Uncovering Hidden Gems: A Tour of Unique Shops in Downtown Indy

Posted on April 26, 2023 by englishivys

Are you looking for something special and unique to do in downtown Indianapolis? Why not explore the many small businesses that make up the city’s vibrant shopping scene? From vintage boutiques and independent bookstores to antique shops, LGBTQ+ bars, restaurants, and even record shops, there is something for everyone. Join us on a tour of some of the best hidden gems in downtown Indy and discover why these local stores and small businesses are worth exploring!

Downtown Indy Fun Starts Here - English Ivy's Eatery & Pub — Downtown Indy Fun Starts Here – English Ivy’s Eatery & Pub

Where to Find Unique Shopping in Downtown Indianapolis

Vintage Vogue by GW

Vintage Vogue is a boutique that can be found in Fountain Square in Downtown Indianapolis (also in Broad Ripple Village). They carefully select clothing and collectibles from donations made to Goodwill. This way, they create a modern and timeless shopping experience. Vintage Vogue offers stylish second-hand clothing and accessories for men and women at affordable prices, providing a convenient way to shop for fantastic outfits.

Square Cat Vinyl

You can continue your tour through Fountain Square at Square Cat Vinyl, a vinyl shop offering an eclectic selection of new and used albums from all genres. This shop is renowned for its staff’s expertise in music from across the decades. In addition to records, you can also find t-shirts and posters featuring original artwork created by local artists. Whether you are looking for something new or want to pick up a classic album, this is the place to go!

Bookmamas

Next, take a stroll down Mass Ave., renowned for its independent bookstores, art galleries and antique shops. One such store is Bookmamas, an intimate used bookstore specializing in rare titles from around the world. This store offers both new and used books as well as limited edition prints from local artists. Visit the store and peruse the shelves or attend one of their special events such as literary readings, book clubs and trivia nights.

Midland Arts and Antiques Market

Downtown Indianapolis is a haven for antique lovers, but if you’re searching for the best antique store to peruse, look no further than Midland Arts and Antiques Market. Located in the heart of downtown, Midland Arts and Antiques Market is well known among locals for its vast collection of unique, one-of-a-kind art treasures. Inside its walls, there are more than 200 independent art and antique dealers from all over the Midwest. Furthermore, the store’s friendly and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to answer any questions you may have about their selection, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. So, if you’re in the mood for some antiquing, head on over to Midland Arts and Antiques Market for a shopping experience unlike any other.

English Ivy’s Eatery & Pub

And finally, you and your friends can stop by the beautiful Historic Saint Joseph Neighborhood to visit English Ivy’s Eatery & Pub! We are a vibrant, welcoming LGBTQ+ spot where everyone can come and enjoy great drinks, delicious food, and an atmosphere of acceptance. Our unique creed? We’re dedicated to creating memorable experiences while giving back: we host charitable events that help our community grow stronger every day. Although we have limited apparel to purchase for shopping, you can always donate to our current cause!

But our mission doesn’t stop at philanthropy – our overall mission is to provide a space for connection and belonging in the company of good eats and great vibes! Wherever your journey takes you, English Ivy’s will be here with a vision for celebrating the best parts of life: laughter, friendship, and supporting one another. Although we have limited apparel to purchase for shopping, you can always donate to our current cause!

your options are endless in downtown indy!

These are just a few of the hidden gems that make downtown Indianapolis so special. Support local businesses by exploring these unique stores and discovering what makes them so special. You never know when you might find a hidden gem!

Start your tour of Downtown Indianapolis with a delicious and satisfying meal or cocktails! Visit English Ivy’s Eatery & Pub and enjoy a healthy brunch, lunch, dinner, and delicious drinks all weekend long. Be sure to check out our weekly specials, too!

10 Ways to Support LGBTQIA Youth in Your Community

Posted on April 6, 2023 by englishivys

Many LGBTQIA+ kids and teens face many challenges and obstacles in their daily lives, but there are ways to help them. Whether it’s through a donation of time, food, or money, you can make a difference in the lives of LGBTQIA+ youths by supporting them and their community.

