin.”
It’s a near-mundane origin for what’s become a legitimate artisanal trend, as the style has been embraced by pizza makers intent on honing their craft. Tobias is one of those folks: He started making thin crust pies out of his home during the pandemic as a way to generate income during lockdown. It soon became an obsession. “I knew I could make it better, and then better after that,” he says. Now a full-fledged business, Futuro serves thin crust pies primarily for takeout—proof that people are seeking tavern-style out for reasons other than boozy proximity. But if you prefer your pie with a buzz, check out one of Daredevil Beer ’s Indy-area locations (daredevilbeer.com), which serves the style in personal size or in pies big enough to share.
The popularity of the trend was arguably presaged by Byrne’s Grilled Pizza (5615 N. Illinois St., 317737-2056, byrnespizza.com), which began as a food truck in 2011. Co-founder Dot Reinstrom discovered a recipe for a cracker crust pizza and started making it on husband Ken’s Weber grill; it soon became a family and neighborhood hit. Catering gigs and the truck followed, and the family opened the storefront in 2016. The pizza is best eaten on the spot for full crispy glory, though when properly reheated (p. 48), it’s possible to come close. Byrne’s pizzas are also on offer at Gather 22 (22 E. 22nd St., 317-258-2222, gather22.com), which is co-owned by Adam, the Reinstroms’ son.
Wood-fired
V “DADDY, IS that an igloo?” a little girl asks when entering Richard’s Brick Oven Pizza (229 S. Main St., Franklin, 317-738-3300, richardskitchen.com)
The kid’s referring to the hulking, rounded oven at the center of the open kitchen, where staffers push and pull peel-placed pies into its gaping maw. Opened in 2009, Richard’s was near the front of Indy’s artisanal pizza vanguard. Now those ovens dot shops like King Dough (multiple locations, kingdoughpizzas.com) and Diavola (1134 E. 54th St., 317-820-5100, diavola.net)
Interest in wood-fired styles has grown so hot that many restaurants have invested in industrial woodfueled ovens over the brick behemoths; you’ll also see the style offered at restaurants that use a stainless steel version instead. Purists disagree on whether the slicker version is better—we suggest more testing, and lots of it, to make your own decision.
But all agree that a wood-fired pie should have a nice char on its underside and a bubbly, blonde-to-black circumference ring. Smart diners know this isn’t the kind of pie you load up with toppings, as the slender crust lacks rigidity. This is a pizza to delicately nibble, not snarf.
To that point, expect components that have a specific point of view on flavor. King Dough’s Grape and Gorgonzola pie is fairly self-explanatory, with aged mozzarella, arugula, and hot honey to balance out the elements. It’s a combination that seems unthinkable for a traditional hand-tossed round, but fresh from the Holy Cross location’s oven (which is named “Thunderdome”), it’s a revelation.
Nostalgic
V SOMETIMES, YOU just want to feel like a kid again. But you have grown-up tastes now, so as tempting as it might be to order from a speed-driven chain, will present-day you feel satisfied when that big, flat box is empty? That’s where spots like Nick Pastrick’s Hey Now Pizza (607 Main St., Beech Grove, 317-7890059, order.toasttab.com/online/heynowpizza) come in. Pastrick grew up working for the owners of Indy minichain Ball Park Pizza, then headed into the high-end game at businesses like Goose the Market. When the Ball Park location in Beech Grove shuttered, Pastrick opened his pizzeria in the space with the plan to keep things (mostly) the way they were, including Ball Park’s Middle America–traditional crusts
A year in, there are subtle changes to the menu, with hand-tossed and tavern versions added to the list. Toppings continue to evolve, with fancy specialty pies like the Pecanza (onion, feta, pecans, mozzarella, provolone, and barbecue sauce) now on the roster.
Other shops are moving into this model, especially at pizzerias that have been passed on to a new generation. Keeping one foot in the past and another in the future might be the way to ensure success that withstands pizza trends—and it’s also another way to hone the craft. “I’ll try a topping combination somewhere else, and sometimes I think, Oh, this is a Ball Park flavor. And other times, it’ll clearly work only on hand-tossed or tavern,” Pastrick says.
“We have some customers who’ll be Ball Park for life. Others, they’ll give the hand-tossed a try, and next thing I know they’re coming back and telling me about an artisan pie they had out of town,” he says. “Sometimes you want comfort. Sometimes you want to be challenged. The cool thing is that pizza can do it all.”
WHO NEEDS GLUTEN?
INNOVATIONS IN GLUTEN-FREE COOKING HAVE LED TO AN ABUNDANCE OF LOCAL PIZZAS THAT MOST CAN ENJOY. BY
IT WASN’T that long ago that the gluten-intolerant and those with celiac disease had few pizza options in Indianapolis. You either had to make your own at home or endure mass-produced crusts ordered by well-intentioned pizzerias that often warned diners, “It’s fine, I guess.” But that factory shell didn’t hold toppings and lacked puffy blisters, and don’t even talk about the chew (or, more
The Heat Is On
BRIAN GARRIDO
precisely, the lack thereof). But that’s no longer the case. Indy’s pizza scene has started to put those who eschew wheat front and center, with chefs and bakers finally giving gluten-free pies the respect they deserve.
Demand, of course, drove this shift. According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, one in 133 people in the United States has been diagnosed with the autoimmune disorder, and another 30
Sure, you can just zap your leftover slice in the microwave, as long as you eat it within minutes. And cold pizza for breakfast is one of life’s greatest joys. But you can revive your refrigerated pie to pizzeria-level status with just a little extra work. Trust us, it’s worth it. V
percent of the population has symptoms congruent with the hereditary condition. Whether due to the disease, a separate food allergy, or just dietary preference, more restaurant goers are cutting gluten—proteins found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye— from their diets. Local pizzerias had to take notice.
WHAT WHEAT?
Dennis
Gurnell pulls a pizza from Diavola’s oven.
“We make gluten-free pizza because our customers have certain dietary restrictions and are health-conscious,” says Dennis Gurnell, the chef-owner at SoBro’s Diavola. “We had many requests for it. Because of that demand, we had to create a dough that we felt offered our quality in taste. There is more labor in crafting gluten-free crust, but we think we have a superior product to match our traditional pies.”
Getting it right is the tricky part. Wheat brings elasticity and flavor to dough, which means crusts can taste and act like shoe leather without it. Good gluten-free crusts start with well-sourced ingredients, like the ones Diavola uses, which include a Neapolitan flour blend of buckwheat flour, corn, and rice starches.
At King Dough, gluten-free pies come out of the wood-fired oven with blistered edges and just the right chew. The house-made dough comes from a gluten-free flour blend, resulting in a crust sturdy enough to support demanding toppings like hot honey, house-made ranch, grapes, or a variety of Smoking Goose–sourced meats.
Cafe Patachou spinoff Napolese Pizzeria offers a delicate and crisp gluten-free crust made with rice and tapioca flour and finished with a brush of olive oil. This base composes
MULTIPLE SLICES do best in an oven preheated to 475 degrees, with a castiron skillet or pizza stone on the middle rack before you start heating. Drop the leftovers on the hot vessel’s surface for 4-5 minutes for Detroit or deep-dish styles, 2-3 minutes for NY or thin styles. A single slice comes out nearly new from an air fryer set to 350 degrees. Set your timer for 2-4 minutes and keep an eye on it; things can go from hot to burnt fast. Crisp crusts turn floppy in the fridge, but time atop the stove can salvage them. Grab a skillet—nonstick is fine; cast iron is ideal—and heat until a drip of water sizzles in the pan, drop in the slice and an ice cube and tightly cover. The water from the melted ice will steam the toppings back to life, while the hot surface will reinvigorate the crust.
Crusty Cravings
INDY’S BEST GF PIZZA OPTIONS
Diavola
1134 E. 54th St., 317-820-5100, diavola.net
King Dough
452 N. Highland Ave., 317-602-7960, kingdoughpizzas.com
Napolese
114 E 49th St., 317-925-0765, napolesepizzeria.com
NOTE: Restaurant kitchens may still pose a risk of cross-contamination with wheat flour.
the trophy case where the restaurant’s seasonally selected toppings shine, making for a pie that’s worthy of a wedding or celebration.
Cauliflower-based and zero-carb crusts (made with chicken breast) are a couple of the gluten-free solutions at Azzip Pizza, an Evansville-based chain with locations in Greenwood and Indy. The company, which prides itself on its ability to customize a pie, also offers a standard gluten-free crust and multiple vegan options, including a nondairy cheese.
For those who prefer the semihomemade route, one of the best par-baked crusts in town comes from Carmel-based home bakery Gluten Free Creations. Owner Lydia Bootz was diagnosed with a gluten intolerance in 2014, which led her to launch her gluten-free sweet and savory business. “I wanted something better than what was at the grocery store,” Bootz says. “My crusts are also vegan, so those adhering to that diet can have something great, too.”
30 Minutes Or Less
Pizza once ruled the delivery roost, but the advent of apps means most foods can be at your door in a flash. But pizza comes with its own specific set of concerns. We spoke with local pizzaiolos and a slew of local delivery drivers for tips on how to get the best delivery experience possible. V
SET YOUR oven to its lowest setting as you place your order. That way, if it arrives lukewarm, you can swiftly warm it back up.
IF YOU have specific changes for the pizza shop, don’t rely on the notes section on the delivery app. “We don’t always get those messages,” one local shop owner says. “Call us to make sure we can make the change.”
PRIME TIME can be tricky. Delivery apps are overloaded during high-traffic events like games and Saturday nights. Dispatching a family member to pick the pizza up may save you a lot of time and trouble.
50 05 FIFTY FIFTY OVER
Every single person in this handpicked group proves it’s never too late to shine. Whether launching new careers, chasing passions, giving back, or shaking things up, our bold and brilliant cohort has us awed. In a world fi xated on youth, these inspiring individuals defy expectations every day. Thirty under 30? Pshaw . Meet Indy’s cool crowd right here.
EDITED BY CHRISTINA VERCELLETTO · PHOTOS BY TONY VALAINIS
Written by Eve Batey, Camille Graves, Lou Harry, Seth Johnson, Clay Maxfield, Andrea Ratcliff, Kelly Redlin, and Julia Spalding
Evelyn Magley, CEO of The Basketball League
MAGLEY
PHOTO COURTESY
JAY GOLDZ
MIRIAM ACEVEDO DAVIS, 73
For 21 years, Acevedo Davis’ energy has gone toward supporting Indiana’s Latino population as executive director and CEO of La Plaza, a nonprofit that assists Hoosiers with roots in South and Central American countries. “A lot of our families are new immigrants, and language or culture may be a barrier,” she says. La Plaza helps them make connections ranging from health care, to education, to legal services. “I’m one very lucky person,” she adds. “I get to come every day to a job I really enjoy, to do work that matters to me.”
CECILIA ALVAREZHEARD, 50
Having only just entered what she calls the “rich and meaningful season of life,” Alvarez-Heard is counting her blessings. Along with husband Andrew, she runs Tresss Aquatectural Designs, which began in the garage of their Zionsville home. The pair fulfilled the need for aesthetically pleasing, in-ground pool covers that are safe for kids and pets. And she regularly kicks up her heels with Dancing Queens, a group she founded for Latinas. “One of my proudest accomplishments is creating a community that connects women through celebration and friendship,” she says, adding that she thought her life would be winding down at 50. “But I was wrong. There’s no deadline on purpose.”
DAVID ANDRICHIK, 74
When he bought 86-year-old Mass Ave bar the Chatterbox, Andrichik wasn’t planning to make it into the great jazz spot he presides over today. “I just wanted a building, but the bar came with it,” he recalls. The neighborhood was far grittier in 1982, and the bar shuttered early. “I would stop for a drink to enjoy my investment, and we’d be closing,” Andrichik
recalls. “And I thought, Well, that’s no fun. … That’s what led me to add music in the evenings, jazz and blues being my favorites.” The music nights helped spark a revival of a formerly overlooked area. “I didn’t realize that I was creating a new home for displaced musicians,” he says. “But it was a beautiful, serendipitous moment.”
1 DEE ANNIS, 53
Annis was determined to land her dream job—booking bands. “I joke that I just kept going to shows at Hi-Fi until they hired me!” she laughs. Her tenacity paid off: The talent buyer
for MOKB Presents has been having a blast since. Hosting her favorite band since she was in college, The Afghan Whigs, with friends from all over the country attending, has been a highlight, she shares. “Age isn’t an issue if you don’t let it be.”
2 TOM BATTISTA, 75
After three decades as Jimmy Buffett’s tour manager (yes, really), Battista is the boost behind some of Indy’s most notable restaurants. The latter career began with savvy real estate investments in emerging neighborhoods like Fletcher
Place and tenants that include Milktooth. Then he got skin in the restaurant game by cofounding dining destinations such as Bluebeard and Amelia’s with son Ed. “When I see our city doesn’t have something, we’ll come up with the idea. I’m kind of like a dog with a bone,” Battista says of his drive to weave big city ideas into Indy’s sometimes-retiring soul. “I’ll just stay on, stay on, and stay on until it actually happens.”
3 JENNY BOUCEK, 51
The word “trailblazer” is thrown around all the time, but in the case of Pacers assistant coach Boucek, it’s true. She’s been
operating from the sidelines of pro basketball since 1999. But it was in 2021 that she made Pacers history, becoming the franchise’s first female assistant coach on the bench—a feat she also achieved with the Dallas Mavericks in 2018.
BARBARA
“I tell it like it is, straight up,” says Boyd. That should come as no surprise to anyone who watched her for 25 years on Indianapolis’ WRTV6. She was 40 and working in a school when the station called to ask if there were any Black women there who might like to appear on TV. “Honey, if you’re looking for a star, here I are,” Boyd joked over the phone. She soon became the first Black woman on television news in Indiana. Of her first day on the job, Boyd says, “I didn’t know beans about anything.” But it was her charisma and ability to connect with people from all walks of life that carried her through. Today, Boyd remains active, serving on several local boards. She still works her own gorgeous garden, still models in fashion shows, and still goes dancing weekly with her boyfriend. Boyd embodies the spirit of a poem written by her late husband, Ted: “When I wake up in the morning, / customarily I say, / Look out world! / It’s gonna be a good day.”
DARLENE BRANDON, 60
“I love what I do,” says Brandon, owner of the eastside comfort food destination, Shrimp Hut. Brandon’s dad opened the eatery 52 years ago, so she was raised around fried fish, wings, and even frog legs. “I always knew that I wanted the restaurant to be mine one day,” she says, so after graduating from North Central High School and Ohio HBCU Wilberforce University, she joined the business. She greets diners with a smile to this day. “I don’t ever plan on retiring,” she insists. “I love my customers.”
1 ELLIE BROWN, 50
Fierce. Feisty. Fabulous. That would be the all-mom rock cover band, The Janeways, and especially lead vocalist Brown. She had zero musical training before joining the group, which pays homage to such ’80s acts as Twisted Sister, Van Halen, and Poison. “If I had been afraid to put myself out there and learn something new, I’d have missed out on so much,” Brown reflects. “I’m just getting started.”
2 DOUGLAS DAVID, 67
The man behind Douglas David Fine Art in Ravenswood has been exhibiting his dreamy landscape and still-life paintings across the country and in Europe for more than a quarter century. His work was
even selected to adorn Indiana license plates and to appear on HGTV. Although he’s beyond typical retirement age, he has no intention of doing anything of the sort. To the contrary, David has added teaching workshops and mentoring young artists to his plate. One thing he is stopping: worrying about the future. “You work your entire life heading toward … something,” he observes. “But then you realize, this is it. Today is it.”
3 STEPHANIE EPPICH DAILY, 52
4 DENISE HERD, 59
As owner of communications company Herd Strategies, Herd lives life with “a heightened awareness of and confidence in who I am because of the lessons through the years.” She is quick to note, though, that she’s found ageism is very real. “It’s up to us to step around the stereotypes and define our course,” she urges. “When I was already considered ‘old,’ I learned how to ride a Harley. I found my soulmate. I found my voice. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you don’t matter. You do.”
the former attorney with the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office ignored the fact that Indianapolis was dominated by chain restaurants when she opened her first spot in 1989, kicking off a Midwestern revolution. Since then, she’s turned her attention toward juvenile food insecurity, launching the nonprofit Patachou Foundation in 2013 (she remains board president). This year, she left the business she built and launched the M.S.H. Collective, a mentorship system for women business owners.
6 JOAN HOSTETLER, 64
5 DAVID HOCHOY, 71
An unexpected death of a friend spurred Eppich Daily to examine how she might give back. When her sister mused about how great it would be to send a friend lasagna, a light bulb went off. Eppich Daily launched a home kitchen as the pandemic began. “Everyone wanted to share comfort. What better than lasagna?” she asks. Now, Send a Friend Lasagna is a full-on business, and helping others remains central.
