'''Carmel''' [http://www.ci.carmel.in.us/] is a city in the Nine-County Region of Indiana. It is located in Hamilton County and is just north of Indianapolis.
Get in
By car
From the metropolitan Indianapolis area, take U.S. 31 north to 126th Street. Carmel is located between U.S. 31 and Keystone Ave. (State Road 421). It takes approximately 30 minutes to drive from downtown Indianapolis.
By plane
In addition to the '''Col. Weir Cook Indianapolis International Airport''' [http:www.indianapolisairport.com], located off of I-70 in Indianapolis, smaller planes can schedule a landing at one of two airports in Hamilton County and nearby Boone County, located just west of Hamilton County. Both offer aircraft charter, sales, rental, catering, flight school and more.
'''Metropolitan Airport''' [http://www.indianapolisaviation.com] 9913 Willowview Rd., Fishers. ''+1 317'' 849-0840
'''Indianapolis Executive Airport''' [http://www.indyexecairport.com] 11329 East SR 32, Zionsville. ''+1 317'' 769-3288. This airport also is home to a Hamilton County Welcome Center, open 6 to 8 p.m. daily.
Get around
See
Museums
'''Museum of Miniature Houses''' 111 E. Main St. ''+1 317'' 575-9466. [http://www.museumofminiatures.org/] This is a rare find, a museum that caters specifically to miniature homes, room boxes and vingnettes. They also have a gift shop and a childrens play area. Very unique, but only open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m. $4 for adults, $2 for children under 10.
'''Carmel Arts Council Children_fs Art Gallery''' [http://www.ci.carmel.in.us/community/things/arts.html] 776 Hawthorne Dr. This quirky little gallery on Main Street features artwork from different area schoolchildren and has been designated the World_fs Smallest Children_fs Art Gallery by the Guinness Book of World Records.
Do
Festivals
''Late September'' '''Carmel International Arts Festival''' [http://www.carmelartsfestival.org] features juried artists (numbering close to 150 each year) that appeal to informal collectors as well as art enthusiasts. Dancers, local musicians perform and a children_fs activity tent includes arts and craft projects geared for smaller children. Admission is free but food vendors charge.
''Held every 4th of July'' '''CarmelFest''' [http://www.carmelfest.net] features performances by the Carmel Symphony Orchestra in addition to annual firework display, a community parade, food, games and other family-friendly entertainment.
Outdoors
[http://www.carmelclayparks.com]
'''Carey Grove Park''' 14001 N. Carey Rd. 5 acres with an arboretum, half-size basketball court, community organic garden, trail, playground and softball diamond.
'''Central Park''' 1235 Central Park Drive East and 1195 Central Park Drive West. The 161-acre park is free but some activities are an additional cost. The park includes a wetlands area, garden, park areas and 4 miles of trails connecting to the Monon Trail, which will take you all the way south to Indianapolis and northwest to Westfield, Indiana. A 10,000 square foot skate park welcomes skateboarders. Fees apply at The Monon Center and Aqua Park, which includes an outdoor pool, waterslide and lazy river. An indoor pool and fitness center, with gymnasiums and studio classes also are available. Daily passes and value passes for 10 visits are available for visitors, although prices are higher for non-Carmel residents.
'''Cool Creek Park''' 2000 E. 151st St. Three to four miles of wooded trails, playground, softball and soccer fields and basketball court are all available here. Also home to the Cool Creek Nature Center which hosts the annual Cool Creek Concert series.
'''Coxhall Gardens''' 2000 W. 116th St. 125-acres of park and gardens include a children_fs garden, conservatory, reflecting pools and two belltowers.
'''Flowing Well Park''' 5100 E. 116th St. 18 acres featuring an artesian well where you can fill up your own jug and containers with naturally clean flowing water. A few small trails and fishing too.
'''Hazel Landing Park''' 10601 Hazel Dell Pkwy. 44 acres featuring fishing and a canoe launch into the White River.
'''Lawrence W. Inlow Park''' 6310 E. 131st St. Playgrounds with tree houses and a small water park are the big features here. Nature trail and shelters too.
'''Meadowlark Park''' 450 Meadow Ln. 17 acres with a pond and dock and fishing. Trail and basketball court too.
'''Monon Trail Greenway''' Stems from 96th St up to 146th St. Carmel's own 5.2 mile extension of Indy's Monon Trail. A new mile-long extension connects the trail to Westfield, Indiana. Open from dawn to dusk (they do fine you if they catch you at night) with easy accessibility to shopping and activities. One can ride, skate, run or walk along this extensive and well kept greenway. Pets are welcome as long as you clean up after them.
'''Pleasant Grove Park''' 445 E. 11th Street This 6-acre park is family-oriented with a soccer field, softball diamond and playground with shelter.
