Brown County Festive Fall Fun!

We collected pinecones, leaves and other fall fun.



We antiqued!



We sipped warm mulled wine!



We strolled the streets of Nashville.



We saw wild turkeys!



We snuggled and picnicked under the colorful trees.



Watched the sunset.



Drove through the fall foliage.



We had a glorious time!!

We didn't have quite the adventure that Ann from Prairie Vision Design's family took on their excursion to Brown County, but we still had one dreamy time. I love spending time with my love.

What To Do Today?!

Can't decide what do this Saturday.

There's the 5th Annual Taste of Downtown Street Festival at Easley Winery
Great food from local restaurants, a full selection of Easley wines, and live music by Tastes Like Chicken, Toy Factory and The Tides. Free admission. 12-8 PM. Info: See Web site below or call 317-636-4516.
Location: Easley Winery, 205 North College Avenue, Indianapolis, Marion County.
www.easleywinery.com/taste_of_downtown/

But that doesn't start till 4pm according to their website (though the info above stays noon...hmm?) So before we head out to downtown - we might stroll the streets of downtown Franklin Indiana. I love the dreamy atmosphere, it's small town charm, historic homes and lovely shops. Plus we need to pick up a present for our nephew and what better place to go for all kinds of marvelous toys than to the Imagination Station! And I need to stop by Kira's Cottage - she posted on her blog that there is a new little nook to sit in and I am excited to check it out and, of course, I will have to stop by Clementine's Dry Goods to drool on some fabric and yarn!

Also been in the mood the walk the White River Canal with the pups and maybe stop by Buggs Temple for a bite to eat.

Greenwood Summer Concert Series Presents Chocolate Jazz
This is a Free Public Concert Underwritten by The First Baptist Church of Greenwood Celebrating 170 years in ministry to the Greenwood community
In the event of rain the concert will be held at the First Baptist Church
99 W. Main Street (visit event website)
Saturday August 9th - 7:00pm
Greenwod Amphitheatre, 100 Surina Way, Greenwood, IN

Oh! Might try to go to this tonight if I can rope some friends into going with me! ;)

Weekend In Review

Had a marvelous weekend out on the town with the husband and pups in tow!

First we stopped by the Dogs Days of Summer at Mallow Run Winery where we dropped off our donation (a warm fuzzy dog bed and a fun chew toy) sure to bring joy and comfort to a dog in need and sipped some wine in the hot summer sun while the mutts panted in the shade. All dogs were on their best behavior - we even got to meet a few adorable, adoptable puppies - like little Porsche pictured below. Isn't she precious?!



And Sunday we took a stroll downtown to check out Chakaia Booker's Mass Transit exhibit - which was very cool and rested up at Alcatraz for a beer and a bite to eat.

Dog Days of Summer @ Mallow Run Winery!

Mallow Run Winery is having their Annual "Dog Days" event - how exciting! I always love it when the fur family can get involved in events like this.

When does this great event take place you ask?! It's this weekend, August 2-3 from Noon-6pm, their lovable black lab, Cooper, will be in attendance and all leashed doggy pals are invited!

So come out for a great nice of live music, $10 dog washes (with proceeds going to raise funds for ARPO), hot dogs, bratwurst, chips & salsa and dessert! And the fun doesn't stop there! There will also be an outside tasting bar (no doggies in the tasting room).

And if you are looking for a doggy pal - there will adorable, adoptable animals on hand!

Receive a free doggie gift by bringing in a much needed item as requested by the shelters....

* Used blankets, towels, sheets
* Quality puppy and kitten food (Purina, Iams, Science Diet)
* Cat litter
* Kong toys
* Paper towels
* Bleach and laundry detergent
* Leashes
* Dog collars
* New and used dog crates
* Chew Toys

A portion of the day's food and wine sales will be donated to local organizations including ARPO, the Morgan County Humane Society, and the Humane Society of Johnson County.

Upcoming Events: July 1-6

Events to keep your star spangled week and weekend sparkly!

Photo above is of a delicious dessert from Martha Stewart - who else?!
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July 1, Tuesday 5-7 pm
Groovin' In The Garden @ Easley Winery: Donn & Savannah Smith
Join Easley in the wine garden Tuesdays and Saturdays, May through September for free live music, enjoyed with wine and great food. Order carry-out from several local restaurants for delivery right to your wine garden table, including Bazbeaux, Santorini Greek Kitchen, Circle City Pizza, and a new addition this year: Fair Oaks Dairy offering fresh baked breads and artisan cheeses. Sit back, relax and enjoy your summer with us. May 20th thru Sept. 30th, Tuesdays from 5-7pm and Saturdays 2-5pm. Every week Easley Winery will offer a different wine special, such as Sangria, Reggae Jam, or other fun wine concoctions and discounts. Also new in '08 are Easley Kid Cups with sparkling grape juice, nuts, dried fruit, coloring book and crayons. Groovin' is a blast for the whole family!
http://www.easleywinery.com/


