07.10.2024

Today’s Forecast

💭 Your wildest Indy dreams

Answered: What if Indianapolis looked like this?

Can you picture Indianapolis like this? | AI generated images by Google’s Image FX

We asked, and you delivered. Hundreds of you responded to our call-out in the newsletter and on social media for “What if... Indianapolis looked like this?”

We dug through the answers and pulled out a few that shared similar themes. As a reminder, this is meant to get a conversation started. We don’t have any plans (or the means) to develop gardens atop every parking garage.

Easier transportation options

Several folks called for easier travel + improved public transportation. What if...

“We had a rapid rail to and from the airport?” — Deb T.

“We had a subway? Driving brings down quality of life.” — Sheila

“Parking downtown was free? More motivation to go downtown.” — Laura

INDY_Indianapolis with rooftop gardens_AI Generated — What if the tops of the parking garages were event spaces with rooftop gardens?
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AI generated images by Google’s Image FX

Economic development

Folks want to see economic development. What if...

“We had more downtown retail instead of empty apartments?” — Dawn

“Restaurants and shops were on the White River close to downtown? It seems good real estate for this area is not being used.” — Ginny

“We took an abandoned building site and turned it into a destination amusement park?” — Julie T.

Green light for green solutions

We love that so many of you want to see Indy go green. What if...

“The roofs of restaurants were gardens so all of their produce was freshly harvested?” — Judy

“What about public gardens? The city needs more green space.” — @roseavenueliterary

White River State Park with pickleball courts — Some of you have asked us about pickleball courts downtown, so here’s what AI imagines.
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AI generated images by Google’s Image FX

Get involved

Though you are more than welcome to always share your thoughts with us via our comments section or inbox about any local news, we encourage you to share those same thoughts in a way that brings about the changes you want to see in our city.

See the Indianapolis City-County Council’s calendar of upcoming meetings.
View the deadlines to submit a proposal in 2024.
Livestream any scheduled meeting of the full Council or its committees.

More Indy "What ifs"

Events

Wednesday, July 10

Indiana Fever vs. Washington Mystics | Wednesday, July 10 | 12 p.m. | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis | $24+ | The Fever are on fire — cheer on the team following Caitlin Clark’s record-setting week.

Thursday, July 11

Summer Solstice Yoga Series | Thursday, July 11 | 5 p.m. | The Alexander, 333 S. Delaware St., Indianapolis | Free | Let go of the day’s tensions with this free outdoor yoga class every Thursday.

Friday, July 12

Mass Ave Crit | Friday, July 12 | 4-9:30 p.m. | Mass Avenue, 400 Mass Ave., Indianapolis | Free | Join the street party and watch pro and amateur cyclists in one of America’s premiere road races.
“Skywalkers: A Love Story” The IMAX Experience | Friday, July 12 | 4:30 + 7 p.m. | Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | $16-$19 | Watch a daredevil couple risk it all by going where no one has gone before: The top of the world’s second-highest skyscraper.

Saturday, July 13

g-ART-en Party | Saturday, July 13 | 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | draft creative space, 1525 Prospect St., Indianapolis | $40-$60 | Immerse yourself in a unique blend of yoga, art therapy, and community-building activities.

Sunday, July 14

Indy Plant Party | Sunday, July 14 | 12-5 p.m. | Half Liter, 5301 Winthrop Ave., Indianapolis | $5-$15 | Shop a specially-curated market featuring the best local + independent plant shops, pottery makers, propagators, collectors, and artists.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Drink

Sip on the flavors of summer at Antilogy

a pink and orange cocktail sits on a table with a gray couch in the background

Find this cocktail on the menu at Antilogy throughout the month of July. | Photo provided by Hotel Tango Distillery

Ring in the summer season at Antilogy by grabbing an Indiana Bourbon Cooler, featuring Hotel Tango Rye Whiskey, fresh strawberries, lemon juice, demerara, mint, and ginger beer.