'''River Heritage Park''' 11813 River Road 40-acre part features an adaptive playground for those with special needs. The park also has two sand volleyball courts, an amphitheater and picnic areas.
'''West Park''' 2700 W. 116th St. 120 acres featuring trails, wide green space, big playground, trails and small water park. In the winter, the north face of the park_fs hill turns into a sledding hill.
'''White River Greenway''' 13410 River Road. 15-acres pocket park next to the White River. Undeveloped except for 2.5 miles of asphalt trails.
Music
'''Carmel Symphony Orchestra''' [http://www.carmelsymphony.org] Formed as a community orchestra in 1976, the Orchestra now plays at various venues through the Carmel area. Enjoy intimate performances of great works and masterpieces with guest performers or take in the Fourth of July concert at Carmel Civic Square. Tickets are affordable and discounts are given for students and seniors.
Golf
'''Brookshire Golf Club''' [http://www.brookshiregolf.com] 12120 Brookshire Pkwy ''+1 317'' 846-7431 18-hole public course designed by Carmel resident William Diddel.
'''Crooked Stick Golf Course''' [http://www.crookedstick.org] 1964 Burning Tree Ln. ''+1 317'' 844-9938. Private 18-hole course, designed by legendary Pete Dye, has hosted the Solheim Cup, US Women's Open and 1991 PGA Championship. Next up is the '''2009 US Senior Open''' [http://www.2009ussenioropen.com]''July 27 ? Aug. 2, 2009''
'''Plum Creek Golf Club''' [http://www.plumcreekcc.com]12401 Lynnwood Bvd. ''+1 317'' 573-9900 Another Pete Dye designed course in Hamilton County, Plum Creek has hosted the 2004 IWGA Mid-Amateur. Semi-private club offers PGA Pro led instructional programs. Area hotels offer a _gStay and Play_h package for Plum Creek.
'''Prairie View Golf Club''' [http://www.prairieviewgc.com]13199 River Road ''+1 317'' 816-3100 Located on 206 acres, this Robert Trent Jones Jr. golf course is a daily fee facility. Area hotels offer a _gStay and Play_h package for Prairie View.
Family Fun
'''Laser Flash''' [http://www.laser-flash.com] 617 3rd Ave. SW. ''+1 317'' 571-1677. Indiana's largest laser tag complex. Make a team with friends or strangers and sneak around shooting each other with harmless lasers and with music blaring and lighting effects. It's quite spooky seeing lasers bouncing off the walls through the dark room. They also have a huge arcade and a pizza joint on site.
Learn More
'''Carmel Clay Chamber of Commerce''' 37 East Main Street. The Chamber can provide information about area businesses and upcoming events.
'''Hamilton County Convention and Visitors Bureau''' [http://www.hamiltoncountytowns.com] 37 East Main Street. ''+1 800'' 776-8687. Not-for-profit tourism organization that promotes and encourages the development of Hamilton County tourism, conventions, festivals and other special events. Carmel is home to the main office. Staff are very helpful and welcome visitors who need information. Visit HamiltonCountyTowns.com for a full event calendar and interactive map of destinations, golfing, restaurants, shopping and places to stay.
Buy
'''Clay Terrace''' 14300 Clay Terrace Blvd. ''+1 317'' 566-0011. [http://www.clayterrace.com/] The first new outdoor mall in ages. A well kept enviroment this mall has a wide variety of shops and restaurants. Shops include DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, Dick's Sporting Goods, Circuit City, Wild Oats, Sur La Table, Z Gallerie, Indigo Nation, HOMExperience by Estridge, and White House/Black Market. The nice thing about this mall is it's lovely for a stroll when the weather is nice and a lot of the shops featured are unique to this mall and unable to be found anywhere else in the city. Enjoy shopping on Thursday evenings in the summer with local live music on the mall.
'''Vine + Table Marketplace''' (formerly Kahn's Fine Wines) [http://www.vineandtable.com] 313 E. Carmel ''+1 317'' 817-9463 One of Central Indiana_fs best liquor stores. Featuring countless wines, beers, and liquor from all over the world. Also has amazing deli with fine eats from all over the world.
'''Carmel Art & Design District''' 111 W. Main St. ''+1 317'' 571-2787 [http://www.carmelartsanddesign.com] Downtown Carmel_fs recently created district features more than 100 interior designers, art galleries, furnishings showrooms, home decor and specialty shops in addition to retail and restaurants. Stately brick buildings, with open-air dining, line the streets, which close to host several festivals each year. District is accessible and connected via the Monon Trail, a linear greenway park that extends south all the way to downtown Indianapolis.
'''Indiana Design Center''' The corner of Range Line Rd. and 1st Street in Carmel_fs Arts & Design District. The planned 85,000-square-foot center is currently under construction. When finished, it will host an on-site resource library and collection of showrooms for traditional and contemporary residential and contract furnishings, accessories and products.
