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Though holiday shopping this year will be a little different, it gives us a chance to explore unique gift destinations. Avoiding holiday crowds is a great excuse to seek out less-trafficked “diamonds in the rough.” that will communicate your resourcefulness and sentiments to everyone on your gift list. Note: Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, please verify hours of operations by contacting the businesses directly. 1. Half Price Books Books don't need to be expensive to be amazing. This new/used book dealer will buy your old books and let you convert the credit into new ones. Readers love browsing this shop for its unique selection and dedication to reading as a passion. They have the latest bestsellers as well as niche-interest and a great kids' section. You can also find video games, graphic novels, collectibles, and DVDs. Unique discovery: they have donated more than a million books to local charities. more 2. Take Root Country Store Prepare for your rustic inner child to appear. This house-turned-store has all the country-craft homespun seasonal items you could imagine. Scented mason jar candles and holly waft the air, and burlap sack stuffed animals and hand-crafted plush snowmen greet you. Distressed wood furniture and trees adorned with all manner of country-made ornaments will draw you in for a good holiday browsing. Even if “he” stays in the car while “she” shops, expect that he'll eventually venture inside when curiosity overwhelms. 3. The Woodshed Design and Boutique A homespun boutique featuring multiple artisans, this shop is named for the hometown fan section of their high school football field. Delightful finds include homemade candles, hand-sewn shawls, knit hats, and ceramics. There are separate areas dedicated to individual artists. Shop big and decorate a room or whole house, or just browse small with a hand-scripted pithy-quote mug or refrigerator magnet. Truly unique discovery: Glitter Chimp mason jars of beautiful glitter (yes, the sparkly stuff) for whatever occasion. 4. Silver in the City Every bit of modern-day cute, kitsch, and crafty witty is packed into this space. Caution: this is one of those stores where you'll get lost browsing all the wonderful, colorful, and clever items. Then you'll definitely buy something because you can't not. Laugh at the cleverest gift cards. Marvel at craftsperson mastery of paper sculpture in unique light fixtures. Ache to buy every piece of hippy-inspired jewelry and adornment. Treasured find: tiny wood-cut David Bowie earrings. Yeah, it's that kind of shop. 5. Christmas Tree Shops Be prepared: this is half holiday shop, half home goods discount retailer. You'll discover enough trees, wreaths, ornaments, and plush Santas to decorate a mansion for the holidays. Then you'll find enough discount-priced furniture, rugs, and wall hangings that you'll wish you had a second mansion for the rest of the year. Shoppers seek this store out to shop for Christmas, then get engrossed in the huge selection of everything else. Pro tip: grab a coupon flyer at the door for additional savings. These five favorite finds could be a single-day's marathon circuit (with lunch somewhere in the middle) or they could be spread out over five separate days. Either way, you'll need your car for the journey. Contact Tom O'Brien Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram today to see what kind of new ride might make this hidden-gem holiday tour even more rewarding. Image via pexels.com

In Greenwood, we are thankful to have so many amazing spaces for recreation, play, and spending time in nature. With more than 400 acres of park space that includes playgrounds, trails, and fields for sports and games, you are sure to find several parks that you love. 6 Great Parks to Visit in Greenwood, IN Northwest Park Spend some time with nature at this 12-acre park. Trees, woods, and open spaces await you in this natural setting where you can take an easy bike ride or walk on one of the trails or splash a little in the creek. A playground and basketball courts are also available for playtime. more Westside Park This is a great park by the main road, but you might drive right by without realizing its beauty. The majority of the park is back away from the road, and it is much larger than it appears. The park offers fantastic walking trails that families can enjoy together. There is also a playground and a dog park, so every member of the family will have a great time. City Center Park Head to this park when you have children to entertain. Kids will love the two large play areas, but the highlight of the park on warm days is definitely the splash pad. Parents will enjoy the shaded areas where they can keep an eye on the children as well as the easily accessible restrooms. Freedom Park Freedom Park is the place to be in any season. The 1.5-mile walking trail is easy enough for all fitness levels, and the park's large playground is a fun place for kids to run and climb. The Freedom Springs Aquatic Center is part of this great park as well. In the winter, the park becomes a key location for sledding enthusiasts. Grassy Creek Park If you are looking for walking trails, try this pretty space. This park is made up of 10 acres that