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Alex Palou

DIALED IN

With quiet diligence, Spanish-born IndyCar driver Alex Palou steered his way to Victory Lane during the 2025 Indianapolis 500. This year, the Zionsville resident continues to lead the series at an unstoppable speed.

BY TONY REHAGEN

58 50 YEARS RUNNING

As participants lace up for the 50th IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon (some for the 50th consecutive time), we look back at five decades of the signature foot race that kicks off the Month of May in Indianapolis.

BY SAM STALL

HOME OF THE MONTH

With a nearly empty nest, a Zionsville couple leapt at the chance to build the peaceful, California casual–inspired home of their dreams—with plenty of room for their offspring to come back to visit.

BY JEANA HARRIS

The Mini-Marathon returns to the track on May 2.

Photograph by Jay Goldz

CARE THAT GETS HER HEART

You might not think twice about belly weight or a complicated pregnancy from years ago. But your heart might.

Women’s heart disease risks and symptoms can be different from men. And with cardiovascular disease still being the #1 killer of women, they can’t be overlooked anymore.

Franciscan Health provides specialty women’s heart care focused on the known symptoms and risks women face throughout their lives. With quick access to cardiology appointments, you can show up for your heart right away and get a care plan based on your unique story.

Heart & Vascular Care for the Women We Love

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•$49 screening bundles program (Heart Scan, Lung Scan and AAA screening)

•Specialty care in cardio-oncology, cardio-genetics, cardio-metabolics and cardio-obstetrics

•Vein Clinic at Franciscan Rejuvenate Medical Spa

CIRCLE CITY

13 SPEED READ

Big Car Collective expands its creative campus with the new Contemporary Arts Museum of Indianapolis.

16 THE HOOSIERIST

What’s in a temporary street name? Our Indiana expert has the answers.

18 BEST BETS

Five can’t-miss events in May. 20

ASK ME ANYTHING

Carmel native Eric Dick steps into the soccer spotlight as Indy Eleven’s goalkeeper. 22 FRESH READS

Fill your reading list with new titles from authors with Indianapolis 500 connections. 24 ARTIFACT

A gift of silver and gold ore is a souvenir from President Benjamin Harrison’s travels.

GOOD LIFE

Bask in the scent of our state flower with Viktor&Rolf’s Peony Eau de Parfum.

28 SHOP TALK

Ginger Root Plant Co. establishes roots in Carmel’s Arts & Design District.

28 MY LOOK

Haley Ann Hilts extols the virtues of a good power jacket. 32

BODY+SOUL

Just in time for Mother’s Day, a creative lettering instructor offers tips on penning sincere handwritten notes. 34 TRAVELER

With its bevy of free public attractions, Madison, Wisconsin, is known for much more than water sports. 34

An Albion animal sanctuary offers refuge to exotic species.

THE DISH

39 SWOON

Bocado Brunch & Te’kila brings the flavors of Tulum, Mexico, to Noblesville’s Federal Hill Commons.

FIRST BITE

Che Chori builds out its West 16th Street carry-out spot; Bowdie’s Chophouse dazzles with prime cuts of steak and showpiece cars; and ClusterTruck’s CEO cracks the code on Cluster Hacks.

42 FOODIE

Former New York educator Manuela Pizzi reconnects with her Circle City roots at Balena Cucina Italiana.

TASTE TEST

We’re mad for matcha with a set of tea-infused treats, from tres leches cake to latte.

46 REVIEW

With decades of experience, chef Emilio Cento unveils Apicio Ristorante & Enoteca.

EDITOR’S NOTE

Track Stars

IN THE CIRCLE CITY, this entire month is mostly dedicated to all things Indianapolis 500–related. Starting with a trackside sampling of cuisine from local restaurants at Rev, Indiana University Health Foundation’s annual gala and tasting party at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, through the premier 500-mile IndyCar race on the 24th—famously dubbed the Greatest Spectacle in Racing—the calendar is filled with festivities reinforcing our love of motorsports here in the Crossroads of America. In this issue, we get to know the reigning 500 champion and NTT IndyCar Series leader Alex Palou (p. 50), who made himself at home in Zionsville while steering his career from a 28th-place Indy finish in his 2020 rookie season to capturing the Borg-Warner Trophy in 2025. We also take a jog down memory lane to trace the history and evolution of the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon (p. 58) on the event of its milestone 50th running. And we offer the bookworms in our midst suggestions for a few new summer reads with a quartet of IMS-inspired books for readers of all ages (p. 22).

Andrea Ratcliff Editor-in-Chief

While it’s easy to get caught up in all the hoopla surrounding the Speedway, May is also a time to salute soldiers past and celebrate moms and mother figures. Our Body+Soul page (p. 32) encourages the analog practice of letter-writing with an array of tips and accessories to take your hand-scribed notes to the next level. In these days of digital communication, there is nothing like finding a heartfelt letter or greeting card with a personal message waiting in the mailbox.

( CONTRIBUTORS )

Jay Goldz

Indianapolis-based portrait photographer Jay Goldz focuses on the personality behind every subject. His work features everyone from some of your favorite athletes to your everyday business owner. When he’s not behind the lens, Goldz is likely in the kitchen, indulging his passion for cooking and exploring the city’s best eats, like the revamped Che Chori (p. 40).

Joy Rides

OUR UNSPOKEN RULES COLUMN (P. 16) HIGHLIGHTS THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF THE ANNUAL MECUM CAR AUCTION, WHICH ROLLS OUT A COLLECTION OF COVETED MOTOR VEHICLES IN MAY. WE ASKED THE IM STAFF TO NAME THEIR ALL-TIME DREAM CARS.

“Mine would be a mid- to late-’70s International Scout.”

—Abby Broderick, special events director

“A 1965 Volkswagen Type 2 bus. I wanted this car so much I had a sticker, plushies, and toy versions of it.”

Chris Schumerth

Freelance writer Chris Schumerth is interested in “the story behind the story” in politics, culture, and sports—like the story of Indy Eleven’s new goalie, Eric Dick (p. 20). Schumerth earned his MFA in creative writing at the University of South Carolina before returning to the Indianapolis area in 2015. When not writing, he enjoys yoga, concerts, and playing poker.

Sam Stall

Freelancer Sam Stall’s writing career began with a 1983 internship at Indianapolis Monthly, making it almost as old as the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon (p. 58), which kicked off in 1977 and celebrates its 50th running this month. Stall spills the Gatorade on everything from coursespecific training tips to what it’s like to take a lap at the Speedway on foot.

“Import: A 1987 Ferrari F40 in Ferrari Red with twin turbo V-8 producing 471 HP, which was the last car personally approved by Enzo Ferrari. It was the ﬁrst production car to break the 200-mph barrier. Domestic: A 1965 Shelby Cobra in Guardsman Blue with white stripes and a V-8 producing 500-plus HP.”

—Vu Luong, production director

“What I would do for a 1960s-era [preboxy-but-good] Volvo P1800 in any color, but preferably white.”

—Julia Spalding, executive editor

“My dream car is a horse. Speciﬁcally, a dappled grey Andalusian. Vintage is ﬁne. They live, like, 25 years.”

—Maura Broderson, editorial art director

PUBLISHER Ivy Bayer

EDITORIAL

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Andrea Ratcliff

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PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Vu Luong

EDITORIAL ART DIRECTOR

Maura Broderson

ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR

Christiana Bertsch

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ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Sarah Anderton, Jena Jennings, Rachel Widenhofer

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION IN THIS ISSUE

ADVANCED DEGREES:

Pursuing focused training and education can be an exciting step to move your career to the next level or chart a new professional course. Central Indiana colleges and universities offer an expanding range of programs and classes to help professional students build the skills and knowledge to advance into new opportunities, both local and global.

HOME:

73 // TRAVEL

In 2026, the United States observes the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a yearlong array of celebrations such as festivals, parades, historic reenactments and performances, podcasts, speeches, military ceremonies, summer camps, and more. Find out more details about America 250 events throughout Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky.

Want to boost the curb appeal and aesthetics of your home’s exterior and outdoor living spaces? Local residential pros weigh in on the latest trends, products, and design options to create inviting environments for homeowners and their guests.

PRIVATE EDUCATION:

When weighing school options, families often factor tuition and affiliated fees heavily into their final decisions. In this special section, we consult administrators about financial aid, scholarships, and other measures local private schools offer to make a highquality education more attainable.

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AS IT TURNS OUT, IT REALLY IS THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS.

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CIRCLE CITY

Art Reinvented

Meet CAMi, the new Contemporary Arts Museum of Indianapolis. Sitting pretty in a stunningly repurposed 125-yearold dairy barn, the latest Big Car Collective venture is planned to be unveiled May 1 as of this writing, anchoring a wider cultural arts campus that spans a city block on Indy’s near south side. SPEED READ

( SPEED READ CONTINUED )

CAMI IS BRINGING CONTEMPORARY BACK. Indianapolis hasn’t had an organization dedicated solely to contemporary art since the Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art in Holy Cross shut down in 2020 due to the pandemic.

BIG CAR IS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THE PROJECT. Founded in 2004 by husbandand-wife team Jim Walker and Shauta Marsh, the nonprofit arts organization initially operated out of the Murphy Arts Center in Fountain Square as a shared studio for artists and writers. The collective settled into its Garfield Park digs in 2016. Walker and Marsh oversee a 5-acre spread that claims two repurposed industrial buildings, 18 studio spaces, and nine galleries. Volunteer-run at the start, Big Car now employs a staff of about a dozen.

THE BUILDING HAS AN UNUSUAL PEDIGREE. The former barn that houses the new 40,000-square-foot expansion was originally built by the Weber Dairy Company in the late 1800s. Vestiges of the past still remain. “We’ve kept the beams and wood posts in place to preserve the patina; you can still see the rope marks where the horses were tied up,” Walker points out.

ADAPTIVE REUSE WAS A TOP PRIORITY. Inspired by similar projects around the country that have reimagined disparate, underutilized properties as imaginative arts venues, Big Car worked with Jungclaus-Campbell general contractors and Blackline Studio (both of Indianapolis) to bring the ambitious vision to life. “Pittsburgh has Mattress Factory. Bentonville has The Momentary [a decommissioned cheese factory turned creative hub]. Detroit has MOCAD [in an old car dealership],” Marsh says. “Indianapolis now has CAMi.”

THE TUBE FACTORY HAS BECOME THE TUBE GALLERY. Perhaps the most recognizable structure on campus, the funky purple building with the pencil graphics most people associate with Big Car, is still the nonprofit’s headquarters. The name honors the building’s former tenant: the Tube Processing Corporation, an aerospace and engine parts manufacturer.

THE ARTISTS WILL BENEFIT FROM CAMI’S UNIQUE MODEL. Big Car’s business structure pays artists directly to produce shows instead of forcing them to rely solely on gallery sales for compensation. First up in CAMi’s Jeremy Efroymson Gallery is Campo de Resonancia, an immersive exhibit by Puerto Rican mixed-media painter Ivelisse Jiménez. Other early exhibitions include Drafts, an experimental documentary by Indianapolis-based artists Jess Dunn and Sylvia Thomas; The Speedway’s Attic, local journalist Will Higgins’ offbeat tales from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway expressed through signs and quirky artifacts; and You’re Standing Inside the Instrument: A Score for 19 Buildings, a collaborative sound and video installation in the new Listen Hear Gallery.

THE LINE BETWEEN MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY IS CLEARLY DRAWN. Contemporary art and modern art are often conflated. Walker and Marsh define contemporary art as work in active conversation with artists’ experiences in relation to the forces that shape their current world. Typically, it dates from the 1970s to the present day. “Contemporary artists don’t make work in a vacuum; they build on history,” Marsh expands. CAMi also presents modern art, which is work from the late 19th century through the 1970s. “The modern works provide context, lineage, and deeper meaning for the commissions and exhibitions that are at the center of our program,” adds Marsh.

BIG CAR HAS ITS OWN COMMUNITY RADIO STATION. The DJ at 99.1 WQRT FM sits at the front corner of the new building, greeting guests in lieu of a receptionist and broadcasting an eclectic mix of music throughout the campus.

EXPANDED VIEWPOINTS ARE ACTIVELY ENCOURAGED. The venue was created with makers in mind, but CAMi is ultimately intended to function as a gathering space for the greater community, challenging local residents and tourists alike to evaluate their definition of art. “Art is so much more than just going to a museum and looking at paintings on a wall,” Walker says. “Art could be a garden or a bee sanctuary.” CAMi has those and more. Established attractions—Terri Sisson Park, Sam Van Aken’s hyper-grafted Tree of 40 Fruit, and the idiosyncratic Chicken Chapel of Love—remain popular. Sunny reading nooks, an on-site cafe and bar, an openkitchen culinary classroom, five retail storefronts, and a performance area with a movable stage and projection capabilities are new amenities.

WALKER AND MARSH AREN’T THE NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK. When the pair first moved into Garfield Park in 2011, 10 of the 20 houses on Cruft Street were boarded up. Intent on turning the community around, the couple worked to procure a Community Development Block Grant and funding from local entities to purchase, renovate, and occupy several of the dilapidated vacant houses. Today, they manage 18 neighborhood properties as affordable housing for visiting and resident artists.

THEY’RE RETHINKING WHAT A MUSEUM IS. Marsh recently spoke with a Chicago writer who described Indy as a city of arts campuses. “Newfields has 100 Acres. The Indy Art Center and White River State Park each has its own campus,” she notes. “I thought that was an interesting way to think about what sets our city apart. And now CAMi gets to be part of that.” —AMY LYNCH

ARTIST ADVOCATES

Jim Walker, left, and Shauta Marsh founded the Contemporary Arts Museum of Indianapolis, where artists are paid to produce shows. PHOTOS

What’s in a Name?

Q : I’VE SEEN DOWNTOWN STREETS NAMED AFTER DRIVERS DURING THE MONTH OF MAY. HOW DOES THE CITY DECIDE WHEN STREETS SHOULD BE RENAMED IN HONOR OF AN EVENT?

A: Happenings that draw lots of hotel guests and/or fill up a big chunk of the Indiana Convention Center are more likely to get this special perk. For instance, the Taylor Swift Eras Tour saw 32 downtown arteries renamed after the artist’s songs and albums, while 35 streets received the names of U.S. gold medal swimmers during the 2024 U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials at Lucas Oil Stadium. Of course, these new monikers are only temporary, with the real street names still showing up on GPS and Google Maps so nobody gets lost. The signs cost $50 each, and when they’re taken down, they’re typically given to the event organizers as a parting gift. —SAM

STALL

( UNSPOKEN RULES )

Mecum

Spring Classic

A MANNER-FESTO FOR THE AUCTION OF CARS FROM 49 STATES HAPPENING MAY 8–16 AT THE FAIRGROUNDS

Be decisive. Each vehicle is on the auction block for 90 seconds, max. Research cars at mecum.com. Ask for assistance. Staff help bidders start engines. Consider a spectator ticket if you’re not in the market. Apply the cost of that ticket to bidder registration on-site if you change your mind. Determined to nab a dream ride? Stand near the block. Unlike in the movies, serious bidders don’t suddenly appear from the back of the room. Keep your voice down. Disruptions won’t be tolerated. Make room in the garage. Winners drive the spoils home the same day.

750,000

That’s enough real estate to make the cavernous facility the 10th largest convention center in the country. But don’t expect it to climb much higher in the stats. Seven of the current top 10 boast more than 1 million square feet. Chicago’s McCormick Place sits atop the list with 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space.

ask THE HOOSIERIST

MONTH’S CAN’T–MISS EVENTS

(1) Beauty and the Beast

May 5–10

Be their guest at the Murat Theatre at Old National Center. Disney’s musical brings the spectacle to life on stage with dazzling sets, soaring songs, and a castle full of quirky characters. ticketmaster.com

(2) Pickleball Date Night

May 8

Grab your partner and head to Mulberry Fields Park for an evening of friendly competition, laughs, and new friends. Couples rotate through a round-robin. Stick around for the lighthearted awards at the end of the night. zionsville-in.gov

(3) Morgan Wallen

May 8–9

The country artist

The New Yorker called “popular on a scale that seems to circumvent genre entirely” and his Still the Problem tour swing into Lucas Oil Stadium ticketmaster.com

(4) Christel DeHaan in Harmony:At the Corner of Bach & Broadway

May 17

The grand finale of the Indianapolis Children’s Choir’s 40th anniversary celebration happens at the Scottish Rite Cathedral. The philanthropist’s favorite choral pieces will be performed. icchoir.org/25-26 concerts

(5) Aries Spears May 21–24

The impressionist who started performing in New York City venues at age 14 brings his original takes on sports figures, celebrities, and, of course, politicians to the Helium Comedy Club indianapolis .heliumcomedy.com

ASK ME ANYTHING

Eric Dick, soccer goalie

THE CARMEL NATIVE AND BUTLER ALUM WHO WAS NAMED BIG EAST GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR IN 2017 HAS COME HOME. AS THE NEWEST GUARDIAN OF THE NET FOR INDY ELEVEN, HE STEPS INTO THE SPOTLIGHT THIS SEASON WITH SHARP INSTINCTS, BIG-GAME EXPERIENCE, AND THE KIND OF QUIET CONFIDENCE FANS LOVE TO SEE BETWEEN THE POSTS. GRAB YOUR SCARF AND GET READY. BY

How’s the transition to being back in the Indianapolis area going?

My journey’s been fun in that I’ve moved quite a few times and to a lot of completely unfamiliar places. That takes getting used to. But I came home this time. I bought a house I’m fixing up. I have another one down by Butler University. This new one was more of a Carmel-roots buy, in case I’m lucky enough to have a family someday. It sort of fell into my lap.

CHRIS SCHUMERTH

I’ve learned to be handy. I watch tons of YouTube videos and just learn as I go. Soccer always comes first, but this is an extracurricular that I enjoy. And I think life is all about doing stuff that you enjoy. I don’t really know what I want to do after soccer, but now I’m thinking maybe a real estate path might be something for me.

You just completed an incredible run with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

Photo by SAMUEL HIRT

You won the United Soccer League Championship playoffs as a No. 4 seed. I’m sure you had plenty of options for what to do next. What made this the time to come back? It was a tough decision. I’ll always remember that whole season in Pittsburgh. Behind the scenes, there were challenges, so much going on. But as a team, we grew together, and now it’s a brotherhood for life. I’m bonded with each and every player in that club. And not only them, but the fans and the city itself. When I got drafted [into Major League Soccer] ... well, everyone who does thinks that their career is just going to go up, up, up. But there’s been a lot of grinding and a lot of working my butt off to be ready for my opportunities.

The fact is that Pittsburgh took a chance on me, and I was so thankful that they did. I have memories I’ll keep forever. Even better, I was able to share those memories with my parents. And that brings me to my next point, which is that my family is everything to me. My parents have driven all over the country to watch me play soccer. I’ve had to miss a lot of family moments, especially with my sister. They’ve all sacrificed so much just to allow me to play this sport, and I’m forever grateful to them for that. At the last game, my family was there in Tulsa, and we got to hug on the field. I get chills thinking about it.

So yeah, this was not an easy decision for me. Pittsburgh felt like another home. It’s hard to leave a place after you win a championship. I had to think about what I really wanted. And that was the opportunity to represent the city that really shaped me into who I am. This is my chance to give back and show how thankful I am to all of my friends, all of my coaches, my athletic trainers, teammates, everyone who helped me to get to where I am, because I didn’t get here alone. I just had a deep down, gut feeling that it was time to come home to my family and represent Indianapolis.

You have some history with one of your new teammates,

“IT’S HARD TO LEAVE A PLACE AFTER YOU WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP. I HAD TO THINK ABOUT WHAT I REALLY WANTED. AND THAT WAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO REPRESENT THE CITY THAT REALLY SHAPED ME INTO WHO I AM.”

midﬁelder Cam Lindley. How do you two know each other?

We overlapped with the Indiana Fire Academy my senior year in high school. He and I used to carpool from Carmel all the way down to UIndy with a couple other guys, and I was always the driver. So I got to know Cam a lot that year, and we’ve stayed in touch over the course of our individual careers. He’s had an amazing career. It’s funny because I thought of him as the baby of the group back then. And now here he is, married with two kids. I think he is more grown up than I am! The cool part is experiencing the full circle, coming back and playing with teammates you played with a long time ago.

What have you learned about the team so far?

That it’s going to be a fun group. We all feel bonded already, and you need that in a team. We have a lot of hardworking individuals who can bring a lot of gifts individually, but the key is to put it all together as a team. We all want to win. We all want to raise that trophy for the city. We want to be a hard team to beat. Those are the thoughts being instilled in us every single day, and we’re starting to believe we will do it. It all begins with our coach, Sean [McAuley], who I overlapped with at Minnesota United. I believe that we have really amazing players, but they are also amazing humans. The person behind the athlete is just as important.

