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How I Do a Girls Day Out in Indy | Mass Ave

There are so many awesome areas around Indy that I had to split these up. I’ve already written about the North Side of Indy and today I’m sharing another top choice for when I want a Girls Day Out in Indy | Mass Ave.

This itinerary can be tweaked if you just need a day out to yourself, you want to have a mommy/daughter date or if you want to have a day out with your girls!

Girls Day Out in Indy - Mass Ave

Girls Day Out in Indy- Mass Ave

Morning

Breakfast at Wild Eggs. Yes! I’ve already mentioned Wild Eggs in the North Side post but despite all the amazing brunch places I have to keep coming back to Wild Eggs. Their fresh squeezed OJ mimosas can’t be beat.

After breakfast I love strolling down to the end of the street furthest away from the city. The new Bottleworks district is being re-done but for now I’m excited about several locations down there. I first stop in The Best Chocolate in Town to stock up on my chocolate treats for the day. Everything in the shop is amazing but my favorite is their Peanut Butter Crunch- the perfect mix of white chocolate, peanut butter and rice crisp.

Indy Reads Books

After a chocolate treat to-go Indy Reads Books is my next favorite spot. Great prices on books in this adorable shop that has a huge impact on our community. Indy Reads builds literacy, English language, and job readiness skills to empower adults and families to reach their full potential. I’m always happy to support this book shop.

While we’re on this end of Mass Ave I have to stop in to see what fabrics Crimson Tate: Modern Quilter is carrying. She has the absolute best fabric prints in all of Indy. I end up being super inspired to sew all the things after going into her shop.

Noon

Around this time I’m ready for lunch so we head down to Garden Table. Such a cute IG worthy eatery that is so lovely with the windows open during nice weather. It’s a really fun place to try something new like a juice or stick to something comforting like a quiche.

After lunch I love heading to my very favorite shop in all of Indy- Silver in the City. My sister introduced me to this amazing shop when I was in college and it’s always been my go-to when visitors come into town or when I have a day to myself. There is one in Carmel and on Mass Ave and the best part about both stores is the people. They’re all so kind and passionate and Silver in the City does great things to support the LBGQT+ community. Confession: I have a really hard time leaving this store without jewelry.

In the same vein of super cool unique items- I love stopping in Homespun: Modern Handmade. It’s a boutique shop that sells contemporary handmade and locally crafted goods. It’s a fantastic place to go for unique art, cards and specialty gifts. They’ve also got some really awesome jewelry.

Penn & Beech
Penn & Beech

Now that our feet are tired from shopping I love going into Penn & Beech Candle Co. to make a unique candle. You can make your own scent and pour your own candle to take home. They have all kinds of different containers and you can even bring your own. It’s a really fun experience. They accept walk-ins but it’s not a huge place so if they’re hosting a bachelorette party or other large group you will have to wait. I suggest making a reservation.

I’m a sucker for beautiful desserts and Macaron Bar has my heart. I took a class on how to make macarons and although I’ll never make them myself I really enjoyed learning how and am very happy to support Macaron Bar by buying theirs! They’ve got tons of flavors including seasonal favors that change throughout the year. These also make a really great gift for someone who has it all!

Macaron Bar
Bakersfield

Evening

There are SO many great dinner and drink restaurants on Mass Ave but my favorite is Bakersfield. It’s always busy so you either need to make a reservation or be patient. My favorite thing to do is to put our name down, head out to the back outdoor area, put in an order of The Trio (chips, guac and rojo and green salsa) and grab a pineapple margarita and just enjoy the beautiful weather while chatting the night away. Everything on the menu is awesome so you can’t go wrong there.

That is how I would spend my Girls Day Out in Indy- Mass Ave style! If I did honorable mentions for Mass Ave it would literally be every other shop and restaurant on the strip so I’ll just stick with my favorites.

I’d love to know your favorite Mass Ave stops!

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Fall Events at Indiana State Museum

I’m not sure why but this year I’m really getting in the mood for Fall. I’m excited for pumpkin patches, cozy sweaters and warm apple cider. Strangely, this year I’m excited to check out some ghost related events! I’ve always been a scaredy cat when it comes to spooky Halloween festivities but I’m going to put my big girl pants on and try something new this year!

Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites has tons of great Fall happenings this year.