include 5 miles of trails for walking and biking as well as grassy areas where you can run and play or just sit and contemplate nature. It's also a trailhead for the Worthsville Road Trail and the Central Nine loop. University Park This large park is always bursting with activity and has something for everyone. Large, open areas invite activities like outdoor games, kite flying, and running around. This space is also home to Four Paws Dog Park, Reflections Plaza Pavilion, and a fun playground with a forest theme. Parks are everywhere in Greenwood, and you will want to see them all. Visit us at Tom O'Brien Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram to see a wide selection of cars, trucks, and SUVs that you can use to get to all of our city's beautiful parks as well as other destinations around the country. Whether you need a large vehicle to carry your gear for camping and fishing or you are looking for a family car for excursions to the playground, we can help you find a reliable ride at an affordable price. Image via pexels.com

Driving through the roads of central Indiana gives you a great look at America's heartland - along with a chance to sample some of its hearty homestyle cuisines. If you're looking for the best Greenwood restaurants but don't want to have a sit-down meal, these five favorites offer you a cross-section of Indiana favorites that offer delivery or take-out during COVID-19. Stone Creek Dining Company A popular mini-chain available in Indiana and Ohio, this modern American bistro offers curbside pickup for those who want to enjoy their meal on the go. A full menu of appetizers, salads, pasta, seafood, and hearty meat entrees await those who pay a visit. Many entrees have a cajun twist, offering a bit of spice to old-fashioned favorites. more Yats Restaurant Greenwood has a rich cajun tradition, and you'll find hints of the cuisine across the town. But for a pure New Orleans experience, head to Yats to indulge in some of the region's old-fashioned favorites. Authentic gumbo and etouffee are always available, and their drunken chicken is perfect for those who want a heartier entree. Yats is currently open only for takeout, so make sure you get a portion of their red beans with smoked sausage along with your order - it's the perfect cajun breakfast if you have leftovers. Oaken Barrel Brewing Company This Greenwood hub for in-house brewed beers is the best place in town to drink responsibly, but if you're not in the mood for libations, it's also a great place to pick up dinner. A traditional menu of wings, salads, pizza, and burgers awaits, along with a selection of all-American and cajun entrees. Two standout entrees are the Claus' Sausage Sampler with four locally-made links, and the Hoosier Tenderloin sandwich - one of the best Indiana pork tenderloin sandwiches in the Greenwood area. Arni's Restaurant A local chain with a rustic vibe and a huge menu, Arni's is a great casual choice when everyone in your party wants something different. Their signature menu item is their personal pizza, which comes in over twenty varieties. It's even available for lunch as part of their low-cost lunch menu. Arni's offers takeout and delivery, which means you can customize a pizza with all your favorite toppings and have it arrive piping hot at your home or hotel room. KUMO Japanese Hibachi and Sushi Located in Greenwood Mall, this stylish Japanese steakhouse is ideal for a night out - but also has a full menu of options for those on the go, including curbside pickup and contactless delivery. They have a wide sushi selection if you'rem looking for a light lunch, but their signature menu item is their hibachi grilled meat and noodles. A Monday-through-Saturday lunch special lets you get a taste of the Hibachi at a lower cost and offers all the popular meats. Stop in for a satisfying lunch or dinner at one of these restaurants, but do remember to drink in moderation and never drink and drive. When you're done with lunch, visit Tom O'Brien Greenwood for all your Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram needs. Image via pexels.com

Beer is more than just a drink, it's a hobby, and a way to bring you and your friends together. If you're new to the area or just looking for somewhere different, we have put together a list of some great spots to hit up with your friends or family on your next free day. Here are five of the best places to grab a brew in Greenwood. 1. BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse is a great brewery that's attached to the Greenwood Park Mall. They have a full menu of delicious food along with a great drink menu and plenty of brews on tap. Try their Lightswitch Lager, the Brewhouse Blonde, or the Abbey Normal Quad. For dinner, check out the fresh Atlantic salmon, the spicy peanut chicken with soba noodles, or their delicious lemon thyme chicken. Find BJ's at 1251 U.S. Highway 31. more 2. Planetary Brewing Company Tap Room Fairly new to the area, the Planetary Brewing Company Tap Room deserves just as much recognition as the rest of our area brew houses. They offer a wide variety of drinks such as their new Solar Chocolate Oatmeal Stout and a delicious blueberry wheat beer. This space-themed brewery is a unique experience that you can't afford to miss out on visiting. The Planetary Tap Room is located at 188 S. Madison Ave. 3. MashCraft Greenwood MashCraft Brewing Greenwood has been an area brewery staple since 2012. Grab a pint of their popular Currantly Overwhelmed, Long Black Train, or their Easy Shuffle to enjoy. They also have classics like their IPA, Gold blonde ale, and their Red amber ale. Each of them is the perfect mashup of flavor, and the relaxed atmosphere is perfect for an afternoon visit. MashCraft is located at 1140 Indiana State Rd. 135. 