Born in Trinidad, Hochoy joined Dance Kaleidoscope in 1991 after years as a contemporary dancer in places from New York to Tokyo. He retired in 2023 but remains their artistic director emeritus and an active dance instructor (check out @davidhochoy to see just how active). He also works hard to engage younger generations in the arts. “We must find a way to attract those out partying on Mass Ave into the theater,” he says. “The arts are the key to humanity. That is how we know that we have evolved.”
MARTHA HOOVER, 70
“I have always possessed an unwillingness to believe that failure is a real potential,” says Cafe Patachou founder Hoover. That attitude explains why
A zealous photo archivist and historian, Hostetler is the founding director of The Indiana Album, a nonprofit online catalog dedicated to preserving the state’s visual history.
Many Indiana history buffs have her to thank for their intel, as the Cottage Home resident generously shares her deep knowledge of all things Hoosier with them. (Check out her fascinating library of Then & Now retrospectives
HOCHOY PHOTO COURTESY KELLY WILKINSON
on the Historic Indianapolis site.) She combines meticulous research, community outreach, and a good amount of what she describes as “detective work” to track down not only faded photographs but also the stories behind them. “Someone once told me history doesn’t have an end date,” she says. “I try to keep that in mind.”
TONY KANAAN, 50
Of the many drivers who have fired up Gasoline Alley, few are more beloved than Kanaan. Of the nearly 300 IndyCar Series races in his 23-year career, none is more memorable than when he placed first in the 97th Indianapolis 500. “When I started racing, it was my goal to be an IndyCar driver. I lost my dad to cancer when I was 13. He made me promise to win the Indy 500 for him one day,” Kanaan shares. “It means the world to me, and this place is always going to be special.”
7 AMANDA KINGSBURY, 54
Mirror Indy’s managing editor of innovation since its inception in 2023, Amanda Kingsbury encourages creativity and innovative storytelling for the digital nonprofit news organization. Following 12 years at IndyStar, Kingsbury stepped away from media to cofound Indy Maven in 2019 and led Indy Arts Council’s marketing efforts before rejoining the journalism realm, all the while keeping her finger on the pulse of emerging technologies, new
ERIC KLEE JOHNSON,
56 MARC JOHNSON, 56
These twin brothers are rocking their way through their 50s. Aside from playing in several local bands, they are co-owners of recording studio The Pop Machine, where they both mentor new musicians and work with rock veterans from They Might Be Giants to The Avett Brothers. Their biggest labor of love is co-curating The Jim Irsay Collection. The instruments, owned by the likes of The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Jimi Hendrix, along with related memorabilia, are valued at $1 billion. Their role has taken on greater meaning since Irsay’s passing. “It’s truly an honor,” Marc (below right) says. “I see the collection as a reflection of Mr. Irsay’s brilliant life and his tremendous passion for music and the arts.”
product development, and startup launches. “Honestly, I never thought I would get back into journalism,” she says of her current post. One of Kingsbury’s newfound superpowers in this decade is redirecting insomnia. “I get up and I write a lot of things in the middle of the night, and I have some of my best ideas. … Insomnia turned out to be a brutal thing, but also a blessing.”
9 RITA KOHN, 91
Art criticism has disappeared from most newspapers, but that hasn’t stopped Kohn from being a staple at local arts events—and thoughtfully writing about them. Her history includes work as a playwright, editor, and professor, but it’s her gentle but passionately learned opinions on theater, dance, poetry, music … and beer that have endeared her to both artists and readers. Since
1990, she’s been contributing pieces to NUVO, continuing with it as it moved from print to online. As this was being written, another review—of an Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Pops concert—from the prolific Kohn popped online.
8 WALTER KUHN, 65
His name may not be instantly recognizable, but his work surely is. Kuhn, director of education and special projects at Roberts Camera, has been taking Indy 500 images for going on five decades. After earning the coveted spot in the flag stand, he has perched there for the last 15 races. “Every year after turning 50, I’ve been in the best photo location at the greatest race in the world. Of 400 photographers, I’m the only one who can say the cars go underneath me. My latter years have an amazing view.”
1 NANCY LEE, 65
Jewelry artist Lee has been making her “tiny things” for 30 years, but it never gets old, she insists. Her colorful, precious metal pieces come to life in her downtown studio and are shown off in her Factory Arts gallery. Lee embraces each day with verve.
She plans to grow the custom side of her business and lean into professional education so she can offer wedding ring redesign services to older couples. “The second act of life is where the magic is,” Lee says. “With experience comes clarity—and the confidence to create on your own terms.”
2 CONSTANCE MACY, 58
The Phoenix Theatre underwent multiple management changes as it strove to reset its identity. Enter Macy, who took on the title of artistic director. It was an entirely new type of job for one of Indy’s leading actresses. “I turned 50, let my gray come in … and my phone quit ringing,” Macy shares about the flow of acting opportunities. “When I was asked to apply for the artistic director spot, I thought, Why not?” Under her leadership, rather than simply producing its own plays, the Phoenix hosts works by resident arts groups including Naptown African American Theatre Collective, Summit Performance, and American Lives Theatre, as well as offers classes and lectures. “I’d encourage anyone contemplating a career change in their 50s or older. We get one life. I’m happier carrying my own basket instead of putting my eggs in someone else’s.”
EVELYN MAGLEY, 67
From the University of Kansas to Bradenton, Florida, Magley has brought positivity to each place she’s touched. Now as she nears her 10th anniversary as a Hoosier, it comes as no surprise that the same impact she has had elsewhere is being seen here. As the CEO of community-centric The Basketball League and the Basketball Super League, Magley is the
first Black female owner of a male professional basketball league. “What has helped me in everything I do has been my faith,” Magley says of her ability to grow through the years. “I get up every day looking to see what God would have me do in the lives that I can impact.”
TONY MASON, 58
The man behind some of Indy’s most thrilling sporting events is also one of the city’s most decorated. As the SVP of the 2012 Super Bowl Host Committee, Mason showed fans of the Chiefs and Bucks how to have a great time in the Crossroads of America. He has led the Black equity nonprofit Indianapolis Urban League since 2014, where he’s emerged as a vocal advocate for affordable housing in Indy and beyond. “When you have safe, quality housing that you can afford,” he says, “that’s the basis for being able to thrive.”
3 JAMIE MERISOTIS, 61
Leading the Lumina Foundation, Merisotis is a tireless advocate for more equitable career preparedness, in particular through Goal 2025, an initiative to increase postsecondary education attainment among those age 25–64 from 54 to 60 percent. The author of America Needs Talent: Attracting, Educating & Deploying the 21st-Century Workforce and Human Work in the Age of Smart Machines advises
policymakers worldwide on workforce readiness issues.
4 KIPP NORMAND, 61
If you know even a little about Indy’s homegrown art scene, then you know Normand. The self-professed “junk collector and armchair historian” haunts back alleys, secondhand shops, and abandoned buildings for materials to transform into meditative commentary on our world. He is as eclectic as ever, exhibiting assemblages, shadow boxes, installations, and collages across the city. “Every life experience, every place I have visited, every story I have heard is somehow filed away and shapes my work in unexpected ways,” he observes. When he was a “young blade,” Normand always had a Plan B. “I guess by now I’m on Plan X or Y.”
5 POLINA OSHEROV, 53
As executive director of the magazine and creative brand Pattern, photographer Osherov has introduced Indianapolis to some of its most forward-thinking artists. Recently she has been instrumental in redefining what a “creative economy” could look like here. Osherov bootstrapped Pattern from a scrappy fashion collective into an economic development engine with residencies, fellowships, summits, workshops,
and offices in the historic Stutz Building. Osherov envisions a future where Indy is a magnet for creative companies with jobs—and gives them reason to stick around. “You want there to be so much creative activity that when you walk down the street, there’s music, fashionable people, retail, buskers and, you know, art on the streets,” she says. “All the time, not just during the All-Stars.”
KELLY OSWALT, 63
Makeup artist Oswalt launched photo movement The Gray Hair Project to show the world that older women are sensual and exciting and, more importantly, show the ladies themselves that they are powerful and relevant in today’s world. Next step: Take the photoshoots global and invite women all over the world to join through Facebook. “We get so stressed about our attractiveness as we age that our inner spirit is obstructed. I’m trying to help women break the obsession with trying to appear young.”
6 LATHA RAMCHAND, 64
As the inaugural chancellor of IU Indianapolis and executive vice president of Indiana University, Ramchand makes it her mission to increase innovation, cultivate leaders through workforce development, and strengthen research initiatives at the R1-designated institution. A native of Mumbai, India, Ramchand held prior leadership posts with the University of Missouri and University of Houston before relocating to the Circle City in February 2024. At IUI, Ramchand fosters a collaborative environment, making herself regularly accessible to students and faculty and fostering connections with statewide mayors and school superintendents. The Herron-Morton resident has found a few favorite haunts in Salt on Mass, Livery, and Vicino while exploring (and impacting) her new environs.
GARY REYNOLDS, 82
Reynolds’ parents, Mac and
Arline, opened a small John Deere shop in Fishers in 1955 when residents numbered well under 500. By 1969, Reynolds started building up the business—and he’s still at it. Reynolds Farm Equipment is now a six-location enterprise. Known for his impactful charitable projects for 4-H, Conner Prairie, youth sports, and local food pantries, Reynolds was hailed as an Indiana Living Legend.
MARIO RODRIGUEZ, 59
IND has been named best
airport in North America year after year thanks to the seasoned perspective of executive director Rodriguez. He is also founder of the Hispanic Leadership Circle, which helps young Latino professionals grow. Rodriguez shares that he wishes something like it had been around when he was starting out. “We all get better with age and experience. Some of the most successful people in the world didn’t reach their pinnacle until their 50s or older,” he adds. “And I’m certainly not done yet.”
MANDY SELKE, 50 CARLY SWIFT, 50
Twins Selke and Swift launched popcorn company Just Pop In! in a Broad Ripple storefront in 2003, and now you can find bags of their flavored gourmet snacks across the country—and above it, thanks to their outpost at Indianapolis International Airport. They each have their areas of expertise: Mandy is the “mixologist/chef,” while Carly handles the finances. Both work to give back to the community. “Who knew that popcorn could be a platform to support many notfor-profit agencies?” Selke says. “Our job has allowed us to outwardly support causes that are in our hearts.”
DEE SCHAAD, 81
JAMES SHOLLY, 60 JON
SHOLLY, 53
The Sholly brothers have been running graphic design studio Commercial Artisan for nearly 25 years, also showing their work in major museum exhibitions and putting out Commercial Artisan, a sleek publication “exploring design figures from Indiana whose lives and work have been underdocumented” that begs for coffee-table display. Both are relaxed but confident, proving that being a cool cultural innovator isn’t just for the kids. “I disagree with the perception that people over 50 may not be creatively plugged in or have much to offer in terms of contemporary culture,” James (above) says. “I feel unburdened by trends and confident in my own path.”
Ceramicist Schaad has spent his life sharing his passion: the art of pottery. He joined the faculty at the University of Indianapolis in 1975, eventually serving as the chair of its Art and Design program and garnering the school’s Teacher of the Year award. In retirement, if you can call it that, he exhibits his work around the country and keeps his hand on the (pottery) wheel teaching classes. Happily, he’s discovered that there’s a brisk secondary market for his work, with his creations going for three times their original price. “They’ll probably go up even more after I’m gone,” he laughs, “but I’m not planning on that for a long time.”
HERMAN “BUTCH” SLAUGHTER, 77
Indy soul group Words of Wisdom–Truth Revue disbanded in 1982, but fans of the band still cite its single “You Made Me Everything” as one of the finest examples of the form. Bandleader Slaughter says the rich culture of Indiana Avenue was the reason he entered the music game. Years later, as a recent retiree, he felt the itch to return to his roots—and to remind the Black community that it made Indy into the city it is today. With journalist and music curator Kyle Long, Slaughter now hosts the award-winning radio show Echoes of Indiana Avenue on WFYI. “This has given me a stage to promote what I wanted to promote all along.”
MARCIA SPENCER, 69
“Miss Marcia,” as her students affectionately called her, was a career public elementary school teacher in Carmel. In her retirement, she has become a fierce advocate for rescue animals, volunteering at the Humane Society for Hamilton County for the last four years. She does everything and anything, no matter
how down-and-dirty, day after day, week after week. “I do dishes, conduct volunteer orientation, and work with our youth outreach program,” she says. Humbly, Spencer insists that fellow volunteers, many around her age, are just as devoted as she is. She urges “older” folks to volunteer for a cause they’re passionate about. “It’s a great way to contribute, get a sense of worth, and meet amazing friends.”
VICKI ST. JAMES, 54
Ask a local drag queen who their mom is, and they’ll likely say, “Vicki St. James.” The veteran drag performer launched her stage career while still a teen in Anderson. By the time she was old enough to drink, she’d become a fixture at spots from Bloomington gay institution Bullwinkle’s to Mass Ave’s still-standing Metro. “Many in this community look up to me because they may not have an actual supportive mother who loves them for being ‘the gay kid,”’ she says. “I love being the surrogate for someone.”
1 ERIC STARK, 59
Conductor Stark is the rare choral director who’s also taken the podium at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Since he took the role of artistic director at ISC in 2002, his singers have performed with many of the city’s most notable arts organizations, and he’s led classes in Argentina, Japan, and Uruguay. Stark also volunteers with the nonprofit Angel Flight, which connects pilots with people who need to travel for medical care. Both jobs involve “a degree of multitasking that suits my ADD sort of disposition,” Stark says. “My [flight] instructor has taught other musicians, and
he says that monitoring all these different parameters translates well in the cockpit.”
2 LAURA STEELE, 59
The queen of rock, as fans like to call her, is happier than ever. Currently on air at WTHR, the IndyCar Radio Network, and Cincinnati classic rock station 92.5 The Fox, Steele finds satisfaction in aging while continuing to work as hard as ever. “I’m conquering an ever-changing and challenging industry, one that’s brought me joy and excitement,” she says. “There’s no better compliment
than hearing from an aspiring broadcaster who’s inspired by my work.” Above all, the Pike High School Hall of Famer takes pride in being a strong role model for her daughter.
3 STEVI STOESZ, 56
Anyone who has ever read an Indianapolis press release—or listened to the Badassery Life podcast—knows the name Stevi Stoesz. One of the city’s public relations legends and a guest cohost of the popular show, she’s the linchpin of the identity of the Indianapolis Opera, the clients at her Blue Moon marketing company, and the Indianapolis City Market. She partnered with Indiana
Landmarks to transform a forgotten subterranean vault into quirky attraction the Indianapolis Catacombs. Her advice? “Build strong relationships with all kinds of people.”
4 SUSIE TOWNSEND, 67
Indianapolis’ dot on the tourism map gets bigger with each passing year, and it isn’t hyperbole to say that’s due to Townsend. In an incredible 35 years with Visit Indy, Townsend, now its chief destination experience officer, came to be dubbed “the heartbeat of the city” by peers. Townsend handles everything from hosting tens of thousands at multiple events concurrently
to coordinating armies of volunteers with aplomb. When not driving dollars to our city, she serves on the Girl Scouts of Central Indiana board.
5 EDRA WATERMAN, 55
Anderson Public Library’s director was named a 2025 Library Journal Mover & Shaker for successfully fighting censorship that involved bestseller The Fault in our Stars. The protracted battle compelled Waterman to argue at hourslong, unnerving— police were called twice— meetings. John Green himself wrote a letter in support of her efforts. “You never know when you’ll be tested,” she reflects.
THE
DEVON ASHLEY, 54
DAVID “TUFTY” CLOUGH, 69
6
RUSTY REDENBACHER, 55
7
VESS RUHTENBERG, 56
Consisting of vocalist Redenbacher, guitarist Ruhtenberg, bassist Clough, and drummer Ashley, The Last IV is a supergroup of longtime Indy music icons who first performed together in 2014 at the Tonic Ball. They’ve remained active on the local circuit since then. Redenbacher says he still finds joy in letting loose with the dudes—yes, even though they are all on the other side of 50 now. “I still get a real kick out of being on stage, and I think the best way to hear music is live,” Redenbacher says. “There’s nothing like getting in front of people and showing off what you’ve worked on. That’s a big part of my motivation and a big part of what I enjoy about still being in a band, being able to be with my friends and play.” The Last IV’s self-titled debut album is now available at Indy CD & Vinyl, Luna Music, and Square Cat Vinyl.
“Having years of experience to draw on brings confidence and creativity that is hard to tap into earlier in life.”
