12.12.2023

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Today’s Forecast

45º | Partly cloudy | 0% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:56 a.m. | Sunset 5:20 p.m.

❄️ The great indoors

Indoor activities for the cold months in Indianapolis

INDY_Create Art Studio painting class_OCT2023

Painter Eliza Mowery is hosting a “Painting Light” workshop series at Create Art Studio. | Photo by INDYtoday team

Yesterday, we told you about places around Indy to go ice skating — but if bundling up and stepping on the ice isn’t your vibe, we’re sharing some activities and things you can do around Indy that are indoors where it’s warmer.

Explore your creative side

We’re approaching the new year, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait until January to start a new hobby. Create Art Studio in Broad Ripple hosts all kinds of workshops and art classes for all ages — from kids to adults.

If you like to get your hands dirty, try throwing clay at Yellow Door Ceramics Studio or Get Dirty Ceramics at the Murphy Arts Center.

Overhead view of bouldering gym — North Mass Boulder has created a community, hosting events that are open to everyone.
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Photo by Sydney W. via Yelp

Get your sweat on

We know it’s tempting to cozy up on the couch during the winter, but there’s no better time to get your body moving to stay warm.

At Hotworx, you’ll want to shed some layers instead of bundling up for its heated, infared energy workouts. You can do yoga, pilates, cycling and more — all from the comfort of a sauna. Pro tip: You can sign up for your first workout free online.

If you want to try a different kind of workout and flex those arm muscles, try climbing at North Mass Boulder.

Learn something new

The winter is a great time to show one of our many Indy museums some love. Check out our full guide of local museums to explore.

Did you know there’s chocolate being made right here in Indianapolis? Go to SoChatti and book a Bean to Bag: Chocolate Making Class, where you’ll make your own drop candies + tour the production facility to see where their chocolate is made.

Have a ball

Practice your swing at the brand new Five Iron Golf downtown or get a group together for a game or two of duckpin bowling at Pins.

Events

Tuesday, Dec. 12

Volunteer Naturalist Training | Tuesday, Dec. 12 | 10-11:30 a.m. | Holliday Park, 6363 Spring Mill Rd., Indianapolis | Free | If you are looking for an environmental volunteer opportunity and enjoy sharing the outdoors with others, then this is for you.
Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure | Tuesday, Dec. 12-Monday, Jan. 15 | Times vary | Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | $2-$18 | See this magical model train wonderland consisting of nine G-Scale trains winding through stunning landscapes and past iconic landmarks of Indianapolis and the West.
Gingerbread House Competition | Tuesday, Dec. 12 | 5-7 p.m. | Indianapolis Public Library West Perry Branch, 6650 S. Harding St., Indianapolis | Free | Five registered teams will work together with supplies provided to make their gingerbread masterpiece and compete for prizes.

Wednesday, Dec. 13

Indiana Mad Ants vs. Wisconsin Herd | Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 6 p.m. | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis | $10 | Watch the Mad Ants and Wisconsin Herd face off on the Pacers’ home court.

Thursday, Dec. 14

Winter Wonderland Workshop | Thursday, Dec. 14 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | $14 per child | Step into a winter wonderland as kids design and engineer their very own ornaments.
Ugly Sweater Party | Thursday, Dec. 14 | 7-10 p.m. | The Foxhole at Hotel Tango, 670 Virginia Ave., Indianapolis | $20 | Come dressed in your most creative ugly Christmas sweater for a night of festive fun at the Indy Black Professionals’ End Of The Year Celebration.

Friday, Dec. 15

Friday Night Campfire | Friday, Dec. 15 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Holliday Park, 6363 Spring Mill Rd., Indianapolis | $15 | Enjoy a sweet treat by the fire, learn about something new, and finish up the evening with a spin on the ice rink.
Mini Christmas Trees at The Alexander | Friday, Dec. 15 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Plat 99 at The Alexander, 333 S. Delaware St., Indianapolis | $65 | Create your very own mini Christmas tree by decorating it with twinkling lights and fun ornaments — plus enjoy a winter cocktail and holiday snacks.

