Every time I drive north to visit family, I make a stop at Mercantile 37, which stocks at least a dozen local soap and candle brands. | Photo by INDYtoday team
City Editor Shea here. Even before pregnancy endowed me with a superhuman sense of smell, I was always very particular about the scents of my home, my hair, my dogs, and everything else around me. Naturally this led to a passion for discovering the most fantastically fragrant local soap + candle companies — here’s a list of just a few of my favorites that I’m sure you’ll love too.
Simple Goodness Soaps “Simple” and “good” are the perfect adjectives to describe soaps made by the Caldwell family. They use their own farm fresh goat’s milk, homegrown herbs, and other local ingredients in every bar. I’m currently using the Muscle Soother soap, which has a relaxing blend of eucalyptus, peppermint, and rosemary.
Do I like Indiana Soap Co.'s body butter just because the jar says “Shea” on it? Maybe.
Timberjack Goods This company has been around since 2005, creating a variety of outdoorsy, hyper-local products. If you’re a big state parks fan, check out the State Park candle collection — five candles with unique scents, beautiful packaging, and wood wicks. Pro tip: You can find them at Silver in the City.
Indiana Soap Co. Indiana Soap Co.'s bars are just as lovely to smell as they are to look at. If you find you’re going through soaps faster than you can visit the store to restock, get a monthly subscription box. Soaps that match your personal fragrance preferences will be delivered to your mailbox each month.
You can find Salt & Ash Soap Co. in person at markets throughout the city or at the storefront at 1006 Virginia Ave.
Resolute Candles Handpoured candles in recyclable receptacles? Yes, please. Personally, I’m obsessed with the Drunk Cat candle series, which also makes for an excellent tongue-in-cheek gift.
Salt & Ash Soap Co. Salt & Ash goes beyond just basic soaps. You can streamline your beauty routine with its multipurpose oils or swipe on one of its lip balms, which are as tasty as they are moisturizing.
Have a fave I missed? Please let me know so I can try it and add to my list.
Freeform Concert Series | Wednesday, May 22 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael, 1 Carmichael Square, Carmel | $25 food + beverage minimum | Like the musical stylings of Elton John or Sara Bareilles? Then you’ll love this set from Nashville-based artist Katie Pederson.
Thursday, May 23
2024 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony | Thursday, May 23 | 6-9 p.m. | Indiana Roof Ballroom, 140 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | $250+ | Put on your best cocktail attire for this exciting dinner + ceremony.
Frederick Douglass Park Family Center Opening | Thursday, May 23 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Frederick Douglass Park, 1616 E. 25th St., Indianapolis | Free | Join Indy Parks for a grand opening of this new family center featuring a playground, walking track, basketball courts, exercise spaces, and more.*
Friday, May 24
“Indy 500 Laughs” Stand-Up Comedy | Friday, May 24-Saturday, May 25 | 8-10 p.m. | Cracker’s Comedy Club, 207 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis | $30 | Come enjoy an evening of laughs before the big race.
Saturday, May 25
Growing in the City | Saturday, May 25 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Purdue Extension Marion County, 1202 E. 38th St., Ste. 201, Indianapolis | Free | Up your garden game by learning about design considerations, crop rotation strategies, watering methods, and fertilization options.
Mini Indy 500 Cardboard Box Race | Saturday, May 25 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Murphy Aquatic Park, 753 S. County Rd. 625 E., Avon | Free | Kids can decorate a wearable cardboard box at home before putting it to the test in a foot race — registration required.
Saturday, June 15
Vintage Dad’s Day | Saturday, June 15 | 12-4 p.m. | Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, 3501 Lexington Rd., Harrodsburg | $0-$16 | Celebrate dad with an 1860’s baseball game, car show, vintage tools & concessions — better yet, make it a weekend with a stay at the Inn.*
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We dink this is great news. Three local entrepreneurs plan to open a 60,000-sqft 24/7 Dink Pickleball facility at the last undeveloped former Marsh store in Fishers. The facility will feature 20 courts + no membership fee. It’s expected to open in the fall. (IBJ)
Traffic
Southbound I-465 between I-70 and I-65 on the southeast and east sides of Indianapolis will be shut down at the end of May for about a month for road work. A handful of ramps will also close; get the breakdown before you hit the road. (WISH)
Transportation
Speaking of highways, INDOT is conducting a two-year study in order to create a plan for updating I-65 and I-70 within the I-465 loop as Indianapolis continues to grow. The earliest construction would start would be in 2029, but you can see the results of phase 1 of the study now. (WTHR)
Cause
Strawberry fields... erm, streets forever. The 58th Annual Strawberry Festival will return to Monument Circle on Thursday, June 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or until supplies run out. Treats range from $2-$10 and 95% of proceeds go to local + national charities. (WTHR)
Announced
You probably won’t see Elvis at the Indy 500 — but you might be able to spot recent portrayer Austin Butler, who will be waving the green flag alongside “The Bikeriders” co-star Jodie Comer at the start of the race. (WTHR)
Edu
For the first time in its 169-year history, Butler University will offer a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. It will begin accepting applications on Thursday, Aug. 1 for a fall 2025 launch, with 48 students admitted per year. (IBJ)
Sports
Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is ready to break out in year two. What should we expect to see from him next season? Jake Arthur and Zach Hicks give us their analysis.
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Before Race Day, take a moment to honor those who have given their lives in the service of our country. | Photo by INDYtoday team
Monday, May 27 is Memorial Day, honoring US military personnel who died in the line of duty. You can take a moment to remember those who have served at these events.
The American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service | Friday, May 24 | 12 p.m. | North steps of the Indiana War Memorial, 55 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis | This opportunity for collective reflection will include a keynote speech from Director of the Army National Guard LTG Jon A. Jensen, a wreath-laying ceremony, military funeral procession, the posting of colors, and musical performances.
The City of Carmel’s Memorial Day Ceremony | Friday, May 24 | 9 a.m. | Carmel Clay Veterans Memorial Plaza, 800 3rd Ave. SW, Carmel | A light breakfast will be provided at this event which features a flag-raising ceremony, a keynote speech from the President of Carmel City Council, a 21-gun salute, and musical performances.
Plan ahead: Memorial Day is also a federal holiday, meaning civic offices, banks, and public libraries will be impacted.
Penn & Beech also deserves a candle shoutout — I love creating my own bespoke seasonal scent there when I’m feeling extra bougie. Also, in case you didn’t know, you can shop a few products from Resolute Candles and Salt & Ash Soap Co. on our sister site Six & Main.
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