Photo courtesy of Indiana State Museum
Photo courtesy of Indiana State Museum

13 haunted happenings from the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites

1. Quirky Queries: Ghost Hunting 101 – Indiana State Museum (Indianapolis) 
What: Join the Friday Night Paranormal ghost hunting group to hear ghost hunting tales, learn about paranormal equipment and discover stories about hauntings at the historic sites. 
When: 6-9 p.m., Sept. 10 
Price: $10/members, $15/non-members

2. Ghost Walks – Lanier Mansion (Madison) 
What: Enjoy a nighttime, behind-the-scenes tour of the mansion and hear spooky stories related to the house and its former inhabitants. Not recommended for those younger than age 10.
When: 7:30-8:30 p.m. & 9:30-11 p.m., Sept. 14, 21 & 28, Oct. 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 & 26
Price: $10/adult members (ages 18+), $2/youth members (ages 10-17); $15/adult non-members, $7/youth non-members

3. Literally, A Haunted House – Culbertson Mansion (New Albany) 
What: Experience thrills and chills in Southern Indiana’s longest-running haunted attraction, at the Culbertson Mansion’s Carriage House. 
When: Opens at 7 p.m., Sept. 27 & 28, Fridays and Saturdays in October
Price: $15/person

4. Family Fright Night – Indiana State Museum (Indianapolis) 
What: Dress in your Halloween best for a night of family-friendly spooky fun, mad science experiments, monsters, mazes, a costume contest and more. 
When: 6-9 p.m., Oct. 11
Price: $5/members, $10/non-members, $7/Girl Scouts with ID, free for children younger than age 3


Photo courtesy of Indiana State Museum
Magician Richard Darshwood hands a portion of rope to an audience member to inspect during his performance on Saturday evening following the 2018 Culbertson Mansion Benevolence Award. Staff photo by Tyler Stewart Indiana State Museum

5. Owl-oween – Gene Stratton-Porter (Rome City)
What: Learn about owls, bats, raccoons, snakes and other creatures of the night, and enjoy tricks and treats along the way. 
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m., Oct. 11 & 12
Price: $4/members, $5/non-members, free for children younger than age 3

6. High Spirits – T.C. Steele (Nashville) 
What: Enjoy an evening of magic, hors d’oeuvres and cocktails with Richard Darshwood as he puts on a show of mystery and intrigue that must be seen to be believed!
When: 5-7 p.m., Oct. 12
Price: $25/members, $30/non-members

7. Spooky Halloween Cruises – Whitewater Canal (Metamora)
What: Experience a spooky evening boat ride when the Ben Franklin III Canal Boat will be hauntingly decorated, and a professional storyteller tells family-friendly spooky stories.
When: 7:30, 8 and 8:30 p.m., Oct. 12 & 19
Price: $4/members, $5/non-members

8. Ghost Stories Under the October Sky – T.C. Steele (Nashville)
What: Bring a picnic supper and blanket and bundle up for an evening of spooky storytelling by the cemetery at T.C. Steele State Historic Site. Famous and local ghost stories will be told, and popcorn will be served. 
When: 7-9 p.m., Oct. 18
Price: Free for members; $10/adult non-members, $8/senior non-members, $5/youth non-members (ages 3-17)

9. Fort Fright – Vincennes (Vincennes) 
What: Have a spooky good time exploring Fort Knox II during “no-scare hours” when little ones can enjoy the fun of games, activities, a hayride and more. During “haunted hours,” families can test their courage by visiting spooky stations located across the site and taking a haunted hayride. 
When: 6:00-7:30 p.m. (no-scare hours) & 7:30-10 p.m. (haunted hours), Oct. 18, 19, 25 & 26
Price: $6/adult members (ages 13+), $3/youth members (ages 12 and younger); $8/adult non-members, $5/youth non-members

10. Halloween Hullaballoo – Angel Mounds (Evansville) 
What: A family-friendly Halloween festival complete with a corn maze, hayride and trick-or-treating. Costumes are encouraged, but not required. 
When: 6-9 p.m., Oct. 19 & 26
Price: $5/person

11. Real Haunted Happenings – Corydon Capitol (Corydon)
What: Take a lantern-guided tour of spooky locations throughout historic downtown Corydon and hear stories of the unexplained. 
When: 8-9:20 p.m. & 9:30-11 p.m., Oct. 26
Price: $13/members, $15/non-members

12. Movies at the Museum: Hocus Pocus – Indiana State Museum (Indianapolis)
What: Put on your PJs, grab a blanket, sleeping bag or lawn chair and join us for some movie magic with a classic Halloween favorite in our Great Hall. 
When: 7-9:30 p.m., Oct. 26 
Price: $3/members, $5/non-members

13. Triple Treat – New Harmony (New Harmony)
What: Walk the moonlit streets of New Harmony and join in discussions about the history and hauntings in town, then use professional paranormal equipment to see who might decide to communicate.
When: 7-9 p.m., Oct. 26
Price: $40/person

# # #

The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites is located in White River State Park in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. It is Indiana’s museum for science, art and culture, offering a place where you can celebrate, investigate, remember, learn and take pride in Indiana’s story in the context of the broader world. Even the building is a showcase of the best Indiana has to offer in architecture, materials and sculpture. Easy and convenient parking is available in the attached underground garage.

