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Doug Jones: Our Favorite Monster

Fall Drives

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Welcome to Autumn in the Midwest

GREENCASTL

P S H E WA N A

SHI

Peep the leaves at O’Bannon Woods State Park.

EIZA GONZÁLEZ

MADISON

10 2026 ON THE COVER

FALL DRIVES

BEHIND THE MASK

Autumn ushers in bonfires, corn mazes, ghost tours, and leaf-peeping, along with weekend road trips to Indiana’s hidden gems and not-so-hidden locales—from Auburn to New Harmony.

Performance artist Doug Jones may be hard to recognize sans heavy stage makeup. But underneath it all, the Bishop Chatard and Ball State alum retains his Hoosier humility.

E DI T E D BY A N DR E A R AT C L I F F

BY L O U H A R RY

IM | OCTOBER 2026

PHOTO BY BRUCE SMITH

Photograph by Tony Valainis

Actor Doug Jones, unmasked

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10 2026

ISSUE 2

G O OD L I F E

C I RC L E C I T Y

SPEED READ

WANTED

SWOON

The development of a Lebanon industrial park is met with ecological concerns.

A semiprecious stone skull from a Plainfield boutique brings renewed energy to spooky season home decor.

Put on the ritz with broiled Oysters Rockefeller from Westfield’s Broad Ripple Seafood North & Bar.

THE HOOSIERIST

Our Indiana expert sheds new light on bioluminescent insect and plant species.

SHOP TALK

FIRST BITE

Bestie vibes abound at Beech Grove treasure trove Scream Queen.

Big Lug Filling Station opens for service in Garfield Park, and Eve’s Garden Deli observes an advent with its Broad Ripple storefront.

A manner-festo for the World Food Championships at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

Author Hailey Renee jots down her fall style staples.

FOODIE

UNSPOKEN RULES

MY LOOK

ARTIFACT

TRAVELER

A well-worn bell clapper tolls for a pioneer settlement in Hamilton County.

Uncover small-town secrets on a spirited jaunt through Northern Kentucky.

BEST BETS

DAY TRIP

Five can’t-miss events in Indy this month.

Columbus, Indiana, hosts a festive “Monster Mash” at Mill Race Park.

Former Indy Now co-host Ryan Ahlwardt refocuses on his music career with the release of a new album.

Beauty maven and salon owner Candis Taylor styles a community coffee klatch on East Michigan Street.

TASTE TEST

Move over, funfetti. A colorful sprinkling of dot cakes points to the latest trend in baked goods.

REVIEW

Trade treats for tricks with your best wizard, princess, and ghost pals.

Chef Aziz Mountassar leans into Asian fusion and omakase at Zionsville’s Niku Kitchen & Sushi Bar.

PET PROJECT

79 IM | OCTOBER 2026

ASK ME ANYTHING

T H E DI S H

RESTAURANT GUIDE

BACK STORY

A tour of the city’s best eats, from fine dining to favorite dives.

Discover a storybook pine forest hidden in plain sight on the northeast side of Indy.

VOLUME 50

E DI T OR’S NO T E

Simmer Down WITH THE WORLD FOOD CHAMPIONSHIPS ARRIVING AT THE INDIANA STATE FAIRGROUNDS THIS MONTH (P. 14), WE ASKED THE IM STAFF TO NAME THE EVENTS THEY WOULD MOST SAVOR JUDGING.

Autumnal Equilibrium AS EACH SUM M E R WANES, I count the days until the start of fall with giddy anticipation. Not only do cooler temps necessitate gearing up in my favorite cozy wardrobe pieces like sweaters and boots, but they also signal the end of gardening and lawn-mowing season. As beautiful as trees and landscapes are during full bloom, they take on a whole new life while winding down this time Andrea Ratcliff of year. The fiery reds, burnt oranges, and golden Editor-in-Chief yellows of autumn provide a richly hued backdrop for pastimes such as hayrides, apple picking, bonfires, and trick-or-treating, as well as weekend road trips to cities and towns near and far. This month’s cover feature (p. 40) takes readers to 10 Indiana locales that offer charming attractions, scenic vantage points, classic comfort food, and plenty of Hoosier hospitality. We encourage following the path less traveled for peak sightseeing and leaf-peeping. For those of you who relish in spooky season chills and thrills, we serve up a grab bag of treats this month—from glowing jack-o’-lantern mushrooms (p. 14), to a semiprecious stone skull (p. 21), to furry friends decked in costumes (p. 28). We also catch up with former morning show host Ryan Ahlwardt, who stepped away from the TV screen to dedicate more time to his singing career (p. 18), and we peek behind the mask of chameleonlike actor Doug Jones (p. 52), whose career path transported him from the theatrical stage of Bishop Chatard High School to Hollywood film sets with stops at Ball State University, Kings Island, and North Manchester in between.

( CONTRIBUTORS )

“Grilled cheese. I burn it every time. It seems so easy for everyone else. What is the secret?” —Christina Vercelletto, lifestyle editor

“I would want to watch someone bake a pecan pie with a ﬁlling that is ﬁrm, not soupy. I cannot perfect it, and anyone who can is a champion in my eyes!” —Sarah Anderton, account executive

“Hot dogs. My son will eat a cold one (OK, I do, too), but I want to see how the pros do it. I’m imagining hot dogs piled high with all the toppings. Can they turn a childhood staple into something fancy?” —Jennifer Burnham, managing editor

“Chocolate chip cookies. My dad has the recipe for the original Archway chocolate chip drop cookie, but it’s written for large-scale bakery production. It never tastes the same when I scale it down, so I’m forever chasing the high of my favorite childhood treat.” —Sarah Ellis, associate art director

Jennifer Burnham

Hennie Haworth

Michelle Mastro

Indianapolis Monthly managing editor Jennifer Burnham started her editorial journey as an intern at the magazine in 2013. The IU School of Journalism grad recently returned after working at The Saturday Evening Post and two smalltown newspapers. Burnham’s greatest assignment so far: raising her 8-year-old son, Mason, who’s helped her cover everything from county fairs to city council meetings.

UK-based illustrator Hennie Haworth lives and works in the picturesque historical market town of Totnes. Her cheery, approachable work focuses on themes of travel, crafts, nature, food, gardens, antiques, collecting, and maps. The details are what give a location its character and charm, and she has enjoyed exploring the Hoosier state’s colorful fall attractions (p. 40) through her map illustration.

Freelance lifestyle and travel writer Michelle Mastro is based in Southern Indiana. When she’s not busy putting pen to paper, she and her husband enjoy zipping around the area, uncovering the best road trip gems (p. 40). She hopes readers are inspired to veer off the beaten path next time they set out on an adventure, whether it’s leaf-peeping or wolfing down James Beard–approved fried chicken.

IM | OCTOBER 2026

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“Seafood! I don’t care how full I am. If there is still crab or ﬁsh on my plate, I will eat it!” —Christiana Bertsch, advertising art director

PUBLISHER Ivy Bayer

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS IN THIS ISSUE

59 // TRAVEL Drink in the best craft beverages and cozy nightlife environments the Midwest has to offer with this guide to breweries, distilleries, and speakeasies throughout Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.

59 73 // SCHOOL PROFILES Weigh your child’s education options from pre-K through high school with this guide to local schools that includes stats about enrollment, tuition, graduation rates, student-faculty ratios, and more.

IM | OCTOBER 2026

IN THE NEXT ISSUE ...

TOP DOCTOR PROFILES: Want to learn more about the top doctors listed in our November cover feature? Our expanded profiles offer more detailed information about physicians’ backgrounds and experience, practice specialties, signature procedures, and care philosophies.

HOLIDAY CHEER: Ring in the winter season with a full roster of music, theater, and dance performances, as well as art exhibitions, light shows, film screenings, and artisan markets to make your days (and nights) merry and bright.

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ASK THE HO OSIE RIST . . . . 14

C I RC L E C I T Y

UNSP OKE N RULES . . . . . . . . . 14 ARTIFACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 BEST BETS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 ASK M E ANY T H I NG . . . . . . . 18

SPEED READ

LEAP of Faith

A sprawling new industrial park draws both economic development and controversy.

Illustration by K E V I N W H I P P L E

OCTOBER 2026 | IM

( SPEED READ CON T I NUE D )

Depending on who you ask, the LEAP district is either a once-in-a-generation opportunity to attract thousands of high-paying, high-tech jobs, or an environmental gamble that could drain the water table and jack up electricity rates. The debate involves everyone from state officials and city leaders to birdwatchers, environmental advocates, and the site’s next-door neighbors. Here’s what all the fuss is about.

“WE’VE NEVER SEEN AN ISSUE THAT HAS UNITED HOOSIERS IN OPPOSITION ACROSS THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM.” which would distribute it at the LEAP district. Citizens draws drinking water from several rivers, reservoirs, and groundwater wells around Central Indiana, including Eagle Creek Reservoir, which will be on the hook for a portion of LEAP’s needs. But advocacy groups question whether Eagle Creek can afford to supply the industrial park. EAGLE CREEK RESERVOIR IS FAR MORE THAN JUST A STORAGE TANK FOR DRINKING WATER.

THE PROJECT IS A VERY BIG DEAL. LEAP, which stands for Limitless Exploration/ Advanced Pace, is a massive, nascent industrial campus situated near Lebanon. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation wants the roughly 9,000-acre district to attract industries developing semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and other cutting-edge goods. A massive Eli Lilly and Company drug production complex and a sprawling Meta data center are already under construction, with room for lots, lots more. ONE OF THE STATE’S BIGGEST SELLING POINTS FOR LEAP IS EXPEDITED REGULATORY APPROVALS. State officials have

promoted LEAP as a “shovel-ready” development site where major employers can begin construction far more quickly than if they had to assemble land and permits on their own. Supporters argue that speed is essential because billion-dollar manufacturers often choose among competing states on tight timelines. Critics counter that moving quickly can leave important environmental questions unanswered and reduce opportunities for public scrutiny before major decisions are made.

It also anchors Eagle Creek Park, one of the nation’s largest municipal parks, encompassing roughly 5,000 acres of woods, prairie, and water on Indianapolis’ northwest side. During seasonal drawdowns, broad mudflats emerge around portions of the shoreline, creating all-you-can-eat buffets for migrating shorebirds searching for insects, worms, and tiny aquatic creatures. OPPONENTS FEAR ADDITIONAL WATER WITHDRAWALS WILL GRADUALLY DEGRADE THE ECOSYSTEM. They argue that even modest changes in water levels may alter shoreline habitat, reduce the size or duration of the seasonal mudflats, and affect fish spawning and aquatic vegetation. They also worry that Central Indiana could face more frequent droughts in coming decades, making every gallon of water increasingly valuable. To critics, the concern is less about one dry summer than it is about the cumulative impact over many decades. THE DEBATE ISN’T JUST ABOUT TAKING WATER OUT. It also involves what hap-

The wet stuff will be used to, among a great many other things, support the massive cooling systems required by data centers and rinse microscopic particles from silicon wafers for semiconductor manufacturing. Planners estimate LEAP might eventually require around 25 million gallons daily.

pens after the water is used. Industrial facilities generate millions of gallons of treated wastewater each day. Early proposals envisioned releasing some of it into waterways associated with Eagle Creek, prompting concerns about pollutants. After intense public criticism, Lebanon officials announced they would pursue a discharge location outside Eagle Creek Park. Even so, Indianapolis officials are studying what wastewater releases could mean for the larger watershed.

FINDING ALL THAT WATER ISN’T SIMPLE.

WATER IS HARDLY THE ONLY ISSUE LEAP

Citizens Energy Group has agreed to supply water to Lebanon Utilities,

OPPONENTS FRET ABOUT. Critics also raise concerns about the amount of

LEAP TENANTS WILL NEED LOTS OF WATER.

IM | OCTOBER 2026

electricity the district would consume, the cost of adding new transmission lines, tax incentives for large corporations, and the use of public financing for infrastructure. The Citizens Action Coalition, for example, says Meta’s planned data center is a primary concern because of its electricity and water needs. The CAC also points to construction impacts ranging from noise and dust to round-the-clock lighting in what has traditionally been a rural area. WHEN ALL OF THIS WILL BE RESOLVED IS ANYONE’S GUESS. Although LEAP’s first tenants are already building, the U.S. Geological Survey and Indianapolis are conducting studies of its impact on Eagle Creek. Critics hope public pressure or changing economic conditions will alter the project’s more controversial plans. “We’ve never seen an issue that has united Hoosiers in opposition across the political spectrum, across rural and urban communities, across ages and political affiliations,” says CAC program director Ben Inskeep. “There’s lots of things that could happen in that interim period that could change plans or make them less bad.” OPPONENTS SAY LOTS OF DECISIONS WERE MADE IN THE DARK, WITH LITTLE OUTSIDE INPUT. Another recurring criticism is that too many decisions were made behind closed doors. Inskeep argues that key information about utility costs, infrastructure financing, and the project’s long-term impact has not been made available to the public. “We have next to no transparency about this project and how rate payers are being protected,” he says. “It’s all behind the scenes. It’s all vague promises, vague statements, and not a lot of data and facts.” WHILE THE LEAP PLAN MIGHT STILL BE ALTERED IN SOME WAYS, THE PROJECT ITSELF WILL ALMOST CERTAINLY GO FORWARD.

Despite the ongoing debate, there is little indication that Indiana will abandon LEAP. The remaining questions largely involve how the district will operate, how its environmental impacts will be managed, and whether some development can be satisfactorily modified as construction continues. —SA M STA L L

( UNSPOKEN RULES )

World Food Championships

ask THE HOOSIERIST

Where the Wild Things Glow Q: ARE THERE ANY BIOLUMINESCENT PLANT OR ANIMAL SPECIES IN INDIANA? A: Sadly, Indiana’s roster of glow-in-the-dark life is sparse. The most common, by far, is the firefly. We host around 40 varieties, including the Say’s firefly, our official state insect. Interestingly, while many species flash lights at night, some types, called dark fireflies, don’t light up at all. However, all firefly larvae glow continuously, earning the nickname glowworms. Beyond fireflies, Indiana offers few other natural night-lights. The gills of the bright orange, poisonous jack-o’-lantern mushroom glow faintly, only noticeable if it’s really dark and your eyes are well-adjusted. And if you split open a rotten log on a dark night, you might catch a faint green glow from fungal threads (mycelium) inside the wood. But that’s about it. If you want a nighttime light show, buy some bottle rockets. — S A M S TA L L

THE STATE STAT

130,000,000 pounds of pumpkins produced annually in Indiana

IM | OCTOBER 2026

Come hungry, obviously. Wear comfortable attire, i.e. walking shoes and layers. It’s an indoor/ outdoor event. Bring the kids; they’ll love watching their peers in the WFC Junior competition. Samples abound, but you can’t eat the dishes from the competitions unless you ... Purchase a premium ticket to the Burger Battle, Dessert Smash, or Ignite! BBQ Party. Noncompetitive offerings include chef talks, live music, games, and more. But the most avid food sport lovers shouldn’t miss Sunday’s final round, when the top contestants battle it out and are crowned.

This is enough to make our state the nation’s third-largest pumpkin producer. But we’re nowhere near No. 1 Illinois and its 530,000,000 pounds.

ILLUSTRATION BY RYAN JOHNSON; PHOTO COURTESY WORLD FOOD CHAMPIONSHIPS

A MANNER-FESTO FOR THE WORLD’S LARGEST KITCHEN ARENA EVENT TAKING PLACE AT THE INDIANA STATE FAIRGROUNDS OCTOBER 15–18

ARTIFACT

Roberts Chapel bell clapper VINTAGE: 1910 S Resides in the Roberts Settlement collection

LOCATED NEAR presentday Atlanta, Indiana, Roberts Chapel was built in 1858 by a group of Free People of Color who had set down roots in 1835, calling their community Roberts Settlement. A belfry was added in 1916. This 5.65pound, cast-iron clapper and its bell are believed to have been mass-produced by the C.S. Bell Company in Hillsboro, Ohio, around the same time. In those days, many items, even church and school bells, were chosen from catalogs and shipped to the purchaser. The clapper’s worn and ﬂattened sides reveal over 100 years of continuous use. The bell signaled the Sunday call to worship until well into the 1950s. Today, descendants of the Roberts Settlement’s early residents gather for an annual homecoming, with an elder ringing the bell to begin the afternoon program. — C A M I L L E G R AV E S

P h o t o b y H AT S U E

OCTOBER 2026 | IM

PHOTOS COURTESY: (1) THE CROWN HILL FOUNDATION; (2) INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY; (3) DEMEL BOLDEN; (4) DONNA RINER; (5) ADOBE

THIS MONTH’S CAN’T–MISS EVENTS

(1) Skeletons in the

Closet Tour

October 3, 14, and 31 No matter how hard you try, some secrets you can’t take to your grave. Learn the chilling and tragic tales that haunted the lives of some of Crown Hill Cemetery’s most renowned residents on this popular tour. crownhillhf.org 16

IM | OCTOBER 2026

(2) Indianapolis 8 Hour October 10 This 8-hour-long endurance race on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s infield road course pits the world’s top luxury sports car brands including McLaren, BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Aston Martin, Corvette, Ferrari, and Porsche against each other. indianapolismotor speedway.com

(3) Art & Soul Featured

Artist Showcase

October 11 Playwright and musician Dr. Austin Dean Ashford, singer-songwriter D’yshe Mansfield, spoken word performer Auboni Essence, and keyboardist Kenn.wav come together for The Reset, a showcase of their works at the Madam Walker Legacy Center. indyarts.org

(4) OwlFest October 17–18 Free with park admission, OwlFest offers visitors to Eagle Creek Park Ornithology Center two days of hikes, birdwatching adventures, expert talks, crafts, games, and more focused on the majestic nocturnal birds of prey and other wildlife. eaglecreekpark.org

(5) Indiana Hoosiers

Versus North Carolina Tar Heels

October 18 IU and the University of North Carolina men’s basketball teams put their skills to the test in this preseason game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, a high-intensity preview of the season to come. iuhoosiers.com I l l u s t r a t i o n b y H AT S U E

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relationships with friends at Fox 59, especially with Jillian Deam, my amazing co-host and work sister of five years. Thankfully, those friendships will continue long beyond my time at the station.

What is your musical background? I grew up singing in church and school choirs, including at Hamilton Southeastern. At IU, I joined Straight No Chaser, and we toured the world, performing everywhere from the Hollywood Bowl in LA to the Royal Albert Hall in London. I’ve shared the stage and studio with artists like The Beach Boys, Barry Manilow, Sara Bareilles, Shania Twain, and more. My roots are in Fishers, which has been my home since 1992, and it’s a joy to live and work in the same community where my creative passions and talents began to grow more than 30 years ago.

Ryan Ahlwardt, singer-songwriter THE MANTRA “YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE” (OR YOLO) IS A PHILOSOPHY CENTERED ON SEIZING EVERY OPPORTUNITY. FORMER FOX 59 INDY NOW HOST AND STRAIGHT NO CHASER ALUM RYAN AHLWARDT EMBODIES THAT IDEA BY STEPPING AWAY FROM THE CAMERA AND BACK INTO A PLACE HE KNOWS VERY WELL—BEHIND THE MICROPHONE AS A SINGER-SONGWRITER. HE HOSTS A RECORD RELEASE PARTY FOR HIS NEW ALBUM, CRYING IN THE CANYON, ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, AT THE TARKINGTON THEATER AT ALLIED SOLUTIONS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS IN CARMEL. B Y D E V O N D E A N You were an Indy Now host for almost ﬁve years. What made you decide it was time to step away and pursue music full-time? I felt called to spend more time with my wife, Lauren, and our two children, Olivia and Gus. I also wanted to create a career that reflects all of who I am as an artist and entertainer. 18

IM | OCTOBER 2026

Music is a big part of that, but so are hosting events, voiceover work, and collaborations with my creative community. I want to do it all.

