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I Tried It: Lash Extensions

Beauty will never go out of style and it seems like there is always some new trend or product that will help us achieve ultimate selfie goals.

If you have ever:

1.     Struggled with a lash curler

2.     Have blonde lashes

3.     Can’t seem to get your false lashes to stay on, let alone on straight

4.     Or just wanted to save money & skip a step in the morning getting ready

You may want to consider getting lash extensions.��

I admit that I first noticed lash extensions from watching Bachelor in Paradise two years ago. I began realizing that all the girls on the show had long luxurious lashes and they would take a dip in the ocean and their lashes would stay put and they’d never have raccoon eyes. That’s when I found out they didn’t just have naturally long lashes, that they were in fact wearing extensions on their lashes and never having to wear mascara every again! That’s when I decided I needed to try this amazing service and I found a place in Carmel (Lash & Brow Design Company) that was known widely in the area for being lash extension experts. However, I was not able to maintain them and that drive every 3-4 weeks to get them filled was taking a toll on me. So I gave up and went back to rocking my tiny straight stubby boring lashes, which is until a little birdie told me about Beauty by Brysta.

Beauty by Brysta is run by Brysta Moore who works from West Tease in West Terre Haute and Polished Day Spa in Marshall, IL and she specializes in all things lashes.  All lash extension technicians must be certified and go through training to hone the skills it takes to have a steady hand and a good eye to apply lash extensions.  Brysta is certified in Lavish Lashes.

Brysta applies individual lashes at a 1:1 ratio.  The fullness applied to each individual lash can vary from salon to technician.  The lashes are a bit bigger in diameter than a natural lash so they do add fullness.  The extensions come in several lengths and 3 different curls.  Some people (not me) are reported to fall asleep while receiving this service.  Brysta applies cooling patches under the eyes and begins the process of separating and gluing the individual lashes onto your natural lash.  The initial process can take about 1-2 hours to complete and the lash fill appointments usually run an hour, depending how you take care of them.

Like your nails and the hair on your head, your individual eyelashes grow out and shed. The average cycle of a single lash is about 100 days.  To keep them full they will need to be filled every 3-4 weeks.  If never filled, they will last up to 2 months before all extensions have shed.  

Tips on Keeping Your Lashes On Point

-Avoid Using Oil-Based Products

-Wait At Least 24 Hours before getting your lashes wet

-Keep your hands off your lashes

-No Waterproof Mascara

-Try not to sleep directly on your lashes

I am addicted to face masks and skin products in general, so I am constantly washing my face.  I have found it much easier to wash my face outside of the shower with a wash cloth, instead of splashing my face with water. I also never get my lashes wet, I try to avoid water at all costs. If they are wet, pat them dry & try avoid rubbing them with a towel. I stick to Neutrogena make-up wipes when taking off all makeup, but I avoid my lash line.  If I am wearing eye liner I use Extreme Lashes makeup remover spray and a lint-free applicator that I sweep across the base of my lashes.  These simple steps keep the lashes from being damaged and looking beautiful.  It may seem like a lot of upkeep, but having lash extensions makes getting ready so much easier. I don’t use mascara at all anymore, you can use mascara as long as it isn’t waterproof, but you won’t need to. Also the lash extensions help line your upper lash line and gives the illusion of eyeliner, so going makeup free isn’t so scary.

Other Services/Pricing

Brysta offers lash extensions and a lash lift/tint service.  The lash lift and tint lasts about 8-12 weeks.  This service is very similar to a perm but for your lashes.  The process curls the lashes up to make them visible and gives the illusion of longer lashes.  This service is very low maintenance compared to the lash extensions. Lashes can’t get wet for 24 hours after the service ends than you are free to wear/use any products on them. This is perfect if you are already blessed with long lashes or don’t want to have to worry about the upkeep.

Full Set of Lash Extensions- $80

Lash Fills- $40

Lash Lift & Tint- $90

If you are interested in setting up a lash extension or lift appointment with Beauty by Brysta, you can find her on Facebook at West Tease or Polished Day Spa or you can text her at 812.870.3327. Mention our post to receive $10 off a full set of lash extensions!

-M.

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Day Trip: Bloomington Edition

What are your first thoughts when thinking of Bloomington? IU, tailgating, Kirkwood..? The school is definitely what brings most of us to the city, but it has so much more to offer! Sure, IU's campus is absolutely gorgeous, but have you been to the town square? There are so many unique places to eat, grab a drink and even do a little shopping. 

My personal fave is Malibu Grill.

This place is perfect for any occasion; whether it be to grab a sandwich or salad for lunch, or a nice dinner for date night. Their drink menu is top notch, as well! A nice variety of wines and they have quite a few local beers on tap-- it's always nice to see locals supporting one another, right? Oh, and rumor has it John Mellencamp has been spotted at Malibu on more than one occasion, in case you were still on the fence about checking it out! After filling your tummy, you'll need to take a little walk and make a little room for something sweet-- Baked!

This place has it all figured out! You can walk in to order and have some fresh from the oven cookies in a little over ten minutes, or better yet.. have them delivered to your door! Say what!? Yes, locals can have fresh baked cookies sent right to their home. The pictures above show you all of the different options available, I believe there's about 20,000 choices!🤤 Jared Schneider came up with the idea while attending school in Bloomington; deciding there needed to be more delivery options and thinking of the fresh baked cookies his mom always sent him back with. This guy's a genius and the cookies are amazing! I had chocolate dough with pretzels and peanut butter chips if ya need any ideas!😉

Now after getting even more stuffed, you can walk a little further and check out Quaff ON! Brewing Company. I first heard of this brewery at the Beer Fest that's held in Brazil, IN each year. I tried the Six Foot Blonde Ale and was an instant fan. I now own a few of their growlers and fill up more than I should admit.. (Sorry, Mom).

Quaff ON! has only been in Bloomington since 2014, but actually began in Brown County back in 2009 when three friends decided to start a brewpub and it kept growing. Their beer is now being distributed through most of Indiana, plus they have Big Woods Pizza and a nice menu at the Bloomington location. If you're willing to make the drive to Bloomington, which especially during the fall is such a beautiful drive.. keep these places in mind for some tasty treats! Also, I wouldn't turn away a growler if anyone wants to bring one back for me!🍻 As always, if you have any places you think we should check out-- send us a message, we're always up for new adventures! -H

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Drink of the Month: September

Drink of the Month: September

We’ve brought you food, clothes, adventures and more….now it’s time to bring the booze!  Introducing our new monthly installment - Drink of the Month.  Every month we’ll bust out our taste buds and put our heads together to bring you’re the latest trends in drinks.  Now I know what you must be thinking, spending countless hours creating, testing, and tasting new delicious drinks, it’s a hard job but somebody has to do it.  Don’t let these hot September days fool you, in honor of the first day of fall we’ve got an easy to make drink to celebrate the new season.  And don’t you worry, there’s not a pumpkin in sight…I’m sure we’ll get basic at a later date.

Apple Cider Mimosa

Makes 4 Drinks

Ingredients:I bottle champagne1 cup apple cider, plus 1-2 tbsp. for dipping2 tbsp. granulated sugar1 tbsp. ground cinnamon1 apple, thinly sliced for garnishDirections:1.  Using a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon.  Pour cinnamon sugar mixture onto a small place.  Pour 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider into a shallow bowl.  Take a champagne glass and dip the rim in apple cider and then in the cinnamon sugar mixture, rotating the glass gently to evenly cover the rim.  Repeat with the remaining glasses.2.  Carefully pour 1/4 cup of apple cider into each glass.  Top with champagne, garnish with apple, and enjoy!

Fall is the perfect time of year to hit up your local Farmer's Market or orchard for the very best in fall produce. 

Ditzler Orchard's

got you covered for all your apple needs for this drink!  Currently they have U-Pick apples available if you're looking for the full orchard experience, or if you're just wanting to pick some up, they have a wide variety of apples to choose from (pick your favorite!) and freshly made apple cider. 

Located

just a short drive from Terre Haute, IN in Southern Parke County, Ditzler Orchard is the perfect way to kick off a fall inspired weekend!

Want to skip the drive and wait for these humid September days to cool off? 

Downtown Terre Haute's

First Friday

event

"Harvest in the Haute"

features a special night market just for their event on October 6th starting at 5pm. 

Terre Haute Downtown Farmers Market

will be on site with a variety of vendors and is a great place to pick up some apples to enjoy for this cocktail.  Who knows, you might even be able to pick up a pumpkin or two (that's as basic as we get this month!).Cheers!B.

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What To Do This Weekend  9/22-9/24

Friday, September 22nd

Not having any luck finding a mate on FarmersOnly.com?  Find your one and only at the Sullivan Corn Festival !  The festival offers carnival rides and games, food, a beer tent, bingo, “free quality entertainment”, a TURTLE derby, & let’s not forget FREE CORN FEED!

Friday 7pm-? 

Entertainment: The Van-Dells

Saturday 7pm-?

Entertainment: Who’s Bad (Michael Jackson Tribute)

Two of my favorite things to enjoy together at this fun event taking place at Sleepy Creek Vineyard, Weiner’s & Wine. The event runs from 5pm-8pm and the winery will provide the hot dogs, all the fixings, and the campfire.  Bring your own lawn chair and any additional food.  They will have beer, wine, & soft drinks available to purchase!

Attend the Honeybee Festival in Paris, IL this weekend and maybe you will run into Country Artist/Hottie Brett Eldredge?! The annual fall festival runs Friday & Saturday 6:30-10pm at the Edgar County Fairgrounds.  Check out their list of live entertainment here.

If Broadway is more your “thing”, take a trip over to Hatfield Hall on Rose Hulman’s campus and check out the musical foursome Under the Streetlamp. According to their website they have some tight harmonies and slick dance moves, so if you love some of that old time Rock ‘n’ Roll buy your tickets here . 

Saturday, September 23rd

Join my crew and me as we participate in an “Amazing Race” style contest in Downtown Terre Haute. The Downtown Challenge is a contest where you register four-person teams and are given clues and challenges located throughout downtown.  Each team receives t-shirts and proceeds go towards the Swope Art Museum.  You must be 18 to participate and you can register your team here .   

Feeling festive for fall?! Stop by Hobson’s Fun Farm or Connor Prairie’s Corn Maze for their grand openings this weekend! Both will feature a corn maze, a shit load of pumpkins, and a guaranteed good time!

If you feel like drinking a ton of beer this weekend, check out one of the THREE beer festivals taking place in Indiana.  The Crawford County Fest of Ale, Brewfest 2017, & the Noblesville Brewfest are all competing to get you to come try their giant selections of beers this weekend.  Check out the details at their links & let us know which one exceeded them all!

This Saturday & Sunday check out Sleepy Creek Vineyards Salt Fork River Festival.  Admission is FREE and the fair includes over 50 artists, live music, tasty food, and wine slushies.  I certainly can’t turn down wine slushies & donuts, both will be making an appearance!  

Saturday 10am-6pm

Sunday 11am-4pm

Sunday, September 24th

This Sunday evening get into Downward Dog and enjoy Yoga in the Park from 5-6pm at Hawthorn Park. This group class is open to all skill levels, ages 8+, and takes place EVERY Sunday.  Drop your kids off at the playground and get in a little “me” time before supper!

Talk about a Sunday Funday! The Sycamore at Mallow Run is having a multi-course meal and wine pairing in their vineyards! The Artisan Table Dinner is a four-course farm-to-table meal that will be paired with a selected Mallow Run wine flight. Buy tickets & check out their menu here 

-M.

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Local Looks

The gals at Always Take The Scenic Route have a weakness for all things trendy and fashionable, but if we can buy local and support our community, then it is a win/win for everyone!  I am going to feature a styled outfit or item once a month that was purchased at a local boutique or shop to showcase what is available to our viewers in our surrounding area. 

The preview of fall weather these past few weeks has inspired me to create an outfit that would be easy to transition from summer to fall. I chose a Mystree double-sided plaid blouse from Whimsy and paired it with some fun Cello high-rise step hem crop skinny jeans also from Whimsy.  I added some ankle boots from Madden Girl & paired it with my accessories from Stella & Dot.  As the weather gets chillier and we get further into fall, I would add a chunky knit sweater and switch to over-the-knee boots to complete this outfit.

Photos by: Nicole Doti

                 Blouse | Denim  | Boots | Necklace | Cuff | Bracelet | Ring

If you know of a local boutique or shop that I should check out, let me know in by leaving a comment on our ‘Ask Us Anything’ page! #SupportLocal 

-M.

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Go Ape!

From Go Ape I expected to confront a fear of heights.  I expected to be awed and to experience things I never had before.  Trust me when I say I got all that and surprisingly so much more.  My Go Ape adventure started out as an idea over a year ago with my boss and co-workers.  We were looking to create a truly memorable team building experience together that got us out of the office and out of our comfort zones. 

I should mention, that though I immediately jumped on the “Yes, lets go zip line” bandwagon, I actually had no idea what Go Ape was or what exactly a “treetop” experience meant.  And it wasn’t until the final days leading up to the trip that we realized 3 out of the 4 people going had pretty significant fears of heights.  But with climbing gloves in tow and a #teamworksmakesthedreamwork attitude we piled into the car an hour late ready to enjoy a day of driving, food, trees and zip lines.

We made our first stop at Milktooth located in Fountain Square in Indianapolis, Indiana (stay tuned for a full review of Milktooth, it’s worth the wait!) for mouthwatering brunch items, to die for pastries and house-made signature cocktails.  After we were all good and stuffed we made our way over to Eagle Creek Park. 

Go Ape partners with public parks for a location site and provides a percentage of each ticket sale to the parks and preserve partners to reinvest back into their local communities.  The very idea behind Go Ape was to find a way that they could give back to their local communities through adventures that were outside and environmentally based.  Now they have locations in 14 states, with our local Go Ape hailing in Eagle Creek Park.  With almost 4,000 acres of land and 10 miles of paths to explore, Eagle Creek Park is one of the largest city parks in the nation and the largest park in Indianapolis.  Located just past the Earth Discovery Center, the Go Ape course offers a 2-3 hour Treetop Adventure. 

Though most of the Treetop Adventure is self-guided, you start out the experience with an on the ground walk through of your gear, how it works, how to work it, and to always remember to STAY ATTACHED.  After the on the ground walk through, our tour guide walked all of us through a 3 foot high version of what we had gotten ourselves into.  Our particular tour guide brought an amazing sense of humor to the walk through that eased a lot of the anxieties and gave you insightful tips that made you feel confident in what you had learned. 

After that, they let set you free to enjoy their 5 zip line courses.  Throughout the courses there are a challenging combination of rope ladders, tarzan swings, and nerve wrecking treetop crossings.  But after it was all said and done I found that I was officially hooked, and immediately wanted to schedule a trip back.  I was surprised how my fear of heights lessened as I mastered each course and how empowering it felt being up there.  Go Ape’s mission is to inspire everyone to live life adventurously and that life is just better with adventure…and I couldn’t agree more!

-B.

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What To Do This Weekend 9/14-9/16

Local Events

Thursday, September 14th

Welcome back Rose Hulman students and broke people who want to party! Sonka Irish Pub & Café is hosting a 3 quarter beer night! Festivities begin at 6pm and Busch light drafts are only 75 Cents, help save up for your student loans and get drunk off the cheap shit.

Friday, September 15th

Pumpkin Works is officially open for the fall season! Celebrate their 25th anniversary kickoff with 25% off in their gift shop, face painting, $15 arm bands, and heat up around their free public campfire!  They are open 11am-11pm Eastern time.

Mark’s Par Three is hosting a golf tournament to raise money to benefit the youth in our community! Four person teams required, entry fee is $60 per person (includes green fees & golf cart).  There will also be a chance to win some prizes and the event will be catered by Cackleberries.  There’s nothing better than enjoying the beautiful fall weather, knocking back some cold ones, and whacking at some balls to support our community!

Did you know that the Grand Traverse Pie Company with the Vigo County Parks & Recreation Department hosts a Painting & Pie event once a month?! Registration is required two days prior to each class they hold, but it is open to all ages and all skill levels are welcome!  For $35 each participant will be given all the tools and step by step instructions to paint a beautiful canvas they can hang in their home. Bonus points for receiving a piece of pie and drink courtesy of the Pie Company!

Saturday, September 16th

Don’t be a chicken, attend the 2nd Annual Reach Services Wingy Dingy Thingy! This event takes place at the TH Regional Airport and will have 10 local restaurants competing for “Wing Supremacy”.  General Admission includes unlimited wings and 2 free non-alcoholic drinks.  But go all in for a $25 VIP ticket and receive access to take a piss indoors and receive 2 free alcoholic drinks! Party starts at 6pm and runs till 10pm. Buy your ticket HERE 

Want something unique to do around town that won’t kill your liver or your wallet? Check out the Indiana Bat Festival. From 10am-4pm at Indiana State University, this festival celebrates the unique role of bats in the ecosystem. Events include talks by leading bat biologists, live animal demonstrations (yes, you will see bats), a bake sale, silent auction, face painting, & you guessed it, bat merchandise.  Go find out what makes batman so fascinating and bring me back a t-shirt!

The Brazzle Dazzle is hosting their 2nd Annual Route 40 Fest on Saturday and they will be shutting down US 40 from 59 to Depot Street. There will be entertainment, a kids zone, local merchants, food, and more!  Come check out their newly paved and expanded street from 11am-7pm!

If you love getting drunk on patio’s than you need to visit Charlies Pub & Grub Saturday evening! The band Soupbone’s Blackwater Mission is taking the stage at 8pm and Zombie Dust will be on tap!  If you haven’t had a chance to check out their new updated outdoor space, now is your chance. Show up early, seats fill up fast and if you see me there, feel free to buy me a beer!

Outside of Terre Haute

22nd Annual Indy Irish Fest (All Weekend) 

@ Military Park 4:30pm-11pm Get Tickets Here

Indianapolis Wine Festival (Friday & Saturday) @ The Pavilion at Pan Am Event starts at 5pm

$35 Online- Sample from a selection of more than 200 wines from around the world, get your drink on HERE

Are you a basic bitch and love EVERYTHING pumpkin? Then you need to attend Pumpkin Palooza in Carmel, Indiana on Saturday! The event is being held at the Market District from 12pm-5pm and will celebrate all things pumpkin (pumpkin chipotle sauce, pumpkin chips, pumpkin vinaigrette). Don’t come if allergic to pumpkin and the event is free!

-M

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Wabash Valley Art Spaces: Turn to the River Project

If you haven’t heard of Wabash Valley Art Spaces, chances are you’ve seen some of the projects they’ve designed that have shaped the landscape of Terre Haute.  The organization formed in 2003 through the efforts of dedicated volunteers and they currently have 18 unique-specific public sculptures throughout town that add meaning and interest to public spaces.

One specific design you may know very well is the sculpture of a life-long Terre Haute resident, poet & philosopher, Max Ehrmann (He’s the bronze statue sitting on a bench at the corner of 7th & Wabash). 

He often wrote near the corner of 7th & Wabash, where he drew inspiration from the sights, sounds, and people of Terre Haute.  The artist behind this sculpture is Bill Wolfe. Ehrmann is known throughout the world for “Desiderata” and other poems.  I admit, I had never read this famous poem before writing this post, but it is something beautiful that must be shared and it rings true to the harsh realities of the current world we live in.

DESIDERATA

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.

Take kindly to the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann c.1920

Other collections include: Composite House for Terre Haute, Tree, Spirit of Space, Gatekeeper, Light of Hope & Healing, A Chorus of Trumpets, & many others.

If you are interested in learning about all of the collections available to visit, you can check them out here.  I highly recommend checking out the art in our community that is easily accessible and free to view by the public.

I most recently attended the “Picnic at the Plaza” that was put on by this group specifically to bring awareness about an exciting project coming to Terre Haute.  Art Spaces is currently working on the Turn to the River project.  

This project “is a comprehensive multi-year project to reconnect downtown Terre Haute with the Wabash River through public art and design.” The project is focusing on a 4-square block that includes City Hall, the Vigo County Courthouse, & the Vigo County Security Center.  A designed walkway will lead people over 3rd street on a pedestrian bridge through this area to the river.  

At the river a public green space with an overlook and possibly a performance structure will be designed.  

They would also like to turn the city parking lot into a space for public weekend events such as Farmer’s Markets, Arts & Festivals, and other community events. 

Art Spaces has been recommended for a National Endowment for the Arts “Our Town” grant of $75,000 that would help them move forward with the Design Development Phase this fall.  It is estimated to completely done in 10 years, but progress for the area will be made in the next few years. If you would like to receive email updates, provide feedback on this project, or find out all the details and progress projections click here .

Follow us on Facebook or check out our events page for future events that help contribute to the community we live in and don’t forget to “always take the scenic route”!

-M

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Sun King Brewery Dinner at Stables Steakhouse

When I think of Stables, I think of a nice date night or any other “special occasion”-- but did you know they also occasionally offer an evening with a special menu paired specifically with different breweries? A friend of mine found this on Eventbrite.com and we had to check it out! First off, who doesn't enjoy everything Stables has to offer, but add in Sun King Brewery and we were sold! I wasn't really sure what to expect walking in, but it was a really neat experience. Everyone who had purchased tickets were sat at a long table together, so we made some new acquaintances throughout the evening as well!

Grapefruit Jungle was the first brew of the night and my personal fave! The chef paired this with none other than a chicken leg, but she did a fantastic job. The meat was super juicy under the crunchy skin and complimented the IPA very nicely.

I'm not usually a fan of Sours... but with the stuffed pepper was had up next, Jimmy Jam was the perfect drink! It amazes me how the chef can taste these different beers and just create a dish based off that and it's perfection! (I guess that's why she's the chef and I'm not.. hehe)

Ok, I'm a sucker for a good burger and this next one was nothing short of delicious! This little slider was accompanied by the seasonal Oktoberfest, which is more up my alley as far as beer goes. The pickle you see on top was even soaked in another Sun King beer named Wee Mac (fabulous). The waffle fries were an added bonus, but this little meal was a favorite all around the table.

If you are a Sour fan, you missed out on this night for sure. Our next sandwich was the chef's own rendition of a Cuban and was superb! She paired it with Velour Soccer Mom and once again, I tried something I didn't think I would like, but was made a fan. I never would have put these two together, but I'm so glad they were!

Last but certainly not least, dessert! At this point I was so full, I didn't think I could touch another bite or have one more sip of anything else. A few minutes later came the trays of cupcakes looking almost too good to eat and were also served a nice stout called Timmie Nitro. The two of these tasted like heaven!

If you're looking for something different to try with your beau or just a group of friends, I highly suggest checking out the next Stables/Brewery Dinner. My friends and I had such a good time trying all the yummy dishes and who doesn't like tasting brews you normally wouldn't? I really enjoyed the open table seating as well because we were able to converse with others and make some new friends throughout the night!

As always, if you have anything you would like us to check out-- shoot us a message and we would be more than happy to go on a new adventure!

-H

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Unique Places to Check Out in Indianapolis

I grew up in Terre Haute about an hour outside of the City of Indianapolis, so it has always been a part of my routine to drive to the city and experience things that I could not in a smaller town.  This specific trip was last minute and unplanned, which is so unlike myself, I love planning trips down to the detail & this was very much straying from the norm.  I found some exciting & new places in the city and thought I would share them with you.  

Coat Check Coffee 

This is a hidden gem, I have walked by this spot on Mass Ave plenty of times & never realized it was there.  If you have ever eaten at The Rathskeller German Restaurant, you may not have known this existed either!

Inside the Athenaeum Building is a “Coat Check” turned coffee shop.  The Athenaeum Building was built in 1893 as a monument to the organization of Americans of German descent in the United States who dedicated themselves to cultural and physical development in their new country.  The building is listed three times in the National Register of Historic Places and you can even schedule a guided tour to admire the German Renaissance Revival architectural style.

I love the idea that they took something that already existed, left its design elements alone and added beauty and purpose to a space inside this historical building.  Coat Check Coffee is a family owned coffee bar that serves carefully prepared espresso, distinctive filter coffees, & pastries made from scratch.  They also have a huge area to sit, work, or hang out in that I found very refreshing. The space was spread out, unlike most coffee shops that try to squeeze in tables & tight seating.  

If you are around the Mass Ave area and want to grab a cup of joe or just take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city at a local & historical place, check out Coat Check Coffee.

Kingmakers Indianapolis 

If you like a game night with friends while having a beer and not struggling to learn the rules of a new game, then Kingmakers will blow your mind!  

Kingmakers started in Columbus, Ohio in 2014 and just opened its second location in Indianapolis this year. Kingmakers is “not quite a bar, not a board game store, not a coffee shop, but something that mixes all of those elements—and a bit more.”

The space is spread out with mixed tables and chairs to accommodate different sized groups.  A $5 per player Library Fee is charged to allow them to maintain and grow their Board Game Library.  They literally have hundreds of games with a wide range of skill levels, time required to play, type of play, and party size.  If you aren’t sure what game to pick or how to play a game, there are “Board Game Sommeliers” there to help walk you through choosing and playing a game.  It is kid-friendly, so it’s also a perfect place to take family for a game night out.

They also have a few beers on tap as well as other drinks and snacks that can be purchased and they provide complimentary water.  I went with two other people and we played two games for 2.5 hours and it was so much fun. We chose games that we would of never played or understood on our own but with the help of the Board Game Sommeliers, it was super easy to catch on to.  I will definitely be back to introduce my friends to new games.

If you love game nights but want to mix it up and try something new check out Kingmakers!

Natural Born Juicers 

If you are curious about juices but they freak you out a little bit, I HIGHLY recommend Natural Born Juicers on Mass Ave.  I am a smoothie lover and they by far made the BEST smoothie I have ever had.  I also had never ventured down Massachusetts Avenue that far by foot and once I crossed over N College Avenue I seriously hit the jackpot.

We were actually stuffed from eating and drinking brunch at Louie’s Wine Dive and didn’t really plan to stop for more juice to fill our tummies with, but they had a really cute logo of a pineapple with a monocle hanging from their building so we had to go in and check it out. I have to point out that my cousin and I are both lactose intolerant so it was super refreshing to find out the base to all their smoothies was almond milk.  The staff was super friendly and knowledgeable about helping us find something we would like and informing us about their menu.  It was very hard to decide on something because everything sounded amazing.

Their menu consists of an array of juices, smoothies, coco’s (smoothies made with coconut or cacao), cold brew coffee smoothies, shots, hot drinks, & bowls. I went with a Sun Burn smoothie that tasted like pineapple heaven.  They also gave us a sample of a smoothie that tasted like carrot cake and we must have really felt adventurous because we took shots of wheatgrass + ginger.  It wasn’t the worse thing I have ever taken a shot of but it was strange tasting.  On a positive note it is supposed to include every vitamin known to man and help protect your immune system against bacteria (cheers to not getting sick for a while).    

Natural Born Juicer’s has three locations in Indianapolis (Broad Ripple, Downtown, & Noblesville). I highly recommend them for their products and customer service, plus we heard you may run into Indianapolis Colts Quarterback Andrew Luck enjoying a “Pro Bowl” if you stop in, so it’s a win/win!

Homespun: Modern Handmade 

Looking for a gift that is one of a kind? Homespun: Modern Handmade is a boutique that sells contemporary handmade goods.  This shop is also in the same area as Natural Born Juicer’s & Kingmaker’s on the northeast end of Massachusetts Avenue.  Their products range from jewelry to bath & body care, artisan foods to stationary, home-wares to apparel, and more.

It was a very beautiful space with a lot of unique items.  I just liked the idea that all items were handmade yet had that modern contemporary feel in their design.  

If you have any interesting & new places you think we should check out, whether it is in Indianapolis or the surrounding area, please let us know!

-M