diy mama

lifestyle blog sharing diy, family, travel, organization & disney tips

Indy

by on 1 Comment

My Favorite Shop Fishers Spots for Small Business Saturday

When we moved to Indiana from Illinois the biggest draw was the school system but a close second, for me, was how close all of the stores were. I love that within 15 minutes in any direction there are multiple grocery stores, clothing stores, gas stations, etc.

Now that I’ve lived here a few years I’m realizing that even better than those stores are all the local businesses within Fishers! I’ve really loved engaging with my community by going to Farmer’s Markets and stopping in new stores.

You know how you drive by a store 50 times and always say ‘oh I want to check that shop out someday’ but never do? Save aside a day to go hit those stores up. You’ll be happy you did.

Fishers Farmers’ Market

Need to Know

Because I’m relatively new to Small Business Saturday (I am a recovering Amazon addict) I have a pretty small list for where I’m going during Shop Fishers.

I will be using the Play Fishers app to help me keep all the locations in order. If you check-in at 3 participating businesses during the event you have the chance to win a prize pack.

For a full list of participating businesses, you can visit this website. Pay attention to the *’d businesses as their promotions run through December 31st!

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream

My Favorite Shop Fishers Spots for Small Business Saturday

Blaze Pizza- Get a free 11″ Blaze Pizza when you buy another pizza of equal or greater value and a drink. PROMO:139

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream- 20% off Handel’s gift cards and coins. The perfect stocking stuffer for our ice cream loving daughter!

Fishers Farmer’s Market- The first 50 customers to stop by during Shop Fishers will receive $5 in Market Bucks! Aahaa Chai- 15% off tea bags and a free 4oz chai. (I love their CocoMate Chai concentrate and have a brother in law that is a tea fanatic!)

Tropical Smoothie Cafe- BOGO smoothies (great place to stop for a refuel).

Flats at Switch- 10a-5p Take a break from shopping and enjoy apple cider and caramel apples!

Shine Design Home- 30% off everything in the store, including special orders. Shine Design will also partner with Fork & Function to provide light appetizers throughout the day, as well as a 10% off coupon for their weekly fresh meals delivery service. I love the aesthetic of this store and have found great rugs and indoor plant pots here.

Rize at the Fishers District

Rize- Purchase a $50 gift card and receive a $10 Holiday Bonus Card. We love this place for breakfast and are so glad there’s one in Fishers now!

Honorable mentions- (We’re already members and love it!)

Fishers YMCA- Sign up fee waived 11/29-12/2! $100 savings. I’ll be doing the running group again in the spring! Join me!

Goldfish Swim School Fishers- With an advance purchase of 2 months of lessons, receive 2 additional lessons, 2 Family Swim passes, a Snack Shack card, and more!

Follow #ShopFishers on social media to stay up to date on the latest event news, and use #ShopFishers and #AroundFishers during your shopping and dining adventures on November 30!

Connect with them on Instagram and Twitter and on Facebook.

Related posts to My Favorite Shop Fishers Spots for Small Business Saturday:

Gift of Experiences

The Gift of Experiences

Girls Day Out Northside Edition

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

Pin it for later:

by on Leave a Comment

Children’s Museum Seriously Spooky Hotel of Spells

We love the Indianapolis Children’s Museum and have been members since we moved to Indiana. We’re also huge fans of their Haunted House and make it a priority for Fall Break. Last week we went to check out the Children’s Museum ‘Seriously Spooky’ Hotel of Spells. I added in the ‘seriously spooky’ because I don’t think everyone understands that their lights-on version is still pretty scary for little kids.

This year my girls were 6 and 1. The 1 year old is at the age where nothing scares her but my 6 year old is easily spooked. We tried the lights-on version for her sake and mine (I’m a scaredy cat). I put on my brave face and we headed in only to be amazed by the skilled work of the creators of the haunted house.

Yes, it was creepy but the creative in me kept my brain wondering how they created such an elaborate display in every room! Each year is great but I think this year has been the best I’ve ever seen. TIP: Don’t forget to dress up as the Haunted House is a trick-or-treat spot!

Indianapolis Children’s Museum

Ring the front desk bell and check into the spooky Hotel of Spells, The Children’s Museum Guild’s 56th Annual Haunted House. The witch and her staff of Halloween haunters hope you enjoy your stay, but beware—at this hotel, the guests have left magic and mayhem behind!

Haunted House Hours

IPL’s Lights-On Hours are recommended for children who scare easily. CENTURY 21 SCHEETZ Frightening Hours are recommended for children who dare to be scared.