4. Oaken Barrel Brewing Company With over 25 years of experience brewing beer, the Oaken Barrel Brewing Company makes some of the best brews around. They also have a great restaurant so you can make an entire evening out of it. Grab some of their Idaho Nachos, Cowboy Caviar, or Fried Pickles while you sip on your drink. Popular drinks include the Gnaw Bone Pale Ale and the Snake Pit Porter, which is a dark ale. Find the Oaken Barrel Brewing Company at 50 Airport Parkway L. 5. Hoosier Brewing Company At the Hoosier Brewing Company, you can grab some freshly brewed craft beer and even join in on the newest fad of axe throwing! Their newly built throwing facility is located inside of their taproom and makes for an interesting evening. Known for being a unique date night or night out with friends, this is also a great place to grab a drink. Some of their more popular brews are the Hercules imperial stout, the Coffee Blackberry Wheat, and the Lemonade Shakeup Sour. The Hoosier Brewing Company is located at 147 S. Madison Ave. On your next free afternoon or evening, head over to one of these great breweries for some of the best beer around. Grab some appetizers, play some games, and try almost any type of beer you desire. Image via pexels.com

There's no better way to start the day than with a fresh cup of coffee. Fortunately, there are several fantastic coffee shops in the Greenwood, Indiana, area where you can get your fix. And although we all may be inside because of COVID-19, here are some great coffeeshop ideas for when everything goes back to the way it was. BrickHouse Coffee Co. BrickHouse Coffe Co. is named after the historic 19th-century brick house that the roastery originally operated in. While BrickHouse has relocated to shiny new digs, it still prides itself on its old-world craftsmen approach to roasting coffee beans, even using a 1912 Royal #5 coffee roaster. This attention to detail shows in their coffees, espressos, and lattes. You can also enjoy pastries, cookies, and cupcakes from the area's local bakeries. During "happy hour," beverages are half-price. Be sure to purchase a bag of coffee or a package of Keurig cups to enjoy at home. If you're planning a special event, consider Brickhouse for your catering needs. more Coffeehouse Five When you visit Coffeehouse Five, not only can you enjoy a delicious cup of coffee, but you can also support a good cause. Coffeehouse Five contributes a percentage of its revenue to support addiction recovery and other mental health services that benefit the Greenwood community. Coffeehouse Five creates its americanos, doppios, and lattes using only the highest quality fair-trade coffee. Signature beverages include the peanut butter mocha, raspberry mocha, and maple caramella. If you're not in the mood for coffee, try the mighty leaf tea, chai latte, or spiced cider. Coffeehouse Five also serves a scrumptious selection of pastries and breakfast sandwiches. Strange Brew Strange Brew serves up delicious beverages in a fun and funky atmosphere, with works from local artists prominently on display. Popular coffee drinks include the white chocolate almond mocha, the hazelnut latte, and the peanut butter cup mocha. Strange Brew also serves a delicious selection of teas in flavors like raspberry, blueberry, and peach. You don't want to skip the vegan muffins and other pastries. You can also take home a bag of Almond Joe, Sumatra Dark, or Pumpkin Spice coffee to enjoy later. Strange Brew even has a bacon-flavored coffee that, while it tastes like the real thing, is a vegetarian product. 1823 Bakehouse 1823 Bakehouse believes that everyone should be able to enjoy its delicious products, which is why everything on the menu is gluten-free. The shop's coffee is brewed fresh with beans from area roasteries. 1823 Bakehouse also serves 80 varieties of freshly brewed tea. A breakfast biscuit sandwich, quiche, or cinnamon roll is the perfect way to start your morning. For lunch, try the turkey sandwich with cheddar and spinach, the egg salad sandwich, or the white bean chicken chili. If you have a sweet tooth, you don't want to leave without trying an almond pecan bar, espresso double chocolate muffin, or German chocolate brownie. 1823 Bakehouse also creates custom cakes and cupcakes for any occasion. As you can see, there is something for everyone at Greenwood's local coffee shops. No matter which one you visit, you're sure to enjoy a delicious beverage and friendly service that makes you feel like family. Image via pexels.com