'''Antique Emporium''' 1055 S. Range Line Rd. ''+1 317'' 844-8351
Eat
There are plenty of major chain restaurants swarming Carmel, so below is a list of tasty places to eat that are regional and locally owned!
Splurge
Moderate
'''Bazbeaux Pizza''' 111 W. Main St. ''+1 317'' 848-4488 [http://www.bazbeaux.com/] Indy's finest gourmet pizza! Established in 1986, Bazbeaux is a local favorite. Their chicken BBQ pizza is amazing - BBQ sauce instead of tomato, and their Greek pizza is to die for. Vegan friendly.
'''Le Peep''' 12213 N. Meridian St. ''+1 317'' 580-9193 [http://www.lepeep.com/] One of Indy's favorite places to have breakfast. Classics like oatmeal and biscuits & gravy. Breakfast served in skillets with names like "Hobo" "Gypsy" and "Desperado" these meals are hearty for any wandering traveller. Their omelettes are the number one in town, and their pancakes will leave you speechless (cause you'll be eating them so quickly). Have a sweet tooth? Try the King Cakes, a sweet tempting pancake. They also offer lunch fare too. Be prepared to wait, no resersvations accepted. Only open for breakfast and lunch. Vegetarian friendly.
'''Mudsocks Grill''' [http://www.mudsocksgrill.com] 146th and Hazell Dell Pkwy. This restaurant sits right on the border between the town of Noblesville and the city of Carmel. Offers great atmosphere, drinks and food for lunch and dinner. The portions are huge, especially the salads ? try the Citrus Island Salad. Indoor and outdoor dining.
'''MCL Cafeteria''' 1390 Keystone Way. ''+1 317'' 844-9217 [http://www.mclcafe.com/] The cities best cafeteria is at MCL. Waiting in line is a cultural experience in itself. Pick up your tray and pick up your choice of eats. Great fried chicken, salads, mashed potatoes and classics like liver and onions (oh yeah!). Don't forget the huge variety of homemade pies and cakes. Great friendly service too.
'''Serendipity''' [http://www.occasionsdivine.com] 2 W. Main St. ''+1 317'' 569-1929 A tea room in the renovated Opera House makes for a really fun tea break. For the really unique, ask to be seated in the 120-year-old Vault. They serve lunch, brunch and English Tea.
Cheap
Drink
Wineries
'''Ferrin's Fruit Winery''' 89 1st Ave. S.W. ''+1 317'' 566-9463. [http://www.ferrinsfruitwinery.com/] A Carmel married couple run this local fruit winery. Wine is fermented and bottled on the premise. Wine tastings, wine shop, and a welcoming atmosphere. They feature seasonal wines like mulled wine during the Holidays. Sample some of their many wines : Cherry, pear, blueberry, cranberry, pina colada, chocolate, plum and more! Oh..and don't forget grape wine too.
'''Grape Inspirations''' 1307 S. Rangeline Rd. ''+1 317'' 705-9463. [http://www.grape-inspirations.com/] Award winning wines, including Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Merlot and Zinfandels. Don't forget their wide selection of unique fruit wine - made from the fruits of their backyard - with fun names like "You Bet Shiraz." They offer a "make your own wine" experience - where you can pick your flavor and within monthes you'll have your own label and bottle! They have wine making classes, outdoor and indoor seating, wine tastings and a shop.
Tea
..::'''Kei Tea'''::...[www.keitea.com] 321 1st Ave S.W. Loose leaf herbal teas and accessories 888.753.4832 Carmel Arts and Design District
'''Serendipity''' 2 W. Main St. ''+1 317'' 569-1929 A tea room in the renovated Opera House makes for a really fun tea break. For the really unique, ask to be seated in the 120-year-old Vault. They serve lunch, brunch and English Tea.
Sleep
Carmel has its share of _gbig chain_h hotels, including the Doubletree Guest Suites, Country Inn & Suites, Hampton Inn Carmel, Hilton Garden Inn, Residence Inn by Marriott and Courtyard by Marriott. Visit the chain websites to locate the hotel and special deals.
'''Old Towne Carmel Bed & Breakfast''' [http://www.carmelbandb.com] 521 1st Avenue NW ''+1 317'' 566-9696 Located just off the main drive of the Carmel Arts & Design District, this 100-year-old home has three guestrooms with private baths for the utmost in privacy. Fully renovated with modern conveniences (like wireless Internet). A wrap-around porch and outdoor patio are charming. Complementary breakfast and afternoon hors d_foeuvres are offered year round.
'''Renaissance Indianapolis North''' [http://www.renaissanceindianapolis.com] 11925 N. Meridian St., ''+1 317'' 816-0430 Newly opened in 2008, this is the first Renaissance hotel in Indiana. Marriott hotel service with a more artsy design. Grille 39 offers a fun twist; roll the dice to inspire the cocktail of the day.
Get out