What has your journey ﬁnding your ﬁt in the professional ranks been like? My parents raised me to appreciate opportunity wherever and however it comes. It was a dream come true to get drafted. I spent six years [in the MLS], yet I played only one game and a couple of friendlies here and there. But I’m proud of the work that I put in. I know I was a good teammate. I challenged myself every single day thinking, I can do this. I still to this day

believe I do have the ability to play at that level. But you only get so many opportunities in sports. At the end of the day, it’s a matter of maximizing them, taking advantage of every chance you’re given. I may not have done that to the full extent, but I’m at peace with everything. And I still have this fire in my belly to always give it my all. After Minnesota, there was a period where I hadn’t played a lot of games, and I wasn’t getting much interest. The attitude was, “We like Eric, but we just don’t know where he’s at.” That was humbling. But Pittsburgh called about a tryout. They said, “If you want a spot, you’re going to have to come in and try out.” So I said to myself, You know what? This is what I’m being offered. This is an opportunity. And then I got food poisoning the day of the tryout. I think it might have been meatballs I had for dinner. I was in the bathroom all night and practically until the minute warmups started. I took Tums and other stuff like that, just telling myself I had to get the job done. This was my opportunity: There was no excuse. I gutted through the tryout and thankfully got signed. I’ve actually kept this backstory pretty quiet until now. But when I look back, I’m a little bit proud of my resilience in that situation.

This is not your ﬁrst time playing with the Eleven, as you were on loan with them for a few games in 2021. What’s it like to play on loan?

Technically, I’ve been on several different loans. I was loaned to Phoenix Rising for a full season. I was loaned to Tulsa for just one game, then Indy Eleven for four. That was when I was with the Columbus Crew. Honestly, I was battling in Columbus and wasn’t getting any minutes. That was right after getting released by Sporting Kansas City, and I was trying to revamp my career. So when the opportunity came, even if on loan, to get some minutes,

and in my hometown no less, I jumped. I played four games, some good, some not so good, but at the same time, I got to play in four 90-minute games. I used those minutes, that experience, to get better. Also, I grew to know people in the organization. Jared Timmer, a teammate at Butler, was on the team. Jordan Farr was the goalie who was injured at the time, whom I replaced, and I’ve known him for forever.

Outside of soccer, what do you hope to plug into now that you’re back here? Any teams you’ll support?

For sure. I was born in Kansas City, so I’m a diehard Chiefs fan, but I will say that I recently went to see our hockey team, the Indiana Fuel, at the Fishers Event Center. It was an unbelievable atmosphere. I would love to regularly go and support the Fuel. I think hockey is one of the coolest sports to see in person. Of course, I’ll also go to Butler basketball games. My uncle went to Villanova University, so whenever Villanova plays Butler in Indianapolis, usually around Christmastime, my whole family goes to that game.

[The Eleven] have a partnership with Riley Hospital, and I would like to spend time there as a volunteer. I want to find ways to give back. I enjoyed being involved with a food rescue company in Pittsburgh where they pick up food that would’ve been thrown away to bring to shelters. I’m also a big outdoors guy. Indy doesn’t have mountains, so my hikes are in Turkey Run or Eagle Creek. Making up for lost time with friends and family is high on my list. Oh, and I still need to do the Bub’s Burger Challenge. I don’t know when in the season I’ll be able to do that, though. It’ll have to be an appropriate time.

You left Indianapolis before Covid. Do you see changes?

Oh my goodness, 100 percent. This place is totally different. The city has really popped up. Downtown Carmel’s amazing. What’s crazy is Westfield and Fishers. When I was in high school, there was nothing, just land. And now ... restaurants, stores, townhomes, Grand Park, it’s incredible. I’m glad my teammates who aren’t from here have a great place to live. That’s a huge part of being an athlete. You need to be comfortable where you’re living.

( FRESH READS )

Brickyard Book Club

CALLING ALL BIBLIOPHILES AND RACE FANS. ADD A FEW OF THESE NEW TITLES FROM AUTHORS WITH INDIANAPOLIS 500 CONNECTIONS TO YOUR MONTH OF MAY READING LIST. BY AMY LYNCH

OVERTAKEN by Kate Shoup, writing under the pen name Elisabeth Oliver, is the Indianapolis author’s debut novel. The drivers and engineers who have read it praise its technical accuracy and cultural detail. “My husband is an IndyCar engineer, so I travel the racing circuit every year,” the author shares.

“As a lifelong fan, I have a special affection for the 500. I really wanted to set a rom-com around it. My secret wish is to draw more people to the race and the series.” She ﬁlled the story with Indianapolis places and traditions, explaining, “It’s fun to read stories set in your own backyard.”

THE LAST SUNDAY IN MAY: A NOVEL by Kate Clark Stone tells the tale of a single mom turned Indy 500 hopeful. Born in Dubois County, Indiana, and now living in Tennessee, Stone returns to Indianapolis every year for the big race. “I have so many happy memories of the IMS,” she recalls.

“When I was little, my dad and I would make the drive from our small town in Southern Indiana to watch qualiﬁcations or visit the museum. My ﬁrst race was in 1990 at age 6, and I’ve attended every year since, minus only a few when I was too pregnant to travel. So much of The Last Sunday in May is a love letter to Indianapolis. No matter where I live, a piece of my heart will always be in Indiana.”

CLASS OF ’99: TRIUMPH AND TRAGEDY IN THE 1999 CART INDYCAR SERIES by John Oreovicz takes a deep dive into one of the most consequential years in racing. The latest release from the Speedwaybased motorsports journalist will bring back memories for longtime 500 fans. “1999 was the last year IndyCar racing truly had it all—sadly, including tragedy,” Oreovicz says, referring to the Indy Racing League (as IndyCar was then known) crash at the Charlotte Motor Speedway that killed three fans. “The bond between the drivers who competed in the CART series that season inﬂuenced the sport for the last 25 years. The book will hopefully illuminate to a new generation why drivers like Dario Franchitti, Juan Pablo Montoya, and the late Greg Moore were so great.”

GOODNIGHT RACETRACK by Ashley Newgarden (wife of two-time Indy 500 winner Josef Newgarden) and Andy Amendola is a sweet bedtime story rhythmic enough to soothe young tots yet detailed enough to interest older kids—and even mom and dad. “Becoming a mother has shown me the importance of storytelling and passing down traditions to the next generation,” Newgarden says. “I wanted a way to teach children about what makes the Indianapolis 500 so special. I think having a space to talk about the history and traditions will be bonding, bringing back a feeling of nostalgia for the parents and starting a new love of racing for the kids.”

Preserving the past. Nurturing the present. Inspiring the future.

A HERITAGE TOUR: This tour presents the history of Crown Hill Cemetery while visiting the graves of some of the many interesting people buried here, both the famous and not so famous, recent and long gone.

A RACING LEGENDS TOUR: Visit the graves of the four founders of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, racecar drivers, auto manufacturers, and others who have made Indianapolis “the racing capital of the world.”

A FAMILY FRIENDLY TREE TOURS: Stroll beneath beautiful canopies on our tree tours through the Crown Hill Arboretum, where winding paths invite visitors of all ages to explore.

A CIVIL WAR TOUR: We’ll examine the lives of the many brave soldiers and generals who took part in the War Between the States, and of the politicians, journalists, and even household servants whose lives influenced our country’s great conflict. Register for these tours now before they sell out!

VISIT CROWNHILLHF.ORG TO SEE MANY OTHER TOURS!

Gift Box of Ore VINTAGE: 1891

Resides in the

ON APRIL 13, 1891, President Benjamin Harrison embarked on a tour of the nation by rail. At the time, the trip crisscrossing the entire country was the most extensive travel ever undertaken by a sitting U.S. president. The journey lasted 34 days, covered more than 9,000 miles, and saw Harrison make nearly 150 whistle-stop speeches. The purpose? To promote national unity and the policies of his two-year-old administration. His private train represented the height of luxury travel, with electric lights, a lavishly furnished smoking compartment, a barbershop, and an elegant restaurant with printed breakfast, luncheon, and dinner menus. When he arrived in Lordsburg, New Mexico, on April 21, the president was presented with this gift from the then-territory. The cyan velvet box, faded with time, has a satin lining and a clasp made of silver from local mines. The card tacked to the inside of the lid reads, “Protect the chief industry of our territories. Give us free coinage of silver.” The box holds mineral deposits containing silver ore, except for the black stone, which contains gold ore. Also enclosed was a letter requesting statehood—for which the territory would have to wait nearly another 21 years.

—CHRISTINA VERCELLETTO

Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site

ARTIFACT

PHOTO

TONY VALAINIS

GOOD LIFE

Pink Peony Club

Our state ﬂower is in bloom, and the new fragrance in Viktor&Rolf’s Flowerbomb collection lets you keep its heavenly scent all year. Peony Eau de Parfum is decanted into the brand’s distinctive bottle, now in a translucent, vivid pink. With notes of strawberries, heart of peony, and vanilla, the scent feels right day or evening. Creator and French master perfumer Domitille Michalon-Bertier says, “Each petal, every ﬂoral nuance, is designed to feel radiant and sensual on the skin. … It’s vibrant, joyful, and dynamic.” In other words, it’s the bomb. 3.4 oz., $182. Macy’s, Sephora, and Ulta locations —CHRISTINA VERCELLETTO

Photo by TONY VALIANIS

( SHOP TALK )

Plant One on Me

BUSINESS IS BLOOMING FOR CARMEL’S GREENERY MAVEN LIZ FORD. BY CHRISTINA VERCELLETTO

Ginger Root Plant Co.

Ann Hilts Lifestyle studio owner

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THIS OUTFIT?

WHAT STARTED in 2021 as a pop-up at the Indiana Peony Festival is now a cheery shop in Carmel’s Arts & Design District. Disillusioned with her job in commercial interior design, Carmel resident Liz Ford sought a new venture. The answer was right in front of her in the more than 100 houseplants she tended. With a certification as a Hamilton County Master Gardener, Ford opened Ginger Root—the name inspired by her mane of red hair. Her pop-up fans were her first customers, then word spread fast. “The community has been wonderful,” she says. “Strangers come in to wish me luck.” Her offerings are focused on easy-to-grow houseplants like philodendrons and succulents. Ginger Root also sells a curated selection of pottery and plant-themed gifts by local makers (including her mom). Ford’s favorite aspect of her business is educating those who insist they kill plants. Her house-call service provides reassurance along with help getting a plant back to living its best life. “I killed a few plants too back in the day. But a green thumb can be learned.”

(1)

(3) Wildﬂower seed bomb set, $12 (4) Plant Lady clover-scented candle, $28 (5) Handmade Not Picasso earrings, $26

Free-spirited elegance. My style is eclectic.

WHERE DO YOU SHOP?

Midland Arts & Antiques Market, Cargo Streetwear Boutique, and The Hot Room, a yoga studio selling great pieces year-round. Nordstrom Rack carries my 12 ½ shoe size. I’m always down for a Target or Meijer ﬁnd too. Whether it’s $5 or $500, you can’t place a value on how something makes you feel.

WHAT ARE YOU ALWAYS ON THE HUNT FOR?

A power jacket. You can never have too many, especially with our everchanging weather. And I love heels, even though I’m tall, and zip or Velcro shoes with ﬂair. —MICHELLE MASTRO

Decorative plant stakes, $5 each (2) Misewell planter, $46; boobie cactus, $38

Haley

SPOTLIGHT ON INDY BUSINESS

CREATIVE CUSTOM FRAMING

Creative Custom Framing

Custom framing designed to protect and celebrate your memories 1326 Alimingo Dr., Indianapolis ccfindy.com | creativecustom_framing

RESTAURANT

His Place Eatery

Soul food, BBQ, chicken & waﬄes, and genuine hospitality in Indianapolis 6916 E. 30th St. | 1411 W. 86th St. hisplaceeatery | hisplaceeatery.com

BARBER SHOP

Magic Hat Barber Shop

A premium barber shop prized for its attentive service & selection of grooming products from Brosh Pomade, D.S. & Durga, Ursa Major, and more 885 Monon Green Blvd., Ste. 101, Carmel magichatbarbershop

HOME DECOR & ART STUDIO

317Home

A unique home decor boutique and art studio nestled in Carmel City Center 715 Hanover Place, Carmel 317homestudio.com | 317homestudio

RESTAURANT

Diavola Italian Restaurant

An Italian family-owned restaurant known for authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas ﬁred in a traditional brick oven 1134 E. 54th St., Ste. I | diavola_indy

Indy Photo Fun

A customizable photo and video booth experience to elevate any event indyphotofun.com | indyphotofun

FACIAL SPA

The Only Facial

An 11-step custom facial service providing honest advice and no upselling, with gratuity included 3742 E. 82nd St., Indianapolis | theonlyfacial.com

MEDICAL SPA

Ageless Aesthetics

Indy’s premier medical spa for ﬂ awless results across three locations 8860 Zionsville Rd., Ste. 300C, Indianapolis agelessindy.com | ageless.aesthetics.indy

RESTAURANT

Goodness Gracious

A comforting breakfast and lunch restaurant oﬀering catering, events, and curated picnics 24 N. Rangeline Rd., Carmel i_love_goodnessgracious

CHILDREN’S CLOTHING

Little Tulip Tree

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

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

PHOTO & VIDEO BOOTH EXPERIENCE

EYEWEAR STUDIO

Ra Opticians

An independent optical practice with expert styling and holistic eye exams 1101 Mass Ave., Factory Arts District raopticians.com | raopticians

HOME BOUTIQUE

Urban Homestead

At Urban Homestead, ﬁnd home decor thoughtfully curated to reﬂect timeless sophistication and warmth 114 E. Jefferson St., Tipton, IN urbanhomesteadllc

Tinker Coffee Co.

An Indianapolis roaster cra ing specialty coﬀee with care since 2014 1125 W. 16th St., Indianapolis tinkercoffee.com | tinkercoffee

Wise Aesthetics

A luxurious medical spa with personalized care, ensuring your unique beauty and wellness goals are met with excellence Carmel, IN | wise-aesthetics.com

RESTAURANT

A neighborhood scratch kitchen oﬀering a unique selection of cra beers and cocktails in Meridian-Kessler 5408 N. College Ave., Indianapolis | twentytap.com

Interested in advertising your business? Scan the QR Code to get started!

Put It in Writing

PENNING THE PERFECT MOTHER’S DAY MEMENTO WILL DO YOU BOTH GOOD.

BY CHRISTINA VERCELLETTO

IT IS OUR mothers who would most cherish a handwritten letter of admiration and thanks from us.

But finding the words can feel overwhelming, so we default to signing a Mother’s Day card printed with sentiments that sort of say what we mean.

Devonna Miltenberger, a creative lettering teacher in Fishers, is out to change that. Subscribers to her Kindness Mail Club (giftsthatgivestudio.com) receive monthly cards and stickers to encourage connection through handwritten notes. “Putting pen to paper and slowly writing a heartfelt letter not only benefits our relationships but also our state of mind,” observes Miltenberger. “I see it in my classes. It processes emotions better than typing does. By slowing us down, it creates a calm focus.” Multiple studies bear

out such anecdotal evidence, including research from Indiana University that found those who write letters of gratitude reported significantly better mental health four to 12 weeks later.

For the many who have grown unaccustomed to both the physical act of writing and paying authentic, thoughtful tribute to their moms, Miltenberger has tips:

CREATE a first “draft” on your phone with the microphone or notes app by tossing out adjectives that describe Mom. Don’t overthink them.

PICK ONE and expand on it. For example, say the adjective is “determined.” Does she have a strong work ethic? Loyalty to friends?

Patience with big, detailed projects? If it’s “funny,” then maybe her sense of humor defuses tense situations? Is she always the icebreaker at parties?

WORK IN an inside joke or a memory you’ll never forget that involves only the two of you.

If a full-on letter still feels daunting, pick up a card that’s blank inside. The limited space requires a tight focus to avoid surface-level sentiment, though. You might, for instance, point to an act of kindness and describe how it inspired you to do the same. Or recall a specific time you saw her love for you in action. What sacrifice did you only come to understand as an adult?

At the end of the day, texts disappear, but letters stick around. “What motivates me is the feeling I get when I receive a handwritten note. That, and when my mom displays a card I sent her,” shares Miltenberger. “People really do save them.”

“PUTTING PEN TO PAPER AND SLOWLY WRITING A HEARTFELT LETTER NOT ONLY BENEFITS OUR RELATIONSHIPS BUT ALSO OUR STATE OF MIND.”

(1) Platinum Preppy fountain pens. $8 each, Semantics Paper Goods, 111 E. 16th St. (2) Royal blue glitter ink made in Japan. $15, Semantics Paper Goods (3) Pre-inked flower and butterfly mini stamps. $4 each, Semantics Paper Goods (4) Hand-beaded pen or pencil covers. $16 each, Global Gifts, 873 Massachusetts Ave. and 8519 Westfield Blvd. (5) Pineberry Paper rollerball pen. $20, Semantics Paper Goods (6) Blank Mother’s Day cards handprinted in Fort Wayne. heartellpress.com

Named Indianapolis Monthly Magazine Face of Automotive for the second year in a row!

Mighty Madison

FIND FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT ARCHITECTURE, FUN ON THE WATER, AND A MULTIFACETED CULINARY SCENE. BY

BUILT ON an isthmus, Madison, Wisconsin, is one of the best places in the Midwest for water sports. Think kitesurfing, logrolling, pontoon boating, and flyboarding. Less well known are the draws on dry land.

Most Madison public attractions are free, including the Chazen Museum of Art (chazen.wisc.edu), Olbrich Botanical Gardens (olbrich.org) with its majestic Royal Thai Pavilion & Garden, and State Capitol guided tours (tours.wisconsin.gov), which offer access to active chambers adorned with striking murals, a museum, and an observation deck. Other highlights are a magnificent rotunda and four glass-tile mosaics. The ceiling inside the dome, constructed with Bethel white granite, boasts painter Edwin Howland Blashfield’s Resources of Wisconsin, an American Renaissance depiction of women embodying the state’s bounties. You can spot embedded fossils, like starfish, in

MICHELE HERRMANN

Madison, WI

DISTANCE

325 miles

DRIVE TIME 5.25 hours

the building’s limestone walls.

Designed by native Frank Lloyd Wright, Monona Terrace (mononaterrace.com) has a curvilinear design and rooftop views of Lake Monona. Lloyd’s home and studio, Taliesin (taliesinpreservation.org), is an hour’s drive away in Spring Green, with tours taking visitors inside and around the 800-acre property. On the way back, stop by The National Mustard Museum and store in Middleton (mustardmuseum.com). Beer, raspberry, and champagne-infused versions of the condiment are the bestsellers. Savor Wisconsin’s supper club tradition at The Harvey House (theharveyhouse.com), an elegantly transformed railroad baggage claim house and train car. Or venture along eclectic Willy Street with Madison Eats Food Tours (madisoneatsfoodtours.com). Try the Guavagool at Mint Mark’s (mintmark madison.com) happy hour. Wednesday and Saturday mornings see the Dane County Farmers’ Market (dcfm.org) selling local goodies including flowers and crafts.

IF YOU GO

STAY The circa 1871 Park Hotel (parkhotelmadison .com) sits right across from the State Capitol.

SHOP Fromagination (fromagination.com) is the place to pick up Wisconsin’s famous cheeses with the friendly assistance of expert staff

QUAFF Giant Jones Brewing Company (giantjones.com) is a woman-owned, certiﬁed organic craft brewery with a spacious tasting room for enjoying American and Belgian ales.