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5 Things I’ve Learned from Jeffrey

Today is Jeffrey and my 9th anniversary. It doesn’t feel like a huge accomplishment that deserves praise because it is so easy being married to him.

Yes, there are definitely things we disagree on but our core values align and that is all that matters in a relationship.

We are opposites in almost every way which seems to work for us. I can’t tell you the amount of times he’s told me I’m talking too loud or that I need to take a deep breath. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve told him that the work will always be there and he needs to hang out with his family. We need each other for these reminders.

Through 9 years we’ve built a home, moved states, had two children, adopted a dog, lost loved ones and shared lots more highs than lows.

5 Things I learned from my husband

In honor of our anniversary I thought it would be fun to share 5 things I’ve learned from Jeffrey.

5 Things I’ve Learned From My Husband

  1. To breathe. For you, it might be simple to remember to breathe but apparently I’m still as bad at it as my 5 year old. He helps remind us to take in a deep breath when we’re frustrated, sad or settling in for a book. Taking a deep breath when transitioning can do amazing things.
  2. I can do it myself. I believe people are innately good at certain skills. Things they pick up super easily. One thing I perceive Jeffrey to be great at is handyman type work. He is good at it because he’s done it a lot and has made lots of mistakes. I learned from him that I am just as capable of doing 95% of the jobs he does, even if that means making the same mistakes.
  3. To slow down. Slowing down takes courage for me. It is much easier for me to take the girls on an adventure out of the house than it is for me to be with them at home. I feel like I need to have an activity or games prepared to occupy them if I’m spending time with them. Whenever I go out and Jeffrey is home with the girls he’s able to just BE with them. I have been focusing on just BEING with the girls more and it’s hard. It’s hard to not feel guilty to read a book when there’s so much I should be doing. He’s helped me see the joy in just being.
  4. To expand my horizons with media. I am happy to listen to the same 10 bands and watch the same 20 movies for the rest of my life BUT there is so much to be gained from trying new things. Metal is even growing on me a tiny bit. I’ll watch a movie that has blood in it now as long as it’s not too brutal. Three movies that have really stood out and spoke to me lately are Tully, Booksmart and Brittany Runs a Marathon. Disney movies are still my jam but trying new things has been really fun.
  5. Scheduling time for each other. This last one I learned more recently and it wasn’t directly from him. I found that for me to be happy in a relationship I need to feel connected to that person. I need to have one on one time with that person to truly know them and have them know me. We were really great at scheduling at least one date night per month this past year and it was something I looked forward to all month. They didn’t have to cost money and once I broke down and realized we needed a consistent sitter everything seemed so much easier. Our dates ranged from go-carting to dinner at a new restaurant to theater performances. My only stipulation was ‘no movies’ because we couldn’t talk and really connect.

I’ve loved sharing these last 9 years married to Jeffrey.

What are some of the things you’ve learned from your partner over the years.

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How I Do a Girls Day Out in Indy | North Side

Indianapolis is improving by leaps and bounds each year. I’m starting a new series on the blog with my favorite locations to visit around the city. This first series is Girls Day Out in Indy- North Side which encompasses anywhere north of the 456 loop.

This itinerary can be tweaked if you just need a day out to yourself, you want to have a mommy/daughter date or if you want to have a day out with your girls!

DryBar
DeBrands Chocolate Indianapolis

Girls Day Out in Indy – North Side

Morning:

Breakfast at Wild Eggs. Wild Eggs has a few locations but we particularly like the Fishers location and are very happy when they have $2 Fresh Squeezed OJ Mimosas. Rosie’s Place in Noblesville and Cafe Patachou (right next to where we’re headed next) are also great choices.

Pampering at DryBar is up next. DryBar is a blow-out salon that washes your hair and styles it for $45. My hair always lasts 4 days after getting a blow out with DryBar which is well worth the money! They also serve wine and always have great romcoms playing on the TVs.

Treat yo self at DeBrand Fine Chocolate. I have a thing for chocolate and DeBrand chocolates are my favorite ANYWHERE (and I’ve had fine chocolates in Vegas and Disney). My very favorite truffle is the Macadamia Hazelnut Truffle. You really can’t go wrong with any of the chocolates though. They also have chocolate dipped ice cream cones and the chocolate is heavenly. TIP: If it’s not hot in your car, get some to go for later or to share with your family.