ALICE WATSON, 60
Raised in Evansville, Watson began her latest chapter only two years ago. After careers in sales and government, she switched gears at social impact nonprofit Indiana Black Expo. She was promoted to CEO in 2023. “We had a listening session to figure out how we make ourselves relevant to a new generation,” she says. Watson resolves to help the 54-year-old organization speak to Gen Z, as well as those coming up behind them.
Divi Inne spiration
A couple who met through a misdialed text message allowed fate to guide them to a historic home in Cambridge City where their growing family and their creativity
By Jeana Harris
In2 0 0 9 , 2009, Brenda Rivera Stearns texted an encouraging Bible verse to a friend but entered the phone number incorrectly. Call it serendipity or divine intervention, but the wrong-number message instead reached Isaiah Stearns, 700 miles away. It made him smile, so he responded.
A year later, they married. Their story has gone viral several times, with appearances on The Today Show and Tamron Hall. Even a Hollywood producer reached out. But for the parents of six children, destiny wasn’t finished with them quite yet.
After the birth of their youngest, Ezra, the Stearns’ 1,800-square-foot home was nearly bursting at the seams. What was once the perfect starter house now felt cramped and stifling. “We loved our home, but we needed something bigger,” Brenda recalls. “We wanted our kids to have their own rooms and privacy as they grow into teenagers. And they needed a yard. We wanted them to be outside.”
Because the family, who then lived in Ohio, didn’t have any ties keeping them there, they searched a vast radius. But their wish list was simple: They wanted an
Photos by Tony Valainis
HOME, SWEET HOME
Above: Brenda Rivera Stearns arranges a bouquet of peonies in her colorful, spacious kitchen, which will be renovated later to increase its available storage space. Left: A bank of floating cabinets in the front hallway holds homeschooling supplies. Far left: The living room fireplace is one of eight in the entire house (three are sealed off at the top). The room is accented by Milton & King Linen Seagrass wallpaper in Forest Papaya.
older home, more bedrooms, and green space. Isaiah shared listing after listing with Brenda, but none jumped out to her.
One day, Isaiah sent a property located in the quaint town of Cambridge City (an hour east of Indianapolis). Perched atop a hill, the 1850 Italianate home offered nearly 5,700 square feet of living space, enormous rooms, and a 6.5-acre homestead. It was in beautiful shape, having been wellmaintained by a devoted, preservation-minded owner.
From the very first picture, Brenda gasped and said, “Let’s go see this house!” Barely a step into the door, “I felt that spark in my heart,” Brenda says. “I said, ‘I don’t care what we have to do, we’re going to live here.’” By the end of the tour, she was in love, feeling in her bones that they were meant to be there. Logistics didn’t work in their favor, though. Once the Stearns’ Ohio home was listed, it sat on the market for months without an offer. To add insult to injury, the Cambridge City home was at the top of their budget. “Our finances didn’t make sense for this to happen,” Brenda recalls. After months at a standstill, they made the difficult decision to pull their house off the market.
Several months later, they attended a birthday party at a historic home that reminded them of Cambridge City. As they watched their kids happily play outside, Brenda says, “We thought, ‘This is what our family needs. Let’s go look at it again.’” Isaiah checked the listing, and they were thrilled to see it was still available and even more delighted that the price had been lowered, better aligning it with their budget.
On the second tour, they met the seller, who walked with them through the home
Barely a step into the door,
“I felt that spark in my heart,” Brenda says. “I said, ‘I don’t care what we have to do, we’re going to live here.’”
and answered all their questions. “Meeting him solidified things for us,” Isaiah says. “He wouldn’t have lived here for 20 years without taking good care of it. It settled things in my mind.”
Their own home was put on the market again and finally received an offer, but the buyers’ requests left a serious dent in their bank account. Now faced with furnishing a home more than three times the size of their previous one and up against a tight budget, Brenda turned her creativity toward the secondhand market. “Thrifting is my love language,” she says.
Besides serving as retail therapy, her thrifting prowess is well-received online. In addition to homeschooling the kids, Brenda is a popular content creator (@she_plusfive) with 135,000 Instagram followers and 1.4 million TikTok likes. Previously, her material focused on motherhood, postpartum, and body positivity, but since entering the old house/DIY realm, she has gained thousands of enthusiastic new followers.
With a design style she describes as eclectic, Brenda says, “I thrive on uniqueness. I love anything Victorian or ornate but also love modern. It’s a mix of everything but always unique, not traditional.” Because the house has such good bones, nearly all the necessary updates are purely cosmetic. So far, Brenda has tackled the din-
ing and living rooms. Both prove the transformative power of paint, wallpaper, and fabulous decor.
“I don’t mind the yellow, but it was everywhere,” she says of the buttery chartreuse nearly covering the first floor. To soften the living room, she chose Benjamin Moore’s Windy Sky, a delicate, gauzy shade of blue. After discovering layers of wallpaper underneath the wainscoting, she went through the tedious process of removing it all, then skimcoated, added new trim, painted, and put up Milton & King wallpaper. With the living room emanating freshness, she turned her attention to the dining room.
The dining room has only one window, so Brenda knew it needed a brighter, livelier color palette. A nonfunctional fireplace and plain mantle (that wasn’t original to the house) both provided opportunities for updating. Through a brand partnership, Brenda received lovely floral, mosaic tiles. Determined to beautify the room but with no prior tiling knowledge, she consulted YouTube and ChatGPT for step-by-step instructions.
“I got frustrated so many times,” she says with a laugh, “It was a challenge.” But the result was worthwhile. The mosaic fireplace surround is a showstopper, giving the room a warm, dreamy feel.
When choosing wallpaper,
Brenda turned to a design she had saved years ago on Pinterest. “When we moved into this house, I knew it had to have its place here. What drew me to the wallpaper was how unique it looked. It has a modern vibe to it but also old and antique that I love,” she says.
Because the modernized damask of rosy pink and cream was so special, Brenda didn’t want to hang it in the traditional sense. Instead, she transformed one wall into a statement, creating visual interest by adding ornate trim to frame sections of the wallpaper. The result looks like large-scale art, and the opposite wall features classically hung paper to showcase the entire pattern.
Moving through the home is an experience that can’t be rushed. The combination of beautifully preserved original features and the uniqueness of the decor demands frequent pauses of appreciation. It’s a vibrant collection of pieces with personality because so many of Brenda’s thrifted finds come with a story—like the 1987 L.S. Ayres dining room chairs that came in their original packaging. Brenda jokes that the only things she buys for the house on Amazon are Command Strips, her favorite vehicle for securing art and mirrors.
On both floors, soaring 15-foot ceilings make the scale of the rooms and hallways feel palatial. Another telltale old house feature is the rooms’ connectivity. “The layout may feel like a labyrinth as you’re walking through, but it’s super easy. It’s just one big square. There are three rooms on each side and then three rooms at the top, with the hallway in the middle,” Brenda explains.
The Stearns’ daughters—Victoria (14), Veronica (12), and Vanessa (9)—have
bedrooms on one side of the second floor, while their sons—Sammy (11), Benjamin (6), and Ezra (3)—are on the other. All the rooms are large, and each includes its own closet (a rarity in old houses). While Brenda has a vision for each of their rooms, it will be slow going. “There’s painted-over wallpaper in a lot of the bedrooms, so it’s very time consuming to remove,” she says.
There are two sets of stairs, the formal set in the foyer and the enclosed servant staircase closer to the kitchen. From an upstairs
bathroom, a door opens to another set of stairs leading to an immense attic. The delights don’t end there. One final staircase in the attic leads up to the home’s most jaw-dropping feature: a belvedere cupola. While some cupolas are merely decorative, a belvedere is functional—used primarily for enjoying pleasant views. It’s an incredible lookout, and though the family doesn’t yet use the space often, Brenda’s creative wheels are turning. “I want to renovate it into a telescope room, with lots of lounging chairs and telescopes to look at the stars, pillows everywhere, and make it all cozy with twinkly lights. I feel like I’m in my own Disney story up here,” she says.
“I feel like we’re the best we’ve ever been. It’s so silly that it’s a house, a thing, but it’s more than that. It’s a dream come true.”
While the couple’s to-do list of projects feels endless, they’re in no rush to tackle everything at once. “Our life has changed with this house. From our marriage to how our kids behave, our quality of life is so much better,” Brenda says, “I feel like we’re the best we’ve ever been. It’s so silly that it’s a house, a thing, but it’s more than that. It’s a dream come true.”
CREATIVE DISPLAYS
Left: The large-scale print of Belarte Studio’s Contemporary Ornament wallpaper in the dining room is punctuated by an assortment of decorative plates. Right: Isaiah and Brenda gather with their six children and family dog Vinnie in the living room.
(The cat is Leah.)
MEDICAL GUIDE M E D I C A L G U I D E
This list of Indiana hospitals, specialty clinics, and healthcare networks is just a sampling of local practices. The sites are in Indianapolis, unless otherwise indicated. Entries may not mention every service a provider offers, and inclusion does not imply an endorsement by Indianapolis Monthly. Talk to your doctor for recommendations or referrals.
HOSPITALS
ASCENSION ST. VINCENT
CARMEL HOSPITAL
This critical-care hospital offers a wide range of surgeries, 24/7 emergency care (its ER has been designated an Emergency Center of Excellence), and advanced specialty services including cancer care, breast imaging and testing, bariatric surgery, pediatric specialty services, and perinatal care. The Women’s Center provides personalized care in services such as gynecology; obstetrics; and bone, pelvic, breast, and heart health.
13500 N. Meridian St., Carmel, 317-582-7000, healthcare.ascension.org
ASCENSION ST. VINCENT FISHERS HOSPITAL
Since opening a decade ago, Ascension St. Vincent Fishers has earned Five
Star Excellence Awards in the areas of emergency care, inpatient, inpatient OB/ GYN, inpatient medical/surgical, and outpatient services. Additional services include imaging, mental-health care, a weekday sports injury walk-in clinic, a Saturday-morning pediatric walk-in clinic, a pediatric and adult sleepdisorders center, Monogram Maternity, and kids’ services at the Peyton Manning Children’s Outpatient Center. 13861 Olio Rd., Fishers, 317-415-9000, healthcare.ascension.org
ASCENSION ST. VINCENT INDIANAPOLIS HOSPITAL
Healthgrades has consistently recognized this northwestside facility in the areas of critical, stroke, and gastrointestinal care, as well as orthopedic, cardiovascular, and pulmonary services. Several Centers of Excellence, including those dedicated to cardiovascular,
neurosciences, orthopedics, women’s, bariatric, spine, transplant, and cancer care, are located here, as are services in emergency medicine, trauma care, digestive health, sleep disorders, imaging, hospice care, wound treatment, and general surgery.
2001 W. 86th St., 317-338-2345, healthcare.ascension.org
ASCENSION ST. VINCENT
SETON
Accredited by The Joint Commission, this long-term, acute-care hospital provides services to medically complex and critically ill patients who require an extended hospital stay and more specialized treatment programs. The facility offers ventilator management and individualized weaning programs; complex infusion therapy; telemetry; hemodynamic monitoring; long-term wound care; chemotherapy; surgical, radiological, dialysis, and laboratory
services; and physical, occupational, respiratory, and speech therapy.
8050 Township Line Rd., 317-415-8500, healthcare.ascension.org
COMMUNITY HOSPITAL EAST
Opened in 1956, this comprehensive acute-care facility offers cardiovascular, maternity, orthopedic, inpatient and outpatient surgery, emergency, and cancer-care services. The hospital’s affiliation with the MD Anderson Cancer Network provides certified physicians with access to MD Anderson’s evidencebased guidelines and treatment plans. Additional highlights include the Center for Joint Health, the Shelbourne Knee Center, Community Breast Care, Level III obstetrics and neonatal care, and accreditation as a Primary Stroke Center. 1500 N. Ritter Ave., 317-355-1411, ecommunity.com/east
COMMUNITY HOSPITAL NORTH
Community North and its surrounding campus include Community Heart and Vascular Hospital, Community Surgery Center North, Community Rehabilitation Hospital North, and Community Cancer Center North, home to MD Anderson Cancer Network-certified oncologists. Other services and amenities offered include an emergency room; the Community Women’s Center; digestive-health care; a Level III neonatal intensive-care unit; a wide range of medical imaging; the Center for Joint Health; behavioral health for children and adults; medical weight loss; and the Adolescent and Young Adult Health Center.
This comprehensive, coordinated care unit serves residents south of the metroIndianapolis area. Community Cancer Center South provides a full range of certified oncologists specializing in gynecologic, breast, skin, colorectal, lung, and head and neck cancers. The multidisciplinary approach includes a dietitian, a social worker, and patient navigators. Community Hospital South also provides the Center for Joint Health, Community Surgery Center South, an ER, Community Breast Care, private labor and delivery suites, a Level II NICU, Community Heart and Vascular, and an on-site pharmacy.
1402 E. County Line Rd., 317-887-7000, ecommunity.com/south
FRANCISCAN HEALTH CARMEL
This short-stay, six-bed hospital offers both inpatient and outpatient services, such as cancer care, imaging and radiology, physical therapy, rehab, sleep tests, and sports medicine.
12188B N. Meridian St., Carmel, 317-705-4500, franciscanhealth.org
FRANCISCAN HEALTH
INDIANAPOLIS
Franciscan has achieved top Healthgrades rankings for best overall heart care, heart surgery, heart-failure treatment, and coronary interventions. Its emergency room is an accredited Chest Pain Center, and its Breast Center is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers. Other amenities include multidisciplinary cancer care; diabetes and endocrinology care; the Wound Care Institute; joint and spine care; a bariatric-surgery program; behavioral health; and outpatient services such as physical and occupational therapy, laboratory tests, and imaging.
8111 S. Emerson Ave., 317-528-5000, franciscanhealth.org
FRANCISCAN
HEALTH MOORESVILLE
The nationally recognized Center for Hip & Knee Surgery is housed here. This hospital also provides a wide range of
programs and services, including emergency medicine, cardiovascular care through Franciscan Physician Network Indiana Heart Physicians, behavioral health, diabetes care and education, cancer screening and treatment, neurosciences, sports medicine, sleep disorders, and endoscopy. It is home to the only full-service, hospital-based obstetrical and maternity care program in Morgan County.
A member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, Hancock Regional provides a full complement of inpatient and outpatient services, including 24-hour emergency care; diagnostic imaging; and cardiology, neurology, pulmonology, and oncology care. The multispecialty outpatient Hancock Surgery Center, the Center for Wound Healing, the James T. Anderson MD Center for Women’s Health, a bariatric weight-loss program, a heartburn center, and a sleep-disorders center also are offered. The facility is an accredited Chest Pain Center by the American College of Cardiology.
801 N. State St., Greenfield, 317-4625544, hancockregionalhospital.org
HENDRICKS REGIONAL HEALTH
Hendricks Regional Health has achieved the Healthgrades Outstanding Patient Experience Award for 16 consecutive years, and is Five Star-rated by Healthgrades in COPD, respiratory and heart failure, pneumonia, sepsis, and GI bleed. Two hospitals include the Center for Breast and Bone Health (designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence), emergency departments, imaging, rehabilitation, lab services, and respiratory care, while Danville offers the Center for Diabetes Excellence, an inpatient and outpatient surgery unit, pediatric care, neurodiagnostic services, and the Childbirth Center.
1000 E. Main St., Danville, 317-7454451; 5492 N. Ronald Reagan Pkwy., Brownsburg, 317-456-9051; hendricks.org
IU HEALTH METHODIST HOSPITAL
This longtime health leader is consistently ranked among the top 50 in U.S. News & World Report ’s “America’s Best Hospitals.” Its designation as a Magnet hospital speaks to its achievements in excellence for nursing service and patient outcomes. It’s home to the largest Level I adult trauma center in the state, a nationally recognized organ-transplant center (the first in the state to perform a pancreas transplant), cardiac critical care, orthopedics and sports-medicine services, the largest neuroscience critical-care unit in the country, and the Fairbanks Center for Medical Ethics.
1701 N. Senate Ave., 317-962-2000, iuhealth.org/methodist
IU HEALTH NORTH HOSPITAL
This Carmel-based, full-service hospital
offers a wealth of assistance for adults and children, as well as an attached medical office building and the IU Health Joe and Shelly Schwarz Cancer Center. Clinical programs include breast imaging, cardiovascular, emergency, labor and delivery, oncology, outpatient surgery, radiology, urology, hematology, bariatric and medical weight loss, plastic and reconstructive surgery, and a sleep-disorders center. It is accredited by The Joint Commission as a Primary Stroke Center.
