WHEN THE 2024 James Beard Awards were announced, the winner for Best Chef: Midwest was Christina Nguyen of Hai Hai. Her Southeast Asian street food eatery isn’t alone in being nationally acclaimed. A parade of restaurants have made Minneapolis/ St. Paul a hotbed for top-tier dining.

Sean Sherman of Indigenous restaurant Owamni by The Sioux Chef and education center Indigenous Food Lab is a past winner of Beard’s Best Book award for The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen. Gavin Kaysen of Spoon and Stable is a former Best Chef: Midwest. The area is peppered with Beard award finalists, including the English pub George & The Dragon (ganddpub.com) and the Italian sister restaurants Bar La Grassa and 112 Eatery. What to do in between meals when in the Twin Cities—besides napping? Loads.

The Minneapolis Institute of Art is a first-class yet free museum packed with familiar names (Vincent van Gogh, Joan Miró, and Ai Weiwei, among others) as well as contemporary exhibits to discover. Upcoming is At the Moulin Rouge featuring works by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and his circle. For an outdoor experience, the Walker Art Center’s Minneapolis Sculpture Garden surrounds you with creativity both bold (like Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen’s landscape-defining Spoonbridge and Cherry) and refined (like Ta-coumba T. Aiken, Rosemary Soyini Vinelle Guyton, and Seitu Jones’ Shadows at the Crossroads.)

Throw your hat in the air at Nicollet Avenue and 7th Street. You’ll find plenty doing the same near the Mary Tyler Moore statue celebrating her Minneapolis-based sitcom and its iconic opening credits sequence.

If You Go

CHEER Catch the Twins at Target Field, conveniently located near its own public-transit train station.

APPLAUD The Tony award–winning Guthrie Theater opens its season with The Lehman Trilogy. Take a tour of the costume and scene shops.

EXPLORE An aquarium, 500 stores, 50 restaurants, a roller coaster, and mirror maze make up the Mall of America.

The post Traveler: Minnesota Wins appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.

An excerpt from American Modern: Community; Architecture; Columbus, Indiana, written by Matt Shaw and photographed by Iwan Baan

A new book chronicles the historic civic project that built one of the most architecturally important cities in the country—and shows how its working-class citizens fit into the forever-modernist landscape.

IN THE MID-1940s, Columbus industrialist J. Irwin Miller, head of Cummins Engine Company, began an extraordinary side project. In an effort to draw in more white-collar talent, he commissioned a roster of titans in the world of modernist architecture to design a series of crisp, angular, and sometimes brutally stark buildings in his hometown. That campaign brought the work of renowned architects such as Robert Venturi, Harry Weese, and Eliel and Eero Saarinen to Bartholomew County, an almost surreal accomplishment. “The concept of not reaping your field to its border—nor maximizing personal profits but deferring some of your land or harvest to the public realm (your neighbors)—became a foundation for Miller’s humancentric approach to business,” writes author and Columbus native Matt Shaw in the sweeping monograph American Modern: Community; Architecture; Columbus, Indiana, available this month from Monacelli. Shaw’s in-depth history, excerpted here alongside images by the book’s photographer, Iwan Baan, tells how Miller’s world-class vision played out in the everyday structures of a town that remains, as Shaw describes it, “the highest of high Modernism, the best ideas from around the world—absorbed and made more pragmatic, smaller, and more humane in a community where purely top-down solutions would have never worked.”

Cleo Rogers Memorial Library 1969, I.M. Pei

The Cleo Rogers Memorial Library represented the moment when it all came together for Columbus in a magnificent public space that Architectural Forum called “a physical center in the best architectural tradition … an urbane statement of the town’s civic aspirations in brick, concrete and bronze.”

Lincoln Center Ice Rink (Hamilton Community Center & Ice Arena) 1958, Harry Weese

Two outdoor rinks were flanked by a Weese-designed building that was conceived as a chalet, or a “Black Forest stage setting for exhilarating winter evenings under the stars.” The domestic interior is arranged around a fireplace, with a gabled roof with interior wood beams sitting on massive granite walls. According to Weese, “the permanent natural materials, the opaqueness, and the symmetry all [conspired] towards a civic, if informal character.”