A nonprofit devoted to second chances for relinquished or abused exotic animals, BLACK PINE ANIMAL SANCTUARY houses about 100 residents representing 50 species. Meet ratites, a blue-tongued skink, a kinkajou, Bengal tigers, and Sicilian donkeys. Weekend guided tours of the 18-acre refuge start May 2. 1426 W. 300 N, Albion —CHRISTINA

TRAVELER

Single-level living defined by expansive 10-foot ceilings and a light-filled, open design

Solid concrete-and-steel construction offering exceptional quiet and private, covered parking

Gourmet kitchens appointed with Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances and custom cabinetry

Resort-style amenities including a private fitness center, club lounge, and curated outdoor spaces

THE DISH

Always Sunny

Overlooking Noblesville’s sprawling Federal Hill Commons, Bocado Brunch & Te’kila’s Tulum, Mexico–inspired menu and mix of boho wicker and natural woods (a sculptural driftwood tree grows in the center of the room) makes you feel like you aren’t in Hamilton County anymore. Open since last summer, it is the latest venture for restaurateur Hugo Zavala, who also runs Los Agaves in McCordsville and Mornings Breakfast & Brunch in Fishers. The menu spans brunch to dinner, but don’t miss the street corn ribs appetizer, chicken mole tacos that nestle a strip of sticky sweet fried plantain at the bottom of their double corn soft tortillas, or this elaborate but well-balanced Croque Señora stacked with pork adobo and charred ham. It’s as satisfying as it is stylish. 188 Westﬁeld Rd., Noblesville, 317-764-2922, bocadobt.com —JULIA SPALDING

SWOON

( REVISIT )

Ship Shape

COLORFUL SHIPPING CONTAINERS GIVE CHE CHORI A DRAMATIC MAKEOVER. BY AMY LYNCH

MARCOS AND LAURA Perera celebrated the fifth anniversary of their West 16th Street carry-out spot in December by embarking upon an ambitious expansion with fundraising support from their community fan base. Scheduled to be completed this month, the effort more than doubles the restaurant’s footprint, boosting indoor seating capacity to 90. After building out four attached shipping containers into an industrial-chic dining room with Buenos Aires vibes, Marcos aims to transport diners from what was originally a humble Rally’s drive-thru to his native rural Argentina through art, atmosphere, and, of course, food. Grilled meats, tortillas de papas, and several Milanesa varieties will join the original lineup of empanadas, sandwiches, and perfectly fried churros made on-site with lots of love. “Familiar faces, great food, a friendly environment, and an emotional connection—that’s what we want our customers to experience,” Marcos says. 3124 W. 16th St., chechori.com

PINCH OF WISDOM

“A lot of our meals are customizable, so people will change them up—we call them Cluster Hacks— like turning a chicken club into a wrap or adding Buffalo sauce to their pizza.”

–Janet Monroe, CEO and chairwoman of ClusterTruck, the Indianapolis-based delivery-only restaurant that celebrates its 10th anniversary this year

( LUXE )

Start Your Engines

Bowdie’s Chophouse feels like the finest Indy 500 pre-party.

BOWDIE’S CHOPHOUSE is part of a family of highend steakhouses, but the Zionsville branch, which opened a year ago this month, boasts a one-of-a-kind feature. Located on the sprawling Graham Rahal motorsports campus, it is a destination for people who are serious about both steaks and cars. The dramatically lit dining room, encased in glass like a snow globe, looks out onto a jaw-dropping collection of showpiece cars stacked to the ceiling on risers— including a rare Maserati MC12, a sexy Lamborghini Jarama, and Richard Petty’s 1971 Plymouth Road Runner—with restaurant servers doubling as informed guides to both menu and machine.10814 Creek Way, Zionsville, 317-680-8230, bowdieschophouse.com

—JULIA SPALDING

ON A ROLL In February, Mass Ave welcomed a new affordable dining option, Five Bucks Sushi & Boba. FRIEND CIRCLE The former trackside home of Jail Bird and Open Kitchen has a new tenant: chef Tyler Williams’ breakfast and brunch spot, the Besties’ Table. STOCK UP Downtown Plainfield’s just-opened Roots Market + Eatery specializes in local produce, artisanal baked goods, premium meats, and handcrafted meals. —J.S.

Story Continued

AFTER DECADES IN NEW YORK CLASSROOMS, MANUELA PIZZI RECONNECTS WITH HER INDIANAPOLIS ROOTS AT BALENA.

BY JULIA SPALDING

FOR Manuela Pizzi, this year’s launch of her northside restaurant Balena Cucina Italiana seems less like a debut and more like a revival. She grew up at the center of the city’s Italian restaurant scene—specifically in the cozy womb of Ambrosia, the Broad Ripple staple her Italian immigrant grandparents and father, Gino Pizzi, established in 1979. Before settling into its current spot on North College Avenue, Ambrosia was located on Westfield Boulevard in the heart of the village, where the kitchen served up classics like spinach-andcheese Ravioli Della Mamma and zabaglione for dessert. “My father opened many, many other restaurants during the entire time I was growing up, but Ambrosia was kind of my home base. It was part of my DNA, part of the story of my childhood,” Manuela says.

Trips to Italy were just as formative to young Manuela, who fondly recalls spending summers in the Cinque Terre village of Monterosso al Mare where her father grew up.

Italian vacation days revolved around the smell of fresh bread, the sounds of fishermen returning, and planning and eating family meals. Still, Manuela charted a different career path after college. She spent 24 years in New York building a career as an educator and school principal. But the pull of family and restaurants never left. Three years ago, she returned to Indianapolis, briefly joining her father at Blu Point Oyster Bar, which has since closed. But the fire was lit.

Now, Manuela is channeling her culinary lineage into a menu that merges family recipes (classic meatballs, Bolognese, and fisherman’s stew) with dishes inspired by those summers spent along the Ligurian Coast, including a pesto-based dish of twisted trofie pasta with potatoes and green beans. “It’s a classic preparation. Some people might wonder why you would put potato with pasta, but it’s fabulous. Anybody who’s ever been to Liguria and has had it will be transported back.”

(1) Dungeons & Dragons. “I play with a group of friends in different states.” (2) Independent bookstores. “We have a great mix of them.” (3) Hiking in Eagle Creek Park. (4) Red Key Tavern. “A staple.” (5) Holcomb Gardens. “As kids, we made up whole stories and turned it into Camelot. As teenagers, we would sit underneath the sculpture of Socrates and smoke cigarettes and philosophize.”

FAVORITE THINGS

FOODIE

TASTE TEST

Matcha Mod

INDY IS MAD FOR THE FINELY POWDERED JAPANESE GREEN TEA THAT IS LOVELY TO LOOK AT AND RICH IN ANTIOXIDANTS. HERE’S WHERE TO TRACK THE TREND IN ITS MANY FORMS.

BY AMY LYNCH

Matcha Tres Leches Cake

Matcha-infused cake soaked in three milks, then topped with matcha whipped cream cheese and strawberries is one of the top sellers at Lucky Maeve’s Matcha, Laura Posadas and Liv Duddy’s pop-up that debuted late last year in Noblesville and at the Westﬁeld Farmers Market. Besides the classic oat milk–based matcha and hōjicha mainstays, other handcrafted offerings change monthly, showcasing ﬂavors like Banana Bread, Salted Maple, and Miso Honey to accompany cinnamon rolls and a rotating assortment of cookies. @luckymaeves

The Alma Mater

This visually stunning matcha latte with a bottom layer of salted blue vanilla foam is among the more unique beverages at Recess, a sunny cafe in the Kennedy-King neighborhood right off the Monon. Recess prepares hot and cold beverages to complement baked goods by Three Dolls & Co. and sells bags of milled-to-order matcha both in-store and online. 902 E. 17th St., 317-671-8934, recess.love

by JES NIJJER

Berry Chantilly Joodles Matcha Cart delivers a selection of iced lattes like a fresh, fruity concoction that tastes like a strawberry milkshake. All the drinks are composed with ceremonial ﬁrst-harvest matcha powder, oat milk, and house-made syrups—all available at pop-ups, events, and local business collaborations. Every cup is hand-whisked to foamy perfection, assuring freshness and a balanced, not-too-sweet sip. With thoughtful attention to detail, owner Jood Alfaran personally torches the top of each toasted marshmallow matcha she serves. @joodlesmatcha

Photo

Back in the House

EMILIO CENTO HOMES IN ON A NEW ZIONSVILLE SPOT FOR PASTA, WINE, AND GOOD SPIRITS. BY TERRY KIRTS

IF YOU catch a glimpse of Emilio Cento leaning against the bar at Apicio, his rollicking new spot in Zionsville, you’ll likely notice a distinct aura of calm. That’s because the longtime Italian chef and onetime partner at three northside Convivio locations and Caffè Buondí, famous for its frittatas, panini, and pistachio cappuccinos, now has just one venture in his portfolio, one kitchen to keep in smooth running order. “When you have several restaurants, you lose some intimacy with the customers,” he says a bit wistfully, “and you’re doing less of the cooking.”

APICIO RISTORANTE & ENOTECA

3311 S. U.S. Hwy. 421, Zionsville, 317-344-0100 apicioindy.com

HOURS

Tue–Thu 5–9 p.m., Fri–Sat 4:30–10 p.m., Sun 4:30–8:30 p.m.

VIBE

Italian wine bar

TASTING NOTES House-made pasta from imported Italian semolina ﬂour

NEIGHBORHOOD Zionsville

MUST-ORDER

In mid-2024, Cento sold his share of the Mediterranean empire he built with partner Andrea Melani, with plans for opening Apicio later that year. But delays in the buildout, overseen by design firm Phanomen—also responsible for Bottleworks District knockouts Modita and The Fountain Room—kept Cento’s crew from rolling its first batch of scratchmade pasta with imported semolina until last December.

Anyone trying to book a weekend reservation knows the delay only built demand, both from Cento’s fans and newcomers to his approach to authentic Italian cuisine. With its warm fabrics, muted palette,

A lush starter of burrata with roasted grape tomatoes; the Spiritosa salad with strawberries, Gorgonzola, and candied pecans; savory-sweet beet-dyed tagliatelle tossed with ﬁgs, prosciutto, caramelized onions, and goat cheese; generous crab-ﬁlled shrimp with a refreshing lemon risotto; a celebrationworthy slice of olive oil cake dressed up like a cannoli

3 STAR RATING

and vintage industrial lighting, Apicio is as modern and convivial a scene as Cento’s previous enterprises. But the new spot throws more emphasis on its wine and spirits program, with a row of curved banquettes facing the bar so diners can feel a part of the action and a carefully cultivated wine list and bottle preservation system that ensures diners sampling a pricier vintage get a fresh pour. Cento handpicked veterans from Convivio alongside new hires to provide top-notch service to clientele who have come to expect it.

Apicio’s menu pays homage to the ancient Roman epicure Marcus Apicius, which might signal a purer take on Italian cuisine. But don’t look for seafood fricassee, boiled must, or the briny sauces popular in Apicius’ Rome. Just as at Convivio, Cento takes a refined and elevated approach to the family recipes he helped make as a teenager at Napoli Villa, the Beech Grove standard his family has operated for over six decades.

Dishes with solid roots in Cento’s past include the Gabriele, a hearty bowl of rigatoni flecked with pancetta, peas, marinara, and fresh basil, named for Gabriel Varolli, who taught the dish to the young Cento when Varolli was working at his father’s restaurant Tuscany in Broad Ripple. It’s as comforting now as it surely was then. Meaty, sweet jumbo shrimp with a restrained stuffing of crab and

plenty of butter and parmesan over bracingly bright lemon risotto is another nod to Cento’s early days—and a must-order for seafood fans. The typically homey braciole, a dish Cento ate on trips to Italy growing up, takes on luxe treatment with filet rolled with prosciutto, provolone, and aromatics. But it gets lost in a flood of sauce, though rounds of beautifully browned roasted potatoes and lightly grilled asparagus are respectable accompaniments.

Among starters, crostini with a lavish mound of burrata and a tangy, slightly smoky sauce of roasted grape tomatoes is a good bet, as is the Spiritosa salad with a vibrant toss of earthy arugula, strawberries, and sweetened pecans with Gorgonzola and a welcome maple vinaigrette. Cento’s clever mixing of sweet and savory flavors shines in the Fichi e Prosciutto pasta, a near dupe of a dish on the Convivio menu, with tender beet-dyed tagliatelle, figs, caramelized onions, prosciutto, and a generous amount of goat cheese, an improbable combination that’s addictive.

Other items on Cento’s somewhat restrained and pared-down opening menu are in want of some polish. A Caesar salad with romaine hearts arrives awash in dressing with shavings of pedestrian parmesan and lackluster croutons. Tiramisu comes drizzled with a chocolate sauce you might suspect you have at home in the fridge.

By contrast, a towering slice of thick-

layered olive oil cake decorated with all the best parts of a cannoli, including pistachios, chocolate chips, and crunchy flakes of cannoli shells, is a celebration dessert you’ll gladly return for. So, too, are the cocktails, including an aromatic update of an old fashioned with Lazzaroni amaretto and Luxardo Amaro Abano.

Having been in restaurants for nearly 40 years, the still youthful-looking Cento could easily have rested on his laurels. But now that he’s almost caught his breath, he plans to add new regional pasta dishes, more emphasis on a secluded private dining room that seats up to 24, and a pergola-topped patio that will accommodate 50 guests in warmer months. And he’s happy to have his focus, at least for now, on a single place where his customers can see him, say hello, and know he’s calling the shots.

A panzanella salad made with heirloom tomatoes (left) and a seafood-packed squid ink pasta (right) are among the dishes that draw a loyal clientele to Apicio, the newest restaurant from Emilio Cento (below).

SUnmontuewed

MUSEUM: 9 AM-5 PM

KISS THE BRICKS TRACK TOUR

MUSEUM: 9 AM-5 PM

KISS THE BRICKS TRACK TOUR

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500 FESTIVAL KICKOFF TO MAY PRESENTED BY STAR BANK

MUSEUM: 9 AM-5 PM

GAINBRIDGE PORCH PARTY

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MUSEUM: 10 AM-5 PM

INDIANAPOLIS 500 PRESENTED BY GAINBRIDGE

PPG PRESENTS ARMED FORCES QUALIFYING DAY 2 COORS LIGHT SNAKE PIT

MUSEUM: 6 AM-5 PM

MUSEUM: 11 AM-5 PM

MUSEUM: 9 AM-5 PM

PRACTICE DAY 1

PRACTICE DAY 5 NATURALIZATION CEREMONY

MUSEUM: 10 AM-5 PM

VICTORY CELEBRATION AT INDIANA CONVENTION CENTER

MUSEUM: 9 AM-5 PM

PRACTICE DAY 2

MUSEUM: 9 AM-5 PM MUSEUM: 9 AM-5 PM

MUSEUM: 10 AM-5 PM

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MUSEUM: 9 AM-5 PM MUSEUM: 9 AM-5 PM KISS THE BRICKS TRACK TOUR KISS THE BRICKS TRACK TOUR KISS THE BRICKS TRACK TOUR KISS THE BRICKS TRACK TOUR

thufrisat

MUSEUM: 9 AM-5 PM

KISS THE BRICKS TRACK TOUR

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MUSEUM: 9 AM-5 PM

SPEAKER SERIES: AN EVENING WITH TONY KANAAN

PRACTICE DAY 3

WESTFIELD FARMERS MARKET PORCH PARTY

MUSEUM: 10 AM-5 PM

14 21 1 8 15 22

MUSEUM: 9 AM-5 PM

WELCOME RACE FANS ART UNVEIL & HARRISON CENTER PORCH PARTY

MUSEUM: 9 AM-5 PM

KISS THE BRICKS TRACK TOUR

ALE EMPORIUM PORCH PARTYFLAGS FOR GOOD PORCH PARTY

IU HEALTH 500 FESTIVAL MINI-MARATHON DELTA DENTAL 500 FESTIVAL 5K

MUSEUM: 9 AM-5 PM

SONSIO GRAND PRIX PRACTICE & QUALIFYING

IMS FAN MIDWAY PORCH PARTY

MUSEUM: 7:30 AM-5 PM

FAST FRIDAY PRACTICE DAY 4 AVON PUBLIC LIBRARY PORCH PARTY

MUSEUM: 10 AM-5 PM

MILLER LITE CARB DAY OSCAR MAYER WIENIE 500 INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY

AMERICAN LEGION 500 FESTIVAL MEMORIAL SERVICE

MUSEUM: 8 AM-5 PM

SONSIO GRAND PRIX

JPMORGANCHASE 500 FESTIVAL KIDS’ DAY

500 FESTIVAL ROOKIE RUN PRESENTED BY PEYTON MANNING CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

MUSEUM: 7:30 AM-5 PM

PPG PRESENTS ARMED FORCES QUALIFYING DAY 1

500 FESTIVAL BREAKFAST AT THE BRICKYARDPRESENTED BY CHA

MUSEUM: 8 AM-5 PM

9 16 23

LEGENDS DAY

LUCAS OIL 500 FESTIVAL PARADE

MUSEUM: 8 AM-5 PM

PHOTO

BY TONY REHAGEN

DIALED IN

Last year’s Indianapolis 500 winner and one of IndyCar’s most dependable forces, Alex Palou proves that patience and precision win championships.

WITH

SEVEN LAPS to go in the 2026 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 1, all eyes were on a three-way battle between Kyle Kirkwood, Scott McLaughlin, and Christian Lundgaard. Polesitter McLaughlin led the first 34 laps of IndyCar’s season opener in Florida; Lundgaard, conversely, qualified 12th but gradually fought his way toward the front. On Lap 94 of 100, Kirkwood was ahead of both despite starting 15th.

But braking into Turn 10 of the circuit that famously utilizes St. Petersburg city streets and a runway of Albert Whitted Airport, McLaughlin’s No. 3 slipped past Kirkwood’s No. 27 on the inside. Accelerating on fresher tires but running out of space in a tight Turn 11, Lundgaard’s No. 7 followed, barely sliding between Kirkwood and the wall in a pass announcers declared “bold.” Over the next five laps, Kirkwood faded, but Lundgaard remained in the hunt, staying on McLaughlin’s tail into the straightaways. But to no avail—McLaughlin fended off the challenge to hold the position.

The position of second place.

As the cameras followed the fight for silver, Alex Palou in No. 10, the Spanishturned-Hoosier driver who has made a home in Zionsville, was a comfortable 14 seconds ahead of McLaughlin and Lundgaard, charging toward his second victory at St. Pete after winning in 2025. It was an exciting moment for Palou fans—but perhaps an anticlimactic follow-up to one of the most anticlimactic seasons in IndyCar history, during which Palou dominated to the point of predictability, winning five of the first six races—including the Indy 500, his first IndyCar career win on an oval. He went on to amass eight wins in the 17-race season and earned his fourth series

title in five years. The first-place finish at St. Pete was the 20th of his IndyCar career, taking place exactly one month shy of his 29th birthday.

After leading 59 of 100 laps, Palou wasn’t worried about making compelling television. Nor was he thinking about track records, Phoenix the following week, or even getting back to the Brickyard in May. “At that point, I still had my mind set on winning the race,” says Palou on the phone two days later. “I knew I wasn’t on the best tires. What would happen if there was a yellow? The race is still very open at that point. I was just managing tires, managing my pace, and trying to get to the end on a good form.”

This display of modesty is not only characteristic of Palou. It’s a window into the meticulous racing mindset that has fueled his success. He is always acutely aware of his surroundings— where he is on the track, where his competition is, and, most importantly,

“He won’t press anything to make it happen. He’ll wait. He’s so smart, and his wit is so sharp. He doesn’t make the same mistake twice.”

WINNING SPIRIT

Opposite page: Palou celebrates this year’s Firestone

how his car is responding. At the same time, he rapidly scrolls through contingencies in his mind, drawing on experience accrued over a brief but eventful career. “He won’t press anything to make it happen. He’ll wait,” says Rick Davis, crew chief of Palou’s No. 10 DHL Honda. “He’s so smart, and his wit is so sharp. He doesn’t make the same mistake twice.”

In fact, as Palou pulled away in St. Pete, he may have been remembering last July’s Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio, when he was comfortably out front, leading Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Scott Dixon by nearly two seconds

with four laps to go. Palou appeared to have the race in hand when he lost focus and ran wide into a turn, veering into the grass and forced to slow. Dixon pounced, sliding into a lead he never relinquished. “That little mistake got him offline,” says Davis. “He saved the car, and he was happy for Scott. But he was so mad at himself in private.”

That was not going to happen this time. Palou was careful, methodical as he weaved around lapped traffic in St. Pete. He listened to his crew, his car, and himself. He knew enough to let a couple seconds slip, crossing the finish nearly 12 seconds ahead of second-

Grand Prix

St. Petersburg win. This page: The 2025 Indy 500 champ enjoys victory with his wife and daughter (top) and teammate Scott Dixon (bottom).

STARTING LINEUP

In Spain, Palou’s family scraped together money to buy him a used go-kart for his ﬁfth birthday, sparking an early love for fast cars.

place McLaughlin, the largest margin of victory since IndyCar’s first Streets of St. Pete event in 2005. “It’s what we wanted, but we didn’t expect it,” says Palou, affably understating his recordbreaking win. “But it was great to pick up where we left off last year.”

UNDERSTATEMENT IS more than a professional approach for Palou—it’s a way of life.

Born in a small town near Barcelona, Palou came from a family that was neither wealthy nor plugged into the

European racing world. His father was a casual fan of the sport. One of Palou’s early memories is walking in on his father watching the Indy 500 on TV and being a bit confused. “I was like, ‘What are you watching? They’re just going in circles,’” says Palou. “It was very different than the European racing I was used to.”

For his fifth birthday, Palou’s family pooled their resources to buy him a small, used go-kart. Instead of playing soccer after school like the other kids, young Palou would hop in his machine and drive in circles.

