Celebrating 10 years, it’s time for for Devour Downtown, launching on MLK Day and running through Feb. 1. Participating Devour Downtown restaurants will offer guests pre-fixe menus ranging from $10 – $35 while showcasing specialty dishes and highlighting popular items. Several lunch and dinner menus are two for $30.
Who’s participating this year? Click this link for the full list: Devour Downtown. New participants include: Burgerhaus, Spoke & Steele, Chilly Water Brewing Company, Tow Yard Brewing Company and more.
Several Downtown venues will offer special discounts during Devour Downtown, including: NCAA Hall of Champions, Rhythm Discovery Center, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Eiteljorg Museum, Indiana Historical Society and Theatre on the Square.
Great opportunity to get out of those post holiday blues that January inevitably brings about and do something fun! So where do you want to try?
…that Indianapolis has a thriving live theatre community? It can be anything from the Broadway Series to local actors/actresses in local productions and the list of 2015 productions is amazing! We have so many options in Indy, large to small…
Clowes Hall at Butler is always a great place to see a play, this year hosting Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Beauty and the Beast and for those of us of a certain age…Dirty Dancing!
There are a number of smaller community playhouses us in the area – Spotlight Theatre in Beech Grove, Putnam County Playhouse, Buck Creek Playhouse – all great opportunities for a night out, a little culture, for a very reasonable price! Want to try out your own acting abilities, many of these smaller playhouses have opportunities for auditions!
One of my favorite productions every year is the University of Indianapolis Dinner Theatre – always entertaining, my friends and I have been going for years! This year’s performance is the female version of The Odd Couple! I expect that the food will be good, the production excellent and the company even better. UIndy hosts a number of productions throughout the year, I’ve seen several and never been disappointed.
For more information about all of these productions and venues, click the links within the post or visit Indy Arts Guide or Indianapolis Theatre for more information…I’ll be checking out some of them…will you?
…other than it is really good with a little Southern Comfort in it? Eggnog is a classic holiday drink, but there are some things you might not know about it…
The origin of the name eggnog is still somewhat of a mystery, it’s thought that the word could be derived from noggin, the Old English word for strong beer. Others credit the name to Colonial America when colonists called thick drinks grog, and eggnog was called egg-and-grog.
Eggnog is believed to be a descendent of a hot cocktail from the fourteenth century known as posset. The drink didn’t contain eggs but was made with sweetened and spiced milk and ale or wine. We would guess that over the years, egg was added.
Did you know that Christmas Eve is also known as National Eggnog Day? What better excuse to make up a batch and enjoy! As an aside, before it was known as eggnog, this traditional holiday drink was called egg milk punch. Our first President, George Washington, served a drink very similar to eggnog at his holiday parties…with significantly more booze…rye whiskey, rum, and sherry.
This was one of my favorite tidbits…following a drunken Christmas party, a melee known as the Eggnog Riot took place at the United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., and lasted from Christmas Eve through Christmas morning in 1826. Two days before, cadets snuck in whiskey to make eggnog for the party, which is how the riot got its name.
How about this…according to a medicinal book from the 1800s, eggnog used to be recommended as a treatment for various illnesses, including malaria.
Cultures around the world have their own versions of eggnog, like tamagozake from Japan and auld man’s milk from Scotland. Will you be sharing some of this rich treat on National Eggnog Day?
I know I’ve posted about things to do during the Holiday’s in Indy, but here are a few more that look like a lot of fun!
The historic Lilly House — on the IMA grounds — will twinkle with holiday decorations inspired by the 1930s and 1940s. Amongst the trees, wreaths and greenery, visitors can see ornaments typical of Depression-era frugality and wartime shortages, as well as the exuberance of the post-war era.
2. Festival of Trees – Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio St., (317) 232-1882, indianahistory.org, Nov. 22 to Jan. 3.
The Indiana History Center’s annual holiday festival features an exhibition of historical photographs with a holiday theme. Visitors can also experience a winter wonderland of 25 holiday trees, decorated with themes such as “Home for the Holidays” and “Santa’s Workshop.” Other activities include holiday film screenings, kid-friendly crafts and adult painting classes.
3. Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure – Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, 500 W. Washington St., (317) 636-9378, eiteljorg.org, Nov. 22-Jan. 19.
Now in its fifth year, Jingle Rails is a wonderland of model trains, which chug along nearly 1,200 feet of track. They go through tunnels, over bridges and trestles, and past scale models of national landmarks, such as Mount Rushmore and the Grand Canyon. The display also includes local landmarks like Lucas Oil Stadium and Union Station — all decorated for the holidays. Still searching for that perfect holiday gift? Don’t miss the museum’s Winter Market (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 6), featuring handmade goods from more than 30 local artists.
4. Indianapolis Art Center: Pop-up Classes – IAC, 820 E. 67th St., (317) 255-2464, indplsartcenter.org/popups, Ongoing
Choose from a variety of pop-up art classes, ranging from $20 to $60. Several focus on making glass ornaments, such as snowmen and glass balls. Others guide students through making holiday jewelry or crocheted wire snowflakes. Some classes are family-friendly, while others are perfect for a December date night.
During Jolly Days, the Children’s Museum transforms its staircase into a two-story slide, surrounded by festive holiday décor. Children can “ice skate” in the sock-skating rink and try indoor versions of winter activities like ice fishing. Come Nov. 28 to see Santa arrive in style — not in a sled, but in a race car. The museum also offers several opportunities to breakfast with Santa.
6. Celebration Crossing – Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., (317) 232-1637,indianamuseum.org, Nov. 28-Dec. 31.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by helicopter Nov. 28 to open the Indiana State Museum’s annual holiday extravaganza. While children make crafts and ride the Santa Claus Express train, parents can explore re-created L.S. Ayres holiday window displays. Other activities include breakfast with Santa, tea parties in the historic L.S. Ayres Tea Room, and live music from local bands and choirs.
7. Christmas at the Zoo – Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St., (317) 630-2001,indianapoliszoo.com, Nov. 28 to Jan. 4.
Back in 1967, the Indianapolis Zoo was the first zoo in the country to hold a holiday lights event, and it’s still going strong in its 47th year. Check out the vibrant holiday displays as you visit the animals — especially ones such seals, polar bears and red pandas that enjoy the cold weather. Visit Santa’s workshop in White River Gardens, enjoy carols performed by local school choirs, sample holiday refreshments, and go on a scavenger hunt for hidden mistletoe throughout the grounds.
Conner Prairie bustles with activity during the holiday season. Families can sign Holiday Adventures — a series of festive daytime activities and crafts in 1836 Prairietown. At night, return for Conner Prairie by Candlelight. The family-friendly Prairietown tour features costumed interpreters, who discuss the history of various holiday traditions. Amid the holiday hustle and bustle, it’s a peaceful, low-tech way to reconnect with the holiday spirit. Afterward, check out Gingerbread Village, featuring dozens of amateur and professional gingerbread creations.
9. Holiday Hullabaloo – Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 Michigan Road, (317) 923-1331,imamuseum.org, 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 4.
The IMA will offer discounted shopping, as well as live music, free gift-wrapping and refreshments. Watch pottery demonstrations by artist Mary Firestone and preview the new collection from Patricia Locke Handmade Jewelry. Stop by the Jane H. Fortune Gallery to see Paul Gauguin’s “Christmas Night (The Blessing of the Oxen),” one of several artworks with a holiday theme.
Now in its 29th year at Hilbert Circle Theatre, “Yuletide Celebration” features traditions such as tap-dancing Santas and a reading of “Twas the Night before Christmas.” This year, kids will go crazy for tunes from Disney’s “Frozen,” such as “Let It Go” and “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” The concert also includes a medley of holiday pop hits, such as Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”
11. INDIEana Handicraft Exchange’s Holiday Mini – Harrison Center for the Arts, 1505 N. Delaware St.,indieanahandicraftexchange.com, 5-10 p.m. Dec. 5.
Your favorite summer craft fair is back for the holidays, featuring more than 45 vendors of handmade, artisan goods. Check out gift items from Boris Loved Natasha, 1337motif, Get Lathered Soap Company, Growler Girls and several jewelry artisans. You can also pick up gourmet goodies from vendors such as 240sweet, Chocolate for the Spirit, Newfangled Confections and Sage’s Simple Syrups.