Below are 10 ways that you can support LGBTQIA+ kids and teenagers in your community.

Call 317-822-5070 to learn how to drop off food donations for the 2023 IYG food drive!

How to Show Your Support for the LGBTQIA+ Youth Community in Indianapolis

1. Donate

Donate to an LGBTQ-friendly food pantry or other charity organization that serves LGBTQIA+ people. In fact, Indiana Youth Group is hosting another food pantry drive this month for the LGBTQIA+ youth community! The organization has centers located in cities all over Indiana, so you can easily find one near you. They accept canned and non-perishable food donations on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Currently, English Ivy’s is partnering with Indiana Youth Group too! So, you can also drop your donations off at English Ivy’s, anytime. Every ounce of assistance will be profoundly appreciated. We are striving to ensure that our young people don’t go hungry. You may also contact Greyson Gullion, Youth and Center Specialist for IYG at ggullian@indianayouthgroup.org for more details or opportunities to volunteer.

IYG HEADQUARTERS:
3733 North Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46208

ENGLISH IVY’S:
944 N. Alabama Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46202

That’s Not All! Here are Some More Ways to Help:

2. Attend – Attend local events focused on the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community such as marches, rallies, and fundraisers.

3. Volunteer – Volunteer at local organizations dedicated to helping LGBTQIA+ individuals with housing, job training, mental health services, substance abuse programs etc.

4. Participate – Participate in online communities for queer youth where they can find acceptance and support from peers who understand their struggles firsthand.

5. Speak Out – Speak out against bullying directed towards queer youth both online and offline.

6. Challenge – Actively challenge homophobic language when you hear it used around you.

7. Support – Support businesses owned by members of the LGBTQIA+ community whenever possible.

8. Educate – Educate yourself on issues facing queer people today so that you have the knowledge needed to take action when necessary.

9. Advocate – Advocate for policies at school or in your local government that protect LGBTQIA+ people from discrimination. Be sure to vote!

10. Share – Share the stories of queer individuals with your friends, family, and anyone else who will listen so that their experiences are understood by a wider audience.

Give Your Support and Help Indiana’s LGBTQIA+ Kids and Teens

By taking action to support LGBTQIA+ youth in your community you can make a difference in their lives. Every contribution matters and is a step closer to creating an environment full of acceptance and love for all members of the LGBTQ community. Join us today in supporting our young LGBT peers!

So, what are you waiting for? Help IYG collect their much-needed non-perishable and canned good food donations while you still have time! Visit English Ivy’s Downtown Eatery and Pub to drop off your IYG donations from now until April 28^th. Let’s do this together! While you’re there, be sure to enjoy our daily specials, menus, and more!

5 Ways to Support Small Businesses in Your Community

Posted on March 9, 2023 by englishivys

Small businesses are the backbone of local Indy communities, and they need all the support they can get right now. From locally-owned and operated restaurants and pubs to stylists, boutiques, repair shops, art centers, theaters, and bakeries, these independent businesses play an important role in the overall quality of Hoosier life in Indianapolis. The best part is, there are plenty of ways to show your support for your favorite spot in and around your community.

Below are five great ideas you can try out with family and friends!

English Ivy's Eatery & Pub - Downtown Indianapolis - LGBTQ Friendly! — English Ivy’s Eatery & Pub – Downtown Indianapolis – LGBTQIA+ Friendly!

How to Show Love to Your Favorite Local Businesses

1. Shop local – Make an effort to shop at local stores whenever you can. You’ll be surprised how much difference it makes when everyone pitches in. This includes repair shops, local artists and photographers, pubs, restaurants, small retailers, music venues, and cultural centers, more.

2. Leave reviews – Leaving positive reviews on social media like Facebook, as well as other websites like Yelp, Google, Bing, and Angie’s List helps spread the word about local businesses and encourages others to give them a try too.

3. Follow their social media accounts – Showing support doesn’t just mean spending money; following their social media accounts is another great way to show that you care and help them reach more people with their message!

