I'd long been curious about Penzey's Spices, a national chain with one Indiana location that…read morehappens to be in the Castleton area. Tonight, I had a little time before a nearby film screening and decided I would finally drop in. First off, I instantly loved the vibe of this strip center location that's not too far down from Trader Joe's. This location is pretty solidly accessible with nearby accessible parking, appropriate curb-cuts, and a layout that I had almost no difficulty maneuvering. In case it's not obvious, Penzey's Spices specializes in spices. They also offer online ordering (free shipping with $49+). I have to admit I'm no expert when it comes to spices. I'm also not the most adventurous eater due to a fragile system. However, I've been venturing out of my comfort zone lately and I got lots of ideas from my visit to Penzey's. I have no idea how many spices they carry. It's a lot. I found the prices quite reasonable. I found items that I thought "I want to try that" and I mostly found the prices at such a good point that I would be willing to give it a try. Of course, some are more than others. That's life. Employees were friendly. The overall energy of the place was light and hopeful. They also offer gift boxes, trial bags, and accessories. However, when it comes down to it this is really a spice store and boy do they have amazing options. I believe in terms of corporate that Penzey's is based in Wisconsin. I'm just grateful they're here. They add such a spark to the Castleton area, and they seem perfect as a companion to the nearby Trader Joe's. It took me way too long to get here. It won't take me that long to get back.

If you Love to Cook and Cook to Love then this is your go to spot for your spices…read more It seems like every spice I try, regardless of if it is complex or as simple as garlic powder, it taste better than any of the other brands. Just pepper alone they probably have a dozen different flavor variations. We have over 80 spices in our pantry. Some of our go to are Frozen Pizza, it takes a Jack's frozen pizza to the next level. Others are Sandwich Sprinkle, Tuscan Sunset, Mural of Flavor and California Seasoned Pepper to name a few. If there isn't a location in your town you can always mail order from their website.

I love this place, plain and simple. The fact that they are an independent business and have been…read morein business for 50+ years is amazing in this challenging small business economic climate. They have endless rooms chock full of everything I want and can't find in other stores. The organic produce is fantastic, the vegan and vegetarian options are infinite. The upstairs has Birkenstocks, soaps, oils and even ceremonial grade matcha tea sold by weight. Since I have found Nature's Market, I feel like I can finally call Indy home.

Helpful, knowledgeable and friendly staff will have me going back. Having what feels like a…read morepersonalized experience is why I prefer shopping local! It makes a difference!!

Scott and Daph know there products!!!! Wonder people to work with. If you have questions they can…read moretake care of you. I recommend everyone to to them for all of there hot sauce and pepper needs

From the owner: Our business specializes in hard to find unique gourmet items. Anything from hot sauce, bbq sauce,…read morerubs, spices, wing sauce, jams, jellies, and more from all over the world.

Good Earth is such a gem! It's one of my favorite places to go for all things natural and organic…read more They have an amazing selection of organic foods and medications--they really care about high quality products. But honestly, what keeps me coming back is their tea selection. It's incredible. Whether you're looking for something herbal, energizing, or soothing, they've got it all. A couple of years ago, I bought a pair of Birkenstocks here (yes, so random but they have an entire selection), and I learned so much about them. The staff was super knowledgeable, helping me figure out the right fit and style. Good Earth is like target. Always leaving with more than you came for.

I came in here once a few years ago and didn't buy anything. Now that I've evolved into someone who…read moreappreciates food as fuel and aims to consume primarily real, whole foods, I absolutely loved this shop. I saw so many products that are top quality - ones that are free of chemicals, dyes, preservatives, etc. that's in most foods you find at your typical grocery. I spotted great brands such as Real Salt, Nordic Naturals, Braggs, Evolved, and more. I also loved that they had a huge wall of natural kids medicines and homeopathy. When our baby was sick, they were hard to find at any of the big stores and I'm so grateful that they carry them here, as I don't want to give any dyes or harmful ingredients to such a small little human. They also have some local produce (saw the beautiful mushrooms), local GF bread (yay, Native!), local honey, local Tinker, Limelight, and Blue Mind coffee beans, and more. So many great options that will make your body feel amazing. They have rows of herbs, nuts, berries, spices, and more that you can help yourself to, or pre-made bags too. This time around, I picked out a little Four Sigmatic organic matcha latte mix and one of the new Bragg apple cider vinegar drinks (just organic apple cider vinegar and lime juice). It was soooo good and a great way to balance blood sugar with a meal. I'll be back for sure! The only reason why I knocked off a star is that you want the employees to match the mission of the shop. There was someone smoking a cig in the back parking lot, a girl at the counter that was slumped over on her phone, and a man walking around not smiling. This is already a dimly-lit, slightly-worn shop, so you want the people inside to be the ones breathing life into it by sharing about new products, health benefits of existing ones, and answering any questions. They didn't seem approachable, which I think is important for a store with so many different products that people will probably have questions about. Thanks for bringing and keeping these healthy options in the neighborhood!

