Anyone that has lived in this area for sometime probably knows about this "yummy" place downtown.  But if you are just visiting or new to Indianapolis, here's a taste bud adventure well worth checking out and you have a choice between downtown or to the Carmel location.  Either way, make sure you're hungry, there's several choices before you!  (Pictures taken at the downtown location.)Let me just share some of the pictures I took the day Paula Henry and I met for lunch.       For more information, please visit http://www.shapiros.com/.  If you are looking for information regarding the Greater Indianapolis Area, please visit http://cyndisellsindy.com/ for neighborhood, school and home info.  If you get a chance to drop by Shapiros, let me know what you thought about it, csloop@callcarpen... 07/04/2007

Indianapolis Monthly this month has a great article on going green, something we here feel fairly strong about.  They point to a few builders here in Indianapolis that are doing building that is better for the environment.  They pointed to two in particular that caught our eye.  The first was The Re-Development Group that is beginning a condo project on the east side of downtown that is using green materials and methods.  Another of the ones mentioned was CasaVerde which is building green residences in the King Park area.  This is really great to see projects like this going in Indianapolis considering our reputation as the backwater area of the country. From us here a couple tips that we have picked up on being a little greener: If you are going to install hardwood in your new home or ... 07/02/2007

Today's tour takes us to the fabulous downtown historic district of Herron-Morton Place.  Located near Central and 20th Street, you will find this home has been renovated to reflect the style and grace of it's 1900's era.List Price $250,00Features:3 bedrooms3 bathsLiving RoomDining RoomKitchenFinished Attic2 Bonus AreasAll the woodwork, floors, doors and wood windows have been refinished to reflect their original beauty.  Master Retreat has walk-in-closet and jetted tub with seperate shower.Also included is a Home Warranty and $2000 towards your choice in appliances.  ( Listing Agent is Tracy Pflum - CARP02 - Castleton Office.) If you are considering a move, please visit my website http://cyndisellsindy.com for more real estate information and homes searches.  Looking for a Buyer's Agen... 06/20/2007

Looking for a fun place to take the family for a swim?  Here's an affordable indoor water park located in Warren Township by Franklin & Raymond Roads.The aquatic center features two heated pools, a small slide for the little kiddies, the water geyser, a 150 ft. spiral slide, a 3 lane lap pool and a hot tub.       HOURSWednesday and Friday, 4-8 p.m.Saturday and Sunday, Noon-5 p.m.Closed Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.  For more information:8575 E. Raymond Street(317) 862-6876   You can also rent Indy Island on the weekends.  Times available listed below.RENTAL FACILITIES AND FEESWe have rental times from 5:30 -7:30 p.m. on Saturdays an Sundays.  Friday evenings will be available occasionally as well.   Please call us today for more information and to book your group.  Indy Island will h... 06/19/2007

It's been hot, very hot in Indianapolis the last few days.  So what do you do to keep cool and still enjoy the warm weather?Have you tried an evening's drive around sunset time over to the Geist Resevoir?  (Fall Creek & Brook School Rd.)  I enjoy taking a drive in the convertible.  It's cooler in the evenings, relaxing and beautiful.HINT:  You could also add a stop over at 116th street & Brook School Road at the Ritter's Ice Cream or maybe over at the McDonalds on Olio Rd.Either way, take some time to enjoy the view, spend time in your community and enjoy summer.Have a wonderful summer!Thinking of a move into the Geist Area?  Visit http://cyndisellsindy.com for more information on the Indianapolis, Indiana area. 06/16/2007

Whenever we purchase a house that we actually live in, we do and find things that will make our house a home that is uniqually "ours." I'd like to share the gift that Uncle Eddie and Aunt Laura Belle have given to family members and friends.  (While both of these wonderful people have passed, there's a reminder of them living at a few homes.)When moving back to Indiana, this couple wanted to bring a long something special from their Florida home.  While most of us would not consider Indiana or Michigan a place for a cactus Uncle Eddie and Aunt Laura Belle found out this plant would survive in this climate.Once their plant became established, they gave a piece of this plant to Bob's Mom who passed it along to me.  Each time I pass by my plant, these wonderful people come to mind.  And, I... 06/15/2007

