Indy Archives • Page 7 of 16 • diy mama

by Shelly on November 8, 2018 Leave a Comment

Macaron Bar Downtown Indianapolis

Macaron Bar Downtown Indianapolis- There’s a new sweet shop on Mass Ave nestled right in between The Flying Cupcake and Sub Zero. Mass Ave is now your one stop shop for ice cream, cupcakes, chocolates and now macarons! This place is darling with a shop to buy macarons up front and a kitchen in back where you can see them make macarons.

Macaron Bar

Macaron Bar opened originally in Cincinnati in 2014 but has since expanded to Louisville Pennsylvania and Indy. The Indy location I visited had pastry chef Nathan (co-owner) demonstrating how to make macarons. Nathan has a B.S. from Xavier University and is a Cincinnati native. He has a passion for baking and is well versed in the pastry arts. He has studied pastry with a focus on macarons at The Gourmandise School in Santa Monica, California, and studied privately at several of the finest macaron shops in New York and Los Angeles. The ‘pièce de résistance’ of his training was a macarons master class at Ecole Lenôtre in Paris, France.

Offerings

At the blogger event I attended we were able to learn the delicacies of macaron making and why they’re so highly coveted. The Macaron Bar gives classes throughout the year for adults as well as children 8-12. They’ve also got champagne pairing classes and macaron decorating classes. If you can’t get enough macarons you can sign up for a subscription or order an entire tower for your next upcoming wedding or baby shower. They have standard basic flavors such as chocolate, vanilla and pistacio but they also rotate out seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice, hazelnut praline, eggnog and gingerbread.

If you’d like to learn how to make these decadent treats, book here.

For a tasty treat, the Macaron Bar Indy is located at 425 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN, 46204, open:

Monday – Thursday: 12 pm – 9 pm
Friday: 11 am – 10 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 10 pm
Sunday: 11 am – 8 pm

Be sure to check them out on Instagram for local updates and seasonal flavor additions: Macaron Bar on Instagram and like them on Facebook!

Thanks so much for stopping by! And thank you to the Macaron Bar for having me!

Check out other hot spots around Indy:

Indy is the new Chicago for Holiday Shopping

Kids and Art Galleries| It’s Fun!

Pin it for later:

by Shelly on September 28, 2018 Leave a Comment

What’s New at Indianapolis ZooBoo?

Beloved fall traditions and newer family favorites come together for a Halloween celebration like no other as ZooBoo presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers returns to the Indianapolis Zoo. My tiny fairy and I checked it out for Indy’s Child the first year we moved here and have been in love ever since!

Now in its 37^th year, ZooBoo will run every Thursday through Sunday in October, providing 16 days of active animals and spooktacular fun. The Zoo will open daily at 9am, and guests are encouraged to come early then stay to enjoy activities from 2-7pm.

Things To Do

Back again this year, the wildly popular Pumpkin Town presented by Macy’s provided an array of whimsical new experiences when it opened in 2017. Visitors will find their favorite activities along with a few extra surprises under the canopy of pumpkins in the Bicentennial Pavilion.

Little ghouls and goblins can create popcorn “potions” alongside the witch of Pumpkin Town, who loves to foster black cats. Other not-so-scary critters, including toads, turtles and rats, can be found inside Jack’s Barn presented by State Farm. A mirror maze will hide thrills around every twist and turn while Pumpkin School presented by Whole Foods Market will provide crafty lessons in laughs. Pumpkin Bowling is a returning favorite, and new this year, guests can try to guess the weight of the giant pumpkin for a chance to win an Animal Art Adventure.

Farther into the Zoo, Broomstick Alley will offer a familiar challenge in a new location. Near the Plains entrance, guests can use a broom to maneuver a jack o’ lantern ball through the extended obstacle course. The Zoo’s rides also feature a Halloween twist, like the Spooktacular Train Ride and the Round-Go-Merry — the carousel that runs in reverse.

What to Wear

Youngsters are encouraged to wear costumes and bring a reusable bag to gather goodies along the Trick-or-Treat Trail presented by Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St. Vincent. Five stations scattered through Plains will provide conservation-conscious snacks that contain only certified sustainable palm oil. Allergy-friendly options are also available upon request.

Speckled with colorful fall foliage, the Zoo’s exhibits provide the perfect backdrop for all the festivities, and many of the animals will take part in some Halloween fun, as well. The squash-splattering fun of the Elephant Pumpkin Smash presented by Sam’s Club is always a crowd favorite. Plus, visitors can enjoy extra chats and create Halloween-themed animal enrichment.