First Baptist Church 1965, Harry Weese

Weese originally wanted First Baptist to be made of concrete … but the congregation insisted on brick walls and a slate roof. This could be considered a common thread through most of the design in Columbus. It was not the whims of one person supporting the architects’ intellectual projects, but rather real people employing architects and deploying architectural thinking as a means to improve their surroundings and meet their purpose.

Southside Elementary 1969, Eliot Noyes

Southside is the only building in Columbus designed in the High Brutalist style, with bold concrete forms that recall the public housing and postwar city centers around Britain, mainland Europe, and the Soviet Union.

Miller House and Garden 1957, Eero Saarinen

The Saarinen-designed Miller House served a dual purpose as the family home as well as a piece of social infrastructure that allowed [owners J. Irwin and Xenia Miller] to entertain out-of-town guests, including politicians, artists, musicians, business associates, and a host of other social contacts.

Pence Place Housing 1984, Charles Gwathmey

The destruction of low-income housing [contributed] to a housing shortage in the downtown area that has never truly been solved, although Charles Gwathmey of New York’s Gwathmey Siegel & Associates (GSA) completed two housing projects toward that goal: Sycamore Place, senior housing just blocks east of downtown in 1982, and Pence Place, HUD-subsidized housing in East Columbus in 1984.

Par 3 Golf Course Clubhouse 1972, Bruce Adams

Par 3 Golf Course’s clubhouse … has cedar siding with a shake roof reminiscent of the wood siding and supergraphics of Northern California’s Sea Ranch.

Fire Station No. 4 1968, Robert Venturi

Fire Station No. 4 continues to be one of the most visited buildings by tourists, but also one of the most misunderstood. In 1976, Venturi wrote a letter to the Visitors Center upon hearing that tour guides were refusing to show it and claiming that “the building is a joke” and “the architect was making fun of Columbus.”

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church 1988, Gunnar Birkerts

Comparing Lincoln Elementary and its neighbor across the street, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, both by Gunnar Birkerts, one can see the changes in American architecture from 1967 to 1988.

L. Francis Smith Elementary 1969, John Johnson

Smith Elementary is laid out in three concrete wings connected by prefabricated, corrugated metal tubes painted orange, yellow, green, and purple. As students move through the network of tubes and around the transparent courtyard, the choreography of the school day activates the courtyard and overlooking hallways.

The post Columbus, IN: A Place In Time appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.

Airplane food doesn’t have the best rep, but dining options at the Indianapolis International Airport are a whole other story. Here’s where to find some tasty local meals on the fly.

Main plaza (open to all)

Circle City Beer Garden

Thirsty? This Indiana-centric watering hole pulls craft pints from regional breweries and pours wine and cocktails accompanied by a selection of sandwiches, salads, appetizers, and breakfast all day. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.

Indiana Pacers Courtside Club

Root for the home team with a Boomer Burger named to honor the Pacers’ mascot. Even if there’s not a game to watch, you can admire the hoops-themed decor and memorabilia on display. 8 a.m.–7 p.m.

Nature’s Table

Fuel up—and feel good—for your flight with veggie-leaning choices such as wraps, filling protein bowls, fruity smoothies, soulful soups, and early morning–appropriate fare. 6 a.m.–8 p.m.