What has been the hardest part of leaving television? I’ll miss the daily excitement of putting on a live show and the

So fans will have more chances to see you live now? Beyond my album release party at the end of the month, I want to put on annual concerts at the Palladium and beyond. I’ll also continue performing throughout Central Indiana with my wife, Lauren, and The Indy Nights Band, along with hosting special events around the state. All of my tour dates, music, and videos can be found on my website, ryansongs.com. What inspires you creatively? Where do the ideas for your songs come from? I’m nostalgic at my core and inspired by ordinary moments and

PHOTO BY MEGAN MELLINGER

ASK ME ANYTHING

What can fans expect from your upcoming album? Crying in the Canyon is rooted in the golden age of acoustic singersongwriter music that was born out of Southern California in the early 1970s. If you love James Taylor; the Eagles; America; Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young; or Carole King, these eight new songs will send you back to that warm and mellow era of breezy listening music. I’m deeply proud of it and can’t wait for people to enjoy it on a sunset cruise on Geist, in the car with the windows down, or around a firepit with close friends and a bourbon or two—drink responsibly!

settings that often get overlooked: lazy Sunday afternoons listening to records as a family, conversations on road trips with friends, the feeling of late October in Bloomington. Usually, a title, phrase, or melody shows up first, then I live with it for a while. Rarely will a song come to me fully formed; more often, I’ll find a few other songs by my favorite artists that could be cousins to the one I’m writing and use them as a palette of sorts.

As a performer, musician, and songwriter, what’s your “north star”? What guides you? I want to create songs, stories, and experiences that bring people together, help them notice the beauty in ordinary life, and maybe even encounter God’s goodness there. If people leave my concerts a little lighter than when they arrived, I’ll feel like I’m doing what I was created to do. You have quite an impressive resume. What’s the biggest highlight of your career so far? Being a part of Straight No Chaser and being signed to Atlantic Records changed my life. Winning an Emmy Award this year with the Indy Now team at Fox 59 was certainly meaningful. I’ve been fortunate to perform on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, several PBS specials, and during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Some of my favorite moments are much smaller: hearing someone tell me that a song I wrote helped them through a difficult season, watching an audience become completely present together during a show, or hearing our kids singing a song from my new album. Biggest inﬂuences? There are no Ryan Ahlwardt songs without James Taylor, The Beatles, Brian Wilson, or John Mayer. I also love the nostalgia of Ben Rector, the soul of Jonathan Splithoff, and the production of Kacey Musgraves and Olivia Dean. I’m also inspired by painters like Mark Rothko, Edward Hopper, and my local friend Justin Vining and Hoosier writers like Jean Shepherd, Hoagy Carmichael, and Cole Porter because I believe songwriting benefits from learning how other art forms tell stories. If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?

In this current season of life, I’d have to go with Ben Rector. Lauren and I got to meet him backstage after his recent show with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and he made us feel like we’d known him for years. If you’ve never heard his music, his albums Magic and The Joy of Music would be great places to start. While we’re putting some big dreams out there, I’d also love to sell out the IU Auditorium and be part of the prerace music at the Indy 500. Doug Boles, have your people call my people!

What are you listening to lately? My favorite Beatles album, Revolver. I usually have ’80s and ’90s music on when I’m driving the kids around, including Oasis, Michael Jackson, Tears for Fears, and Tom Petty. We also listen to worship music, like Elevation, Forrest Frank, Maverick City, and instrumental and classical from Mozart, Beethoven, Glenn Miller. On any given day, you could find me listening to everything from Frank Sinatra or Chet Baker to Boyz II Men or Nirvana. I’ve also been known to sing some Friday night karaoke at Syd’s Bar on the square in Noblesville, where I’m happily becoming a regular. Favorite album of all time? If I only get one ... James Taylor’s Greatest Hits. I remember listening to “Shower the People,” “Sweet Baby James,” “Mexico,” and “Carolina in My Mind” when my feet couldn’t even touch the floor in the family Volkswagen camper circa 1986. My parents raised my sister Heather and me on the music of their high school and college days, and those influences are an indelible part of my songwriting.

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What advice would you give to young musicians and singers? Know and serve your audience! Play for 50 people as if there are 5,000. Study your favorite artists’ songwriting moves and careers. Build a creative community of diversely talented friends and collaborators. The future of music will be even more personalized and niche as new technologies allow artists and listeners to find one another, so lean into your unique style of storytelling, singing, or playing. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, never let praise go to your head or criticism go to your heart. OCTOBER 2026 | IM

'FJOTUFJO T JT $BSNFMŨT QSFNJFS MJTUFOJOH SPPN BOE VQTDBMF TVQQFS DMVC GFBUVSJOH OBUJPOBMMZ BDDMBJNFE NVTJDJBOT #SPBEXBZ TUBST USJCVUF TIPXT BOE NPSF &WFSZ QFSGPSNBODF PGGFST BO JOUJNBUF BOE VOGPSHFUUBCMF MJWF FOUFSUBJONFOU EJOJOH FYQFSJFODF

UPCOMING SHOWS

@HOTELCARMICHAEL | @FEINSTEINSHC VISIT FEINSTEINSHC.COM TO PURCHASE TICKETS.

10 2026

SHOP TALK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

G O OD L I F E

MY LOOK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 TRAV E LE R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 PET PROJE CT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

WANTED

Cool Heads Prevail A unique conversation piece, this skull was hand carved in Pakistan of ocean jasper, so named because of its striking wave patterns. “There’s a large part of the crystal community who collect skulls speciﬁcally, some for the spiritual connection and others just for the beauty of the materials and the workmanship,” shares Tracey Andrews, owner of Earth Wear Rock Shop. The store specializes in gems, minerals, and handcrafted jewelry. Some believe that each type of gemstone has a different metaphysical property, Andrews says. “Ocean jasper is a stone of joy and renewal.” $98. Skulls made of other materials available. Earth Wear Rock Shop, 204 N. Mill St., Plainﬁeld, 317-440-6108 — C H R I S T I NA V E R C E L L E T T O

P h o t o b y T O N Y VA L A I N I S

OCTOBER MONTH 2022 2026 | IM

MY LOOK

Scream Queen ADDRESS

612 Main St., Beech Grove

Hailey Renee 3

Author

WHAT A FUN FALL OUTFIT.

It’s got all the snug autumn vibes. Every piece was thrifted in Indy. My favorite part is my silver belt.

( SHOP TALK )

Baubles or Bust

DO YOU SEE DRESSING AS A MOOD BOOSTER?

A UNIQUE NEW BUSINESS PROVES GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN. B Y C H R I S T I NA V E R C E L L E T T O SCREAM QUE E N, a “boutique and social club with a bestie vibe,” as bubbly owner Michelle Spalding puts it, sells all things pink or sparkly, alongside eclectic vintage wares, local art, craft supplies, and a garland bar. In the back of the shop named for Spalding’s love of horror films is a community space for maker classes and fright-flick movie nights. “The goal is a place where girls feel encouraged to be bold, creative, and connected,” says Spalding, who sells handmade enamel mushroom earrings on behalf of a local ninth grader. Turning neighbors into friends is a priority that was on full display one Friday. Spalding told kindergartner Theo to pick as many prizes as he liked off her Trinket Trade Table. (He took three, promising to return with replacements.) When found-object artist Dan wandered in, she encouraged him to send photos of his work. Dogs are her neighbors, too. Bernedoodle Flossy got a cheesy treat from the jar that Spalding keeps close at hand, then locked eyes with her. “Okaaaay. One more, just this time.” 22

IM | OCTOBER 2026

Creating an outﬁt that feels like you every day is a beautiful form of self-care. IS PUTTING A LOOK TOGETHER SIMILAR TO BUILDING A STORY WORLD?

In a lot of ways, yes, I think so. Both begin with a small inspiration. It’s up to you to water your creativity and watch something amazing take shape.

scouted (1) Fortune & Frame

fortune cookie pendant, $60 (2) Mini Gluggle Jug, $30 (3) Glitter combs, $6 each (4) Confetti sparkle travel case, $14

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT NEXT FROM YOU?

I’m eagerly seeking handmade jewelry from Indiana artists. And I’m working on a cozy romance novel set in a ﬁctional town inspired by Brown County. –C.V.

Augusta, KY DISTANC E

164 miles DRI V E T I M E

2.75 hours

Spirited Getaway TAKE A SPOOKY JAUNT THROUGH SMALL-TOWN NORTHERN KENTUCKY. B Y C H R I S T I NA V E R C E L L E T T O

DAY TRIP

the Lady in White. Stops include a cell in the Old Jail and the home where the “innocent though persecuted” Margaret Goudy shuffled off her mortal coil. (Her grave is on the History and Headstones Tour.) Then there’s Lawrenceburg, by many accounts a Bigfoot hotbed. Francine Sloan, owner of Rising Sons Home Farm Winery (502-600-0224), hosts Bigfoot hunter clubs at the scenic property dotted with Sasquatch lawn silhouettes that make you look twice. The convivial Sloan presides over tastings of five wines paired with chocolate and her homemade Paw-Paw Bourbon Jam. Be sure to ask for the backstory on Wild Wilbur’s Hog Heaven, a Concord red. The bustling Heavens to Betsy! Bakery & Deli (502-859-9291) is on the ground floor of the Anderson Hotel, featured on Paranormal Lockdown. Although the hotel closed in the 1980s, it’s said to host 13 ghostly guests. The only thing haunting your dreams, though, will be the bakery’s silky peanut butter pie.

IF YOU GO

SLURP The Anderson County Burgoo Festival (kentuckyburgoo.com) ﬁlls Lawrenceburg with the smoky aroma of multi-meat stew October 16–18. Hit the tent of Burgoo master Jesse Sanford. BROWSE Every shelf,

cabinet, and wall holds a souvenir with a story at Fibonacci Antiques (502-503-1932) in Cynthiana.

GRAB A BITE Try the

fried green tomatoes at Biancke’s Restaurant (bianckes1894.com), serving comfort grub in Cynthiana for 132 years.

Columbus, Indiana, is getting weird October 23–25. The MILL RACE MONSTER FESTIVAL marks the 1974 sightings of a tall, slimy-yet-hairy green beast in Mill Race Park with cryptid tales, art booths, games, food trucks, and presentations by paranormal experts. Donning a monster costume makes it all the more fun. — C .V. OCTOBER 2026 | IM

TRAVELER PHOTOS COURTESY KENTUCKY TOURISM; DAY TRIP PHOTO BY HADLEY FRUITS FOR LANDMARK COLUMBUS

FOR A UNIQUE fall weekend, head to Kentucky. The first stop is the Augusta TRAVELER Distillery (augustaky distillery.com) for a River Proof Barrel Tasting Experience. Pull bourbon with a whiskey thief—a tool of master distillers— right from the cask, a memorable introduction to the Bluegrass State’s native pour. Entering downtown Cynthiana, you’re greeted by a pair of 12-foot skeletons, the first of more than 1,000. Take one home—each is named—at the Skeleton Adoption Agency (cynthianatourism.com). The World’s Largest Walking Dead Mural at South Walnut and East Pike streets honors series creator Robert Kirkman, who hails from Cynthiana. The real chills begin at dusk. The lanternled Cynthiana Ghost Walk (rohsoperahouse .com) starts with an in-depth visit to the notoriously haunted 1871 Rohs Opera House, “home” to several specters, most famously

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

2026

INDIANAPOLIS FIVE STAR AWARD WINNERS

These days, it takes a village to manage your financial world. In fact, many consumers have a hard time figuring out where to even begin. Sometimes, a few simple questions can put you off on the right path. Asking a professional what makes working with them a unique experience can help you understand how they work and if their style meshes with your own. This is a great place to start! Five Star Professional uses its own proprietary research methodology to name outstanding professionals, then works with publications such as Indianapolis Monthly to spread the word about award winners. Each award candidate undergoes a thorough research process (detailed here) before being considered for the final list of award winners. For the complete list of winners, go to www.fivestarprofessional.com.

RESEARCH DISCLOSURES

FIVE STAR WEALTH MANAGER

In order to consider a broad population of high-quality wealth managers and investment professionals, award candidates are identified by one of three sources: firm nomination, peer nomination or prequalification based on industry standing. Self-nominations are not accepted. Indianapolis-area award candidates were identified using internal and external research data. Candidates do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final lists of Five Star Wealth Managers or Five Star Investment Professionals. • The Five Star award is not indicative of a professional’s future performance. • Wealth managers may or may not use discretion in their practice and therefore may not manage their clients’ assets. • The inclusion of a professional on the Five Star Wealth Manager list or the Five Star Investment Professional list should not be construed as an endorsement of the professional by Five Star Professional or Indianapolis Monthly. • Working with a Five Star Wealth Manager, Five Star Investment Professional or any professional is no guarantee as to future investment success, nor is there any guarantee that the selected professionals will be awarded this accomplishment by Five Star Professional in the future. • Five Star Professional is not an advisory firm and the content of this article should not be considered financial advice. For more information on the Five Star Wealth Manager or Five Star Investment Professional award programs, research and selection criteria, go to www.fivestarprofessional.com/public/research.

DETERMINATION OF AWARD WINNERS CRITERIA

Award candidates who satisfied 10 objective eligibility and evaluation criteria were named 2026 Five Star Wealth Managers. Eligibility Criteria – Required: 1. Credentialed as a registered investment adviser or a registered investment adviser representative. 2. Actively employed as a credentialed professional in the financial services industry for a minimum of five years. 3. Favorable regulatory and complaint history review. 4. Fulfilled their firm review based on internal firm standards. 5. Accepting new clients. Evaluation Criteria – Considered: 6. One-year client retention rate. 7. Five-year client retention rate. 8. Non-institutional discretionary and/or nondiscretionary client assets administered. 9. Number of client households served. 10. Education and professional designations. 2,116 award candidates in the Indianapolis area were considered for the Five Star Wealth Manager award. 136 (approximately 6% of the award candidates) were named 2026 Five Star Wealth Managers.

FIVE STAR INVESTMENT PROFESSIONAL DETERMINATION OF AWARD WINNERS CRITERIA

The investment professional award goes to estate planning attorneys, insurance agents and select others in the financial industry. Eligibility Criteria – Required: 1. Credentialed with appropriate state or industry licensures. 2. Actively employed as a credentialed professional in the financial services industry for a minimum of five years. 3. Favorable regulatory and complaint history review. 4. Accepting new clients. Evaluation Criteria – Considered: 5. One-year client retention rate. 6. Five-year client retention rate. 7. Number of client households served. 8. Recent personal production and performance (industry specific criteria). 9. Education and professional designations/industry and board certifications. 10. Pro Bono and community service work. This year, we honored 1 Indianapolis-area investment professional with the Five Star Investment Professional award.

All award winners are listed in this publication.

Wealth Managers Financial Planning Eleonora Anastasia Sciopu · Equitable Advisors Casey Bollock · CAPTRUST Page 2 Beau Browning · coreVISION Financial Group Meredith Carbrey · Bedel Financial Consulting Scott D. Carmony · Carmony Asset & Wealth Advisors Page 4

Mark DePrez · CAPTRUST Page 2

Greggory Keele · Clearwater Private Wealth Advisors

Lance Talbert · Talbert Financial Services

Daniel J. Gandolph · LPL Financial/ Gandolph Financial Services

David A. Kluger · Viribus Wealth Management & Partners

Brent Thoman · coreVISION Financial Group

J. David George · George Wealth Management Group, LLC

Todd Edward Larson · Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC/Embassy Wealth Advisors

Ryan Thomas · CAPTRUST Page 2

Erin Goodrich · Shepherd Financial Investment Advisory, LLC Sarah Grecco · CAPTRUST Page 2

Kelley Maguire · Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC/Impact Financial Group

Kathryn J. Hower · Bedel Financial Consulting

Robert J. Moritz · Faithful Stewards of Money Concepts

Kevin Karlander · Thrivent Investment Management

Matthew Reynolds · Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC/Embassy Wealth Advisors

Justin Kassanits · CAPTRUST Page 2

Kevin Sweet · CAPTRUST Page 2

Thomas P. Tucker · Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC/Impact Financial Group Brian Upchurch · CAPTRUST Page 2 David G. Yearwood · Charter Advisory Corporation Jeff Yu · CAPTRUST Page 2

Investments Doug Atkins · Eagle Financial Designs Chad Bailey · Intrepid Financial Planning Group, LLC Page 3 Evan D. Bedel · Bedel Financial Consulting Bruce G. Blumberg · Blumberg Wealth Advisors Page 4 David Crossman · Bedel Financial Consulting Chris Douglas · C.H. Douglas & Gray Wealth Management

Jonathan Koop · Bedel Financial Consulting Andrea Lee · coreVISION Financial Group James J. Otley · Otley Investment Fiduciary Solutions Jason Pike · coreVISION Financial Group Jeff Pittsley · Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC Bill Wendling · Bedel Financial Consulting

Bob Dunlap · Dunlap Gill Wealth Management Group Page 3 Continued on FS-4

This award was issued on 09/01/2026 by Five Star Professional (FSP) for the time period 10/30/2025 through 05/01/2026. Fee paid for use of marketing materials. Self-completed managers were considered for the award; 136 (6% of candidates) were named 2026 Five Star Wealth Managers. The following prior year statistics use this format: YEAR: # 2023: 1,594, 132, 8%, 9/1/23, 11/14/22 - 5/31/23; 2022: 1,673, 131, 8%, 9/1/22, 12/27/21 - 6/24/22; 2021: 1,716, 128, 7%, 9/1/21, 12/7/20 - 7/2/21; 2020: 1,786, 143, 12/29/16 - 7/13/17; 2016: 1,083, 332, 31%, 8/1/16, 1/15/16 - 7/21/16; 2015: 1,743, 348, 20%, 9/1/15, 1/15/15 - 7/21/15; 2014: 2,009, 360, 18%, 9/1/14, 1/15/14 - 7/21/14; the Five Star Investment Professional award. The award is based on 10 objective criteria. Eligibility Criteria – Required 1. Meets requirements to be an investment adviser representative (IAR) or a principal of a registered investment adviser (RIA). 2. Actively practicing as an suspended or revoked, or payment of a fine; B. Had more than a total of three settled or pending complaints filed against them and/or a total of five settled, pending, dismissed or denied complaints with any regulatory authority feedback may not be representative of any one client’s experience; C. Individually contributed to a financial settlement of a customer complaint; D. Filed for personal bankruptcy within the past 11 years; E. Been terminated from 7. Five-year client retention rate; 8. Non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered; 9. Number of client households served; 10. Education and professional designations. FSP does not evaluate The inclusion of a wealth manager on the Five Star Wealth Manager list should not be construed as an endorsement of the wealth manager by FSP or this publication. Working with a Five Star Wealth Manager or any wealth F S - 1 — LEARN MORE AT FIVESTARPROFESSIONAL.COM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

WEALTH MANAGERS

CAPTRUST

YEAR WINNER

Left to right: Back row: Two-year winner Casey Bollock, CFP®; Fifteen-year winner Jeff Yu, CFP®, CPA; Fifteen-year winner Brian Upchurch, CFP®, CPA, J.D., CIMA®; Eight-year winner Justin Kassanits, CFP®, CPA; Front row: Three-year winner Sarah Grecco, CFP®, Fourteen-year winner Kevin Sweet, CFP®; Thirteen-year winner Ryan Thomas, CFP®, CPA; Two-year winner Mark DePrez

Helping You Make Confident Financial Decisions — At Every Stage of Life. CAPTRUST works with individuals, families, business owners, executives and professional athletes to simplify complex financial lives and help them achieve what matters most. Our advisors combine the resources of a national firm with the personalized service and local insight of a trusted partner, delivering comprehensive financial planning, investment management and family office services tailored to your goals. At CAPTRUST, our mission is simple: Enrich the lives of our clients through sound advice, integrity and service beyond expectation. Learn more at www.captrust.com.