Tuesday, July 1, 2008, 3:00 PM.
Summer Afternoon Tea at the Indianapolis Propylaeum
Enjoy scones, teas, tea sandwiches and sweets. Tuesdays, 3-5 PM, by reservation. $14.95 ($9.95 under age 13). Info: See Web site below or call 317-638-7881.
Location: Indianapolis Propylaeum, 1410 North Delaware Street, Indianapolis
www.thepropylaeum.org


July 2, 3, 4, 5 - Wed., Thurs., Fri., Sat. 8:00 pm
Marsh Symphony on the Prairie: Star Spangled Symphony
Under the baton of Jon Morris Russell, hear your favorite patriotic music including the 1812 Overture, punctuated by Howitzer cannons. Stay 'til the end for the spectacular fireworks finale. Gates open early at 4:30 p.m. for picnics and pre-concert entertainment. Jon Morris Russell, Conductor.
General Admission: $24-$27, adults; $12, children (2-12).
Premium Table Seating: $45-$75 in addition to admission.
More info


July 4, Friday 4:30-9:30
Concerts On The Canal: Independence Day Bash
Canal Plaza, Indiana History Center
Cost: Free seating available on the plaza steps and the greenway across the canal. Reserved table of 4 available for $30/table of 8 $40 (call 317-232-1882)
http://www.indianahistory.org/summer2008.html


Friday, July 4 5:00-8:00pm
4th of July Celebration Picnic Dinner at Trader's Point Creamery

Bring your family and friends to share an old fashioned 4TH OF JULY PICNIC DINNER, complete with Live Music, Sparklers, Flags, Horeshoes, and even Corn Hole games! The organic menu will feature 100% Grassfed Burgers, Pulled Pork, Portabella Burgers, Baked Beans, Coleslaw, and fresh Corn on the grill.Festive Desserts include Trader's Point Ice Cream and Red, White, and Blue Shortcake made with strawberries and blueberries.Wow, after all of this fun you still have plenty time to go on to your favorite display!
http://www.traderspointcreamery.com/


July 5, Saturday 7:00 pm
Carmel Symphony Orchestra Concert at Mallow Run
TICKETS: $15 in advance/$20 day of concert. Children 15 and under are free.
Hear the joyful music of the Carmel Symphony Orchestra in a unique setting on Indy's Southside! Under the direction of David Bowden, the Carmel Symphony will perform a variety of works on the lawn at Mallow Run Winery, located in Johnson County. Works will include patriotic music as well as tunes from some of your favorite movies and more. Tickets are available at all Heartland Community Bank branches in Johnson Co., CVS/pharmacy at SR 135 & Smith Valley Road in Greenwood, and at Mallow Run Winery or by calling the winery at 317-422-1556.
www.carmelsymphony.org
http://www.mallowrun.com/


July 5-6, Saturday and Sunday 1 pm
IMA Garden Walk
Free guided walks through IMA’s gardens are offered from April through September on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00 pm. Tours meet at the main visitor entrance to Lilly House.
http://www.imamuseum.org/explore/grounds

July 5-6, Sat: 9am-6pm Sun: 12-4pm
Grape to Glass Easley Winery Tour
Receive a free tour of downtown Easley Winery's facilities.
Every Weekend
http://www.easleywinery.com/


July 6, Saturday 2-5 pm
Groovin' In The Garden @ Easley Winery: Sugar Creek Band
Join Easley in the wine garden Tuesdays and Saturdays, May through September for free live music, enjoyed with wine and great food. Order carry-out from several local restaurants for delivery right to your wine garden table, including Bazbeaux, Santorini Greek Kitchen, Circle City Pizza, and a new addition this year: Fair Oaks Dairy offering fresh baked breads and artisan cheeses. Sit back, relax and enjoy your summer with us. May 20th thru Sept. 30th, Tuesdays from 5-7pm and Saturdays 2-5pm. Every week Easley Winery will offer a different wine special, such as Sangria, Reggae Jam, or other fun wine concoctions and discounts. Also new in '08 are Easley Kid Cups with sparkling grape juice, nuts, dried fruit, coloring book and crayons. Groovin' is a blast for the whole family!
http://www.easleywinery.com/

July 4, Friday 5:30 pm | July 5, Saturday 3:30 pm | July 6, Sunday 3:30 pm
Trader's Point Creamery Open Guided Tours
Trader's Point Creamery is a family owned artisan dairy. Each tour is lead by a knowledgeable tour guide that will direct you around our farm and educate you to the daily activities, history and what we are all about. These tours do not require a reservation and will be conducted rain or shine! The cost is $4 per person, kids 3yrs or younger are free.
http://www.traderspointcreamery.com/

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One of these days I would love to take my mother and great grandmother to the Indiana State Museum's L.S. Ayres Tea Room for tea and lunch (I love their Velvet Chicken Soup) or to an afternoon tea at the Indianapolis Propylaeum and end the day with a free garden tour of the expansive and beautiful Indianapolis Museum of Art's grounds. Sounds lovely doesn't it? One of these days...