Sundays
Lights-On: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Frightening: Closed

Mondays
Lights-On: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Frightening: Closed
Oct. 28: The Haunted House is closed.

Tuesdays
Lights-On: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Frightening: Closed

Wednesdays
Lights-On: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Oct. 16: Lights-On 3:30–8 p.m.
Oct. 23: Lights-On 3:30–8 p.m.
Oct. 30: Frightening 3:30-9 p.m.

Thursdays
Lights-On: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Frightening: 3:30–9 p.m.
Oct. 31: No Frightening Hours. The Haunted House closes at 3 p.m.

Fridays
Lights-On: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Frightening: 3:30–9 p.m.

Saturdays
Lights-On: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Frightening: 3:30–9 p.m.

Haunted House Tickets

Ticket Information
$9 per person

Visit the online calendar and select the date you would like to visit, then choose between CENTURY 21 SCHEETZ Frightening Hours or IPL’s Lights-On Hours.

Tickets are also available at The Children’s Museum Box Office
Members receive a 10% discount


Discount tickets are available at Indianapolis-area Old National Bank branches


Haunted House tickets are separate from museum admission. Museum admission not included or required


Children under the age of 2 are free


Children age 13 and under must be accompanied through the Haunted House by a paying adult.


Groups of 10 or more receive a special rate.


Still trying to decide between Lights-On or Frightening Hours for your family? See their site for tips!

Posts related to Children’s Museum Seriously Spooky Hotel of Spells:

Taking Your Toddler to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

Taking Your Toddler to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

Sports Legends Experience

Be Legendary at The Sports Legends Experience at The Childrens Museum of Indianapolis

Pin it for later:

by on 1 Comment

Fall Fun at Piney Acres Farm

Fall has begun and despite the warm weather we have started our favorite fall traditions. We’ve made fall trail mix, started Halloween movies, made fall crafts and went to check out the fall fun at Piney Acres Farm. There are 11 pumpkin patches within a 40 minute drive of our home and we’ve explored 9 so far. Piney Acres Farm went straight to the top for family fun for a great price.

For the Kids

During the media preview we were able to experience everything other than the gem mining. For the fall 2019 season there is so much to do in the Kid Zone and they’re expanding it for the 2020 season. Currently kids can explore Swings, Slides, Spider Climbing Net, Rock Wall Climbs, Suspension Bridge, Fire Man Poles, Cow Barrel Train Rides, Rope Maze, Jump Pad, Mega Slide, Hay Mountain, Giant Rocking Chair, Climbing Tires, 4 Tier Sandbox, Pedal Carts, Zombie Shoot Game, Pumpkin Bowling, Barnyard Animals, Corn Hole, Horse Shoes, Fishing Game, Duck Races, Giant Tumbler, Gem Mining and 1 Acre Kid’s Corn Maze.

For the Brave

This section I was not brave enough to explore. Piney Acres Farm is known for their Scream Farm and just looking at the website will be giving me nightmares tonight! The farm features 3 horrifying attractions, and up to 72 acres of terror! Experience Dr. Rex E. Zenors latest experiment in the infamous haunted loft. Get lost in the 6 acre haunted trail complete with hillbilly horror hysteria. Or strap yourself in, and experience the end of the world in a real live zombie apocalypse on the haunted hayride!

For the Family

My favorite part of the trip was taking a hayride around the farm. You can take the hayride out to the pumpkin patch to pick out your own special pumpkin! Other highlights to do with your whole family: pick up some Gourds & Indian Corn for decorating, Indiana Corn Maze, Barnyard Animal Encounters, NEW Barnyard Tumbler Attraction, NEW Apple Cannon, Farm Store with Fall Decor Items and a snack bar with options for the whole family. I suggest the fall funnel cake!

What is your favorite fall tradition?
Opening day for the 2019 season is Saturday September 28, 2019 at 10 a.m. Check their website for general admission ticket prices as well as pricing for paid activities.

Related posts to Fall Fun at Piney Acres Farm:

Halloween Movies for Little Kids 6 and Under

Halloween Movies for Little Kids 6 and Under

Pin it for later:

Fall fun for the family at Piney Acres Farms in Indiana. Activities include hay rides, pumpkin patch, jump pad, kid zone games, corn maze and haunted loft.

by on 1 Comment

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!

Similar posts to How I Do a Girls Day Out in Indy | Mass Ave:

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

Save it for later:

by on Leave a Comment

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.

Related posts to Fall Events at Indiana State Museum

Mark Your Calendars for These Fall Events at Conner Prairie
Fall Pumpkin Flower Arrangement
Google+