Palou’s path to IndyCar was a wind-

ing one. After a successful karting career starting at age 6, during which he won six titles, Palou graduated to Spanish Formula 3 and competed in the Euroformula Open. He moved on to more advanced Formula racing series, including GP3, where he became the first Spaniard to ever win a race; the Japanese Formula 3 series in 2017; and the Super Formula series, also based in Japan, in 2019. He finished third in the latter two championships. It was while he was in Japan that IndyCar caught his eye—a spec series that depended more on the driver’s skill than the intricacies of the machine’s build. “You have drivers in the same kind of cars; you have road courses, street courses, and ovals; and you have the biggest race in motorsport,” he says. “It’s the complete championship.”

Palou didn’t land in Indiana via private jet from some European villa or coastal U.S. mansion. He found a simple home in Zionsville in 2020, where he could be close to his first IndyCar employer, Pleasantville’s Dale Coyne Racing, one of the series’ most blue-collar, budget-conscious teams. Palou weathered a pandemic-plagued rookie year, grabbing his first IndyCar podium at the XPEL Grand Prix at Road America on his way to a 16thplace finish in the championship. But his work ethic turned heads on the paddock, including that of owner Chip Ganassi, who recruited him for the 2021 season. “I’ve never seen a guy work so quietly and diligently at his craft,” Ganassi later told reporters at a press conference in 2025.

Even with the success that quickly followed his jump to Ganassi, Palou has maintained a humble Hoosier attitude. He lives here year-round with his wife, Esther, and their young daughter, Lucia. He’s become a fan of Indiana sports, recognizable at games for IU football, Indianapolis Indians baseball, and Pacers basketball. (He wore Tyrese Haliburton’s No. 0 jersey in the 500 Festival Parade in 2025.) Though he’s gone the familiar celebrity route of having a signature clothing line, he’s stayed away from high fashion, instead focusing on outdoor apparel made with minimal impact on the environment.

His Indiana workaday attitude and steadfast presence in and around Zionsville have made him a hometown hero. But even as the series championships started stacking up, the unassuming

Spaniard couldn’t quite break through as a national or global sports figure. He needed to win the big one.

THERE’S LONG been a sort of tension between the IndyCar series and its signature event, the Indianapolis 500. To win the Greatest Spectacle in Racing and have their face immortalized on the Borg-Warner Trophy, a driver (and his team) must pour a year’s worth of resources and energy into two weeks in May. They must leverage every second of practice on the one-of-a-kind 2.5-

mile rectangular oval, work their way up the pole in qualifying, and on race day, battle 32 other cars for 200 laps around a narrow track, avoid calamity, be nearly perfect, and pray for a bit of luck to be in a position to win when the rubber marbles settle.

Meanwhile, the IndyCar points championship rewards the grinders, the drivers and teams who show up week in, week out, who stay on the podium when their car is good and, more importantly, drag their equipment across the finish when things don’t go their way—and then show up ready to compete at the next event in

A regular at local sporting events,

a matter of days. It’s about more than just winning (in fact, Will Power won the IndyCar Series Astor Cup in 2022 on points, with only one trip to victory lane in the season). They need to consistently find speed on all types of courses. They must govern the openthrottle maniac inside every professional driver to do things like hold on to third because pushing for second might wreck them out of the race, settle for

HOMETOWN HERO

Palou has his own fan base in Zionsville, which honored him with an official Alex Palou Day.

10th when they can’t quite catch ninth, and complete the race when a crash or malfunction tries to deal them a DNF— Did Not Finish.

What’s more, the effort it takes to prepare for, promote, and try to win the 500 in the middle of a season has the potential to sap the energy from a team, making it more difficult to finish the season on top. This may be why 14 years passed between the last driver who won both the Indy 500 and the series points championship and Palou (despite the fact that winning the 500 was worth twice as many points as any other race between 2014 and 2022).

Dario Franchitti, also with Chip Ganassi Racing, was that last driver— and the young Palou shares a few traits with the legendary Scotsman. “We hadn’t had a driver that communicates as well as he does since Dario,” says Barry Wanser, a Ganassi strategist who has worked with both Franchitti and Palou. “Along comes Alex with the talent and ability to get better and improve. They are both very technical and precise with their car placement. That enables them to level up communication with the engineer. A driver who can truly communicate what he needs with the car—more specific than, ‘I need better brakes,’ or, ‘I’m feeling understeer’—can tell the team what needs to be fixed without upsetting the things that are working on the car.”

Palou exhibited these car whisperer traits in his test for Ganassi at Laguna Seca Raceway when he was just 23 years old. Davis arrived not knowing anything about the young driver except that he had scored a single podium finish in his rookie year with Dale Coyne Racing. But Davis was immediately impressed. As soon as Palou climbed into the cockpit, he was shockingly fast. And for the first half of the practice, all he wanted to do was drive the car. As he got familiar with the machine, he picked up speed with each successive lap.

What struck Davis more than Palou’s refined technique in the car was his genial personality in the paddock. He fit in with the crew right away. “He came into the shop practically floating across the floor, smiling like a kid at Christmas,” says Davis. “He’s been the same way ever since. He’s always wanted to be a race car driver. Every day he wakes up is the best day of his life.”

In his first race for Ganassi, the 2021 season opener at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama, Palou led 56 of 90 laps to take first over Power and defending series champion Dixon. After a hiccup 17th-place finish in the next race in St. Pete, Palou finished fourth in the Genesys 300 at Texas Motor Speedway and then went on a run of seven podiums in 11 races, including wins at the REV Group Grand Prix at Road America in Wisconsin and the Bit.com Grand Prix of Portland and a runnerup finish at the 500 en route to his first series championship.

The league was on notice: A special young talent had merged with one of the sport’s elite teams to become an instant championship contender. It seemed like nothing could knock Palou off his line— at least nothing on the track.

IN JULY 2022, Chip Ganassi Racing put out a press release reporting the team was picking up Palou’s contract option. The defending IndyCar Series champion would return to the team for the 2023 season. Not exactly earthshattering news.

But hours later, Palou tweeted that he

hadn’t approved Ganassi’s announcement and, in fact, he was leaving the team for “personal reasons.” This was followed by McLaren Racing’s announcement that Palou was joining them in 2023 to drive in IndyCar, as well as test and be a reserve driver for the team’s F1 program.

The public conflict was a major speedbump in a 2022 season that started with the promise of three podiums in the first four races for Palou. But he finished 18th at the GMR Grand Prix at the IMS in May, beginning an uncharacteristic string of nine races in which he only once cracked the top five. “He’s usually very good at compartmentalizing,” says Davis. “But [the contract situation] did weigh him down, and you could see it in his face. It was a mess. ”

Here too, Palou seemed to adapt on the track. He ended the 2022 season with his only win, a dominant performance at the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey at Laguna Seca, on the track where he had first tested for Ganassi. Less than a week later, he posted on social media that he was returning to Ganassi in 2023. Palou’s about-face triggered a legal battle that wasn’t settled until this past February, when a judge ordered him to pay McLaren $12 mil-

lion for breach of contract. Palou took the blame, saying he’d gotten bad advice and that both Ganassi and McLaren CEO Zak Brown had fulfilled their obligations to him.

Meanwhile, Palou reasserted his authority behind the wheel. After an eighth-place finish in St. Pete to open the 2023 campaign, he netted nine top five finishes in a row, including four wins, totaling five wins in the season and earning his second Astor Cup. The following year, he took the season’s title with only three wins. And in 2025, he put together one of the most powerful seasons in history: eight wins and four second-place finishes in 17 races, winning the championship by almost 200 points over Pato O’Ward. This year, with his legal battles officially behind him, there doesn’t seem to be anything in his way.

IN MAY 2021, Palou drove in his second 500, his first with Ganassi. Early in the second half of the race, a round of

pit stops reshuffled the grid, putting Palou in the lead with three-time BorgWarner champ Hélio Castroneves in second. By Lap 190, Palou and Castroneves were alone out front. While the novice Palou fought to maintain position, desperately trying to work around cars struggling to stay on the lead lap, the veteran Castroneves hung back, using the slower cars to draft and conserve fuel. Finally, with just two laps remaining, Castroneves made his move and overtook Palou to win his fourth Indy 500.

Palou never forgot that lesson.

Last year at the Speedway, it was Palou who was chasing the leader, Marcus Ericsson, late in the race. Ericsson became frustrated by two slower-driving backmarkers. Palou waited—but not too long. On Lap 187, the Spaniard pounced, passing Ericsson on the inside in Turn 1. This time, Palou read the traffic and held the lead for his first Indy 500 win. “In 2021, I didn’t know how to prepare or fight, especially against someone like Hélio,” says Palou. “Last year, I focused on the end of the race and not the beginning. 2021 allowed me to win in 2025.”

WINNING STREAK

Opposite page: Palou shares a moment with driver Dario Franchitti at last year’s Indy 500. This page: Scenes from the 2025 Championship Celebration.

50 YEARS

RUNNING

Its proper name

BY SAM STALL

is the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, but it’s always been lovingly known as the Mini. May 2 marks the 50th running of this spectacle of triumph and endurance. It’s soldiered on through searing heat, crowded streets, logistical snafus, and Covid and in the process given us both world-class champions and back-of-the-pack heroes. The field is a crosssection of humanity composed of first-time runners and walkers, para-athletes, corporate teams, and lifelong competitors chasing one more finish. As the race’s only five-time winner Gary Romesser puts it, “It’s the only sport where the strongest athletes in the world and the weakest can be in the same event.” That breadth is part of the draw. The Mini is a half-century story that’s become more than an adjunct to the Indianapolis 500. It’s a plucky local tradition that, like a runner with a stitch in his side but a smile on his face, simply will not quit.

T H E S T A R T I N G L I N E

The Indy MiniMarathon, as the first one was called, was originally introduced to enliven Indianapolis’ then-moribund downtown. At the time, the Indianapolis 500 was at the height of its glory. Business leaders and race officials wanted a support event to bring the city’s core into that glow—and gain a share of race fans’ spending.

“The goal was to connect downtown to the [Indianapolis Motor} Speedway,” says Glenn Amos, vice president of operations for the 500 Festival. Something that people could actively participate in was ideal. Organizers floated several

concepts, including a bicycle race, until they settled on a half-marathon.

A 13.1-mile race seemed long enough to feel epic but short enough for a pool of citizen athletes to accomplish.

high-humidity day with temps that soared past the 80-degree mark early. Water at the aid stations ran out almost immediately, and few fans gathered to cheer them on.

1977

The first race starts at Monument Circle at 11 a.m. on May 27, with temps in the 80s. Of the 800 who start, fewer than 500 finish.

The first race on May 27, 1977, was a decidedly modest and rather chaotic affair. Roughly 800 runners took off from Monument Circle at 11 a.m., running into the teeth of a sunny,

“The goal was to connect downtown to the Speedway.”

The course ended at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where the exhausted, sunburned participants finished by taking one full lap around the famed 2.5-mile oval. They did so under the disapproving eyes of race officials who very much didn’t want them there. The 500 was just days away, and the staff hated the idea of hundreds of runners trampling

THROUGH

1984

1982

For the first time, a computer is used to track and tabulate race results.

In addition to medals, trophies, and a hearty handshake, top winners get cash for the first time. The 66 fastest (split evenly between men and women) earn a check ranging between $25 and $100.

the pristine racing surface and peppering it with the discarded safety pins used to affix their racing bibs to their shirts. Later, a gigantic magnet was employed to make sure any left on the track were picked up.

For its first two years, American Fletcher National Bank and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes organized the Mini. In 1979, the 500 Festival took over, folding what had become more than just a bid to link downtown to the Brickyard into its monthlong celebration of all things race.

1988

1993

1991

Runners who didn’t register or pay crash the race, including the second-place winner. A man using a bib issued to a no-show woman crosses the finish line in the thirdplace female slot.

Gary Romesser wins his fifth Mini, making him the mostdecorated athlete in the history of the race.

The race moves from the last Friday in May to the first Friday to avoid conflict with other track events.

FORWARD MOTION

The take-homes from the inaugural Mini-Marathon in 1977; the winner that year, Frank Shorter, crossing the ﬁnish line.

course corrections

The

originalcourse was a one-way journey from Monument Circle to the IMS. Runners wound north and west, then finished with the lap at the track. But this created huge logistical issues, with thousands of exhausted runners needing transportation back to their cars in the heart of downtown. Changing to a round-trip format in 1993 solved the problem. Participants started downtown, did the requisite lap at the IMS, and then ran back downtown. The next big change came in 1999 with a new layout with parallel outbound and return streets that were more practical for traffic and crowd control. While minor changes have happened since then, the course today is essentially the same.

THE YEARS

1999

The Mini shifts from Friday to Saturday to mitigate rush hour mayhem.

2000

Unrelenting sun, heat, and humidity cause officials to black flag the race, turning off the clock and urging participants to slow down or stop.

2001

The night before the race, planners realize there is no Gatorade. A factory opens in the middle of the night so the race director can cart packets of concentrate in his pickup truck.

2005

To beat the heat, the race start is moved to 7:30 a.m.

2010

The temperature at the starting pistol is the coldest ever at 47 degrees.

2020

Covid causes the race to shift to a virtual format.

2026

This year marks the race’s 50th running.

T H E R U N N I N G M A N

If they gave out a Mini medal for pure, dogged persistence, Mike Vollmer, 75, would win it.

He’s one of only five people who has completed every single race. He continues his streak this May, when he joins in the 50th running. He’s never won. Indeed, some years, he’s barely finished. But he’s always shown up. In 1977, Vollmer was a newly elected city council member looking for a way to meet his constituents. The Mini’s course wound directly through his district, so it seemed like an efficient way to get his name out. While he wasn’t exactly a dedicated athlete, he was 26 years old and reasonably fit, so he figured his foray into running would be no big deal. He figured wrong.

The inaugural field was a small fraction of today’s tens of thousands. With a late-morning start forcing runners to tackle the course in oppressive humidity and temperatures, water ran out early, leaving participants to fend for themselves. At

MINI MEMENTOS

The medal, bib, and shoes that Vollmer wore in his ﬁrst running times, Vollmer found himself completely alone. “I would get to a point where I couldn’t see anybody in front of me on the course, but, weirdly, nobody behind me, either,” he recalls. Sparse signage compounded the challenge. Vollmer missed the entrance to the IMS and had to double back before completing the required lap around the oval. The IMS segment, now the Mini’s signature attraction, felt more like punishment than pageantry: a wide, sun-drenched expanse of asphalt with little shade and few spectators. Yet inexplicably, he was hooked. Five decades on, Vollmer is still game for more. But his goals have shifted. Last year, after an injury impacted his training, he finished near the back of the field. It’s a dramatic reversal of his peak days, but he accepts it with good humor. Just being there is what matters.

ENDURANCE IN MOTION

Holly Koester has experienced the Mini from two sides, first on foot and, later, in a racing wheelchair. The retired Army captain and elite adaptive athlete embodies one of the race’s less publicized aspects: If you want to cover the 13.1 miles, the organizers will find a way to accommodate you. This includes a formal Athletes With Disabilities Field. The program includes competitors who have an amputation or a mobility impairment, are blind or visually impaired, or are deaf or hard of hearing, along with athletes using prosthetics, handcycles, or racing wheelchairs. Runners who are visually impaired may use tethers to run with guides, who call out turns and hazards. Athletes who use handcycles, wheelchairs, or prosthetics may rely on arm strength or hard-won technique. A duo team, a runner pushing a partner in a wheelchair, is an option. Koester has a unique perspective. The street

portion of the course presents a set of challenges to racers in wheelchairs. While it is mostly flat, potholes and exposed railroad lines present danger, especially to Koester, who goes faster than most runners. While many participants complain about the long, exposed lap inside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, she relishes it.

“It’s basically a big facility designed to accommodate wheeled vehicles,” she smiles. It offers a wide, controlled surface where she can really fly, potentially making up any time she loses on the first road section.

tales from the sag wagon

Each year, some Mini participants discover mid-stride that they may have bitten off more than they can chew. But since 1990, there’s been a plan for that. Lurking at the back of the field are several buses unofficially called the Sag Wagons. They’re rolling mercy ships that gather up the crampseized, the sun-wracked, and anyone else who’s realized that while the spirit is willing, the flesh is weak.

Patrik Madaras, a retired Indiana University professor who oversees the Sag fleet, describes his mission bluntly: Drivers pick up people who simply can’t carry on and strongly encourage extremely slow runners to sit out finishing this time. The volunteers who remove the temporary barricades and open the streets back up to traffic are typically right behind the last runners, meaning that if stragglers don’t pick up the pace or get on the bus, they will shortly find themselves stranded in trafficfilled city streets. Riders can either disembark at the IMS or return downtown. At the track, the buses linger outside the oval while the last runners complete their lap.

Despite the nickname—only slightly less unflattering than early monikers like the Meat Wagon and the Bus of Shame— the atmosphere inside the buses is more of relief than defeat. Participants compare injuries, swap stories about the moment It All Went Wrong, and discover the near-sensual pleasure of sitting down. And Madaras and his crew are satisfied in guaranteeing no runner is ever truly on their own. “We’re the last line, making sure nobody gets left behind,” he says.

the kenyan superpower

For its ﬁrst decade, the Mini mostly attracted elite American runners, with Indiana native Gary Romesser locking in an impressive five wins between 1983 and 1991. That changed in the mid-1990s, when the race began to draw a more international crowd. Today, Kenyans are a fixture at the front, dominating the Mini since Joseph Kaino won in 1993. Kenyan athletes reshaped the competitive landscape, says 500 Festival vice president of operations Glenn Amos. They hold the top men’s and women’s Mini completion times: 1:01:44 set by Panuel Mkungo in 2023 and 1:10:32 set by Mercy Chelangat in 2025. Kenyans’ running prowess is believed to be due to a combination of geography and culture. Many Kenyan runners come from the Rift Valley region, which, despite its name, includes terrain of rolling hills and dirt trails at altitudes of up to 8,000 feet. This training ground renders the running conditions of most marathons, including the Mini, a breeze. Also, professional running is a prized skill in some areas, with camps training children from a young age. The average Kenyan diet also contains mostly local, carb-rich, unprocessed foods that contribute to low body fat and lean muscle. Altogether, these factors make the country the ideal setting for developing record-breaking marathoners.

TIPS FOR RUNNERS

Preparing for the Mini is not quite the same as training for other half-marathons. Yes, it’s the prescribed 13.1 miles, but it attracts an unusually large crowd of runners in unpredictable Midwestern weather and includes a lap around a track designed for race cars, not footsore humans. Local coaches have advice.

Train for any and all possible weather.

Historically, race day weather has ranged from temps in the 40s with driving rain to extreme heat and humidity. If all your training runs are in ideal conditions, you might be unpleasantly surprised.

Practice good bladder management.

Hit one of the many porta-potties at the starting line. They’re also at almost all the water stations. Their abundance somehow doesn’t preclude people ducking into alleys to relieve themselves.

Run for the thrill of it.

Yes, there are prizes—but probably not for you. Elite runners nab cash awards and bonuses ranging from $300 to $2,500. The vast majority get bragging rights, sore legs, and a medal.

Beware the track.

The lap inside the IMS sounds like a cool Instagram moment until you’re out there. The black asphalt radiates heat, shade is scarce, and there are few onlookers to spur you on. Many runners say this stretch feels longer than advertised.

Mind

the time limit.

You get four hours, about an 18-minuteper-mile pace. Fall behind and expect a gracious invitation to the Sag Bus.

Don’t forget sunscreen.

The Speedway isn’t the only shadeless portion. Long segments of the course offer little protection from the sun.

Wear only garments that are broken in.

Nothing on your body should be brand new, including socks. The race’s ﬁrst winner, Frank Shorter, limped to be handed his trophy, badly blistered from new running shoes.

Don’t let the ﬂat course fool you.

With few hills to slow you down, it’s easy to go too fast too early and regret it later.

Make peace with the crowd.

The early miles can feel like I-465 at 5 p.m. on a Tuesday, only on foot. Zigzagging around your fellow runners only burns precious energy.

Break the course into chunks.

Thinking, “Downtown, Speedway, downtown again,” is mentally easier than contemplating all 13.1 miles as a unit.

2002 MALE WINNER GABRIEL MUCHIRI OF KENYA

TIPS FOR THE CHEERING SQUAD

With street closures and detours across much of downtown, watching the Mini is a sport of its own, requiring logistical savvy, patience, and the willingness to shout encouragement at strangers for three straight hours. Here are hints from regular spectators.

Setting up at the start or ﬁnish equals guaranteed action and easy access to amenities—and, unsurprisingly, the biggest crowds. But you’ll have the certainty of seeing your runner sooner or later. The town of Speedway is also popular. The course passes through its Main Street district, where local businesses and residents turn the day into a block party. It’s also a favorite with runners, who power up on the crowd’s enthusiasm. Spectators can’t go inside the IMS on marathon day, but stretches along 16th Street allow them to see runners heading into and out of the track.