4. Buy gift cards – If you want to make sure your favorite small business survives this tough, always-unpredictable economy, consider buying gift cards as presents for friends and family instead of physical items from big-box stores or national chain restaurants.

5 .Spread awareness – Tell your friends, co-workers, and family about all the great things locally-owned small businesses have to offer. More importantly, encourage them to check them out together!

Give Support in Your Own Special Way!

Ultimately, there are countless ways to express your solidarity with small businesses in your community; here are just a few of them. Doing your part can make all the difference in helping them survive during these difficult times. So, why not get out there and start showing some love today?

Downtown Indy is the Place to Be Right Now

Downtown Indianapolis is more than just a lively city center. With so much to see and do, there’s not a dull moment in Downtown Indy! From Wildwood Park, with its miles of picturesque trails and unique wildlife, to Mass Ave, Monument Circle, and the Downtown Canal Walk, all of which are lined with diverse restaurants, quirky shops, bars, music venues, and cultural hot spots; Downtown Indianapolis has something for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Come experience Downtown Indy for yourself – the adventure never sleeps!

By now, you have got to be hungry – and maybe in the mood for a refreshing cocktail or beer! Visit English Ivy’s Pub and Eatery and help yourself to lunch, dinner, delicious drinks, and even brunch on the weekends! Enjoy a wide menu selection of lunch and dinner options, plus drink specials, all at neighborhood prices!

Everything You Want to Know About Devour Indy Winterfest 2023

Posted on January 20, 2023 by englishivys

Are you ready for Devour Indy WINTERFEST 2023? It starts next week! Benefiting Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, this annual winter foodie event is one of the most popular seasonal events in downtown Indianapolis. With over 100 restaurants participating, it’s a great way to explore all that the city has to offer while trying out some amazing food and drinks! From unique Devour Menus to special meals and deals, there’s something for everyone at this year’s Devour Indy Winterfest.

Let us enthusiastically cover everything you need to know about Devour Indy Winterfest 2023 – from what restaurants are participating, to how much it will cost you, and more! So, let’s get started!

Call 317-822-5070 to Hear About Our Weekend Specials! — Get Food and Drink Specials in Downtown Indianapolis!

Devour Indy – WINTERFEST 2023

Participating Restaurants

First and foremost, you’ll need to know which restaurants are participating in Devour Indy Winterfest 2023. This year there are over 100 unique eateries involved – from popular favorites like Punch Bowl Social and Bru Burger Bar to hidden gems like OP Italian and Union 50. Check out the full list of participating restaurants to find your favorite spot!

Devour Discounts and Deals

Many of the restaurants will be offering Devour Menus, which are special price-fixed menus with three courses for a discounted price. Additionally, many of the restaurants are also offering discounts on drinks and desserts. So, don’t forget to ask about any deals that may be available at your favorite spot!

Winterfest Activities

Finally, Devour Indy Winterfest 2023 will be offering several different activities and events throughout the month. From cocktail contests to wine tastings, there’s sure to be something for everyone. Additionally, many of the restaurants will also be hosting special events like beer dinners and cocktail parties. So, make sure you check out the full list of Devour Indy Winterfest 2023 activities to find something that interests you!

Gear Up for Great Food and Fun!

Well, there you have it – everything you need to know about Devour Indy Winterfest 2023. From amazing restaurants and Devour Menus to discounts and deals, there’s sure to be something for everyone at this year’s event. So don’t miss out – head downtown Indianapolis and explore all that Devour Indy Winterfest 2023 has to offer!

Good news! You don’t have to wait until Monday to get started on Downtown Indy foodie fun! Visit English Ivy’s Pub and Eatery and enjoy lunch, dinner, delicious drinks, and even brunch on the weekends! Our menus are crafted with seasonal flavors and carefully sourced from local ingredients. You’ll come across a plethora of foodie-inspired options – all brought to life by our talented head chef. Furthermore, we provide plenty of daily drink specials, as well as game nights complete with live music. Be sure to check out our weekly specials, too!