Tired of the winter cold, and looking for a close to home luxury retreat? I was! In just two days I'll have you living the luxurious lifestyle in a boutique hotel that will take you back in time - enjoying brunch in downtown treasures, sipping cocktails in the city center, making customized candles, devouring sweets at "2020's Best Placed for Dessert", and being rooftop at sunset. You may be wondering how it's possible to experience all of these activities in just two short days, but that's what I'm here for; let's jump right on into it!
Day 1 @ 1:00 PM: Baby's: 2147 N Talbott St, Indianapolis, IN 46202 <-- providing you addresses along the way to easily use this as your one and only guide!
Before checking into our luxurious retreat for a fun girl's weekend, Charlene and I first made a stop at Baby's: which is an Instagramable burger and milkshake shop that was absolutely delicious and so affordable! What used to be a previous drag-show venue, was turned into an old-time inspired diner with a modern twist. For everything I'm mentioning, you can follow along LIVE in my IG Story Highlights to check out what I ordered and some behind the scenes for when you plan your trip! As for the food, Char and I ordered the double smash burger (yes the double was necessary and so worth it, lol) and the talbot street fries covered in bacon, cheese sauce, white BBQ, and with a kick of jalapeños (no joke you need to try these). Since Char and I had to try it all while we were on this trip, we each started with a milkshake. My flavor of choice is strawberry with sprinkles (pictured) while she went for the seasonal white chocolate peppermint. Then, we both finished off with some of their specialty cocktails, the Bye Felicia (lol) and Eleganza.
Day 1 @ 3:00 PM: Hotel Carmichael: 1 Carmichael Square, Carmel, IN 46032
When I say it feels as if you are in the heart of France, and not in Carmel, Indiana, I am not embellishing. Never have I experienced such a complete and luxurious Midwestern hotel; luxury is truly at your fingertips everywhere you look!
As pictured above, the architecture and design on the exterior of the hotel already lends itself to such a luxurious feel, however, it maintains those same lavish traits on the interior. As you enter the hotel, you are greeted with glowing chandeliers, pops of velvet furniture, live piano music coming from the Adagio Lounge, and the most welcoming staff. You won't want to miss the daily 4:00 PM champagne toast in Adagio Lounge - where live music is played on the grand piano featuring the Great American Songbook; cheers!
Whether you're looking to travel for a girl's getaway as we did or are looking for a romantic retreat, the suites are perfect for your every want and need. To see a full LIVE tour head to my IG story highlights or click here. Char and I stayed in the Presidential Suite that you will see pictured below, but all rooms will have the same architectural awes, illuminating chandeliers, and topped off with many marble features and gold accents.
When entering The Presidential Suite, you're welcomed down a long, hardwood hallway leading to the first of two bathrooms which then connects to the dining room - an area surrounded by natural light and city views that has enough seating for six. The dining room was ideal for ordering in take out given the space and comfort. The dining room then leads you to the living room. The stately living room allowed Char and I to unwind, have Alexa turn on some classical music, and truly soak in the entire experience.
Just off of the dining and living room spaces, this suite also offers two private balconies. The first of two offers the most breathtaking view of the Carmel City Center's Palladium at the Center for Performing Arts where live performances and concerts are held. Brace yourself for this view, as you'll now understand why it feels as if you have traveled to France (while being in Indiana).
The magnificence of this suite also carries into the King bedroom offering much needed rest and relaxation. Below you'll see Char and I cheering to an amazing girl's weekend, with the oversized leather headboard as a backdrop and under yet another chandelier in the suite. Proceed to the bathroom, and you'll quickly notice this isn't your average hotel bathroom (you may have noticed, nothing in this hotel is anywhere near "average"). You'll feel as if you are in your own personal spa behind the double paneled doors with a clawfoot soaking tub, encased glass shower, marble counters, and gold accented mirrors (truly bathroom goals).
Day 1 @ 7:00 PM: Thieves: 915 Broad Ripple Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220
After some R&R in our suite, we headed off to Thieve's which is a new craft cocktail lounge in the Broad Ripple area - a fun cultural district just north of Indianapolis with a care-free vibe. It is lined with excellent eateries, happening clubs, and local breweries. We loved the smaller, more intricate feel of the cocktail lounge; it made for the perfect way to catch up over some cocktails! We both started with a French 75 (a personal fav of mine), and then finished with "The Influencer" (we had to, lol) and "The Booba" - both of which were so tasty! As they say at Thieve's, "Now We Sip Champagne When We Thirsty". Cheers!
Day 2 @ 10:00 AM: Unplug Soy Candles: 12550 Promise Creek Ln Suite 108, Fishers, IN 46037
Believe me when I say there is no better way to start your day than at the aesthetically gorgeous Unplug Soy Candles with the absolute sweetest staff. I cannot begin to explain how beyond beautiful this candle shop is from head to toe; every corner of this shop is truly Instagramable. I may have gone in thinking I would just make one candle, but I left making two and buying another because these are by far the nicest candles I have ever owned; give me all of the light and airy lavender and prosecco scents! Everything from the 100% soy wax, the most premium fragrances with maximum scent, 100% cotton wicks, and the fact they burn 60% longer absolutely sold me. And, they are much cleaner than the standard lead candles on the market. I brought home a pre-made hazelnut coffee scented candle and just by setting it out in my kitchen, it already smells like fresh brewed coffee all day long!