Friday, March 22

NCAA DI Men’s Basketball First & Second Rounds | Friday, March 22, Sunday, March 24 | 12 p.m. | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 South Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis | $54-$ | Experience March Madness® in Indianapolis at Gainbridge Fieldhouse as IUPUI and the Horizon League host the First and Second Rounds of the NCAA® Division I Men’s Basketball Championship.*

Events calendar here

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Holiday

You’re invited to Midnight at Newfields

Close 2023 at this luxurious black-tie event in the heart of Newfields. | Photo provided by Newfields

Ring in the New Year with this one-of-a-kind party at Newfields. Guests will enjoy glitz, glamour, music, and much more at Newfields’ inaugural fundraising gala, Midnight, happening on Sunday, Dec. 31.

From an over-the-top VIP experience in THE LUME Indianapolis, featuring Van Gogh with Starry Night swirling all around to a curated indoor digital fireworks showcase, to Winterlights access — Midnight has something for everyone.

Tickets start at $150 for members and $175 for nonmembers (must be 21 to attend). See you at Midnight, Indy.

Reserve tickets

News Notes

Community

The NBA Foundation is teaming up with several Indy-based organizations to host a business pitch competition for diverse-led Hoosier startups in conjunction with the NBA All-Star Weekend. The live event will take place Saturday, Feb. 17 at the convention center, with a total of $150,000 in cash grants. (IBJ)

Edu

What’s it like being a teacher in Marion County? A new survey created by an IPS school board member aims to hear more about the teaching experience. The goal is to have around 20% of all Marion County teachers respond. Take the survey. (IndyStar)

Health

Stay healthy. Health officials say the spread of the flu is increasing in Indiana + the CDC is now listing Indiana as having a “moderate” spread of the virus. The Hoosier state has reported six flu-related deaths so far this season. (WRTV)

Sports

The Indiana Fever won the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft for the second straight year. The Fever had the best odds for the selection with a record of 18-58. Last year, the team received the No. 1 pick for the first time in franchise history. The WNBA Draft will be on Monday, April 15. (WRTV)

Ranked

Indy is getting recognized for its Hoosier hospitality. The Circle City was named the No. 4 friendliest city on Conde Nast Traveler magazine’s list of “Top 10 Friendliest Cities in the US” — one of only two Midwestern cities to make the cut. It also highlighted Indy’s robust food scene, giving a nod to Milktooth. (WISH)

Feel Good

Christmas came early for more than 300 families on the far east side, thanks to Westminster Neighborhood Services. The organization and 200+ volunteers put together gift baskets including groceries, hygiene products, clothing, and two toys per child. (WRTV)

Network

Block off your calendars, Hoosiers — Indy Chamber’s Women in Business Retreat, a can’t-miss event for professional women to meet and learn from the region’s most inspiring female founders + community leaders, is happening March 7-8, 2024. Pro tip: Save $50 with early bird pricing, on sale now through Jan. 15, 2024.*

The Buy

The Buy 12.12.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

The go-to gift for people who have everything: a scented candle.

Answered

Last week, we asked for your thoughts on a proposed interstate redesign and here’s what you said:

A rendering of a recessed interstate near downtown Indianapolis where I-65 and I-70 meet — A rendered image of the proposed interstate redesign.
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Rendering by Rethink Coalition

“I love the recessed concept of reconnecting neighborhoods, bringing greenscapes, and improving quality of life.” — Maureen L.

“The redesign looks beautiful and would be a nice addition to our city if every single road wasn’t already under never-ending construction with no end in sight. Fix the horrible roads first. Make them pretty second.” — Steph

“It looks nice, but all that money was already spent building it. Feels a little late for this proposal.” — Tiffany S.

“It looks incredible. I-70 and I-65 should be ripped up inside the loop but that will never happen. This is the best solution to ameliorating the damage done by the interstates.” — Josh

“It looks great, but please no more construction!” — Sam

We also asked if you would like to see a recessed interstate design in Indianapolis, and the majority of you voted “yes.”

Share your thoughts

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Nicole

From the editor

This weekend is the perfect time to check out Create Art Studio. On Saturday, Dec. 16 from 1 to 3 p.m., I’m helping host a festive floral workshop where you’ll learn how to make your own winter-themed centerpiece arrangement to take home. Get tickets.

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