“This recipe is an Indiana-inspired variation of the Kentucky Buck cocktail,” said Johnny Humphrey, Hotel Tango Distillery’s Director of Beverage & Hospitality. “The spicy notes of the Rye Whiskey harmoniously balance the sweetness and tartness of the strawberries, while the ginger + mint seamlessly blend all the flavors together.

This cocktail is an ideal choice for a perfect Indiana summer experience.”

Cheers, Indy

News Notes

Opening

If you’ve walked Mass Ave in the last few months, you’ve probably seen the “Coming soon” sign. Kyuramen is finally opening to the public on Thursday, July 11. Get ready to try its ramen, milk tea, and yakitori platter.

Edu

School will be back in session before we know it. If your family needs help with school supplies, back-to-school drives are coming up. Registration may be required. See the list of events. (WTHR)

Read

The Indianapolis Public Library’s annual Meet an Author, Be an Author Book Fair is set for Saturday, Oct. 19 at Central Library + is inviting local authors to apply for free table space to sell and promote their books. Applications close on Monday, Aug. 26.

Award

The Fountain Room on Mass Avenue has been recognized with the 2024 Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator for its “world-class wine selection.” To celebrate, it’s hosting a multi-course wine pairing dinner on Wednesday, Aug. 21. See the menu.

Number

$820,000. That’s how much three new signs with the state’s slogans cost, which can be seen on several government center buildings downtown. (IBJ)

Hoosier

B. Thompson, a saxophonist from the west side of Indy, made his debut on “America’s Got Talent” last night. He also currently tours with Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, another Indianapolis native. (WTHR)

Sports

The Pacers officially re-signed Pascal Siakam this week. How did they get it done? Locked On host Tony East breaks it all down before sharing his thoughts on Rick Carlisle’s Jarace Walker notes.

Giveaway

We’re partnering with The Alexander to give away the ultimate summer staycation (read: a one-night stay at the downtown hotel). Enter to win now through Wednesday, July 17 at noon ET.*

Seasonal

From historical experiences (like learning the history of chocolate) to adult summer camp and connecting with plants and animals that call Indiana home, Conner Prairie has a jam-packed summer lineup. Get ready to embark on a journey into the future as you look into the past on your next visit.*

Finance

Did you know you could finance your fixer-upper with home equity? You could get up to $50K with a HELOC — calculate your payment.*

Try This

🥬 Lettuce turnip the beet

Indy VegFest is back

Gainbridge Fieldhouse main lobby with people walking around

We can’t wait to see Gainbridge full of vegetarian-friendly eats. | Photo by INDYtoday team

Indy VegFest returns to Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sunday, July 14 from 1 to 5 p.m.

Its vision for 2024 includes a bigger venue, easy access from public transportation, and tons of vegan-friendly local businesses.

Here’s what you can expect:

Taste food from local and regional food vendors like Black Leaf Vegan and Eat Surreal
Learn how to make your own plant-based food during the cooking demonstrations
Support small businesses that offer vegan and cruelty-free products and services
Connect with local nonprofits in the fields of health and wellness, animal advocacy, and environmental sustainability
Enjoy live performances, a DJ, and kids activities

General admission is free and open to everyone. Early Access ticketholders will be admitted one hour early, plus get a goodie bag with giveaways and coupons.

Can’t wait until the summer to explore Indy’s vegan and vegetarian eats? In the greentime, check out Indy VegFest’s website for plant-based recipes and recommendations, and read up on veggie-friendly spots around the Circle City.

The Buy

The Buy 7.10.24 (Affiliate)

Cozy Earth’s Bamboo Viscose Sheet Set, so you can enjoy soft, luxurious sheets that also keep you cool. How you know they’re good: The sheets were featured on Oprah’s 2018 Favorite Things list.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Nicole

From the editor

With how many of you have written to us about pickleball, we were surprised with how many of you said “No” to the pickleball at White River State Park idea. But we get it. The green space at the park is pretty nice, and we definitely don’t want to lose the limited green space that we have.

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