But, this weekend...since we have a whole troupe coming down, instead of just the two, and since a slightly disagreeable teenage boy (my 16 year old brother) is part of the posse - I figure we should probably forgo the whole "tea & garden tour idea" and go for something a little more "cool" - lol.

So, I am hoping to have everyone meet us at our home - where I can introduce everyone to our lovely new garden of which I am so proud! And then, from there everyone can follow me downtown to Easley Winery where we will take the tour and then spend some time "Groovin' in the Garden" and enjoy lunch from Bazbeaux while listening to the Sugar Creek Band!

Ritter's Is Going To The Dogs

Tonight we experienced our first Dog's Night Out at Ritter's Frozen Custard. The night out lasts from 3PM until 7 PM and we barely skated in at 6:40 - but there were still plenty of doggie friends who were hanging out and enjoying their free Doggie Dish of vanilla frozen custard!

Showbiz and Lola have never really had frozen custard before and the one time we bought doggie cupcakes from Three Dog Bakery - Lola refused to eat it. So I was a little leery - also I wasn't sure how the doggie dynamics would work out - would my dogs be too interested in the other canines to enjoy their treat? Would they bark and pull and cause us not to enjoy the moment either?

But, alas, my mutley's came through with flying colors. There was a little bark or two at first and some initial pulling in excitement - but waiting in line gave them a chance to take it all in and set the tone for the evening.

As soon as we sat down their custard dishes the dogs knew just what to do - and they loved it! Right down to the little doggie treat that garnished the dish. Showbiz polished hers off without stopping - Lola slowed down towards the end and Showbiz stepped up to help her finish her dish.

Remarkably enough, neither dog got sick on the car ride home - nor are their tummies gurgling and it is already a few hours afterwards - so I think custard sits well with puppy tummies.

This is a great event to get our dogs out of the house for a little change of scenery. It also gives us the chance to practice our socialization skills. Our dogs are perfect angels in the house when no one is around - it is the minute when guests arrive that our dogs turn into obnoxious, in-your-face heathens. And being around other dogs is sometimes worse - our dogs are more used to being around strange people than they are being around strange dogs - so events like these that brings out other pooches helps us work on our social skills.

It is safe to say that my pooches passed the test - though we did not give them chance to sniff other dogs - they did do good when sitting a few feet apart and walking by each other.

Oh and I forgot my camera - so no cute pics from the evening. That is ok though because that just means we have to make it to the next one for sure! :)

The best thing about the event...15% of sales went to benefit the Humane Society of Johnson County

Have You Heard About the Hub?

Getting connected. Getting involved. Energizing the City. In a nutshell, that's what IndyHub is all about.

Not sure how Matt and I first heard about IndyHub - but they are always coming up with cool ways to get out and have fun here in Indy. From hosting movie nights at the IMAX theater at the Indiana State Museum to events like the one they had Wednesday night at the Children's Museum - "Get Indy-VOLVED" that hubby and I managed to make it to - it was an informational fair highlighting Indianapolis' many cool opportunities for its best and brightest talent. We had the chance to introduce ourselves to our ever-expanding community of young professional organizations, social and community groups, alumni associations and graduate schools based right here in Indy. We also had the opportunity to enjoy an evening of exploration at one of Indianapolis’ true treasures, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.

Essentially we had a great time hanging out a museum we normally don't have the chance to go to (remember our no-kids-yet-factor), got a free drink, some grub, found out about lots of cool things going on in the city and met up with some friends we never get to see anymore and networked with other young professionals. Had a great time!

I am excited to look into the things I found most interesting at the info fair including but definitely not limited to:

Junior League of Indianapolis
AGAVE
Culturati- Herron School of Art
Friday Lunch Club

All Dressed Up With No Where to Go

I won tickets to tonight's AT&T Happy Hour at the Symphony and I was so excited to go. My husband always has Thursdays off and is always wanting to go out on the town and I have always wanted to go to the Symphony - so here was our golden opportunity.

Yeah, well, except that this is the first week out of 3 months that he actually has to work on Thursday until 7 and the Symphony starts at 6 with Happy Hour at 5:30 - but I didn't know this until after I won the gosh darn tickets.

Eh, I thought, no biggie - he can work till he get off a little early and meet me there right? I mean he DID attend a 2:30-5:30 meeting for work on his DAY OFF and has a few hours to take off his work day, right? - no of course not - that wouldn't be possible. Why you ask? Well, because I am pretty sure that the people he works for are evil and have every intention of ruining our lives or at least controlling it from every angle.

