Just off the Monon trail I stopped in to get some gourmet popcorn for a trip. Didn't realize that…read morethey are award winning and serve some wine, beer and wine slushies!, as well as some basic appetizers, salads and sandwiches. I was told there is an upstairs that can be rented out for events.

I love this place for a light lunch or an afternoon snack and a cocktail. The decor is delightful…read moreand fun and they have an event space upstairs. The "house spritz" is my favorite drink and is very refreshing. I also enjoy pairing that with a popcorn flight. My service has always been good. Last time I was there an employee asked if I wanted to see the upstairs. I said yes and now I am trying to think of an event to host there. It's so pretty! Definitely pop in if you're in the Broad Ripple area.

The Popcorn Treasury has a great assortment of flavored popcorn, ice cream and slushees. Located…read morejust off the Monon Trail, it's the perfect way to grab a snack while you enjoy the trail or in my case cool down after a nice run. George, the owner and operator, is a stud who provides excellent customer service. He gives great suggestions and always has an infectious smile on his face. I'll definitely be stopping by when I return to Indy this summer! Couldn't even get a picture of my ice cream because of how good it was -- I finished it on site!

I love that this shop is right along the Monon! Our family was out walking last spring and to our…read moredelight an ice cream shop appeared like a mirage in a desert. Our little boy's eyes were as big as saucers as he gazed at the cup filled with not one, but three scoops of his favorite frozen confection! They also serve popcorn, and other beverages, but we go for the ice cream. Another bonus is the proximity to the Jordan YMCA, it's easy to stop when we walk home from school, or after soccer practice. What's more, is this is a black-owned-and-operated business! This is a boon to this portion of the Monon Trail and I hope more people become aware of it and keep it up and running for many seasons to come!

For those who are lifelong residents of Indy, even a name like "Market Square" elicits a smile…read moregiven its connection to the late, great Market Square Arena. Market Square Popcorn is an Indianapolis-owned shop for artisan popcorn with a central home inside the main entrance hallway of Castleton Square Mall. While this is their home, it's not the only place you can find their products. This week, for example, you can feel their presence throughout Heartland International Film Festival as a sponsor including having packages inside the goodie bags for Heartland filmmakers. Popular flavors seem to be Market Square Mix, Sweet Heat (which I just tried for the first time this week), and Butter Caramel Crunch. Market Square Popcorn also offers custom tins and they have fundraising options (great rates for non-profits - you can keep 50% of sales. It's a great option to support local and raise money for your organization). The employees I've met have always been friendly. Like most popcorn, I tend to prefer it fresh and hot, however, even an experience like getting it in a goodie bag has been a positive experience. I recently tried the Sweet Heat and it really was a unique combination of a sweet taste with a definite kick. If I'm in the Castleton area or see them at an event, I always smile and appreciate the nostalgic Market Square Popcorn.

The sweet heat flavor is great! Not too overpowering in heat. It has a balanced flavor, not too…read moresweet or salty. They charge by the bag size. So you can mix different flavors in the same bag for no extra charge. Flavors are, butter, cheese, caramel, and sweet heat. Employees are friendly too. Mall kiosk is across the entrance of Macys.

This is my first time trying Popcornapolis. This was a gift from my manager for Christmas. My…read moreexperience will be unforgettable. The cinnamon toast popcorn is Rich, creamy, buttery sweet and melts in your mouth in every bite. Delicious!!!

Their popcorn is wonderful! We did their three bag deal and tried the cinnamon toast, cheddar, and…read morejalapeño cheddar. All three are full of flavor! The only downside to this wonderful popcorn store is the fact that it is extremely expensive. Their 3.5 gallon bucket is 55 dollars with 10 dollars off on refills. I find that no popcorn is worth that price. I will treat my toddler to the cheddar popcorn occasionally but that will be the extent of our indulgence on this product.

The Apple Store at Connor Prairie not only has a fun name, but has an important mission. The store…read moreis run by the Connor Prairie Alliance. The Alliance raises money to fund projects and programs at Connor Prairie. The store is operated by volunteers of the Alliance. The store is seasonally opened in the fall. They sell apples and anything apples, including candied apples, apple cider, apple butter, apple pies and more. We bought apple slushies for the entire family. In addition, they sell fall and Halloween decor and a large selection of chocolates and candies. The staff is super friendly and helpful. The store is located on the north side of the Connor Prairie complex and no admission is required to visit. There is free parking in front of the store. I highly recommend a visit.

This spot is a Central Indiana fall classic. They've been around for more than 40 years making…read moreapple fritters, apple pies, apple cider donuts and pumpkin cider donuts. I can't sing enough of the praises for the applesauce and pumpkin donut holes. They both are so moist and delicious. I can't say that I'm not one to frequently run to cake donuts but these were exceptional. They also sell a variety of other fun fall treats like popcorn balls, whipped maple syrup cream, frozen pies, apple cider and bundles of fresh apples. You can enter the store without having to pay admission for Conner Prairie. Note that the store is only open seasonally. The parking lot is conveniently located right in front of the store and the staff is very friendly and helpful. Overall, a cozy and fun stop with all the fall vibes.