9100 Keystone Crossing, Suite 700 Indianapolis, IN 46240 Office: 317-663-6500 • Fax: 317-663-6501 www.captrust.com

CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S. FIVE STAR WEALTH MANAGER AWARD WINNER

questionnaire was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria. 2116 Indianapolis-area wealth Considered, # Winners, % of candidates, Issued Date, Research Period. 2025: 1,904, 133, 7%, 9/1/25, 11/27/24 - 5/1/25; 2024: 1,650, 143, 9%, 9/1/24, 11/14/23 - 5/31/24; 8%, 9/1/20, 12/2/19 - 6/12/20; 2019: 1,659, 153, 9%, 9/1/19, 11/19/18 - 6/28/19; 2018: 1,588, 149, 9%, 9/1/18, 12/28/17 - 7/23/18; 2017: 1,164, 182, 16%, 9/1/17, 2013: 1,624, 413, 25%, 9/1/13, 1/15/13 - 7/21/13; 2012: 1,375, 387, 28%, 9/1/12, 1/15/12 - 7/21/12. This year, we honored 1 Indianapolis-area investment professional with IAR or principal of an RIA for a minimum of five years; 3. Favorable regulatory and complaint history review (As defined by FSP, the wealth manager has not; A. Been subject to a regulatory action that resulted in a license being or FSP’s consumer complaint process. Unfavorable feedback may have been discovered through a check of complaints registered with a regulatory authority or complaints registered through FSP’s consumer complaint process; a financial services firm within the past 11 years; F. Been convicted of a felony); 4. Fulfilled their firm review based on internal standards; 5. Accepting new clients. Evaluation criteria - considered: 6. One-year client retention rate; quality of services provided to clients. The award is not indicative of the wealth manager’s future performance. Wealth managers may or may not use discretion in their practice and therefore may not manage their clients’ assets. manager is no guarantee as to future investment success, nor is there any guarantee that the selected wealth managers will be awarded this accomplishment by FSP in the future. Visit www.fivestarprofessional.com. LEARN MORE AT FIVESTARPROFESSIONAL.COM — F S - 2

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

WEALTH MANAGERS

Intrepid Financial Planning Group, LLC Your Future. Your Way. Anchored by Intrepid. • Diversified, disciplined portfolios tailored to your goals and risk tolerance • Real conversations, responsive service and personalized guidance

10 YEAR

WINNER

Left to right: Jenifer Mitchell, Office Manager, Controller; Ten-year winner Chad Bailey, Portfolio Manager, CCO; Julie Faas, Operations Manager; Chase Mitchell, Financial Advisor

2454 E 116th Street • Carmel, IN 46032 Phone: 317-818-1776 chad@intrepidfinancial.com www.intrepidfinancial.com

At Intrepid Financial Planning Group LLC, our vision is to deliver disciplined, diversified investment strategies paired with a personal and accessible experience. We believe financial planning should feel clear and connected, where every client can speak directly with our team, receive tailored guidance and build lasting confidence in their financial future. We are a Registered Investment Advisor offering Investment Advisory Services through Intrepid Financial Planning Group, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Intrepid Financial, LLC. We are registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and additional information about Intrepid Financial Planning Group, LLC is also available on the SEC’s website at: www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. The information here has not been approved, verified, or otherwise endorsed by the SEC or by any state securities authority. We are currently registered in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Virginia, Florida, Georgia, California, Michigan, Tennessee, Arizona, New York, and Texas. Residents of other states may be eligible to receive offers with prior approval. Please inquire if you reside outside one of the states listed above. This is for informational purposes only. It is not to be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice.

FIVE STAR WEALTH MANAGER AWARD WINNER

Bob Dunlap CEO, Lic. 2586876

Planners, Partners, Advisors • 2012, 2014 – 2026 Five Star Wealth Manager award winner • #dunlapgill Bob’s diverse financial background allows him to assist his clients in pursuing their retirement and estate planning needs. Today, Bob leads a team of diverse professionals who collectively serve more than $250 million in brokerage and advisory assets through LPL Financial for more than 600 households as of July 1, 2026. As an investment advisor representative with LPL Financial, he is registered to do business in 33 states and has earned the designation of Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®).

14074 Trade Center Drive, Suite 110 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone: 317-770-2266 bob.dunlap@lpl.com www.dunlapgill.com

YEAR WINNER

Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC.

Fourteen-year winner Bob Dunlap, CEO

FIVE STAR WEALTH MANAGER AWARD WINNER

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

WEALTH MANAGERS Scott D. Carmony

Bruce G. Blumberg

LPL Financial Advisor, MBA, AAMS®

J.D., Chief Executive Officer, Portfolio Strategist

16 Public Square, Suite B Shelbyville, IN 46176 Phone: 317-392-3400 scott.carmony@carmonyadvisors.com

11611 North Meridian Street, Suite 160 Carmel, IN 46032 Phone: 317-324-8976 bruce.blumberg@lpl.com www.blumbergwealth.com

Carmony Asset & Wealth Advisors is a full-service financial consulting firm. Our foundational principles are stewardship and service. We pursue financial excellence by maintaining our passion for being client-focused and having a commitment to providing a positive client experience in all aspects.

For Bruce Blumberg, financial advice has always been about more than investments. It is about understanding the people, families and goals behind them. With decades of legal, business and financial experience, Bruce brings a thoughtful, client-first perspective to retirement planning, charitable giving and legacy strategies. Bruce is a 2026 Five Star Wealth Manager award winner.

YEAR WINNER

• Live life well • Empower dreams • Imagine possibilities

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC.

Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC.

FIVE STAR WEALTH MANAGER AWARD WINNER

Continued from FS-1

All award winners are listed in this publication. Wealth Managers

Sonya Teresa Doty · Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

John Stratton Hettiger · WestPoint Financial Group

Kenneth Earl Miedema · Maia Wealth

Brian Jeffrey Robinson · Snowbird Financial, LLC

Tim Dukeman · Teeple Snyder Newsome Wealth Management

Kristen Faye Highfield · Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Marcus Franklin Miller · Deerfield Financial Advisors

Matthew Lewis Roop · Deerfield Financial Advisors

Elizabeth E. Eckert · Morgan Stanley

David Charles Hobbs · Hobbs Wealth Management

Jason Andrew Rush · Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Christopher Ronald Baker · Oaktree Financial Advisors, Inc.

Susan Christine Elser · Elser Financial Planning

Robert J. Huser · 853 Wealth Management

Mark Grayson Miracle · Miracle & Associates Financial Services Group

Stephen Joseph Barrett · Waverly Advisors

Jeff David Fierce · Fierce Wealth Management

Shaun Marie Irwin · Forum Private Client Group

Edgar Webb Bassick · Wells Fargo Advisors

Glenda Joyce Foster · Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Joseph Kevin Kaiser · Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Lisa Lynn Brown · Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Thomas W. Foster · Morgan Stanley

Martin Joseph Armbruster · Savant Wealth Management Brian Paul Austin · Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC/PVA Wealth Advisors

Michael Robert Burley · Meridian Investment Advisors Regan Clark · Valeo Financial Advisors Paul Edwin Coan · Raton Wealth Christopher Allen Cook · Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Dustin Michael Thomas · Savvy Wealth Geoffrey Karr Thomas · Invst

Dylan Russell · Integrity Wealth Management

Kathleen Ellen Tranovich · Elser Financial Planning

Carrie Beth Ryan · Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC

Doug Alan Ummel · Wellington Investment Advisors

Andrew Francis Noga · Prudential

Rudy Saldivar · Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Kyle Richard Volkers · Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Brian Scott Kowalevsky · Morgan Stanley

Edward W. Ochoa · Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Michael Samuel Schankerman · Allworth Financial

David M. Weidmayer · Weidmayer Wealth Solutions

Mark Aubrey Langdon · LPL Financial

Mark Olsen · TSN Wealth & Tax Management

Clinton James Seefeldt · Savvy Wealth

Eric M. Welch · Harbour Wealth Partners

Charlotte Lippert · Valeo Financial Advisors

Andrew M. Parrish · Greenway Advisors

Eric A. Shetter · Elser Financial Planning

Chuck Werckenthien · SecurEstate

Zachary G. Giles · Elser Financial Planning

Hayden Harrison Ludwig · Valeo Financial Advisors

Shellee Pietras · Promise Advisory Group

Edward James Snyder · Oaktree Financial Advisors

Lisa Kay Grimes · Cooke Financial Group

Jacob N. Martin · Columbus Wealth

James Michael Pike · Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Matt Snyder · Teeple Snyder Newsome Wealth & Tax Management

Adam Perry Gemmer · Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC Anthony Edward Gerardot · Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Brian Forrest Cooke · Cooke Financial Group

Allison Marie Gruesbeck · Elser Financial Planning

John J. Cooke · Cooke Financial Group

Todd Emery Guthrie · Guthrie Financial Group

John Christopher Cooke · Cooke Financial Group

Duane J. Haley · Haley Wealth Management

Brad Raymond Cougill · Deerfield Financial Advisors

Derek Carter Hamilton · Elser Financial Planning

Paul E. Daniels · Morgan Stanley

Jonathan Lee Herndon · Elser Financial Planning

Joshua Charles DeArmitt · DeArmitt Financial Group, LLC

Matt Teeple · Teeple Snyder Newsome Wealth & Tax Management

Nathalie Mastouri · Morgan Stanley Travis McClarney · Mcclarney Financial Group Kevin Lee McCurdy · Cooke Financial Group Mark A. McDonald · Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC Dustin Mendenhall · Topel Forman Wealth Management Phillip Christopher Mickel · Valeo Financial Advisors

Jim Michael Mlott · Thurston Springer Advisors Rebecca Carol Muller · Circle Financial Planning, Inc.

Brad John Polo · Stifel Nicolaus & Co.

Ryan Christopher White · White Wealth Management Sandy Hausz Wilcox · Morgan Stanley Tammy K. Williams · Cooke Financial Group

Gerald Scott Poore · Thrivent Investment Management

Jonathan Kirk Spafford · Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Brian Joseph Pyne · Goelzer Investment Management

Sean K. Spafford · Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Peter Nielsen Reist · Oxford Financial Group

Susan Marie Steel · Deerfield Financial Advisors

Jeffrey Phillip Roach · Plansmart Wealth Management

Douglas Robert Sweet · Midwest Financial Group

Investment Professional

William John Taratsas · Wells Fargo Advisors

Daniel Kittell · MKR CPAs & Advisors

Stephanie Lynn Willison · Savant Wealth Management John Thomas Wortman · Valeo Financial Advisors Nicole Marie Yankauskas · Avalon Wealth Advisory

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and federally registered CFP (with plaque design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements. The Chartered Financial Consultant® credential [ChFC®] is a financial planning designation awarded by The American College.

“I won’t say I was the star of the group. You can ask anyone who was there how it went down. I’ll only humbly point out that you don’t get two photos by hanging back.”

“This humiliating ordeal will be avenged. After they’re asleep, I’ll wreak havoc under the cover of darkness.” Havoc? “I’ve said too much.” —Roxie, Broad Ripple

Knit spiderweb bandana, $29. 317Home, Carmel City Center, and Gifted, 12 E. Cedar St., Zionsville

—George, Zionsville

Play On sequin-ghost sweater with leash opening, $20. Pet Supplies Plus, multiple locations

“I could have had two photos. I simply decided not to pursue that particular opportunity. I chose dignity over ... how to put this kindly? ... ham.”

Pet Project

“Make it look candid. I’m trying to vibe mysterious as I craft my next spell. Behold! I shall magically appear at your feet the second your butt hits the toilet seat.” —Sammy, Nora

Metallic and velouraccented wizard costume by Rubies, $20. PetSmart stores, multiple locations

IM | OCTOBER 2026

—Butter, Community Heights Satin corset p rincess

Halloween Hijinks

dress with matching hennin, $12. Petco stores, multiple locations

SASSY AND SWEET INDY PETS CAN’T WAIT TO TRICK-OR-TREAT. WELL, MOST OF THEM. B Y C H R I S T I NA V E R C E L L E T T O

“My woman shook the treat bag three times, but only two chewy squares fell out. Where is the third square, Jena?! Life is an abyss.” —Pickle, Westfield

Ghost-print bow tie handmade in Carmel, starting at $15.50 depending on size. theboldbowtie.com

P h o t o s b y T O N Y VA L A I N I S

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NEW I N TOWN . . . . . . . . . . . 32

10 2026

CHE E RS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 THE FE E D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

T H E DI S H

PI NCH OF W ISD OM . . . . . . 32 FOODI E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 TASTE TEST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 REV I EW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Salt in the Air Westfield’s restaurant row has reeled in a fresh catch: Broad Ripple Seafood North & Bar. A spinoff of Broad Ripple Seafood Market, this snug, outdoorsy restaurant took over the Greek’s Pizzeria space this summer, decking out a cozy dining room and covered porch with a coastal fish-shack vibe. The focus is on ethically sourced seafood that sustains the ocean’s ecosystems. Regulars know to start with the broiled Oysters Rockefeller that tops Delaware XLs with creamy butter Parmesan sauce and herbed breadcrumbs, a Rockefeller version as rich as its namesake. 231 Park St., Westfield, 317-763-1280, broadrippleseafoodnorth.com — J U L I A S PA L D I N G

SWOON

P h o t o b y RYA N S PA R R OW

OCTOBER 2026 | IM

PINCH OF WISDOM “Always follow safe cooking temperatures. It’s better to take the temperature of your meat early instead of too late. And temp it multiple times in different spots.” –Preston Zwolle, chef and owner of Du Lit, a Fortville restaurant focused on lactose- and gluten-free options

( CHEERS )

Garden of Eatin’ MYKA GURVITZ CELEBRATES THE SANDWICH GENERATION AT EVE’S GARDEN DELI IN BROAD RIPPLE. BY A M Y LY N C H FOR M YKA GURV IT Z, cooking for others is an act of service. “Seeing the smiles on their faces, making people happy, and loving them through their stomachs is awesome,” she says. Opened in June, Eve’s Garden Deli holds the distinction of being the first registered Black-owned deli in Indiana. Gurvitz originally launched her enterprise in Lawrence during the pandemic when she and her family got tired of eating fast food. A brickand-mortar shop led to a now-defunct food truck she hopes to revive, and ultimately to a new Broad Ripple home in the former Nicey Treat space. Food options include fresh breakfast sandwiches, salads, smoothies, baked goods, and a “Silly” baked potato loaded with chicken, egg, veggies, and cheese. “I like to say our menu is delightful and very tasteful,” she says. “I believe there’s something on there for everyone.” Gurvitz welcomes customers by encouraging them to sign her chalkboard wall of fame. 916 E. Westfield Blvd., 317-775-0296, evesindy.com

Fill Your Tank

Big Lug Filling Station is at your service in Garfield Park. OPEN SINCE June, Big Lug Filling Station commands the old Garfield Brewery spot, preserving the property’s original gas station aesthetic. Although the taproom follows loosely in the footsteps of its Nora counterpart, owner Eddie Sahm is mindful about respecting the unique character of the Garfield Park community. “When we talked about what a second Big Lug would look like, we decided it was less about repeating a look or menu and more about how we fit into a neighborhood,” he says. Customers can expect Big Lug’s flagship brews on tap (heads up—the 50-seat bar space inside is 21+), along with pizzas, baked sandwiches, and shared apps like cognac-sauteed stuffed mushroom caps, oven-baked Ricky Bobby wings, and meatball baba ganoush. 2310 Shelby St., 317-991-4089, biglugfillingstation.com —A.L.

FREQUENT FRYER Northside landmark Hollyhock Hill added a Wednesday–Saturday THE FEED

lunch buffet in August. It’s built around the restaurant’s famous pan-fried chicken. THE BIG HOUSE Lebanon’s old Boone County Jail is the site of Chabellas Social Block Eatery, which opened last winter. MEAT UP Illinois-based Hamilton Walker’s is set to

open next year in Broad Ripple, specializing in steaks and seafood. — J U L I A S PA L D I N G 32

IM | OCTOBER 2026

NEW IN TOWN AND PINCH PHOTOS BY TONY VALAINIS; CHEERS PHOTO COURTESY BIG LUG FILLING STATION/FACEBOOK

( N E W I N T OW N )

Freshly Brewed CANDIS TAYLOR INVITES HER ARSENAL HEIGHTS NEIGHBORS TO WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE AT LAURINE’S. BY J U L I A S PA L D I N G

Taylor hopes her business makes customers feel similarly seen and welcome. Also a longtime hair stylist and owner of Taylor’s Salon next door, Taylor has spent seven years building a loyal clientele in her chair and continues to divide her day between the two addresses. She pours coffee until 2:30 and starts taking salon clients at 3. In addition to the salon crossover,

many of her customers are teachers from Arsenal Technical High School across the street. “The kids have been trickling in, too,” Taylor says. “I’m just excited for everybody to have a place to go, especially people of color. I am welcoming to everybody, but I’m really excited for Black and Brown people to have a place that is for them, for us, and by us.”

FAVORITE THINGS

(1) Rabble Coffee. “They’ve given me a lot of advice and encouragement.” (2) Milktooth. “A favorite brunch place.” (3) Leviathan

Bakehouse. “They always remember me.”

(4) Nate’s Variety. “I went to Shortridge Middle

School, and it was this little store just across the street that had all sorts of penny candy. So as kids, it was kind of like a place just for us.” (5) Cycling. “I led a Trap Cycle class at the YMCA, and you would be surprised how many people still ask me about that.”

5 3 OCTOBER 2026 | IM

PHOTO BY TONY VALAINIS

I N ADDIT ION TO

the obvious “rise and shine” practicality, FOODIE Candis Taylor has a sentimental reason for opening the door to Laurine’s, her new near-eastside coffee shop, at the eye-rubbing hour of 5:30 a.m. Located at the corner of East Michigan Street and North Arsenal Avenue, it is the only local place around where someone can grab a good, early-morning cup of coffee. But that hour is also a daily reminder of Taylor’s grandmother Laurine, the shop’s namesake. “5:30 was when my grandmother would get up, just so she could have a little time to herself and have coffee,” says Taylor, who remembers sharing those moments with her grandmother during summertime visits to Tennessee. “When I would hear her get up at 5:30, I would get up, too, and she would make me a little cup of coffee as well. She was the first person to give me coffee, so that was kind of our thing. Coffee was our way of hanging out and bonding.”