Concourse A (ticketed passengers only)

Bento Sushi

Counter service quickly satisfies cravings for California rolls, spicy tuna, and salmon sashimi with grab-and-go packaged options. P.S. There’s also ramen, gyoza, udon, and poke bowls. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., gate A11

Bub’s Burgers

When your stomach wants something familiar, it’s hard to go wrong with a flame-kissed cheeseburger, crinkle-cut fries, and a hand-dipped milkshake. Upgrade your appetite if you’re planning to tackle the one-pound Big Ugly. 6 a.m.–8 p.m., gate A11

Harry & Izzy’s

Nothing says welcome home to Indy like clearing out your stuffy sinuses after a long flight with a St. Elmo’s classic spicy shrimp cocktail. 6 a.m.–9 p.m., gate A6

Tinker Coffee Cafe

Get an early-morning (caffeine) buzz with a latte, nitro cold brew, or cuppa breakfast blend from this popular Indy-based coffee roaster. 4 a.m.–9 p.m., gate A20

Concourse B (ticketed passengers only)

Ben’s Soft Pretzels

Keep those restless kids occupied for a few minutes with a giant soft Amish pretzel. Or buy them the cinnamon and sugar-dusted variation . 5 a.m.–6 p.m., gate B7

Just Pop In!

Bags of the fun-loving brand’s signature caramel-cheddar Indy Style popcorn—or any of the salty, sweet, and spicy alternatives—make the perfect snack to carry on. 7 a.m.–8 p.m., gate B6

Shapiro’s Delicatessen

You’ll probably sleep through your entire flight after polishing off a Reuben, corned beef, or pastrami on rye stacked sky high (with extra pickles on the side, natch). 5 a.m.–8 p.m., gate B14

Sun King Tap Room

Flight delayed? Cool your jets and kill some time with a sandwich, a game on TV, and a friendly pint of Sunlight Cream Ale or Pachanga Mexican Lager. 7 a.m.–9 p.m., gate B13

This article appeared in the July, 2024 issue of Indianapolis Monthly magazine. Subscribe today.

The post The Best Drinking And Dining At Indianapolis International Airport appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.

STROLL ON THE wild side at the EXOTIC FELINE RESCUE CENTER in Center Point, Indiana. It’s home to 100-plus big cats (and a skulk of foxes) saved from bad situations, including a serval found walking the Las Vegas strip. The Summer Safari on July 20 features kids’ activities, local craft vendors, food trucks, and special tours.

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LAKE OF THE OZARKS may have gained notoriety from the Jason Bateman Netflix show Ozark, but you don’t need to worry about running into foul-mouthed, drug-running blondes. The real Lake of the Ozarks is more like a perpetual Jimmy Buffett song, only set in rural Missouri.

Here, life revolves around the massive lake. (How massive? More than 90 miles long, with more than 1,000 miles of shoreline.) If you’re not towing your own 22-foot pleasure craft, don’t fret; you can rent a pontoon or bass boat from the Alhonna Resort & Marina.

Anglers will want to plan a visit for September, April, or May, when the crowds are thin and largemouth bass—16-inch whoppers are not uncommon—and crappie are biting. If you’re a serious angler visiting for the first time, hiring an experienced guide for the first day can pay off nicely. Local fisherman John Neporadny, author of The Lake of the Ozarks Fishing Guide, is one of the most in-demand. Just don’t forget to buy your out-of-state fishing license.

During the Memorial Day to Labor Day high season, recreational boaters rule, zipping around and leaving huge wakes, pop-country anthems echoing throughout the coves. Dog Days is a popular spot to dock and grab a bite. The lakefront bar and grill with live music and two pools, one with a swim-up bar—and the site of the annual Canine Cannonball competition—can be a bit boisterous on weekends, but if you’re out for a good time, it’s hard to beat. When you’re ready to get away from the water for a bit, Lake of the Ozarks and Ha Ha Tonka state parks offer scenic hiking trails for all skill levels.

IF YOU GO

CAMP Lake of the Ozarks State Park has an RV-friendly campground with sites on the water. Boat rentals are available.

EAT Ozark fans should seek out the Alhonna Resort’s Blue Cat Lounge (the sign is a prop from the show) for its house favorite Italian Beef Roll and show-themed cocktails, such as Darlene’s Killer Lemonade.

LEARN MORE lakeoftheozarks.com

The post Traveler: Lake Life appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.