Indianapolis Real Estate Pro >> Paula HenryPaula Henry is a real estate professional with RE/MAX Connection in Indianapolis, Indiana. Paula has a wealth of knowledge on her website about Indianapolis Real Estate. Paula has a philosophy that she calls "P3 Advantage", which stands for Proactive, Progressive, and Productive. Paula strives to be all three of these things when she helps clients - see how the P3 Advantage for Indianapolis Real Estate can help you! When many people think of Indianapolis, they think of race cars and the famous Indianapolis Speedway. The racetrack is not actually in Indianapolis - it is in the town of Speedway, Indiana. Speedway has a lot to offer in addition to the speedway. Paula's website has a page that is a great resource of information on Speedway Real Es... 06/07/2007

Mug-n-Bun Drive-In Restaurant       5211 W 10th StIndianapolis, IN 46224-6905                                                                            If you grew up in the 50s, 60s or 70s then you remember going to the drive-in hambuger stand for a frosty glass of rootbeer and some deep-fried onion rings.  Not to many of these places still exist today.  Fortunately, the Mug n Bun, located near Speedway on the the Northwest side of Indianapolis has some how survived.  If you're interested in a little nostalgia, dust off that classic car, load up the family and head on over towards the speedway.  Looking for more information about the Greater Indianapolis Area?  Visit http://cyndisloop4indyhomes.com. 05/30/2007

  Memorial day, not just another three day week end, it is so much more, thank you Veterans. As a Veteran myself I just want to say thank you to all Serving presently, and to those families that have loved ones that have fallen.  No words can express my gratitude for such sacrifices.  I had hoped after the VietNam War ending after eighteen years of fighting, we would not ever return to another war such as our present one in Iraq.  We are there now, I will support our troops and pray for their safety and pray for a safe return to their families.  Just wanted to share some information I thought interesting as well concerning our wonderful, yet a time of hurt, pain, and so much gratitude for our men and women in uniform, and those that had served not so long ago.Memorial Day is much more t... 05/26/2007

Oaklandon is located in Lawrence Township on the very edge of Marion County.  A few steps further and you would be in Hancock County - McCordsville, Indiana. After a six year court battle, Oaklandon was annexed into Lawrence Township, Indianapolis. In researching the Internet for the history of this community, I was able to find a PDF file at The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce website that gave some background about the Oaklandon Community. John Emery platted the village that was originally called Oakland.  When Germantown relocated it's post office in 1870, the name of Oaklandon was taken.  I understand this was to keep from having any confusion about another part of Indiana that had a town named Oakland as well.   (above-water tower)                                                     ... 05/21/2007

I just want to introduce my broker at Kirk Realty Group.  Her name is Shannon Wright, and she has over 10 years of experience in property management and real estate.  You can read about her at http://www.kirkrealtygroup.com/.  She has been able to juggle family life, three wonderful children, with a career in real estate.  She has been an essential part of getting our businees started.  She brings a lot of knowledge, and I just want to recognize her.  If you go to the website, you can go to links and resources, then to community info and events and find many links to the Fishers, Indiana area and the Indianapolis, IN metropolitan area.  If you would like to say hello to Shannon Wright or ask any questions about the Fishers, IN or the Indianapolis, IN metropolitan area, please contact he... 05/19/2007

Hi, my name is Russ Kirk, and I own Kirk Realty Group with my partner Shannon Wright.  You can see our company at www.kirkrealtygroup.com.  We are just looking to network with some good people, and we hope to develop some quality relationships.  We would love any ideas or suggestions for improving lead generation and website traffic.  We are working hard by staying involved and even walking some neighborhoods handing out fliers.  We are off to a good start, but we will always be looking to improve.  I look forward to hearing from anyone with ideas or anyone who needs help in the Indianapolis metropolitan real estate market. 05/16/2007

Irvington is a wonderful community that is located five miles east of downtown in the western edge of Warren Township.  Irvington was originally platted as an independent suburban town in 1870 but was annexed into the City of Indianapolis in 1902.  What made this area unique from other parts of Indianapolis was its winding and picturesque streets.  Its name being chosen because the area along Pleasant Run was reminiscent of Washington Irving's "Sleepy Hollow." It is interesting driving down the residential streets.  They are tree-lined and the street is quite narrow compared to today's standards.  The brick is exposed with just reminants of the tar that was once put over them.  (So they are uneven and bumpy in areas.  That just adds to the charm of this area.) Irvington is roughly boun... 05/12/2007

