Listen up, mavens: We have your guide to the city of Carmel, which seems to have a new spot opening up every week! From beautiful parks to delicious restaurants, let these local residents (and our editors) tell you about some of the best places in Carmel.
And we want to hear from you, too, so we can add to our guide. Email us at editorial@indymaven.com or click here to fill add your favorite spots.
Food and Drink
Savor
211 West Main Street, (317) 564-4126
Archana Bailey: “I’m going to have to talk about restaurants because Carmel was severely lacking in offering anything other than burgers or pizza. That being said, Savor is a welcome addition to the Carmel Midtown area. Their menu offers something for everyone, and EVERYTHING is bursting with flavor and freshness. What I love most, is it’s a perfect place to grab a drink and an app with your girlfriends, or have a full on three-course-dinner date with your significant other. The service is always on point, and their cocktail menu is diverse. The restaurant opens up to the sidewalk and patio during the warmer months, but offers cozy ambient fire elements year round! I am so grateful to finally have a go-to spot in my hometown!”
Insider Tip: “Go on a Friday night, post up at the bar, and sip a Spa Day…while their DJ spins some of the best throwbacks and current beats. And yes…he takes requests!”
Vitality Bowls
110 West Main St Ste 115, (317) 581-9496
Kylie Stine: “I checked this place out my freshman year of college with an acquaintance who soon became one of my best friends. Since then, we’ve loved braving the roundabouts on our way from Butler to the Art and Design District for these amazing smoothie bowls. Some of my best memories are from these short road trips together for the yummy smoothie bowls!”
Insider Tip: “There’s a scenic fountain in the back that you can sit and eat your bowl at!”
Union Brewing Company
622 S Rangeline Rd Q
Koda Witsken: “Outdoor patio with fire pits on Monon, live music, craft beer, a mural by me…plus, it’s dog-friendly.”
Insider Tip: “You can buy Jamaican food next door and get it to go to eat while you sip beer and listen to music!”
Nature
Hamilton County Parks and Coxhall Gardens
Kim Crowder: “I can walk there easily on the trail from several directions from my neighborhood. Also, it is such an expansive space with different areas and bridges, a pond, everything!”
Insider Tip: “I love windy days because you can see several pros flying the most elaborate kites, often three at a time. It really is an amazing bonus!”
Activity
The Monon Trail – Midtown Carmel
Laura Galietta: “I love everything about where I live. If I go left on the Monon Trail (from Main St) I see all the new development that has sprung up since I arrived 5 years ago. From Physique 57 (which started in NYC), to Penn and Beech and Java House…and coming I hope soon The Garden Table, all the while making my way to City Center where there is even more to see! If I go right, I can walk in nature for at least 3 miles which takes me all the way past Westfield.”
Insider Tip: “Carmel has the best sunsets…and I highly recommend going to City Center to watch the sunset over our beautiful city.”
Beauty
Lash and Brow Design Co.
301 East Carmel Drive, (317) 800-2958
Leslie Bailey: “For years now, I’ve been seeing the owner Kate Shaughnessy but her entire staff is fantastic. I personally love the lash lift and tint but have also done microblading and eyeliner. Kate is constantly educating and training and she goes above and beyond standard safety and hygiene practices.”
@paintedbyaudrey
2750 E 146th ST
Maria Baer: “Audrey is a literal magician when it comes to color + balayage. When she spins that chair around you might be convinced that you are basically a model. She works wonders!”
Culture
Midtown Plaza
Ellie Allen: “I visited Midtown Plaza with my family when they came to visit me here in Indy, and we had the best time. We went to have dinner at Fork + Ale House, but we hung out in the plaza while we were waiting for an open table. It has such a fun vibe that it made waiting go by fast, and I would definitely like to go back.”
Carmel City Center
Carmel City Center is full of shops, restaurants, fitness centers, and more. Walk along the vibrant city streets and be sure to stop in Cake Bake Shop and Lily & Sparrow Boutique.
Hotel Carmichael
1 Carmichael Square, 317-688-1700
Hotel Carmichael is a boutique hotel located in a prime location at Carmel’s City Center. The rooms are designed with classical furnishings and the meeting and event spaces are perfect for a business meeting or family event. If you’re hungry during your stay, have something to eat at the delicious Vivante French Eatery. Or just drop by the very cool hotel bar for a cocktail and some live music.
Health and Fitness
New Moon Center for Women’s Health
12400 N. Meridian St, #100, (317) 599-3320
Leslie Bailey: “My OB/GYN Dr Amy Moon is the BEST. She opened her own practice not long ago and it’s wonderful. Her staff is so kind and I love that it’s a full-service practice.”
Arts
Carmel Arts & Design District
At the Carmel Arts & Design District you will find everything from showrooms to antique stores. Pick up a beautiful painting or sculpture for your home at one of the amazing galleries or get some interior design inspiration from Indiana Design Center.
The Center for the Performing Arts
1 Carter Green, (317) 843-3800
The Center for the Performing Arts is the perfect place to see any type of performance. It houses the Palladium, a 1,600 seat concert hall, the Tarkington is a 500-seat theater perfect for a slightly more intimate performance, and the Studio Theater, a 200-seat black box theater. While you’re there, see a performance from a local group such as Actors Theatre of Indiana, Carmel Symphony Orchestra, Central Indiana Dance Ensemble, Civic Theatre, Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre, and Indiana Wind Symphony.
Fashion
Lily and Sparrow Boutique
724 S Rangeline Rd, (317) 578-2445
Lily and Sparrow Boutique has a great selection of clothing, shoes, jewelry, and accessories. Sign up for a personal styling session to get expert advice on your wardrobe.
Beauty+Grace
719 HANOVER PL STE 144, (317) 564-0687
Beauty+Grace is the perfect place to shop for luxury and designer pieces. Stop by their shop to find modern and chic apparel, accessories, and shoes.
Nine+Roxy
751 Hanover Place, 317-459-7604
At Nine+Roxy you will find unique jewelry, accessories, purses, and home decor. Their handmade and vintage items put the finishing touch on any outfit.
Home
Indiana Design Center
200 South Rangeline Rd., (317) 569-5975
Indiana Design Center has professionally designed showrooms for you to explore and to guide you as you remodel your home. Some of the showrooms even offer in-house design services.
Rusted Window
200 S. Rangeline Road, Suite 120B, (317) 205-1716
At Rusted Window you will find the perfect pieces to redecorate your home or to add a little personality to any room. From candles to lighting, Rusted Window is the place to go for home goods.
Garden
Habig Garden Shops
15311 North Meridian Street, (317) 896-2828
Habig Garden Shop has exactly what you need to have your garden looking beautiful. Pick up some fresh flowers and get to planting.
Rosie’s Gardens
10402 North College Ave., (317) 844-6157
Get your trees, shrubs, and flowers from Rosie’s Gardens to elevate any outdoor space. You can also find tools and garden accessories like pottery, fountains, and statuary.
All of our content—including this article—is completely free. However, we’d love if you would please consider supporting our journalism with an Indy Maven membership.
