Indiana attractions

Craft beer at Big Lug Canteen on Indy’s north side

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The Big Lug Canteen is located on 86th Street, a very busy area of Indianapolis. We were in the area picking up items from an online auction and decided to try a couple of local craft beer breweries. Big Lug is a unique place offering both great beer and good food.

Helles Lager

Brew Menu Board

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Busy Bar

Our tasty bar food

 

 

 

 

 

We were seated quickly, but the place was very busy, and more patrons came in while we were there. The beer menu, as expected, was quite extensive, and Sher and I both decided on the Helles Lager, ABV 5.3%, and IBU 18. (Our server recommended this selection.) A most delightful brew that tastes good and “goes down easy”.

Outside the Big Lug Canteen

Not wanting to drink on an empty stomach, we also picked some items from the food menus. Our son and Sher went with different versions of French Fries. I had the creamy potato soup. All were very tasty. It was easy to see why this establishment was so busy on a Saturday afternoon. Big Lug Canteen is part of the Indy Craft Pass, a group of over 50 breweries and wineries in (mostly) central Indiana.

 

 

Carmel Indiana’s Bier Brewery has great food and greater beer

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Carmel, Indiana is just north of Indianapolis and is known for its many establishments for eating and drinking. Recently our son drove us to a craft brewery named, appropriately, Bier Brewery. It is part of the Indy Craft Pass list of over 50 breweries and wineries in mostly the Indianapolis area.  You go, check in on a phone app and get points that you can cash for merchandise. A great incentive to check out reasonably close – by new places.

Main entrance, outdoor seating to left

Step up to the bar and place your order…

The Bier Brewery is located on the end of a nice strip mall. Getting there was something, as Carmel is known for all of the round abouts.  It was too cold for outside seating, and the roll up windows were of course closed. The bar is where you place your orders, either for drinks or food. Our bartender was a delightful lady.

Basket of fires and pilsner glass

Blue cheese burger and homemade slaw

Sher ordered a pilsner, while I chose an IPA. We both really enjoyed  our two choices. The menu for food was not very large, but anyone could find something to order. Our son ordered one of those huge fresh baked pretzels. Sher got a large basket of fries for all of us to share. The blue cheese burger and home made coleslaw sure went well with my IPA.

Maj’s IPA

We had a great time!

This establishment is quite an enjoyable place to have a beer and a light snack. There are comfortable chairs and sofas where we saw many enjoying quiet conversation with friends or working on phones or laptops. We enjoyed each others company, our drinks and the food. We also got free pint glasses as part of our Indy Craft Pass participation. Oh, and here is the link to the Bier Brewery website. Check it out sometime.

 

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical coming to Beef & Boards February 8th

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Beef and Boards 51st season continues with the Tony and Grammy Award-winning show Beautiful: The Carole King Musical opening on February 8, 2024 in Indy’s beloved dinner theater.

Marvelous music coming to B&B!

This production celebrates the life and musical legacy of Carole King, who wrote such unforgettable classics as “You’ve Got a Friend,” “One Fine Day,” “So Far Away,” “Take Good Care of My Baby,” “Up on the Roof,” “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” and “Natural Woman.” This is the inspiring Tony and Grammy Award-winning tale about the woman behind the music!

Beautiful headlines Beef & Boards’ 2024 Season and is on stage for 55 performances through March 30 in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. To see the complete performance schedule and to purchase tickets online, visit B&B website. Now is not too early to book your time to see this wonderful show. Tickets will no doubt sell out fast for this production.

 

Indiana has the most Carnegie libraries of any state

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Industrialist millionaire Andrew Carnegie gave over 40 million dollars to build over 1650 libraries in large and small towns across America. The State of Indiana received a total of over $2.6 million from the Carnegie Corporation. This led to a total of 164 library built in the Hoosier State from 1901 to 1922, more than any other state in the Union.

Front steps of the original structure, the plaque in the center of steps was a later add

Shelbyville is in the central part of the state, and its Carnegie Library was constructed early in the building program and held its grand opening on June 2, 1902. Like most all of the Carnegie structures, it included massive columns over the front entrance and an impressive large ceiling/roof dome. The columns were made with Indiana limestone.

The dome of the original structure is visible, with later additions in the foreground.

