[1] Divvy
Prepare to share at this small-plate eatery, serving pretzel breadsticks with bacon jam, and buffalo sliders. 71 W. City Center Dr., Carmel, 706-0000, divvycarmel.com.
[2] Holy Cow Cupcakes
Kids enjoy drawing on the white board that covers part of one wall as much as they love a cupcake stuffed with cookie dough. 61 W. City Center Dr., Carmel, 571-1500, holycowcupcakes.com.
[3] Eggshell Bistro
With its vintage charm and inventive brunch items, Eggshell made our best new restaurants list, along with Divvy. 51 W. City Center Dr., Carmel, 660-1616, eggshellbistro.com.
[4] Uber Boutique
One of the most visually inspiring shops in town, Uber’s uptown location might have cool-again leather fanny packs one day and vintage Danish chairs the next. 31 W. City Center Dr., Carmel, 564-5638, uberboutique.blogspot.com.
[5] Nature’s Karma
Every item in Nature’s Karma represents a local source or an environmentally friendly seller—and often both. 711 Veterans Way, Carmel, 843-9999, natureskarma.org.
[6] Authentic Sports Collectibles
For gifts and game-room decor, this shop has everything from Colts pens to team-specific bricks and locker-room chairs of yore. 715 Hanover Place, Carmel, 554-9906.
[7] Brides of Carmel
Posh and cozy, this appointment-only shop carries wedding gowns from Alyne (Design by Rivini), Alfred Sung, Marisa, Nicole Miller, and Pattis, plus black-tie frocks. 731 Hanover Place, Carmel, 844-1780, bridesofcarmel.org.
[8] Addendum Gallery
After originating in Carmel, Addendum moved to Broad Ripple several years ago. Now it returns to its roots with a second location of tabletop luxuries from Jonathan Adler and Michael Aram. 736 Hanover St., Carmel, 564-5979.
[9] Mangia! Italian Restaurant
Summer will bring al fresco dining to this spot for Northern Italian fare. 751 Hanover Place, Carmel, 581-1910, mangiaitalian.com.
>> COMING SOON
A Hubbard & Cravens concept with wine, beer, and a juice bar; local favorites The Bike Line (Editor’s Note: now open) and Jack & Jill Children’s Shoppe; Matt the Miller’s Tavern from Columbus, Ohio; and Indiana’s first location of make-your-own-body-scrub emporium Bath Junkie.
Photos by Tony Valainis and Brandon Bowen
This article originally appeared in the May 2012 issue.