And wouldn't you know it - I don't have any friends.

I swear that at least 3 people have bailed on me - so here I am dressed up, mussed up and ready to jump in the car - all except I have no one to go with. My back up to my back up plan flaked out on me. I look pretty damn cute tonight too dammit. My camera is all charged - I am READY to go to this thing and have a great time and have an awesome blog post to write afterwards. (which was the stipulation about me winning the tickets in the first place)

Well, it ain't going to work that way. Nice. That's a good old boost to the self confidence.

Sign Up for The Win In Indy Club!

I found a great deal from the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association - a chance to win a great gift certificate AND you get signed up to stay in the know about great Indianapolis events - a great double deal if you ask me! :)

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Sign up for Indianapolis email news and enter to win a $100 gift certificate for the Jazz Kitchen.

Complete the following form and click the "Submit" button to sign up for the gift certificate giveaway and to receive periodic Indianapolis information.

Contest ends 6/30/2008. Only one entry per email address per day. The winner will be notified via email.

Once you're signed up you'll receive the latest news on events and attractions in Indianapolis. Best of all, you'll be able to enter our monthly contest for exciting Indy prize packs.

AIGA Indy + IMA Present: Helvetica - Tonight @ 6PM

Design Film Series at IMA

From typefaces to toys to buildings – enjoy a documentary film series dedicated to the wide world of graphic, product and building design. All films begin at 6:00 pm. Presented in part by the IMA Design Arts Society. Series made possible with support from the Evans Woollen Fund. Enjoy IMA’s Happy Hour after the film.

(2007, 80 minutes, dir. Gary Hustwit)

How did a typeface created by a little-known Swiss designer in 1957 become one of the most popular communication modes fifty years later? Helvetica is about the worlds of design, advertising, psychology, and communication. The film is an exploration of urban spaces and the type that inhabits them. The film includes a fluid discussion with renowned designers about the graphic design process, the aesthetics behind type choices and the social impact type makes. (Introduced by Kristian Andersen of Kristian Andersen & Associates. In collaboration with AIGA Indy.

Thursday, June 5 / 6:00 pm
DeBoest Lecture Hall

FREE to the public

Space will be limited in the auditorium, so make sure to come early to get a seat
Helvetica is presented in partnership with the IMA





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Hubby and I will be in attendance - should be marvelous fun! :)

Jazzy June Events

You know, I don't want to hear anyone say there is nothing to do. There is PLENTY of things to do in Indianapolis/Central Indiana in June! Check out just a few I found! I know there's more! :)

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June 2-15, 2008
Devour Downtown Indianapolis
Over 30 downtown Indianapolis restaurants participating in a 2 week culinary celebration - featuring 3-course $30 menus! Visit the event website for participating restaurants and their menus.
Event Website



Thursdays, June 5, 12 and 19 | 6:00 pm
IMA Design Film Series
Click Here to Visit Event Website


June 5, Thursday 6-8PM
Concerts On The Canal: Beautiful Soul & All That Jazz
Canal Plaza, Indiana History Center
Cosst:Free seating available on the plaza steps and the greenway across the canal. Reserved table of 4 available for $30/table of 8 $40 (call 317-232-1882)


Friday, June 6 | 6:00 pm
Summer Nights film: Grease (PG 1978)
Click Here to Visit Event Website


Saturday, June 7, 10am - 1pm, FREE
Family Planting Day @ Garfield Gardens
Every one of all ages is invited to help plant annuals in our Children’s Garden located behind the Conservatory. A variety of small themed gardens will be planted including a pizza garden, a rainbow garden, and an alphabet garden. Come be a part of this memorable event!
Click here for more info


Saturday, June 7, 12pm - 5pm, FREE
Rose Show @ Garfield Gardens
The Indianapolis Rose Society will present a stunning show of many different rose varieties. Society members will also be on hand, so bring your questions!
Click here for more info


Jun 7th, 2008 (Sat) 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Vintage Indiana
Military Park (Indianapolis)
ADMISSION: $20 in advance/ $23 at the gate --(advance tickets available at Mallow Run)
DESIGNATED DRIVERS: $10 in advance/ $10 at the gate
Indiana's premier wine event! Wineries from around the state converge on Indy's Military Park for an outdoor wine experience unlike any other.
Click here for more info



June 7 - September 6
Franklin Farmers' Market
Courthouse Square
Every Wednesday 3:00 - 6:00pm / Every Saturday 8:00 - 11:00am
Click here for more info



Sunday, June 8
Greenwood Community Band Concert

June 10 - Franklin location
3 until 7 PM
Dog’s Night Out at Ritter's Frozen Custard
Every dog will be given a free Doggie Dish of vanilla frozen custard!
15% of sales go to benefit the Humane Society of Johnson County


June 12
Cathedral Women's Strawberry Festival
Christ Church Cathedral's annual Strawberry Festival will take place on Indianapolis' Monument Circle. Visitors will enjoy heaping bowls of strawberry shortcake with all the trimmings! In the event of rain, all orders will be filled in the basement.



