While I've talked a lot about my recent journeys through Hendricks and Putnam counties, I've not…read moregiven as much time to my frequent trips through Speedway on the way to my parents' home following my father's death. I'd seen the Speedway Artist Collective multiple times as I pass 16th and Lynhurst just about every time I make my way to US 36 (Rockville Road). The Speedway Artist Collective is a permanent program coming out of the Mars Hill Arts Center. MHAC has the mission of encouraging, supporting, and promoting local artists by giving them a place to sell their works. The founders of MHAC are from the Speedway area and have been committed to really promoting Indy's west side. Located in the end spot of a small strip center, Speedway Artist Collective is open limited hours. It's a non-profit shop featuring art from local artists. Speedway is obviously a racing-centered community, however, you can find much more here than racing themed items. The art has a diverse price range and you can easily find affordable art that also supports local artists. There are also classes here and I kind of fell in love with the "Free Little Art Gallery" out front (think "free library" but with art!). I might be exaggerating a bit to go 5-stars here, however, I don't think I am. I love the art work. I love the vibe. I love the community. I love the fact that you can introduce yourself to local artists and snag some art for the home. The sidewalks have curb cuts here. there's street parking alongside the building. You can enter through a single glass door that's level to the ground. Yes, there's a lot inside, however, I found it immensely workable and worth the effort. Given the limited hours, I'd be sure to check that they're open (hours may vary with special events). However, once I was finally able to stop in I fell in love with this little gem in Speedway.

Nonprofit shop full of affordable artist creations, including t-shirts, pillows, paintings, etc…read more Owner is very welcoming and knowledgeable about Speedway history and lore. My sister loved some coasters, but there were only 3 left. The owner called the artist and arranged to have more made to my sister's specifications. Above and beyond!

I was very pleased with with the service provided by owner, Gena…read more I needed a Bible embossed for my granddaughters birthday. The service was quick and professional. You can make an appointment easily on the website and sit down with Gena to review exactly what you want. You can pay with cash or credit card, with a very small fee for CC.

Gena does a fantastic job engraving. She can engrave on anything at very reasonable prices.read more

The woman at the Martinsville Candy Kitchen suggested I try this place just a couple of doors down…read morewhen I asked her if she sold candy dishes. Sure enough I found what I was looking for. This store is a hybrid of antique store, gift store and a flea market booth. It has a wide variety of items and many different rooms of them. The shopkeeper found a glass dish with a lid made in green glass. It works perfectly for my use and looks antique which is not what I was originally looking for but makes it even better. This store, Candy Kitchen and the Come N Get It restaurant have really opened my eyes to the downtown area of Martinsville. I'm sure they are more discoveries waiting for me.

I love this store and if you're going Primitive with your decor Berries and Ivy will show you how…read moreit's done. Street parking is available and sometimes limited but worth the effort. As I entered the shop I felt a warm, cozy, relaxing feeling take over. The beautiful mixture of colors, the fragrance of the candles, the textures of the throws, fabrics and accent pieces felt like a big hug. I have a great friend who has mastered the primitive decor and her home is second to none. She has an eye for decorating and her home feels extremely welcoming like Berries and Ivy. The owner and staff are helpful, friendly and open to questions. Whether your looking for accent pieces, a new settee or the perfect gift their willing to help. Candles, lighting, throws, furniture, rugs, crocks, florals, signs and so much more will hold your interest throughout the shop. Regardless of your home decor, I recommend a visit to Berries and Ivy. You'll walk away with great ideas for your home or great gift ideas.

This is one of those shops where they have a little bit of this and a bit of that. There were some…read morecards, and candles, some young girl clothing, lotions, etc. And they have a lot of toys and games, particularly Melissa and Doug brand. They also have a small room where they have tables set up for parties, generally for kids to celebrate, sometimes including craft projects. I would consider this shop targeted towards women and small children. If you like shopping local and supporting small business, then stop on by this shop located right along US 40 downtown. Review #3751

This is my first visit to this brand new gift shop and I'm really impressed. These ladies have had…read morea few gifts in their cafe for a while but now they have expanded to a location in the building behind their wonderful yummy cafe, Grace Place. Don't expect it to be large, it is only one in room, but they expect to have local artwork on the walls soon and might possibly consider expansion at some time in the future. For a little shop though it has some charming items and yes, it was hard for me to get out of the shop without buying something for myself. (I succumbed!) One of my favorite things about this shop is they are selling items made by local artisans. I love not only shopping local but supporting local people. Quilted items, maple syrup, jewelry etc. There is one issue, however, and that is parking. It is very limited but if you find the parking lot full then take advantage of on-street parking. Just don't park in spaces intended for nearby businesses. Not cool.

Cute shop in lovely Madison, IN. I was a little disappointed not to find any Irene Dunne-related…read moreitems here, since she was from the area. I was ready to buy a little something to celebrate my visit there to honor her, but the merchandise here is more generic and not all that specific to the area. Nonetheless, the store was clean and had some cute items.

While it's the Chautauqua Art Festival that draws thousands to the quaint riverside town of Madison…read moreeach autumn, it's businesses and proprietors of shops like The Floating Cow that invite visitors to make Madison a go-to place any time of year. The Floating Cow, in particular, is loaded with variety and charm.

A super cute store with lots of fun items! They have a wide variety of clothes and gift items as…read morewell as kid items. Worth a visit!

Cute but pricey stuff…read more We stopped in when we were walking around this cute area of Bloomington. Very welcoming and inviting. We were greeted immediately by the employee at the counter. We browsed and chatted with her. I touched all the luxe looking items and wished my bank account was fatter. We left without buying anything but having feasted our eyes and certainly *wanting* things! I am sure to stop in again when I am back for my semi-annual trek to the town!

Great fairly small store -- has lovely gifts-for-women merchandise. I can find unique things…read morethere, including some clothing, costume jewelry, small figures, hilarious refrigerator magnets, beautiful hand towels and other home items. I love this store!

If you are looking for something different for a gift, Gretel's is the place to visit. There is a…read morewide variety of items in which to select the perfect gift! Also, the service is excellent from when I walkEd into the shop until I left with my wrapped gift. I also tend to "need" something for myself, but don't tell on me!

From someone who loves her pups and wants them to be in the best possible health, I highly…read morerecommend this business. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable--answered all my questions and gave solid advice. The store stocks so many choices and was spotless. If they don't carry something and you want it, Cassandra will hunt it down for you, even if she can't get it for you and you have to buy it elsewhere. They also provide other services like training, boarding and dock diving. It helps that they are long-time, well- respected, breeders themselves. So glad to have a place like this locally. Just go there and check it out!

From the owner: We are a family owned independent pet supply store in Mooresville, Indiana. We specialize in raw…read morefood for dogs and cats. We carry several raw lines including Titan, Heartland, Steve's Real Food, Instinct and Albrights. We also have Victor, Forza10, Next Level, Inukshuk, Redbarn, PetKind, Bil Jac frozen & treats. We also carry supplements, treatments, toys, and RuffLand kennels. Stop by for natural treats both frozen raw bones and various dehydrated and freeze-dried goodies. Your dog will love you. Our store is pet friendly, so bring your critters. If you have questions about raw, we have a knowledgeable staff of dog-loving dog people to help you.