11700 N. Meridian St., Carmel, 317-688-2000, iuhealth.org/north
IU HEALTH SAXONY HOSPITAL
This hospital in Fishers focuses on advanced cardiovascular care (it has a Level I Heart Attack Program), orthopedics (home to the IU Health Hip & Knee Center), and emergency services. The facility also provides outpatient surgery, cardiac-rehabilitation services, radiology, sports-medicine care, women’s healthcare, and a sleep-disorders center. Breast care includes 3D breast tomosynthesis and mammography screening, ultrasounds, and surgery.
13000 E. 136th St., Fishers, 317-678-2000, iuhealth.org/saxony
IU HEALTH UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Throughout the years, U.S. News & World Report has routinely ranked several of IU Health University Hospital’s clinical programs among the best in the nation. The teaching facility also boasts a comprehensive organ-transplant center; a nationally recognized gastroenterology program; oncology, dermatology, and radiology care; full surgical services; diabetes and endocrinology care; and a top orthopedics program providing joint, bone, spine, and muscle care.
550 N. University Blvd., 317-944-5000, iuhealth.org/university
IU HEALTH WEST HOSPITAL
IU Health West has earned Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, meaning its nurses rank in the top tier nationwide. It has also earned advanced certification as a Primary Stroke Center from The Joint Commission. Highlights include emergency services, the Back and Neck Center, a Cancer Center, a 24/7 cardiac cath lab, cardiovascular testing and treatment, orthopedic and sports-medicine care, imaging, sleep services, pediatric care, and women’s health services.
1111 N. Ronald Reagan Pkwy., Avon, 317-217-3000, iuhealth.org/west
JOHNSON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
The Cardiovascular Care Center here is offered in partnership with IU Health Physicians Cardiology. The hospital provides an emergency room, general and specialty surgery, a comprehensive weight-loss and wellness program, and care centers related to cancer, diabetes, breast health, respiratory care, maternity, orthopedics, stroke,
and sleep. The facility’s Stones Crossing Health Pavilion, in conjunction with Community Health Network, is located in Greenwood and offers imaging and lab services, primary- and specialty-care physicians, rehab and physical therapy, and a sports-performance program and amenities for athletes.
1125 W. Jefferson St., Franklin, 317-736-3300, johnsonmemorial.org
MHP MAJOR HOSPITAL
The primary healthcare provider for Shelby County serves patients and families throughout southeast Indiana through the hospital and its practice groups. MHP Cardiovascular provides a full slate of services to prevent and treat heart and vascular diseases and conditions, and its Renovo Orthopaedic Center offers surgical and nonsurgical care, joint replacement, rehabilitation, and sports medicine. Additional highlights include an emergency department, MHP Oncology & Hematology, diabetes education and prevention, women’s health, gastroenterology and hepatology, primary care, and surgery services.
PEYTON MANNING CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL AT ASCENSION ST. VINCENT
Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent features dozens of pediatric specialties, including cancer, blood diseases, cardiology, diabetes and endocrinology, gastroenterology, leukemia and lymphoma, nephrology, neurology, pulmonology, orthopedics, sleep disorders, and emergency care. There are also pediatric and neonatal intensive-care units.
2001 W. 86th St., 317-338-2345, healthcare.ascension.org
RICHARD L. ROUDEBUSH VA MEDICAL CENTER
This VA Medical Center, in partnership with the IU School of Medicine, has been helping Hoosier veterans since 1932 with a full range of services that includes emergency care, extended care and rehabilitation, cancer care, mental health services, suicide prevention, palliative care, amputee care, women’s health care, dental care, PTSD care, and weight management. Community outpatient clinics providing primary care and some specialty services are offered throughout the state.
1481 W. 10th St., 317-554-0000, va.gov/indiana-health-care
RILEY CHILDREN’S HEALTH AT IU HEALTH
U.S. News & World Report has ranked Riley among the top children’s hospitals in the areas of cancer, cardiology and heart surgery, diabetes and endocrinology, gastroenterology, neonatology, nephrology, neurology and neurosurgery, pulmonology, and urology. Riley has achieved Magnet status for nursing excellence, and offers a comprehensive
eCommunity.com/cancer
Level IV neonatal intensive-care unit. It also features a Level I pediatric trauma center, a Level I children’s surgery center, and a nationally recognized pediatric transplant program.
705 Riley Hospital Dr., 317-944-5000; 11700 N. Meridian St., Carmel, 317-688-2000; rileychildrens.org
RIVERVIEW HEALTH
At Riverview Health Westfield Hospital, patients receive emergency and urgent care, imaging, rehab, lab services, and surgery. The location in Noblesville offers a combined ER and urgent care, along with surgery, radiology and imaging, a wide spectrum of women’s services, cosmetic surgery, and care related to diabetes and endocrinology, internal medicine, cardiology, oncology, and sleep disorders. A modern maternity center is housed in the women’s pavilion with private guest suites and a Level II special-care nursery. Riverview’s Chest Pain Center is accredited by the American College of Cardiology.
Part of Eskenazi Health, facilities here include the Smith Level I Shock Trauma Center and the Richard M. Fairbanks Burn Center. The Kathi & Bob Postlethwait Mental Health Recovery Center serves those with mental illnesses and chronic addictions, and primary-care locations provide physical exams, immunizations, prenatal care, social services, and dental care. Other hospital services include women’s and children’s care; dermatology and cardiology; infectious diseases; orthopedics; eye health; and urology; family planning; joint replacement; the Sandra Eskenazi Outpatient Care Center; and palliative care.
Boone County’s Witham facility offers cardiovascular care, a Sleep Center featuring diagnostic testing, an Allergy and Sinus Center, a Wound Healing Center with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, emergency and surgical services, radiology and imaging, pediatric care, pain management, dermatology, rheumatology, sports medicine, the GI Institute, and the Cancer Institute. Witham’s Women’s Center offers 3D tomosynthesis mammography and a complete slate of health services.
2605 N. Lebanon St., Lebanon, 765-485-8000, witham.org
AMBULATORY SURGICAL CENTERS
CARMEL AMBULATORY SURGERY CENTER
Surgical services are offered in the areas
of orthopedics; hand; ear, nose, and throat; gynecology; vein removal; pain management; neurosurgery; plastic and reconstructive surgery; ophthalmology; colorectal care; and general surgery. Pre-procedure and recovery areas, as well as a separate pediatric waiting room, allow for patient privacy.
13421 Old Meridian St., Carmel, 317-706-1600, carmelambulatory.com
COMMUNITY SURGERY CENTERS
These Community Health Network outpatient surgery centers feature private patient rooms and surgeons representing nearly every specialty. They’re located on the north, south, and east sides of Indianapolis, as well as in Noblesville, Kokomo, Greenfield, and Anderson.
Multiple locations throughout Central Indiana; ecommunity.com/ communitysurgerycenter
HENDRICKS REGIONAL HEALTH HIBBELN SURGERY CENTER
This center offers a chronic pain management area to treat muscular, lowerback, and neck pain. Surgical specialties include orthopedics; ophthalmology; urology; gynecology; oral surgery; podiatry; general surgery; plastic surgery; and ear, nose, and throat.
8244 E. U.S. Hwy. 36, Avon, 317-272-4372, hendricks.org/hibbeln-surgery-center
PHYSICIAN NETWORKS
AMERICAN HEALTH NETWORK/ OPTUM INDIANA
American Health Network has 70-plus medical practices that employ more than 200 primary-care physicians and specialists in Indiana and Ohio. The organization provides care in areas such as family medicine, dermatology, orthopedics, urology, imaging, pain management, and physical therapy. optum.com
ASCENSION MEDICAL GROUP
Recognized by the American Medical Association, this physician-led national provider organization strives to present the best possible outcomes, enhanced experiences for patients and clinicians, and affordable healthcare.
ascension.org
COMMUNITY PHYSICIAN NETWORK
Ranked among the nation’s most integrated healthcare systems, Community Health Network is a leader in providing convenient access to exceptional healthcare services across Central Indiana. 317-621-2727, fad.ecommunity.com
FRANCISCAN PHYSICIAN NETWORK
This group of doctors associated with Franciscan Alliance provides a comprehensive range of services. Areas
include cardiology, family medicine, dermatology, endocrinology, oncology, orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, and bariatric surgery, among others. franciscanhealth.org/find-a-provider
HENDRICKS REGIONAL MEDICAL GROUP
Hendricks Regional Health’s network of primary-care, specialty, and immediatecare physicians provides a spectrum of services for youth and adults in internal medicine, family practice, pediatrics, orthopedics, sports medicine, diabetes, neurology, obstetrics, and gynecology. 317-745-4451, hendricks.org/hendricksregional-health-medical-group
IU HEALTH PHYSICIANS
This physicians’ group, a partnership with IU Health and the IU School of Medicine, features more than 5,000 providers with 700-plus locations around Indiana, offering care in a large variety of specialties.
888-484-3258, iuhealth.org/ find-providers
RIVERVIEW HEALTH PHYSICIANS
Riverview Health’s network of primary-, specialty-, and immediate-care physicians provides treatment to patients throughout Hamilton and Tipton counties. Areas include family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedics and sports medicine, and pain management. 317-773-0760, riverview.org/doctor
AUTISM
BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS CENTER FOR AUTISM
This organization uses the principles and procedures of applied behavior analysis to teach language, social, self-help, academic, and employment skills to children and young adults with autism and related disorders.
Multiple locations throughout Central Indiana; 317-288-5232, thebaca.com
BARIATRICS & WEIGHT LOSS
ASCENSION ST. VINCENT BARIATRICS
Ascension’s weight-management program includes both surgical and nonsurgical weight-loss solutions, dietary and behavioral counseling, exercising, and support groups.
13430 N. Meridian St., Ste. 168, Carmel, 317-582-7088, healthcare.ascension.org
COMMUNITY BARIATRIC AND MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS
Community Health Network’s bariatric services provide individualized weightloss surgery and nonsurgical medically
supervised weight-loss options with help from seminars, board-certified bariatric surgeons, a board-certified bariatrician, dietitians, exercise specialists, and psychologists.
North: 7250 Clearvista Pkwy., Ste. 100, 317-621-7771; Hamilton: 9669 E. 146th St., Ste. 340, Noblesville, 317-621-2511; South: 8711 S. U.S. 31, 317-887-7771; ecommunity.com/bariatric
FRANCISCAN HEALTH
WEIGHT LOSS CENTER
Franciscan provides a full range of bariatric services, including a thorough preoperative evaluation, patient support groups, pre- and post-operative counseling, exercise classes, dietary guidance, and a long-term follow-up plan to help patients achieve and maintain results.
5255 E. Stop 11 Rd., Ste. 440, 317-528-7525, franciscanhealth.org
IU HEALTH NORTH METABOLIC & BARIATRIC SURGERY
This program, honored as an MBSAQIPaccredited center, offers surgical procedures to aid weight loss, nutritional counseling, weight-loss support, long-term care, and informational seminars and classes.
11725 N. Illinois St., Carmel, 317-688-5031, iuhealth.org
CARDIOLOGY
ASCENSION ST. VINCENT HEART CENTER
Several cardio-related Centers of Excellence are based here. Features and services offered include a 24/7 Heart Emergency Unit, a Women’s Cardiac Risk Clinic, interventional cardiology, vascular and aortic care, radiology and imaging, open-heart surgery, pacemaker installation, electrophysiology, cardiac rehabilitation, and transplants.
10580 N. Meridian St., Carmel, 317-583-5000, healthcare.ascension.org
COMMUNITY HEART AND VASCULAR HOSPITAL
Located on the campus of Community Hospital North, the facility offers a 24/7 heart-care emergency room and cardiovascular genetic counseling. A cardiologist is on site all hours of the day. Services include cardiothoracic and vascular surgery, electrophysiology, cardiac rehabilitation, clinics dedicated to cardio-oncology and anti-coagulation, cardiac-catheterization labs, a full range of diagnostic tests, heart failure care, and prevention and wellness tools. Services are also offered at Community Hospitals East and South.
8075 N. Shadeland Ave., 317-621-8000, ecommunity.com/heart
FRANCISCAN HEALTH HEART CENTER
Healthgrades has ranked this center among the top in the country. The state’s first Heart Valve Center was established
here and has earned international attention for its technology that has allowed patients to naturally regrow heart tissue and its minimally invasive approach to repairing leaking mitral valves. Surgeon Marc Gerdisch was the first ever to implant the CorMatrix ECM Tricuspid Valve, the first and only tissue-regenerative heart valve.
8111 S. Emerson Ave., 317-528-1580, franciscanhealth.org
IU HEALTH HEART & VASCULAR
As one of the highest-volume heart and vascular programs in the nation, IU Health Heart & Vascular offers a full range of diagnostic testing; interventional radiology; heart and lung transplants; heart-failure therapy; lipid-disorder treatment; and care for congenital heart disease, valvular heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, and coronary artery disease.
41 specialty care locations throughout Indiana, 317-962-0500, iuhealth.org
The center’s doctors specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the anus, colon, and rectum, including colon and rectal cancer, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, incontinence, hemorrhoids, prolapse, diverticulitis, and ulcerative colitis. Colonoscopies and surgeries are offered.
5255 E. Stop 11 Rd., Ste. 250, 317-528-2270; 1215 Hadley Rd., Ste. 201, Mooresville, 317-834-2020; franciscanhealth.org/fpnindianacolon. Additional location in Columbus.
MIDWEST COLON AND RECTAL SURGERY
The experts here provide laparoscopic and da Vinci surgery for colorectal cancer and other maladies; colonoscopies and sigmoidoscopies; and diagnosis and treatment for conditions such as incontinence, ulcerative colitis, abdominal pain, diverticulosis, polyps, irritable bowel syndrome, and small-intestine and pelvic-floor disorders.
13421 Old Meridian St., Ste. 210, Carmel, 317-844-5273; 8240 Naab Rd., Ste. 160, 317-872-1577; 2705 N. Lebanon St., Ste. 360, Lebanon, 317-872-1577; midwestcolon.com*
FERTILITY
ADVANCED FERTILITY GROUP
A multitude of reproductive services is offered here, including in-vitro fertilization, artificial insemination, hormone evaluation and treatment, endometriosis care, tubal reversals and repairs, and ovarian induction and tissue freezing.
An experienced team of physicians and support staff provides treatments for men and women, including fertility evaluations and both conventional and advanced reproductive techniques. Those who wish can donate eggs at the facility, and surgeries related to infertility, reproduction, and menstruation issues are also offered.
12188A N. Meridian St., Ste. 250, Carmel, 317-571-1637, midwestfertility.com
GASTROENTEROLOGY
COMMUNITY ENDOSCOPY CENTER
This licensed surgery center is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disease using endoscopic procedures. Board-certified physicians and registered nurses experienced in gastrointestinal endoscopy provide patient care. Colonoscopies are also offered.
8315 E. 56th St., Ste. 100, 317-621-1800, ecommunity.com/locations/communityendoscopy-center
INDIANAPOLIS GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
This integrated group of gastroenterologists combines compassionate, nonsurgical care with state-of-the-art technology to treat complex digestive and metabolic problems, such as Crohn’s disease, colon polyps, esophagitis, anemia, autoimmune hepatitis, celiac disease, stomach and colorectal cancers, and hiatal hernia.
8051 S. Emerson Ave., Ste. 200, 317-865-2955, indygastro.com. Additional locations in Mooresville and Greensburg.
IU HEALTH GASTROENTEROLOGY & HEPATOLOGY
IU Health’s team of doctors diagnoses and treats diseases and conditions of the gastrointestinal system, like ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, esophageal disorders, diseases of the liver, and more. It also provides colonoscopies, liver-transplant services, and medically supervised weight loss.
550 N. University Blvd., Ste. 1710, 317-944-0980, iuhealth.org. Additional locations throughout Central Indiana.
MEDICAL IMAGING
COMMUNITY IMAGING CENTERS
These facilities throughout the Indy area offer wide-bore and traditional MRIs, X-rays, ultrasounds, CT/CAT and PET/ CT scans, interventional radiology, and nuclear medicine. Some locations offer evening and weekend appointments.
Multiple locations throughout Central Indiana; 317-355-4680, ecommunity.com/imaging
NORTHWEST RADIOLOGY
Northwest Radiology has delivered high-quality, compassionate, affordable imaging since 1967. Services include MRIs, CTs, PET/CTs, 3D mammography, ultrasounds, DEXA bonedensity scans, nuclear medicine, and diagnostic X-rays. Outpatient imaging centers offer extended evening hours and Saturday appointments for patient convenience.
Multiple locations throughout Central Indiana; 317-972-9669, northwestradiology.com
RAYUS RADIOLOGY
This national network of centers provides MRIs, CT scans, X-rays, EKGs, ultrasounds, pain injections, biopsies, breast imaging, bone-density scans, interventional and vascular treatments, injections, and nuclear medicine.