Everyone wants tasty, good food. Whether you are a visitor or an Indiana resident, it can be helpful knowing where the best food in town is located. For starters, some of the most served food in the city includes smoked meat, seafood, and traditional soul food. However, if you are looking for something exceptional, you can try out the Mexican spots in Indiana. Let's look at the top four authentic Mexican restaurants to visit in the Indianapolis area for your favorite dishes. As a lot of our local community is currently quarantining due to Coronavirus, please call each of these restaurants to see if they are open for takeout. 1. On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina Are you interested in chicken fajitas, tacos, mesquite-grilled fajitas, or margaritas? Then On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina is the place to be. The chefs at this restaurant have what it takes to prepare exceptional Mexican meals. Additionally, the prompt and friendly waiters ensure that you are satisfied with hot meals. On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina is uniquely designed with comfortable seats and tables. The restaurant also offers catering and deliveries, making it easy to enjoy your meal outside of the building. Their top dishes include taco, enchiladas, fatijas, burritos, and chimis. more 2. Luciana's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina Luciana's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina is an excellent place to visit for the most carefully prepared Mexican meals. Apart from the kind waitstaff, the restaurant also has coupons. Today, Luciana's also offers catering for pick-up customers. Visit their website to see the branches that offer pick-up services and find the numbers to call for a pre-order. Some of the top dishes at Luciana's Mexican Restaurant include tacos, chicken fajitas, nachos, shrimp cocktails, queso, seafood, burritos, and enchiladas, just to name a few. The restaurant also serves other meals to ensure that they satisfy your appetite. 3. Margaritas Mexican Restaurant Margaritas Mexican Restaurant is a wonderful spot to host a party with your friends. The restaurant is super spacious with a great atmosphere for socializing. It also has beautiful decorations and the kind staff will make you feel at home. Some of the top items on their menu include nachos, beef, beans, chicken, queso, burritos, tacos, enchiladas, and quesadillas, among others. In the end, your kids will love the artwork in this restaurant, keeping them entertained while you enjoy your meals with friends and family. 4. Rosita's Family Pancake House Restaurant Rosita's Family Pancake House Restaurant is renowned for serving waffles, meatloaf, and patty melts that are soothing to the tongue. Some top sellers, however, include their taco salad, Caesar salad, seafood combo, steak, chicken, turkey, mozzarella sticks, and sandwiches. In addition to having interactive customer service, the place is also serene with a relaxing atmosphere. It's good to explore different food tastes by visiting different indigenous food types. Residents and visitors in Indianapolis have an excellent opportunity to explore the top Mexican restaurants in the area. Make sure to pay them a visit for some authentic Mexican food. Image via pexels.com

No one enjoys going to the park more than our furry best friends. It gives them the chance to explore, socialize with other dogs, and burn off some of their energy in a fun way. Those living in Greenwood, Indianapolis, are blessed with several great looking and well-organized dog parks for both the dogs and their masters to enjoy. Four Paws Dog Park (at University Park) This private dog facility is one of the best places in town to take your dog to. As opposed to free public parks, this one requires a $30 annual fee from its local members, but knowing that your dog will only socialize with healthy and vaccinated companions is well worth the money spent. The park stretches over one acre of land and all the off-leash areas are fully fenced, meaning that you can let your dog run free without worrying that it will stray or get hurt. more Not only do the off-leash spaces offer your dog enough space to run around freely, but they are also equipped with many agility items and obstacles. These will stimulate your dog a mentally and physically. There are also plenty of benches throughout the property, so you can have a seat and watch your best friend have the time of its life. Tracy Trail If you want to take your canine companion for a long walk, there's no better place in town than this one. The Tracy Trail is part of a larger project conducted by a non-profit organization called Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, that plans to convert all old and unused railroad lines throughout the country into hiking trails. It stretches from Summerfield Park to the north of Woodman Park, giving you and your buddy a great workout in a gorgeous decor. It's also paved, meaning that you can use a bicycle if you want to. Half Price Books There are places to take your dog to even if you don't feel like being outdoors or the weather doesn't allow it. Located close to the Greenwood Park Mall, Half Price Books is a fantastic place to spend a relaxing afternoon while browsing through large selections of books, music albums, and movies. Your dog will probably love it, as it gets to spend time with you, and you may find your next great read. Uncle Bill's Pet Center Open since the 1980s, this place started as a pet store but has evolved into much more than that. You can take your dog here to have it sniff different food choices and decide on its favorite, to choose a new toy, or simply to hang out with other canines. Besides the dog-friendly atmosphere and plenty of shopping opportunities for your dog, this place also has a great team of knowledgeable professionals ready to assist you and answer your questions. Dogs are truly wonderful creatures that deserve our love and attention. If you want to reward your buddy for its loyalty, taking it to any of these places will surely make its day. Image via pexels.com