Downtown has plenty of street parking, but the closest spots to the start and finish are snapped up first, then garages fill quickly too. In the spirit of the day, you might consider parking half a mile or so away and hoofing it to the course.

Long waits, especially if you’re trying to meet a runner after they ﬁnish, are part of the experience.

T H E F U T U R E I N T H E FA S T L A N E

This year, participants are expected to exceed 20,000.

Predicting the future of the Mini is tricky because its greatest strength is also its biggest constraint: tradition. The event has become one of the city’s most enduring rituals, drawing participants from around the world. Yet organizers are aware that success breeds complacency. “We’ve got something that works, and you don’t want to mess it up. But you also don’t want it to get stale,” says 500 Festival vice president of operations Glenn Amos.

One pressure point is competition. When the Mini began, it stood largely alone in the region. Today, however, runners can choose between numerous half-marathons in the spring, summer, and fall across Indiana, Amos acknowledges.

As a result, organizers are thinking about how to keep the experience fresh without abandoning what makes it distinctive. The event already includes

walkers, charity teams, and companion races such as the 5K, all of which broaden its appeal. Technology, from the realtime tracking of runners to virtual participation, has also expanded how people engage with the Mini.

The course itself is also not immune to further changes. While the downtown start and the lap around the IMS are likely sacrosanct, officials toy with the possibility of adjusting the route to provide fresh scenery for repeat participants. As one festival leader put it, a course change could “bring back some people who didn’t want to run the same course anymore, and so they left to try something new.”

Yet for longtime participants, familiarity is part of the attraction. Mike Vollmer, who has run in every Mini to date, believes continuity is the draw. “People come back because they know what they’re going to get out of it. A lot.”

By Jeana

Golden State of Mind

WITH a nearly empty nest, a Zionsville couple leapt at the chance to build the peaceful, California casual–inspired home of their dreams— with plenty of room for their offspring to come back to visit.

Harris – Photos by Sarah Shields

“We did what you’re not supposed to do

and built the big house when our kids are almost all out of the house,” says Zionsville homeowner Brian with a chuckle. He and his wife, Grace, always had plans to build their dream house someday, but with two kids already in college and only one remaining at home, that someday remained a hazy blip on the far-off horizon.

Several years ago, the family moved

from Avon to Zionsville, settling in a house Grace describes as “beautiful but just not our style.” They received bids for a fullscale remodel but were floored by the cost.

After looking at the numbers, a lightbulb went off—why not take that money and put it toward what they truly wanted?

When an opportunity arose to secure a perfect double lot in Holliday Farms, “We took the plunge,” Grace says. Because

the couple had never built a home, they knew selecting the right team was crucial to guide them through the complex process, so they turned to familiar favorites.

“We’ve known Brad Bowman from Homes by Design for a long time,” Grace says, recalling how they first toured a Home-ARama home Bowman had worked on some 15 years ago that left a lasting impression.

After securing Homes by Design as their builder and Goldberg Design

Group for architecture, there was just one remaining puzzle piece: interior design. This proved to be the easiest decision of all. They turned to Michele Koken, owner of award-winning MBK Design. Their working relationship went back years, with Koken doing renovations on two of the couples’ previous homes. She is known for creating elevated interiors that expertly blend classic and contemporary styles to create homes that feel effortlessly chic.

With more than 20 years of industry experience, Koken provided valuable input from the beginning. “I have known these clients for a long time and watched their kids grow up, so it has been a great client and designer relationship built on trust and confidence,” Koken says.

Even though many homes in the neighborhood embrace an ultra-modern exterior, the couple wanted something warmer, with greater visual interest. “Our previous house was very boxy,

LIKE FLOATING ON AIR

To achieve an aesthetic that feels “light and airy but warm at the same time,” Koken balanced the creamy white wall color against darker neutrals and white oak woodwork throughout the home. Paned windows allow ample natural light to ﬂow in from outside.

with low ceilings, and you felt confined. We didn’t like that, and so we wanted a home with more depth,” Brian explains.

The home’s facade presents a pleasant mix of materials, utilizing painted brick, stone, and stained wood siding. Bowman calls the style “European transitional.” Three distinct gables draw the eye, while minimal ornamentation ensures the continuity of clean lines across the entire front elevation.

Inside, the aesthetic leans into a laid-back West Coast style characterized by natural materials, a light and soothing color palette, and neutral furniture and decor. It embraces quiet luxury for an

oceanside vibe that feels elevated yet welcoming.

Grace enjoys looking at celebrity home interiors and shared design inspiration pictures with Koken, who knew a chill vibe would pair nicely with the home’s general aura. “A Californiacasual aesthetic works well with the transitional overall style,” Koken explains.

From there, Grace and Koken were off to the design races. Because of their history, there was no guesswork in determining what the couple would—or wouldn’t—like. “We got Brian’s input, but it was [Koken] and I deciding everything,” Grace says. Brian wanted to handle

all things outdoors, working closely with Arkenau Landscaping to execute his vision. Grace was happy to hand that off to him.

As construction picked up speed, Grace quickly realized how many decisions occurred behind the scenes. She admits, “I didn’t realize going into it how detailed something like cabinetry was. Even simple things like hardware and lighting. Michele would bring me ideas, and that was great, because I find it very overwhelming.”

Koken employed a method of rounding up several options— whether for sconces or cabinet knobs—and showing photos to Grace. “It was an easy process because I

know them so well,” Koken says. “Everything was curated for them.”

Light neutrals keep the home beachy and inviting, but black and soft gray offer contrast when needed, expertly placed to highlight interesting architectural features like dramatic ceiling beams or the glass walls of Brian’s first floor office. Deeper hues like mauve, subtle green, and milky mocha that ground the space in earthy shades appear in textiles and accents.

A soaring cathedral ceiling defines the

space in the showstopper hearth room, a family gathering spot. It’s awash in natural light from floor-toceiling windows, so the ceiling is clad in white oak, providing natural texture that diffuses the sunshine and softens the room.

While two items on Brian and Grace’s must-have list were an open-concept floor plan and high ceilings,

they also wanted a layout that made sense for daily life. After entering through the front door, a beautifully styled living room awaits. “We wanted something that was not a formal living room but still inviting,” Grace explains.

“The [adjacent] kitchen and hearth room was where they knew they’d ‘live,’ so we started there and

developed our inspiration,” Koken says, “There is an amazing view looking out, and we didn’t want to have anything obstruct that.”

While the view is lovely, the kitchen easily steals the show. Grace loves to cook and entertain, so double islands were a must. Coordinating rather than matching, one features a waterfall edge with base

Both Brian and Grace have demanding jobs, so coming home to a place of pure peacefulness is priceless.

cabinet storage and seating on the other side. The second houses a sink plus additional storage. Delicately veined quartzite wraps the countertops and continues seamlessly upward to form the backsplash. Soft, mushroom-hued cabinets create a backdrop that emphasizes unique architectural features.

A butler’s pantry holds additional appliances, with plenty of prep and storage space. Grace describes the pantry as another wish list item, recalling how their previous homes

CHILL FACTORS

With well-appointed relaxation areas such as an outdoor dining and conversation space (below) and a lower level cocktail lounge (right), the home accommodates low-key downtime in high style.

PLEASANT AWAKENINGS

The color schemes, ﬁnishes, and textures in the home’s bedrooms and bathrooms evoke a sense of serenity to begin and end days on a soothing note.

had nothing like it. The kitchen is now Grace’s favorite part of the house.

The lower level is a family hub with sizable bedrooms. As Brian explains, “Our hope is that [our kids will] come back when they’re older. I wanted a big enough place that they can bring their own families.”

At the bottom of the stairs, a James Bond–worthy tequila and wine room stuns with backlit display shelves, a tasting table, and statement lighting. Nearby, a handsome kitchenette features fluted walnut cabinet doors and built-in storage. The home theater is open and accessible and allows for endless popcorn, easy refills, and the simple joy of togetherness. Hightop seating at the back of the theater is an unexpected but

ingenious design choice, complete with tabletop touch lamps. Upstairs, indoor and outdoor living flow seamlessly. Just off the kitchen, an elegant dining area is the center of family meals. The dining area can be expanded via a wall of accordion-style doors, allowing the dining area to spill out into the breezy threeseason room.

A large pool lies just beyond, surrounded by lounging space and conversation seating, plus a relaxing hot tub. Both Brian and Grace have demanding jobs, so coming home to a place of pure peace is priceless. It’s so soothing, they must force themselves to leave on the weekends, Brian jokes. “This house is very comforting,” Grace echoes. You might even say it’s a dream come true.

Together, we find a way.

In May, speed is everything scurry or run, our native wildlife cannot escape the effects of climate change.

Explore how The Nature Conservancy is rebuilding connections between habitats to help Midwest wildlife thrive in a changing climate.

Explore our stories of hope at nature.org/indiana

Peregrine falcons, often seen at The Nature Conservancy’s Kankakee Sands Preserve in Newton County, can reach speeds of 240 miles per hour!

© Parth Kansara, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

America

250

Celebrate 250 Years of American History in Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky

BY PAMELA DORREL

This summer, America celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Here’s a guide to more than 50 festivals, parades, readings, performances, historic reenactments, podcasts, speeches, military ceremonies, summer camps, and more in Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky that celebrate the rich history of America from its founding to now. We’re making it a summer to remember!

Indiana

MUST-SEES

The free traveling exhibit Voices and Votes: Democracy in America, created by the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum on Main Street program, features photos, videos, artifacts, and more that serve as a springboard for discussion about the ideas America’s founding fathers grappled with 250 years ago: Who has the right to vote? What are the freedoms and responsibilities of citizens? Whose voices will be heard? Brought to

Indiana in conjunction with Indiana Humanities and Indiana University Arts & Humanities Council, the exhibit tours seven Hoosier sites now through spring 2027. indianahumanities.org/ program/voicesandvotes

• March 28–May 10: Carnegie Public Library of Steuben County, Angola

• May 16–June 28: Orange County Visitors Center, West Baden Springs

• July 4–August 16:

Love Community Center, Rushville

POSTCARD

• August 22–October 4: Upland Community Building, Upland Voices &

DemocracyVotes: in America is a special nationwide exhibit.

• October 10–November 20: The Prindle Institute for Ethics, Greencastle

• November 28, 2026–January 10, 2027: Jennings County Historical Society, Vernon

• January 30–March 14, 2027: Whitley County Community Foundation, Columbia City

Take the self-guided tour at Indiana University Bloomington and meet George Washington, view an original printing of the Declaration of Independence, and visit special exhibits. go.iu.edu/america-250

In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, artists from around the state present scenes depicting Indiana’s 25 state parks for the Indiana State Parks Platter Project. The traveling art exhibit will be on display at state parks across Indiana through spring 2027. facebook.com/IndianaWOCP

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

May 2–3

Five Medals Living History Experience Nappanee, Indiana

If you wonder how people from all walks of life lived in 1776, come watch

YOUR GETAWAY YOUR HOMECOMING

South Walton’s turquoise water, 26 miles of sugar-white sand, and 16 beach neighborhoods in Northwest Florida effortlessly blend natural beauty, modern amenities, world class cuisine, and small town charm that draw generations together year after year.

ROOMS WITH A VIEW

From resorts to boutique hotels, South Walton is home to unique architecture, breathtaking views and accommodations to suit any style.

The Pearl Hotel brings luxury and sophistication to South Walton, featuring beautifully appointed accommodations, destination-worthy cuisine and a welcoming spa. Guests also enjoy complimentary beach chairs and oversized umbrellas.

ThePearlRB.com • -

Experience The Lodge A – South Walton’s only select-service hotel at Seagrove’s Greenway Station. Enjoy aﬀordable rates, a convenient location, in-room kitchene es and access to our outdoor pool and ﬁtness center –everything you need for a perfect A stay.

TheLodge A.com • -

tinsmiths, blacksmiths, and artisans work their knapper, a hide tanner, a soapmaker, a baker or a French soldier. Historical interpreters will share stories and answer visitor questions. visitelkhartcounty.com

May 6, June 4, and June 24

Honoring Boone County, IN Revolutionary War Patriots

Multiple locations Boone County honors the Revolutionary War veterans buried in cemeteries across the region with wreathlaying ceremonies. discoverboonecounty.com

May 9

America 250 Tea Lawrenceburg, Indiana

Enjoy a Colonial-era full afternoon tea at The Opal Haus, complete with savory items, scones, and desserts, as well as historical readings and patriotic toasts. cincyae.com

May 19

Adventurescapes Puerto Rico: Exploring 250 Years of American History Jasper, Indiana

This series that takes place once a month through December 2026 journeys through different regions of the U.S. and its territories, including American Samoa, the South, New England, Alaska, Guam, and more. Adults and teens learn how these places help shape America through discussion, hands-on activities, crafts, snacks, each region. heartofjasper.org

May 23

Memorial Weekend

Candlelight Tours

Vincennes, Indiana Experience Vincennes

State Historic Sites by candlelight with costumed interpreters as they lead you through

locations while sharing stories of the sites, the people who lived and worked in them, and the history of old Vincennes. This tour happens alongside the annual Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous. indianamuseum.org

May 23–24

The Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous

Vincennes, Indiana

This living history experience includes an 18th-century trade fair featuring merchants selling historical wares, strolling performers, traditional music, food vendors, children’s activities, and battle reenactments twice daily. The second day

drum corps, evening colors, and a troop parade. spiritofvincennes.org

June 2–3

William Tuffs: Elkhart County’s Own Revolutionary War Patriot

Elkhart, Indiana

This gallery talk at the Beardsley Discovery Center on the campus of the Ruthmere in Elkhart explores the life of a Revolutionary War veteran who migrated to Indiana after the war. ruthmere.org

June 3–6

Chain O’ Lakes Festival

Albion, Indiana

Celebrate the nation’s

semiquincentennial at this annual summer event. This year, the festival honors the local veterans. colfestival.com

June 5–7

Kosciusko County Freedom Fest Warsaw, Indiana

This multiday festival for America’s 250th birthday includes a concert, family-friendly activities, reenactments, historical displays, a parade, and much more. kcfreedomfest.org

June 6

Civil War Day and Tour at Lanier Mansion Madison, Indiana

The city of Madison played a fascinating role in the American time for a living history citizens contributed to

meet reenactors, join a Forget-Me-Not Historical Dance Company, and hear the thunder of cannon demonstrations. indianamuseum.org

June 7

Sunday Funday at the Fort: Forging Life on the Western Frontier Vincennes, Indiana

Attendees join a frontier camp experience and starters, and learning perimeters of a camp. indianamuseum.org

June 12

Two Constitutions in One Nation: The American Constitution and Indiana Constitution Corydon, Indiana

American Constitution

POSTCARD

Fort Knox II in Vincennes was once an outpost of the Western Frontier.

and the Indiana and the similarities and Constitution Elm and

Indiana’s Constitution. indianamuseum.org

June 12–13

Colonial Fair Living History Experience

Indianapolis, Indiana

This event offers guests

time to 1776 in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Be immersed in village life during the time of the American Revolution, meet people hear their stories, and participate in handson activities, including

mission, and more. indianahumanities.org

June 25–27

Freedom Festival

Avilla, Indiana Head to Eley Memorial

family-friendly celebration, this year serving as Noble County’s

something for all ages including entertainment, food, contests, a freedomfestivalavilla.org

June 27

America’s 250th Outdoor Summer Celebration and Star Spangled Sky Drone Show Indianapolis, Indiana

bring your family and friends to Celebration Plaza in White River

America’s 250th birthday. Collaborate on a community mural and enjoy hands-on activities. Stay later for

Take These With You

Whether you’re at home preparing a picnic, traveling on the road, or taking a relaxing stroll through the park, take these playlists and podcasts with you to celebrate and learn more about America’s 250th.

Road Trip 250, Spotify This 4 ½-hour Spotify playlist by The Great American Road Trip includes a surprising mix of country and rock hits, from classics like Foghat’s “Slow Ride” and The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army” to newer earworms like Fitz and the Tantrums’ “I Just Wanna Shine.”

Ohio & The Revolution, YouTube This quarterly webinar series explores the history of Ohio at the time of the American Revolution. america250-ohio.org

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness: 250 Years of the Declaration of Independence, multiple platforms A professor and Amerikazentrum in Hamburg, Germany, Dr. Andrew Sola explores the creation of the Declaration of Independence and its impact on the U.S. and the world in this interdisciplinary podcast, featuring experts from the USA and around the world. life-liberty-podcast.podigee.io

the Star Spangled Sky drone show featuring 200 drones lighting up the sky with patriotic imagery. indianamuseum.org

June 27

Framing the Past: The Art of Historical Thinking New Harmony, Indiana Step into the past and learn how historians interpret events, objects, and ideas within the context of their own time through discussion and hands-on examples and discover history is not just about what happened, but how and why it happened and how it made sense to those who lived it. indianamuseum.org

June 27

Birthday on the Bash Terre Haute, Indiana Celebrate America’s 250th with a blowout celebration on the banks of the Wabash River featuring a bicycle ride, community fun run, Kids Zone, Freedom Plaza, and America 250 Presentation including a Veterans Program, children’s choir, and more. birthdayonthebash.com

June 28

Taste of the Festival: Presidential Edition Ligonier, Indiana

Join the Stone’s Trace Historical Society at Stone’s Tavern for a special community day honoring the 250th anniversary of the U.S. with music, food, and familyfriendly activities. stonestrace.com

July 2

Patriotic Park Party Jasper, Indiana Food trucks, live bands, a pool party, and a drone

over Jasper in honor of America’s 250th birthday. heartofjasper.org

July 4

Celebrate Independence Fountain City, Indiana This year, the Levi and Historic Site lights up in celebration of the 250th anniversary of America’s independence. Bring the family for a day of activities and remembrance. indianamuseum.org

July 4

From Independence to Idealism: The Revolutionary Roots of New Harmony’s Utopias New Harmony, Indiana

Discover how the ideas of liberty and equality and the promise of social progress inspired not only the American Revolution but also the utopian societies created by the Harmonists and the Owenites during this 90-minute walking tour. indianamuseum.org

July 4 and July 8

Breaking from the Monarchy: A Reading of the Declaration of Independence Corydon, Indiana

Standout fromthe standard.

THERE’SNOPLACELIKETHISHOME

Come hear the Declaration of Independence read aloud from the Capitol Square by a historical interpreter at the Corydon Capitol State Historic Site. indianamuseum.org

July 11

Second Saturday Speaker Series: The Revolution & Beyond Vincennes, Indiana

Learn how the American Revolution affected the new nation and the world. This talk focuses on what happened immediately after the revolution, how the nation grew and worked toward international recognition, and how it impacted the territory that later became the state of Indiana. indianamuseum.org

July 18–19

Vietnam Veterans Appreciation

Vincennes, Indiana

Vietnam Remembrance event honors the veterans and casualties

of the war, with living history displays, reenactments, and memorabilia. indianamilitarymuseum.org

July 30–August 2

Jasper Strassenfest: America 250 –Threads of History, Patterns of Progress Jasper, Indiana

This year, Jasper’s annual street fest honors America’s 250th alongside its traditional celebration of local German heritage, featuring food, games, contests, carnival rides, and hot air balloons. jasperstrassenfest.org

Ohio MUST-SEES

Celebrate Ohio through public art with Murals Across Ohio, highlighting over 100 murals across 88 counties that can be viewed in person or virtually through an interactive online map. america250-ohio.org/

murals-across-ohio

Discover Ohio’s vibrant creativite community by exploring over 100 sites across the state on the Ohio Creativity Trail showcasing everything from literature, music, and visual arts to glass, pottery, folk and traditional arts, and carousel art. america250ohio.org/ohio-creativity-trail

Choose your own adventure with the Lake Erie To Ohio River Trail interactive digital map and pick from themes including Lake Erie Lighthouses, Boat Rides & Ferryboats, Lake Erie Museums & Historic Sites, Ohio Canal Museums & Historic Sites, Ohio River Museums & Historic Sites, Natural Areas & Overlooks, and Aquatic Science & Research Sites. america250-ohio.org/ lake-erie-to-ohio-river

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

May 2

4th Annual “Walk In Our Boots” Walk/Run

Gahanna, Ohio

This fundraiser supports once-homeless local veterans who are becoming reacclimated to self-sustaining civilian life with the help of the local community. runsignup.com

May 2–3

Annual Ohio Civil War Show

This show features 800 booths of military materials in seven buildings. Demonstrations include corps, educational demonstrations, reenactments, bands, a church service, and a reading of the Gettysburg Address by an Abe Lincoln impersonator. ohiocivilwarshow.com

May 2, June 6, and July 4

Coffee With a Colonial at Tim Hortons Portsmouth, Ohio

Have a free cup of coffee with a Revolutionary War soldier and learn about Ohio’s involvement in

Corydon Capitol

Feel like a kid in a candy store.