Milk & Honey Coffeehouse The airy Wanamaker cafe adorns classic white, chocolate, confetti, and red velvet cakes with rainbow nonpareils for texture. These days, you’ll have to catch them when you can. 8505 Southeastern Ave., milkhoneycoffeehouse.com

Filigree Bakery

On the Dot CAKE, BUTTERCREAM FROSTING, AND A THICK LAYER OF CRUNCHY SPRINKLES. WHAT’S NOT TO LIKE? WHIMSICAL, PHOTOGENIC, AND DELICIOUS, “DOT CAKES” ARE GOING VIRAL. HERE’S WHERE TO FIND THEM. B Y A M Y LY N C H

IM | OCTOBER 2026

Laura Lachowecki has been making custom orders since she launched her bakery in 2020. Now, dot cakes are a shop staple. “Filigree also has a dot latte, and any of our iced drinks can be made ‘dot style,’” she says. 6331 Carrollton Ave., ﬁligreebakery.com

The Cake Pantry

Three Dolls Cafe & Cakery

This elegant European-style patisserie recently added dot cakes to its repertoire after seeing how popular they were becoming on social media. The base recipe layers vanilla sponge cake with whipped cream and pastry cream. 8800 North St., Fishers, 463-332-2881, thecakepantry.com

The mother-daughter team here bakes up dot cakes in tempting red velvet, vanilla, and double chocolate varieties for customers to enjoy in the shop’s sunny expanded dining room. 1008 E. Washington St., 463-388-1889, threedolls-cafe-cakery.square.site PHOTOS BY TONY VALAINIS

TASTE TEST

NIKU

11543 Sylo Crossing, Zionsville 317-973-8091 niku-sushi.com HOURS

Mon–Thu 11:30 a.m.– 3 p.m., 5–10 p.m.; Fri 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m., 5–11 p.m.; Sat 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m.; Sun noon–9 p.m. VIBE

Land and Sea

Omakase steakhouse

ASPI RAT IONS toward world-class sushi in landlocked Indiana can inspire REVIEW more than a few eye rolls. Shouldn’t we stick to fried walleye or, better yet, pork? Still, Indy has had glimmers of greatness when it comes to chef’s table sashimi and maki, and flash-freezing practices and a global seafood supply chain mean yellowtail or tuna is often as fresh here as in California or Florida. The latest contender for the city’s best is Niku Kitchen & Sushi Bar, which opened in May at The Farm development in suburban Zionsville. Local foodies took note that longtime corporate steakhouse chef and celebrated Anthony’s

NEIGHBORHOOD

WELL-TRAVELED STEAKHOUSE CHEF AZIZ MOUNTASSAR AIMS TO ELEVATE INDY’S SUSHI AND JAPANESE FUSION OFFERINGS AT A ZIONSVILLE OMAKASE. B Y T E R RY K I RT S

IM | OCTOBER 2026

Chophouse toque Aziz Mountassar would be heading a kitchen where Asian fusion offerings would take center stage. Mountassar most recently brought his know-how of his native Moroccan cuisine to Fouad Zoubaa’s Marrakesh in SoBro, and while his departure after just a few months was surprising, Niku definitely allows him more freedom (and deeper pockets) to spread his culinary wings. And while he’s a veteran of numerous Michelin-rated destinations in Europe, this is technically the first enterprise where he’s had full creative control. Niku’s high-ceilinged dining room illuminated by a school of skate-like lampshades has character beyond its strip-mall address. Most arresting is a series of granite panels

TASTING NOTES

Fresh sushi offerings with chophouseinspired Japanese fare Zionsville MUST-ORDER

A complex yet sweet lychee martini under an artful bubble; niku buns with melt-inyour-mouth tender pork chashu; ultrafresh, rich yellowtail and otoro nigiri; miso-marinated Chilean sea bass; spinalis ribeye cap cooked over charcoal; artful raspberry panna cotta 3 STAR RATING

+++

The Ocean Miso Treasure, featuring a tender hunk of Chilean sea bass, and an elaborate smoked cocktail (opposite page) contribute to Niku’s high-drama presentation of chophouseinspired Japanese fare.

behind the sushi bar backlit with blue LED lighting, that give the illusion that Niku’s sushi chefs are pulling your catch of the day right from coastal waters. The rest of the space, bathed as it is in neutral browns, dark paneling, and slate, is a soothing backdrop that does double duty for a light, casual lunch or an indulgent dinner. And Mountassar says Niku’s ownership has already purchased property in downtown Fishers for an even larger, more impressive location with an in-house speakeasy. Stay tuned. Diners stopping in at midday for some tempura and a spicy tuna roll might balk at the price point. Yet a fairly modest lunch can be had in the form of stuffed taco-like nori rolls that don’t skimp on the scallop or salmon. A dish of well-blistered shishito peppers is also piled generously and sauced with a bright yuzu aioli. Niku’s singular bao, a Niku bun with pork, makes for some luscious bites with a thick slab of meltingly tender pork chashu inside. Mountassar’s take on a humble katsu sando is crisp and juicy on perfect toasted milk bread with his special blend of Japanese condiments, though the use of a richer cut of pork means there’s a bit of gristle to contend with. Whether you’re day drinking or starting off the evening, Niku’s bar features some intriguing and fun pours, especially a complex lychee martini with Japanese vodka that arrives under a swelling bubble you pop before drinking. Other cocktails, such as a Sakura lychee fizz and a yuzu whiskey fizz, fall to the sweet side. You can let Niku’s sushi chefs choose

P h o t o s b y T O N Y VA L A I N I S

Steak cooked over Japanese long-burning Binchotan charcoal and a full list of bright sushi get special attention from Niku’s team, including owner Jason Lam, chef Aziz Mountassar, and general manager Mindy Tran (below).

your dinner in one of two sets of nine or 15 pieces. But you might miss such tasty small plates as sweetly savory duck tartlets with luscious—though a bit toothsome—plum-glazed duck, aromatic wagyu gyoza, and an excellent cut of seared Iberico pork with chimichurri, lemon, and tart pickled mustard that’s closer to Mountassar’s Mediterranean roots. A judicious list of a la carte sashimi and nigiri include undeniably fresh and well-cut Hokkaido scallop, silky otoro fatty tuna belly, and less-seen striped jack. Among the more interesting signature maki is a Toyosu roll with both raw yellowtail and seared sea bream and flounder, though this was quite mild despite its promise of spicy yellowtail and mayo. An even more complex Nishiki maki starts with snow crab and adds a quartet of fish on top so that every bite is different. With Mountassar in the kitchen, diners shouldn’t pass up on cooked offerings. A standout among seafood entrees is the Ocean Miso Treasure, essentially a buttery, miso-marinated cut of Chilean sea bass. And while A5 Miyazaki Wagyu is available at the chef’s whim

and for market price, a half-pound cut of deeply beefy spinalis or ribeye cap delivers delectable bites with the beguiling smoke of Japanese long-burning Binchotan charcoal. For the most part, Mountassar’s kitchen foregoes Asian desserts, though a layered French mille-crepe cake is filled with a cooling matcha cream, a welcome Eastern twist. And a whimsical panna cotta in the mold of a bright red raspberry is a fun finish, with a tart raspberry coulis, fresh raspberries, and a shower of flower petals. It’s part of the polish and artistry that makes Niku more than worth a visit whether that’s for sushi above your Hoosier expectations or, more likely, a showcase for Mountassar’s latest culinary inventions. OCTOBER 2026 | IM

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O’Bannon Woods State Park

By Amy Lynch, Michelle Mastro, and Andrea Ratcliff Photography by Tony Valainis

IM | OCTOBER 2026

r D i v l l e a s F Welcome to autumn in the Midwest: that glorious time of year when scents of cedar, dried leaves, caramel apples, and pumpkin spice lattes waft through the air, ushering us into weekends filled with bonfires, corn mazes, hayrides, and ghost tours. While Brown County is arguably Indiana’s perennial travel pick for fall hikes and leaf-peeping, the state is brimming with destinations waiting to show off their seasonal splendor— most within a 3-hour drive from Indianapolis. Here, we round up 10 road trips to hidden gems and not-so-hidden locales in all corners of the Hoosier heartland, from Chesterton, to Auburn, to Vevay, to New Harmony. Armed with this handy travelogue, hop in the car, disregard the guidance from Google Maps and Waze, and wind your way through the state on scenic routes that yield the best roadside views along the drive.

OCTOBER 2026 | IM

Fall Drives

Chesterton Valparaiso Hebron

Rensselaer Remington

SCENIC ROUTE

Take I-65 north to the Remington/Rensselaer area and exit onto U.S. 231 north toward Rensselaer. Near Hebron, take IN 2 to Valparaiso, then go east on U.S. 30 to connect with IN 49, going north into Chesterton.

Chesterton

TRAVELERS IN a hurry tend to rush straight up I-65 on their way to Chicago, but the road less traveled offers a much more interesting exploration of “The Region.” North of Lafayette, the landscape presents an intriguing contrast, punctuating stretches of rolling farmland with fields of spinning turbines. Continuing on, the terrain shifts again into swaths of wetlands known as the “Everglades of the North.” The nearly 2,000acre Grand Kankakee Marsh County Park near DeMotte lends itself nicely to deer, duck, and wildlife habitats, making it a popular destination for hunting, fishing, and bird-watching. A little further up the road, Valparaiso rolls out a nice choice of restaurants and brewpubs for refueling (don’t forget to snap a selfie next to the statue of folksy Hoosier popcorn king Orville Redenbacher in Central Park Plaza). Wander green spaces and marvel at the working model trains that run through Gabis Arboretum at Purdue University Northwest’s enchanting Railway Garden before the exhibit closes for the season October 31. At the end of the journey, the Indiana Dunes National Park on the shores of Lake Michigan makes a worthy road-trip reward, especially when it’s saturated in autumn color. Get out of the car and do a little hiking; Paul H. Douglas Trail in Miller Woods, Cowles Bog Trail, and Chellberg Farm all serve up especially scenic views. Feeling extra spry? Tackle the 3 Dune Challenge at the Indiana Dunes State Park to enjoy sightlines all the way to Chicago on clear days. If it’s too chilly for beach time, drive by and admire the historic 1933 Chicago World’s Fair Century of Progress Homes in Beverly Shores. Now in its 23rd season, the popular European Market takes over downtown Chesterton on Saturdays through October, assembling an extensive collection of artists, makers, musicians, and food vendors. If you have antsy kiddos along for the ride, take a spin through Fair Oaks Farms on the way home for agriculture-themed learning opportunities, animal encounters, apple picking, cheese sampling, and other fun fall activities. 42

IM | OCTOBER 2026

Shipshewana LIFE MOVES slower in Amish Country, and that’s just fine. After zipping up I-69 through Fort Wayne, the exit onto U.S. Highway 33 toward Churubusco comes as welcome relief from highway driving, and the pace only continues to relax the further north you go.

By the time you get to little Ligonier, the landscape opens into expanses of fresh-air farmland dotted with picture-perfect barns and modest homesteads. You’re as likely to see horses and buggies as cars on the roads of Elkhart County, home to one

of the largest Amish communities in the United States. Followers of the faith tend to eschew most modern amenities and conveniences (with some exceptions), preferring instead the peaceful simplicity of a quieter, more traditional way of life. To learn more, stop

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Year to Be Young 1994 Stephen Wilson Jr. OCTOBER 2026 | IM

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Fort Wayne

Summertime Ephraim Owens

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Churubusco

Goin’ Places The Jacksons

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SCENIC ROUTE

Take I-69 north nearly to Fort Wayne, then exit onto U.S. 33 north toward Churubusco and Goshen. After visiting Goshen, take S.R. 4 east to S.R. 13. Travel north and connect to C.R. 16 at Middlebury to drive east into Shipshewana.

Back to Indiana The Elms

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Shipshewana

I Wish I Had a Girl Henry Lee Summer

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Located southwest of Shipshewana, The Bag Factory houses 15 local businesses in a repurposed historic industrial site.

Escapade Janet Jackson

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Goshen

ful hand-painted folk art plaques unique to each farm property. Though the weekly Shipshewana Flea Market—at 40 acres, the biggest in the Midwest—wrapped up its 2026 season in late September, charming craft fairs and farm stands crop up in the fall to join evergreen area attractions like Goshen’s historic Bag Factory shopping center. The multipurpose Blue Gate complex draws visitors with a performing arts theater, a cozy inn, a restaurant, and a bakery. With homecooked fare like roast beef, fried chicken, noodles, farm-fresh veggies, dinner rolls, and pie on the menu, you definitely won’t go hungry.

Small Town John Mellencamp

...

by the Menno-Hof information center in Shipshewana for a deeper dive into Amish culture and traditions. (Heads up: Don’t take any photos of Amish people without explicit permission; it violates a deeply held religious belief.) If you have plenty of time, the self-guided 90-mile Elkhart County Heritage Trail driving tour is a lovely, relaxed way to get the lay of the land, traversing the rural communities of Goshen, Shipshewana, Middlebury, Bristol, Nappanee, and Wakarusa. With some overlap, the backroads route meanders past more than 100 cottage shops and 60 “barn quilts,” color-

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Auburn Auburn SCENIC ROUTE

Huntington

Alexandria

Westfield

Summitville

Anderson Noblesville

INDIANA’S “Hub of Transportation Heritage” seems a perfectly appropriate road-trip destination for car buffs and gearheads of all stripes. From Noblesville, take the scenic route east on State Road 32, catching State Road 9 north in Anderson and continuing up through Marion with a pit stop to pay your respects at James 44

IM | OCTOBER 2026

From U.S. 31 north, take S.R. 32 east through Westfield, Noblesville, and Anderson, then pick up S.R. 9 north. Continue through Alexandria, Summitville, and Huntington. Near Huntington, take U.S. 24 east, then connect to I-69 for nearly 30 miles into Auburn.

Dean’s gravesite in Fairmount. Tracking down the dozen or so whimsical cat statues that make up the Garfield Trail in Grant County provides enough fodder for an entire day of amusement. If you’re hungry and passing through Huntington around lunchtime, Nick’s Kitchen claims to have originated the

classic Indiana pork tenderloin sandwich. Another hour to the north up I-69 past Fort Wayne, Auburn introduces an assortment of museums celebrating the town’s proud automotive legacy amid a mostly rural landscape. With more than 100 classic rides on display across a 1930s Art Deco showroom in the former Auburn Automobile Company digs, the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum makes a logical first stop. The National Auto & Truck Museum, the International Monster Truck Museum & Hall of Fame, and the Early Ford V-8 Foundation Museum offer even more car exhibits to ogle. Not into autos? Beeline over to the Garrett Museum of Art in the historic Garrett State Bank building to admire works by local, regional, and national creators. Toward the eastern DeKalb County border, you can shop the sweet-and-sour wares of Sechler’s Pickles at its home factory in St. Joe. Back in Auburn, stretch your legs before the long ride home with a stroll through Eckhart Park, a peaceful 10-acre sanctuary populated with a nature trail, disc golf facilities, sand volleyball courts, and a playground for the kids. Or try your luck navigating Indiana’s largest seasonal corn maze at North Folks Farms.

Oldenburg IT’S NOT every day a tiny southeastern Indiana town earns James Beard recognition, but little Oldenburg (pop. 647) gets to claim the significant accolade. The prestigious national culinary foundation bestowed “American Classic” status on the humble Wagner’s Village Inn in 2023 for its peppery fried chicken cooked the old-school way— with lard in cast-iron skillets that have been in service for years. The ubiquitous family-style chicken dinners are just one reason to road trip, though. Framed by a picture-postcard skyline of church steeples, the “Village of Spires” makes a visually stunning first impression on the approach from State Road 229. The Old World flavor hasn’t changed much since the

Fall Drives

town was settled by German immigrants in the early 1800s. Street signs still boast bilingual names, and sauerkraut and schnitzel are mainstays on local restaurant menus. A strong Catholic influence is alive and well, too, thanks to the steadying continued presence of the Holy Family Church established in 1837 and the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception affiliated with the Sisters of St. Francis (tours of the convent and campus are available). A few miles south down the road, the city of Batesville transforms into “Booville” for the month of October with ongoing Halloween-themed activities and events. Pop into the Bierhaus at the half-timbered Sherman Hotel and raise a hefty stein of suds in front of the handsome hammered-copper bar. Family-owned Vogt Farm also gets into the seasonal spirit with pumpkin picking and pony rides on the weekends, and Ertel Cellars Winery and Bistro’s 20th annual fall festival (this year, October 2 and 3) features live music and dancing under a big-top tent. To the north of Oldenburg, where State Road 229 intersects with U.S. 52, the charmingly preserved village of Metamora hosts Canal Days the first weekend in October, livening up the quaint 1800s-era Whitewater Canal State Historic Site with vendor booths hawking arts, crafts, handmade wares, and collectible items.

Shelbyville Oldenburg

Greensburg Hope

Batesville

SCENIC ROUTE

From I-74 east, exit at S.R. 9 toward Shelbyville and continue south through Shelbyville and Hope. Near Schaefer Lake, take S.R. 46 east through Greensburg, continuing to Batesville, then follow S.R. 229 north into Oldenburg.

First settled in 1817, Oldenburg retains its signature architectural style and spires in the town’s historic district.

OCTOBER 2026 | IM

Fall Drives

Vevay NESTLED ALONG

the Ohio River Scenic Byway, Vevay blends architectural history, natural beauty, and— ever since celebrity tattoo artist Kat Von D moved into the 35-room Schenck Mansion, Switzerland County’s only Second Empire-style building—a touch of gothic glam. While thousands of nearblack tulips bloom in the spring, the town is a classic fall leafpeeping destination, with gentle slopes and river bluffs awash in woodlands that turn gold and crimson. Vevay’s historic district boasts beautiful 19th-century architecture along with Swiss-style chalets that peer out between rows of trees lining the quaint riverfront promenade, nodding to French-speaking emigrants from Switzerland who originally settled the area’s rolling farmland. Today, the Musée de Venoge is perhaps the best remaining illustration of French colonial architecture. Also worth a visit (by appointment only) is the Thiebaud Farmstead, a Greek Revival mansion built in the 1850s. Finally, consider signing up for the city’s historic architecture walking tours surveying the town’s courthouse grounds and Market Street. In autumn, they add ghost tours. Next, stop by the Switzerland County 46

IM | OCTOBER 2026

Franklin

Columbus

North Vernon Madison

Vevay

SCENIC ROUTE

Take I-65 south to Franklin, then follow U.S. 31 south to Columbus. Connect with IN 7 south through North Vernon, continuing to Madison. Turn east onto IN 56 and follow the Ohio River to Vevay.

The road into Vevay leads visitors to USA Today’s Readers’ Choice pick for the Best Small Town in the Midwest.

Historical and River History museums, which offer transportive and thorough exhibits telling the stories of the town’s original inhabitants, from the first Swiss immigrants to prehistoric peoples. Nearby, Vevay’s eateries offer food for every taste. Stop at Boondoggle’s Pub & Grub for hearty beers and burgers. Or get pizza and spaghetti at Roxano’s Italian Restaurant across the street. End the day at the Ridge Winery to sip on a dozen wines on the Tasting Room deck as you observe the Ohio River flow lazily below.

Hanover

A SHORT DRIVE west from Vevay, Hanover mixes scenic outdoor spots with historic sites. The overlook at Hanover College illustrates this perfectly. Here, the campus opens onto a sweeping horseshoe bend in the Ohio River, one of the best fall-color panoramic views of the Ohio River Valley, ideal for photography and enjoying the natural beauty of Southern Indiana. While in the vicinity of the school, soak up the dark academia vibes perfect for fall. Explore Indiana’s oldest private college with a beautiful campus blending Victorian-era buildings with modern facilities—many structures date back to its founding in 1827. Also worth visiting is the school’s public-access Science Center, known for its life-size skeletal cast of the Burning Tree Mastodon (the world’s most complete American mastodon), and scenic, tree-lined walking paths. Just 7 minutes from Hanover is Clifty Falls State Park with features that satisfy your craving for crisp fall outdoor scenery: stunning waterfalls and a vast hiking trail system with paths ranging in difficulty from easy to rugged. It’s a year-round destination, but autumn makes this spot particularly beautiful when wooded areas along the trails shroud outstanding 360-degree panoramic views of the river valley in amber-hued leaves. The park is brimming with numerous cascades—many of which come with ADA-accessible overlooks—but the most impressive sights are the four major waterfalls. These include Tunnel Falls, Hoffman Falls, Big Clifty Falls, and Little Clifty Falls. Hike to all of them to complete the Four Falls Challenge, a 4-mile trek connecting the major waterfalls and notable geological features like Cake Rock. Keep an eye open while exploring creek beds, as the park is known for its ancient limestone and marine fossils frozen in time.

Curvy roads, stone cliffs, waterfalls, and river banks surround the town of Hanover and its college campus.

Franklin Columbus

SCENIC ROUTE

North Vernon Madison

Take I-65 south to Franklin, then follow U.S. 31 south to Columbus. Connect with IN 7 south through North Vernon, continuing to Madison. Turn west onto IN 56 for approximately 6 miles to get to Hanover.

