“Top Chef” alum CJ Jacobson owns Aba; don’t leave without trying the Whipped Feta. | Photo via Chase Daniel
POV: You’re looking for a quick getaway for the holidays, but you’re terrified of wasting your precious PTO sucked into tourist traps or eating at mediocre restaurants. When you don’t have INDYtoday to guide you, what’s one to do?
Never fret. Our parent company, 6AM City, reaches far beyond Indy, with City Editors like Nicole and Shea doling out the best local recs in cities all over the US. Here’s what our friends in eight fun destinations had to say.
Austin is a foodie hotspot — just check out its list of James Beard award nominees + winners. City Editors Figi and Morgan recommend the mouthwatering offerings at Numero28, which you can work off with some paddle boarding at Lady Bird Lake.
City Editor Jack is a huge fan of Calle Sol, a Cuban + Peruvian restaurant in SouthPark. For outdoor adventures, head to the Whitewater Center or take a leisurely stroll through the scenic Myers Park.
City Editors Sam and David recommend exploring Columbia’s culinary scene starting with Lula Drake Wine Parlour, a James Beard Award winner. Don’t miss the vibrant Soda City Market, the largest Saturday farmers market in the area featuring 150+ vendors.
There’s plenty of fish in the river, but only one Tennessee Aquarium.
City Editor Robin recommends a delicious lunch at Eazzy Burger or Ardent Craft Ales. For sightseeing, stroll across the T. Pott Bridge over the James River or explore the stunning Main Street Station.
A Cinematic Quest for Gratitude Through Grief | 6:30-9 p.m. | Heartland Film | Free | Enjoy a screening of “The Secret Art of Human Flight” and join a post-film discussion about grief + gratitude.
Faculty Pops | 7-8:30 p.m. | Ruth Lilly Performance Hall | Free | Hear Taylor Swift’s greatest hits performed with a fresh new twist.
Tuesday, Nov. 5
Writing From the Heart | 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | IPL Irvington Branch | Free | Learn how to take what’s in your heart and put it on the page.
Steak N Songs | 7-10 p.m. | Duke’s | Cost of purchase | Sink your teeth into a sensational dinner + equally amazing show.
Thursday, Nov. 7
Prospective Member Callout | 5-7 p.m. | The Indianapolis Propylaeum | Free | Tour the historic mansion, meet current members, and learn about becoming one yourself.
Saturday, Nov. 16
Elf in Concert | Saturday, Nov. 16-Sunday, Nov. 17 | Times vary | Hilbert Circle Theatre | $15+ | This holiday season relive this heartwarming holiday classic on a giant screen as every note of John Debney’s wonderful score is played live.*
Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour” has concluded its enchanted Indy run – and its entire US leg, as the singer confirmed the Circle City was her final stateside stop. The tour broke the Lucas Oil Stadium attendance record, with thousands of fans like Caitlin Clark filling the arena each night. (WTHR)
Sports
Welcome back to Indy, Stephanie White.The Fever hired the Lebanon native as their new head coach. She previously worked for the team from 2011 to 2016, and more recently was named the WNBA Coach of the Year for the 2023 season while leading the Connecticut Sun.
Biz
Lucas Oil Products has relocated its global headquarters from California to Indy, housed in a ~70,000-sqft facility at 3610 River Crossing Pkwy. The building will also serve as the home of MAVTV, the only cable network in the US dedicated solely to motorsports.
Civic
Develop Indy, the economic development arm of the Indy Chamber, will become a separate nonprofit in 2025. According to city officials, the division will help streamline discussions between the city, development firms, and companies looking to do business in Indianapolis. (IBJ)
Edu
Enrollment for IPS + some local charter schools opened on Friday. Here’s how to use Enroll Indy to select preferred schools for the student in your life. The deadline for the first round is Friday, Jan. 24. (Mirror Indy/WISH)
Listen
How can Mike Woodson save his job with the Hoosiers this season? Locked On has some ideas — including rejoining the Big Ten elite.
Home
Selling your home? Promote your listing where buyers will see it — right here in this newsletter (in as little as two days).
The Buy
The Buy
Dermatologist-tested laundry detergent sheets brought to you by the same company behind this bestselling stain treater spray. The sheets are hypoallergenic and formulated with ingredients that are safe for sensitive skin. Use code 20NEWLAUNDRY to save 20% for a limited time.
Another Austin travel tip for you: If you’ve got little ones in tow, check out Thinkery. It’s a fun, science-based children’s museum with some pretty cool exhibits; the water-based “Currents” section was a big hit with my family when we visited.