June 12 6-8PM
Concerts On The Canal: Indy Jazz Fest Warm-up
Canal Plaza, Indiana History Center
Cosst:Free seating available on the plaza steps and the greenway across the canal. Reserved table of 4 available for $30/table of 8 $40 (call 317-232-1882)


Friday, June 13 | 6:00 pm
IMA Summer Nights film: Gilda (NR 1946)
Click Here to Visit Event Website



Jun 14th, 2008 (Sat)
Pizza & Wine Night @ Mallow Run Winery
Relax and enjoy a summer evening at the winery with gourmet pizza from Bazbeaux Pizza!
Spread your blankets or chairs on the lawn and enjoy live music while enjoying the "Best Pizza in Indianapolis" according to Indianapolis Monthly.
Pizza & live music from 5 - 8 p.m.


Jun 14th, 2008 (Sat) -- Jun 15th, 2008 (Sun)
Strawberry Festival @ Mallow Run Winery
NEW RELEASE - Sweet Strawberry Wine!!!
Enjoy fresh homemade strawberry shortcake loaded with whipped cream.
Take home quarts of fresh Indiana berries.


Saturday, June 14
Wright Brothers Band
The Wright Brothers Band brings its unique blend of rich harmonies and virtuoso instrumentals to the Greenwood Amphitheater, June 14, at 7 p.m. "Indiana's Band" has been a fan favorite across North America for more than 25 years. Bring the entire family. This is one show you don't want to miss.



Saturday, June 14, 6:30pm - 8pm, FREE
Music in the Garden @ Garfield Park: Brenda Williams
Enjoy live music in the beautiful Sunken Garden in Garfield Park. Events sponsored by Friends of Garfield Park, Inc and Indy Parks.
Click here for more info


Tuesday, June 17, 2pm - 3pm, FREE
Garden Stories @ Garfield Gardens
Join us Tuesday afternoons for story time in the Garden! Bring a blanket or lawn chair and relax in the shade while enjoying a story show-and-tell. (Ages 3-12)
Click here for more info


June 19, Thursday 6-8PM
Concerts On The Canal: Anything Goes: Cole Porter
Canal Plaza, Indiana History Center
Cosst:Free seating available on the plaza steps and the greenway across the canal. Reserved table of 4 available for $30/table of 8 $40 (call 317-232-1882)


June 20-22 7PM
Shakespeare in the Park: A Midsummer Night's Dream
Greenwood Amphitheater
Safe House Productions, Inc. opens the 2008 Shakespeare in the Park series with the audience favorite, A Midsummer Night's Dream. The show will be presented "in period" from the original language, but will be shortened to make it accessible to both enthusiasts and theater rookies alike. The one-hour length makes this performance perfect for families with children.


Friday, June 20 | 6:00 pm
IMA Summer Nights film: This is Spinal Tap (R 1984)
Click Here to Visit Event Website



Saturday, June 21 8:30 pm
IMA Summer Solstice: Mare Fecunditatis
Venture to the IMA grounds in the moon’s full phase to mark the solstice with a purifying performance. Conceived by artist and zen archer Hirokazu Kosaka, Mare Fecunditatis ("sea of fertility") features choreographer and Japanese Butoh performer Oguri and cellist Emily Corwin. The experiential performance, including primal music, a single arrow shot, and a searchlight with the power of 12 million candles, blends traditional rites of purification from Japan with classical and contemporary Western influences. Presented in part by the IMA Asian Art Society.
Rain date: Sunday, June 22.



Saturday, June 21, 2008 [3:00PM - 11:00PM]
26th Annual Taste of Bloomington
Showers Commons, Bloomington, IN - 7th/Morton Street
Experience what the best of Bloomington dining has to offer as local wineries, restaurants, bars, and grocers gather together for an all day appetite pleasing event. Admission is $5 for adults; children 12 and under are free. All food items are priced at $3 or less.
Event Website


Saturday, June 21, 11am - 12pm, $3
Wacky Container Planters @ Garfield Gardens
Ever grown a flower in a shoe? Come by and learn that just about anything can be used to grow plants. Just bring some old shoes, hats, or whatever you think would be neat – and we’ll supply the soil, plants, and fun! Please call to register, as supplies are limited. (Ages 5-12)

June 24 - Greenwood location
Dog’s Night Out at Ritter's Frozen Custard
3 until 7 PM
Every dog will be given a free Doggie Dish of vanilla frozen custard!
15% of sales go to benefit the Humane Society of Johnson County


