There's no better feeling than the breeze running through your hair as you ride along the Monon Trail on a warm summer day. Here are some of our favorite stops on the locally famous, paved bike trail. (Don't worry. Netflix will be there later.)
Start out a sunny Saturday bike ride at the Carmel Farmers Market! The market is open from 8 - 11:30 in the morning every Saturday. Enjoy fresh vegetables & fruits with various treats all sold by local vendors.
Eat breakfast at this old gas station that's been converted into a hopping 1950s brunch spot, complete with a jukebox, formica tables & plenty of kitsch.
No morning is complete without a warm, delicious caffeinated beverage. Luckily, Perk Up has you (and your dog - it's pet friendly) covered.
For your sweet tooth, Rene's Bakery makes incredible macaroons and tons of other delicious baked goods. If you're packing a picnic for later, grab a loaf of fresh baked bread while you're there!
If you need an extra boost of energy, espresso and donuts at General American Donut Company pair perfectly together! Located in a modest building with a cozy interior, General American Donut Company handcrafts its donuts fresh every day.
Bicycles need upkeep, especially after a winter long hibernation. Stop by the Bike Line (who specializes in Trek Bicycles and believe "you don't have to be a professional rider to enjoy professional-quality equipment") for any and all of your bike needs.
Don't miss Just Pop In! for a snack of gourmet popcorn in flavors you'd never imagine possible (like hot wing & ranch or Smoking Goose Caramel Bacon + Cheddar).
Looking to do a little antiquing or thrifting? You'll find all kinds of treasures at SoBro Vintage Market, or at Indie Arts & vintage Marketplace. You might need one of these to carry all your goods!
Is it lunch time yet? For light, healthy and locally grown fare, try Locally Grown Gardens (a community-focus market and eatery) or Public Greens (an urban cafeteria and microfarm from Patachou).
If you want something a little greasier, Bub's Burgers offers the famous "Big Ugly" burger. Eat this one-pounder to get your picture on the wall, and all the bragging rights that come with it.
Or, if you want to try something a little outside the box, check out Mudbugs for authentic cajun fare.
Enjoy your meal outdoors! If you decide to take your lunch to-go, or if you thought ahead and packed a picnic, head to the scenic Meadowlark Park or the serene Kawachinagano Japanese Garden.
When happy hours calls your name, check out Festiva for a full menu of margaritas, wines, quart beer and more! Festiva is the place for fresh flavors guaranteed to change the way you think about Mexican food.
If you need a nice, cool treat during your ride, stop by BRICS and order from over 30 ice cream flavors. We recommend the 64th St. Special!
As the sun starts to go down, a beer is never a bad way to wind down for the evening. Union Brewing and Half Liter BBQ are both are situated just off of the Monon and offer great local brews!
After a long day of riding, a good dinner is always a must. Matt The Miller’s Tavern has an extensive menu with options for anyone - and a great beer and wine list.
If you or your friends are vegetarian or vegan, the perfect dinner spot is Broad Ripple Brewpub. Vegan fish & chips, pizza and more are offered, as well as some of the best scotch eggs in the city.
If you’re looking for a more upscale dinner option, check out Brugge Brasserie. With 12 styles of mussels to choose from and 12 dipping sauces for the hot, tasty frites...you can’t go wrong!
Or maybe you're craving pizza for dinner! If so, Bazbeaux Pizza is the perfect spot to park your bikes and sample a variety of pizzas dishes! There's even an option to create your own pizza, and gluten-free crust is available upon request.
What's not to like about a hot chocolate bar? That and tasty desserts are just a part of the diverse menu at Gallery Pastry Shop! Pair a glass of wine with a European-inspired pastry, and you've got the ultimate dessert destination.
Head out to The Center For The Performing Arts in Carmel for shows that are sure to delight. With an amazing selection of plays, ballets, and concerts, there's always an event worth checking out!
Did we miss something? We'd love to hear your thoughts, ideas, submissions! Email us at [email protected]