ZooBoo is free for Zoo members and included with regular admission. Discount tickets are available at area Donatos and Indiana Members Credit Union locations.

(Photos courtesy of Indianapolis Zoo)

# # #

About the Indianapolis Zoo

The Indianapolis Zoo empowers people and communities, both locally and globally, to advance animal conservation. Located in White River State Park downtown, the Indianapolis Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Alliance of Museums as a zoo, aquarium and botanical garden. Visit IndianapolisZoo.com

by Shelly on August 27, 2018 Leave a Comment

Fall Fun at The Indiana State Museum

Fall fun for everyone at the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites.– It’s almost September, and that means one thing: Fall is nearly here.

This autumn, the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites has everything your family needs to get into the fall spirit. From beautiful leaf-viewing destinations to spooky nights out, it’s time to grab your boots, throw on a cozy sweater and hit the road.

We’ve got your fall checklist covered – and we promise these are events and opportunities you won’t want to miss.

You can learn about all of our historic sites, including hours and locations, at this link.

Fall foliage? Check.

Nothing says fall like the spread of gorgeous fall colors across the trees, and what better place to see the colors of autumn than Brown County?

This location is a destination for lovers of fall leaves, and T.C. Steele State Historic Site is the perfect place to take in the beauty so breathtaking it inspired Hoosier artist T.C. Steele himself. Just over an hour south of Indy, your family can visit the gardens for free, or take a tour of his home and stuio with purchase of general admission.

If you’re looking for more fall foliage photo ops, travel north to Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site or Limberlost State Historic Site. The sight of the leaves across gorgeous Sylvan Lake at Gene Stratton-Porter or in the woods surrounding Limberlost isn’t something you’ll want to miss. Plus – admission to the grounds at Gene Stratton-Porter is free as well.

Hayride? Check.

It’s not fall without a hayride – or a full-on Halloween festival.

At Angel Mounds State Historic Site, attend the Halloween Hullabaloo on Oct. 20 and 27 for just $5 per person. Take a haunted hayride and enjoy games and crafts, plus see if you can escape the Mummy’s curse in “The Tomb.” Visitors are invited to dress in costume and collect candy in trick-or-treat bags throughout the night.

PS: You can also take a haunted hayride at Vincennes State Historic Sites during Fort Fright.

Costume contest? Check.

For some, fall is all about Halloween – and the costumes. On Oct. 5, strut your ghoulish stuff in a costume contest during Family Fright Night right here in Indy at the Indiana State Museum. During this night of spooky fun, you can compete in a costume contest, conduct spooky science experiments, create your own monster mask and more. Admission for this event is just $10 for members, $16 for non-members, and free for children age 3 and younger.

Haunted house? Check.

Most haunted houses may be totally fake, but we’ll do you one better with “Literally, A Haunted House” at Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site. Here, visitors have been scared since 1985 as they explore the haunted Carriage House of Culbertson Mansion. After the mansion was auctioned off years ago, it fell into disuse, and dark legends abound concerning tragic fires, spiritual activity and even demonic possession. This haunted house is not for the faint of heart, and it’s recommended for attendees age 10 and older – if they dare.

Or, in a twist on the usual haunted house, visit Fort Fright at Vincennes State Historic Sites, where visitors of all ages can explore the haunted trail around Fort Knox II. During no-scare hours, visitors can enjoy games, a hayride and more. But, once the spookier hours hit, be prepared to test your courage with dramatic scare scenes around the fort.

Spooky stories? Check.

Maybe a haunted house just isn’t your scene – and that’s okay! Instead, enjoy spooky story programs at two of our locations, with tons of Halloween fun for the entire family.

Limberlost State Historic Site will offer spooky stories in a Spooks and Spirits program on Oct. 20 at the Loblolly Marsh, where visitors can enjoy Halloween-themed stories, roast marshmallows and take a night hike through the marsh. At Whitewater Canal State Historic Site on Oct. 13 and 20, visitors can take a Halloween-themed boat ride on the canal while hearing family-friendly spooky stories from a professional storyteller, all in conjunction with the Haunted Village of Metamora.

Ghost walk? Check.

For die-hard Halloween lovers, several of our events take the spookiness to the next level by featuring haunted happenings about real historical events – or even, possibly, real spirits.