Keeping children engaged during their free time can be a difficult task for parents that don't plan ahead. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, it is important to find out the best areas for them to have fun and learn new things. If you live in Greenwood and its environs, here are some museums and attractions you can visit with your children. The Children's Museum If you are looking for a wholesome learning experience for your family, then a trip to the Children's Museum is a must. The museum has created experiences that transform families and children that visit the facility. Young families that visit the museum get to explore a variety of exhibits that are both indoors and outdoors. They also get an opportunity to enjoy the sports experience in different parts of the facility. Whether your children enjoy the arts, world cultures, natural sciences, physical sciences, or history you will find an activity in the museum to keep them engaged all day. more Indiana State Museum The Indiana State Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the state and interact with various exhibits. The museum admits members and non-members at a fee, allowing them to explore its various departments. They offer family-oriented activities that are designed for children aged three years and above. Some of their childhood programs include colors & shapes, storytelling, space exploration, and classes on plants. Kids also get to join the Little Learners program that is comprised of learning about animals in Indiana and participating in art programs. Older kids can be part of the Young Explorers program that gives them an opportunity to join Create with Color and/or Astronauts in Training. Cool Creek Nature Center The nature center is a perfect combination of playground activities and nature trails that families with kids can explore. The center has an interactive walking trail that leads to the nature center. Children can have fun as they walk on the trail which has various games such as hopscotch and educational options. Inside the nature center is a wide array of turtle and tortoise species that will be intriguing to most children. It also has a bird-watching area that allows kids to spot different bird species using binoculars. Also, they have learning stations that include coloring and staff giving information on the importance of preserving plants and animals in their natural habitats. Kid City Indoor Play Space The Kid City Indoor Play Space offers kids an opportunity to explore and interact with other children. It is located within the Greenwood Community Center and is designed for the benefit of young families. Besides active play, the two-story space offers opportunities for children to learn about science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) education. The kids also get to ascend on the Lucky Climber, which is a climbing sculpture. All around, the play spaces are construction and engineering areas that keep children of all ages busy throughout the day. Ultimately, Greenwood and its environs make raising young families easier with its different museums and attractions that are ideal for family-oriented activities. Image via pixabay.com

When the kids are home for summer vacation, there's plenty of fun to be discovered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Plan your next fun-filled activity this summer with our guide to some of the best family-friendly experiences in Indy. Holliday Park Holliday Park is your traditional, gorgeous outdoor park with a unique twist. One of Indy's oldest parks, it's graced by a set of ruins that are perfect for exploring. The 94 acres of beautiful open space also offers a nature center, an arboretum, and 3.5 miles of scenic hiking trails, all without ever having to leave the city. The Family Creek Stomps is scheduled for Sep. 1, 2019, and allows you and your family to get up close and personal with local nature and wildlife. Holliday Park also hosts other public events throughout the summer months including summer concerts and artistic workshops, so make sure you check the schedule for upcoming events. more Family Nights at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis The award-winning Children's Museum of Indianapolis offers hands-on entertainment for children of all ages. The museum offers $4 entry for children on the first Thursday night of every month. Buy your tickets online to skip the line in person! The museum also hosts free admission days on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, El Día de los Niños, and Christmas Eve. There's a reason that the Children's Museum of Indianapolis has been voted one of the 10 coolest museums in the world. Children will enjoy