Multiple locations throughout Central Indiana; rayusradiology.com
MENTAL HEALTH
ASCENSION ST. VINCENT STRESS CENTER
A variety of behavioral-health services for all ages is offered, including assessments and consultations; crisis intervention; inpatient and outpatient treatment; addiction services; inpatient detoxification; and care related to PTSD, anxiety and depression, eating disorders, and schizophrenia. Its dual-diagnosis unit assists those with co-occurring mental illness and substance-use disorder.
A part of Community Health Network, Fairbanks focuses on recovery from alcohol and other drug problems. In-patient detoxification; partial hospitalization and outpatient programs for adults and adolescents; Community Fairbanks Recovery Lodge, long-term residential treatment centers for men and women; transitional-living and recovery-management programs; women’s trauma care; and family counseling are among the services offered.
COMMUNITY HOSPITAL NORTH BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PAVILION
Community Health Network’s inpatient and outpatient services provide mentalhealth and addiction care for children, adolescents, and adults. Special features include individual, family, and group therapy; crisis intervention; chemical-dependency treatment; and Seasons, a program designed for those 65 and older.
Doctors and staff provide comprehensive psychiatric and outpatient chemical-dependency treatment. Assessment, diagnosis, and treatment are offered for children, adolescents, adults, and older adults, and include inpatient, outpatient, and partialhospitalization programs. Specialty services cover anxiety, obsessivecompulsive disorder, mood disorders, depression, chemical dependency, and memory and cognitive issues.
18 locations throughout Central Indiana; 317-329-7313, iuhealth.org/ behavioral-health
NEUROLOGY
JOSEPHSON-WALLACKMUNSHOWER NEUROLOGY PC
JWM Neurology physicians specialize in disorders of the central nervous system. Those include Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, multiple sclerosis, sleep disorders, Parkinson’s disease, strokes, epilepsy and seizures, headaches, dizziness, and cerebral palsy.
12 locations throughout Central Indiana; 317-308-2800, jwmneuro.com
NEUROLOGICAL SURGERY
GOODMAN CAMPBELL BRAIN AND SPINE
Specializing in neurosurgery, interventional pain management, and neuroradiology, the physicians at Goodman Campbell treat adult and pediatric disorders of the brain, spine, and nervous system using the latest treatments and technologies. In addition to surgical procedures, the practice offers noninvasive and minimally invasive treatments such as neuroendoscopy, spinal cord stimuation, and specialized physical therapy.
13345 Illinois St., Carmel, 317-396-1300, goodmancampbell.com. Additional locations throughout Indiana.
ONCOLOGY
ASCENSION ST. VINCENT CANCER CARE
This outpatient center offers an integrated approach to medicine with a diverse team of experienced doctors, including surgeons and oncologists. With the most advanced technologies and innovative treatment methods available, Ascension offers a wide range of treatment options in radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery.
Seven Central Indiana locations provide radiation therapy, surgical treatment, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, a neuro-oncology clinic, cancer screening and diagnostic services, breast-health navigators, support groups, and clinical trials. Doctors certified by the MD Anderson Cancer Network have access to evidence-based guidelines, treatment plans, and studies developed by MD Anderson experts.
Multiple locations throughout Indiana; 317-621-2627, ecommunity.com/ cancercare
IU HEALTH CANCER CENTERS
These fully integrated outpatient facilities provide state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment services. Radiation and surgical oncology, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, precision genomics, rehabilitation, and clinical trials are all offered.
Multiple locations throughout Indiana; iuhealth.org/find-medical-services/ cancer
IU MELVIN AND BREN SIMON COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER
The IU Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center is Indiana’s only National Cancer Institute–designated comprehensive cancer center. The NCI designation recognizes that the center’s research programs meet rigorous criteria for world-class, state-of-the-art programs in multidisciplinary cancer research. The goals of those programs range from understanding the molecular changes that cause cancer to developing targeted therapies to prevent and treat the disease.
980 W. Walnut St., 888-600-4822, cancer.iu.edu
ORTHOPEDICS
ASCENSION ST. VINCENT ORTHOPEDIC CENTER
Orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine doctors, and therapists specialize in treatments to get you moving again. The center offers outpatient minimally invasive procedures, as well as advanced surgical expertise. Certified hip and knee replacement programs help patients regain strength and function.
2001 W. 86th St., 317-338-2345, healthcare.ascension.org/specialtycare/orthopedics
ASCENSION ST. VINCENT SPORTS PERFORMANCE
Ascension St. Vincent sports medicine doctors, orthopedic surgeons, and affiliated care teams specialize in treating common sports injuries in teens and adults. These experts work with patients to devise recovery plans that combine medical treatments, rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, performance
The Center for Joint Health at Community Hospitals East, North, and South are dedicated units for hip and knee joint-replacement patients. Experienced orthopedic surgeons and clinical staff provide support, education, and physical therapy to get patients back to the activities they enjoy.
800-777-7775, ecommunity.com/ jointcenter
CENTRAL INDIANA ORTHOPEDICS
This group provides orthopedic and musculoskeletal care for all ages, including that related to the neck, back, spine, foot, ankle, hip, hand, and knee; joint-replacement surgery; treatment of work-related injuries; sports-medicine services; electrodiagnostics; and imaging. Walk-in clinics are offered at the Fishers, Muncie, Marion, and Anderson facilities, and satellite locations are based in Elwood and Winchester.
6920 Gatwick Dr., Ste. 200; 625 S. Main St., Fishers; 800-622-6575, ciocenter.com. Additional locations throughout Indiana.
COMMUNITY SPORTS MEDICINE
Community is the official healthcare provider for various local organizations and professional teams. Its sports medicine physicians and athletic trainers work with clinical experts in physical therapy, imaging services, and sports nutrition. Services include sports physicals, concussion screenings, injury prevention, and treatment of concussions, ACL injuries, and back pain.
7930 N. Shadeland Ave., Ste. 200, 317-497-6024, ecommunity.com/sports. Additional walk-in clinic locations in Greenwood and Anderson.
FORTÉ SPORTS MEDICINE AND ORTHOPEDICS
These offices offer treatment, prevention, and rehab of sports injuries; concussion care; pain management; joint replacement; treatment for conditions of the hand, ankle, back, wrist, elbow, shoulder, foot, and knee; and rehabilitation. The group, composed of fellowship-trained physicians, provides care for the Indianapolis Colts and high schools, colleges, and universities.
10767 Illinois St., Carmel; 1401 W. County Line Rd., Greenwood; 16289 Boden Rd., Ste. 2, Noblesville; 317-744-2898, forteortho.com. Additional locations in Bloomington and Tipton.
FRANCISCAN HEALTH CENTER FOR HIP & KNEE SURGERY
Part of the Franciscan Health network, this nationally recognized location focus on hips, knees, and shoulders. Treatment of sports-related injuries and rotator-cuff repair is offered as well, and physical therapists and nurses
provide inpatient and outpatient therapy. 1199 Hadley Rd., Mooresville, 317-831-2273, franciscanhealth.org
FRANCISCAN HEALTH ORTHOPEDIC HOSPITAL CARMEL
This joint venture between Franciscan Health and Forte Sports Medicine and Orthopedics opened in April 2022 and features inpatient and outpatient surgical suites for joint replacements and surgeries on the spine, shoulder, elbow, hand, hip, knee, foot, and ankle; an urgent-care clinic; and a sports performance and athletic training center. Physical and occupational therapy, pain management, primary-care sports medicine, lab services, sports chiropractic care, and imaging also are offered.
Therapists at Hendricks work with sports medicine specialists and orthopedic surgeons to help patients heal and regain movement after injury or surgery. Services include physical, aquatic, and pediatric therapy. Video motion analysis, soft-tissue manipulation, wound care, and a back-to-golf program are also available.
Multiple locations throughout Central Indiana; hendricks.org/rehabilitation
INDIANA
HAND TO SHOULDER CENTER
This center features specialty care for problems and injuries of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand. Areas of expertise include joint replacement and reconstruction surgeries; arthritis care and treatment; care of simple and complex sports injuries; and nonsurgical treatments, like splints, casts, wound care, and strength-building programs.
8501 Harcourt Rd.; 8820 S. Meridian St., Ste. 235; 317-875-9105, indianahandtoshoulder.com. Additional locations throughout Indiana.
INDIANA JOINT REPLACEMENT INSTITUTE/INDIANA ORTHOPEDIC INSTITUTE
These partner institutes offer advanced orthopedic care and comprehensive hip, knee, and shoulder replacement options. Their highly skilled providers and surgeons manage the entire continuum of care seamlessly, from initial evaluation and nonsurgical treatments to surgical procedures and recovery. A state-ofthe-art flagship facility in Noblesville includes an ambulatory surgery center with four operating rooms, a dedicated orthopedic clinic with 20 exam rooms, therapy services, X-ray imaging, and a cutting-edge research gait lab.
14065 Borg Warner Dr., 317-978-4113, indianaortho.com. Additional locations in Terre Haute and Fort Wayne.
INDIANA SPINE GROUP
The comprehensive spine care provided here includes diagnoses for all spinal
disorders and abnormalities, surgical and nonsurgical treatment by boardcertified specialists, spinal therapeutic and diagnostic treatment, imaging, specialized injections, chiropractic work, and physical therapy. It is affiliated with the Medical Academic Center, a stateof-the-art, hands-on medical-education training facility for physicians, clinicians, educators, and students.
Multiple locations throughout Central Indiana; indianaspinegroup.com
IU HEALTH PHYSICIANS
ORTHOPEDICS & SPORTS MEDICINE
Patients can get up and moving again with a wide range of specialties, including joint-replacement surgery, arthroscopy, limb preservation and reconstruction, orthopedic oncology, sports medicine, hand and upperextremity surgery, foot and ankle surgery, orthopedic trauma, and pediatric orthopedics and spinal care.
31 locations throughout Central Indiana, 317-944-9400, iuhealth.org/findmedical-services/sports-medicine
MIDWEST CENTER FOR JOINT REPLACEMENT
MCJR is committed to “taking the pain out of joint replacement,” with providers who work with patients from the first call to follow-up visits, great communication, access to care, and responsiveness. MCJR surgeons strive for innovation, are national leaders and educators in implant design and use of minimally invasive techniques, and are renowned for their research and recovery protocols, and commitment to outpatient joint replacement.
6920 Gatwick Dr., Ste. 200; 625 S. Main St., Zionsville; 317-455-1064, mcjr.com. Additional locations in Bloomington and Terre Haute.
ORTHOINDY
OrthoIndy specialists present a spectrum of care for muscles, bones, joints, and the spine. Services include surgical and nonsurgical treatment, physical therapy, orthobiologic therapies, trauma and urgent care, pediatric care, sports medicine, imaging, cartilage restoration, and bone oncology. Owned by OrthoIndy physicians, OrthoIndy Hospital is the area’s first specialty facility with a focus on musculoskeletal care and complex inpatient and outpatient surgical procedures, including total joint and spinal operations.
Multiple locations throughout Indiana; 317-802-2000, orthoindy.com
RECONSTRUCTIVE HAND TO SHOULDER OF INDIANA
A team of board-certified doctors, nurses, and occupational therapists dispenses comprehensive care for all conditions involving the shoulder, elbow, wrist, fingers, and hand, including arthritis, tumors, Dupuytren’s contracture, nervecompression disorders, dysfunction and deformities resulting from injury,
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tendon problems, and fractures and dislocations.
13431 Old Meridian St., Ste. 225, Carmel; 6920 Gatwick Dr.; 6085 Heartland Dr., Ste. 200, Zionsville; 317-249-2616, indianahandsurgeons.com. Additional location in Bloomington.
RIVERVIEW HEALTH PHYSICIANS ORTHOPEDICS & SPORTS MEDICINE
Three locations provide an array of orthopedic services, including treatment for sports-related injuries and conditions; joint replacement for the hip, knee, ankle, elbow, and shoulder; physical therapy; care for hip and knee arthritis; partial knee replacements; and minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Dr. Donald Shelbourne established the Shelbourne Knee Center, the state’s only center dedicated to knees, in 2004. He and his staff deliver care related to ligament and meniscus injuries, ACL tears, arthritic pain, tendonitis, deconditioned knees, and arthrofibrosis. Surgeries offered include knee replacement, ACL reconstruction, and patella realignment.
1500 N. Ritter Ave., Ste. 500, 317-924-8636, fixknee.com
OTOLARYNGOLOGY
NORTHSIDE ENT
Since 1977, board-certified otolaryngologists have treated pediatric and adult ear, nose, and throat disorders affecting the voice; allergies; chronic sinusitis and ear infections; vocal cord paralysis; thyroid and parathyroid disorders; and head and neck cancer. They also see sleep-apnea patients. Divisions include Total Hearing Solutions and Center for Voice and Swallowing.
12065 Old Meridian St., Ste. 205, Carmel, 317-844-5656, northsideent.com
PAIN MANAGEMENT
CENTER FOR PAIN MANAGEMENT
Specialists here treat a variety of acute and chronic pain conditions, including back, neck, joint, and cancer pain. Other areas of treatment include degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, fibromyalgia, and myofascial and neuropathic pain. Imaging, infusion therapy, nerve blocks, plasma therapy, and physical therapy also are offered.
8805 N. Meridian St.; 11595 N. Meridian St., Ste. 401, Carmel; 317-706-7246, americanpainconsortium.com/centerfor-pain-management. Additional locations throughout Central Indiana.
MIDWEST PAIN & SPINE
Midwest Pain & Spine provides minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment to those living with acute or chronic back and spine pain. The center offers diagnostic imaging and a broad range of treatments that includes steroid injections and radiofrequency procedures.
This program includes services such as surgical and nonsurgical therapy, sports-specific and oncology rehabilitation, pediatric therapies, audiology, aquatic therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language therapy. Ascension St. Vincent Physical Therapy has been designated a Center of Excellence by Focus on Therapeutic Outcomes.
Multiple locations throughout Central Indiana; 317-338-3364, healthcare.ascension.org
COMMUNITY REHABILITATION HOSPITAL
Community Rehabilitation Hospital provides intensive services to treat patients living with cognitive and physical
disabilities related to brain and spinal cord injuries, stroke, amputations, and neurological conditions. The centers are maintained in partnership with Kindred Rehabilitation Services. Amenities include private patient rooms; therapy gyms; and private treatment spaces for physical, speech, occupational, and recreational therapy.
Two locations provide long-term acute care to medically complex patients who require continued care and extended recovery time. The facilities provide intensive-care units; a full slate of rehabilitation services; stroke, brain-injury, and post-transplant care; dialysis suites; pulmonary services; complex wound care; IV antibiotic therapy; pain management; and nutrition support.
1700 W. 10th St., 317-636-4400; 8060 Knue Rd., 317-813-8900; kindredhospitals.com
REHABILITATION HOSPITAL OF INDIANA
A collaboration between IU Health and Ascension St. Vincent, this hospital offers brain, spinal-injury, transplant, and stroke rehabilitation, and intensive rehab for patients with complex
3051 S US HIGHWAY 41 TERRE HAUTE, IN 47802 317-455-1064 ZIONSVILLE 625 S. MAIN ST. ZIONSVILLE, IN 46077 317-455-1064
From Left to Right: Michael E. Berend, MD, Wesley G. Lackey, MD, Colin T. Penrose, MD, Joshua L. Carter, MD
medical, surgical, and/or neurological injuries and illnesses. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy are offered as well. Specialized services include a general physiatry clinic, a spasticity clinic, a balance-retraining program, vision rehabilitation, and a therapy gym and pool.
4141 Shore Dr., 317-329-2000, rhirehab.com
RIVERVIEW HEALTH REHAB & FITNESS
Two centers feature acute rehabilitation for conditions like pediatric disorders; stroke; brain and spinal-cord injuries; athletic injuries; Parkinson’s disease; and hip fractures. Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation; physical, occupational, and speech therapy; concussion testing; arthritis aquatic classes; and post-rehab fitness training are also provided.
Fellowship-trained specialists here are dedicated to helping women with pelvic organ prolapse, bladder-control and bowel problems, pelvic-floor pain,
difficulty urinating, constipation, and recurrent bladder infections.
1801 N. Senate Ave., Ste. 3300; 11725 N. Illinois St., Ste. 140, Carmel; 13100 E. 136th St., Ste. 3600, Fishers; 888-484-3258, iuhealth.org/findmedical-services/urogynecology
UROLOGY OF INDIANA
Urology of Indiana’s expert urologists and urogynecologists treat patients for disorders and diseases of the genitourinary system. That includes diagnosis and treatment for enlarged prostates, pelvic-floor dysfunction, kidney stones, male infertility, urinary incontinence, urinary tract infections, low testosterone, and erectile dysfunction. Vasectomies and testing and care for bladder, prostate, testicular, and kidney cancers also are offered.