After you’re buzzing from chocolate head over to Mi Nail Salon for a mani and pedi. You’ll need reservations for DryBar and breakfast but Mi Nails is very flexible with pushing back appointments if you’re running late. Make sure to request side by side seating so you can sit with your girls. They also have soda, water and wine to enjoy while being pampered.

Fashion Mall at Keystone
Ironworks Hotel
Massage Heights
Girls Day Out in Indy- North Side
Rize

Noon

Lunch at Flamme Burger will hit the spot. If you’re not super hungry, split a Chicken Sandwich or Bacon Cheese Burger. Their meals are large. They don’t own a freezer so all of the food is super fresh and so tasty.

Walk off some of those calories from lunch at the Fashion Mall at Keystone. As Indiana’s premier luxury destination with 120+ stores you’re sure to find a few you love. Some of my favorites are Crate and Barrel, Anthropology, Free People, M.A.C., Kate Spade and West Elm.

After a day of shopping I would want to take my bags back to the hotel and rest a little before getting ready to go out for the night. There are a lot of really nice hotels near the mall but my favorite is Ironworks Hotel. As an industrial modern boutique hotel, they’re such a fun place to stay. Some of my favorite amenities are that they’re pet friendly, there is a Massage Heights next door and they have two amazing fine dining restaurants (Rize for breakfast/lunch and Provision for dinner).

girls day out in indy
Ocean Prime
Point Judith Calamari

Evening

Dinner is the hardest part of this entire day because there are so many award winning restaurants on the north side of Indy. I have yet to try all of them so I will only suggest places that I’ve been knowing that there are many more worth your time. If you’re looking to go all out, we loved our experience at Ocean Prime. From the service to the food, everything was outstanding. My recommendations are the Bubbles and Berries cocktail, Smoked Gouda Tater Tots, Point Judith Calamari, the Peanut Butter Pie and the Warm Butter Cake. The entrees were amazing too but what I just mentioned were beyond delicious.

If you’ve already spent most of your budget for the day Late Harvest Kitchen, The Melting Pot (fondue) and Provisions (really great cocktails and outside patio area) are all high on my list of favorite restaurants.

Have you been to the north side of Indianapolis? If so, what are your favorite spots?

Honorable mentions: Main St Poke, Bubs Burgers (the best shakes), riding bikes on The Monon, Conner Prairie for family fun.

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Must Do Holiday Event of the Season| A Merry Prairie Holiday

Conner Prairie is our favorite local destination for pretty much all of fall and winter. The number of events they have from Headless Horseman to Prairie Plates to Dinner with Santa is outstanding. Each one of them is such a special tradition.

This year they’re having their first annual A Marry Prairie Holiday which will likely be our new favorite family tradition!

“The holidays are always a special time at Conner Prairie filled with joy and excitement of the season,” said Norman Burns, President and CEO at Conner Prairie. “It’s a time of spreading goodwill and building memories with those you love. This year we’re excited to give the gift of new experiences that will bring the whole community together on our historic property.”

Photo Credit: Conner Prairie

A Merry Prairie Holiday

New holiday programming includes:

  • Stroll through historical holiday celebrations in Prairietown
  • Participate in a nighttime, holiday-themed festival decorated with dazzling light displays and more throughout our grounds
  • Ride through our festive, historic grounds via wagon
  • Glide down central Indiana’s newest dry tubing hill
  • Ride on a vintage outdoor carousel
  • Hear the sights and sounds of the holidays with performances from local musicians, dancers and performers
  • Ring in the new year with during our New Year’s Eve (early) countdown
  • Favorite programming that will be returning includes Breakfast and Dinner with Santa, Storytime with Mrs Claus, and the takeover of Makesmith Workshop into Santa’s Workshop.

The Conner Prairie Museum Store will also be open during this time for all of your holiday gift-giving needs.

Visit connerprairie.org for more information and tickets for upcoming events.

A Merry Prairie Holiday

ABOUT CONNER PRAIRIE

Spanning more than 1,000 wooded acres in Central Indiana, Conner Prairie welcomes more than 400,000 visitors of all ages annually. As Indiana’s first Smithsonian Institute affiliate, Conner Prairie offers various outdoor, historically-themed encounters and indoor experiential learning spaces that combine history and art with science, technology, engineering and math to offer an authentic look into history that shapes society today. Conner Prairie is a 501(c)3, nonprofit organization – accredited by the American Alliance of Museums – that relies on grants and philanthropic donations from individuals, corporations and foundations for sustainability and growth. Visit connerprairie.org or call (800) 966-1836 for admission dates, hours, ticket prices and opportunities to donate and volunteer.

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