Escape to the Unexpected

THE KENTUCKY YOU CAN’T FIND ANYWHERE ELSE

One hour from Cincinnati on I-71, Oldham County is the perfect escape — far enough to trade the everyday for something truly unforgettable. Wake to a sunrise in a horse farm bed-andbreakfast and sip bourbon on a racehorse farm tour. Experience underground railroad history, then tour a castle at Yew Dell Gardens. Meander three stories of Crestwood Mercantile before relaxing in the state’s largest beer garden, or train-watch on the tracks of Main Street La Grange. Here, every mile brings a discovery you won’t find anywhere else — authentically Kentucky. Only in Oldham.

TourOldham.com

Vibe to the Danville Music Scene

PLAN YOUR TRIP TODAY

Downtown Danville, Kentucky, comes alive June 25–27 as the Great American Brass Band Festival returns. Free concerts and performances, delicious food, a colorful parade and family-friendly fun fill the streets for three days of nonstop energy. Don’t miss the sound of summer — see you there.

DanvilleKentucky.com/ experience/find-a-festival

Lift Your Spirits

EXPLORE THE WINE, WHISKEY & ALE TRAIL

Just 20 minutes south of Louisville, explore the Bullitt County Wine, Whiskey & Ale Trail. Discover the James B. Beam American Outpost & Distillery, the Four Roses Bourbon Warehouse & Bottling Experience and Coxs Creek Distilling. The trail also features four award-winning wineries and two craft breweries. Get a free souvenir glass when you complete the trail.

TravelBullitt.org

Explore the Heart of Adventure DISCOVER

MCCREARY COUNTY

Your next adventure awaits in McCreary County, Kentucky, where natural beauty meets endless adventure. Explore scenic trails, majestic waterfalls and the Big South Fork Scenic Railway. From hiking and kayaking to breathtaking views of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and Daniel Boone National Forest, there’s something for everyone. Step into the heart of outdoor adventure.

McCrearyTourism.com

Experience Carrollton, Kentucky

PLAN A RIVER-TOWN GETAWAY

Carrollton is where people come together to experience the friendliness and authenticity of a town teeming with exploration, recreational activities, shopping, new ideas and opportunities for growth. Located at mile 545 on the Ohio River, it’s not just the confluence of two rivers but a confluence of history, river culture, nature and the scenic outdoors.

VisitCarrolltonKY.com

Plan Your Next Adventure VISIT KENTUCKY STATE PARKS

Kentucky’s 44 state parks — including 17 resort parks — are perfect for families to unplug, explore nature and spend quality time together without complicated travel planning. With free park entry, reasonably priced lodging and activities for all ages, Kentucky State Parks make outdoor travel affordable and easy to enjoy close to home.

Eastern Kentucky is made for adventures. Beyond amazing hiking, mountain biking, paddling and fishing, did you know you can enjoy underground pool party events and daily cave tours at Carter Caves? If you’re traveling to western Kentucky, visit the museum at John James Audubon State Park to see the world’s largest collection of Audubon art and personal memorabilia. Farther south, Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park is a premier destination for scuba divers, known for its crystal-clear water, as well as an 18-hole championship golf course.

Visit parks.ky.gov/events to start planning. With so much to see and do, our new Kentucky home is the perfect place for your next family memory-making vacation.

from a history reenactor.

Saturday through August.

May 3

The Best Day in UA: Celebrating 100 Years of July 4th Traditions Columbus, Ohio

America’s 250th anniversary coincides with the 100th time Upper Arlington has held July Fourth festivities. To commemorate this milestone, the Upper Arlington Historical Society presents the history of how the Fourth of July celebration grew into an iconic, community-wide, daylong party. uahistory.org

May 6

Strike! Workers, Unions, and the Labor Movement in Town and Country Bowling Green, Ohio

This lecture at the Wood County Museum uses the social and political turmoil of 1930s Toledo to focus on the American labor movement and its far-reaching implications. wcparks.org

May 8–9

Cornucopia: A Feast of American Music Columbus, Ohio

The Magpie Consort presents an all-American program marking the 250th anniversary of the USA with choral classics, early American hymns, Appalachian folk songs, gospel, blues, spirituals, and other Americana. magpieconsort.org

May 9

America250: Of Thee We Sing Cincinnati, Ohio

Celebrate 250 years of our nation’s past with the Cincinnati Youth Choir and Cincinnati Choral Academy. The program

story of America—its dreams, challenges, and triumphs—through music that honors its people, its promise, and the common threads that unite us. cincinnatichoir.org

May 10, June 14, and July 12

St. Clair’s Defeat and Battle of Fort Recovery

Frederick Douglass, former slave, writer, orator, abolitionist, and civil rights leader, for a conversation about the meaning of American democracy in the historic Hayes Home. rbhayes.org

May 15–16

Lewis and Clark in Ohio Forts of Ohio) Tour

Erlanger, Kentucky

Departing from Kentucky, this three-day motor coach tour explores the forts of Western Ohio associated with the post–Revolutionary War period and the Northwest Indian War, where both Meriwether Lewis and William Clark spent time during their military careers. lewisandclark.travel

Fort Recovery, Ohio

Head to the Fort Recovery Museum for guided where the U.S. Army suffered the worst defeat of the Northwest Indian War in 1791. fortrecoverymuseum.com

May 11

America 250: Signing of the Declaration of Independence Mason, Ohio

Stand with Mason’s City Council in symbolically signing the Declaration of Independence—a moment that honors the courage, unity, and shared purpose that shaped our nation. All attendees are invited to bring history to life by adding their name. imaginemason.org

May 12

Frederick Douglass Speaks on American Democracy Fremont, Ohio

Join a living history presenter portraying

May 17

America @ 250 Toledo, Ohio

The Toledo Symphony Orchestra celebrates America’s 250th anniversary with a program that highlights the rich history of American chamber music. liveartstoledo.com

May 23–24

Revolutionary War Reenactment

Bolivar, Ohio

Come to Fort Laurens, Ohio’s only Revolutionary War fort, for its annual Revolutionary War reenactment. Watch a mock battle for American independence with reenactors from the Brigade of the American Revolution. Learn about 18th-century life through music, artillery, cooking, medicine, and discussions with soldiers and civilian reenactors. fortlaurensmuseum.org

Murals Across Ohio

May 23–25

1812 – Grand Tactical and Memorial Day Commemoration

Perrysburg, Ohio

Experience authentic 1812 military camps, musket and cannon demonstrations, battle reenactments, handson activities, and more. On Memorial Day, Fort Meigs honors our nation’s fallen heroes and War of 1812 soldiers with a special wreath-laying ceremony. fortmeigs.org

June 4–6

Logan Washboard Arts & Music Festival

Logan, Ohio

This event celebrates everything to do with the washboard, a unique piece of American history. loganwashboardfestival.com

June 6 and June 13

Zoar Towpath Trail History Tours

Historic Zoar Village, Ohio

Walk the scenic Ohio and Erie Towpath Trail between Zoar and Fort Laurens, Ohio’s only Revolutionary War fort, while exploring the rich history of the Ohio and Erie Canal. historiczoarvillage.com

June 13–14

America 250 Celebration Chillicothe, Ohio

Experience 1776 at

Adena Mansion & Gardens through artillery demonstrations, musket

kit presentations, cooking demonstrations, and period military music. Don’t miss George Washington, retirement ceremony, interactive exhibits, children’s games, beer making, and other activities. ohiohistory.org

June 19–20

Homefront to War Front

Dennison, Ohio

Travel back in time on a one-hour WWII troop train ride. Experience a 1940s canteen, meet Rosie the Riveter, see a Victory Garden display, enjoy patriotic entertainment, visit the WWII National Historic Landmark Museum, and more. dennisondepot.org

June 19–20

Taste of History 2026

Amherst, Ohio

Try food and rations from across different eras during this event with reenactors and displays of what both the homefront and battle front were like during wartime, with and offering samples of period meals. mhpg.us

June 19–21

Columbus Air Show Columbus, Ohio

Witness old and new

mind-bending maneuvers and formations, helicopters, wing walkers, and parachutists in this stunning show. You can also get up close and personal with tanks, a jet truck, and more. columbusairshow.com

June 25–28

1776

Alliance, Ohio

Witness the pivotal moments that forged our nation as you’re transported to the intense summer days of the Continental Congress in this compelling and witty musical. carnationcityplayers.org

June 28

Historical Independence Day Celebration

West Liberty, Ohio

Commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. at this 19thcentury Independence Day celebration outside of Piatt Castle. Bring a picnic lunch, learn how to play period games such as cricket and roll hoops, enjoy poems and storytelling, and listen to the Declaration of Independence read aloud. piattcastle.org

July 1–31

Ohio’s Homecoming & Picnic: Food, Fun & Freedom

Multiple locations

Join in this series of picnics coordinated in communities across the state, with each participating Ohio town and county celebrating in its own unique, regional way with food, activities, carnivals, shows, and more. america250-ohio.org/picnic

July 3

Blazes in the Woods Oregonia, Ohio

district of the late 1700s and the role it played in how Ohio was divided up. ohiohistory.org

July 3

Patriotic Concert – 250 Years of Red, White, and Blue Montgomery, Ohio

The Blue Ash Montgomery Symphony Orchestra plays a vibrant and celebratory concert that explores the colors of our shared cultural story through music that spans centuries, styles, and generations. From patriotic anthems to pop, classical masterworks and beloved favorites, the rich and evolving soundtrack of our nation. bamso.ludus.com

July 4

A Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence Cincinnati, Ohio

Come to Eden Park for a revival of the 19th-century tradition of publicly reading the Declaration of Independence on the Fourth of July. julyfourthproject.com

July 5

America’s Potluck Wausean, Ohio Neighbors join together for a communal meal and enjoy a program that includes a reading of the Declaration of Independence by reenactors, recognition

This hands-on event at the Fort Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve explains how the earthworks were built by the Hopewell culture, as well as how this site came to be the far western edge of the Virginia Military

arthw his &NNat erveex You h xpla serveerveexplainshow explain es th c d were e t rthwo ose an ar rk ea ks pe ui ewell ew u bu the tan e Ho e t e l as h ultu re e cu , eto his si om m o

Camp Chase

Around here, the energy never lets up. An art trail that stops you in your tracks. Gallery nights, live music and street fests that keep the calendar full. Award winning brews & wineries + killer events = yes, please.

Then there’s the great outdoors with farm-fresh orchards, the Columbian Park Zoo, Wolf Park where you can howl with wolves, splash-happy waterparks, championship golf courses and trails for days.

Downtown brings the vibe with indie boutiques and restaurants serving flavors from around the globe. We’re also home to Purdue University. Yep, that Purdue. Come visit. We’ll make sure you leave with stories worth telling.

museumoffultoncounty.org

July 17–18

Blazing Paddles Riverfest Cleveland, Ohio

sharetheriver.com

July 31–August 1 SAR Changing of the Guard Ceremony Bolivar, Ohio

fortlaurensmuseum.org

July 29–August 9 Ohio State Fair Columbus, Ohio

Old Fort Harrod State Park in Harrodsburg, Kentucky

ohiostatefair.com

Kentucky

MUST-SEES

Nestled amidst three waterways and serene landscapes, our county is a destination like no other, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere that will make you feel right at home. With a variety of festivals and events, we encourage you and your family to embark on a journey of exploration and enrichment. Discover the heart and soul of Carroll County and create lasting memories that will leave you longing to return.

Old Fort Harrod State Park

The clip-clop of Saddlebred horses. The pop of a bourbon cork. The crunch of leaves on woodland trails. The sizzle of home-style cooking and the creak of a front-porch rocker. This is ShelbyKY—Your Bourbon Destination®, where the

Plan a visit to Your Bourbon Destination® at VISITSHELBYKY.COM.

Old Fort Harrod State Park

of the Alleghenies, and the “Big Ole Tree”—the largest Osage orange tree in the U.S. parks.ky.gov

Fort Boonesborough State Park in Richmond was home to the original Fort Boonesborough, built along the Kentucky River in 1775 by Daniel Boone. It was a major frontier outpost during the Revolutionary War and remains one of the bestpreserved archaeological sites of early westward

nstr rec ort

and a diorama of the Battle of Blue Licks.

n cted o b lete with cabins F scomp , ussesfurnishin di o g

expansion by British colonists of the 18th and 19th centuries. The reconstructed working fort is complete with cabins, blockhouses, furnishings, and implements.

The last battle of the Revolutionary War was fought on the grounds of what is now Blue Licks

Park near Lexington, Kentucky, in 1782, after the British had already surrendered. The park has a 15-acre nature preserve once home to bison, elk, and woolly mammoths and a Pioneer Museum with artifacts that focus on Central Kentucky’s natural and cultural history, including a mastodon tooth found during an excavation, relics from the Civil War,

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

May 6

Colonel Clark’s Derby Louisville, Kentucky

Learn about Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr., grandson of William Clark, who set out to create the Kentucky Derby—not only the pinnacle of American horse racing but the most famous horse race in the world. locustgrove.org

May 9

the Air of Kentucky That

Frankfort, Kentucky

This presentation hosted by a living history performer explores the history of the Kentucky Militia and Kentucky

National Guard from the frontier era through World War II. Kentucky’s citizen soldiers over those decades played essential roles in both the nation’s wars and peacetime life in the Commonwealth. pspl.org

May 14–21

of Frankfort

Frankfort, Kentucky

Explore the Kentucky state capital’s past by taking a walk down memory lane—while much has changed in Frankfort, many of its historic buildings remain standing. history.ky.gov

May 15

Night at the Frazier Louisville, Kentucky

This signature annual event invites the Louisville

community to gather for an unforgettable star-spangled gala celebrating Red, White & Bluegrass in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. The evening brings together supporters, partners, and friends of the museum for a thoughtfully curated the spirit of Kentucky. fraziermuseum.org

May 16

Northern Kentucky History Day 2026: America250 Celebration Erlanger, Kentucky

Join the Kenton County Public Library for presentations by historians and local authors highlighting stories related to the history of Kentucky in honor of America’s 250th birthday.

Explore the vendor hall featuring local and Kentucky historical and genealogical organizations. kentonlibrary.org

May 16

Handcrafted History: A Kentucky Quilts & Quiltmakers Symposium Frankfort, Kentucky Quilt-makers and quilt lovers are invited to join the Kentucky Historical Society for a special celebration of Kentucky’s rich quilting tradition, with a focus on historical quilts while also honoring contemporary quilts and quilt-making methods. This one-of-a-kind event brings together historians, curators, and textile experts for a day devoted to the artistry, history, and legacy of quilts. history.ky.gov

May 22

Homeschool History Day: Revolutionary Kentucky Frankfort, Kentucky Homeschoolers are invited to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and learn about Kentucky‘s role during the American War for Independence by mingling with people in historical attire, decorating a “powder horn,” writing their own Declaration of Independence, learning frontier skills, tossing “tea” into the Kentucky River, and more. history.ky.gov

May 23

A Trailblazer’s Tour Across Central Kentucky Frankfort, Kentucky Kentucky Historical Society educators drive participants across Central Kentucky on a

daylong tour to explore Fort Boonesborough, Old Fort Harrod, and Constitution Square, battlefronts and historic sites connected to Kentucky’s founding. history.ky.gov

May 23

Revolutionary Kentucky Family Day Frankfort, Kentucky Celebrate America’s 250th birthday and learn about Kentucky’s American War for Independence. Mingle with people dressed in historical attire, decorate your own “powder horn,” write your own Declaration of Independence, learn frontier skills, toss “tea” into the Kentucky River, and more. history.ky.gov

May 23

Live in Liberty Music Festival

Liberty, Kentucky

This free live music festival returns for its kentuckytourism.com

May 31

Tea in the Time of Liberty, an America 250 Commemorative Tea Stanford, Kentucky

Honoring tea’s role in historic recipes from danvillekentucky.com

June 2

How to Use a University Archive for Historical Research Lancaster, Kentucky

public to foster an honor of America’s teachingwiththemes.com

June 6

Kentucky History Day Frankfort, Kentucky Celebrate the

that showcase the history.ky.gov

June 6

Duncan Hines Day Eats & Beats Music Fest

Bowling Green, Kentucky

The stage is set for another unforgettable As part of the America the event highlights the Americana genre

duncanhinesdays.com

June 6

KET Summer Celebration: Cheers to 250 Years Lexington, Kentucky Commemorating

television honors the while bringing together ket.org

June 13

Lessons From “The Great Dissenter” Frankfort, Kentucky

Politico

The Great Dissenter: The Story of John Marshall Harlan, America’s Judicial Hero

keeping the state loyal to the Union during the Civil War, served on the U.S. Supreme Court, and advocated for the rights of Black people and the lower class. pspl.org

June 14

Louisville, Kentucky

Rick Bell Riverfront

In this installment of the monthly series at PlayPort, historian Rick Bell explores memorable European settlement who helped shaped the city. louisvilleky.gov

June 19–23

Frankfort, Kentucky

Children ages 6 to 9 learn about the founding of the

United States and Kentucky, meeting everyday people and notable

Colonial and Revolutionary eras and exploring frontier life. history.ky.gov

June 20

Frankfort, Kentucky

Dr. Brian McKnight examines the leadup to the 1976 mine explosions that took 26 lives and why they occurred. Attendees will learn about the fallout not just in the community but across the nation that led to the passage of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. history.ky.gov

June 20

Dawson Springs, Kentucky

Step back in time as this engaging theatrical program brings the story of Dawson Springs to life through performance and storytelling, tracing the city’s evolution from its founding as the “health resort of the Upper South” to the resilient, innovative community it is today. dawson-springs-chamberof-commerce.square.site

June 20

Louisville, Kentucky

Guests indulge their senses through sound, taste, and atmosphere while exploring the African diaspora in the U.S. during this annual garden social featuring live music, art, and Afrofusion cuisine paired with

wines from around the world. locustgrove.org

June 20

Bowling Green, Kentucky

Aviation Heritage Park & Museum serves up barbecue, drinks, upclose aircraft displays, and other surprises in this yearly event museum dedicated to

Old Fort Harrod State Park

educating the public on America’s aviation history. aviationheritagepark.com

July 3

First Friday Street Fair & Car Show: Red, White & Spokes

Scottsville, Kentucky

On the eve of Independence Day, this lively monthly event that transforms downtown Scottsville into a hub of activity with artisan and food vendors, live music, family-friendly activities, and a classic car show will include a bike parade—red, white, and blue–style—to celebrate America 250 and the county’s birthday. heartofscottsville.org

July 3

Montgomery Gentry Concert Featuring Eddie Montgomery Danville, Kentucky

To kick off the July 4th weekend, this free concert features Danville’s own Eddie Montgomery— one of the most recognizable voices in country music— performing the hits fans know and love. danvillekentucky.com

July 4

Danville 4th of July Parade and Fireworks at Millennium Park

Danville, Kentucky

Danville’s Military Appreciation Parade honors our nation’s independence while paying special tribute to military servicemembers past and present, celebrating the enduring spirit of freedom that has shaped Boyle County for 250 years. The parade is followed by food trucks, bounce houses, live music, a

cornhole tournament, and Park. danvillekentucky.com

July 4

Liberty’s 4th of July 2026

Liberty, Kentucky

A kiddie parade and free face painting, contests and games, and treats including hot dogs, popcorn, and snow cones are only some of the highlights of this fest taking over downtown Liberty on America’s special 250th birthday. explorelibertyky.com

July 4

Fort Campbell

July 4th 2026

Clarksville, Kentucky

Fort Campbell hosts a carnival, live music,

this celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. armymwr.com

July 12

Rick Bell Riverfront

Waterfront and the Story of the Park Louisville, Kentucky

During this talk at PlayPort, historian Rick Bell explores the site of Jeffer-

pean settlement from the city’s early history to its transformation into a beloved park. louisvilleky.gov

July 27–31

Summer Camp: Frontier to Freedom Frankfort, Kentucky

Kids ages 10 to 13 learn about the U.S. and Kentucky’s revolutionary experiment in selfgovernance through visits to historic sites, viewing Colonial artifacts and archives, and exploring pre-Colonial and frontier life through hands-on activities. history.ky.gov

PJE Lawn Care &Landscaping combines whimsy and class at Rev, the ultimate party at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Trevindy.org

pjelandscaping.com

“It has since evolved into a sophisticated, fun, immersive celebration that includes a fashion show catwalk and, last year, a pickleball court.

”scene to life. Rev and PJE share a commonality: Both blossomed from the ground up—literally.

Ennis founded PJE when he was only 19. “It was really a hope and a prayer,” he explains. “It was more of a summertime job for me as a college student. I always wanted to be an entrepreneur, and I always wanted to be my own boss, but I was going to college and needed a way to make more money.”