You can investigate the paranormal for yourself at New Harmony State Historic Site during after-hours tours where you can use real paranormal equipment. Or, take a ghost walk at Lanier Mansion State Historic Site or Corydon Capitol State Historic Site. At Lanier Mansion, you’ll tour the home and hear the chilling tales related to the house and its former residents. At Corydon, staff will tell you about their own supernatural encounters and take you on a tour to the alleged haunts throughout the town.

Fall-themed date night? Check.

Adults need fall fun, too – and we have two date nights perfect for a fall night out.

“The Dark Parlour” at Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site is sure to entertain, with an evening of “spirit theatre” that will make you question what you see – and what you believe. This event is open to all ages, and cocktails are available for purchase for those 21 and older.

High Spirits at T.C. Steele State Historic Site will explore the Victorian fascination with ghosts and spiritualism, and attendees will also see a magic show. Plus, enjoy cocktails and hors d’oervres, as well as a twilight stroll through Steele’s studio and home.

# # #

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.

by Shelly on August 2, 2018 Leave a Comment

The Art of the Brick at The Indiana State Museum

The Art of the Brick at Indiana State Museum- Starting Sept. 29, visitors to the Indiana State Museum will be able to see the blockbuster traveling exhibit THE ART OF THE BRICK – an exhibition featuring more than 80 works of art made entirely from LEGO® bricks.

The Art of the BRICK

Designed to inspire ingenuity and creativity, THE ART OF THE BRICK features original pieces from artist Nathan Sawaya, as well as LEGO brick interpretations of some of the world’s most famous art masterpieces, such as Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Visitors will have the opportunity to get up-close with the fan favorite, Yellow, a life-size sculpture of a man ripping his chest open with thousands of yellow LEGO bricks cascading from the cavity. In addition, visitors will marvel at the David statue made entirely of LEGO bricks, come face-to-face with a 20-foot long T-Rex skeleton and more.

The traveling exhibit will also feature a special activity area where visitors can see what they can build for themselves using LEGO bricks.

“This experience captures the wonder of seeing the unexpected,” said Cathy Ferree, president and CEO of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites. “Integrating a toy into artwork allows the exhibit to appeal to visitors across different ages and interests, and this turn of perspective will inspire visitors to look for other nontraditional outlets for creativity.”

In the exhibition, artist Sawaya transforms LEGO bricks into tremendous and thought-provoking sculptures, elevating one of the world’s most recognizable toys to the realm of art.

“THE ART OF THE BRICK takes LEGO somewhere you wouldn’t expect and shows you things you have never seen before,” said artist Sawaya. “The goal with this collection of art is to demonstrate the potential of imagination and the power of creativity.”

THE ART OF THE BRICK will be at the Indiana State Museum from Sept. 29, 2018, through Jan. 6, 2019, and the exhibit is included with purchase of general museum admission, which is free for members.

Photos courtesy of Indiana State Museum

# # #

ABOUT NATHAN SAWAYA & THE ART OF THE BRICK

Former NYC corporate lawyer turned contemporary artist, Nathan Sawaya is the first artist ever to take the LEGO brick into the art world as a medium. Sawaya has earned a top position in the world of contemporary art and has created a new dimension by merging Pop Art and Surrealism in awe-inspiring and groundbreaking ways. Sawaya’s touring exhibition – THE ART OF THE BRICK® – has entertained and inspired millions of art lovers and enthusiasts around the world. CNN heralded, THE ART OF THE BRICK is one of the top ten “must-see exhibits in the world!” Sawaya is an author, speaker and one of the most popular, award-winning contemporary artists of our time. For more information visit www.brickartist.com.

ABOUT THE INDIANA STATE MUSEUM

The Indiana State Museum 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.

by Shelly on August 1, 2018 Leave a Comment

Events Happening at the Indiana State Museum This Fall

Events Happening at the Indiana State Museum This Fall- Just like summer, there is no shortage of fun going on in Indianapolis this fall for families. Here is the line up for September through October. Be sure to check out all the free events as well!

Events Happening at the Indiana State Museum This Fall

Fall – September through October

NEW ISM Experience: The Art of the Brick®

When: Sept. 29 – Jan. 6
Price: Included with admission
What: Children and adults alike will marvel at the incredible art made from millions of LEGO bricks in this traveling exhibit from artist Nathan Sawaya. The Art of the Brick® has traveled around the world to locations such as Australia, Taiwan, Singapore and China, and it will be coming to the Indiana State Museum beginning September 29. Visitors will see more than 70 creations from Sawaya, then be able to build their own LEGO creations in a special LEGO play area. The exhibit is the first-ever art exhibition to focus exclusively on LEGO bricks as an art medium. More info to follow.