Hanover OCTOBER 2026 | IM

Corydon

Martinsville

BRIMMING WITH history, Indiana’s original state capitol offers plenty of perspective on the past. Here, you can tour the governor’s headquarters and appreciate the preserved oak tree under which the Indiana Constitution was drawn. Or explore the Battle of Corydon site, the state’s only Civil War battle and a rare Confederate success in the North. If earlier American history is your jam, descend underground on the 73-step spiral staircase into Squire Boone Caverns, named after the frontiersman (and younger brother of Daniel Boone) who discovered the cave. He liked it so much, he chose to be buried in it. His grave is the final stop on the tour, although the remains were relocated to an isolated area to dissuade grave robbers. Above ground, visitors can check out a real working mill, explore a pioneer village and feed barnyard animals, or sail on a zipline across a fall amber-colored forest. Want more intriguing history mixed with natural beauty? Stalactites abound at Indiana Caverns, a popular tourist attraction just outside of town where you can board an underworld boat voyage, a fascinating way to explore the cave ecosystem. If you’re looking for a more intense outdoor excursion, try the Indiana Caverns Deep Darkness adventure, where you’ll wander three hours kayaking, crawling, and splashing through the state’s longest cave. If total darkness and caves aren’t your thing, there’s plenty to do above ground. Try paddling along the Blue River with Cave Country Canoes

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Morgantown

Nashville Story

Corydon SCENIC ROUTE

Take I-69 south to Martinsville, then follow IN 252 east to IN 135 south at Morgantown. Stay on IN 135 through Nashville and Story, traveling the rest of the way south to Corydon.

or take a gander at the historical hay press (still operated by oxen) in the pioneer farmstead found within O’Bannon Woods State Park. The site also hosts its own Autumn Adventure Weekend in late October, while the Corydon Extravaganza fall market on the town’s historic square also runs throughout the month. End the road trip to Corydon by collecting your own vintage finds at the Red Barn Antique Mall, named for its three-story 1880s barn. Inside, you’ll find booths with over 40 dealers offering a wide range of antiques and creaky wooden floors that add to the nostalgic farmstead feel.

The reconstructed Jasper City Mill continues to process cornmeal through its water wheel on the Patoka River.

Jasper STOP THE car to explore Jasper, a hidden Southern Indiana gem. The beautifully restored Spirit of Jasper train located in Old Jasper near the Patoka River makes autumnal trips even more majestic with its Spirit of Autumn Ride & Dine, an 18-mile round trip winding through vibrant landscapes. During the ride, enjoy a meal catered by Schnitzelbank, a locally owned, authentic Old World German restaurant that plays to the town’s heritage. Points of interest along the journey include the Patoka River and dark woodlands. The train’s journey culminates with a stop at the French Lick Resort and West Baden Springs Hotel. The latter is known for its massive dome, touted the eighth wonder of the world at its time of construction. The West Baden hotel features balconies overlooking the lobby/atrium. Shuttles and historic rail trolleys transport guests to the neighboring French Lick hotel for casino games, so no need to venture outside if temps drop. Indoor activities include bowling and swimming. The resort also offers horseback tours, a Pete Dye golf course on soaring high hills, and classic yard games. The nearby French Lick Winery is just a mile away. To the southwest, Monastery Immaculate Conception (aka the Castle on the Hill) in Ferdinand is a must-see. Founded in 1867, the site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was restored in the early 2000s and features an 87-foot-tall dome and 89 angels depicted in the interior. The monastery hilltop and wooded Dubois County countryside blaze with oranges, reds, and golds worthy of a gander.

Wander Indiana If the point of a scenic drive is to skip the interstate in favor of winding roads that showcase small-town charm, Indiana offers half a dozen routes that allow travelers to detour off the beaten path and downshift to a more leisurely speed. LINCOLN HIGHWAY

Reaching across the northern portion of the Hoosier state, the Indiana Lincoln Highway links major hubs like Fort Wayne and South Bend. The byway was created as a coast-to-coast highway, ultimately connecting Indiana to San Francisco and New York. Along the drive, watch for the ebbs and ﬂow of the Wabash River and keep an eye out for the route’s concrete markers laid by Boy Scouts of America in 1928. Other sites of historical signiﬁcance include the only brick portion of the Lincoln Highway left in Indiana—it’s marked Old 33—just outside Ligonier.

HISTORIC NATIONAL ROAD

Spanning from Terre Haute to Richmond, the Indiana Historic National Road is a 156-mile segment of the original National Road (U.S. 40). The byway was designated an All-American Road in 2000 for its extraordinary scenic, cultural, and historic features. Cities along the byway are known for their pre-Civil War buildings and Victorian neighborhoods. Also worth checking out are the many historic sites, including the Madonna of the Trail monument at the entrance to Richmond’s Glen Miller Park, one of only 12 national monuments honoring pioneer women.

WHITEWATER CANAL SCENIC BYWAY

Perhaps the best spot to leaf peep is the Hoosier National Forest near Jasper. It covers 200,000 picturesque acres, so get ready to lose yourself in the beauty of its rolling hills—some of which you can spot from the 110-foot-tall Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower. On clear days, you can see as far as 20 miles in every direction. Don’t skip the Jasper Riverwalk, a scenic 2.1-mile paved pathway curving along the Patoka River. It’s a shaded, flat route perfect for anyone wanting to walk, run, or bike under a heavy tree canopy lit up with fall color. Here, you can access the Patoka River for fishing or small boat launching or take a short drive over to the nearby 8,800-acre Patoka Lake, complete with bald eagle nesting sites.

Bloomington SCENIC ROUTE

Take I-69 south past Bloomington, then connect with S.R. 37 going south to Paoli, passing Bedford and Mitchell along the way. Follow U.S. 150/ S.R. 56 west through French Lick before continuing south to Jasper on U.S. 231.

Bedford

Mitchell French Lick Jasper

Paoli

Created in the 1830s to connect Indiana’s fertile Whitewater Valley to bustling communities in Ohio, like Cincinnati, and along the Mississippi River, the Whitewater Canal Scenic Byway is a 78-mile route in southeastern Indiana. It follows the historic Whitewater Canal through rolling farmland, steep hills, and small towns. It was designated a National Scenic Byway in 2021 and is known for its natural archways formed by ancient trees and numerous scenic overlooks.

HOOSIER HILLS SCENIC BYWAY

The newest byway, Hoosier Hills is a state-designated scenic route in south-central Indiana connecting the Historic National Road (U.S. 40) in Hendricks County to the Historic Pathways (U.S. 50) in Jackson County. It passes through Morgan and Brown counties, full of rolling hills and dense hardwood forests. Nashville, for example, has been dubbed Indiana’s “Little Smokies” for its spectacular views—like the striking Hesitation Point.

INDIANA’S HISTORIC PATHWAYS

First recognized as a state byway in 2004, Indiana’s Historic Pathways is a 250-mile National Scenic Byway that winds through the hills, farmlands, and river valleys of Southern Indiana. It was created to connect U.S. 150 and U.S. 50, routes that were among the ﬁrst and most important east-west land corridors in Southern Indiana, linking major cities like Cincinnati, Louisville, and New Orleans. Between exploring Devonian era fossil beds at the Falls of the Ohio State Park and taking in the massive free-spanning dome at West Baden Springs Hotel in French Lick, there is so much to see and do on this byway.

HISTORIC MICHIGAN ROAD BYWAY

This historic scenic byway pursues the original route of one of the state’s earliest and most important transportation corridors, the Michigan Road, which followed old Native American trails and animal paths. The 270-mile road was built in the 1830s to connect Madison on the Ohio River up to Michigan City on Lake Michigan, passing through Indianapolis along the way. — M I C H E L L E M A S T R O OCTOBER 2026 | IM

Fall Drives

New Harmony THE SMALL town

of New Harmony is a dream for architecture, garden, and art lovers. The Atheneum, a modern visitors center designed by Pritzker–winning architect Richard Meier and completed in 1979, serves as both a substantial landmark and an introduction to the town’s unique history. The town was founded by Reverend George Rapp whose Harmonie Society erected 180 buildings along the Wabash River. Visitors can learn about his attempts at building a utopia on the Historic New Harmony walking tours, which meander through a cemetery and a

brick-and-stone granary. Now, the town is perhaps best known for its two labyrinths, one with a stone grotto in the middle and another modeled after a 12thcentury stone maze. Don’t miss The Roofless Church, an openair dome with no seating that offers a place for silent reflection. Meanwhile, nearby Harmonie State Park boasts river-bluff woods that transform into stunning fall shades with seven trails perfect for a quiet stroll. The downtown area is full of galleries and boutiques, including the New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art. This historic district is prime

for autumn strolling and, in the spring, hosts a plein air art festival and impressive concert series. In the fall, it’s worth taking in the Community Halloween Party in the nearby Ribeyre Center. New Harmony had the first commercial brewery in Indiana, and visitors today can carry on the tradition at Harmonie Society. Wind down in the peaceful atmosphere of New Harmony Inn, which provides a comfortable escape with simple but cozy furnishings (some rooms even come with a fireplace) and private balconies and patios overlooking a lake and lush parkland.

A Main Street focal point of New Harmony is the Harmonist Labyrinth, created as a space for meditation and reﬂection.

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SCENIC ROUTE

Spencer

Vincennes New Harmony

Warrenton

From Indianapolis, take Kentucky Avenue south and follow S.R. 67 southwest past Spencer to Vincennes. Turn south onto U.S. 41 to Warrenton and connect with I-64 , then travel west until the exit onto S.R. 69. Drive south and take one last turn west onto S.R. 66 to reach New Harmony.

Greencastle’s S&W Feed Center showcases grain silos artfully enhanced through the Putnam County Mural Project.

Greencastle

A SCANT 50 miles from Indianapolis, Greencastle represents an easy there-and-back-in-a-day target. Instead of zooming across on I-70, head out on U.S. Highway 40 to follow the Old National Road, setting the tone for the trip with a leisurely lead-in through Hendricks County. In Plainfield, fuel up on pancakes, omelets, or classic biscuits and gravy at the quintessentially retro Oasis Diner before ducking into Gilley’s Antique & Decorator Mall to hunt for vintage treasures. Just shy of the Putnam County line, jog north on State Road 75 through Coatesville and North Salem past the McCloud Nature Park before continuing west on 236 to approach Greencastle from the north. A few historic points of interest—Eli Lilly opened his very first pharmacy here in 1859, and John Dillinger robbed the Central National Bank in 1933. The neoclassical Putnam County Courthouse anchors a vibrant downtown square that boasts a thriving collection of storefronts and eateries. Known for its Italian wood-burning oven and thoughtfully vetted wine list, Bridges Craft Pizza & Wine Bar houses a lively dining room and a seasonal rooftop perch with panoramic views of the gently rolling terrain below. Crackling with academic energy, DePauw University welcomes visitors to explore a bucolic 520-acre nature park sited in a former limestone quarry. (Cataract Falls State Recreation Area lies about 30 minutes to the south if you want a bigger hiking challenge and waterfall views.) Heading south out of town on U.S. Highway 231, keep an eye out for the colorful Greencastle Silos at the S & W Feed Center, part of the Putnam County Mural Project. And if you’re driving back on U.S. Highway 40, pop into Chandler’s Farm and Country Market to stock up on apples and pumpkins to take home.

Roachdale

North Salem

Plainfield Greencastle

Stilesville

SCENIC ROUTE

Take U.S. 40 (Historic National Road) west through Plainfield and Stilesville. Turn north on S.R. 75 to North Salem. Follow S.R. 236 west through Roachdale, then continue on U.S. 231 south into Greencastle.

Welcome Additions

In recent years, Indiana has leveled up its Hoosier hospitality with new and upgraded welcome centers throughout the state. The most recent additions include the log-encased I-64 Black River Welcome Center in the southwest, which pays tribute to Abraham Lincoln, and the sleek, ultramodern I-70 Clear Creek Welcome Center near Terre Haute with an Indianapolis 500 theme and interactive racing displays. Meanwhile, the Centerville Welcome Center due east of Indianapolis is getting a facelift that reﬂects the state’s basketball heritage with a vintage ﬁeldhouse vibe. Travelers can dribble in starting in February 2027. OCTOBER 2026 | IM

Doug Jones as Saru in Star Trek: Discovery

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STAR TREK: DISCOVERY PHOTO BY MICHAEL GIBSON/ PARAMOUNT+; DOUG JONES PHOTO BY BRUCE SMITH

Doug Jones

BY LOU HARRY

MASKED Doug Jones may be hard for people who grew up with him in Indianapolis to recognize these days—the actor, contortionist, and mime artist is one of the most prolific performers in Hollywood, but his face is never the same. Instead, he spends most of his time on-screen covered in heavy makeup and has made a name for himself portraying whimsical creatures. But underneath it all, he retains his humility and lust for life.

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Ball State’s former Charlie Cardinal, Doug Jones, is the closest we have today to early Hollywood’s “Man of a Thousand Faces,” acclaimed silent film star Lon Chaney, known for his roles as Quasimodo in 1923’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Erik in 1925’s The Phantom of the Opera— a cinematic icon hidden beneath hours of screen makeup. Yet, thanks to Jones’ singular talents, his characters come to life through those layers of cosmetics and prosthetics. And it’s not hard to find him on your TV or even in person. Pan’s Labyrinth, the groundbreaking fantasy film in which he plays the mythical guide El Fauno and the terrifying antagonist, the Pale Man, gets a 20th anniversary rerelease in theaters this month. Hocus Pocus and its sequel, in which Jones famously appears as the undead charmer Billy Butcherson, are a Halloween tradition, in heavy rotation in the lead-up to the spooky holiday every year. Tune into Paramount+, and you’ll find him on all five seasons of Star Trek: Discovery as the alien Saru, who resembles a somewhat less clammy, creepy Lord Voldemort. On Hulu, he splits sides as the ancient, coffin-dwelling vampire Baron Afanas in What We Do in the Shadows. And, of course, there’s his central role as the humanoid sea creature in the Oscar-winning best picture The Shape of Water. The Indianapolis native is also soon to be the subject of a documentary, Get Me Doug Jones, which successfully completed a Kickstarter campaign and is targeting a 2027 release. Jones regularly makes appearances at fan conventions around the country and stops at IU Cinema in Bloomington this November 18 for a screening and discussion of Hellboy II: The Golden Army, in which he reprised his role as the amphibian-esque hero Abe Sapian. We caught up with the busy actor to ask some questions.

Clockwise from left: Bishop Chatard cross country runner Doug Jones in Broad Ripple Park; Jones performs as Mr. Booze in a 1976 Bishop Chatard variety show; Jones as Ball State mascot Charlie Cardinal; Jones as Pharoah Link in the 1977 Bishop Chatard production of The Butler Did It; Jones as Julian Bruce in the 1977 Bishop Chatard production of A Time For Madness; Jones competes in the 880-yard run for the 1978 Bishop Chatard track team. 54

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Growing up in Indy, did you dress up for Halloween? Golly, I just dressed up for any reason. In 1978 when Superman came out, it was a light blue T-shirt with a red towel. For Halloween at Christ the King school, I’d dress out of my dad’s closet with big shoulders like a gentleman from an old black-and-white movie.

DOUG JONES PHOTO BY BRUCE SMITH; BACKGROUND PHOTOS COURTESY BISHOP CHATARD HIGH SCHOOL AND DOUG JONES

You’re almost 6-feet-4-inches tall, which has contributed a lot to your roles. Were you a tall kid? I was called “the giraffe” and “ostrich” many a time, so I had to become the class clown. I wanted to control when they were laughing. It’s a common story among people in show business. I found solace watching reruns of The Dick Van Dyke Show and Gomer Pyle – USMC. Old sitcoms with a lead actor that was goofy-looking. You’ve played some comedic characters, but you’re mostly known for horror, sci-ﬁ, and fantasy. Were you into that as a kid, too? Every Friday night were horror films hosted by Sammy Terry … [I would watch] if I could dupe my parents into letting me stay up. I miss those days. [I also remember] a slumber party where we stayed up late and watched Boris Karloff in The Mummy. Of course you were a Karloff fan! That haunting gaze. The stillness. He didn’t overplay the scary. He underplayed, if anything, and let it seep in. And then there was the Creature From the Black Lagoon. Oh my gosh, I was so intrigued by that swimming guy. Did you do high school theater? At Bishop Chatard, I worked up the gumption to join the play junior and senior year. A Time for Madness was about a college student bringing home her boyfriend. I was the hippie boyfriend. As soon as the audience saw me—with an afro wig and some kind of groovy Southwestern print, bell-bottoms, and glasses—they laughed and didn’t stop, and I was hooked. Was your home life pretty “normal”? Mom was a homemaker with four boys to raise and did a lot of volunteer work. My father passed away at the end of my freshman year of college. He was a state representative in the Indiana legislature. We all were churchgoing Methodists,

but at some point, my parents wanted to join the charismatic movement, and they started a church in our house. Later, my dad was a consultant for businesses on employee training.

What did the adults in your life think of your love for theater and ﬂair? My high school drama teacher, Nancy Montgomery, was the first person who knew what to do with these hopes and dreams of mine. She retired to Florida. Back in February, I was doing a Star Trek cruise, and the documentary crew was with me [for Get Me Doug Jones], and we reached out to her, and we did a full interview. How did you keep pursuing your dreams after high school? My SATs were decent, but my grades were abysmal. But Ball State took me in. Dr. English, a tall lanky fellow, taught the acting program. We understood each other. When he retired, [Ball State] asked me to present a lifetime achievement award to him, and I was tickled beyond belief. Down the hall in my dorm was Reed K. Steele, a senior, and I could tell I was being watched. He was observing me while I did armpit farts and was being goofy. He led a mime troupe on campus, Mime Over Matter. It made me laugh, and cry, and feel things. They took me in, and by the time I was a senior, I was leading the troupe. And you also were Ball State’s mascot, Charlie Cardinal. My freshman year, Charlie kind of stood to the side at games and put his arms up every so often. I thought, There’s so much more that could be done! I auditioned my sophomore year and was rejected. I said, “I’m coming back the next year with a vengeance,” and, child, I did. So the mime training came in handy! I danced around a lot, did a striptease crowd-pleaser, and messed with the floor sweeper, poor guy. I got passed up through the stands. This year, Ball State is celebrating its 100th year, and the homecoming involves a reunion of Charlie Cardinals. I hope I can make it. You graduate from college. You’ve done some theater, you have some mime experience, and you are still in Indiana. Where do you go from there? A mime at Kings Island. It was a dream OCTOBER 2026 | IM

come true. Six 20-minute walks per day around the French area. It was a kind and gentle schedule because it was hot and muggy. Any more, and you’d be dripping your mime makeup.

Did you audition for other jobs while working there? I couldn’t. I was on six days a week. After summer and fall, I moved back to Indy in “What do I do with the rest of my life?” mode. So reality started setting in. How did you eventually end up getting acting gigs in California? First it was a job at a newspaper in North Manchester. Advertising sales. I fell in love with small-town life. Everyone gossiped but everyone cared about each other. Well, the paper wrote an article introducing me, and a librarian down the street called saying, “I remember you.” She went to Ball State. She asked if I was still doing mime and would I do a performance at the library’s weekly story time. I said, “Heck, yeah.” The paper sent a photographer, and I was on the front page. I started getting calls about entertaining for the Rotary Club, for Kiwanis, Girl Scout troops. I was invited onto a Fort Wayne talk show, and more calls came in, including for a PSA commercial for a local mental health center. I was a sad mime who, by the end of counseling, became a happy mime. 56

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One day, my wife’s uncle in Fresno called and said he had a branch manager opening at his bank and had a management training program. They flew me out, and the interview went great. I knew I wanted to get into show business but didn’t know how to get closer to it. This was the ticket.