Who needs Provence? The lavender fields at DOLLIE’S FARM in Franklin are in full, fragrant bloom this month. Further enticements include prancing peacocks and u-pick sunflowers (in 10 colors) and mint (in six flavors). Bring a picnic and your dog; both are encouraged.

The post Day Trip: Dollie’s Farm appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.

IN LEXINGTON, Kentucky, horse country, hopping in the saddle usually means one thing. But Rail Explorers (175 Beasley Rd., Versailles, 877-833-8588) has introduced a fresh adventure that fits the bill. Its cherry-red rail bikes are custom-designed to cruise along railroad tracks, clankety-clanking through bluegrass pastures in Versailles, halfway between Louisville and Lexington. Choose between a two-person or four-person iron horse and pedal to activate the motor, which does most of the work as the carriage whooshes along the tracks for 10 miles round-trip. It goes fast enough on subtle slopes to put wind in the hair. Booze and snacks are allowed on board, as are dogs and babies. The latter tend to fall asleep from the gentle rhythmic rocking. You might see thoroughbreds in the fields en route to the turnaround point, where you’ll stretch your legs over a section of the Kentucky River gorge spanned by a rare S-shaped bridge and a historic trestle bridge. The low-intensity tour takes two hours, about half of which is spent on the move. In addition to daytime rides, Rail Explorers offers lantern-lit cruising at dusk when fireflies twinkle.

To trade the rails for trails, look for a riding stable, not to be confused with the 450 working horse farms in the area that cater to jockeys and prize stallions. Big Red Stables (1605 Jackson Pike, Harrodsburg, 502-330-8798) offers guided tours on gentle Tennessee Walking Horses across its lush, hilly fields, and you can add on a meditative grooming session to bond with your steed.

Soothe any saddle-soreness at The Kentucky Castle (230 Pisgah Pike, Versailles, 859-256-0322), a landmark hotel with medieval-esque ramparts and turrets. The luxurious destination has a spa, as well as a working farm where you can shear a sheep.

IF YOU GO

VISIT You might meet Triple Crown winner American Pharoah on a farm tour at Coolmore America, one of the most famous breeders in the area.

HANG OUT Feel daring? A cliff house is built into the rocks at Red River Gorge, accessed by a suspension bridge.

MORE INFO Stroll around the 113 acres of Castle & Key Distillery, home to a botanical garden, tasting room, and grand, restored buildings dating back to 1887.

The post Traveler: Joy Rides appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.

• Everyone gets free parking, sunscreen, soft drinks, and coffee. Yes, really.
• Remember: The park is cashless.
• Enter Splashin’ Safari via the Thanksgiving area rather than the main water park entrance for direct access to the rides.
• Grab free phone-find wristbands for the kids.
• Splurge on a cabana or loungers that come with mini-fridges and lockers.
• Pace yourself to make it to the evening Holidays in the Sky drone show.
• The best-value souvenir is a $7 mystery box in the gift shop next to the carousel.
• Consider an overnight. Adjacent Lake Rudolph campground has free shuttles to the park.

The post Unspoken Rules: Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.

• Turn off and tune in. These being modern times, a dedicated radio station will provide the movie’s audio. Don’t worry, your battery can take it. Probably.
• While fashionably late indoor moviegoers can use the “It’s just the previews” defense, not so for outdoor audiences, who should be parked and well into their Raisinets an hour before showtime. Nothing is more distracting than a tardy car crunching over gravel.
• If you plan to sit outside your car in lawn chairs (or if you don’t want to use your car radio all night), bring along a portable AM/FM radio.
• No van-spreading. Assume every drive-in movie is a sold-out show. Park inside your designated spot and pull forward. Even if you “accidentally” take up more than your share of space, an attendee will likely come by and make you correct your botched parking job—while everyone watches.
• Visit the snack bar. In this break-even business, it’s probably how the drive-in makes most of its money. And please, do not bring a grill.
• Lights off. This goes without saying, of course. But some newer-model car headlights automatically turn on at dusk when the radio is running off the battery. Believe us when we say it’s better to dig out that owner’s manual and find out beforehand.