We did open-pouring hour, which is available Monday through Saturday during specified hours, and we chose from 18 fragrances and over 75 unique vessels to truly curate the candles of our dreams. We truly crafted our candle from the very beginning to the end from mixing the fragrance oils to our liking, pouring the wax in our chosen vessels, and placing the wicks. Another thing I found so neat about Unplug was how the vessels you choose can either be brought back so you can create another candle at a discount or you can repurpose them into plant holders, jewelry holders, or so much more; love the sustainability and mission!
P.S. If you are going during the weekend, I recommend getting there right at 10:00 AM before it gets busy!
Day 2 @ 12:00 PM: Gallery Pastry Bar: 110 S Pennsylvania St Suite B, Indianapolis, IN 46204
In the heart of downtown, just across from the arena where the Indiana Pacers play, this European styled pastry shop and eatery is such an eye-catching and hip spot for brunch. If you've been following along with me for awhile, you know I love myself a good brunch spread, so I'm always seeking out the next brunch treasure and this right here impressed. This place is, dare I say it, instagramable. You can't pass up the Mai Tai in the cutest mermaid mug and the cinnamon french toast topped with fresh berries and bee honey; make sure to checkout my IG Highlight reel to see it for yourself!
Day 2 @ 3:00 PM: Cake Bake Shop: 799 Hanover Place Suite 260 Carmel, Indiana 46032
Every fairytale dream you may have ever had comes to life at The Cake Bake Shop. Just steps away from the front doors of Hotel Carmichael, you enter fairytale land as Char and I would say. The shop is lined with endless lights, white decor, and seasonally decorated greenery. As soon as you walk through the french doors, you'll be greeted with endless sparkling chandeliers, a swan (perfect for photo ops), sweet smells of freshly baked treats, and the friendliest staff dressed to charm. You can either dine in to enjoy a meal, or simply pick up a delicious treat for an afternoon delight. A three tiered red velvet cake and an assortment of macaroons were our choice. When a bakery is voted to have "The Best Cake in the USA" and has been featured by Oprah, you don't skip out on stopping in!
Day 2 @ 6:00 PM: 3UP: 201 W Main St, Carmel, IN 46032
Within short walking distance, and located in Carmel's vibrant Art and Design District, you'll find the upscale rooftop lounge 3UP. Three floors up, with a swanky open air rooftop and high-end dining interior, you'll be lounging by fire-pits, watching the sunset over Carmel, sipping specialty cocktails, devouring savory treats, and wanting to document every part because of how fun the vibe is. I had been once before, celebrating my cousin's bachelorette party, and we had the most fun girl's night so I had to go back once again! We started off with the buffalo baked chicken dip (we both agreed this was the best chicken dip we've ever had) and a Flora Y Fumo each; make sure you check out my IG highlight reel to see them lit on fire. Next we shared the rosemary Parmesan fries, also a definite must! I highly recommend getting to 3UP right before the sun sets so you truly get the full experience in one night. Cheers!
Day 3 @ 10:00 AM: Vivante French Eatery: 1 Carmichael Square, Carmel, IN 46032
Be our guest, be our guest! In Beauty and the Beast fashion, let's head to brunch! You won't have to make your way far on day three, just to the first floor of Hotel Carmichael where you'll find Vivante, a French Eatery, which was the perfect (and most delicious) way to begin our final day right before check out. The delicacy, and true luxury, that you have seen throughout the entirety of the hotel also carries itself into Vivante where you will be surrounded by mirrored walls, chandeliers, and royal touches of blue throughout. Our full spread started with a delectable latte and mimosa and ended with steak and eggs, french toast with fresh berries, steel cut oats, and quiches of the day (when we travel it's a must to truly try it all, lol).
Day 3 @ 1:00 PM: Daniel's Vineyard: 9061 N 700 W, McCordsville, IN 46055
The final stop on our Indy tour was full of sipping, savoring, and repeating, the perfect way to 'wine down'. In Char and I's words: sip, sip, hooray! This family owned winery, that specializes in making some of the most delicious red and white wines, is just a short drive east of Hotel Carmichael. Voted to have the "most Instagramable wall in Indiana", come prepared because you're going to want to take many photos! We started off with a wine tasting trying their in-house made Syrah (a dry, but sweet red), Sauvignon blanc, No Ruff Days Rosé (because we love a good rosé here), and a traminette (a semi-sweet white). We paired back the charcuterie board and Margherita pizza with our wine, and I can't think of a sweeter way to cheers to the end of an amazing trip. I'm already looking forward to coming back, and seeing Daniel's Vineyard during harvest season where the lot will be covered with endless bunches of grapes being prepared to be made into wine. Also, they host weddings and events with gorgeous spaces to rent so if you're looking to host an event you'll definitely want to check them out!
Now, where am I jetting off to next? See you back here next month, planning your next travel!
XO,
Hanna Rose
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