One of my favorite local businesses just opened a storefront on Rangeline and 126th! While I…read moreoriginally met them at the Carmel Farmers Market years ago, they've exploded in growth and I'm so happy to have a storefront shop just in time for the holidays. Hot sauce stocking stuffers, anyone?! I eat popcorn every night, so when I discovered that they had a popcorn seasoning, I was sold. The seasoning has paprika, salt, pepper and a few other spices that stick to the light oil on the popcorn and make for the BEST snack. I also put it on avocado toast and also use it as a rub for any kind of meat. Most recently, I got one of their hot sauces to try (there's one that is SUPER hot and one that is more flavorful than spicy). Come visit owner Dave at this new spot to get some awesome stocking stuffers, corporate boxes, or Bloody Mary mix for Christmas morning. Enjoy!

I had to buy Hazel's bloody mary mix because that's all the store had. This stuff is just gross…read more Tasteless and it's like drinking vomit, thick and chunky. I don't understand the amazing part, because it's anything but, and I def don't understand the rating. This stuff is flat out nasty.​

After seeing this storefront for years, I finally went inside!…read more I was in the market for a raffle basket for the Midwest Regional meeting for Soroptimist, a nonprofit empowering women & girls. I wanted a unique basket that celebrated Indianapolis (since I'm part of the Indy Metro Club.) What a treasure trove of Indiana products! Even more impressive was the staff expertise in creating a beautiful basket/bag/box for presentation! I will visit them again to buy unique gifts!

I'm not sure how I've lived in Indy for so long and never entered into this precious little piece…read moreof Indiana tradition. I stopped in today to create a gift basket for some clients. Now only do they have an enormous selection of Indiana made products, candies, snacks and apparel, but they also worked some of my company goodies into the basket. They were kind, attentive and so welcoming. This was a true Hoosier hospitality experience and I can't wait to come back when I have more time to look around. Proud to be a Hoosier (not an IU Hoosier, but you get it )

Husband and wife duo offering a variety of flavors. I first became aware of the brand while…read moresupporting a fundraiser. I was pleased to learn it was black owned they also had a storefront. I've tried a variety of flavors over the last couple of years. They're friendly and helpful. You may see them at local farmer's markets as well. Their cheesy caramel is my fave, but I love the Kitchen Sink with sriracha as well. FYI...this visit I was alerted of a small price increase of $1.00 effective August 1. The heads up was appreciated!

Amazing! That's the ONLY answer if you ask me! I've tried this brand a few years ago, I cannot…read moreremember where my husband and I were but I remember him (presumably the owner) tell my husband that it was better than the popular "G" spot located in The City (Chicago) and I wanted no parts of that conversation . Welp turns out, that gentleman may not be wrong. Being from the northern region, THAT popcorn joint USED to be the gold standard but over the years the standard of quality has depreciated. I got my bag from Fishers Farmers market and I have been anxiously waiting for this Saturday, I need my fix, this time a variety. I can appreciate the freshness and unselfishness when it comes to the coating. There is no lacking in flavor. I'll add more photos from my haul Saturday

If you Love to Cook and Cook to Love then this is your go to spot for your spices…read more It seems like every spice I try, regardless of if it is complex or as simple as garlic powder, it taste better than any of the other brands. Just pepper alone they probably have a dozen different flavor variations. We have over 80 spices in our pantry. Some of our go to are Frozen Pizza, it takes a Jack's frozen pizza to the next level. Others are Sandwich Sprinkle, Tuscan Sunset, Mural of Flavor and California Seasoned Pepper to name a few. If there isn't a location in your town you can always mail order from their website.

We had a lovely first visit here this past weekend to pick out a variety of spices using a generous…read moregift card we received. The visit was long overdue and I'm surprised it took us so long to visit the spot just a few doors down from Trader Joe's. We appreciated that they had a little kids section that included coloring pages and crayons for the kids. Otherwise, this can feel like a hard experience to pull off with little kids in tow. We perused and smelled a variety of spices before making our final selections. All of the staff we encountered were very friendly and eager to help. Here are some of the items we ended up purchasing: Dutch Cocoa, hot chocolate, Mexican vanilla, Herbes de Provence and Ethiopian spice mix. Overall, a great spot if you are looking for specific spices, stocking stuffers, or a gift for a friend who enjoys all things food.

Great oils, and great service. They guys there are very friendly and helpful. I actually found…read moreolives soaking in dry vermouth for my martinis. This is a standard for us and it you like good olive oils, this is the place. We've been to all 3 locations (Carmel, Geneva, Saugatuck).

I received some gifts from The Olive Mill for Christmas: bruschetta topping, fig balsamic and…read moreherbed oil and vinegar. Oh lordy -- they are delicious. It makes me so happy to know that I can find olive oil, balsamic vinegar and tasty things to nibble on right here in Carmel. I have driven by The Olive Mill many times -- it's located right on the corner of Main Street and Rangeline Road -- but I had never stopped in. But now that I know how great their products are, I'll be visiting for more. The bruschetta topping was probably the best I've ever tasted. I made bruschetta with it on top of some toasted bread, with huge plops of burrata on top of everything. This is now my favorite thing to eat. If you like quality olive oil, vinegars and foods that go with these things, I highly recommend checking this place out.