Indianapolis Area Featured In Northwest Airlines' World Traveler MagazineIf you fly Northwest Airlines in the month of May, the in-flight magazine World Traveler may make you a little nostalgic for home. The May issue features a 16-page spread about Indianapolis highlighting the city's cultural attractions, the Colt's Super Bowl victory and Hoosier entrepreneurial success stories. The magazine costs are underwritten by some local advertisers as well. World Traveler is read each month by more than 2 million business and leisure passengers. The article is available for online viewing at:  Indiananpolis Feature Articlewww.BrightSideTeam.com 05/08/2007

If you are looking for something to do this summer, why not visit some of the Indianapolis Area's Home & Garden Tours that will be taking place during the month of June.  While looking at beautiful gardens and homes, you will also have an opportunity to visit some of the various historic neighborhoods in and around Indianapolis.  Live on the North-east side and want something closer to home?  Visit Crystal Pointe Garden Walk.Crystal Pointe Garden Walk Crystal Pointe: 12512 Geist Cove Drive, 1 to 5 p.m. June 3. (317) 823-9537 or (317) 727-5023.Indianapolis Garden Club Garden Walk 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 6. Locations announced via mail to each ticket holder. $35. (317) 255-5364.Lifestyle Home-a-Rama Stonegate in Zionsville, June 9-24, noon to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday; 4 to 10 p.m. Mond... 05/08/2007

Fountain Square is located 11 blocks from downtown Indianapolis at the intersections of Virginia Avenue at Shelby and Prospect Streets.Now known as one of Indianapolis' oldest neighborhoods and the oldest commercial district in the state of Indiana, it has become a growing community for working artists.In 1835, Calvin Fletcher and Nicholas McCarty purchased a 264 acre farm that became the Fountain Square neighborhood.  In the beginning it saw limited growth and was primarily a residential neighborhood.  Then in the 1870s it saw substantial commercial growth by the large number of German immigrants that settled into the area.Citizen's Street-rail Company laid tracks down Virginia Street and also located a turnaround at the intersection of Virginia, Shelby and Prospect Streets in 1864 tha... 05/06/2007

As I mentioned before, this is my first spring in Indy and more importantly, my first May in Indy. I've come to find out that the month of May is a pretty big deal around here and it's not just because warm weather has finally come. It's all about the Indy 500.   The Indy 500 Festival is an annual lineup of events that run all through the month of May, leading up to the big race on Sunday of Memorial Weekend. I am not a huge a race fan, but I do enjoy following Sam Hornish Jr., because he is from and still lives in the small town in Ohio where I grew up. My dad even does HVAC and plumbing work at his house! But, even if you aren't a race fan, you become on during the 500 festivities. There are tons of events for all age groups, interests and fan levels. This year is also the festival's ... 05/03/2007

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Woodruff Place is another historic neighborhood located just east of the downtown area.  It's bordered by East 10th Street on the north, East Michigan Street on the south, Tecumseh Street on the east, and the eastern boundary of Arsenal Technical High School on the west.  It's just five minutes from downtown.It is a 128 year old community that sits on 80 acres.  Originally created by James O. Woodruff who laid the plans for a residential park in 1872.  Woodruff Place was one of the nation's first self-contained Victorian residential subdivisions.  Created to be a "small-town" w... 05/01/2007

steve dalton: Loyalism, here you go Steve Dalton, your challenge has been accepted!  Cynthia and Bob Sloop have decided to take on a challenge, to show us their favorite places to read and blog by shooting a photo ... together.  What a fun way to tour communities and have some fun as a couple. I've decided to take em up on that challenge and see if I can convince Julie to do the same.  You'll all notice that my current Avatar photo was Julie and I on our way to one heck of a Laui party a couple months back.  But it's just about time we get another photo ... blog style.Stay tuned! 04/30/2007

The Old Northside Neighborhood is another wonderful historic area of Indianapolis. Located between N. Meridian Road and N. College Road and 10th Street and 16th Street.  The northward movement from the downtown area of Indianapolis, started as early as 1840.  After the Civil War is when the Northside of Indianapolis saw substantial development.This neighborhood reached it's peak around 1914.  Home to many of the principal leaders of Indianapolis" social, political, commercial and industrial life, as well as the location of leading religious and educational institutions. Things began to slow down and decline for this area after World War I.  The large homes were often divided into small apartments.  Like many of the large-city older areas, by the mid 1970s, many of original homes were i... 04/30/2007