the interactive exhibits like the Dinospehere and the Fireworks of Glass. The playscapes within the museum are also perfect for children to burn off some energy. Conner Prairie Interactive History Museum The Conner Prairie Interactive History Museum is both educational and entertaining, expanding across over 800 acres of land. You and your family will enjoy the historically-themed attractions within the museum including a Makesmith Workshop, the Lenape Indian Camp, and numerous animal encounters. You can even take a hot air balloon ride on the 1859 Balloon Voyage. Children will also enjoy imagining and playing on the Treetop Outpost, a four-story treehouse with exceptional views of the land below. Sunset Cinema on the Canal Outdoor movies are the perfect way to enjoy nature in a relaxing, laid-back atmosphere. Every month in summer, Indy Film Fest and Downtown Indy Inc. host a movie showing along the canal at the north end, near the Admiral Spruance Basin on 11th Street. Lawn seating is free so bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic baskets. Adults can rent a tube and watch the film while floating along the canal. The movie showings start at dusk, usually around 9 pm and you can enjoy movies like Days of Thunder and Grease. Grab some food or a cold drink from Thomas Caterers to enjoy with your movie. Whether your family enjoys an outdoor movie or an indoor hands-on educational experience, there is plenty of family-friendly fun to be had in Indy this summer. Load up the family this weekend and enjoy these memorable attractions. Image via Flickr by Eric Fredericks under use of CC BY-SA 2.0 /cropped from original

With the world moving at a faster pace than ever before it's easy to forget that relaxation is an important part of any well-balanced life. No matter how busy your schedule is, visiting a day spa from time to time will relax and rejuvenate you while improving your appearance and health. There's a wide variety of great day spas to choose from in and around Indianapolis, Indiana. Studio 2000 Salon & Day Spa A spa's interior design plays a significant part in its ability to relax and unwind its visitors. Located in the Circle Tower Building in downtown Indianapolis, Studio 2000 features a perfectly preserved Art Deco interior, considered by various historians and architects to be the best original example of this fascinating decorative style left in the entire world. After operating for 60 years as a men's barbershop, it was updated and expanded in 1989 and fully transformed into a complete day spa in 2000. Their services cover everything you expect from a complete day spa, from typical salon hair and nail styling to facials, chemical peels, massages, and many more. Visitors often choose both relaxing and beautification services, leaving the spa healthier, better looking, and relaxed. more No. 7 Salon and Spa Also located in downtown Indianapolis, No. 7 Salon and Spa is one of the top spas in town, with excellent professionals that are committed to offering each customer a special experience with every visit. They offer all the regular spa services, such as massages, body and face treatments, waxing, nail work, or hair styling and they specialize in wedding and other special events. If you have a special moment in your life coming up and want to look your absolute best, this is the place to make it happen. Allure Lashes & Laser Day Spa As the name suggests, Allure Lashes & Laser Day Spa's most popular service is their eyelash extension jobs. Their highly trained technicians will make sure each customer receives the best possible service available, with quick and great looking results. Just because they focus on eyelash extensions doesn't mean their other services are sub-par, on the contrary. They also have everything else you'd expect from a day spa, like facials, massages, and waxing services, with everything done at the same high standards of quality. Cloud 9 Spa and Hair Salon One of the best-rated day spas in Indy, Cloud 9 Spa and Hair Salon offers a full range of spa services and hair treatments, for both men and women. From a simple haircut to a full day of treatments and massages, this place will have you looking and feeling brand new. They are also affordable, as they offer a variety of package deals that enable you to get what you need at a special price. Visiting a day spa is more than just a way to spoil yourself from time to time. Spending a few hours at any of the establishments listed above will leave you refreshed, better looking, and more relaxed, giving you a new perspective on life. Image via Flickr by Thomas Wanhoff under us of CC BY-SA 2.0 /cropped from original