12. Stutz Artists Association’s Holiday Open Studios and Exhibition – Stutz Business Center, 212 W. 10th St., (317) 292-3200, stutzartists.com, 5 to 10 p.m. Dec. 5
More than 25 Stutz artists will offer holiday gift items such as paintings, metal sculptures and jewelry. Also, check out the walls of the Raymond James Stutz Art Gallery, which will be decked out with artwork from more than 90 Stutz artists.
13. Tiny III: A Really Big Group Show – Gallery 924, 924 N. Pennsylvania St., (317) 631-3301, indyarts.org/gallery-924, Dec. 5 to Jan. 2.
Gallery 924’s third annual holiday show features hundreds of tiny artworks from dozens of Central Indiana artists. It’s an affordable way to start an art collection — or find a unique holiday gift. The show opens Dec. 5 in conjunction with the IDADA First Friday Art Tour.
14. Indiana Wind Symphony: “Holiday Dreams” – The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Center Green, Carmel; (317) 843-3800; TheCenterPresents.org, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6.
Join the Indiana Wind Symphony for its “Holiday Dreams” performance, featuring beloved tunes such as “It’s the Most Wonderful Time” and “White Christmas.” There’s a “Silent Night” sing-along, as well as classical selections from “The Nutcracker” and Handel’s “Messiah.” Tickets range from $5 to $40.
Other Palladium holiday events include the Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s “Holidays!” performance (Dec. 13) and the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s “Festival of Carols” (Dec. 20-21).
15. Rocky Ripple Holiday Bazaar – Rocky Ripple Town Hall, 930 W. 54th St., rockyripple.org, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 6.
Rocky Ripple’s 15th annual holiday festival benefits arts programs within the Rocky Ripple Parks Endowment Fund. The schedule includes live music, food vendors and a variety of local artist exhibitors, such as painters, sculptors, woodworkers and jewelry artisans.
This hip pop-up shopping party features more than 120 local vendors, including food artisans, jewelers, visual artists and vintage shops. Enjoy the live music or grab a snack from a nearby food truck, such as Spice Box or Scratchtruck. Beer and wine vendors include New Day Craft, Fountain Square Brewing Co., Sun King Brewing Co. and more.
17.Jordan College of the Arts: “Rejoice!” – Clowes Hall, 4602 Sunset Ave., (317) 940-6444, cloweshall.org, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12-13.
This annual concert features your favorite holiday music performed by student ensembles from Butler’s Jordan College of the Arts. If you’re seeing the university’s annual “Nutcracker” ballet performance at Clowes Hall, Dec. 4-7, this is a perfect follow-up to keep the holiday spirit alive.
18. “White Christmas” – The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Center Green, Carmel; (317) 843-3800; TheCenterPresents.org, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12.
As part of the Great American Songbook Film Series, the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts will screen “White Christmas.” The 1954 classic stars Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney. Admission is $10.
19. Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra: “Messiah” Sing-Along – Indiana Landmarks Center, 1201 Central Ave., (317) 940-9607, icomusic.org, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13.
Several ensembles are performing Handel’s “Messiah” this holiday season, but only the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra offers a sing-along version. Conducted by maestro Kirk Trevor in his farewell season, the performance features four renowned vocal soloists — plus plenty of opportunities for audience participation.
For a more traditional version of Handel’s “Messiah,” pick up tickets to the ICO’s performance on Dec. 14, in conjunction with the Tabernacle Presbyterian Church Sanctuary Choir.
20. Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra: “Classical Christmas” – Howard L. Schrott Center for the Arts of Butler University, 610 W. 46th St., (317) 639-4300, indianapolissymphony.org, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 13.
The ISO is known for its extravagant “Yuletide Celebration” (Dec. 5-23). But if you’re looking for a more intimate experience, check out “Classical Christmas.” The performance will be conducted by Raymond Leppard at the cozy Howard L. Schrott Center for the Arts. Tickets are $45.
