Rene’s Bakery has a rotating menu of breads, croissants, cookies, and cakes. | Photo by @amandainindy
City Editor Shea here. It’s been a year since I spent a summer week in Paris, and while reminiscing, I realized the City of Love shares some similarities to the Circle City. So if you’re craving some French fun, here’s how to spend a day like a Parisian in your own backyard.
No good day in Paris starts off without a proper breakfast — and for me, that breakfast is always a croissant. Rene’s Bakery has its buttery, flaky goods down to a science, with varieties including hazelnut and double almond.
Once you’ve fueled up, put that croissant to good use with some shopping. Also located in Broad Ripple is French pharmacie flea, where you can find everything from French provincial furniture to antique garden statues — minus having to figure out how you’re going to get through customs.
Next up: A fall weather walk. I’d recommend strolling the Fall Creek Trail, which passes by several gorgeous Parisian-style bridges. Bonus: It connects to the Monon, so you can easily get there from breakfast, no car needed.
Fall Food Truck Festival & Bake Sale | 5-8:30 p.m. | 4311 E. 116th St., Carmel | Cost of purchase | Grab everything from Ethiopian cuisine to fried green tomatoes from eight local food trucks.
September First Friday Gallery Opening | 6-9 p.m. | Harrison Center | Free | Browse six new gallery openings, plus partake in storytelling + public art activities.
Saturday, Sept. 6
How to Run Indianapolis | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | IPL East 38th Street Branch | Free | Join City Councilor Jesse Brown to learn how city government works and what you can do to change it.
The Electric Boys Festival | 5-10 p.m. | Black Circle Brewing | $21 | Enjoy electrifying live music, painting, and a game show to benefit Street Outreach Animal Response (S.O.A.R.) Initiative.
Sunday, Sept. 7
Warped Band: Tribute to Warped Tour | 7 p.m. | The Vogue Theatre | $28 | Slip on your checkerboard Vans to rock out to songs from Blink 182, Green Day, Paramore, and many more.
Sunset Sundays | 9 p.m. | Back 9 Golf & Entertainment | $23+ | Celebrate the end of summer with golf, great wines, and good vibes.
Take the road less traveled this fall in Amish Country. | Photo courtesy of Visit Elkhart County
As the air turns crisp and the leaves blaze with color, Elkhart County offers a quintessential fall experience just a few hours’ drive north from Indianapolis.
This charming region is brimming with seasonal activities that showcase the best of autumn in the Midwest. Here are some ideas to add to your itinerary:
Start your adventure at Kercher’s Sunrise Orchard in Goshen, where you can pick your own apples and enjoy fresh cider. The kids will love the wagon ride to the pumpkin patch.
Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, which winds through vibrant forests + scenic farmland.
Don’t miss the Nappanee Apple Festival, a beloved local tradition featuring apple-themed treats and lively entertainment.
Cap off your day with a hearty meal at Das Dutchman Essenhaus in Middlebury, where the warmth of Amish hospitality and comforting dishes create the perfect end to a fall day.
Elkhart County in autumn is an idyllic escape, offering natural beauty and local charm at every turn. Pro tip: There’s more to explore, so make a weekend of it.
Start your “Gilmore Girls” binge now. Cool fall weather is here for the weekend, thanks to two back-to-back cold fronts. Keep an eye out for rain. (WTHR)
Number
$27.1 million. That’s how much the Indiana Department of Homeland Security is investing into 494 schools across the state as part of its School Safety Initiative. Find out how much is coming to Marion County. (WTHR)
Closed
The Spark Coffee announced it’s ceasing operations at its Speedway and Mooresville cafes. No details were given on the reason for the closure, but the new Westfield location remains open.
Announced
Guy Fieri-approved Argentinian spot Che Chori has launched a community fundraising campaign to add indoor dining + community space to its current location. Donate here — funds raised beyond the goal will be donated to Second Helpings.
Sports
The Noblesville Boom, the NBA G League affiliate of the Pacers, released the schedule for their 2025-26 season, tipping off at The Arena at Innovation Mile on Saturday, Nov. 8. Single game tickets aren’t on sale yet, but you can place a deposit for season tickets.
Real Estate
Tomorrow night’s Powerball jackpot is up to an estimated $1.7 billion, the third-highest prize in the game’s history. If you manage to land the fortune, you could buy the most expensive home currently for sale in Indy. Just a suggestion.
Sports
The NBA has a tanking problem — but the Pacers are probably too good for that.Find out why Locked On host Tony East hates tanking and how other teams can be more like Indiana.
Score this cap sleeve tee for an effortless transition from summer to autumn wardrobing. It features a chic V-neck design and is available in 12+ colors. Bonus: It’s under $17.*
Correction
Don’t lace up your walking shoes just yet. Yesterday we included the wrong date for the Out of the Darkness Walk in our events section — the event is actually taking place tomorrow, Sept. 6.
Post of the Day
Yesterday, the Fever broke ground on their forthcoming $78 million facility. Get a refresh on everything the building will offer players + the community.
The chance to learn a new language during Babbel’s Best Sale of the Year. Turn your morning read into a new daily habit — with Babbel, 10 minutes a day builds real conversation skills you can use on your next trip or at the international festival downtown. Get lifetime access for $199 across all 14 languages.*
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
This weekend, I’m wrapping up my summer bucket list by making a quick trip up to Saugatuck, Michigan. If you have recommendations on where to eat and which beaches are best, I’d shore appreciate them.