Once upon a time, a great man in Indianapolis was arrested for ALLEGEDLY swimming in the canal. Normally, this would be in the news for a day and quickly disappear. However, things tend to be a bit more newsworthy when you’re one of the best punters in the NFL. I’m of course talking about Colts punter and comedian Pat McAfee, who, five years ago, was just taking a quick dip in the Indianapolis canal, likely trying to cool off from a hot streak of winning with the Colts. I am here to tell you that there’s an easier to way to swim in the canal and NOT get arrested- Tri Indy!
All-Natural Candle Brand Helps Hoosier Pride Burn Bright
Looking for the perfect local Indy gift? Or maybe you’re looking for something to spruce up a dull space? Look no further than the Indy-based company, The Onyx Exchange, which has made it’s mark as Indianapolis’ luxury handcrafted all-natural candle brand. The onyx stone is known for it’s ability to release negative emotion, which in turn, brings good fortune and renewed personal strength. And through their all-natural products, Jarod Wilson and Shan Parker hope their products provide not only a superior all-natural product, but one that promotes relaxation and positive energy. It’s the perfect exchange.
No Ocean Needed for Your Weekly Dose of Sand Volleyball
I know what you are thinking. We live in Indiana, amongst the corn fields and the steaming cow pies, and the beach is far from reachable on a weekly basis. Fear not, your weekly dose of Sand Volleyball is actually within reach, even on a school night at Pinheads.
Calvin Flectcher’s Coffee Company will give you the perfect buzz
Calvin Fletcher’s Coffee Company makes good on it’s promises that extend much further than just a great cup of coffee.
CFCC, located on Virginia Avenue in Historic Fletcher Place, is a not-for-profit coffee company whose mission is “building a community through loving and welcoming every person that walks through the door, and through providing the best product, service and friendship that we possibly can.” CFCC really holds themselves to a higher standard. All profits made by the coffee company are donated to local groups and nonprofits, their goal is to donate $5,000. They also plan to give time by engaging in services projects right in Fletcher Place. They aren’t just giving you a to go cup of coffee, they are building a community of good people.
Indy Film Fest: Wrecking Balls of Mediocrity Since 2004
I have cool friends doing cool things. One of those things involves the planning of the Indy Film Fest. And one of the perks of having those cool friends is tagging along to opening night of said film fest.
The theme of the 2015 festival is “Fearless Stories” and they are living up to that with a line-up of films that is anything but mediocre. Opening night featured “Sleeping With Other People” and did not disappoint. Never have I seen a film that so successfully combined witty banter, charming dialogue, heartfelt moments, and just the right amount of raunchy humor. Continue reading
Louie’s Wine Dive is a Delicious Addition on Mass Ave.
Photo Courtesy of http://www.louieswinedive.com/indianapolis/
Mass Ave’s official tagline is “45 Degrees from Ordinary!”, but I’d also call it a diagonal river of booze. You can get margaritas at Bakersfield, beers at MacNivens, cocktails at The Libertine, and now, as of last month, Mass Ave rounded out its equal opportunity alcohol options with the addition of Louie’s Wine Dive. The term “dive” might be a stretch. The space is beautifully decorated with exposed brick walls, floor to ceiling shelves of wine, and large windows at the front of the place to watch all the activity of Mass Ave. When I went with a small group of friends, the restaurant was busy, but still cozy- a perfect date location, but also inclusive of some larger tables for groups. Our group was waited on promptly by a knowledgeable and attentive waitress. We learned that Louie’s is not exactly local- the wine restaurant hails from Kansas City, and the Indy location is the sixth in the nation, but I wouldn’t call it a chain.
Indy Pizza Shop Converts Chicago Pizza Lovers
I am an Indianapolis transplant. Though I attended college in Indiana, my first big city was Chicago. The only problem is that Chicago has a tendency to eat up young millennials like myself. High taxes and even higher rent drove me to the center of the Hoosier state and all of its fiscal benefits. But, like any decision such as this, there’s a sacrifice to be made.
In my case, that sacrifice was Chicago-style pizza. All other pizza is inferior. I’ve been ruined for all other pizzerias.
Irvington coffee house serves up more than just a good cup of Joe
As I wandered around historic Irvington, I stumbled upon Coal Yard Coffee. You could say I was Recreational Walking down a gravel path on Bonna Ave. Coal Yard Coffee is modest, unassuming building with a small sign leaning against the entrance. Just walking by I wasn’t completely sure what it was and I almost didn’t go in. But, boy, am I glad I did.
Solvitur Ambulando: Midtown Coffee Crawl 2015
In our millennial age, perhaps no other activity has captured the weekend imagination of young adults more so than the “bar crawl.” Hardly a month goes by without one’s calendar getting pummeled with invites to various holiday binge-drinking events, where one may be expected to dress as anything from Santa Claus to an Irish stereotype, all the while walking from bar to bar in one of the city’s many nightlife districts. It’s all fun, but lately I’ve grown tired of the obnoxious, drunken shenanigans, the over-priced drinks, and their subsequent hangovers. But not wanting to rid my life of the practice entirely, I’ve begun looking for other applications of the “crawl.” So this past weekend I woke up early and began the city’s first inaugural Midtown Coffee Crawl. What followed was a morning of manic energy, fleeting mental clarity, and existential dread. I should at this point warn everyone to never do this. I mean bar crawls are dangerous and all, but at least you can sleep off a day of over-drinking.
Jon McLaughlin Returns with Love Inspired Track
Jon McLaughlin returns to tug at all the hopeless romantic’s heart strings with his latest piano-pop ballad “Before You.” It’s been almost two years since Hoosier singer-songwriter Jon McLaughlin partnered with PledgeMusic and allowed fans to help select the tracks for his fourth album, Holding My Breath. And last November McLaughlin released his widely successful holiday EP that went on to top the iTunes holiday music charts. And just recently, McLaughlin announced, via his website, plans to release his fifth full length album and upcoming Like Us tour this fall.
Trndy Indy 