Obviously the banking career didn’t work out. I faked my way through the nine-month training program. I was just awful. They figured that out by month eight and fired me. I was depressed for about an hour. My wife was working at an ad agency as a receptionist, so we were squeaking by and figured, let’s see how this acting thing goes. I took acting classes, fell into an agent without trying, did TV auditions, and with unemployment about to run out, I got an ad as a dancing mummy. So your ﬁrst time on a Hollywood set was wrapped in bandages. Head to toe. Nothing but my little eyeball showing. They threw some purified dirt on me, dusting me down for when I burst out of a sarcophagus. They sprayed an aerosol right in my face. Who knows what I was breathing in. The next day, I couldn’t even whisper. It took two weeks to get my voice back. An early lesson that pain is temporary, but film is forever. Your big break was playing the character Mac Tonight for McDonald’s in

And you got it. It was supposed to be a four-commercial regional campaign. Then the national office in Chicago decided to make it nationwide. I did 27 commercials for them, and that’s how I bought our first house. Had you already developed a comfort level with heavy costumes? When piling things on an actor, we can be a bunch of divas, and if you don’t do that they think you’re the nicest guy in the world. Not complaining is key. Then Batman Returns came along, where you dressed like a clown as a member of the Penguin’s gang. They wanted people who could do circus things. It was a seven-week contract. Seven weeks turned into 14. I guess [director] Tim Burton liked having me around. You had a much bigger part in Hocus Pocus. It’s a cult classic now, but it wasn’t popular at ﬁrst, was it? That’s fascinating to me. Some movies come out big, then they become less and less known. This was the exact opposite, It’s a Halloween family film, but they advertised it as a Bette Midler summer comedy. It was like selling a Prada purse as a pair of shoes. It seems like ﬁnding the walk for Billy Butcherson was as important as the makeup and costume. The audition was in a dance studio, not a casting office. Billy was connected with dust and I had to run that through

FALLING SKIES PHOTOS COURTESY MASTERSFX; FANTASTIC FOUR AND PAN’S LABYRINTH PHOTOS COURTESY DOUG JONES

Jones played Cochise in Falling Skies (2011–15) for three seasons.

the 1980s. How did that happen? It was my fourth job. I went in for an audition for a nightclub singer for McDonald’s. They wanted a Frank Sinatra/Dean Martin vibe. I’m a 26-year-old curly blond. Are you kidding me? Why am I going in for that? I was in the waiting room with a bunch of gray-haired guys in tuxedos. But on the wall were storyboards with drawings of this character with a big moon head. Ah, that’s why I’m here. They sat me at the keyboard, and I lip synced and played along, throwing my arms in the air. Then they put an actual paper bag on my head with eyeholes to do it again. I thought, This is humiliating. But I’m an actor. I need the gig.

my head to help find his way of moving. Since then, my process has always been to start with the script, get the writers involved, find out where my character lives in the story and the film’s ecosystem, then sit down with the director and find out what nuances and idiosyncrasies to include. Then I go to a dance floor with mirrors in a T-shirt and jeans and figure out how this character stands, what kind of gait he has, what else the script calls for. Once they build the prosthetics and bring in the makeup and life casts, then I try things on, and we see if I can move in them. You have to adjust to what the costume will allow you to do.

movies come at you. A typical script has a bunch of young people in underwear running around in the woods, and Doug Jones is coming out of the swamp to kill them one at a time. Those things bore me to tears. I’ve said no to a bunch of those.

How did you ﬁgure out Abe Sapian in the Hellboy ﬁlms? Watching my goldfish. I loved their curious heads, how they moved gently. So I gave him a curious, jerky head with fluid and elegant hand movements. I wanted the hands to move like fins.

You attend a lot of conventions. Is it just a part of the job, or do you enjoy it? A lot of actors do it because they have to and get grumpy, but a line of people who love you? How can you hate that? The only downside is how physically exhausting it is to give off energy all day long.

How do you stay sane during the hours of makeup and costume application? Most people need to be doing something. I am not that person. I love sitting still, and staring at a wall, and being alone with my thoughts. And all the creature effect makeup teams are good-humored, creative people. We tell stories, listen to lots of music—I always request Whitney Houston and Barry Manilow. Many well-known actors don’t like accepting lesser parts or smaller ﬁlms. You take on a mix of bigger and smaller parts, bigger and smaller ﬁlms. You pegged me. If I had a Tom Cruise career to worry about, I’d understand the progression of bigger and better. But as a character actor, I’m allowed to age, allowed to show up in something as a cameo. If the role is interesting in a story, I want to help tell it if it’s a director I want to work with or cast members I want to work alongside. I have been with the same management since 1994. In that time, he has learned that Dougie does what Dougie wants. Some you do for the loot, and some you do for the art. I want to do both. What kind of projects do you say no to? When you have a rep for being a monster guy, a lot of blood-on-the-wall splatter

Jones as the Silver Surfer in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007).

You’ve played Saru on Star Trek: Discovery for ﬁve seasons. How did you get the role, and what’s it like developing a character over time? I was on set for The Shape of Water when I got the call. No audition, just a meeting with the writers. For an actor, this was a dream. It is different from doing a movie, but I knew the drill, having done an intelligent alien on the series Falling Skies. When I watched the original Star Trek series, even when I was 6 years old, I connected with that Spock guy, the tall lanky one who didn’t look like everybody else. Were you involved in designing his look? The original designs for Saru were very different—two horns, winged head, 10 eyeballs. They did a life cast and prosthetics, and we did a fitting. I thought, This is going to be a nightmare. I came home a little depressed. But I got a call that afternoon from [lead creature and makeup designer for the show] Neville Page asking me how I thought it went. Nobody ever asked me that before. I said it’s problematic, not just the comfort but for the performance. If I need to connect emotionally with other characters and show what’s going on in my heart and

Jones as El Fauno in 2006’s Pan’s Labyrinth.

mind, well … He said, “I felt the same way. I wanted to see more Doug Jones.” Two days later, they had a new design.

What role have you played that is underrated or underseen? One filmed in Indiana, My Name is Jerry. A film student reached out to my agent and asked if I could be in his thesis film. Then he wrote a feature script and sent it to me. It was charming. ... It was shown at the Heartland Film Festival. What’s your dream role? When it comes to costumed and heavy makeup characters, all those boxes have been checked. At 66, I’m leaning more into human characters. I’m not wanting to wear quite as much rubber. OCTOBER 2026 | IM

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T R AV E L S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Enjoythe Spirits Raise a glass to these regional breweries, speakeasies, and distilleries.

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TRAVEL SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

950 SPEAKEASY BISTRO A quintessential part of small-town Lagro, located right off the Wabash River, 950 Speakeasy Bistro is a family-friendly bar and eatery established by the Gillespie family, whose roots in the Lagro community go back generations. Each signature cocktail is crafted to be true to infamous liquors of the Prohibition era, such as gin and whiskey. While the weather still holds, check out the al fresco seating options, perfect for watching live music on the weekends with a tasty cocktail.

ADVENTURE SPIRITS DISTILLING Adventure Spirits Distilling is the only craft cocktail lounge in Whitehouse, Ohio, offering private tours, flight tastings, and craft cocktail classes that focus on education and innovation. It carries limited-release spirits for collectors and those with perceptive palates, and its private rooms allow for a more intimate tasting experience. The distillery has been open for just two years, but rave reviews make it an ideal spot for an immersive distillery experience. 10907 Waterville St., Whitehouse, Ohio, 419-877-7720, adventurespiritsdistilling.com

BLUE STALLION BREWING CO. Since 2013, Blue Stallion Brewing has crafted traditional German ales and lagers in Lexington, bringing iconic European flavors right to the heart of Kentucky. Head brewer JR Redmon draws upon his industrial engineering experience and 60

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the many years he spent in Germany to emulate iconic flavors in the Munich-style Dunkel and Hefeweizen traditions. The taproom offers an array of beers for enthusiasts and those who prefer a more approachable beverage, from light lagers and IPAs to sours. To pair with the drafts, customers can also purchase pies from the popular Yearling Pizza inside the taproom. 610 W. Third St., Lexington, Kentucky, 859-785-1625, bluestallionbrewing.com

BOONE COUNTY DISTILLING CO. This establishment continues the legacy of the Petersburg Distillery, once the largest distillery in Kentucky before it shut down in 1910. While the original site has been demolished, it was reestablished in 2015 as the Boone County Distilling Co., which strives to create high-quality bourbon and respect history by using a single pot still, a rarity today. The distillery offers a variety of whiskey flavors, and customers can even purchase an entire barrel of bourbon to take home. It also offers distillery tours

and hosts an event center, rentable for weddings, parties, and other events.

10601 Toebben Dr., Independence, Kentucky, 859282-6545, boonedistilling.com

CASTLE & KEY DISTILLERY Located in the heart of Frankfort, Kentucky, this distillery makes you feel like you’ve been transported back to 19th century Europe. With a historical castle, sprawling gardens, and natural springs, tours and tastings at Castle & Key immerse you in the story behind each barrel, and the service promises true Kentucky hospitality. Each bottle is crafted carefully in-house, and its new experimental series lets those with adventurous palates try flavors from around the world. 4445 McCracken Pike, Frankfort, Kentucky, 502395-9070, castleandkey.com

CEDAR CREEK WINERY, BREWING CO. AND DISTILLERY This company prides itself on being Indiana’s first allin-one winery, brewery, and distillery location. Originally known as the Cedar Creek

Winery, this family-owned and -operated business has since expanded to incorporate a brewing company, distillery, and eatery, where one can buy wine, beer, spirits, and food all at the same property. Known for its rustic architecture, lively atmosphere, and large drink menu with moonshine, wine, and bourbon, Cedar Creek also hosts plenty of events, including a summer concert series. Check out its Nashville winery, too. 3820 Leonard Rd., Martinsville, Indiana, 765-342-9000, drinkatthecreek.com

CO-SIGN SPEAKEASY In a city known for Prohibition-era bars, CoSign Speakeasy has been committed to evoking the same sophisticated, moody vibes of that era since its inception. With an immersive Pittsburgh speakeasy cocktail experience and a carefully curated space with Prohibition decor, it provides two sanctuaries for sharing drinks and being in the company of friends and family. To enjoy an oldfashioned in a quintessential setting, visitors can

PHOTO COURTESY CASTLE & KEY DISTILLERY

950 Washington St., Lagro, Indiana, 260-205-8775, 950speakeasy.com

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145 E. Eighth Ave., Fourth Floor, Homestead, Pennsylvania, 412-368-8579, cosignpgh.com

GRAND TRAVERSE DISTILLERY Grand Traverse is Northern Michigan’s first grain-to-bottle craft distillery. Located on a family farm, behind a barn, it has stayed true to its roots for more than 21 years by only sourcing grains from local farms. It distills, mashes, ferments, and ages every bottle it makes. Staff members at Grand Traverse pride themselves on their family-style business model—they were founded as a family business, and they maintain those same values today. 781 Industrial Cir., Ste. 5, Traverse City, Michigan, 231-947-8635, grandtraversedistillery.com

GRIZZLY PEAK BREWING COMPANY Known as the “Best Brewpub in Ann Arbor” by locals, Grizzly Peak Brewing Company offers an extensive list of site-made craft beers, as well as a full menu featuring handcrafted pizzas, sandwiches, soups, and salads. Opened in 1995, it is housed in a historic, century-old building known to be a culinary landmark in downtown Ann Arbor—it previously housed the Old 62

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German Restaurant. The brewery features specialty events, such as Pups on the Patio, where guests can bring their furry friends and even order them an entree, with funds being donated to the local Humane Society. 120 W. Washington St., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 734-7417325, grizzlypeak.net

HELL OR HIGH WATER A self-proclaimed subterranean cocktail lounge, Hell or High Water is a speakeasy perfectly situated underneath Whiskey Row in downtown Louisville. It offers craft cocktails, elevated spirits, and a wide range of bourbons alongside 1920s-themed Prohibitionera decor. Peppered with vintage lights, rows of old books, red velvet booths, and dark wood furnishings, the site treats patrons to a glimpse of the building’s unique history. Its name references the massive blaze that overtook Whiskey Row in 2015 and the vast amount of water firefighters used, flooding the space before it was a speakeasy bar. This is represented on the menu with “Hell” featuring dark liquors, and “High Water” describing light, liquor-based cocktails. 112 W. Washington St., Louisville, Kentucky, 502-5873057, hellorhighwaterbar.com

INDIAN CREEK DISTILLERY Step back in time with a visit to Indian Creek Distillery, Ohio’s oldest historic distillery. It is located in the rolling hills

of southern Miami County just north of Dayton, Ohio, and owners Missy and Joe Duer alongside their daughter Carmony use the same ancient copper barrels and distilling process to keep their whiskey as high-quality as it has been across seven generations for more than 200 years. A “true sip of history,” its award-winning Ohio Frontier Whiskeys are handcrafted one small batch at a time. 7095 Staley Rd., New Carlisle, Ohio, 937-846-1443, indiancreekdistillery.com

JACKIE O’S TAPROOM AND BREWERY Located in the heart of Southeast Ohio, Jackie O’s Taproom and Brewery offers an assortment of more than 50 different beer varieties that it says “reflects the vibrancy and experimental nature of Athens.” Started by Ohio University alumnus Andrew Arthur Oestrike in 2007, the brewery commits to sustainable practices, including through its Barrel Ridge Farm, where it grows its own vegetables and herbs. Carrying anything from barrel-aged imperials to hazys to IPAs, Jackie O’s is a hidden gem in the scenic hills of Appalachia. 25 Campbell St., Athens, Ohio, 740-447-9063, jackieos.com/ location/taproom-brewery

JOURNEYMAN DISTILLERY Located in a historic 1800s corset factory, the Journeyman Distillery has been refurbished to offer distilling, an in-house restaurant, a putting green, and lodging. It prides itself on being one of the few certified organic distilleries in the U.S. The Staymaker restaurant offers a daily lunch and dinner menu, as well as a weekendonly brunch menu. The 30,000-square-foot putting green, located behind the distillery, also features a silo bar on-site. Its loftstyle apartment complex has three floors of living space, and each is available to book year-round. 109 Generations Dr., Three Oaks, Michigan, 269-8202050, journeyman.com

LONZ In true Prohibition-era fashion, you can’t simply walk into this speakeasy. Entering requires you to solve a riddle, and rules like “no bootlegging,” “no snitching,” and “no loud, obnoxious behavior” create a proper space for civil sipping. Inside Lonz, cocktails, small plates, and a coffee bar for non-alcohol drinkers provide a sustenance and a space for everyone to connect. Surrounding the

PHOTOS COURTESY GRAND TRAVERSE DISTILLERY AND JOURNEYMAN DISTILLERY

choose between a library with leather seating and antique decor for a warm, welcoming environment or a more elaborate red room with plush velvet booths for larger gatherings.

Only in Oldham.

All Things Kentucky. Only in Oldham County, KY.

FARM TOUR Capital OF KENTUCKY Horse Farm Tours • Bourbon Tours & Tastings from the Barrel • Kentucky’s Largest Beer Garden NEW Thrifting & Antiques Trail • Underground Railroad History • 70+ Vacation Rentals & B&Bs Horse Barn Restaurant • Botanical Gardens • “Trains on Main” Historic Shopping & Dining District

TourOldham.com

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speakeasy are campsites, the Lonz Mansion, and the Middle Bass Island Marina if you want to turn your bar experience into a weekend stay.

gastropub, and the original building, which functions as research and development and shares space with the New Albanian Pizzeria & Public House. The pizzeria has a plentiful menu of food, served alongside various draft beers.

1719 Fox Rd., Middle Bass, Ohio, 440-479-6615, lonz -mbi.com/lonz/prohibition

MAGGIE’S FARM RUM DISTILLERY

3312 Plaza Dr., New Albany, Indiana, 812-944-2577, newalbanian.com

Maggie’s Run maintains its reputation in Pennsylvania as an independent craft distillery, determined to create high-quality products without compromise. Its original distillery offers a number of craft drinks and spirits to try, both in cocktail form at the bar, or in bottles for stocking your home supplies. 3212a Smallman St., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 412-709-6480, maggiesfarmrum.com

NEW ALBANIAN BREWING COMPANY A regional craft brewer with distribution throughout Indiana and Kentucky, the New Albanian Brewing Company was once ranked sixth among the world’s best craft breweries by the now-defunct consumer beer rating website Ratebeer .com. The company operates two breweries: one that shares facilities with its taproom and

OLD 55 DISTILLERY A family-owned business, Old 55 makes corn whiskey, single barrel bourbon, and 100-percent sweet corn bourbon. Tucked away off Indiana State Road 55, which is also the distillery’s namesake, Old 55 has set out to craft a true Midwestern whiskey. It is a rare field-to-bottle distillery, meaning every grain used is sourced from local fields or the family farm. Tours of the distillery are available,

SHELBYVILLE | SIMPSONVILLE | SHELBY COUNTY, KENTUCKY

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Plan a visit to Your Bourbon Destination® at visitshelbyky.com. 64

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PHOTO COURTESY OMNI HOTELS & RESORTS

A historical staple in Pittsburgh, Maggie’s Farm Rum Distillery has produced craft rum since 2013, the first of its kind commercially available in Pennsylvania since the Prohibition era. Its accolades are vast, as organizations such as The American Distilling Institute, American Craft Spirits Organization, and many more have recognized the quality of its rums. Known for a nationally distributed double-barreled finish, sold in 14 states,

VISIT LAFAYETTE-WEST LAFAYETTE

Fall shines in Greater Lafayette. Hike the scenic trails at Prophetstown State Park and Celery Bog Nature Area. Get delightfully lost in Northwest Indiana’s largest corn maze at Exploration Acres. Pick the perfect pumpkin, sip fresh cider, and soak in all the cozy-season vibes at Wea Creek Orchard. Experience the annual Feast of the Hunters’ Moon festival.

Trade the city skyline for wide-open skies. Meet wolves in the wild. Wander an art trail filled with colorful surprises. Tee off on championship golf courses. Then toast the day with awardwinning breweries, wineries, and local flavors worth the trip. Downtown brings the energy. Stretching across both sides of the Wabash River, it’s packed with indie boutiques, live music, craft coffee, and restaurants serving everything from elevated comfort food to global cuisine.

We’re also home to Purdue University. Yep, that Purdue. Big Ten game days, electric crowds, and Boiler spirit that turns weekends into an event. Just a short drive from Indianapolis. Close enough for the weekend. Different enough to feel like an escape.

Find Your Adventure

greater lafayette

HOMEOFPURDUE.COM • 765-447-9999

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311 E. Washington St., Newtown, Indiana, old55distillery.com

OMNI LOUISVILLE PIN + PROOF Hidden in the Omni Hotel behind the lobby mural depicting a “Shhh,” is an elaborate underground speakeasy full of craft cocktails and jazz ambiance. The menu features allocated spirits

with engraving services if you’re looking to take home a keepsake, and dinner and late-night bites are available while you stay. The speakeasy’s bowling lanes are separated with grand stone and brick arches, and if you want to make it a weekend-long adventure, book a room upstairs. 400 S. Second St., Louisville, Kentucky, 502-313-6664, omnihotels.com/hotels/ louisville/dining/pin-and-proof

OMNI WILLIAM PENN HOTEL SPEAKEASY Tucked below the hotel lobby in the Omni William Penn Hotel is a 1920s social lounge serving beverages that were iconic during the Prohibition era. Used as storage space for decades, the bar has been revitalized to its former historic glory, when it was previously a speakeasy during Prohibition, with Pittsburgh elegance in an intimate setting. The location gets its noir-ish vibe from scarlet seats, a tin roof, and dark sensual lighting. Add a fresh Manhattan and light fare and you’ve got a perfect getaway.

530 William Penn Pl., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 412-281-7100, omnihotels.com/hotels/ pittsburgh-william-penn/ dining/the-speakeasy

QUINTANA’S SPEAKEASY Located inside a converted 1920s colonial house, the first floor is a fully functioning barbershop that’s reminiscent not just of a shave and haircut, but a place where business deals are made and patrons chew the fat. Walk upstairs to find the darkly lit secret bookcase passage that

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studios

artists

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PHOTOS COURTESY OMNI HOTELS & RESORTS AND QUINTANA’S SPEAKEASY

as well as its tasting room.

EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF A SMALL-TOWN CHRISTMAS IN SHIPSHEWANA Experience the magic of a Shipshewana Christmas, where the charm of Indiana’s Amish Country shines all season long. Beginning November 7 through December 31, celebrate the holidays with a festive small-town Christmas lighting, dazzling drive-through light displays, heartwarming concerts and musicals, holiday craft shows, unique shopping, delicious dining and unforgettable family fun. Slow down, make memories, and discover the joy of Christmas in Shipshewana.