ROAD SHOWS

Indiana was once home to scores of drive-in movie theaters. Though their numbers dwindled over the decades, a few relics still illuminate the Hoosier sky.

13-24 DRIVE-IN (Wabash)
Opened: 1951 | Screens: 1 | Tune in: 88.9 FM | Schedule: Open Thursday–Saturday

49’ER DRIVE-IN THEATRE (Valparaiso)
Opened: 1956 | Screens: 1 | Tune in: 88.9 FM | Schedule: Open daily

BEL-AIR DRIVE-IN MOVIE THEATRE (Versailles)
Opened: 1952 | Screens: 1 | Tune in: 105.5 FM | Schedule: Open Friday–Saturday

CENTERBROOK DRIVE-IN (Martinsville)
Opened: 1950 | Screens: 1 | Tune in: 94.3 FM | Schedule: Open Friday–Saturday

CINEMA 67 DRIVE-IN THEATRE (Spencer)
Opened: 1957 | Screens: 1 | Tune in: 93.5 FM | Schedule: Open Friday–Saturday

GEORGETOWN DRIVE-IN THEATRE (Georgetown)
Opened: 1951| Screens: 2 | Tune in: 95.1 FM (front screen), 91.1 FM (rear screen) | Schedule: Open Friday–Saturday

M.E.L.S. AT THE STARLITE (Thorntown)
Opened: 1946 | Screens: 1 | Tune in: TBA | Schedule: Open Friday–Saturday

MOONLITE DRIVE-IN (Terre Haute)
Opened: 2018 | Screens: 1 | Tune in: 101.5 FM | Schedule: Open daily

THE SKYLINE DRIVE-IN THEATRE (Shelbyville)
Opened: 1950 | Screens: 1 | Tune in: 89.9 FM | Schedule: Open Wednesday–Sunday

THE STARLITE DRIVE-IN (Bloomington)
Opened: 1955 | Screens: 1 | Tune in: 97.5 FM | Schedule: Open Thursday–Sunday

TRI-WAY DRIVE-IN THEATRE (Plymouth)
Opened: 1953 | Screens: 4 | Tune in: TBA | Schedule: Open daily

The post Drive-in Do’s And Don’ts appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.

STRATFORD, Ontario, happens to share a name with William Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon. So when the railway industry abandoned the town and hard times hit, a local journalist got a pie-in-the-sky idea: How about creating a theater festival? Many trials and even more errors later, the Stratford Festival launched in 1953 under a leaky tent with Alec Guinness as Richard III.

More than 70 years later, it’s grown into the leading classical theater festival in North America and a top Ontario tourist attraction. While Shakespeare is still central to the festival season, which runs April to October, the company of more than 100 actors can also be seen in new plays, revivals, and popular musicals produced in state-of-the-art theaters. This year, visitors can witness the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, the comedy of Twelfth Night, the tuneful Something Rotten! and La Cage aux Folles, and the world premiere of Salesman in China. And that’s not even the full lineup.

In between shows, take the fascinating Costume & Props Tour or head out and explore any of the manicured public gardens. Charming eateries abound. Seasonal, bistronomy-inspired creations emerge from the bustling kitchen at Bluebird Restaurant & Bar, where the Roasted Rutabaga Ravioli with fresh horseradish and parmesan and the “All Day Break- fast” Salad, laden with Ontario bacon, a poached egg, and duck-fat potatoes, are popular picks. Or slip into the lively Boar’s Head Pub, where you’re as likely to hear folks discussing plays as sports scores.

IF YOU GO

STAY For an elegant yet homey escape, The Bruce Hotel offers 25 rooms plus a cottage on 6 landscaped acres. Amenities include a spa and a fresh-cookie hotline.

COZY UP Going with a group? Book The Little Prince Cine-Lounge. With 13 seats, it’s the world’s smallest movie theater. Popcorn is made in small batches on-premises.

PLAN stratfordfestival.ca

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