The Beast of Busco was first spotted by a farmer in 1898. | Illustration by Mark A. Randall via “Indiana Cryptids: Mysterious Monsters in the Hoosier State”
The Pacific Northwest has Bigfoot. Scotland has Nessie. The Himalayas have the Yeti. But what cryptids are running wild around Indiana?
While slightly less famous, our Indiana cryptids are just as interesting — and they deserve some love. So why don’t we give it to them, “Love Island” style? Meet the cryptids who’ve just entered the villa.
The White River Monster
“Hi, I’m William Herman Hamilton, but you can call me Willie. I live in the White River in Noblesville, and the last time I had a night out was in 1892. I’m 12 ft long and have a forked tail; that’s not a deal breaker, is it?”
The Beast of Busco
“Hey, I’m the Beast of Busco, a car-sized snapping turtle from Churubusco who loves swimming and scaring fisherman. After a couple spotted me in 1948, the townspeople tried + failed to drain my lake and force me out into the open. But we’ve got a great relationship now; the town even hosts a festival in my honor each year.”
The Crawfordsville Journal said of its famous monster, “It flapped like a flag in the winds as it came on and frequently gave a great squirm as though suffering unutterable agony.”
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Illustration by Mark A. Randall via “Indiana Cryptids: Mysterious Monsters in the Hoosier State”
The Crawfordsville Monster
“My name is Fordy, and I’m 133 years old. Some people have tried to dismiss me as a flock of birds, but don’t get it twisted: I’m a giant flaming eye that you’ll fall head over heels for. After all, the eyes are the window to the soul, right?”
Bremen Bridge Troll
“What’s up guys, I’m the Bremen Bridge Troll, coming at you from Little Egypt. If you drive to the center of my bridge, park, and get out, I’ll pop up to show you my crib. I’ve never had to lie about my height on the apps: I’m 8 ft tall.”
Create Your Own Sculpted Glass Mushroom | Tuesday, Oct. 15 | 1-3 p.m. | GRT Hot Glass Studios | $65 | Choose your colors + sculpt molten glass into your own beautiful, unique creation.
American Horror Story Trivia | Tuesday, Oct. 15 | 5:45-8:30 p.m. | Metazoa Brewing Company | $5/team | Bring your coven to this trivia night covering all things AHS.
36th Annual Celebration of Flags | Thursday, Oct. 17 | 2-3 p.m. | University of Indianapolis | Free | Celebrate the rich diversity of UIndy’s campus community with 75+ countries represented in an Olympics-style opening ceremony.
Full Moon Hike | Thursday, Oct. 17 | 7:30 p.m. | Williams Park, Brownsburg | Free | Explore the nocturnal world + observe the magic of nature after dark.
I-65 and I-70 are nearing the end of their lifespan, and INDOT is seeking community input on how to restructure them. Share your thoughts today at a public meeting at Drexel Gardens Christian Church (2200 Beulah Ave.) at 6 p.m. (WISH/Mirror Indy)
Indiana Task Force 1 is returning home after spending three weeks aiding in recovery efforts for communities hit by Hurricanes Helene + Milton. Help is still needed — here’s how you can contribute. (WTHR)
Festival
Carmel will host its inaugural Diwali Festival on Saturday, Oct. 26. Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, is one of the most popular festivals in India + symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. Celebrations will include musical and dance performances, traditional food from local Indian vendors, fireworks, and giveaways.
Active
Prep for the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon starts now.Registration is open for the 500 Festival Miler Series, a set of three different races designed to help runners train for the big day. The first run is in February — learn more and register. (WTHR)
Sports
Let us say what everyone’s thinking: Notre Dame crushed Stanford. Tyler Wojciak dissects where it all went right on the Locked On Fighting Irish podcast.
Deal
$5 off wines by the glass. That’s just one of the happy hour dealsHoosiers can enjoy at any Huse Culinary location every Monday through Thursday. Pair your vino with a discounted appetizer, and you’ve got yourself a quick and easy happy hour plan for the week. You’re welcome.*
Travel
Cozy up this fall and winter with dissipated crowds and the best deal of the year (think: up to 40% off) at JW Marriott Nashville. Snag the Music City Snowfall special for discounted rates, two complimentary fireside cocktails + a $25 dining credit — plus everything downtown Nashville has to offer.*
Wellness
Meet Calmind, a groundbreaking mental wellness app that transforms your phone into a tool for better sleep. For a limited time, get a lifetime subscription at 83% off.*
Seasonal
Looking to boost your brand’s visibility? Our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide is the perfect place to showcase your gift-worthy products. With thousands of engaged readers, you will be seen by the right audience just in time for holiday shopping. Get in the guide.
Eat
🍝 This too shall pasta
Where to get great noodles for National Pasta Month
Theo’s Italian offers a variety of pinsa, pasta, and more. | Photo by @theositalian
City Editor Shea here. It’s National Pasta Month, a holiday close to my carb-loving heart. If you too are craving a steaming hot bowl of noodles, here are just a few of my favorites in Indy.
Maialina | This is one of the first places I always recommend to Indy visitors. I’m partial to the cacio e pepe paired with the ricotta bruschetta.
Mama Carolla’s | Romantic 1920s Mediterranean villa vibes? Check. Crispy fried ravioli? Check. Cannoli you can’t leave without tasting? Check.
Piada Italian Street Food | Apologies to Italians everywhere but as a working mom sometimes I need pasta for lunch and I need it in like, three minutes flat. That’s when I fall into the loving arms of Piada, which is conveniently offering $5 servings this Thursday, Oct. 17.
Theo’s Italian | Came because it shares its name with my nephew, stayed because its tagliatelle arrabbiata is just the right level of spicy.
Not that you asked, but another bonus pasta rec for you. If you like cooking + creating your own combos at home, pick up fresh noodles and other ingredients from Nicole-Taylor’s Italian market.
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