21.Indianapolis Children’s Choir: “Angels Sing” – St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 100 W. 86th St., (317) 940-9640,icchoir.org, 7 p.m. Dec. 19 to 20.
You’ve probably seen a televised version of the Indianapolis Children’s Choir’s annual “Angels Sing” performance. This year, why not see the real thing? The concert features the ICC’s elite choirs, such as the Indianapolis Youth Chorale and Bel Canto. If you want to see the younger singers, check out the “Celebrate the Season” performance, 12:30 p.m. Dec. 20, also at St. Luke’s.
Indiana’s favorite a cappella ensemble, Straight No Chaser, returns to Indianapolis for four performances at Old National Centre — just in time for Christmas. Keep your fingers crossed for hilarious hits like “The 12 Days of Christmas” and “The Christmas Can-Can,” as well as more traditional holiday favorites.
The Twelve Days of Christmas costs what? Every year, the PNC Wealth Management Christmas Price Index brings “The 12 Days of Christmas” carol lyrics to life by revealing how much each item mentioned in the song’s lyrics would cost in the present day.
If someone’s “true love” bought all of the gifts mentioned in the holiday classic, then the bill would come out to $27,673.22 in 2014, according to the bank, which gathered data from the National Aviary in Pittsburgh, PHILADANCO (The Philadelphia Dance Company) and the Pennsylvania Ballet Company.
Here is the full list:
Partridge ($20 up from $15 last year) and the Pear tree ($188, last year $184) = $208
Two turtle doves, $125
Three French hens, $181 (last year: $165)
Four calling birds (canaries), $600
Five gold rings, $750
Six geese-a-laying, $360 (last year: $210 what a jump in price!)
It’s the 48th year of The Penrod Arts Fair™. Penrod is one of the nation’s largest single day arts fairs. Saturday, September 6th, 2014 on the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. This year’s fair features over three hundred artists, six stages of entertainment, more than 50 arts-related non-profit organizations, and an extensive children’s area. Also, don’t forget to visit the Indiana Craft Beer Garden! Billed as “Indiana’s Nicest Day,” it runs from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is $15 per person for advance tickets and $20 the day of the fair.
For a more elegant option, at $100 per person, you can get a preview at the exclusive An Evening with Penrod™ at The IMA. This is the Second Annual Evening with Penrod™ and is presented by the National Bank of Indianapolis as an exclusive preview of the Penrod Arts Fair on Friday, September 5th, 2014 from 6:00-10:30 pm on the beautiful grounds of the IMA. For all the details, click here to visit the website!
So what is the purpose of this annual event? The Penrod Society is a volunteer organization, strongly rooted in Central Indiana. Their mission focuses on the cultivation, encouragement and development of public interest in and support of those arts, cultural and educational institutions located in and around Marion County, Indiana, its surrounding counties and the Central Indiana area in general.
For more on their history, I visited their website for this information on their founding…
In 1967 a group of twenty two men formed The Penrod Society™. The volunteer organization was designed to support the cultural and educational activities of Indianapolis-area artists, students, and arts organizations. “Penrod” pays homage to Penrod Schoefield, a literary character from Indianapolis novelist Booth Tarkington.
Over forty years later, The Penrod Arts Fair™ has become an Indianapolis tradition. Each year over 20,000 fair patrons visit the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art on the first Saturday after Labor Day. The Penrod Arts Fair™ showcases hundreds of artists, and offers live music, performing arts and local cuisine. Proceeds from this one-day celebration provide grants for Indianapolis-area arts and community organizations.
In addition to launching the Arts Fair, The Penrod Society™ was also instrumental in creating the Economic Club of Indianapolis and the Prelude Awards.
I’m so excited…this spring, I was able to work with my friend Kate Bilyj in the purchase of a Co-op in her dream area of Irvington and drum role please…her unit has been chosen to be on the Irvington Benton House Tour of Homes on Sunday, September 15, 2013!
This tour showcases the history, charm, and architecture of Irvington neighborhoods. In it’s 40th year, this tour brings inspiration, education, and home improvement ideas to the. Guests can enjoy viewing the properties of homeowners who truly fuel the Irvington neighborhoods. Many of the homeowners not only live in Irvington, but, invest further in the development of this 143 year old community.