Book Now VisitShipshewana.org

Ofﬁcial Amish Country Visitors Center 350 S Van Buren St, Shipshewana, IN 46565 Questions? (260) 768-4008 @VisitShipshewana on socials

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leads you to the hidden bar and speakeasy lounge. The latter serves classic handcrafted cocktails and a wide selection of bourbon, with small plates such as a charcuterie board, a shmear platter, and Chilean bruschetta. 2200 S. Taylor Rd., Cleveland Heights, Ohio, 216-2628288, qbds.net/speakeasy

RIVER SAINT JOE BREWERY This idyllic farmstead brewery offers farm-fresh food, beer, and cider. Located on Flatwater Farms, the brewery is loyal to farmhouse brewing traditions using local and organic ingredients. Dedicated to sustainability, it prioritizes using solar energy and eliminating waste. The brewery takes its name from the St. Joseph, the third-longest river in

Michigan, located just to the south. It also hosts seasonal and recurring events in its indoor and outdoor spaces, such as morning yoga classes, book club, live music on Mondays, dancing, and more. 15475 Walton Rd., Buchanan, Michigan, 269-409-8015, riversaintjoe.com

SIG LUSCHER BREWERY This brewery has a history dating back to the 1860s, when Sigmund Luscher built the first location in Memphis, Tennessee. However, during the Civil War, the brewery burned down. Luscher managed to make enough money to reopen in Frankfort, Kentucky, at the Capital Brewing Company, but the brewery closed following his death in 1891. For the next 127 years, Frankfort was without a single

brewery. Descendants of the Luscher family reopened the eighth oldest brewery in America, the new Sig Luscher Brewery, in 2018, which serves in-house beer and craft hot dogs. 221 Mero St., Frankfort, Kentucky, 502-699-2414, sigluscherbrewery.com

SPEAKEASY AT THE SPA SpeakEasy at the Spa is located on Indiana’s Calumet River, where it’s rumored that Al Capone smuggled in booze from Canada during the Prohibition. Regardless of the legend’s truth, nowadays the spa keeps its historic charm intact with tin ceilings, a 90-year-old horseshoe bar from a Chicago saloon, and a vintage Seeburg jukebox. While it may not be an actual spa, it is surely a place to relax and have a nice drink in

the Indiana Dunes.

333 N. Mineral Springs Rd., Porter, Indiana, 219-934-7677, thespaspeakeasy.com

STARLIGHT DISTILLERY Located on one of the largest fruit farms in Indiana, Starlight has used its own crops in the distillation process for decades. Owners of one of the first artisan distilleries in the state to produce bourbon, the Huber family has resided in a rural Southern Indiana community that was a wine and brandy capital in 1843 and has produced iconic whiskeys since. Not only does the historic site offer tours of its orchards, vineyards, and distillery, as well as tastings, it also prides itself as a familyfriendly establishment. Visit the Starlight Café for a bite to eat, race pedal carts, and even visit the corn maze

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. CARROLL COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.carrollcountyindiana.com • (765) 564-6757 68

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for a perfect fall getaway. 19816 Huber Rd., Borden, Indiana, 812-923-9463, starlightdistillery.com

PHOTO COURTESY THE STUDY

TARTAN HOUSE This neighborhood speakeasy’s selection of spirits spans 16 pages with local and international options to choose from. Take a seat at the intimate bar space and try Tartan House’s wide selection of American whiskeys, small-batch bourbons, and Scotch blends that live up to the expectations of the most particular liquor connoisseurs. Contrary to a traditional speakeasy’s selective entry methods, Tartan House’s relaxed ambiance welcomes anyone in Louisville looking for a place to try crafted cocktails. 1027 E. Main St., Louisville, Kentucky, tartanhousebar.co

THE RIVER BOTTOM The River Bottom is a unique, 1930s-inspired speakeasy featuring Mediterranean dishes with bold flavors in an intimate setting. The menu features cold and hot mezze dishes, salads, sandwiches, as well as vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, and drinks such as handcrafted cocktails inspired by the speakeasy era and a diverse beer selection. The bar also serves as a private event space for birthday and engagement parties, receptions, corporate gatherings, and private dinners.

267 Kalamazoo St., South Haven, Michigan, 269-6374837, theriverbottomsoha.com

THE STUDY This speakeasy features a modern-day prohibition-era

aesthetic, inspired by the 1920s. The Study shares a home with a comedy club and mimics the secrecy of true speakeasies by requiring a password for guests to be able to enter. The bar offers Prohibition-themed drinks, jazz music, a designated gaming area, books, fireplaces, and more. The bar also hosts events, many of which are free, such as trivia nights, tarot card readings, live music, and more. 321 E. Main St., Niles, Michigan, 574-320-8291, undergroundlaughlounge .com/the-study

THIEME AND WAGNER BREWING COMPANY Founded in 1863 by German immigrants Frederick A. Thieme and John Wagner,

the Thieme and Wagner Brewing Company serves beer, wine, and liquor, along with a small food menu. The brewery shut down in 1960, but was resurrected in 2016

Great Council State Park

Find your park at ohiodnr.gov/indy

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by the fifth- and sixthgeneration father-and-son duo Brian and David Thieme. David, the great-greatgreat-grandson of Frederick A. Thieme, tracked down missing recipes his ancestor used, and now brews and sells above-standard beer. They occasionally host trivia and bingo events and live music as well. 652 Main St., Lafayette, Indiana, 765-607-4804, facebook.com/ thiemeandwagner

TWIN OAST BREWING Twin Oast Brewing is a year-round destination brewery and restaurant located on Catawba Island, Ohio, along the Lake Erie Shores. It is known for its award-winning craft beer, classic pub and seasonal favorites, expansive indoor and outdoor dining, and one of the country’s top-rated beer gardens. It hosts a

number of events, from weekly taproom happenings to seasonal offerings like its Autumn at the Oast fall series and Oastoberfest in early October. 3630 N.E. Catawba Rd., Port Clinton, Ohio, 419573-6126, twinoast.com

VOLSTEAD BAR During Prohibition, Volstead was a brothel called The Green Door, owned by a mysterious woman referred to as Madame Frankie. During her time, it’s rumored that the high-class brothel was visited once by Al Capone. Now, the building has been turned into a speakeasy-style bar with various cocktails made from top-shelf liquor. Named after Andrew Volstead, a key figure behind the National Prohibition Act of 1919, the high-end lounge is rich with Sandusky history.

Experience, Explore, Enjoy & Escape Discover the beauty, adventure, and comfort of fall around every corner.

Affordable Hotels | Over 50 Restaurants 60 Nearby Attractions | Events Holiday Shopping & More Conveniently Located Directly Off the Ohio Turnpike, Exit 187 Short Drive to Cleveland, Akron, Canton & Youngstown Request Your FREE Vacation Value Packet & Coupons Today and Start Planning Your Next Perfect Fall Escape! www.StreetsboroVCB.com 888-558-5580 70

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316 E. Water St., Sandusky, Ohio, volsteadbar.com

YOUGH RIVER BREWING

WIGLE WHISKEY

A small start-up brewery in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, Yough River Brewing dispenses small-batch, highquality handcrafted brews from a 12-tap beer system. It offers IPAs, fruited beers, sours, pale and brown ales, porters, and more to match a variety of taste preferences and palates, as well as local liquors and cocktails for those less fond of brews. Yough River Brewing is the perfect fall venue for meetups with friends, and it regularly hosts food trucks and local musicians. The brewery is also prepared for all-weather months, with an expansive outdoor space with fire pits to sit around and reminisce over a cold beer.

Located in the Strip District of Pittsburgh, Wigle Whiskey received accolades from the American Craft Spirits Association as the most awarded craft distillery in the country. Named after Phillip Wigle, who defended the right to distill in the 1790s and played a major role in the Whiskey Rebellion, the brand has held onto that same commitment to produce Pennsylvania’s finest whiskey. Visitors can learn more about its extensive history through private or public tours, attending a tasting, or tasting its craft drinks in the Wigle Bar & Kitchen restaurant. 2401 Smallman St., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 412-2242827, wiglewhiskey.com

1030 S. Arch St., Connellsville, Pennsylvania, 724-322-4568, youghriverbrewing.com

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Something for Everyone! There’s something for everyone to enjoy at Tuttle Orchards this fall! Our fall activities are available from August 28 to October 31. Make memories in the @ÎŞĲÁÎŞðƽ ƞ ĳð ƌļŰŞ śöŞċöêū śŰĲśĨĕĳ ĕĳ ūĒö śÎūêĒƽ Ťĕś ļĳ Îśśīö êĕðöŞ ŤīŰŤĒĕöŤƽ öĳĥļƌ êÎŞÎĲöī ÎśśīöŤ Îĳð ċÎīī ðļĳŰū Ɵ ÎƅļŞŤƽ ŤĒļś ċļŞ īļêÎīīƌ ĲÎðö ČļļðŤ ĕĳ ūĒö @ÎŞĲ ūļŞöƽ Îĳð öĳĥļƌ ċÎŞĲǔĕĳŤśĕŞöð ĲöÎīŤ Îū Ēö AŞĕīīǂ

fļ ČöĳöŞÎī ÎðĲĕŤŤĕļĳ ļŞ śÎŞĨĕĳČ ċöö ūļ ƅĕŤĕū ūĒö ċÎŞĲƿ Tickets are required for FarmYard admission.

Plan your visit: tuttleorchards.com/fall ƪƬƦƬ f ƨƥƥ »ǂ AŞööĳƞ öīð Jf ƩƫƦƩƥ Ț īƆÎƌŤ īļŤöð ļĳ ŰĳðÎƌŤ

C OM E E X PE R I E NC E OU R HOM E OF AWA R D -W I N N I NG W H I S K E YS BO O K A T O U R

1 L U X RO W BA RD ST O W N , K Y 4 0 0 0 4

One Inconvenient Location Since 1851. One Unforgettable Escape. Take a step back in time to Indiana’s oldest, award winning Bed & Breakfast tucked away in scenic Brown County. Experience farm to table dining in the historic Story Inn and visit our prohibition era gin still turned basement tavern. Experience the Fall colors or participate in our Victorian Dinners every December Thursday-Sunday. Inclusive overnight dining packages start at $200

www.storyinn.com | 812-988-2273

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Lawrence Central

OCT 6TH 6:00-7:30 PM

Lawrence North

OCT 8TH 6:00-7:30 PM

McKenzie Center

OCT 8TH 6:00-7:30 PM

! "#$ # % & ' ( # '' ) * # + ,

Learn more at LTschools.org or call for a tour: 317-423-8200

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School Proﬁles Learn about enrollment and graduation rates, tuition, open house dates, and more for Indy-area schools.

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Cathedral High School

» Cathedral High School forms young people of faith, purpose, and excellence through a Catholic, Holy Cross education that develops the whole person. As one of only 15 Holy Cross high schools in the United States, Cathedral is rooted in a tradition that educates hearts and minds while inspiring students to recognize the needs of the world and respond with compassion and courage. Students thrive in a diverse, welcoming community where they are challenged to achieve their personal best through exceptional academics, championship athletics, award-winning arts, and opportunities for spiritual, emotional, and personal growth. Signature experiences help students discover their passions

and prepare for lives of service and leadership. During J-Term, students spend a week traveling, exploring new interests, or participating in career-focused internships. Through the St. André Service Project, a two-year graduation requirement, students make a lasting impact by serving their communities in meaningful ways. Dedicated educators encourage every student to pursue goals beyond what they imagined possible. As a result, Cathedral graduates leave prepared to lead with competence, character, and faith, joining one of Indiana’s most engaged ²čÑ õčŤŁÕčļõ²Ć ²ĆŁČčõ čÕļŖĔİăĴ Ĕê ÊŁĴõčÕĴĴʞ civic, religious, and community leaders.

Year Founded: 1918 | Grades Served: 9–12 | Current Enrollment: 1,100 | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1 | Grad Rate: 100% | Uniforms Required? Yes | Tuition: $19,650 | Top Three Awards/Recognition: AP Platinum School • No. 1 Indiana High School for Student-Athletes, 2026 Niche Ranking • One of the first Catholic schools in the country to receive the Lumen Accreditation from The Catholic University of America | Open House Date: Thursday, October 1 • Mass 5 p.m., Open House 5:30–8 p.m. • cathedralopenhouse.com | Contact: 5225 E. 56th St., Indianapolis • 317-542-1481 • gocathedral.com

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Indianapolis Public Schools » Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) is the largest and most diverse school district in Indiana, with more than 30,000 students and nearly 4,000 employees, covering 80 square miles throughout the City of Indianapolis. An agile, innovative school district, IPS offers eight (8) educational models for elementary and middle school students, and more than 32 academic pathways for high school students. The district’s pre-kindergarten classrooms focus on early literacy, social development, and school readiness. IPS is committed to academic excellence built through individualized, relationship-based learning. All students are empowered to think critically, creatively, and responsibly, to embrace diversity, and to pursue their dreams with purpose which allows students to succeed.

Year Founded: 1853 | Grades Served: Pre-K-12 | Current Enrollment: 30,000+ | Student-Faculty Ratio: 26:1 | Grad Rate: 93% | Uniforms Required? No | Tuition: K-12, Free; Pre-K, $700 per month (IPS accepts CCDF and On My Way Pre-K) | Top Three Awards/Recognition: Ernie Pyle School 90 is the only Paideia School in the Midwest officially certified by the National Paideia Center • IPS offers 21 different sports across all grade bands • More than $1M in in-kind donations benefiting students | Open House Info: For individual school open house dates, times, and locations, visit myips.org/schools | Contact: 120 E. Walnut St., Indianapolis • 317-226-4000 • myips.org

The International School of Indiana » For over 30 years, ISI ñ²Ĵ ÊÕÕč İÕÑÕţčõčë Ŗñ²ļ education looks like in the heart of the Midwest. As Indiana’s only International Baccalaureate (IB) World School serving students from age 3 through grade 12, ISI offers an immersive, global education unlike any other, right here in Indianapolis. Through duallanguage instruction in French, Mandarin, Spanish, and English, and a vibrant curriculum, ISI students don’t just learn about the world; they live it. Students thrive in small classes with personalized learning, global experiences, and rich extracurricular and leadership opportunities. A four-year college counseling program supports a 100-percent acceptance rate to top universities worldwide. From STEM to social sciences, ISI graduates are globally minded, academically prepared, and ready to lead in an ever-changing world.

Year Founded: 1994 | Current Enrollment: 590 | Student-Faculty Ratio: 6:1 | Grad Rate: 100% | Uniforms required? Yes, age 3 through grade 8 | Tuition: $24,185-$26,959; financial aid available (54% of families receive aid); Participating Choice School | Top 3 Awards/Recognition: Niche No. 1 Best Private K-12 School in Indiana 2025; 100% of grade 12 students eligible for the Indiana Certificate of Multilingual Proficiency earned this award; 86% of high school students scored 3 or higher in AP language exams | Open House Dates: Lower School 9/10 and 11/5; Upper School 10/20 and 11/3 | Contact: 4330 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis, 317-923-1951, isind.org OCTOBER 2026 | IM

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Sycamore School » Sycamore School is Indiana’s only accredited, independent school for gifted students from age 3 through 8th grade. Sycamore is a home for curious minds, joyful learners, intellectual explorers, and children who ask big questions. At Sycamore, classrooms are designed to nurture intellectual growth and emotional well-being. Children develop their passions well beyond the classroom through a vibrant arts program, athletics, and an array of clubs and activities. Sycamore is a community where gifted students thrive because they are known and loved.

Year Founded: 1985 | Grades Served: Preschool (age 3)-8th grade | Current Enrollment: 418 | Student-Faculty Ratio: 7:1 (5:1 in Preschool; 6:1 in Pre-Kindergarten) | Grad Rate: N/A | Uniforms Required? No | Tuition: $24,415 ($14,000 for Half-Day Preschool; $21,000 for Full-Day Preschool) | Top Three Awards/Recognition: Recipient of three grants, totaling $6,250,000, from the Lilly Endowment’s Marion County K-12 Private Schools Initiative in 2024-2025, which will allow Sycamore to better address two of the most pressing challenges faced by gifted students—their social and emotional well-being and the unique obstacles faced by twice-exceptional (2e) learners; Recognized as “Best Private School” by The Indianapolis Star in both 2023 and 2024; Recognized three times as a “Top Workplace” by The Indianapolis Star (only Top Workplace organization that was selected in 2023 in the Primary/Secondary School sector) | Open House Date: Fall Open House, 12-2 p.m. on Sunday, October 25 at Sycamore School | Contact: 1750 W. 64th St., Indianapolis; 317-202-2544; sycamoreschool.org, admissions@sycamoreschool.org

St. Richard’s Episcopal School » A St. Richard’s Episcopal School education provides a transformational experience for students age 3 through grade 8. Our engaging and challenging curriculum mints productive global citizens who love learning and embrace diversity. Since 1960, St. Richard’s has been providing a diverse and international student body with an excellent academic foundation rooted in Episcopal values. Students thrive with small class sizes and personal attention from outstanding faculty as they learn knowledge and values for a lifetime. All of this is accomplished through our Pillars of Success: Civic Responsibility, Classic Curriculum, Faith, Global Readiness, and Leadership.