Asian food is delicious. Whether you like Asian fusion, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, or Thai, you can enjoy your favorite Asian food at a great nearby restaurant. Here are the best Asian restaurants that you can find in Indianapolis. Rook Rook is an Asian fusion restaurant located at 501 Virginia Ave. in Fletcher Place. It's a unique restaurant that combines the flavors of China and the Philippines. While there are many wonderful menu items worth trying, some items stand out as crowd favorites. This includes pig face hash, spam buns, and the Galbi rice bowl. If you're unsure of what to try first, the friendly staff members can make appropriate recommendations of their favorites. more Asian Snack Located at 3605 Commercial Drive in the back of the Saraga International Market, you can find authentic Chinese food unlike what you would expect from everyday Chinese takeout restaurants. At Asian Snack, the portions are generous, and the restaurant is known for its spicy food. If you order something that indicates as spicy, be aware that it will likely be a spicier menu item at Asian Snack than at a different Chinese restaurant. Try the lamb soup noodle, guo tie, mapo tofu, griddled fish slices, or sauteed pork kidney. The restaurant does offer some takes on Americanized Chinese classics that you'll recognize, but try to be adventurous and try something new to you that the restaurant is known for. Phan's Kitchen Phan's Kitchen is located in the Washington Square Mall at 10202 E. Washington St. Even though it's a mall location, it's well worth visiting. The restaurant serves a mix of Laotian, Vietnamese, and Thai foods. Many of the menu items are lighter than other Asian dishes without giving up any of the flavor. You can find are Thai-inspired salads, such as green bean salad, papaya salad, larb, yum neau, and soups such as thom gai. Seoul Fresh For a delicious Korean restaurant, Seoul Fresh is located in Circle Centre Mall in the Wholesale District at 49 W. Maryland St. It serves up Instagram-worthy dishes that you'll want to eat over and over again. One of the customer favorites is the bulgogi asada bowl, which has an over-easy egg on top. Pho 21 No list of the best Asian food would be complete without a place to get pho. Pho 21, located at 8134 E. 21st St., has Vietnamese-inspired pho, noodle dishes, and bubble tea. The restaurant serves generous portions of pho, which is made with fresh ingredients and adornments. Plan on having it with the jasmine milk bubble tea, which is a popular tea among the restaurant's regulars. Indianapolis has an active restaurant scene. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to try out everything that's available and to know when new restaurants open. This list can serve as your guide to trying out new restaurants that have already been vetted by other customers who love the flavors, atmosphere, and delicious Asian cuisine. Image via Flickr by City Foodsters under use of CC BY 2.0 /cropped from original

Barbecue is a tradition going back for generations, and everyone has his or her own cooking methods. Every region has its own specific style, too, which makes it fun to travel and try each one. You can find good barbecue almost anywhere that you go, and every option is delicious. Indianapolis has a long history of having great barbecue options and lots of barbeque places to try. If you're looking for great barbecue, here's a look at the best barbecue in Indianapolis, IN. Dick's Bodacious Bar-B-Q One of the places you should start at is Dick's Bodacious Bar-B-Q. Dick's is located at 50 N. Pennsylvania St. and is a quick walk from just about anywhere downtown. Dick's has many of the traditional barbecue options but is best known for its ribs. In addition to its meaty entrees, Dick's has a wide assortment of sides and specials available. Craft beer specials are on rotation to keep new things coming in regularly. If you can't get down to Dick's, then order online and have it delivered. Dick's also caters private and corporate events. more City Barbeque Another good option is City Barbeque. There are several City Barbeque locations in the city. City Barbeque is known for having a good all-around menu, with brisket and burnt ends being top sellers. The sides come in generous portions, and you can fill up on a few of them. The best part of City Barbeque is that it smokes everything on-site. That way, it locks in the fresh smoked flavor. Squealer's Barbeque Grill Squealer's Barbeque Grill is an award-winning choice for barbecue in Indianapolis. It wins awards every year for its high-quality and flavorful barbecue. You can choose from traditional barbecue options or take advantage of the new take on barbecued foods. The street tacos are a great option if you want something quick and easy. There are also specials that change every month so that you always have something new to try. North End Barbecue and Moonshine The North End Barbecue and Moonshine is located at 1250 E. 86th St. near Evergreen Avenue. In addition to classic barbecue dishes that it serves up fresh for lunch and dinner, the restaurant offers a whiskey education program where you can learn about how each type of whiskey is distilled and its history and tasting techniques. North End Barbecue and Moonshine also has two private dining rooms. Some customers rave about the Texas-style brisket, Memphis baby back ribs, and the pan-fried catfish sandwich. If you don't know what to order, these menu items are a great place to start. Barbecue is an iconic American tradition that's typically found in the South. With such great barbecue restaurants right here in Indy, you can enjoy those smoked, grilled, and basted flavors without much of a drive to get there. All the barbecue restaurants on this list have their own take on the American classic. You just need to figure out which one is your favorite barbecue joint. Image via Pixabay