Featured on this years tour is a beautiful ranch with a three room conversion into a dream kitchen. Recent bathroom renovations, and a finished basement. In the Irvington Terrace area is a charming tudor with unique architecture, original details, and beautiful front and back gardens. Also on view will be a chic bungalow where budget and hip design style play a central role in creating an inspired home. The newly constructed Irvington Lofts are also included on the tour. Kate’s unit is in the Co-op neighborhood of Maplewood Court and boasts many of the original features including my favorite part…the original doorbell!
As part of the 40th anniversary celebration, there will be a tour/hog roast celebration at the Downey Avenue Christian Church, a complimentary cupcake as well as music and festivities on the lawn of the Benton House.
The home tour is the largest fundraising event for the historic Benton House, raising funds for the preservation of the 140 year old landmark. What started 40 years ago as a group of eager neighbors opening their homes for neighbors to tour and share ideas has now turned into the longest consecutively ran home tour in the city of Indianapolis showcasing nearly 200 homes and landmarks over the years.
The 2013 self guided Irvington Tour of Homes starts at noon and continues until 5:00pm on September 15, 2013. Biking and walking is encouraged. Tickets are $12 advance, $15 the day of the tour. Children under 12 years of age are admitted free.
Tickets can be purchased starting August 28 at local Irvington shops and restaurants to include Central Ace Hardware, Dufour’s, Black Sheep Gifts, Snips and Bookmamas. Purchase tickets the day of the home tour at the Benton House, 312 South Downey Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46219. For information please call 317-372-2372 or email bentonhousetour2013@gmail.com
Think you might want to live in Irvington? I can help with that! In addition to homes currently on the market, I will have a home for sale ON Pleasant Run Parkway South drive, directly across the street from Ellenberger Park. My friend and fellow agent Jeffrey Tabler will be holding this home open on Sunday during the times of the tour…stop in and say hello! I will be at Kate’s home helping her with the tour…yes, I am a full service agent! Please stop by and say hello!
Do you remember when…having a tattoo was taboo? I was driving home down I-465 yesterday and saw this on the back of a really nice car!
There are many myths about people who have tattoos…they can’t donate blood or organs (visit donatelife.net for accurate information!), that they are barred from burial in Jewish cemeteries (Torah law prohibits a Jew from being tattooed, says Rabbi Gedalia Dov Schwartz, the presiding judge of the Orthodox Beth Din of America, however, “there is no reason why a Jew with a tattoo may not be buried in a Jewish cemetery.”), only “trashy people” have tats…well let me tell you, I’m educated, own my own business, own my home, drive a nice car, go to church regularly, come from a “good” family and I HAVE A TATTOO! And so do a lot of others!
What about you? I was 42 when I got mine, I wanted a specific cartoon character from my college days…anyone remember “Bloom County“? Opus, Bill the Cat are among the cast of crazies that inhabit the mind of Berkeley Breathed and reading Bloom County in the Ball State Daily News was a staple of my college days!
It took me a long time to work up the nerve, find the right image and have the money to go through with it, decide where it should go…a friend has dolphins swimming around her navel, looked great until she got pregnant…then those little dolphins became whales and became the size of a dinner plate! Mine is small, on the right side of my back, just above my waist…I did it for me, to remind me of a more carefree me and just to make me smile! What do you think?
At a cost of only $24 per person (over 60, additional discounts available!), February 22-23, 2013, Dinner at 6:45 p.m., Performance at 8:00 p.m. in the Schwitzer Student Center Dining Hall. Good Food and Great Entertainment:
I Hate Hamlet
A young and successful television actor relocates to New York, where he rents a marvelous, gothic apartment. With his television career in limbo, the actor is offered the opportunity to play Hamlet onstage, but there is one problem: he hates Hamlet.
We have been attending these dinner and performances for years and have always enjoyed them, reality is that this is less expensive than dinner and a movie! It is a student production, from the direction to sets, dinner and servers…take a chance and enjoy a great evening!
Living in Indy 