Saturday, June 28, 11am - 12:30pm, FREE
Organic Gardening Basics @ Garfield Gardens
What does organic mean? Find out how this type of gardening can be beneficial to both the environment and your family, and the basic methods for use in the home garden. Please call to register, as space is limited. (Ages 18+)
Click here for more info


June 26, Thursday 6-8PM
Concerts On The Canal: A Night on Broadway
Canal Plaza, Indiana History Center
Cosst:Free seating available on the plaza steps and the greenway across the canal. Reserved table of 4 available for $30/table of 8 $40 (call 317-232-1882)


Friday, June 27th
Franklin 4th Friday
Concert on the Courthouse Lawn: The XL's 7:00 - 9:00pm
Playing rock and roll hits from the 60's and 70's, just the way you remember them!
Classic Car Cruise-In on N. Main Street at 5:00pm
Grease @ the Artcraft Theatre: 7:30pm
Sponsored by: City of Franklin
Click here for more info


Friday, June 27 | 6:00 pm
IMA Summer Nights film: The Goonies (PG 1985)
Click Here to Visit Event Website


Friday, June 27
Greenwood Community Band Concert
Kickoff the 25th Annual Greenwood Freedom Festival with Family Fun Night at the Greenwood Amphitheater. Games and bounce houses for the kids open at 5 p.m. There will be FREE food beginning at 6 p.m., followed by the Greenwood Community Band's Patriotic Concert at 7 p.m.


Jun 28th, 2008 (Sat)
Pizza & Wine Night @ Mallow Run Winery
Relax and enjoy a summer evening at the winery with gourmet pizza from Bazbeaux Pizza!
Spread your blankets or chairs on the lawn and enjoy live music while enjoying the "Best Pizza in Indianapolis" according to Indianapolis Monthly.
Pizza & live music from 5 - 8 p.m.

Super Bowl coming to Indy in 2012

Wow, so I heard it first from Smaller Indiana's website! Someone there must be in the know!


The NFL owners have spoken and the work of the Indianapolis community over the past 25 years has paid off. The 2012 Super Bowl will be played at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Economic Impact Expected to be in Millions

Moments ago, National Football League owners, meeting in Atlanta, voted to award the 2012 Super Bowl to Indianapolis over competing offers from Houston and the Phoenix suburb of Glendale, Ariz. The decision is expected to mean an economic bonanza for the Indianapolis region as well as global media attention. A study released in April from Ball State University's Bureau of Business Research suggests that the Indianapolis region stands to receive a $365 million economic boost from the event.

For more information, see Indy's Super Bowl Website.

All the hard work and community involvement paid off...

Dreamy Sunday In the Park

Despite the turmoil Matthew and I did manage to make a lot of our weekend. Sunday evening we went to the Greenwood Amphitheater to picnic out on the grass with our Scrabble game, wine, cheese & crackers and fruit - and listen to the Greenwood Community Band while the sun sank behind the trees. It was very romantic.

It was our first time going to one of their concerts so we weren't sure what to expect. But it was quite lovely. The band played interesting music, families young and old were camped out in the grass with blankets and chairs and thermoses and snacks - people were strolling to Mrs. Curl's for ice cream - little bugs were dancing in the air and sparkling in the sun like fairy dust. It was like a dream!

Next time we will have to bring the dogs along - several families had their furry family members with them so now we know they are welcome - you never know so we decided not to risk it the first time.



Matthew being such a trooper - injury and all.


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Here is the band's concert schedule for the rest of the summer if anyone is interested!


Sunday, June 8th - 7:00pm
Greenwood Amphitheater


Friday, June 27th - 7:00pm
4th of July Celebration
Greenwood Amphitheater

Sunday, July 13th - 7:00pm
Greenwood Amphitheater

Sunday, August 10th - 7:00pm
Greenwood Amphitheater


Sunday, September 7th - 7:00pm
Greenwood Amphitheater

Sunday, October 19th - 5:00pm
Greenwood H.S. Auditorium

Sunday, December 7th - 5:00pm
Greenwood H.S. Auditorium

Marvelous May Central Indiana/Indianapolis Events

Haagen Das New Flavor Free Sample
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Come in for a FREE scoop of Vanilla Honey Bee ice cream at participating Häagen-Dazs® Shops between 4-8 pm.
http://www.haagendazs.com/

Coffee Talk: A discussion group for twenty-somethings
5/30/2008 7:00 PM
Join us for Coffee Talk at Barnes & Noble in Greenwood at 7pm in the café. May's book will be The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. Pick up a copy at Barnes & Noble or borrow one from Greenwood Public Library. Come ready to discuss on Friday, May 30 at Barnes and Noble Café at 7pm. This isn’t your mother’s book club! Call 885-5036 for additional information.