14 Central Indiana locations; 877-362-2778, urologyin.com
WOMEN’S HEALTH
ASCENSION ST. VINCENT WOMEN
AND INFANTS HOSPITAL
At the largest comprehensive women’s health facility in Indiana, moms can receive a full slate of pre- and post-birth services, including maternal-fetal medicine, care for high-risk babies, breastfeeding classes and support, and
a Level IV newborn intensive-care unit. An emergency room; breast, gynecological, and urological surgeries and exams; senior services; and bone-density testing are also offered.
2001 W. 86th St., 317-415-8111, healthcare.ascension.org
COMMUNITY WOMEN’S
CENTER
Community Health Network takes care of women through every stage of life. Services include pre-pregnancy and pregnancy planning and treatment, newborn care, midlife health, breast and pelvic diagnostics, fertility, and preventative screenings. Virtual childbirth education and parenting classes explore titles like Birth & Baby, Childbirth Refresher, Breastfeeding Basics, and Natural Labor Discussion.
Multiple locations throughout Central Indiana; 800-777-7775, ecommunity.com/ services/womens-care
FRANCISCAN HEALTH CENTER FOR WOMEN & CHILDREN
Recognized as a baby-friendly hospital by the World Health Organization with Safe Sleep silver-level recognition, this center provides treatment and consultation for gynecology; family planning; pregnancy and delivery; breastfeeding and lactation; fetal and pediatric medicine; and conditions such as PMS, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian
WISE AESTHETICS MEDICAL SPA
Wise Aesthetics empowers patients with a personalized experience that prioritizes education, well-being and natural-looking results. We leverage best-in-class technology and FDA approved products to deliver a seamless patient experience, from online scheduling to results tracking, to the most advanced treatments that deliver maximum results with little to no downtime. We offer a curated menu of medically tested procedures and products, vetted and administered by experienced medical professionals and tailored to each patient’s unique features, wellness and skincare goals.
cysts, incontinence, and cervical cancer. 8111 S. Emerson Ave., 317-528-5541, franciscanhealth.org
IU HEALTH OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
IU Health Women’s Health offers a complete lineup of services and education, including well-woman visits, obstetrics, gynecology, fertility treatment, pelvicfloor health, birth control, menopause management, and breast care. Expectant mothers have access to quality maternity care from doctors, certified nurse midwives, and maternal-fetal specialists.
Multiple locations throughout Central Indiana; 888-484-3258, iuhealth.org/ find-medical-services/obstetricsgynecology
OB/GYN OF INDIANA— INDIANAPOLIS SOUTH
Operating under Axia Women’s Health, OB/GYN of Indiana—Indianapolis South is a group of compassionate and experienced physicians and nurse practitioners who provide personalized and effective healthcare to women in need of prenatal care; gynecologic surgeries or exams; and other office procedures, such as colposcopy, urodynamic testing, and cryosurgery.
8051 S. Emerson Ave., Ste. 400, 317-859-2535, axiawh.com/locations/ ob-gyn-of-indiana-south
DOCTOR PROFILES
Brian L. Badman, MD
Central Indiana Orthopedics
14300 E. 138th St. Fishers, IN 46037
625 S. Main St. Zionsville, IN 46077
800-622-6575
indyshoulder.com
Physician Field of Practice: Orthopedic Surgery
Practice Focus: Shoulder
Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine
Residency: University of Florida, Orthopedic Surgery
Fellowship: Shoulder and Elbow Fellowship, Florida Orthopedic Institute
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Active Level, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons; Member, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons; Member, Indiana Orthopedic Society; Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, IU School of Medicine; Associate Editor, Journal of Orthopedic Trauma; Reviewer, Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery
Additional Information: Indianapolis Monthly Top Doctor
PAIN MANAGEMENT
David M. Ratzman, MD
Anesthesia Pain Consultants of Indiana
8240 Naab Rd., Ste. 101 Indianapolis, IN 46260 317-471-1400
855-664-3636
APCIndy.com
Physician Field of Practice: Interventional pain medicine/pain management; Spinal pain (low back and neck pain); Cancer pain; Workers’ compensation
Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine
Residency: Indiana University School of Medicine
Fellowship: Pain Medicine/Pain Management, Indiana University School of Medicine
Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology, American Board of Anesthesiology; Pain Medicine, American Board of Pain Medicine
American Academy of Pain Medicine, North American Spine Society, International Spine Intervention Society, American Society of Anesthesiologists
Ascension St. Vincent Hospital, Hancock Regional Hospital, IU Health, Riverview Hospital
Additional Information: Indianapolis Monthly Top Doctor. Dr. Ratzman is a past president of the Indiana Society of Anesthesiologists and is currently a member of the Medicare Carrier Advisory Committee. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Indiana University School of Medicine and a teaching faculty member at St. Vincent Hospital.
PLASTIC SURGERY
Jan Turkle, MD Turkle & Associates
11455 N. Meridian St., Ste. 150 Carmel, IN 46032
317-848-0001
TurkleMD.com
Physician Field of Practice: Plastic Surgery
Practice Focus: Cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast, body, and face
Medical School: University of Kansas Medical School
Residency: University of Kansas Medical School; IU Medical Center
American Board of Surgery, American Board of Plastic Surgery
American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American College of Surgeons, Indiana State Medical Association, Indiana Medical Society, Ohio Valley Society for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Additional Information: Indianapolis Monthly Top Doctor in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery for 17 years. Dr. Turkle is a credentialed Master Injector and maintains an on-site medical spa at Phases Skin Care and Laser Center.
P. Jamieson Kay, MD
Central Indiana Orthopedics
14300 E. 138th St., Building B Fishers, IN 46037
800-622-6575
ciocenter.com
Physician Field of Practice: Orthopedic Surgery
Practice Focus: Joint replacement and Mako robotic-arm assisted total and partial joint replacement; General orthopedics
Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine
Residency: Indiana University Health Center
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
President, Indiana
Orthopaedic Society 2024-2025; American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons
St. Vincent Fishers Hospital, St. Vincent Anderson Regional Hospital
Additional Information: Indianapolis Monthly Top Doctor. Dr. Kay has had two Mako total knee replacements and documented his journey on video to share with the community at CIOcenter.com/blog.
Brandon C. Specht, DO Turkle & Associates
11455 N. Meridian St., Ste. 150 Carmel, IN 46032
317-848-0001
TurkleMD.com
Physician Field of Practice: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Practice Focus: Cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast, body, and face
Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: General Surgery, Wright State University/United States Air Force; General Surgery, Grandview Medical Center
Fellowship: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship, Cleveland Clinic–South Pointe Hospital AOBS General Surgery Board
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Medical Center; American College of Osteopathic Surgeons; Ohio Valley Society of Plastic Surgeons; American Osteopathic Association; Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians & Surgeons; Phi Theta Kappa
Practice Focus: Conventional as well as minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques to treat a wide range of surgical conditions; Hernias (umbilical, incisional, inguinal, complex ventral, hiatal); Gall bladder disease; Small bowel disease (benign and malignant); Colon cancer, diverticulitis, and other colonic disease; Hemorrhoids and disease; Conditions affecting the spleen and adrenal glands; Skin and soft tissue tumors, cysts, catheters, Med ports); Biopsies (muscle, temporal
Medical School: University of Arkansas College of Medicine
Residency: Indiana University School of Medicine
American Board of Vascular Surgery
Hendricks Regional Health
OTOLARYNGOLOGY
Benjamin Monson, MD
Hendricks Regional Health Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Physician Field of Practice: Ear, Nose & Throat (Otolaryngology)
Practice Focus: Ailments of the ear, nose, and throat including ear infections, tonsillitis, sinusitis, allergy, nasal blockage, obstructive sleep apnea, problems related to the thyroid gland and salivary gland infections or masses; Full hearing services
Medical School: University of Utah School of Medicine
Residency: Indiana University School of Medicine
Fellowship: Wright State University
American Board of Otolaryngology, American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, American Thyroid Association (ATA)
American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, American Thyroid Association (ATA)
Physician Field of Practice: Orthopedics, Sports Medicine
Practice Focus: Diagnosis, management, rehabilitation, and prevention of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves that allow patients to move, work and be active
Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine
Residency: Duke University Medical Center
Fellowship: University of South Florida, Rizzoli Orthopaedics Institute, JIS Orthopedics
American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Connective Tissue Oncology Society, Musculoskeletal Tumor Society, American Orthopaedic Association, Indiana Orthopaedic Society, Piedmont Orthopedic Society, American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons
Hendricks Regional Health
Xiusheng Qin, MD, PhD
Hendricks Oncology
100 Hospital Ln., Ste. 300 Danville, IN 46122
8244 E. Highway 36, Ste. 1340, Avon, IN, 46123
317-520-5510
hendricks.org/locations/ hendricks-oncology
Physician Field of Practice: Hematology, Medical Oncology
Practice Focus: Hematology; Medical oncology
Medical School: Henan Medical University
Residency: Greater Baltimore Medical Center
Fellowship: State University of New York at Stony Brook
American Board of Internal Medicine, American Board of Hematology, American Board of Oncology
American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Medical Association
Practice Focus: Pelvic organ prolapse (surgical and nonsurgical treatments offered); Minimally invasive surgery (vaginal, robotic, and laparoscopic techniques); Urinary incontinence; Accidental bowel leakage/fecal incontinence; Vaginal
cyst excision (Gartner duct cyst, bartholin cyst); Cystoscopy for microhematuria and recurrent UTI treatment of mesh complications; Labiaplasty and perineoplasty; Interstitial cystitis; Urodynamics; Genitourinary syndrome of menopause
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Residency: Michigan State University
Fellowship: Indiana University Medical Center
American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
American Urogynecologic Society
Hendricks Regional Health
NEUROLOGICAL SURGERY
Richard B. Rodgers, MD, FAANS, FACS
Goodman Campbell Brain & Spine
13345 Illinois St. Carmel, IN 46032
317-396-1300
GoodmanCampbell.com
Physician Field of Practice: Neurological Surgery
Practice Focus: Spinal surgery including minimally invasive surgery, spinal fusion surgery, and tumor; Neurotrauma, including acute brain and spinal cord injury; Neurocritical care; Peripheral nerve surgery
Medical School: IU School of Medicine
Residency: IU School of Medicine
Fellowship: Neurotrauma and Neurocritical Care, University of Miami
Neurological Surgery
American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, American College of Surgeons, National Neurotrauma Society
Ascension St. Vincent Indianapolis, North Meridian Surgery Center, Indiana Spine Hospital
Additional Information: Indianapolis Monthly Top Doctor. Dr. Rodgers is Program Director of the Neurosurgery Residency at Ascension St Vincent Indianapolis. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine and Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine and a Central Member of the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma.
Charles Kulwin, MD
Goodman Campbell Brain & Spine
13345 Illinois St. Carmel, IN 46032
317-396-1300
GoodmanCampbell.com
Physician Field of Practice: Neurological Surgery
Practice Focus: Complex cranial surgery; Brain and spine tumors and vascular malformations; Cerebral aneurysms; Chiari malformation; Trigeminal neuralgia; Skull base surgery; Stroke and brain trauma; Degenerative spine surgery
Medical School: University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
Residency: IU Department of Neurosurgery
Fellowship: Cerebrovascular/Skull Base Surgery, Goodman Campbell Brain & Spine
American Board of Neurological Surgery
American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, North American Skull Base Society
Ascension St. Vincent Indianapolis, Franciscan Health Indianapolis
Additional Information: Indianapolis Monthly Top Doctor and IBJ 40 Under 40. Dr. Kulwin is Associate Director of the ASV Neurosurgery Residency Program and Medical Director of the ASV Brain Tumor Program.
Indiana University Health Medical Group
IU Health Fishers Hospital 13100 E. 136th St., Ste. 2000, Fishers, IN 46037
Methodist Medical Plaza North 201 Pennsylvania Pkwy., Ste.100, Carmel, IN 46280 317-944-9400
Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine
Fellowship: Central Indiana Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
American Board of Family
Sports Medicine
American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM)
IU Health Fishers Hospital and Ambulatory Surgery Center, Indiana University Academic Health Center
Indianapolis Monthly Top Doctor. Dr. Mayol is an Assistant Clinical Professor at IU School of Medicine. He believes in helping people maintain an active lifestyle and that exercise is truly the best medicine.
Medical School: Case Western Reserve School of Medicine
Residency: Indiana University Department of Neurological Surgery
Fellowship: Complex Spinal Surgery, Committee on Accreditation of Subspecialty Training–Accredited, Indiana University
American Board of Neurological Surgeons Eligible
American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Congress of Neurological Surgeons
Ascension St. Vincent Indianapolis, Ascension St. Vincent Fishers, Riverview Health
Additional Information: Dr. Alentado provides consultations and treatment of all spinal disorders including cervical and lumbar degenerative conditions, spinal deformity, spinal tumors, and spinal trauma.
Medical School: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Residency: University of Cincinnati Department of Neurosurgery
Fellowship: Complex Spine Surgery, Barrow Neurological Institute
American Board of Neurological Surgery
American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, Indiana State Medical Association, Indianapolis Medical Society
Ascension St. Vincent
Indianapolis, Ascension St. Vincent Fishers, Indiana Spine Hospital, North Meridian Surgery Center, Riverview Health
Additional Information: Indianapolis Monthly Top Doctor. Dr. DePowell provides consultation and treatment of all spinal disorders including cervical and lumbar degenerative conditions, spinal deformity, spinal oncology, and trauma.
Saad Khairi, MD
Goodman Campbell Brain & Spine
13345 Illinois St. Carmel, IN 46032
317-396-1300
GoodmanCampbell.com
Physician Field of Practice: Neurological Surgery
Practice Focus: Cervical and lumbar disc replacement/arthroplasty; Scoliosis and spinal deformity; Metastatic and primary spinal tumors; Revision and complex spinal surgery
Medical School: IU School of Medicine
Residency: University of North Carolina Hospital, Division of Neurosurgery Chapel Hill
Fellowship: Cedars-Sinai Spine Center
American Board of Neurological Surgery
Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine, North American Spine Society, American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Spine Arthroplasty Society, Congress of Neurological Surgeons; Indianapolis Medical Society, Indiana State Medical Association
Ascension St. Vincent Indianapolis, North Meridian Surgery Center, Indiana Spine Hospital
Additional Information: Indianapolis Monthly Top Doctor
Jodi L. Smith, PhD, MD
Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine / Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent 8402 Harcourt Rd., Ste. 830 Indianapolis 317-338-0900
GoodmanCampbell.com
Physician Field of Practice: Neurosurgery
Practice Focus: Pediatric neurosurgery
Medical School: University of Utah School of Medicine
Residency: University of Utah Department of Neurosurgery
Fellowship: Shillito Fellowship in Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital Boston/Harvard Medical School
American Board of Neurological Surgery, American Board of Pediatric Neurosurgery
American Association of Anatomists, American Medical Association, American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, Indiana State Medical Association, Indianapolis Medical Society, Women in Neurosurgery, American Society of Pediatric Neurosurgery
Ascension St. Vincent
Additional Information: Indianapolis Monthly Top Doctor. Dr. Smith has been Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital since March 2019.
Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine
Residency: Indiana University Neurological Surgery
Fellowship: Indiana University Complex Spinal Surgery
American Board of Neurological Surgeons
American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, Indiana State Medical Association, Indianapolis Medical Society
Ascension St. Vincent Indianapolis, Indiana Spine Hospital, North Meridian Surgery Center
Additional Information: Indianapolis Monthly Top Doctor. Dr. McCanna offers consultation and treatment of all spinal disorders including degenerative conditions, spinal deformities, spinal oncology, and trauma.
Daniel Spomar, MD
Goodman Campbell
Brain & Spine
555 E. County Line Rd., Ste. 202 Greenwood, IN 46143 317-396-1325
GoodmanCampbell.com
Physician Field of Practice: Neurosurgery
Practice Focus: Spine surgery including minimally invasive spine surgery, spinal fusion
Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine
Residency: University of Illinois
Fellowship: Advanced spinal surgery training during residency training
American Board of Neurological Surgery
American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Congress of Neurological Surgeons
Franciscan Health Indianapolis, Franciscan Surgery Center
Additional Information: Indianapolis Monthly Top Doctor.