NEW ISM Experience: Cardboard Engineering

When: Sept. 29 – May 27
Price: Included with admission
What: Imaginations will run wild in the Indiana State Museum’s Cardboard Engineering experience opening Sept. 29, where visitors will find a room filled with the raw materials to turn fantastic ideas into incredible cardboard creations. Whether building a house or a spaceship, a school bus or sculpture, visitors will be inspired to dream up whatever they’d like to build in this area of free creation. More info to follow.

ISM Event: Family Night Out: Spooky Science

When: 6 to 8 p.m., Oct. 5
Price: $8/member, $15/non-member
What: Dress in your Halloween best for a night of Spooky Science at the Indiana State Museum. See a shocking demonstration on static electricity, make things bubble, glow and ooze, create your own eerie decorations and meet a mad scientist. Strut your stuff in a costume contest, and enter to win prizes in categories like “spookiest costume,” “best science costume,” “best homemade costume,” and “best Indiana connection costume.”

Angel Mounds State Historic Site: Halloween Hullabaloo

When: 6 to 9 p.m., Oct. 20 and 27
Price: $5/person, free for children under 3
What: Visitors are invited to evenings of spooky fun at Angel Mounds State Historic Site this October. Test your bravery in the Haunted Maze and escape the Mummy’s Curse in “The Tomb.” For those less brave, spend time working on games and crafts, get lost in the corn maze and take a tour of our property on our haunted hayride. Don’t forget to stop by the concession stand to warm up with a mug of hot chocolate. Visitors are invited to bring their trick-or-treat bags to collect candy throughout the night.

Corydon Capitol State Historic Site: The Capitol Ball

When: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sept. 8
Price: $15/individual, $25/couple
What: Guests at the ball will learn dances that could have been danced during Indiana’s first capital period (1816-1825). Dances will be called, so no prior experience is needed. Live music will be provided by Keltricity. Prior to the ball, free practice sessions will be offered for those who would like some practice beforehand. Attendees are encouraged to dress in period costume, and light refreshments will be served. This event will be held at the Harrison County YMCA. Reservations are preferred and can be made by calling 812-738-4890.

Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site: Literally, A Haunted House

When: Opens at 7 p.m. each night, Sept. 28, 29; Oct. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27
Price: TBD
What: Scaring since 1985, the Culbertson Mansion’s annual haunted house has all of the thrills and chills you would expect of a haunted house. This haunting takes place in the Carriage House of the Culbertson Mansion. Originally, the carriage house sheltered the family’s horse, buggy and the male servants to the household. After the Mansion was auctioned off, the carriage house fell into disuse…but dark legends abound concerning tragic fires, spiritual activity and even demonic possessions. Are you brave enough to traverse the haunted carriage house of the Culbertson Mansion? Come, if you dare!

Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site: Sip and Create

When: 6 p.m. to about 8 p.m., Sept. 8 and Nov. 10
Price: $25.00/person, for adults 21+
What: Join this program to design and create take-home pieces inspired by Gene Stratton-Porter and her love of nature. Staff and volunteers will guide you as you create pieces using natural elements that Gene showcased at her home in Wildflower Woods. September will feature milkweed pods to create unique ornaments, and November will feature family photographs in the creation of a beautiful holiday wreath. Each session includes supplies, snacks and Indiana-made wine.

Lanier Mansion State Historic Site: Ghost Walks

When: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Sept. 15, 22, 29; Oct. 13, 20, 26, 27
Price: $15/adult, $7/youth ages 12 to 17, not recommended for those under 12 years of age
What: Is Lanier Mansion haunted? Visitors can find out for themselves during a ghost walk on select nights in September and October. Visitors will go inside the mansion and enjoy a nighttime, behind-the-scenes tour of the home, hearing spooky stories related to the house and its former inhabitants. After the tour, visitors can journey on to three other locations to hear stories about those sites as well, with the final stop at the Broadway Tavern – where participants age 21 and older can enjoy an additional “spirit” if they wish.