Year Founded: 1960 | Grades Served: Pre-K (age 3)-Grade 8 | Current Enrollment: 372 | Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1 | Grad Rate: 100% | Uniforms Required? Yes | Tuition: $22,030 | Top Awards/Recognition: 6 Million Dollar Grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. for Experiential Pathways Initiative; St. Richard’s is the only Episcopal School in Indiana | Open House Date: November 4, 9-10:30 a.m. | Contact: 33 E. 33rd St., Indianapolis; 317-926-0425, sresdragons.org

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key

BR 2026

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Kid friendly Solo dining Cocktails

NEW 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.

five-option Negroni list make this Mass Ave tapas bar an evening stop for any mixed drink fan, while the extensive menu of coffee and long drinks keeps things buzzy all day. 721 Massachusetts Ave., 317-986-7877, almostfamousindy.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. Take note—the steak menu also lists a spinalis. You may never eat another steak this perfect. Black-suited servers and wellcomposed cocktails keep the high-dollar meal running smoothly. 201 W. Main St., Carmel, 317-740-0900, anthonyschophouse.com $$$$

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, $$ 317-740-1991; 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

Baan Thai Bistro THAI Roxanna Williams and her mother,

Antilogy

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. Multiple locations, 1933lounge.com

Jhanya, are behind some of Indy’s most reliable Thai restaurants, but the divides its energy between the restaurateurs have hit their stride morning meal and evening with Baan Thai. Their converted SMALL libations. Early birds can choose Wanamaker cottage bustles BITE from thoughtful combinations with diners lured in by Jhanya’s of fat biscuits, sunny eggs, decades-old family recipes bourbon-candied bacon, and but inspired to stay thanks to Belgian waffles, with plenty of Roxanna’s flair with aesthetics, Bovaconti Coffee–based lattes service, and quality. Som thum, Set in a and mochas to kick-start the day. for example, arrives on a wooden 3,000-square-foot In the evening, the menu shifts platter arrayed with lettuce space on downtown to shareable plates, such as a leaves, turning the traditional Fortville’s lively panko-crusted crispy burrata, papaya salad into a kicky wrap. Main Street, 305 parmesan truffle fries, and a 8705 Southeastern Ave., 317-759rolled up its front molten spinach-Gruyere dip. 8424, baanthaibistro.com $$$ garage doors in 5867 N. State Rd. 135, Greenwood, June. The 21-andThe Baker’s House 317-530-5312, antilogycg.com $$ over wine and BREAD Allie Rijfkogel and Carl cocktail atelier Apicio Ristorante Ceresoli turned their pandemic pairs its drinks with & Enoteca passion for sourdough into a MediterraneanITALIAN Chef Emilio Cento business in 2025, turning a inspired shareable applies his more than three Zionsville cottage into a fragrant plates while its kiddecades of restaurant experience bakery and storefront. Each and pet-friendly to this upscale Italian spot Baker’s House loaf is a unique patio hosts a full featuring fresh pasta and creation packaged with an roster of live music. Roman-style pizza alongside eye to gift-giving. Flavors like 305 S. Main St., extravagant chef’s creations cinnamon swirl and rosemary 305fortville.com like a rich and creamy squidgarlic, in addition to the ink pasta tossed with shrimp, traditional sourdough boule, lobster, and crab and a decadent ensure that there’s a naturally stuffed beef filet. 3311 S. U.S. Hwy. 421, fermented bread to fit any taste. 365 S. Main St., Zionsville, 317-344-0100, apicioindy.com $$$ Zionsville, 949-324-7314, bakershousebread.com $

The Alchemist

Asaka Japanese Restaurant

Beholder

COFFEE AND COCKTAILS Red Lion Grog House

SUSHI Don’t ask for pan-Asian dishes at Asaka,

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 $

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 $$$

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

BRUNCH This snug corner spot

9th Street Bistro 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 $$$$ BR 2026

10th Street Diner VEGAN Surprisingly familiar and hearty plantbased takes on diner classics occupy the entire menu at this rehab of a former pawn shop, a comfy backdrop for enjoying such tasty fakeouts as a gooey seitan Reuben, a “chicken” pot pie, and chili that rivals your favorite con carne version. 3301 E. 10th St., 463-221-1255 $$

1933 Lounge STEAKHOUSE This St. Elmo spinoff serves a

Almost Famous COCKTAILS The fruit-infused spirits and

IM | OCTOBER 2026

OPEN SEASON

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

BR 2026

The Besties’ Table BRUNCH Scratch-made shrimp and grits,

chicken and waffles, and a sweet French toast flight are among the daytime options at chef Tyler Williams’s bright and cozy southside restaurant. 4022 Shelby St., 317-492-9615, tcbesties.com $$

Blé French Bistro 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, 317-7642219, blebistro.com $$

Bluebeard 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. 653 Virginia Ave., $$$$ 317-686-1580, bluebeardindy.com BR 2026

Bocado Brunch & Te’kila

stuffed with feta and parsley. 935 S. East St., 317974-1770, thebosphoruscafe.com $$$

Bowdie’s Chophouse STEAK Part of a small collection of upscale

steakhouses, Bowdie’s Chophouse in Zionsville stands out for its location on the Graham Rahal motorsports campus. Its glass-walled dining room looks out at a striking collection of rare cars, pairing high-performance eye candy with a menu of prime steaks, from a nicely crusted filet to a massive porterhouse— simply seasoned and served in a pool of butter. Rich sides like a potato pavé–style bricks of au gratin potatoes, as well as polished cocktails, complete this luxe dining experience. 10814 Creek Way, Zionsville, 317-680-8230, bowdieschophouse.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 cheese-pulling. 14765 Hazel Dell Crossing, Noblesville, 317-564-0660, brooklynchar.com $$$

MEXICAN Do not be fooled by its stylish

presentation. This Noblesville restaurant has plenty of substance, bringing a breezy, Tuluminspired aesthetic to Hamilton County with Boho wicker, natural woods, and a sculptural driftwood centerpiece. Restaurateur Hugo Zavala’s latest menu spans brunch to dinner, with standouts like a tasty street corn ribs appetizer, little chicken mole tacos with fried plantain, and a guajillo-marinated pork shank served with sweet potato puree, habanero relish, and corn tortillas. 188 Westfield Rd., $$ Noblesville, 317-764-2922, bocadobt.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 prettiest in town. Its vaunted menu also shines, with prettily plated takes on Thai and pan-Asian classics. 922 Massachusetts Ave., $$$$ 317-941-6595, bodhi-indy.com BR 2026

Bonge’s Tavern AMERICANA 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 $$$

The Bosphorus Istanbul Cafe

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, 317-7442826, brozinni.com $$

The Burger Joint BURGERS Tucked away in a strip mall off Emerson Way and 56th Street, The Burger Joint is a true hidden gem. It doesn’t take hamburgers lightly; the menu is full of specialty patties topped with savory and tender brisket, grilled pineapple, or spicy chorizo, which all pair well with hand-battered onion rings, fries, or loaded tater tots. If the burgers are what bring you in, it’s the milkshakes that make you stay—hand-dipped and served in an old-fashioned glass, piled high with whipped cream, and, of course, garnished with a cherry on top. 5450 E. Fall Creek Pkwy. N Dr., 317-9914995, indysburgerjoint.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 $$

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

Che Chori

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 BRITISH With crumpets, scones, and a jawdropping 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 ribsticking, 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

Cholita MODERN CANTINA A 2026 evolution of ADDED the longtime Broad Ripple favorite pairs

its fun-times tacos, smashed guacamole, and margaritas with a more ambitious, chef-driven menu and dinner series helmed by chef Greg Howe and chef de cuisine Felix Isauro. The lineup leans into ceviches, crudos, aguachiles, seasonal vegetables, and Latininspired small plates, often highlighting Indiana farms and purveyors. 1001 Broad Ripple Ave., 317-389-5555, cholitatacos.com $$$

Claypot Coffee House COFFEE Claypot’s 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. Freshsqueezed 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 BR 2026

UPSCALE This glossy fine dining spot

positioned to benefit from crowds headed to or from Gainbridge Fieldhouse makes game nights quite a scene. The baller-level restaurant gilds the lily with caviar service or foie gras and lobster tail for your steak. 110 S. Delaware St., 317-550-2500, commissionrow.com $$$$

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

ARGENTINEAN Marcos Perera-Blasco’s colorful

restaurant offers a selection of traditional butterflied-sausage sandwiches and warm empanadas filled with seasoned meats. Make

Cooper & Cow SPEAKEASY Louisville-based Endeavor

Restaurant Group is behind this Fishers OCTOBER 2026 | IM

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 $$$$

spans the family-friendly outdoor space, but the menu is as daring as it is easy to pair with the house brews. Its event space is simple-chic and full of natural light, available (with reservations) for special receptions and birthdays—or just for big family and friend gatherings. 303 E. Main St., Westfield, 317-804-9780, fieldbrewing.com $$$

The Foundry Gastropub Corridor BR 2026

AMERICANA A refurbished 1868 building in downtown Franklin sets the mood for a solid, chef-driven menu that includes an elevated prime rib French dip and a hearty Paccheri Alla Vodka—giant rigatoni tossed with crispy pancetta and hunks of Italian sausage. Chef Josh Fields also cooks up a weekly rotation of limited-run dishes with his Chef’s Playground menu. Meanwhile, bartenders assemble cocktails both dark (like the Blacksmith, a Four Roses old fashioned with notes of burnt orange and black walnut) and bright (like the Redsmith, a refreshing combination of tequila and strawberry shrub). 90 E. Jefferson St., Franklin, 317-868-8041, thefoundrygastropub .com $$

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, 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. 1134 E. 54th St., 317-257-7374, $$$ corridorindy.com

Daisy Bar 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 BR 2026

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 $$

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., 317-771$$$ 6653; fernandosindy.com

Field Brewing BREWPUB This Westfield addition to the local

craft brewery scene would be dazzling enough for its mod fixtures and bocce ball court that IM | OCTOBER 2026

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 BR 2026

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 $$

restaurant is arguably the crown jewel of the Bottleworks area, with enough marble, terrazzo, and chandeliers to outfit Jay Gatsby’s West Egg mansion. Like Fitzgerald’s doomed millionaire, the Fountain Room speaks to the aspirational crowd with a showy lineup of steaks, seafood, and cocktails, as well as Midwestern stick-to-your-ribs sides. Ask to be seated by the windows for maximum clout, like Jay would. 830 Massachusetts Ave., 463-2383800, thefountainroom.com $$$$

Julieta Taco Shop

Futuro

Juniper on Main

PIZZA Fans of this downtown-ish

LOWCOUNTRY This Southern coastal charmer’s

charmer crave Futuro’s thick Detroit-style slabs characterized by a cheesy exoskeleton and sauce spooned over the toppings. Followers quickly learned to make a play for the corners for maximum crispy-crust payoff, though the single-sided squares are hardly a compromise thanks to house-made ingredients, like ground pepperoni and chicken-and-ranch fixings. The thinner tavern-style and gluten-free pizzas are just as impressive and generously loaded. 19 Cruse St., 317-360-4725, futuroindy.com $$

lunch and dinner menu offers the standard seafood, salads, and boils—then surprises us all with a lineup of tacos that are a lot of fun. High chairs and booster seats are in abundance, and a kids menu moves well beyond the standard grilled cheese and nuggets. 110 E. Main St., Carmel, 317-591-9254, juniperonmain.com $$$

With locations in Indianapolis and Ingalls, Indiana, the Taylor’s Bar concept has a fourth location in the works—Carmel’s Taylor’s Bar & Table. The family of restaurants is known for its pizzas and casual entrees like barbecue pulled pork mac and cheese and ribeye with house steak sauce. 885 Monon Green Blvd., Carmel, taylorsbarand table.com

BR 2026

His Place Eatery

SUPPER CLUB This glitzy art deco

TAYLOR MADE

Fernando’s Mexican & Brazilian Cuisine

The Fountain Room

SMALL BITE

gatherings multiple times a month. 22 E. 22nd $$$ St., 317-258-2222, gather22.com

Gather 22 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 MeridianKessler spot). True to its name, the restaurant was conceived by its owners as a social center for the neighborhood, with public events and

MEXICAN Esteban Rosas and Gabriel Sañudo’s

taqueria sticks to the classics: tacos, quesadillas, or tortas offered with a short list of toppings and add-ons. But that doesn’t mean their place is boring, as items like broccolini or deep-fried trumpet mushrooms vie for your attention alongside suadero or carnitas. In this era of War and Peace–length menus, the confidence Julieta demonstrates with its tight and excellent list feels especially refreshing—your executive function is saved for bigger decisions, like if you want to eat your taco at the restaurant counter, outside, or with a drink at Turner’s next door. 1060 N. Capitol Ave., julietatacoshop.com $$

Kanoon Smoked Meat & Steakhouse 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. Firsttimers 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 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 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 BR 2026

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 farmto-table dining. Some of the ingredients on the menu are grown on-site, and grass-fed Niman Ranch steaks, seasonal fish and seafood, and house-made yeast rolls are always solid choices, as is the burger made with 100-percent grass-fed beef. For dessert, treat yourself to a scoop of creamery-fresh ice cream, perfect if you just want to go a la mode. 9101 Moore Rd., Zionsville, 317-733-1700, traderspointcreamery.com $$$

Lone Pine 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 $$$$ BR 2026

Love Handle SANDWICHES PLUS One of Indy’s great counter-service surprises, Chris and Ally Benedyk’s Mass Ave restaurant turns breakfast, lunch, and now weekend dinner into something wildly creative. Consult the chalkboard menu, which changes on a daily basis, to order anything from pork belly sandwiches, to over-the-top fish and chips, to a surf-and-turf combo consisting of beef tongue and cod spread. 877 Massachusetts Ave., $$$ 317-384-1102, lovehandleindy.com BR 2026

Intech Commons Dr., 463-2022853, macizorestaurant.com $$$

Magdalena BR 2026

Oakleys Bistro

NEW ORLEANS-INSPIRED

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

ZOOM IN

Protein Bar & Kitchen has opened a downtown location co-owned by longtime NASCAR and IndyCar pit reporter Jamie Little of Zionsville. The restaurant (which originated in Chicago) offers a menu of salads, wraps, smoothies, protein shakes, and other healthy breakfast and lunch options as well as catering packages. 6 W. Washington St., 463-900-3009, theproteinbar.com

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 $$$$

BR 2026

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

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. Headsup on anything that appears in quotes, such as a creative “Coq au Vin.” 1464 W. 86th St., 317824-1231, oakleysbistro.com $$$$

Our Table CONTEMPORARY Chef and owner

Joe Miller focuses on gorgeous, rustic plates of steak, seafood, and Old World lasagna made with fresh pasta and generous layers of beef Bolognese, mozzarella, and creamy ricotta. The brioche sliders (containing buttermilk fried chicken or beef tenderloin with crispy onions and horseradish creme fraiche) are little bites of heaven. 5080 State Rd. 135, Bargersville, 317-847-4920, ourtablerestaurant.com $$$

Petite Chou Marrakesh Moroccan Cuisine & Bar

FRENCH A little bit of Paris in Indy, this bistro

MOROCCAN A refined seasonal menu developed

by a Casablanca-born chef includes an array of 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 $$$

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

Monti Apertivo & Cucina

Pronto by Iozzo’s

BR 2026

ITALIAN Inspired by owner Francesco

Settanni’s Pugliese roots, this stylish restaurant brings a refreshingly authentic taste of regional Italy to Fountain Square. Hand-rolled pastas, airy focaccia, saffron-scented arancini, whole branzino, and succulent lamb chops are among the menu highlights. The cocktail menu leans into Italy’s aperitivo culture and includes several nice low-ABV options. 1110 Shelby St., 317-602-2037, monti.us $$$

ITALIAN MARKET This Iozzo Hospitality Group restaurant-retail combo channels the easygoing charm of an Italian cafe, offering espresso, breakfast pastries, focaccia sandwiches, soups, charcuterie, wine, cocktails, and a rotation of gelato flavors. 915 S. Meridian St., 317-974-0711, prontobyiozzos.com $$ NEW

Revery CONTEMPORARY This Old Greenwood

and dog park, Natural State is a fun and funky neighborhood spot for wings, sandwiches, and house-made soft serve. A solid mixed crowd of families, hipsters, kids, and pups (which must remain outdoors) makes for a fun and welcoming environment. 414 Dorman St., 317$$ 492-9887, naturalstateprovisions.com

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 $$$

Nesso

Rick’s Cafe Boatyard

ITALIAN Highly stylized seafood and meats

SEAFOOD You don’t have to be a Parrothead

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

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

Natural State Provisions DOG FRIENDLY A hybrid dive bar, restaurant,

Macizo

sea bass all to yourself. 339 S. Delaware St., 317-643-7400, nesso-italia.com $$$

SMALL BITE

OCTOBER 2026 | IM

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 $$$

rolls packed inside a filament of rice paper, as well as the refreshing Som Tum salad, which is big enough for two. Made with crisp papaya and peanuts then funkified with a generous pour of fish sauce, it’s the ideal start to any meal. 936 Virginia Ave., 317-636-8424, siamsquareindy.com $$

Sahm’s Tavern & Sports Bar

St. Elmo Steak House

SPORTS BAR Plastered with pennants and

posters of locals’ favorite sports teams, this bar also serves familiar Sahm’s fare, such as hearty app baskets and piled-high sandwiches, as well as a short list of well-seared Pittsburghstyle steaks. A full roster of Big Lug Brewing Co. beers gets good company from top-notch mixed drinks, including Sahm’s signature Coffee Cake White Russian, which is smooth, creamy, and full of spice and sweetness. 5632 E. Washington St., 317-388-5228, sahmstavernirvington.com $$

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., 317-635-0636, stelmos.com $$$$

Sam’s Square Pie

Strange Bird

PIZZA With its limited hours and three-day

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 umami-laden, while additions like pork belly and scallops are of peerless quality. And while it’s not apparent on the menu, many of the dishes are available as vegetarian or vegan preparations, making this a secret gem for the plant-based set. 128 S. Audubon Rd., 317-5504115, strangebirdindy.com $$$

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. $$$ 2829 E. 10th St., samssquarepie.com

Serliana FRENCH-INSPIRED STEAKHOUSE Located inside the InterContinental hotel on Monument Circle, this posh, Frenchinspired 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 $$$$ BR 2026

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 $$

Shin Dig NOSTALGIC This pizza and wings spot serves Willy Wonka–level decor, including tables built over gnomes and dinosaurs that greet you at the door. The menu skews toward the midway, with a “drive through” section of dogs and burgers in addition to its headline fare. 1351 Roosevelt Ave., 317-907-6100; 2498 Perry Crossing Way, Plainfield, 317-203-9107; $$ shindigindy.com

Siam Square THAI Soothing red and green curries—redolent of coconut milk, Thai chili paste, and fresh veggies—play strictly by the book. The same goes for the fresh shrimp-and-chicken spring

IM | OCTOBER 2026

BR 2026

Tapas Ñ

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 former Hedge Row location, and a nicely edited menu offers familiar classics, pastas, pizzas, and desserts with a few twists for the more daring diner. 350 Massachusetts Ave., 317-798-2492, vicinoindy.com $$$

Vida PRIX FIXE Don’t be intimidated by the menu. Though diners are restricted to a six-course tasting affair or a four-course dinner, even within that structure, options abound—there are fully vegetarian menus for both choices, and allergies and dietary restrictions are thoughtfully accommodated. Ingredients are sourced as locally as possible. Its wine list might be Indy’s finest, as the restaurant uses a special Coravin extraction system to open rare and unexpected bottles for a single glass. 601 E. New York St., 317-420-2323, vida-restaurant.com $$$$ BR 2026

Wisanggeni Pawon 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. Those eager to try it all should opt for street food–style small plates such as martabak, vegetable fritters, and dumplings. Watch for occasional prasmanan buffet dinner specials. 2450 E. 71st St., 317-756-9477, wpawon.com $$ BR 2026

SPANISH A former liquor store in a Castleton

parking lot may be an unlikely location for some of Indy’s best Spanish food, but past the nondescript facade, you’ll find a cozy dining room with a retro feel that evokes the supper clubs of the ’90s. Owner Saul Ramirez has been a fan of Iberian Peninsula cuisine since his youth, and with his first restaurant, he hopes to share that passion, serving up the type of classic tapas you might have enjoyed a few decades back, with occasional modern twists. The restaurant’s paella offerings are especially confident, but plan ahead, as those require 40 minutes to prepare. The menu of desserts— made in-house—is especially tempting, as is a solid list of beer and Spanish reds. 8215 Center Run Dr., 317-516-4729 $$$

Yokohama SUSHI In this restored arts and crafts–style

home, sushi rolls run the gamut from the traditional to the eclectic (the Las Vegas roll mingles unagi with sweet potato and lotus chips). Don’t miss the Fire Dragon roll made with tuna and avocado topped with more tuna, mango, eel, and tempura crunch, a sprawling concoction that balances the spicy, sweet, tangy, and unexpected. Purists will be pleased by its sashimi and nigiri menus. Those who eschew seafood are also well-served with a dinner menu that weaves in hibachi-grilled steak and chicken. There’s also a separate vegetarian menu of udon and tempura dishes. 67 N. Madison Ave., Greenwood, 317-859-1888, yokohamagreenwood.com $$$

Tinker Street 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 $$$$ BR 2026

Vicino ITALIAN More than filling Mass Ave’s pasta

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ROYAL PI NE B OULEVARD is an unassuming street that winds its way southwest from East 79th Street to Dean Road for about 0.4 miles. If you ever happen upon it, you’ll be surprised to find yourself in a stealth forest of white pine trees towering 80 to 100 feet tall, with attractive midcentury ranch homes peeking from their shadows. The site of a failed commercial tree nursery in the 1940s and ’50s, the land was unoccupied when homebuilder John Kleinops came upon it and noted it would make a unique residential neighborhood. Born to a carpenter in Latvia, Kleinops, along with his wife and two children, were displaced during World War II. Eventually moving to the U.S., he built a construction empire, employing fellow immigrants and developing subdivisions across the city. He became known not only for his craftsmanship but also for conserving the environments where he built homes and integrating nature into his designs. He took pains to preserve as many of the trees in Royal Pine Estates as possible. Unfortunately, because it is a monoculture forest, it is vulnerable to pests, disease, soil damage, and biodiversity loss. The trees are also nearing the end of their lifespan, many starting to die and becoming especially susceptible to storms. But residents of the neighborhood’s 75-plus homes, who live on offshoot streets with names like Fir and Juniper, have begun replacing them with evergreens that better suit the landscape like larch, Canadian hemlock, and Norway spruce, holding onto the romantic, one-of-a-kind feeling the fairytale forest in the middle of the city brings.

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