Andrea Ratcliff

1 week ago | indianapolismonthly.com | Andrea Ratcliff

WHEN I SURVEYED the magazine staff to collect their best camping tips, I picked up a new travel hack or two. But I can’t say I was surprised to receive a couple comments from the non-campers among us who prefer their accommodations indoors, climate-controlled, and equipped with plumbing and electricity, please. While there is something very enticing and romantic about escaping the hustle and bustle of the city to unplug and commune in nature for a few days, roughing it can be … well, rough.

1 month ago | indianapolismonthly.com | Andrea Ratcliff

APRIL SHOWERS bring May flowers … along with beets, carrots, asparagus, and radishes, depending on when you planted them. In my own garden beds, I keep watching for signs of perennial life: oregano and chives sprouting, rhubarb stalks forming, strawberry runners spreading. With herb seeds in hand and vegetables on order since mid-March, I (im)patiently await Mother’s Day—my official green flag date to begin planting.

2 months ago | indianapolismonthly.com | Andrea Ratcliff

WHEN I VISIT my parents in Kokomo, the trips are usually focused on spending time with the folks at their house—the place they’ve called home since I was a year old. I beeline directly to their door and directly back to mine without devoting much, if any, energy to getting out and exploring what’s new in my hometown. My mom and I take walks in the neighborhood, so I take notice of updated paint colors and fresh landscaping around my old stomping grounds.

Mar 5, 2025 | visitindiana.com | Andrea Ratcliff

HUNGRY FOR INDIANA-MADE CUISINE AND HOMEGROWN PRODUCE? FEAST YOUR EYES ON THIS ROUNDUP OF FOODIE FESTIVALS THAT RUNS THE GAMUT OF FLAVORS—FROM PICKLES TO PIEROGIS TO PERSIMMONS. It is a morel imperative in the community of Mansfield to celebrate the mighty mushroom the third weekend in April. Activities include a mushroom auction and contest, live music, a car show, and tours of the nearby Historic Mansfield Roller Mill.

Mar 3, 2025 | indianapolismonthly.com | Andrea Ratcliff

I MIGHT be the least likely person on the IM staff to willingly head up a sports feature. I’m not even sure how I got roped into recruiting the writers, sorting and organizing the master list of 100 athletes (which was originally closer to 150), and writing a handful of bios myself. Did I develop selective amnesia? Did Julia Spalding hypnotize me? You see, I am not much of a sports fan. Sure, I’ll go to an organized game of some sort every once in a blue moon.