After graduation, Ennis realized landscaping design was his destiny.

He connected with Rev’s organizers about 10 years

in 2014 to fundraise for IU Health’s statewide trauma and critical care system. Since Rev’s beginning, IU Health Foundation has raised over $20 million.

“They told me we need to make it so it’s not just sitting in a parking lot or feeling like a concrete jungle,” he says. “So, we started working to get site plans together. Since then, my team and I have created different features and expanded every year to give attendees a truly

unique experience every time.”

Ennis added a water feature and bespoke green installations. It has since evolved into a sophisticated, fun, immersive celebration that includes a fashion show catwalk and, last year, a pickleball court.

“We want to make it feel more curated,” he says. “Our layouts have changed the entire atmosphere of the event—making and making sure there’s a bit of mystique behind what people see and what they don’t.”

PJE’s reliability and willingness to adapt on-site has made it a trusted long-term Rev partner. Ennis says his team’s biggest challenge is setup and teardown, with limited time on both ends. “We have literally two or three days to set up,” he says. “Then it all has to be taken down on Sunday after the event and removed from the track in a matter of hours.”

Ennis draws inspiration from his travels around the world, setting the bar high for Rev and helping make it Indy’s most coveted ticket.

9TH STREET BISTRO

CHEF SAMIR MOHAMMAD

80 ACRES FARMS

80 ACRES FARMS CHEF

A CUT ABOVE CATERING

CHEF AMY VON EIFF

ABBIOCCO PIZZERIA

CHEF RENE CHAVEZ AYALA

AMBROSIA HOSPITALITY GROUP

CHEF ANDREW POPP

AMERICAN CULINARY FEDERATION |

GREATER INDIANAPOLIS CHAPTER

CHEF DAVID KAY

ARNI'S RESTAURANT

CHEF ANTONIO VARGAS

AZUCAR MORENA

CHEF ANDREINA PAREDES

BACK 9 GOLF & ENTERTAINMENT

CHEF CHRISTINA HOLDEN

BIBIBOP ASIAN GRILL

CHEF VANESSA RODRIGUEZ

BISCUIT BABY

CHEF SADIE LANE

BLÉ FRENCH BISTRO

CHEF MARTIN COLLIN

BLONDIE'S COOKIES

CHEF BRENDA COFFMAN

BLUEBEARD

CHEF ALAN STERNBERG

BOBA & EVERYTHING

CHEF LIZA CHRISTIAN

BODHI

CHEF PEN, NICKY, & TAELOR

CHE CHORI

CHEF MARCOS C. PERERA

CHOLITA MODERN CANTINA

CHEF GREG HOWE

CLEAN EATZ FISHERS

CHEF CASSIE & JEFF LEIFEL

CLUSTERTRUCK

CHEF EPSIE GREER

CONVIVIO ITALIAN ARTISAN CUISINE

CHEF SAM SATTERFIELD

CORRIDOR

CHEF ERIN KEM & LOGAN MCMAHAN

CRETIA CAKES

CHEF LACRETIA ALLEN

CRYSTAL SIGNATURE EVENTS

CHEF MATT VOGEL

FERNANDO’S MEXICAN & BRAZILIAN CUISINE

CHEF KATIA HUNDLEY

FLOWERS BAKERY

CHEF KEITH BRANHAM

FOGO DE CHÃO

CHEF BEAU WASHBURN

FORKED UP CATERING

CHEF KENNETH HARDIMAN JR

FREELAND'S RESTAURANT

CHEF BRAEDON KELLNER

FRESKO

CHEF MARISA SILVA & KEVIN PILLCO

FUNDAE’S ICE CREAM & SWEETS

CHEF KAS MILLER

GERALDINE'S SUPPER CLUB & LOUNGE

CHEF NEIL ANDREWS

HARD PRESSED COCKTAILS BY CHURCH & BETTY

BETH MCCARTHY SMITH

HARRY & IZZY’S

CHEF LUKE LANDGREBE

INDI TACO

CHEF ANKIT

IOZZO'S GARDEN OF ITALY

CHEF KATHY JONES

IT'S THOSE EGG ROLLS

CHEF JUANITA & TONY COLEMAN

J’ADORE

CHEF YOUSSEF BOUDARINE

JAVA HOUSE

JAVA HOUSE BARISTA

JUG’S CATERING

CHEF EVAN ECKERT

JUST POP IN!

CHEF MANDY SELKE & CARLY SWIFT

KIM'S KEY LIME PRODUCTS

CHEF KIM HARVEY

LEVIATHAN BAKEHOUSE

CHEF PETE SCHMUTTE & JESSE BLYTHE

MACIZO RESTAURANT

CHEF OMAR MUÑOZ

MAGDALENA

CHEF NICK DETRICH

MAMBO'S CHEESESTEAK GRILL

CHEF RICARDO MARTINEZ

MATADOR ON MAIN

CHEF JESSE CUMMINGS

MONTI

CHEF FRANCESCO SETTANNI

NEWFIELDS CULINARY DEPARTMENT

CHEF PATRICK RUSS

OCEAN PRIME

CHEF CARLOS ALANIZ

OPEN KITCHEN

CHEF DEXTER SMITH

PACO'S TAQUERIA

CHEF EVELIA ALAVEZ

PAPA'S PIZZERIA | ITALIAN & PERUVIAN CUISINE

CHEF ERICK & MARCO PILLCO

PIZZA & LIBATIONS

CHEF CHRISTOPHER EALY

PLEASE & THANK YOU

CHEF BROOKE LAUREN VAUGHN

PUNCH BOWL SOCIAL

CHEF SAM BAGOSY

PUNKIN'S PIES SWEET TREATS

CHEF JOANNA WILSON

SALAMAT COOKIES!

CHEF MIKEY WILLIAMS

SALT ON MASS

CHEF MARCO PENA

SANGIOVESE RISTORANTE

CHEF FRANCISCO GARCIA ALVAREZ

SCOTCHY JAMAICAN GRILL

CHEF MARLON & BRYCE LLEWELLYN

SERLIANA @ THE INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL

CHEF CRAIG BAKER

SHAKE SHACK

SLAPFISH

THANK YOU TO OUR RESTAURANTS & CHEFS FOR CELEBRATING REV 2026 WITH US!

CHEF JOHN KARANGIS

CHEF MARK WEGHORST

SODEXO LIVE! INDIANAPOLIS

CHEF DAVID DYREK

SPOKE & STEELE

CHEF JOSHUA HUFFMAN

SPRINKLE JOY BAKES

CHEF JESSICA FISHER

ST. ELMO STEAK HOUSE

CHEF MATT WAHL

STRANGE BIRD

CHEF KYLE HUMPHREYS

TAXMAN CITYWAY

CHEF COLE PADGETT

TEAM INDIANA | AREA 31 CAREER CENTER -

HARVEST CAFE

CHEF DANIEL SCHIFANO

TEAM INDIANA | CIRCLE CITY SWEETS

CHEF CINDY HAWKINS

TEAM INDIANA | FOSTER'S CAFÉ AND CATERING

CHEF BRADY FOSTER

TEAM INDIANA | GOMEZ BBQ

CHEF MICHAEL GOMEZ

TEAM INDIANA | THE BULL GRILL

CHEF TURON CUMMINGS

THE DISTRICT TAP

CHEF JUAN CARLOS BASURTO

THE FOUNTAIN ROOM

CHEF RICKY MARTINEZ

THE GARAGE FOOD HALL | HERCULEAN

PREPARED MEALS

CHEF BEN CANARY

THE GARAGE FOOD HALL | J’S LOBSTER & FISH MARKET

CHEF J WOLF

THE GARAGE FOOD HALL | LIL DUMPLINGS

NOODLE BAR

CHEF CARLOS SALAZAR

THE LITTLE INDIA RESTAURANT

CHEF NEETI CHAUDHRI

THE LOUNGE AT CONRAD INDIANAPOLIS

CHEF MICHAEL PLEINES

THE OCEANAIRE SEAFOOD ROOM

CHEF MARCY BRECKENRIDGE

THE PREWITT RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

CHEF D’ANTE WILCHER

TINKER COFFEE CO.

CHEF LIBBY FURMAN

TINKER STREET RESTAURANT

CHEF TYLER SHORTT

TRAX BBQ

CHEF ANDREW KLEIN & KYRSTEN WILSON

TURCHETTI’S

CHEF GEORGE TURKETTE

UP CELLAR

CHEF CHRISTOPHER EALY

VIDA

CHEF THOMAS MELVIN

WISANGGENI PAWON

CHEF AJI WISANGGENI

YAZSH CAFE AND BISTRO

CHEF TREVOR HALL

Photo

Kid friendly Solo dining Cocktails

BR 2025

Named one of IM’s Best Restaurants in 2025 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 jspalding@IndianapolisMonthly.com

9th Street Bistro

BR 2025 CONTEMPORARY Samir and Rachel Firestone Mohammad’s tiny seasonal innovator continues to delight diners who secure a coveted reservation. A standby at collaborative wine dinners and dining festivals, its take on globally inspired Midwestern flavors has served as an influence for a number of other restaurants on this list. A community dinner series focused on local farmstead ingredients continues to sell out. 56 S. 9th St., Noblesville, 317-774-5065, 9thstbistro.com $$$$

1933 Lounge

STEAKHOUSE This St. Elmo spinoff serves a similar core menu of steaks and seafood to its sister spot, then widens its scope to encompass sushi, sandwiches, and sliders. It also boasts a slightly more contemporary and glitzy style to its dining room, making it a place to see and be seen. An ambitious cocktail menu lends a speakeasy vibe, and well-portioned desserts lend themselves to sharing. Multiple locations, 1933lounge.com $$$$

The Alchemist

COFFEE AND COCKTAILS Red Lion Grog House owners Nicole and Cody Neville also own a coffee equipment company called Espresso Enterprises, which makes their Mononadjacent cocktail bar and coffee shop a marriage of passions. Take a morning stroll with one of its caffeinated drinks, made with beans from Chicago-based Philosophy Coffee, or a twilight Monon Trail walk capped off with a boozy craft drink such as the Blood & Sugar, made with bacon fat–washed High West Double Rye, maple syrup, three types of bitters, and a quick puff of smoke. 1660 Bellefontaine St., 317-683-0957, thealchemistindy.com $

Anthony’s Chophouse

STEAKHOUSE The interior of this swanky heavy hitter has the polished gleam of a Vegas hotel, with an upper-level lounge containing the salvaged mahogany bar from The Glass Chimney, another fine dining legend. The food has equal flourish. Lobster bisque with a hunk of tempura-fried meat begins a meal that might

include a cowgirl ribeye, a flight of filets, or a domestic wagyu burger. 201 W. Main St., Carmel, 317-740-0900, anthonyschophouse.com $$$$

Antilogy

BRUNCH This snug corner spot divides its energy between the morning meal and evening libations. Early birds can choose from thoughtful combinations of fat biscuits, sunny eggs, bourbon-candied bacon, and Belgian waffles, with plenty of Bovaconti Coffee–based lattes and mochas to kick-start the day. In the evening, the menu shifts to shareable plates, such as a panko-crusted crispy burrata, parmesan truffle fries, and a molten spinach-Gruyere dip. 5867 N. State Rd. 135, Greenwood, 317-530-5312, antilogycg.com $$

Apicio Ristorante & Enoteca

ITALIAN Chef Emilio Cento applies his more than three decades of restaurant experience to this upscale Italian spot featuring fresh pasta and Roman-style pizza alongside extravagant chef’s creations like a rich and creamy squid-ink pasta tossed with shrimp, lobster, and crab and a decadent stuffed beef filet. 3311 S. U.S. Hwy. 421, Zionsville, 317-344-0100, apicioindy.com $$$

Asaka Japanese Restaurant

2025

SUSHI Don’t ask for pan-Asian dishes at Asaka, a tradition-drenched sushi house that Japanese food aficionados trek to on the regular. The tiny strip mall spot, funkily divided into multiple small rooms, has one of the cuisine’s few female master sushi chefs behind the bar—Nina Takamure, the Kumamoto-born daughter of Asaka founder Tsutomu Takamure. Hand rolls, sashimi, and even an omakase menu are on offer, as are poke bowls, katsu, and ramen. 6414 E. 82nd St., 317-576-0556 $$$

Ash & Elm Cider Co.

CIDER Ash & Elm’s array of complex and quaffable ciders gets broader all the time, with funky cocktails demonstrating a flavor profile well beyond sweet apples. The food pairs beautifully with the drinks, from the now legendary elote fritters made with Indiana corn and cilantro crema to the crispy fried Brussels sprouts flavored with, of course, cider vinaigrette. A thick-cut Cuban and an Italian hoagie with all the meats are great choices among sandwiches, though the pimento cheeseburger with pickled green tomato is hard to beat. 1301 E. Washington St., 317-600-3164; 525 N. End Dr., Carmel, 317740-1991; ashandelmcider.com $$

Astrea Rooftop Bar

DRINKS WITH A VIEW Hollywood has taught us that hotel bars are made for drinking (often alone), but with a notable small-plates menu, this view-laden spot is also a local-appropriate dinner destination. But the view—a rare vantage of Monument Circle from an unusual angle—is the true star of the show. 17 W. Market St., 463-303-0400, astrearooftop.com $$$

Bar Ellis

ROOFTOP Noblesville’s year-round outdoor restaurant is made for celebrations, with a lineup of sharable appetizers, hearty mains, and bar snacks. Its cocktail list is also a party, filled with kicky, top-shelf drinks with pop

culture–inspired names. An NA drink list and a concise kids menu ensure everyone can enjoy the fun. 841 Conner St., Noblesville, 317-764-2571, bebarellis.com $$$

Beholder

2025 CUTTING EDGE Jonathan Brooks patterns himself as a renegade, but the consistent excellence of his restaurant, Beholder, suggests the chef/owner is becoming Indy’s fine dining standard-bearer, not its outsider. Between the urban chic dining room and the two glossy bars (one by the mixologist, the other at the kitchen), there’s a rock-star gloss to the restaurant that makes you feel cool just for showing up. And when you do, the always-changing fixed-price menu is a great place to start, though the a la carte dish list offers intriguing surprises daily. Its awardwinning wine list is calculated to pair with the seasonal food offerings, and its cocktail lineup is witty and strong. 1844 E. 10th St., 317-419-3471, beholderindy.com $$$$

Blé French Bistro

NEW FRENCH In an art-filled dining room designed to look like a sweet brasserie, French classics such as steak au poivre, lemony chicken paillard, and escargot bathed in butter combine French technique with the comforts of Hoosier home cooking. 16771 Clover Rd., Noblesville, 317-764-2219, blebistro.com $$

Bluebeard

BR 2025 CONTEMPORARY A fine dining lunch isn’t easy to find in Indy, making Bluebeard a go-to for a power midday meal. Chef Alan Sternberg brings as much attention to his noontime dishes as he does to a daily afternoon snack menu and a seven-days-aweek dinner. Favorites like the house-made chips and dips are always on deck, while entrees, salads, and desserts are switched up based on what’s in season. All this happens inside an ancient brick building once dedicated to industry then abandoned. 653 Virginia Ave., 317-686-1580, bluebeardindy.com $$$$

Bodhi

THAI This family-owned restaurant bills itself first as a “craft cocktail bar,” and for good reason: Its drinks are some of the most stunning in town. Its vaunted menu also shines, with prettily-plated takes on Thai and panAsian classics. 922 Massachusetts Ave., 317-9416595, bodhi-indy.com $$$$

Bonge’s Tavern

DIVE Opened in the 1930s near the rush of the White River, Bonge’s Tavern has been a part of Indiana dining history for more than 90 years. Its current ownership has upheld the bar and restaurant’s signature dishes such as a tenderloin named the Perkinsville Pork. Specials from the menu are often worth the risk, but grab a reservation long before you plan to go—they go quick—and arrive early enough to tailgate in the parking lot with other diners, a Bonge’s tradition worth keeping. 9830 W. 280 N, Perkinsville, 765-734-1625, bongestavern.com

$$$

Borage

BR 2025 ONE-STOP SHOP Josh Kline and Zoë Taylor’s expansive Speedway spot hits all the craveable notes: One side is all

coffee and pastries, while another is a specialty market with fresh food, rare condiments, and gorgeous little things. Its other wing is for brunch, lunch, and dinner, with comfy chairs and table service. It can be a lot to get your head around—especially when you’re trying to figure out what menu to order from—but that’s also part of the fun. While a dish you’re attracted to might not be on offer during one visit, it gives you a built-in reason to come back. 1609 N. Lynhurst Dr., 317-734-3958, borageeats.com

$$$

The Bosphorus

LAST DANCE

The century-old former carriage repair shop that has been home to Hotel Tango’s Fletcher Place tasting room since 2014 is under new ownership by the team behind Mooresville’s Black Dog Brewing Company. 702 Virginia Ave.

TURKISH This cozy, colorful cafe in the Holy Rosary neighborhood celebrates the cuisine of the Middle East, Greece, and the Eastern Mediterranean. Silky, tahini-rich hummus is a must, alongside exemplary falafel, creamy eggplant salsa, and borek—buttery phyllo stuffed with feta and parsley. 935 S. East St., 317-974-1770, thebosphoruscafe.com $$$

Brooklyn Char

PIZZA Benjamin Butterworth’s Zionsville pie and slice shop was born out of a desire for legitimate New York–style pizza in Indy, a pursuit that sent the Camby native to Brooklyn and beyond. His studies have resulted in light yet substantial pies with just the right amount of leoparding and heft. He also serves up

glistening garlic knots made with a special compound butter and TikTok-worthy stuffed breadsticks ripe for the cheesepulling. Nostalgic candies and shakes made with Crystal Springs Creamery ice cream offer a sweet ending to the meal. 14765 Hazel Dell Crossing, Noblesville, 317-564-0660, brooklynchar.com $$$

Brozinni Pizzeria

PIZZA Owner James Cross grew up in New York, and everything on the menu is named after an iconic NYC location, from the Madison Square Garden meatball sandwich to the Hell’s Kitchen calzone. Don’t skip the garlic knuckles, curled into knots and drenched in garlic butter. Use the sauce pooling at the bottom of the basket for dipping. Multiple locations, 317-744-2826, brozinni.com $$

Bru Burger Bar

BURGERS Servers at this Cunningham Restaurant Group burger and beer chain are uniformly warm, accessible, and ready with recommendations, and with a menu of loaded and stacked burgers, you’ll likely need help deciding what to choose. Its standard-issue beef patty is a mix of sirloin, chuck, and brisket, but lamb, turkey, bison, and two different plantbased versions are also on offer. Appetizers are so generous that your biggest worry might

be filling up before your meal arrives. Multiple locations, bruburgerbar .com $$$

Cafe Patachou

CAFE The so-called “student union for adults” continues to draw in the morning crowds and has inspired citywide offshoots. The wait for a weekend table can be brutal (but is worth it), as the cinnamon toast remains as thick as a brick, the produce is still locally sourced, the massive omelets continue to have cheeky names, and the broken-yolk sandwiches are a perennial lunch favorite. Multiple locations, 317-222-3538, cafepatachou.com $$

Che Chori

ARGENTINEAN Marcos Perera-Blasco’s colorful restaurant offers 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 its 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 2025 BRITISH With crumpets, scones, and a jaw-dropping breakfast fry-up, not to mention afternoon teas and plenty of benedicts and bacon and egg baps, Hope Lane and Robert Carmack’s homage to all things British has long been a daytime destination. In recent years, it’s also evolved into a place for a

indulge

AN

EXCLUSIVE DINING EVENT

rib-sticking, mid-evening supper. Golden, lightly fried halloumi with an especially smooth and refined aioli, as well as a house salad with black currant vinaigrette and a less-hefty-thanexpected Scotch egg are all reasons to stop in any time to practice your Cockney or Geordie over a pint. 11210 Fall Creek Rd., 317-288-9739, cbindy.com $$$

Claypot Coffee House

COFFEE Claypot’s airy, design-forward seating area encourages diners to linger, as does its menu of sweet and power-packed Southeast Asian–style claypot coffee drinks. The Dark Delight, made with strong coffee and both evaporated and condensed milk, is so thick it feels like a meal, while the Cafe Delight—which trades the condensed milk for sugar syrup—is perfect for those who need even more sweetness. Fresh-squeezed juice, teas, and a food menu of spring rolls and roti round the experience out. 1551 E. Stop 12 Rd., 317-300-1346 $

Commission Row

they reopened the space as Corridor, a lunchtime restaurant dedicated to the flavors of the Mediterranean, North African, and Arab worlds. The handmade pasta Nicole-Taylor’s built its fame on remains, as does a tightly edited market of specialty goods. Also intact is the restaurant’s chef’s table, a four-figure group reservation that’s one of the hottest dining tickets in town. 1134 E. 54th St., 317-257-7374, corridorindy.com $$$

