Whether you’re a denizen of Indianapolis or racing to town to cheer on the Colts and check out the Speedway, there are a lot of local hot spots to visit while you’re out and about. More than a hub for fast cars and horseshoes, Indy sports an incredible Children’s Museum, the NCAA Hall of Champions, a teeming cultural district, goods eats, and … of course … great local shopping. Here are 10 Indy shops to hit, courtesy of Naptown locals Becky Henderson, Beth Ryshavy and Rachael Jones.
1.Rusted Moon
(Photo via Rusted Moon Outfitters on Facebook)
Despite its urban location, Rusted Moon Outfitters is a small Indianapolis business that wants to prepare its customers for the fun and adventure they may experience outside the city. What distinguishes Rusted Moon from other Indy outdoor retail businesses is their superb service and laid-back atmosphere that give customers confidence and trust.
2. Homespun: Modern Handmade
(Photo via Homespun: Handmade Goods on Facebook)
Just as the name says, Homespun: Modern Handmade is a local small business devoted to selling the handmade goods of Indy artisans. Homespun is located in historic Irvington and once inside the store you will find a locally crafted or handmade good at every turn.
3. Mass Ave Toys
(Photo via MassAve Toys on Facebook)
On Massachusetts Avenue in the heart of the Arts and Cultural District, you will find a toy store that sells wooden train sets, educational storybooks, and kid-friendly cameras. Mass Ave Toys harkens back to a kind of toy that depends more on imagination and less on electricity. The toy store orders many of its products from Europe and promises to present you with out-of-the-ordinary gift ideas for children ages 8 and up.
4. Long’s Bakery
(Photo via Long’s Bakery on Facebook)
Since its opening, Long’s Bakery has acquired an almost cult-like following for its incredible yeast doughnuts. Long’s Bakery also provides other tempting varieties of doughnut, such as paczkis and fried maple nut cinnamon. Just make sure to know your order ahead of time when you visit during the holidays, and be prepared to pay with cash—they are quite busy this time of year and usually have a line out the door!
5. Big Hat Books
(Photo via Big Hat Books on Facebook)
Big Hat Books has been featured on Nuvo’s Best Of Indy list for the past five years. Apart from its coziness and eclectic selection for Indy readers, Big Hat Books consistently welcomes local writers for readings and signings, and the store hosts a number of book clubs and workshops. As a result, Big Hat is more than a store—its a literary hub.
6. Broad Ripple Vintage
(Photo via Jim Grey on Flickr)
Have a Christmas costume party to attend? Broad Ripple Vintage is arguable Indianapolis’ greatest vintage clothing and accessory store. They sell vintage clothing dating as far back as the roaring ’20s. If you love psychedelic prints, bellbottoms and have a slight obsession with Jim Morrison (they love the Doors), then Broad Ripple Vintage may as well be your home for retro apparel.
7. Midland Arts & Antiques Market
(Photo via Midland Arts and Antiques on Facebook)
Located downtown on Michigan street, Midland Arts & Antiques Market could be considered more of an antique mall then a store. Each of Midland’s two floors are packed with antiques and collectables from more than 200 different art and antique dealers. It’s safe to say that if you can’t find the particular antique you are looking for at Midland then there’s not a huge chance its available in Indianapolis.
8. IndySwank
(Photo via IndySwank on Facebook)
Indy Swank was recently featured in Nuvo’s Best Of Indy 2013 for top places to shop for men and women’s fashion as well as vintage clothing. The boutique features local designers and artist’s work, making it a place you can purchase fashion with Naptown flavor. Whether or not you are holiday shopping, you should drop into the store for the opporunity to see some of Indianapolis’ most innovative and original fashion.
9. Smoking Goose & Goose the Market
(Photo via Goose The Market on Facebook)
The Smoking Goose is a quality local meatery that was started by chef and entrepreneur Chris Eley in 2011. Since the Goose’s opening, Chris and the rest of the staff committed to the mission of bringing farmstead, artisan meat from the field to the table as quickly and conveniently as possible. Connected to the meatery is Goose the Market, an upscale gourmet market and deli that sells Smoking Goose meats, other gourmet foods, and an incredible selection of craft beer and wine. The Goose should be one of your stops over the holidays if you are shopping for something fancy in the food department.
10. Silver in the City
(Photo via Silver in the City on Facebook)
Self-proclaimed “gift-mongers,” Silver in the City has been accepting “best gift shop in Indianapolis” awards for their fine array of jewelry, housewares and other curious graphic T-shirts since 2000. When you are shopping for the holidays, a birthday or maybe just because it’s Monday, Silver in the City is a great place to consider for classy retro trinkets.
(Featured photo via wikimedia commons)