Guide to the Bates-Hendricks neighborhood in Indianapolis
Planting irises is a historic tradition in Bates-Hendricks. | Photo by INDYtoday team
Ever explored past Fountain Square? Travel west and you’ll find the Bates-Hendricks Neighborhood. You may recognize it as a centerpiece of the HGTV series “Good Bones” — but you’ll decide to stay awhile because of its small charm.
Here are a few hotspots in the area you’ll want to add to your to-visit list.
The Vault isn’t just a speakeasy — it’s a journey back to the roaring 20s and 30s. The bar space was reportedly once a refuge for the Midwest’s most infamous bank robbers. As such, the doors aren’t wide open; you’ll need to figure out the current code (hints are on Instagram) to unlock the door.
Lincoln Lane Coffee Co. also shares space with a community center where neighbors can do their laundry or just hang out.
Established in November 2016, this coffee shop operates out of The Lincoln Center, which aims to create space for all of its neighbors regardless of socioeconomic status. It’s fueled by a local dream team: Coffee is roasted by Calvin Fletcher Coffee Co. + espresso is roasted by Tinker Coffee Co., while fresh pastries are provided by Circle City Sweets and 4 Birds Bakery.
With the huge success of its original location downtown, City Nail Bar expanded with a second location in a 125-year-old building, formerly home to Moore’s Market. The salon specializes in manicures + pedicures and uses natural nail enhancements with gel.
Smudge Salon opened in January 2021 + is owned by Shelby and Tabatha.
This woman-owned holistic center offers everything from massage to reiki healing to guided meditation to yoga. If you’re interested in learning more, its upcoming Fall Equinox Open House + Block Party is a free way to experience some of the offerings.
Half Moon Brow Studio is a permanent makeup + skincare studio that aims to help you make the most of your natural beauty. City Editor Shea is a dedicated client here and loves how chill + welcoming the space and artists are.
1964 Seems Like Yesterday | Tuesday, Sept. 3 | 5 p.m. | Indiana Farmers Coliseum | $5-$25 | Here comes the sun... or rather, the 60th anniversary recreation of The Beatles’ performance at the Indiana State Fair.
Wednesday, Sept. 4
ICO at Garfield Park | Wednesday, Sept. 4 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | MacAllister Amphitheatre | Free | Bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and enjoy the sounds of classical favorites.
Thursday, Sept. 5
American Mahjong Club | Thursday, Sept. 5 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Library | Free | Bring your own set if possible to play with fellow enthusiasts.
Friday, Sept. 6
Indy Autonomous Challenge | Friday, Sept. 6 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Indianapolis Motor Speedway | $20 | Watch as the World’s Fastest Autonomous Racecar competition heats up the track.
Sight | Sound | Friday, Sept. 6 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Long-Sharp Gallery | Free | Attend the reception for this exhibit featuring works that explore the intersection between the auditory and the visual.
Don’t blink — or you might miss this impressive art experience
BLINK brings the region to life in unexpected ways. | Photos courtesy of Visit Cincy; GIF by 6AM City
For four days every other year, BLINK lights up the Cincy region. This year’s dazzling event is set to take place Thursday, Oct. 17 through Sunday, Oct. 20.
On Thursday, Oct. 17, BLINK kicks off with the opening ceremony + parade commencing after sundown. Parade participants will light up the streets in illuminated costumes, carrying lighted props, puppets + luminous sculptures, and make music as they travel the streets.
Taking place in the urban core of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, the free event features large-scale projection mapping, media light, interactive light sculptures, and murals.
Designed to be seen on foot, this walkable, immersive illuminated experience spans 30+ city blocks from Over-the-Rhine in Cincinnati to Covington, KY. The festival features 80+ interactive installations created by local and international artists.
Part of the magic of BLINK is discovering new corners of the city. You can build your own curated experience by selecting which neighborhood zone you’d like to start, and which zone you’d like to end.
Pro tip: Take it slow. Visit one to two zones each time — and return for more than one night.
“Kitchen Nightmare” fans, this one’s for you. Hamilton County released a tool that allows you to see how restaurants did on their most recent inspections. The sleuthing starts here. (WISH)
Arts
It’s mural season. Just after Carmel unveiled its new mural featuring native birds, Noblesville revealed two murals painted by Abigail Staffelbach on the Noblesville Township Trustee building. The pieces highlight the importance of native plants + the impact of invasive species. (WISH)
Today Is
The first week of Indiana Archaeology Month, which aims to “increase public awareness and to minimize myths and misconceptions commonly associated with the science.” Check out the calendar of fun + educational events.
Number
$8.75. That’s as cheap as Chipotle’s Chicken Al Pastor gets in Indy. Compare that to Chipotle prices across the country. Psst — the same dish could cost you $12.10 in NYC.
Sports
Notre Dame gave fans an unfiltered look at the team in Peacock’s “Here Come The Irish” documentary, and there were some pretty revealing moments in the first two episodes. Get more gossip with Locked On.
Wellness
One scoop of NativePath Hydrate = increased energy, muscle strength, and bladder function. Enjoy 44% and free shipping, plus a free gift with purchase.*
Finance
Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster? (It sounds wild, but it’s true.) The secret: Find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. These are hands down some of the best.*
The Buy
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A snackle box. The trendy snack tray has eight compartments and a sealable lid, making it ideal for meal prep, picnic goodies, road trip snacks, and everything in between.
One Bates-Hendricks mainstay, Two Chicks District Co., relocated early this year. If you’re looking to explore a new neighborhood further from home, you can now find the store in Downtown Noblesville.
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