Contact: Kendra Martin
Contact Number: 885-5036
Presenter: Kendra Martin
Status: Openings



Broad Ripple Spring Gallery Tour
Friday, May 9, 2008
5 - 10 pm Art galleries and specialty shops througout The Village hold open houses. Special exhibits and guest artists. Free shuttle. To view the Gallery Tour brochure, click here.



38th Broad Ripple Art Fair
Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18, 2008
10 am - 6 pm
Indianapolis Art Center and Opti-Park, 67th and Ferguson Streets
Link to Website


Greenwood Community Band Concert
Sunday, May 18 - 7PM (free)
Link to Website



Franklin Street Fest
Friday, May 23rd
Strawberries on the Square
Classic Car Cruise-In
Lion's Club Fish Fry
Concert on the Courthouse Lawn
Forest Gump @ the Artcraft Theatre



Mother’s Day Plant Sale at Garfield Park Conservatory & Sunken Gardens
Weekend of May 10 & 11, 10am - 5pm

Just in time for Mother’s Day, the Friends of the Garfield Conservatory will have a number of various tropical houseplants for sale. Stop by and pick up a gift for mom, or something for yourself! Prices of plants will vary.
Link to Website


Master Gardener Plant Sale (Garfield Park Conservatory & Sunken Gardens)
Saturday, May 17, 9am - 12pm, FREE

This is not just a sale! In addition to vegetable, annual and perennial plants for sale, the Master Gardeners will also be on hand to give advice and answer all of your gardening questions.
Link to Website


Indy Wine Trail - Race into the Wineries
May 10th, 2008 (Sat) -- May 11th, 2008 (Sun)
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Celebrate the Month of May in Indy while traveling to Mallow Run and the wineries of the Indy Wine Trail! Get in the racing spirit by enjoying Indy's best wines and receive a FREE race-inspired gift, courtesy of the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway!

Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 during the event weekend and are available at any Indy Wine Trail winery. Your ticket is good both Saturday & Sunday at all seven wineries, and includes your favorite track foods, a glass of wine, and a race-related gift at each winery! Racing and great wine - where else but INDY. Limited tickets available. Get yours now before they're sold out!
Link to Website


Mallow Run's First Pizza & Wine Night of 2008!
May 24th, 2008 (Sat)

Relax and enjoy a summer evening at the winery with gourmet pizza from Bazbeaux Pizza!
http://www.bazbeaux.com

Spread your blankets or chairs on the lawn and enjoy live music while enjoying the "Best Pizza in Indianapolis" according to Indianapolis Monthly.

Pizza & live music from 5 - 8 p.m.

Link to Website

IMA Perennial Premiere

Perennial Premiere, IMA's popular spring Greenhouse event, took place Friday, April 18 (Members' Day), through Sunday, April 20. Members will receive a 20 percent discount on all purchases during the event - non-members could receive a 15% discount. The Greenhouse offers hundreds of perennials and annuals, including a wide variety of hostas, native wildflowers, showy shrubs and unusual alpines. Guided garden tours will be offered throughout the weekend, and IMA horticulturists will be on hand to answer your gardening questions.

I had the pleasure of attending this event at the IMA since I was downtown anyways - enjoyed a pleasant walk among the gardens and enjoyed plenty of spring blooms! Didn't buy anything but got plenty of ideas (as if I needed more)!

1. I want/need/must have a magnolia tree!
2. I want/need/must have bleeding heart flowers!

4th Annual Garden Celebration - May 3, 2008 - Franklin, IN

Sponsored by the Johnson County Garden Club and the Purdue Master Gardener Program of Johnson County

Johnson County Fairgrounds, Scott Hall
100 Fairgrounds Street, Franklin, IN 46131 - View Map

May 3, 2008 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Admission: Donation of a non-perishable food or toiletry item for the Inter-Church Food Pantry or $2.00 per person

Join us in Johnson County for a full day of gardening seminars, vendors, food, and just plain fun!

Free seminars all day long-- topics include:

9:30 Jo Ellen Meyers-Sharp of Living Green Indiana Magazine, speaking on using Drought Resistant Plants

10:30 Anne Young, Advanced Master Gardener, on The Wiggly World of Vermiculture

11:30 Bill Noble, Indy Water Garden Society, on Beginner Backyard Ponds and Water Gardens

1:00 John Hawkins, Certified Arborist, Q & A session, An Hour with An Arborist

2:30 Carolyn Clark Kurek, American Institute of Floral Designers, with a demonstration entitled Artful Arrangements from Your Own Garden

For more information contact Deb Baker, Purdue Extension Service/Johnson County, at 317-736-3724 or bakerds@purdue.edu

The Juice

My husband and I are moderately interested in wine - we are not wine snobs by any means - but we really love going to local wineries and trying what they have to offer. Having grown up on soda and sweets - we are particularly inclined to the sweeter wines though lately we have found favorites in semi-sweet wines.