Levi and Catharine Coffin State Historic Site: At the Underground Railroad’s Grand Central Station: A Poetry Workshop for Kids

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sept. 22 and Oct. 27
Price: $5/youth in grades 1 through 8; reservations required by calling 765-847-1691.
What: Youth are invited to spend a day with Indiana poet Shari Wagner for a poetry workshop at the Levi & Catharine Coffin State Historic Site. At the workshop, they will get familiar with the story of Levi & Catharine Coffin, Quakers whose 1839 home was at one time known at the “Grand Central Station of the Underground Railroad.” Children will enjoy a guided tour of the Coffin home and then work one-on-one with Wagner, where they will acquire insight into how they can express their reactions to the Coffin story and the history of the Underground Railroad. This program is supported by the Indiana Arts Commission.

Limberlost State Historic Site: Twilight Adventure

When: 7 to 9 p.m., Sept. 22
Price: $4/adult, $3/youth ages 3-17, free for those under 3 years of age
What: Explore the Loblolly Marsh as the sun goes down. Take a twilight hike, enjoy an animal presentation with skulls, furs and nests, and roast marshmallows around a campfire to cap off the evening. This event starts at the Loblolly Marsh Pavilion.

New Harmony State Historic Sites: Paranormal Investigations

When: 6:30 to 11 p.m., Sept. 28; Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26; Nov. 2
Price: $50/person. Tickets can be purchased at www.hauntednewharmony.com.
What: Explore the historic buildings of New Harmony after-hours alongside a host of paranormal investigators. This hands-on experience will allow you to communicate with the souls who may inhabit the space using a variety of real paranormal equipment.

T.C. Steele State Historic Site: 30^th Annual Great Outdoor Art Contest

When: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sept. 8
Price/Registration: Early bird registration (Aug. 1-31) is $10/adult, $5/youth under age 17. Regular admission (Sept. 1-8) is $15/adult, $10/youth under age 17. Registration materials available beginning Aug. 1 at www.tcsteele.org/programs. Day-of registration allowed.
What: The oldest plein air painting competition in Indiana celebrates its 30th year in 2018! Gates open at 7 a.m. for artists to bring their blank pages and canvases to be stamped in the site classroom, then it’s off to work. Artwork is judged at 2 p.m. beside the Formal Garden, and awards for child and adult categories are announced starting at 3:15 p.m. First place and People’s Choice winners will be displayed at the Brown County Art Guild following the competition. Brozinni Pizzeria will sell pizza by the slice and salads for lunch. The Great Outdoor Art Contest is part of Brown County Art Colony Weekend, Sept. 7-9.

T.C. Steele State Historic Site: Opening of new Visitors Center and Studio Wagon

When: Opening dates TBD
What: This fall, visitors to the T.C. Steele State Historic Site will enjoy a brand new Visitors Center as well as an interactive studio wagon experience based on Steele’s own studio wagon that he used to paint in various locations. More info to follow.

Vincennes State Historic Sites: Fort Fright

When: 6 to 7:30 p.m. (no-scare hours) and 7:30 to 11 p.m. (haunted trail), Oct. 18-20
Price: $8/adult, $5/child under the age of 12
What: Have a “spooktacular” time at the haunted trail around Fort Knox II and experience scare scenes based on local lore and legend. During the “no-scare hours,” little ones can enjoy games, a hay ride and more. During the “haunted trail hours,” families can test their courage with spooky experiences at dramatic stations around Fort Knox II.

Whitewater Canal State Historic Site: Spooky Halloween Cruises

When: 7:30, 8 and 8:30 p.m., Oct. 13 and 20
Price: $5/person
What: The Ben Franklin III canal boat will be hauntingly decorated for night cruises and staff will be dressed in costumes for the occasion. A professional storyteller will be on board to tell family-friendly spooky stories. Held in conjunction with the Haunted Village of Metamora.

Macaron Bar Downtown Indianapolis

Macaron Bar

Offerings

Check out other hot spots around Indy:

Pin it for later:

What’s New at Indianapolis ZooBoo?

Things To Do

What to Wear

Fall Fun at The Indiana State Museum

Fall foliage? Check.

Hayride? Check.

Costume contest? Check.

Haunted house? Check.

Spooky stories? Check.

Ghost walk? Check.

Fall-themed date night? Check.

The Art of the Brick at The Indiana State Museum

The Art of the BRICK

Events Happening at the Indiana State Museum This Fall

Events Happening at the Indiana State Museum This Fall

Fall – September through October

Life Planner

Preschool Montessori Bedroom

7 Tips to Make your Road Trip to Disney Magical