Neurological Surgeons, Society of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Congress of Neurological Surgeons
Additional Information:
PAIN MANAGEMENT
Derron K. Wilson, MD
Goodman Campbell
Brain & Spine
13345 Illinois St. Carmel, IN 46032
317-396-1300
GoodmanCampbell.com
Physician Field of Practice: Interventional Pain Management
Practice Focus: Interventional pain management; Spinal pain; Implantable pain therapy
Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine
Residency: Indiana University School of Medicine
Fellowship: Indiana University School of Medicine
Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine
ISMA, AMA, ASIPP, NANS, ASPN
Ascension St. Vincent Indianapolis, Naab Road Surgery Center, North Meridian Surgery Center, Indiana Spine Hospital, Witham Hospital
Additional Information: Indianapolis Monthly Top Doctor. Dr. Wilson participates in clinical stimulation.
PAIN MANAGEMENT
Christopher M. Doran, MD
Goodman Campbell Brain & Spine
120 Avon Marketplace, Ste. 100, Avon, IN 46123
317-396-1300
GoodmanCampbell.com
Physician Field of Practice: Interventional Pain Management
Practice Focus: Spine pain; Spinal cord stimulation
Medical School: University of Illinois
Residency: Anesthesia, Washington University at Saint Louis
Fellowship: Interventional Pain Management, Northwestern University
Anesthesiology and Pain Managment
Indiana State Medical Association, North American Neuromodulation Society
Naab Road Surgery Center, Ascension St. Vincent Indianapolis, Hendricks Regional Health, Franciscan Health Indianapolis
Additional Information: Indianapolis Monthly Top Doctor
Todd E. Schmidt, MD
Goodman Campbell Brain & Spine
13345 Illinois St. Carmel, IN 46032
317-396-1300
GoodmanCampbell.com
Physician Field of Practice: Interventional Pain Management
Practice Focus: Spine pain; Spinal cord stimulation
Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine
Residency: Anesthesiology, University of Virginia
Fellowship: Interventional Pain Management, Indiana University
Anesthesiology and Pain
Medicine, American Board of Anesthesiology
American Society of Anesthesiologists, North American Neuromodulation Society, American Society of Regional Anesthesia Pain Medicine
Ascension St. Vincent Indianapolis, Franciscan Health Indianapolis, North Meridian Surgery Center, Beltway Surgery Centers
Additional Information: Indianapolis Monthly Top Doctor
VENOUS & LYMPHATIC MEDICINE PLASTIC SURGERY
Jeffery P. Schoonover, MD
Indiana Vein and Lymphatic
11590 N. Meridian St., Ste. 270, Carmel, IN 46032
317-348-3020
1-888-LEG-VEIN
1-888-534-8346 IndyVeins.com
Physician Field of Practice: Non-surgical treatment of varicose vein disease and related disorders
Practice Focus: Venous ablation treatment, including thermal and non-thermal modalities, as well as ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy for treatment of varicose veins; Surface sclerotherapy and vascular laser therapy for spider vein treatment; Treatment of lower extremity chronic swelling with an
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Residency: Flower Hospital Sylvania Diplomate, American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine; Diplomate, American Board of Family Medicine
Fellow, American Vein and Lymphatic Society; Fellow, American Academy of Family Physicians; Fellow, Indiana State Medical Association; Fellow, Indiana Academy of Family Physicians
Additional Information: Dr. Schoonover’s practice is accredited by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission for Vascular Testing. He is a Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation and a Registered Vascular Technologist.
Mark Hamilton, MD Hamilton Facial Plastic Surgery
170 W. 106th St. Carmel, IN 46290 533 E. County Line Rd., Ste. 104 Greenwood, IN 46143 317-859-3810 hamiltonfps.com
Physician Field of Practice: Facial Plastic Surgery
Practice Focus: Surgical and nonsurgical facial plastic and cosmetic surgery
Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine
Residency: Saint Louis University
Fellowship: Indiana University
American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Board of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery
American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Indiana State Medical Society, American Medical Association
Ascension St. Vincent, IU Health North, Franciscan Indianapolis, Community South Indianapolis
Additional Information: Indianapolis Monthly Top Doctor
Joshua L. Carter, MD
Midwest Center for Joint Replacement
6920 Gatwick Dr., Ste. 200 Indianapolis, IN 46241
317-455-1064
mcjr.com
Physician Field of Practice: Orthopedic Surgery
Practice Focus: Orthopedic surgery; Partial and total knee replacement; Anterior total hip replacement; Complex hip, knee, and joint revision surgery
Medical School: University of Kentucky College of Medicine
Residency: Orthopedic Surgery, University of Vermont
Fellowship: Adult Reconstruction, OrthoCarolina Hip & Knee Center
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society
Franciscan Health
Mooresville
Additional Information: Dr. Carter is a nationally recognized orthopedic surgeon renowned for his in advanced techniques in same-day surgery, sionate care for a tailored approach. His clinical leadership has been honored by AARP’s Disrupt Aging initiative, recognizing his contributions to the future of orthopedic medicine.
ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY
Colin T. Penrose, MD Midwest Center for Joint Replacement
6920 Gatwick Dr., Ste. 200 Indianapolis, IN 46241
317-455-1064
mcjr.com
Physician Field of Practice: Orthopedic Surgery
Practice Focus: Hip replacement (anterior and posterior); Total and partial knee replacement; Revision joint replacement; Hip resurfacing
Medical School: Duke University School of Medicine
Residency: Orthopedic Surgery, Duke University Fellowship: Adult Reconstructive Surgery–Lower Extremity, Mayo Clinic
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society; Volunteer Surgeon, Heart and Soul Clinic
Franciscan Health
Michael E. Berend, MD
Midwest Center for Joint Replacement
6920 Gatwick Dr., Ste. 200 Indianapolis, IN 46241
317-455-1064
mcjr.com
Physician Field of Practice: Orthopedic Surgery
Practice Focus: Orthopedic surgery; Total and partial knee replacements
Medical School: Duke University School of Medicine
Residency: Orthopedic Surgery, Duke University Medical Center
Fellowship: Adult Reconstructive Surgery, Center for Hip and Knee Surgery
Orthopaedic Surgery
The Knee Society, The Hip Society
Franciscan Health Mooresville
Additional Information: Dr. Berend is a nationally acclaimed orthopedic surgeon and Midwest Center for Joint Replacement (MCJR) co-founder. Recognized as one of the top knee replacement surgeons in the U.S., he’s performed over 15,000 knee replacements. He leads Team Hope in Motion and Faith In Practice, providing life-changing surgical care to underserved communities abroad.
Wesley G. Lackey, MD
Midwest Center for Joint Replacement
6920 Gatwick Dr., Ste. 200 Indianapolis, IN 46241
317-455-1064
mcjr.com
Physician Field of Practice: Orthopedic Surgery
Practice Focus: Orthopedic surgery; Total and partial knee replacement; Anterior hip replacement
Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine
Residency: Orthopedic Surgery, Prisma Health (formerly Greenville Hospital System)
Fellowship: Adult Reconstruction, Center for Hip and Knee Surgery
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Operation Walk
(Medical Mission Surgeon), American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons
Franciscan Health
Mooresville
Additional Information: Dr. Lackey, co-founder of the Midwest Center for Joint Replacement (MCJR), is a nationally recognized leader in joint replacement surgery. Dr. Lackey has played a pivotal role in the design and evolution of advanced joint implants and surgical instrumentation, and he regularly trains surgeons across the country in state-of-the-art techniques.
Mooresville
Additional Information: Dr. Penrose is a boardcompassionate bedside manner and commitment to patient-centered care. He is a dedicated leader in advancing orthopedic medicine through numerous peer-reviewed publications, authored book chapters, and national presentations. Dr. Penrose sees patients for hip and knee conditions in Indianapolis, Bloomington, and Zionsville.
GENERAL, COSMETIC & IMPLANT DENTISTRY
COLON & RECTAL SURGERY
Nikhil M. Patel, MD
Midwest Colon and Rectal Surgery
8240 Naab Rd., Ste. 160 Indianapolis, IN 46260
317-872-1577
midwestcolon.com
Physician Field of Practice: Colon and Rectal Surgery
Practice Focus: Colon and rectal surgery, colon and rectal cancer, diverticulitis, colonoscopy, hemorrhoids, robotic and laparoscopic colon
Medical School: Medical School
Residency: Fellowship: Grant Medical Center
American Board of Surgery and American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery
American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery, American Board of Surgery
Ascension St. Vincent
Additional Information: Indianapolis Monthly Top Doctor
Peter J. Davis, MD
Midwest Colon and Rectal Surgery
8240 Naab Rd., Ste. 160 Indianapolis, IN 46260
317-872-1577
midwestcolon.com
Physician Field of Practice: Colon and Rectal Surgery
Practice Focus: Colon and rectal cancer,
Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine
Residency: Mayo Clinic
Fellowship: Mayo Clinic of Surgeons
Ascension St. Vincent
Additional Information: Indianapolis Monthly
FIT BODY. CALM MIND.
Offering over 150 classes a week including Heated and Room Temp Vinyasa Yoga, Yin, Restorative, Pilates Reformer Sessions, and group fitness classes. Off-site corporate and private group classes available. Celebrating 20 years of providing mind-body wellness in Indianapolis.
Join us for Outdoor Yoga classes this summer at Holliday Park & Newfields.
www.invokestudio.com
CHANGING THE GAME
Indiana University Indianapolis is transforming the science behind sports. Our research in human health, bioscience, and sports analytics powers athletic performance, prevents injuries, and creates exciting opportunities in Indianapolis’ growing sports environment.
WE’RE CALLING OUR SHOT.
FanGuide
Photosby CLAY MAXFIELD
Aliyah Boston (7) shoots a jump shot against Elena Delle Donne (11).
To learn more about the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game and its affiliated events and initiatives, visit wnbaallstar2025.com
Details about the Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration can be found online at summercelebration.net
SlamDunk
Indianapolis hosts the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game in tandem with the Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration, presenting a weekend full of games and competitions, fan-friendly activations, and arts and culture events. BY
CLAY MAXFIELD
JUST ONE YEAR after the Indiana Fever became the hottest ticket in every town they traveled to with Caitlin Clark on the roster, Indy’s women’s basketball team plays host to the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Weekend July 18–19. Once again, they’re the league’s biggest and most sought-after draw.
The Fever share the weekend spotlight with the Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration, which features events coinciding with the WNBA All-
“The reason we’re hosting … it’s for our community. It’s twofold,” says Mel Raines, CEO of Pacers Sports & Entertainment. “To show off Indianapolis to fans of the WNBA who maybe have never been here before and make sure they know we’re the center of the basketball world, but secondly to impact our community. That’s the number one thing that we always want to do when we host any of these large events.”
Caitlin Clark looks at the scoreboard during the final seconds of a Fever game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
For an all-star customer experience, come see us at Napleton Kia of Carmel!
KIA is proud to sponsor the WNBA Skills Challenge during the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game weekend. Join us at Gainbridge Fieldhouse Friday, July 18, for this timed obstacle course that tests basketball players’ dribbling, passing, shooting, and agility skills. The circuit includes several obstacles, including a Kia EV6 all-electric SUV.
Cheer on your favorite WNBA All-Star teammates as they pass targets, dribble through pylons, and take their best shots around the court. The fastest team wins.
For more details about the AT&T All-Star Game, visit wnbaallstar2025.com.
Kia of Carmel
WNBA All-Star Events
TICKETS TO the WNBA All-Star Game on Saturday, July 19, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse are available through Ticketmaster. But visitors can access a wide variety of related events, including the Kia Skills Challenge, current WNBA players on their dribbling, passing, and shooting abilities.
take turns in a two-round, timed shootout at the 3-point line, with each player set up with 1 point and one, considered the “money perimeter. Two pedestals with balls worth 3 points each are located further away from the 3-point line in what is coined the “Starry Range.” The two players with the highest
Rosters
IN YEARS past, All-Star starters have been determined by a combination of 50 percent fan votes, 25 percent media voting, and 25 percent player votes, while WNBA head coaches chose the reserves for both squads. Both teams are comprised of 11 players each. Current Indiana Fever players DeWanna Bonner, Aliyah Boston, Caitlin Clark, and Kelsey Mitchell have been named to past games, while other well-known competitors such as A’ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray of the Las Vegas Aces and Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty have been mainstays of the All-Star Game.
Voting=
50%
25% 25% Fans MediaPlayers
Kelsey Mitchell goes up for a shot at the rim.
Back in the Game
Pat’s Journey with Midwest Center for Joint Replacement
For over four decades, Patrick “Pat” Reinhart dedicated himself to a physically demanding career at Duke Energy, climbing poles and navigating challenging terrains to serve his community. This relentless labor took a toll on his joints, leading to persistent pain in his hips and knees.
“I couldn’t perform very well without taking breaks,” Pat recalls. “I knew I had to do something when I couldn’t do what I was used to doing, and I had trouble sleeping at night.”
Seeking relief, Pat turned to Dr. Wesley G. Lackey at the Midwest Center for Joint Replacement (MCJR). Impressed by Dr. Lackey’s professionalism and explanations, Pat felt confident in the care he would receive.
Over the years, Pat didn’t just return for follow-up visits but instead would undergo three more joint replacement surgeries under Dr. Lackey’s expert hands, including both hips and knees. The outcomes were life-changing.
“The hips were fairly quick and not too painful. I was back to golfing and playing pickleball a couple of months after surgery,” Pat shares. “I can sleep at night, pain-free.” Just a few months after his 4th joint replacement Pat claims to feel overall great!
Pat’s experience highlights MCJR’s unwavering commitment to personalized, compassionate care, with every member of the team— including Dr. Lackey’s nurse, Lauren, and physician assistant, Tess—playing an essential role in his successful recovery.
“Any time I had questions or concerns, I would call and they would always return my call the same day,” Pat notes. “I can’t say enough about the doctor and the whole staff. I have appreciated them all very much.”
INDIANAPOLIS
6920 Gatwick Dr #200 Indianapolis, IN 46241 317-455-1064
At MCJR, the priority is helping patients return to active, fulfilling lives through advanced surgical techniques and comprehensive, individualized care. Dr. Lackey stresses the importance of addressing joint problems early to ensure the best possible outcomes.
“We don’t treat patients like numbers,” he says. “We take the time to understand what matters most to them— whether it’s gardening, walking the dog, or dancing at a granddaughter’s wedding. Our goal is to get them back to the life they love.”
If joint pain is impacting your quality of life, consider reaching out to the Midwest Center for Joint Replacement. Their highly experienced team is dedicated not only to utilizing advanced surgical techniques, but also to delivering personalized, compassionate care—helping you restore mobility and return to the activities you value most while providing access to care in locations close to you.
Experience the difference in joint replacement
At Midwest Center for Joint Replacement, our expert surgeons prioritize efficient, patient-centered care with minimally invasive, same-day hip and knee replacement surgery. With a focus on patient care, convenience, and accessible locations, we help you get back to your daily life faster—with less pain and a seamless recovery.
BLOOMINGTON 541 S Landmark Ave Bloomington, IN 47403 317-455-1064
TERRE HAUTE
3051 S US Highway 41 Terre Haute, IN 47802 317-455-1064
ZIONSVILLE 625 S. Main St. Zionsville, IN 46077 317-455-1064
Top Row: Wesley G. Lackey, MD, Colin T. Penrose, MD. Bottom Row: Michael E. Berend, MD, Joshua L. Carter, MD
WNBA All-Star Festivities
WHETHER IT’S the inaugural Fever Fan Fest, the arts and culture programs, or the design and installation of a mural dedicated to Fever legend Tamika Catchings, Indianapolis is leaving no stone unturned when it comes to making this year’s All-Star weekend one to remember.
“I don’t think there are many cities that can pull this sort of thing off as well as we can,” says Raines. “We’re going to raise the bar for WNBA All-Star weekend, and I don’t envy whoever the host is in 2026.”
WNBA Live!
From July 17 to 19, the Indiana Convention Center hosts the WNBA fan fest, where events at the intersection of sports, entertainment, and culture span the full weekend.
Fever Fest
The Indiana Fever bring excitement to White River State Park on Saturday, July 19, as they host a number of events including comedy, live music, dance performances, and more in tribute to the Hoosier state.
Arts and Culture Programs
South Bend native Nate Baranowski adds to the city’s growing collection of monumental public art with his mural honoring Hall of Famer and Fever legend Tamika Catchings on the side of the Lockerbie Court apartment building at North New Jersey and East Allegheny streets.
Throughout downtown Indianapolis, the arts are on full display with two murals to adorn both sides of the Indianapolis Artsgarden, as well as featured art by female street artists throughout the city, including live graffiti painting, floral art, and 3D chalk art.
On Monument Circle, a popup art market showcases music and dance performances and walking tours by Through2Eyes.