Over the years the Shelbyville Library has seen several additions and renovations. One addition more than doubled the size of the original library. Most recently an adjacent former furniture store was obtained and after remodeling it now houses the library’s Genealogy and History Departments, instruction rooms and computer labs. This library and branches have been a valuable part of Shelbyville and Shelby County’s community since 1902.

Menopause: the Musical at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre

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Menopause: The Musical, the hilarious and fun celebration of women and “the change,” has returned to Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre as the first offering in the beloved Indy theater’s 51st season.

Four new friends who meet at Bloomingdales in New York City and share their struggles with menopause sing “Stayin’ Awake” to the tune of “Stayin’ Alive”

Written by Jeanie Linders, Menopause, The Musical is set in a large multi floor department store, where four women from different backgrounds meet by chance at the lingerie counter. Throughout the show the cast continues to poke fun at their collective hot flashes, forgetfulness, mood swings, wrinkles, night sweats and chocolate binges.

The Earth Mother (Melanie Souza) performs her best rock star moves during “Thank You, Doctor” sung to the tune of “Help Me Rhonda”

The Professional Woman (Enga Davis), center, does her best Tina Turner impression as she sings “What’s Love Got To Do With It”

 

 

 

 

 

 

As the production progresses the gals develop a sisterhood by means of a series of parodies from the music of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. A remarkable and hilarious use of famous, well known songs, new lyrics and marvelous choreography treat the audience to non-stop laughter and smiles.

The Iowa Housewife (Nancy Slusser), who had hoped to improve her sex life, sings “Only You” upon discovering a new pleasure

The Soap Star (Kimberly Vanbiesbrouck) sings “Please Make Me Over” to the tune of “Don’t Make Me Over”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The all female cast is making its Beef & Boards debut. It includes Enga Davis as a Professional Woman, Nancy Slusser as a Iowa Housewife,  Melanie Souza as a hippie Earth Mother, and Kimberly Vanbiesbrouck plays a tv Soap Star.

Ultimately four new friends have “A New Attitude” about their changing bodies and lives.

Menopause: The Musical is now on stage through Feb. 4 in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. To see the complete performance schedule and to purchase tickets online, visit B&B website. This production is rated PG-13 for some adult content.

 

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” comes to Beef & Boards

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This recent press release from Beef & Boards was great news for musical theater fans everywhere: “With a crash of drums and a flash of light, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat takes the stage at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre starting Oct. 5. The Bible-based Broadway sensation was the first collaboration between composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice to be staged, and was nominated for seven Tony Awards.”

Joseph and His Brothers

This is not the first time patrons have enjoyed this production. Back in 2017 TJ Wessel had the title role of Joseph and he reprises it once again. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat features a kaleidoscope of musical styles, from rock and
country to pop and calypso. Songs include “One More Angel in Heaven,” “Close Every Door,” “Jacob and Sons” and “Any Dream Will Do.”

We’re looking forward to seeing this wonderful show this weekend! You need to plan your ticket purchases soon, as many performances are already close to sellouts.
To purchase tickets online, visit the Beef & Boards website. Tickets are also available by calling the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre Box Office at 317.872.9664 anytime between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday (from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays).

Grumpy Old Men brings hilarious comedy to Beef & Boards

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Accident prone Harry (Jaddy Ciucci) reacts in pain after a mishap

Long time Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre professional actors and directors Eddie Curry and Jeff Stockberger take the stage by storm in the currently running production of Grumpy Old Men: The Musical. Set in the cold climes of Wabasha, Minnesota, the story joins the decades long running feud between John Gustafson (Curry) and Max Goldman (Stockberger) that is ramped up when Ariel Truax, an alluring lady (played by another B&B favorite Sarah Hund) moves in across the street from from John and Max.

Ariel (Sarah Hund), center, fuels the feud between John Gustafson (Eddie Curry), left, and Max Goldman (Jeff Stockberger), right

Max and John both want Ariel, as it has been years since they lost their wives. Throw in John’s daughter (Logan Hill) and Max’s son (Jacob A Butler) and their love interest adds yet another layer to the plots and hilarity of the interactions of the people of Wabasha.

