Christina Vercelletto

5 days ago | indianapolismonthly.com | Christina Vercelletto

AS THE DEPRESSION wound down, Eli Lilly hired Zionsville blacksmith Charles Monroe to make a roasting jack for use in the William Conner House at Conner Prairie Farms, which Lilly owned. Monroe worked on the iron and brass piece from photos thought to be taken in Colonial Williamsburg, which had just opened in Virginia. Per his business card, Monroe was an expert in Colonial reproductions. Roasting jacks, also called turn-pits, rotated meat on a spit over a hearth, an early rotisserie of sorts.

1 week ago | indianapolismonthly.com | Christina Vercelletto

PROMINENTLY POSITIONED at the intersection of Fletcher and Virginia avenues with the Cultural Trail, the Lilly campus, and Bluebeard nearby, Fletcher Pointe Condominiums prove the power of preservation. In 2012, an 1873 church in Fletcher Place was rescued from demolition and transformed into luxury condos. Great care was taken to maintain—and celebrate—the original features.

1 week ago | indianapolismonthly.com | Christina Vercelletto

THE GAP IN PLAYTHINGS on Mass Ave created by the departure of Mass Ave Toys in 2020 has finally been filled by Old Northside resident and mom of three young children Gwen Chastain. In February, she opened toy emporium Goodies & Giggles in a former bank building that’s more than 100 years old. The expansive, bright store is nicely organized by both type of toy—craft supplies, dress-up garb, and vehicles, for example—and age range.

1 week ago | indianapolismonthly.com | Christina Vercelletto

WHEN THE PANDEMIC HIT, Spring Hill residents Ryan Hussey and Phillip Crawshaw holed up in the kitchen. “We found joy in creating flavorful hot sauces,” recalls Hussey. “It turned into a passion project.” Now, Pup & The Pepper’s line of six sauces is sold at Cork & Cracker, Goose the Market, The Famous Tomato, Niemann Harvest Market, and at Pup and the Pepper. No, it’s not for dogs. During quarantine, the pair’s loyal corgi, Eleanor—the pup in Pup & The Pepper—boosted their spirits.

1 week ago | indianapolismonthly.com | Christina Vercelletto

They say bartenders are the eyes and ears of the town. That’s true. It’s important that we know what’s happening. Sports, concerts, festivals, conventions, and trade shows all drive our business and provide opportunity to direct visitors to the best of the city. I always have people ask, “Where should we go from here?” Bartenders need to be able to provide options. And what do you tell them? The Rathskeller, The Ball & Biscuit … Slippery Noodle is a must. How have tastes changed over time?