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🥃 Spirited Indy
Spirited Indy: Exploring Indianapolis’ distillery scene
Pop by 4 Finger Distillery for its upcoming annual Tiki Party. | Photo by INDYtoday team
Let’s raise a toast to locally-made spirits in this Indy-scribable distillery crawl. Ready to barrel through the fun?
Formerly 1205 Distillery, it rebranded to 4 Finger Distillery after the owner and distiller Brad had a mishap with a saw, resulting in the loss of a finger. This corner gem offers a unique blend of spirits, including bourbon, absinthe, and bottled old fashioned. It also has its own signature liqueurs, such as its tasty rhubarb liqueur. Pro tip: If you get hungry, Greek’s Pizzeria is available to order.
8th Day Distillery was a participating business in the “Fall in love with the near east side” event.
8th Day Distillery is nestled in the Circle City Industrial Complex and aside from its craft cocktails, you can expect cozy lighting, comfy seating, and local artwork. Owners Matt + Jaime, wanting to live without regrets, asked themselves what they would do with an eighth day, which led to them opening this distillery in 2015 and expanding to a bottle shop and cocktail lounge in 2018.
Crafting cocktails with their in-house spirits including navy strength gin, absinthe, rum, and bourbon — the seasonal menu offers a variety of cocktail and mocktail options.
In 2021, co-founders of Hi & Mighty Distillery Dan and Jamie Fahrner partnered up with longtime friend and national chef Nick Traeger to craft unique spirits and canned cocktails in their distillery. Located at the Indiana State Fair, this local spot is inspired by their family value of celebration. A few of their iconic canned cocktails include the Lemon Shake Up and Spiced Apple Sidekick. Hi & Mighty also offers two types of gin and will be unveiling two new canned cocktails in the near future.
Near West Job Fair | Wednesday, Feb. 7 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Indianapolis Public Library Haughville Branch, 2121 W. Michigan St., Indianapolis | Free | The Haughville Branch is hosting a career fair with a variety of employers — plus, resume and job application help will be available at the career center.
For the Love of the Game | Wednesday, Feb. 7-Friday, March 1 | 12-6 p.m. | Gallery Forty-Two, 42 E. Washington St., Indianapolis | Free | Gallery Forty-Two presents an All-Star art collection by multimedia artist, FINGERCREATIONS, featuring basketball players that inspire the love of the game.
Dine Nashville: The Music City Way | Wednesday, Feb. 7-Sunday, March 3 | Throughout Nashville | Cost of purchase | Experience Nashville’s diverse food scene through collaborative chef experiences, cocktail specials, Restaurant Week, and deals and discounts.*
Thursday, Feb. 8
Winter Women’s Wellness Event | Thursday, Feb. 8 | 5-8 p.m. | BASH, 1235 Keystone Way S., Carmel | Donations accepted | Guests who attend will enjoy an evening of relaxation, rejuvenation, and self-care, with vendors showcasing the latest in women’s wellness.
Candlelight Concerts: Romantic Jazz | Thursday, Feb. 8 | 6:30-8:30 p.m., 8:45-10:45 p.m. | Scottish Rite Cathedral, 650 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis | $23 | Get your tickets now to discover the music of Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald under the gentle glow of candlelight.
Friday, Feb. 9
Indy Fuel vs. Atlanta Gladiators | Friday, Feb. 9 | 7 p.m. | Indiana Farmers Coliseum, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis | $16-$60 | Join the Fuel as they take on the Atlanta Gladiators for a night of hockey in recognition of those who have battled and are currently battling cancer.
Saturday, Feb. 10
African American Stories in Art | Saturday, Feb. 10-Saturday, Feb. 24 | Times vary | Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, 500 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | Museum Admission | In honor of Black History Month, visit the Eiteljorg for a special public tour highlighting works by African American artists.
After numerous proposal changes, a deal was finally made between Carmel development firm, J.C. Hart Co., and Oxbow Estates + Spirit Lake Condominiums to move forward with a proposed $61 million apartment project north of Broad Ripple. It will turn the former Willows Event Center Property into 168 apartments, plus an eight-acre park. (IBJ)
Announced
The Indianapolis Colts are hiring former Florida Atlantic head coach and Pittsburgh defensive line coach Charlie Partridge as their new defensive line coach. Seen as one of the best defensive line coaches in collegiate history, this will be Partridge’s first time coaching in the NFL. (IndyStar)
Sports
The NBA revealed their new state-of-the-art full video LED court to be used for NBA All-Star events happening at Lucas Oil Stadium, including the Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game. Visual effects — such as real-time game stats and live replays — can be displayed on the court, which was developed by ASB GlassFloor. (NBA)
Concert
Rock music legend Stevie Nicks announced she will be performing at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Tuesday, June 4, as part of her 2024 tour highlighting hits from her career. Tickets go on sale Friday, Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. (WRTV)
Health
989 lives were saved in 2023, thanks to Hoosier organ donors and a record number of 1,134 organ transplants. According to the Indiana Donor Network, organ transplants increased by 17% this past year. Anyone can sign up to be an organ donor, regardless of age or medical history. (WTHR)
Watch
The CW docuseries “100 Days to Indy” has been renewed for a second season, according to IndyCar. The official release date has yet to be announced although viewers can expect the series, which gives a behind-the-scenes look at IndyCar racing, to air in the spring before the Indy 500. (IndyStar)
Travel
A friendly reminder to book spring + summer vacations (they’re just around the corner). Looking for privacy? This beachfront Bahamas cottage is perfect for two. Prefer the mountains? Book this newly built Gatlinburg, TN cabin. Want beach time? Walk to St. Simons, GA’s shore from this Vrbo that’s also a treehouse.*
Finance
Get trusted financial advice with Money Pickle, the service that connects you directly with experienced financial advisors to help with your investment + retirement planning needs (all through a complimentary video meeting). Take control of your financial future in 2024 by scheduling a free consultation.*
Arts
🎨 Art in abundance
Art in abundance for NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis
How many art installations can you spot around the city? | Photo + artwork by @ronlewhorn
You may have noticed a change in scenery when walking around downtown Indy. New art installations have been popping up around town, thanks to the NBA All-Star committee in partnership with GANGGANG, the Indianapolis Arts Council, and Indiana Humanities.
Sidewalk Galleries Street Art Edition can be spotted along the Pennsylvania and Delaware Street rail underpasses, showcasing basketball-themed + freestyle murals taking shape near Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Artists Josh Brinson (Bezol One) and Mike Graves helped curate the artwork, working alongside 15 other Indianapolis street and graffiti artists.
Additionally, large-scale murals can be seen around the downtown area, along with basketball sculptures paying homage to Indiana icons. You can also expect video + light-based art installations and BUTTER at Indy’s Home Court — an art exhibition highlighting 30+ Black artists along with a creative summit.
The Buy
The Buy 2.07.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
A Curry Up Broth Bomb, which will flavor five to eight portions of soup, beans, chili, or whatever you want to cook. Hello healthy, yummy dinner.
You can find me at 8th Day Distillery, both as a patron and local bartender. We get creative by crafting a new menu every 10 weeks and host tons of community events from music to art shows and bottle release parties. If you are in need of a beverage and good company, come say hi.
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