Having become more and more interested in wines - we are always looking for fun (and free) wine events in Indiana. Many of the event listing RSS feeds I am subscribed to really doesn't list those kind of events - but I just found The Juice, an e-newsletter powered by localwineevents.com. Every week you get a calendar of upcoming wine, beer, spirits and food events for the area or areas you choose. Plus -- a wine-oriented article, a wine quiz and more!

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Here are a few of the events!

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Riesling Blind Tasting
Apr 04, 2008 (Fri) @ 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Place: The Library Restaurant - Indianapolis

View Map

Cost: $8.00 per person (tax and gratuity not included)

Please join us in tasting Rieslings from various regions to determine which to put on our wine list.

This is not your typical wine tasting event! We will be seated in a cozy dining room with 8-10 different Rieslings to sample. To compliment, we will be served some cheeses as well as a small dish preparred by our award winning Executive Chef, Jeff Row. Both the novice and the enthusiast alike are welcome.

The cost is only $8. Per person. Reservations are required, as space is limited. Please call (317)243-0299 and speak to Danielle to reserve your seat. Payment is due when reservation is made.

Learn More!

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Indy Vinos at Indianapolis Museum of Art
Date: Apr 10, 2008 (Thu)
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: $20.00 at the door

Place: Indianapolis Museum of Art - 4000 Michigan Road Indianapolis, IN 46208

View Map

Join us for a very special Indy Vinos as we head back to IMA! We are pleased to return to the Indianapolis Museum of Art and look forward to classic evening of great wine, live music and FUN!

Indy Vinos is a social wine event held every month at Indy's best venues. Admission at the door is $15.00 and includes wine from 7-9pm, appetizers, live music and a raffle entry.

For additional information contact: natalie@indyscene.com

Phone: 317-923-1331

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Strawberry Festival on Monument Circle - June 12, 2008

(Image from Edible Portland)

I always look forward to this event since I work downtown and have easy access and LOVE strawberries! Yet, for the last two years I almost miss it - not this year!! I am marking my calender!

The Cathedral Women (CW) will host the 43rd Annual Strawberry Festival on Monument Circle Thursday, June 12, 2008. The Strawberry Festival takes place in front of Christ Church Cathedral on Monument Circle in Downtown Indianapolis.

The popular event utilizes more than 300 volunteers and serves an estimated six tons of strawberries and 18,000 homemade shortcakes. All proceeds from this fundraiser go to community outreach programs at the local, state, national and international levels.

CW takes pride in being good stewards of God’s bounty. More than 95 percent of the Strawberry Festival proceeds goes directly to local, national and international not-for-profit groups.

Adult Easter Egg Hunt Re-Cap

So, we did end up going on the Indiana House Rabbit Society Adult Easter Egg Hunt Fundraiser on Easter weekend - had a great time! It was a little chilly and muddy - but there were 400 eggs to 35 people - I came up with 15 and Matthew came with 12 or so. It was so funny to see grown adults all anxious and crazy about some Easter eggs hid in the woods - quite hilarious actually. Some people took it a little too seriously - but you always have that. 100% of the registration fees will be used for food, supplies and veterinary care for rabbits in foster care so I was happy. We also won two out of 17 prizes (we had numbers in our eggs that matched up to prizes on the table!). Matt won a pair of earrings and I won a $20 gift certificate to Kolache Factory - we have never been so it will be nice.

Yoga For Dogs at the Humane Society of Indianapolis

EDITED FEBRUARY 2015 - DISCLAIMER - THIS CLASS IS NO LONGER OFFERED


Image from Discovery Channel Article

Sounds like a great bonding and exercise opportunity! I would love to try this! Doga is all about bonding with your pet and giving your dog undivided attention and praise from their favorite person in the world.

Where: Humane Society of Indianapolis--Canine Training School room (click here to view map)

When: Every Saturday

Time: Small dogs > 2:30-3:30pm, Large dogs > 4-5pm

Instructor: Mimi Sosa

How much: $10 per class; You can buy a 5 week pass for $50 and get a sixth class for free.

Class size: Small dog class = 20, Large dog class = 12 (One dog per student)

Equipment: Yoga mat

Pre-registration required: Please contact Mandy at 872-5650 x132, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. Or e-mail mnestlerode@indyhumane.org

EDITED FEBRUARY 2015 - DISCLAIMER - THIS CLASS IS NO LONGER OFFERED

Need more convincing that yoga and your dog can mix? Check out these link!

Discovery Channel : Dog Yoga Classes Catching On

Doga or Dog Yoga

Dog Yoga Positions and Poses from Expert Village

A Whole Blog Committed to Dog Yoga

EDITED FEBRUARY 2015 - DISCLAIMER - THIS CLASS IS NO LONGER OFFERED