For the second year in a row, Indiana will be the epicenter of hoops after hosting last season’s NBA All-Star Weekend.
Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration
THE INDIANA Black Expo Summer Celebration, an annual event emphasizing underway on July 10 with plenty of can’t-miss events around the city during WNBA All-Star weekend.
When the Indiana Fever organization was weekend in 2025, Raines knew who to call made was to Alice Watson [the CEO of Indiana Black Expo] because the weekend was going to coincide with Summer Celebration, and we wanted to be sure that was something that Alice and the organization thought would be complementary to what they were doing. … She quickly got back to me and said this was a great opportunity and that we could work together in a really cool way,” Raines says.
IBE events coinciding with the WNBA AllStar weekend include:
Music Heritage Festival
Starting at 6 p.m. on July 18, IU Indy’s Michael A. Carroll Stadium continues its annual showcase of legendary artists with a night of music featuring guests such as Keith Sweat, SWV, Cameo, Deniece Williams, and Christopher Williams.
Cultural Arts Pavilion
Featuring a special art exhibition celebrating women July 18–20, the Indiana Convention Center highlights stories of athletes, artists, and change-makers who have pushed boundaries and promoted progress.
Art Speaks Cafe
Taking place at the Indiana Convention Center, the Art Speaks Cafe provides a space for musicians, poets, authors, speakers, podcasters, and more to take the stage starting July 18 and running through the end of the weekend.
All
White Affair
IBE’s signature upscale event, the All White Affair on July 19, celebrates culture, unity, and empowerment with a night full of entertainment and live music.
Photo by TONY VALAINIS
Macizo’s Mole and Verde Enchiladas (p. 100)
BR 2024
Named one of IM’s Best Restaurants in 2024
Brunch Outdoor seating Reservations
V Vegetarian friendly
New addition to the guide
$$$$ $50 and up
$$$ $30–$40
$$ $20–$30
$ Under $20
Restaurants included in this guide are selected at the discretion of the Indianapolis Monthly editorial staff based on food quality, innovation, atmosphere, service, value, and consistency. IM does not accept advertising or other compensation in exchange for dining coverage. Price symbols indicate the average cost of a meal per person (without tax, tip, or alcohol). Due to limited space, this list does not cover every evaluated restaurant. For a more comprehensive guide to Indianapolis dining, visit IndianapolisMonthly.com/Dining Feedback? Please email ebatey@IndianapolisMonthly.com
9th Street Bistro
BR 2024 SEASONAL Co-owners Samir and Rachel Firestone Mohammad’s tiny innovator is almost always packed by fans eager for the duo’s globally inspired Midwestern dishes. In response, the pair has created a community dinner series to allow even more patrons to sample their takes on the local farmstead ingredients that inspire their dishes. Mussels in aromatic broth, house-made burrata with of-the-moment garnishes, and pasta with shrimp and lemony cream sauce still anchor the menu, but it’s better to let the creative duo keep you guessing. 56 S. 9th St., Noblesville, 317-774-5065, 9thstbistro.com V $$$
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 house-made ice cream. 1844 E. 10th St., 317-419-3471, beholderindy.com V $$$$
Bluebeard
BR 2024 CONTEMPORARY Tom and Ed Battista’s charming little restaurant has led the charge in getting Indy’s dining scene on the national radar. A perennial nominee for the James Beard Awards with mentions in outlets such as The New York Times and Bon Appétit, Bluebeard—which takes its name from one of native son Kurt Vonnegut’s novels—still delivers on the hype. The menu has settled into a comfortable groove, starting with shareable small plates such as house-frizzled chips and French onion dip, gourmet bar nuts, and grilled bread from sibling bakery Amelia’s served
with a flight of slatherings. A plate-spanning Faroe Island salmon, beef-and-pork Bolognese, and other larger entrees make for a nice, lingering dinner accompanied by ambitious cocktails in a dining room decorated with shelves of books and Vonnegut-era typewriters. 653 Virginia Ave., 317-686-1580, bluebeardindy .com V $$$
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. 922 Massachusetts Ave., 317-941-6595, bodhi-indy .com V $$$
Borage
BR 2024
ALL-DAY CAFE Josh Kline and Zoë Taylor’s long-awaited all-day cafe, dinner spot, and market took years longer to open than they expected when they chose its Speedway site. Some even despaired that the couple in business and life—who met while toiling in the kitchen at Milktooth— might never see their dream realized. But suddenly last summer, Borage threw its doors open, and all worries vanished. Every menu lineup, from breakfast to dinner and everything in between, is a collage of standby ingredients, such as polenta or milk bread, reimagined into well-portioned small plates that will fill your table. Mussels float in kimchi-flecked coconut broth alongside a meatloaf sandwich made with brisket and bacon. Every aspect of the restaurant, its bakery, and the attached retail space feels thought-through and intentional. Borage was worth the wait. 1609 N. Lynhurst Dr., 317-734-3958, borageeats.com V $$
Che Chori
ARGENTINEAN The focus of the menu at this colorful drive-thru is a selection of traditional butterflied-sausage sandwiches and warm empanadas filled with seasoned meats. 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-at-home sausages, from Spanish-style chorizo to Argentinean black sausage. 3124 W. 16th St., 317-737-2012, chechori.com $$
Cheeky Bastards
BR 2024
ENGLISH Co-owners Michael Rypel and chef Robert Carmack fell in love with British culture and cuisine during travels abroad. Their Geist restaurant is a true tribute to the food, serving not only a classic full English breakfast and sausage rolls made with imported meat but also a very convincing fish and chips featuring crispy planks and hand-cut potatoes. Don’t forget to ask for the malt vinegar or the HP Sauce for the full UK experience. 11210 Fall Creek Rd., 317-288-9739, cbindy.com $$
Chin Brothers
BURMESE One of the oldest Burmese restaurants in town, this brightly lit and friendly spot attached to a large, well-stocked market 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 $$
Commission Row
BR 2024 FINE DINING
This glossy spot from Indy’s near-ubiquitous Cunningham Restaurant Group is just steps from Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and it reflects its neighbor’s baller vibes with a three-figure seafood tower, caviar service, and an eight-steak menu (which offers add-ons such as foie gras and lobster tail). Sure, you can play small with its excellent burger or sizable salads, but if you do, you’ll be missing the point. Appropriately, its wine list leads with bubbles by the glass or bottle, while its cocktail list boasts eight takes on a classic martini. 110 S. Delaware St., 317-550-2500, commissionrow.com $$$$
Convivio
ITALIAN With a menu that traces the geographical regions in Italy, this is not your average red-sauce joint. The pasta, including curled nests of black squid ink spaghetti and purple beet-infused fettuccine, are all made in-house. The torchietti pasta, tossed with dried figs, black olives, basil, goat cheese, and parmesan, has been known to induce deep cravings in the weeks after eating, and the frutti di mare packs a generous serving of mussels, clams, shrimp, scallops, and calamari with tonnarelli pasta in a spicy and bright tomato sauce. Beyond pasta, the menu offers Neapolitan-style pizzas served blistered and hot from the imported Italian pizza oven, rotating regional specials, and an easy-to-navigate, Italian-heavy wine list that makes picking a bottle for the table a pleasure. 11529 Spring Mill Rd., Carmel, 317-564-4670, convivioindy.com $$$
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 Indianstyle 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 $
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
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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. 834 E. 64th St., 317-377-4779,fernandosindy.com $$$
The Fountain Room
STEAKHOUSE This fine dining offering from local restaurant group Clancy’s Hospitality offers an upscale menu of steaks and seafood in a glitzy Art Deco environment. Sides and appetizers are generous enough to share, so bellying up to the full bar—which offers a classic array of cocktails—can be a great way to begin (or end) a long night out, while those with heartier appetites can opt for one of the restaurant’s comfortable, eye-catching booths, the perfect place to see and be seen. On weekends, brunch is a popular scene, with a broad-ranging list of substantial favorites. 830 Massachusetts Ave., 463-238-3800, thefountainroom.com $$$
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 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 as well as Indiana’s colonizer class. Desserts are clever and adventurous without being cloying, while a full bar mixes excellent cocktails and pours wines from a well-curated list. 875 Freeland Way, Carmel, 317-400-0436, freelandsrestaurant .com $$$
Gather 22
BR 2024 CONTEMPORARY This colorfully cozy all-day hangout and cocktail spot in Fall Creek Place from Byrne’s Grilled Pizza owners Adam Reinstrom and Pablo Gonzalez draws on Reinstrom’s love of interior design and Gonzalez’s background in innovative mixology. Vibrant wall fixtures by creators such as Bootleg Signs & Murals and revolving works by locals from the LGBTQ art community provide a funky backdrop for sipping seasonal elixirs; salads include a wedge with smoked blue cheese and roasted-poblano ranch. Byrne’s original pizzas, cracker-thin and charred, are on offer, as are thicker-crusted Roman-style oval pies with well-chosen toppings. Fresh takes on shareable plates include crispy-skinned salmon with kale and quinoa, on Sundays, the brunch menu features classics such as egg dishes, French toast, and breakfast pizzas such as the Chilaquiles, a thin crust topped with chorizo, salsa, eggs, and fried tortillas. Coffee drinks and a solid sandwich list anchor the daytime menu, and desserts feature a luxe take on the Hoosier classic sugar cream pie. 22 E. 22nd St., 317-258-2222, gather22.com $$
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. $$
Lone Pine
STEAKHOUSE Beholder partner Josh Mazanowski’s solo restaurant is a cuttingedge chophouse with a menu that has a range as wide as Mazanowski’s palate, which he’s honed during his career as a sommelier. While steaks remain a mainstay, much of the menu is a rotating feast. Watch for items like a cassoulet with Old Major Toulouse sausage, smoky roasted carrots with tahini, or creamy local greens with miso. Desserts are made in-house and include a stellar panna cotta, and the wine list leans heavily on Napa Valley’s best, with some notable bottles from France and Italy to also consider. 710 S. Rangeline Rd., Carmel, 317-9070177, lonepinecarmel.com $$$
Love Handle
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 and possets that are big enough for two. 1127 Shelby St., 317-691-8021, magdalena.bar $$$
Max & Tilly’s
LIFE GOES ON
Here’s a little ditty about American Odd, the newest collaboration from Hard Truth Distilling Co. It’s a four-part collectible series of sweet mash whiskeys produced with Mellencamp Whiskey. The latter brand’s co-founder, Hud Mellencamp, enlisted pop John (nee Cougar) Mellencamp to contribute artwork for the bottles’ labels. Pick one up at any Hard Truth location.
SANDWICHES Daily lunch and brunch features such as schnitzel and waffles and a pulled-chicken Hot Brown are the main draw at Chris and Ally Benedyk’s cheeky breakfast and sandwich shop. The chalkboard menu (which is also updated online) offers a list of side options such as braised greens and potato salad with roasted tomatoes. Fridays often see a fish special, and weekends are a chef’s playground of eggy experiments, satisfying hashes, and sweet sides served in a dining room dotted with nostalgic and quirky decor. 877 Massachusetts Ave., 317-384-1102 $$
Macizo
NEW 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, culture-bridging 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 $$$
Magdalena
SOUTHERN Westside born-and-raised Nick Detrich has returned to Indianapolis after decades running restaurants in New Orleans—
BRITISH A traditional UK-style chip shop from the owner of Tilly’s Tea Room, Max & Tilly’s serves traditional pub classics such as cock-a-leekie soup and mushy peas alongside housebaked scones, spotted dick, and Bakewell tarts. It’s the fried offerings that transport you to a cozy mystery mindset, especially the Filthy Fries with hot shredded roast beef and, of course, the golden planks of beer-battered cod over hand-cut chips. 8701 E. 116th St., Fishers, maxandtillys.com $$
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 $$
Oakleys Bistro
CONTEMPORARY The meticulously plated fare at Steven Oakley’s eatery hails from a culinary era when sprigs of herbs and puddles of purees provided the flavor, and every single element on the plate served a purpose. The presentations are wild, with menu descriptions giving little more than clues as to what might arrive at the table. Heads-up on anything that appears in quotes, such as a creative “Coq au Vin.” 1464 W. 86th St., 317-824-1231, oakleysbistro.com V $$$
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
SMALL BITE
completely legendary steaks. 127 S. Illinois St., 317-635-0636, stelmos.com $$$
Shadow Lounge
SOUL FOOD After a major renovation, the former Marco’s Restaurant and Lounge has been transformed into a rollicking dining destination. Chef Tia Wilson, late of wing spot Chicken Scratch, is in the kitchen, serving Southern and soul-infused dishes such as lamb lollipops, Cajun penne, and garlic-parmesan wings. The cocktails are strong, the music is loud, and while dinner is delightful, brunch is the real scene. 2380 E. 54th St., 317974-9288, shadowloungeindy.com
$$$
Shapiro’s Delicatessen
JAVA SWAP
After 13 years in Irvington, Coal Yard Coffee shut its doors in April—but a replacement is on the way for local coffee fans. Locally owned Wild Child Coffee Co. has taken over the 400 S. Ritter Ave. space, rehiring some former Coal Yard staffers and brewing up Ice House Coffee Roasters beans.
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 $$
Tinker Street
BR 2024 NEW AMERICAN Diners are in for a delightful treat at this cozy, detail-oriented restaurant where the open kitchen almost feels like part of the dining room. The menu changes with the seasons, but the soup is always something lush and vegan, the Duck & Dumplings (featuring duck confit and truffled dumplings) sells out fast, and the person who orders the pork chop will be the most envied diner at the table. The cocktails are delicate, the wine list well-curated, and its bar staff ready to offer mocktails. Don’t skip dessert, especially if it involves a scoop of ice cream. While Tinker Street sets aside some tables for walk-in diners, reservations are available online and are a good idea Thursday through Sunday. 402 E. 16th St., 317-925-5000, tinkerstreetrestaurant.com V $$$
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. A solid wine and craft
cocktail list rounds the experience out nicely. 350 Massachusetts Ave., 317-798-2492, vicinoindy.com V $$
Wisanggeni Pawon
BR 2024 INDONESIAN The talents of chefs Bambang Wisanggeni and Putri Pratiwi make dining at Wisanggeni Pawon a superb experience. The husband-andwife duo presents the complex, spice-forward dishes of their homeland, as well as some hibachi favorites drawn from their experience at nearby Japanese restaurants. Split a platter of martabak telor, a hearty beef omelet encased in crispy wonton skin, or share some steamed Indonesian dumplings with a rich peanut sauce. The signature beef rendang also stands out, as does the Maduranese fried duck. 2450 E. 71st St., 317-756-9477, wpawon.com V $$
A WITNESS TO FISHERS’ PAST AS A FARMING HAMLET STRUGGLES TO WITHSTAND THE FORCES OF TIME.
BY CHRISTINA VERCELLETTO
GOING NORTH on I-69 in Fishers, it’s hard to miss: a weathered 19th-century farmhouse smack in the middle of a bustling area of commercial newness. In 1860, farmers Peter and Nancy Flanagan made and sun-dried the clay bricks they used to build what would come to be known as the FlanaganKincaid House. The couple’s 11 children grew up in it. After Peter died at age 51, his family owned it until 1937, when it was bought by the Kincaids (founders of Kincaid’s Meat Market). At one point, they had to dispatch a formidable bee colony between the upper and lower floors. To eradicate the dozens of honeycombs, much of the structure was torn out and rebuilt. Today, rock-busted windows offer a peek inside the deteriorating structure. Gail Kincaid, whose husband is a relative of the former owners, shares that “the walls are 13-inches thick, most
likely to moderate temperature.” The house didn’t have indoor plumbing until the 1950s. “There are only two rooms upstairs, both with a vent cut into the floor so that heat could rise from downstairs,” adds Kincaid. The house sits on a plot that tempts developers and awaits—as it has for some time—a preservation plan. Moving it in its current state is a logistical challenge. Restoration appropriate to its era requires materials and a skill set that are both in short supply and expensive. But its historical value is recognized, so demolition is deferred. Doing nothing is still a decision, though, as before long, the roof will start to fall in. Ashley Elrod, director of community and public relations for Fishers, confirms the city has no current plans for it. And so the Flanagan-Kincaid House stands sentry, a time traveler stranded as suburbanites whiz by on their way to Ikea.
Enjoy the sweet traditions
MIAMI MOMENTS Savor
In 1929, Myron Timothy “Tuffy” Potter launched Tuffy’s Sandwich Shop in Oxford, Ohio — located in a small basement on Miami’s campus. It quickly became the hangout spot for generations of Miami students. The most cherished menu item was always Tuffy’s specialty, toasted rolls. Although the sandwich shop no longer stands, this 100-year-old tradition is still a staple on campus today.