John (Eddie Curry) hooks a boot while ice fishing with (from left) Max Goldman (Jeff Stockberger), Chuck Barrels (Ty Stover), and his father, “Grandpa” Gustafson (Douglas E. Stark)

Among the characters in the town are General Store owner Chuck Barrels (Ty Stoyer) and his just arrived cousin Punky Barrels (Karen Pappas), an ornery and vindictive IRS agent Sandra Snyder (Devan Mathias) and Grandpa Gustafson (Douglas E. Stark).

Ariel (Sarah Hund) gives Max (Jeff Stockberger) a cup of tea as he struggles to maintain his balance in one of the funniest interactions of the performance.

Curry and Stockberger once again shine with their performances playing off of each other. The constant banter between the two characters is filled with hard hitting one liners. Their expressions are priceless and both fit the “Grumpy Old Men” label perfectly. Curry and Stockberger reset the bar high for Grumpy Old Men.

Ariel (Sarah Hund), top, celebrates her arrival to Wabasha, Minnesota

No review of Grumpy Old Men: The Musical would be complete without mention of Douglas E. Stark’s portrayal of Grandpa Gustafson’s highly animated monologs that give son John very explicit instructions on how to carry on with Ariel. Let’s just say that the multiple double entendre uttered combined with, ah, explicit gestures leaves nothing that Grandpa is saying to imagination.

His lascivious father “Grandpa” Gustafson (Douglas E. Stark), left, gives John (Eddie Curry) some encouragement and life advice by singing “Life Is All About Livin'”

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of Grumpy Old Men: The Musical, is now on stage through Oct. 1. This is the Indianapolis premiere for the show, which is rated PG-13 for adult language and content. Visit The B&B website for pricing and availability, or call the box office at 317.872.9664.

Ever get so full you bring half your food home?

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That happened to us this afternoon. We went to Bargersville, Indiana to try out a new brewery and restaurant we just recently discovered on our way to another attraction. Here’s what we found:

Outside the entrance and the patio seating

View of the bar, lots of taps here!

 

 

 

 

 

Posing with the Taxman

Three professional tax accountants, while working in Belgium, became enamored with Belgian beer styles. Thus began the story of Taxman Brewing Company located in Bargersville, Indiana.  From the Taxman website “We selected the Town of Bargersville for the home of our brewery because it reminded us of the small brewery towns we visited in Europe.”

A flight of four to sample

Delicious warm pretzels and dipping sauces

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crispy Brussel sprouts with feta, chilis, crushed almonds

Loaded smashburger, with good trimmings and double fried frites

A flight of four ales. Good stuff…

The Bargersville location is a comfortable place with outdoor patio seating and inside dining as well. The restaurant is family friendly, and has a large menu of farm to table choices. And of course you’ll have nearly 50 styles of beer from which to sample or buy. We had so much food that we ended up with 3 containers for our take home. Everything was absolutely scrumptious.  Service is near perfect and you really feel at home and welcome at this fun gastropub.

Current brews on tap and for sale.

A peek at the brewing tanks

 

 

 

 

 

The brewery has a capacity of 6000 barrels each year. Taxman self-distributes its brews across Indiana as well as offering them in the Bargersville’s restaurant and two other restaurants in Indy and Fortville. They brew a wide range of Belgian inspired ales, American farmhouse ales, Midwest saisons and has an extensive cellar program producing wine and spirit aged beers as well as sour, wild and funky ales.

Indiana claims more Carnegie libraries than any other state

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Famous 19th-century industrialist Andrew Carnegie donated over 40 million dollars that was used to build over 1650 libraries in large and small towns across America. Indiana received a total of over $2.6 million from the Carnegie Corporation. A total of 164 library buildings were built in the Hoosier State from 1901 to 1922, more than any other state in the Union.

The original structure, the plaque structure in the center of steps was added later

Shelbyville’s Carnegie Library was constructed early in the building program and held its grand opening on June 2, 1902. It was like most all of the other structures, including massive columns over the front entrance and a large ceiling/roof dome. Of course they were made with Indiana limestone.

The dome of the original structure is visible, with later additions in the foreground.

Over the years the Shelbyville Library has had several additions and renovations. One addition more than doubled the size of the original library. Most recently an adjacent former furniture store was obtained and after remodeling it now houses the library’s Genealogy and History Departments, instruction rooms and computer labs. This library and branches are a valuable part of Shelbyville and Shelby County’s community.