Three cheers for Apricot Sun! From their best-selling zaatar spice blend to their individual frozen…read moremeals, hummus and assorted spreads, there's a healthy, Mediterranean option for everyone. They sell their goods on their website and deliver them to your door, or you can order through Market Wagon or pick up their zaatar at most local shops around town (full list on their website). The owners, Marlen and Robert, are incredibly sweet, hardworking and smart. They're often set up at the Broad Ripple Farmers Market if you want to pop in and say hello yourself. Hailing from the country of Jordan, Marlen brings her family's recipes to the States in a modern, health way. My favorite frozen meal so far is the Eggplant with Beef meal, and the turkey meatballs look great as well. I ordered on a Monday and got it hand-delivered at my door by the owner that Friday. Great service! The hummus is delicious and so far, I've used the zaatar as a topping for my meatballs and to top off my hummus and naan snack. It's unlike anything I've ever had and I love discovering new combos!

We recently used Apricot Sun for an event we had and everything went over really well from out…read moreattendees. The owners are extremely friendly and passionate about their product. It is a pleasure working with them and I am looking forward to having them back soon.

Pro: An absolute must for backyard grillers, flavor aficionados, and masochistic "heat seekers"!…read morePepper Palace holds a large bounty of seasonings, rubs, bbq/grill condiments, salsas, and hot sauces. Personal favorites include the honey habanero BBQ sauce, honey chipotle rum sauce, spicy venison seasoning, and yellow scotch bonnet hot sauces. Add to that some great service from associate Kerrick (aka "Dude") and it's a superb place to stock up for your pantry. Con: There is no meat available to put the sauces on. Bring some wings! :) Bottom Line: Roast your tastebuds in a delightful way!

I had to buy Hazel's bloody mary mix because that's all the store had. This stuff is just gross…read more Tasteless and it's like drinking vomit, thick and chunky. I don't understand the amazing part, because it's anything but, and I def don't understand the rating. This stuff is flat out nasty.​

One of my favorite local businesses just opened a storefront on Rangeline and 126th! While I…read moreoriginally met them at the Carmel Farmers Market years ago, they've exploded in growth and I'm so happy to have a storefront shop just in time for the holidays. Hot sauce stocking stuffers, anyone?! I eat popcorn every night, so when I discovered that they had a popcorn seasoning, I was sold. The seasoning has paprika, salt, pepper and a few other spices that stick to the light oil on the popcorn and make for the BEST snack. I also put it on avocado toast and also use it as a rub for any kind of meat. Most recently, I got one of their hot sauces to try (there's one that is SUPER hot and one that is more flavorful than spicy). Come visit owner Dave at this new spot to get some awesome stocking stuffers, corporate boxes, or Bloody Mary mix for Christmas morning. Enjoy!

Happened upon this business at Yelps Totally Bazaar this month. Great group of people working the…read moreevent. Very enthusiastic about the product and a percentage of proceeds went to Joys House. Love when local businesses give back! Purchased the Cajun rub. We're always on the look out for the spicy seasonings. They were a hit and this was a very popular booth. Excited to check it more of their spice blends!

Artastery was at the Yelp Elite event, "It's Neat to be Elite!"... they were serving pulled pork…read moresandwiches with their spices and they were delightful! The two gentleman working the table were also very polite and accommodating. I really like that they put their sign right on the table so we knew exactly who they were! Very nice setup and delicious! Will definitely recommend and buy spices in the future!