Daisy Bar

FRENCH ACCENT

Paris Banh Mi, a national chain serving the signature Vietnamese sandwich on fresh-baked baguettes alongside loaded Korean corndogs, bao buns, milk teas, and French pastries, has added a location in Fishers District. 11594 Whistle Dr., Fishers

2025 UPSCALE Indy’s Cunningham Restaurant Group is behind this glossy fine dining spot, which is positioned to benefit from crowds headed to or from Gainbridge Fieldhouse. That makes game nights quite a scene at the baller-level restaurant, which gilds the lily with caviar service or foie gras and lobster tail for your steak. The wine list is heavy on the bubbles, apt for celebrating a big win at work or play. A three-figure seafood tower is a showy special occasion order—or just an average Tuesday night if you’re living the courtside seat life. 110 S. Delaware St., 317-5502500, commissionrow.com $$$$

Convivio

ITALIAN With a menu that traces the geographical regions in Italy, this is not your average red-sauce joint. The pasta is all made inhouse, and its Neapolitan-style pizzas are served blistered and hot from an imported Italian pizza oven. An accessible and Italian-heavy wine list makes picking a bottle for the table a pleasure. 11529 Spring Mill Rd., Carmel, 317-564-4670, convivioindy.com $$$

Cooper & Cow

SPEAKEASY Louisville-based Endeavor Restaurant Group is behind this Fishers steakhouse, which seeks to reinvent the popular format as a Prohibition era dining experience. That means a mix of rustic touches and bourbon-infused accents set off by USDA Prime cuts larded with add-ons like crab and truffle wagyu tallow. Desserts stick with the bourbon theme, with bananas, cake, and ice cream all laden with the spirit. 8626 E. 116th St., Fishers, 317-288-2801, cooperandcow.com $$$$

Corridor

BR 2025 LUNCH At the end of 2024, Erin Kem and Logan McMahan briefly shuttered SoBro favorite Nicole-Taylor’s Pasta + Market + Backroom Eatery, which they had purchased a few years before. After a remodel,

AMERICANA Owner Jon Carlos Rangel describes this food and drinks endeavor on the west end of the Factory Arts District as a modern take on the great American diner. It’s open 12 hours a day, seven days a week, offering breakfast options as well as small plates and family-style dining in the evening. Sturdy yet fluffy savory churros come mingled with flaked Verlasso salmon and a cooling, oniony creme fraiche. “Birria” mandu, Korean style dumplings in a bold soy consommé, are filled with ground pork, not the expected beef or lamb. 1125 Massachusetts Ave., 317-390-4002, daisybarindy .com $$

Diavola

PIZZA Pies emerge expertly bubbled and charred from a centerpiece brick oven. Ingredients are simple but topshelf, with herbs and produce grown in the owner’s nearby garden. Gluten-free pizzas, made with a house blend of flours, are spectacular. 1134 E. 54th St., 317-820-5100, diavola.net $$

Fernando’s Mexican & Brazilian Cuisine

BR 2025 MEXICAN AND BRAZILIAN This restaurant built a loyal following in Broad Ripple, then in 2025 expanded to Mass Ave, allowing the business—known for sharp, upscale takes on standards—to come into its own. An order of Sinaloa Tacos at the bar remains one of the city’s greatest treats, and the Crawfish Quesadilla is a brilliant marriage of Midwestern and Latin flavors. 834 E. 64th St., 317-377-4779; 888 Massachusetts Ave., 317-7716653, fernandosindy.com $$$

The Fountain Room

SUPPER CLUB This glitzy art deco restaurant is arguably the crown jewel of the Bottleworks area, with a showy lineup of steaks, seafood, and cocktails, as well as Midwestern stickto-your-ribs sides. Ask to be seated by the windows for maximum clout. 830 Massachusetts Ave., 463-238-3800, thefountainroom.com $$$$

Gather 22

BR 2025 BREEZY VIBES Indoor/outdoor living is the name of the game at Gather 22, which marries co-owner Pablo Gonzalez’s California roots with life and business partner Adam Reinstrom’s Hoosier upbringing. A stylish dining room makes way for a sweeping bar, backed by a huge outdoor (and dog-friendly) area. The menu is equally vibey, with a global menu of dishes backstopped

by a list of Byrne’s grilled pizzas (Adam Reinstrom’s parents own that Meridian-Kessler spot). True to its name, the restaurant was conceived by its owners as a social center for the neighborhood, with public events and gatherings multiple times a month. 22 E. 22nd St., 317-258-2222, gather22.com $$$

Golden Ace Inn

CLASSIC DIVE This friendly eastside bar has cooked its cheeseburgers in the same cast iron pans for close to a century, its third-generation owners will volunteer as you step in the door. This is a place for a shot and a beer, not tricky mixology—but if you play by the rules, everyone at the bar will soon be your best friend. 2533 E. Washington St., 317-632-0696, goldenaceinn.com $$

His Place Eatery

BR 2025 SOUL FOOD The packed tables at both locations of His Place Eatery tell you everything you need to know about this soul food institution. Married co-owners James and Shawn Jones ensure their business runs like a well-oiled machine, with orders of comfort food standards moving from kitchen to table in lightning speed. That said, you can also taste the care put into every dish; spices and seasonings are calibrated in a way you’ll rarely find in Indianapolis. Smart diners ask their server what they recommend on any given day—with a staff this dialed-in, they’ll always steer you in the right direction. 6916 E. 30th St., 317-545-4890; 1411 W. 86th St., 317-790-3406, hisplaceeatery.com $$

The Inferno Room

TIKI The menu at this bar goes well beyond the typical snacks, and its roster of tropically inspired cocktails is truly next level. All the classics are there, as is a long list of inventive original concoctions. 902 Virginia Ave., 317-4262343, theinfernoroom.com $$

Josephine

CONTEMPORARY FRENCH Ambrosia Hospitality Group might be best known for its Italian ventures, but for their newest restaurant, Dan Cage and Anna Pizzi Cage looked back to their newlywed days spent in France. The result is Josephine—named after Emperor Napoléon Bonaparte’s first wife—a modern take on bistro fare. Chef Andrew Popp has built a menu that balances out classics of the genre (yes, escargot and steak tartare are on the list) with twists on French onion soup—lightened here with chicken broth and sherry—and a citrus and fennel salad. Standout desserts include pot de crème topped with amaretto cream and an individual goat cheesecake topped with syrup-soaked cherries. 110 W. Main St., Carmel, 317-548-3589, josephinecarmel.com $$$$

Kanoon Smoked Meat & Steakhouse

NEW MIDDLE EASTERN SMOKEHOUSE Smoked meats ranging from beef short ribs, to bone-in lamb shoulder, to stuffed chickens are sold by the pound at this house of hearty plates. First-timers should go for a family-style dinner starting with an assortment of cold spreads like thick and garlicky baba ghanoush and vibrant tabbouleh salad. Empanada-like sambousek pastries filled with spiced ground beef are standouts among hot

SMALL BITE

starters. For dessert, a wedge of baklava with a welcome undertone of rosewater and a scoop of vanilla ice cream is the best bet, especially alongside a demitasse of stout Turkish coffee. 8594 E. 116th St., Fishers, 317- 567-4021, kanoon-indiana.com $$$

Kountry Kitchen

SOUL FOOD

This cozy soul food spot hits all the classics, including greens, mac and cheese, and deep-fried mains. Its engaging servers, who are happy to linger and chat, are what keep us coming back. 1831 N. College Ave., 317-635-6000, kountrykitchenindy.com $$$

Late Harvest Kitchen

CONTEMPORARY A luscious comfort food menu delivers top-shelf versions of dishes such as mushroom-stuffed half chicken under-a-brick, tagliatelle pasta loaded with pork Bolognese, and crispy chicken-fried oysters. Fully loaded potatoes Minneapolis is the essential side dish, as is the sticky toffee pudding for dessert. 8605 River Crossing Blvd., 317-663-8063, lateharvestkitchen.com $$$

The Loft Restaurant

FINE DINING

With its pastoral setting on the grounds of an artisanal dairy farm, Traders Point Creamery’s farmstead restaurant (housed in one of several restored historic barns) feels like a working model for farm-to-table dining. Some of the ingredients on the menu are grown on-site, and grass-fed Niman Ranch steaks, seasonal fish and seafood, and housemade yeast rolls are always solid choices, as is the burger made with 100-percent grass-fed

beef. 9101 Moore Rd., Zionsville, 317-733-1700, traderspointcreamery.com $$$

Lone Pine

BR 2025 STEAKHOUSE The first solo effort of Beholder partner and award-winning sommelier Josh Mazanowski is a culinary innovator that promises to take Carmel’s dining scene in a new direction. Beef is sourced from nearby farms, and its dining spaces are dotted with edgy art. Fun starters present vegetables with as much care as their meatier counterparts. This isn’t your average upscale pleaser; this is a longtime restaurateur finally expressing his full culinary viewpoint. 710 S. Rangeline Rd., Carmel, 317-907-0177, lonepinecarmel.com $$$$

Love Handle

BRUNCH This Mass Ave breakfast and lunch spot is as well-known for its fabulous fry-ups as for its eccentric and oft-changing menu. A selection of 16-bit arcade games and a wall of scary clown art either make this a family destination or a place kids will discuss with their therapists as adults. 877 Massachusetts Ave., 317-384-1102 $$$

Macizo

BR 2025 LATIN If there were an award for the cheeriest eatery by first-time restaurateurs, this Peruvian-Mexican charmer would win hands down. Owners Luz and Omar Gonza have created an atmosphere of bright colors and hip beats that align perfectly with the fruit-forward beer and wine cocktails at the cozy bar. The vibrantly plated food

completes the scene: Tiradito, luscious slices of tuna with citrusy leche de tigre, is a must for fresh seafood fans, and Sopa Criolla with beef and a runny egg, along with creamy Pasta Huancaina with hearty lomo saltado sauce are perfect Peruvian comfort foods. 6335 Intech Commons Dr.. 463-202-2853, macizorestaurant .com $$$

Magdalena

BR 2025 NEW ORLEANS This funky New Orleans–inflected bar and bistro from spirits enthusiast and restaurateur Nick Detrich reflects his experience running spots in the Big Easy, with expertly mixed elixirs, including perhaps the best Sazerac in town, and dazzling seafood towers, ultra-fresh oysters from the Alabama Gulf, and a tidy menu of mains with Lowcountry influences. 1127 Shelby St., 317-691-8021, magdalena.bar

$$$$

Maialina Italian Kitchen + Bar

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

$$$$

Marrakesh Moroccan Cuisine & Bar MOROCCAN A refined seasonal menu by Casablanca-born chef Aziz Mountassar honors

Zionsville’s Cobblestone restaurant continues to serve delicious American fare with signature dishes and new favorites in an elevated yet casual atmosphere.

Our bar features craft cocktails, draft beers, and a large bourbon selection.

Dining outside on our dog friendly, brick-lined patio is available, weather permitting. And live music plays every weekend.

Open every week for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, you’re always welcome at Cobblestone.

his roots through aromatic tagines, seafood-rich bisque Atlantique, and spice-driven cocktails. Special earthenware vessels enhance the immersive experience. 4923 N. College Ave., 317-600-3039, marrakesh-indy.com $$$

Nesso

ITALIAN Highly stylized seafood and meats paired with small pasta courses and shared a la carte sides add up to a sumptuous dining experience inside The Alexander hotel. Pass around a plate of prosciutto-wrapped prunes or crab arancini, but keep the tortelloni and sea bass all to yourself. 339 S. Delaware St., 317-6437400, nesso-italia.com $$$

Oakleys Bistro

CONTEMPORARY Steven Oakley’s meticulously plated fare 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 $$$$

Petite Chou

FRENCH A little bit of Paris in Indy, this bistro and Champagne bar from the founders of Cafe Patachou offers all the casual French classics you’d like, from Croque Monsieur to crepes. Les enfants get their own lineup, which includes a very grown-up brioche French toast. 823 E. Westfield Blvd., 317-259-0765, petitechoubistro.com $$$

Revery

CONTEMPORARY This Old Greenwood bistro inside an 1800s-era drugstore offers approachable fine dining, with a more casual bar on the historic building’s back end. Small plates have included beets with whipped goat cheese and wasabi, while entrees are seasonal and skew toward seafood, with lobster, halibut, and mussels on recent menus. Whiskey drinks get priority on the cocktail menu, and their old fashioned feels fresh and new. 299 W. Main St., Greenwood, 317-215-4164, reveryrestaurantgroup .com $$$

Rick’s Cafe Boatyard

SEAFOOD You don’t have to be a Parrothead to appreciate the pontoon-life allure of Eagle Creek’s waterside restaurant with its breezy dining room on stilts over the Dandy Trail boat slips. The menu gets creative with all the casual dining tropes, mixing smoked salmon nachos and chicken cordon bleu fingers in with the jumbo shrimp martinis. With a full menu of mules, tropical cocktails, and nonalcoholic concoctions, this is also a great spot for a couple of snacks and a drink or two at sunset. 4050 Dandy Trail, 317-290-9300, ricksboatyard.com

$$$

Sam’s Square Pie

BR 2025 PIZZA With its limited hours and three-day baking schedule, Jeff Miner’s pizza passion project still feels like an insider score when you can get it. And get it you should, given that the NFL camera operator boasts a second-place ranking at the International Pizza Expo for his painstaking Detroit pie, with a crust that’s deeply browned

around the edge yet chewy and pillowy in the middle generously loaded with tangy sauce, meats, and dollops of ricotta. Takeout is always an option, but eating in the slender dining room dressed with funky outsider art allows Miner’s fans to catch him in his element. 2829 E. 10th St., samssquarepie.com $$$

Serliana

FRENCH-INSPIRED STEAKHOUSE Located inside the InterContinental hotel on Monument Circle, this posh, French-inspired restaurant with chef Craig Baker at its helm features continental standards with modern, local upgrades such as an Indiana ribeye French dip, brunch biscuits and gravy, and a sorghum-glazed pork chop. 17 W. Market St., 463-303-0380, serlianaindy.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, formerly of wing spot Chicken Scratch, is in the kitchen, serving Southern and soul-infused dishes such as lamb lollipops, Cajun penne, and garlic-parmesan wings. The cocktails are strong, the music is loud, and while dinner is delightful, brunch is the real scene. 2380 E. 54th St., 317-974-9288, shadowloungeindy.com $$$

Shapiro’s

Delicatessen

DELI Slide your tray along and take your pick of East Coast–style comfort foods at this familyowned downtown institution. Hot pastrami and corned beef sandwiches on rye have drawn long lines for more than a century. The Reuben is a contender for the city’s best, and heartier fare such as potato pancakes, stuffed cabbage, and matzo ball soup are perennially satisfying standbys. If you don’t load up on a massive slice of cheesecake or pie, you haven’t really had the proper Shapiro’s experience. 808 S. Meridian St., 317-631-4041, shapiros.com $$

SMALL BITE

St. Elmo Steak House

BR 2025 CLASSIC In a city so rich in steakhouses, can a familiar favorite like St. Elmo still hold its own? Yes, absolutely—though the restaurant is one of the city’s longeststanding, it’s never taken its foot off the gas. Shrimp cocktails, giant slabs of beef, and martinis remain the stars of the show and are prepared just as excellently now as they were the first time you visited (for a birthday, graduation, or prom, perhaps). It’s been hitting it hard since 1902 and shows no signs of slowing down. 127 S. Illinois St., 317-6350636, stelmos.com

$$$$

Strange Bird

umami-laden, while additions like pork belly and scallops are of peerless quality. 128 S. Audubon Rd., 317-550-4115, strangebirdindy.com

$$$

Tinker Street

BR 2025 CONTEMPORARY The Pedro Pascal of Indy, Tinker Street makes excellence look loose and easy, even when your brain tells you its staff must be working as hard as hell. From the sip of bubbles you’re offered when you walk in to the pitch for ricotta doughnuts you get at the end, it’s a breezy dining affair with food of the highest possible caliber. You can feel the kitchen staff having fun with the menu, which changes on the regular—and that fun translates into one of the warmest, most generous dining experiences around. 402 E. 16th St., 317-925-5000, tinkerstreetrestaurant.com $$$$

Tlaolli

MEXICAN There’s a reason the Food Network keeps featuring this taco shop on its programs: Owner Carlos Hutchinson might be one of Indy’s nicest residents. That kindness extends to animals, as Tlaolli’s menu has an abundance of vegan offerings, including a vaunted plantbased birria. 2830 E. Washington St., 317-4109507, tlaolli.org $$

Vicino

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. New seating and light fixtures add a brighter palette to the sleek former Hedge Row location, and a nicely edited menu offers familiar classics with a few twists for the more daring. 350 Massachusetts Ave., 317-798-2492, vicinoindy.com $$$

Wisanggeni Pawon

FRESH HERB

Brownsburg’s brunch-focused Toast & Thyme opened in March, rolling out a menu of omelets, avocado toasts, sandwiches, elaborate latte creations, and matcha. 773 E. Main St., Brownsburg, 317-603-1101, toastthyme breakfastcafe.com

BR 2025 RAMEN Trained in Japan, chef Kyle Humphreys came to Indianapolis to eventually open his Shoyu Shop inside Irvington tiki bar Strange Bird. It’s a glorious pairing, as the thatched and 1970s-leaning interior lends itself equally as well to fun, rum-heavy drinks as it does to big bowls of hand-cut noodles. Broths are layered and

BR 2025 INDONESIAN Aji Wisanggeni and Putri Pratiwi’s Indonesian knockout has quickly evolved into a fixture of Indy’s food community. An ever-expanding menu offers spice-forward dishes such as beef rendang simmered in coconut milk or fried duck with rice and nose-clearing homemade sambal, as well as one of the tastiest fried rice plates in the city. 2450 E. 71st St., 317-756-9477, wpawon.com $$

INDIANAPOLIS MONTHLY (ISSN 0899-0328) is published monthly ($24 for 12 issues) at 8909 Purdue Rd., Suite 130, Indianapolis, IN 46268. Copyright © 2026 Cincinnati Media, LLC, a subsidiary of Hour Media, LLC, 5750 New King Dr., Ste. 100, Troy, MI 48098. The Indianapolis Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph, or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Opinions in the magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent management views. The magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and photographs.

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INDIANAPOLIS

Johnson County Turtles

AT A GLANCE, THEY LOOK LIKE CUTE GARDEN DECOR. BUT THIS TURTLE TRIO HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT ON THE GROUNDS OF THE INDIANA STATE MUSEUM HAS A STORY TO TELL. BY

VISITORS CAN take a tour of the Hoosier state at the Indiana State Museum without ever stepping inside. The building’s limestone architecture is embedded with sculptures like birds, farm tools, and landscapes, with a handful of freestanding pieces that can be spotted on the grounds, as well. With symbolism tied to history, industry, nature, or culture, each icon of the 92 County Walk represents its respective locale. The artworks pay homage to woodworking, poultry farming—even the nation’s first train robbery in 1866. Among the most playful are these bronze turtles that appear to amble single file along a railing on the terrace representing Johnson County, directly south of Marion County. Their shells were cast from military helmets, a nod to Camp Atterbury, where four infantry divisions trained for combat in WWII, including the Buffalo Soldiers of the 92nd, who paved the way for desegregation in the military, and the 106th, who won the decisive Battle of the Bulge. Turtles are an apt symbol of Johnson County.

CHRISTINA VERCELLETTO

Its network of ponds, streams, and forested wetlands are home to many species of aquatic and semi-aquatic turtles, particularly the Hills of Gold Conservation Area and Youngs Creek, a tributary of the Driftwood River (which feeds into White River), where they bask on logs. Among them are the painted turtle, a 15-million-year-old species adapted to Indiana winters by the antifreeze-like substance in its blood, and stinkpots, which spew a foul, musky odor. The lumbering common snapping turtle, meanwhile, looks like a dinosaur—long, sawtooth tail and all. The softshell turtle likes to bury itself then poke its spindly snout out of the sand to breath. The map turtle, with its shell that resembles an atlas, is unique because females are vastly larger than males. All sculptures of the 92 County Walk were created by craftspeople across the state— metalworkers, stone carvers, glass artists, and machinists— making the ambitious project a collaboration that reflects Indiana’s artistic community, as well as its geography.

PHOTO BY CLAY MAXFIELD

MIAMI UNIVERSITY SUPPORTS STUDENT

MENTAL HEALTH THROUGH HORSE THERAPY

At Miami University, equine-assisted therapy connects students with counselors — and horses — to promote positive mental health. At our on-campus equestrian center, students groom and care for the horses while participating in talk therapy with a counselor. This partnership between the Student Counseling Service and Miami’s Equestrian Center represents the university’s dedication to supporting our students’ and community’s well-being. Learn more: