The unwritten rule for tourists is that they must take a photo on the Circle. | Photo by INDYtoday team
Whether you’re an Indy native or a relative newcomer, there are just some things every Hoosier understands to be true.
We asked our readers to share the Circle City’s unwritten rules, from common city knowledge to relatable trends and local lingo. You won’t find these rules in a handbook, but they are undoubtedly absorbed by the community — and if you’re not from Indy, these might be a little difficult to explain.
The unspoken rule everyone knows
“If you don’t live in Marion County you’re not from Indy. Sorry not sorry.” — @playtimeontherock
“Never root for the New England Patriots. Carb Day is a holiday. The 500 is the start of summer.” — u/Purplemaserati
We’re kind to our neighbors
“Always say - Ope, sorry let me sneak past ya #unwrittenrules #indy #opesorryletmesneakpastya” — @afrozenbubble
We’ve learned a thing or two from commuting
“You must always wave at a driver who stops to let you cross the street!” — @moburoasters
“4 way 🛑 - “No, you go” — @petermerante
“It’s totally normal to cross the middle of Washington Street right in front of cars.” — @coreynregan
Sometimes you just have to laugh
“When eating the @stelmo shrimp cocktail, one must say, ‘it’ll clear your sinuses.’” — @chrisceciljr
Foodies for life
“KSR [Keystone Sports Review] has the best bar food.” — u/Caged_in_a_rage
“No such thing as a “potluck,” the correct Hoosier term is ‘pitch in.’” — u/MayorCharlesCoulon
“Best burger in the city is indisputably Workingman’s Friend. Cash only and very inconvenient hours, but worth going to.” — u/Jrpetersjr
Learn the lingo
“Adding an S to grocery store names: Kroger’s, Meijer’s.” — Taina L.
“It’s Broad Ripple, not Broadripple.” — @broadrippleindy
Dude Perfect — Pandamonium Tour | Friday, June 30 | 7 p.m. | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis | $29.75-$199.75 | See the Texas sports + comedy group do trick shots live on stage.
“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” at IMAX Indy | Friday, June 30 - Tuesday, July 11 | Times vary | Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St. | $15-$18 | Don’t miss Harrison Ford’s return as the legendary hero and archaeologist Indiana Jones in the highly-anticipated fifth film in the series — on the state’s largest screen.*
Saturday, July 1
Beauty and the Beast | Saturday, July 1-Sunday, July 9 | 8 p.m. | Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, 9301 Michigan Rd., Indianapolis | $42.50 | “Be [a] Guest” at this local performance of the classic Disney story.
Sunday, July 2
Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky | Sunday, July 2 | 4 p.m. | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis | $15-$170 | Watch forward Aliyah Boston continue to lead rookies in scoring with 15.6 points per game.
Monday, July 3
Fourth of July Celebration | Saturday, July 1-Tuesday, July 4 | 11 a.m.-11 p.m. | Metazoa Brewing Co., 140 S. College Ave., Indianapolis | Cost of purchase | Stop by the dog-friendly brewery to enjoy gourmet hot dogs, live music, patios + dog park throughout the July 4th weekend.
Tuesday, July 4
Downtown Indy Fourth Fest | Tuesday, July 4 | 6-10 p.m. | Downtown, 500 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis | Free | Celebrate with food trucks, ice cream + live music performances with fireworks synced to patriotic music.
Wednesday, July 5
Canal Nights — Democracy Day | Wednesday, July 5 | 5-7 p.m. | Indiana State Museum canal entrance, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | Free | Bring the family to learn about the importance of government with a combination of outdoor activities + hands-on experiments.
Breathe easy, Hoosiers. After days of unhealthy air from Canadian wildfires, a chance of rain yesterday, today, and into the weekend could help wash out dangerous particles from the air. Plus, the added airstream could assist in pushing away smoke. (IndyStar)
Announced
And the 2023 theme is... basketball. The Indiana State Fair just unveiled the details of “Celebrating Basketball: The State That Grew The Game,” and it will include experiences like a HOOPFEST Outdoor Amusement Park, something called “Space Ham” that has our attention, and a “Hoosiers” display, obviously.
Biz
In a $309 million deal, Eli Lilly bought Massachusetts-based biotech company Sigilon Therapeutics Inc., which is working on treatments for type 1 diabetes. The companies have previously worked together to develop therapies to sense glucose levels + restore insulin production. Sigilon shares have risen 525% in midday trading. (IBJ)
Outdoors
Local nonprofit Indy’s Urban Wilderness, Indianapolis, Lawrence, and Central Indiana Community Foundation are teaming up for a grant application to extend and connect the greenway system in the city. If successful, the Fall Creek Greenway would stretch 20+ miles to reach Fishers. Connect with IUW to send a letter in support. (IndyStar)
Civic
Tomorrow is Saturday, July 1 — AKA the first day a slew of new state laws take effect. If you’re feeling out of the loop, check out our roundup of five state laws you should know about.
Shop
Lovers of local goods, rejoice — local woodworkers Beyond Makers have launched their online store, which means that you can shop gorgeous, handmade charcuterie boards, game boards, art + more from the comfort of your couch. Pro tip: Gift the classic charcuterie board for your next housewarming occasion (and grab one for yourself, too).*
Finance
Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*
Job
Passionate about storytelling, news, and Indianapolis? We’re hiring a City Editor to plan, write, edit, and publish the most relevant and engaging daily content about our city. See details + apply.
Giveaway
To celebrate our revamped referral program, we’re hosting a special giveaway until Wednesday, August 2, 2023. The top referrer will receive $500, and one additional person who refers at least one friend will automatically be entered for another $100 giveaway. Find the referral section at the bottom of this newsletter.
Outdoors
Decorating tip: Show your patio some love with a cute and colorful area rug. We love this outdoor-friendly geometric green one.*
Coming Soon
🌱 This garden center is growing
Owners of Heath Outdoor are opening a brewery in Indianapolis, IN
You can shop flowering perennials, shrubs, trees, mulch, compost, veggies + supplies while you take in the peaceful atmosphere. | Photo by INDYtoday team
With a jungle of plants, canopies, an old piano, and peaceful water features, you’d hardly believe this garden is right next to a major highway.
Last month, we shared new photos of Heath Outdoor‘s Digs Garden Center, which popped up just down the street from North Mass Boulder on the city’s near east side. The center sells flowering perennials, shrubs, trees, mulch, compost, veggies + supplies.
Now, it’s looking to expand its Circle City footprint by opening up a brewery and distillery at 1302 N. Columbia Ave. The 6,800-sqft building will be called “The Yard at North Mass” and sell South Monon beer + spirits, which will be made on-location, as well as food.
Owners Travis and Heath Hurst plan to open the taproom before the end of the year.
And that’s a wrap, Indy. Though I’ve loved sharing the good news of Naptown with you all, today is my last day with INDYtoday. From writing about Indy’s mysterious “RecordFace” art installations, to creating a hypothetical dating app profile for the city, to uncovering its rich streetcar history, I’ve had so much fun at 6AM City. I appreciate all of you engaging with me since INDYtoday launched and I’ll see you around the Circle City.
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