Clay
Township (Carmel)
With it's own
symphony orchestra and community theater, not to mention a gleaming
public library, art galleries that rival or surpass Indy's own, and
one-of-a-kind boutique shopping, Carmel is no longer just the premier
suburb of Indianapolis. It is emerging as a destination all
its own, all in perfect keeping with the city's plan to become a city
its residents have no cause to leave. A tightly structured
redevelopment plan for Carmel's core (dubbed the "Arts & Design
District") combines with other lures - such as highly ranked public
schools, meticulous streets and sidewalks, and a negligible crime rate
- to help Carmel evolve from a suburb into an independent edge city.
Carmel (originally platted as Bethlehem and renamed upon
incorporation as a city in 1874) was settled in the early 19th century
by Quakers. Later, wealthy Indy residents summered in
cottages along White River in what is now Clay Township, setting the
tone for Carmel as a moneyed suburb. And its connection to
"The Interurban", an electric railway that connected Carmel to the
cultural attractions of Indianapolis, helped define its growth.
But these days, Carmel is known for the culture and full-service
amenities it is building within its own boundaries. The new
161-acre Central Park has the daily draws of a skate park and a water
park, along with a fitness center that is downright chic.
Mayor Jim Brainard has an eye toward Carmel becoming an arts
destination along the lines of Chicago or even New York.
Within the next year or two, construction will be complete on
the Carmel City Center, a pedestrian-oriented 15-acre megacomplex with
a concert hall and a public theater, shops and restaurants, offices and
condominiums.
The
Best Bits:
Best Golf Course: With as many golf courses as Carmel and the
surrounding areas offer, it's hard to pick just one! However,
at a very affordable $2400 for a full membership, Brookshire Golf
Course offers well-kept greens, the friendliest staff around and a
challenging course that is oddly welcoming to the beginning golfer.
Best Burger: The cooler of beer on ice that sits by the
hostess stand makes the sometimes long wait at Bub's Burgers easier, as
does the ample opportunity for people-watching. Located
alongside the popular Monon Trail, visitors can opt to take on the
one-pound Big Ugly burger or the more reasonable quarter pound "Settle
for less Ugly".
Best Place for Fresh Produce: The Carmel Farmer's Market
fills the south parking lot of City Hall with flowers, edibles, live
music, cooking demonstrations and friendly vendors. It runs
every Saturday from May 31st to September 7th.
Best Butcher: Located in the very heart of the Arts &
Design District, Joe's Butcher Shop and Fish Market offers handmade
sausages and beef jerky, Indiana "Kobe" beef and ever-changing
selections of seafood. Joe himself is behind the counter most
days, ready to recommend a marinade or offer cooking tips.
Fast Facts:
Location:
The
town of Carmel is located in Hamilton County, immediately north of
downtown Indianapolis on highways U.S. 31 and IN 431. I-465
on
the southern edge of the city connects four major interstates, more
than
any other metropolitan area in the state. Carmel is
approximately
15 miles north of downtown Indianapolis.
Population:
Carmel has a
population of 37,733.
Recreation:
Carmel has 5 golf
courses, a
local theater group and symphony orchestra as well as numerous parks,
tennis courts, trails, basketball courts, baseball diamonds, soccer
fields, picnic areas, and children's playgrounds. The new
Monon
Center provides relief from hot summer days with a water park and skate
park outside and indoor pools, basketball courts and fitness center.
The Monon Trail winds through Carmel. Shoppers have
plenty
of opportunities in Carmel with the exciting shops in the Arts and
Design district and Clay Terrace.
Schools:
Utilities:
| Gas |
Water |
Electric |
| Vectren |
Carmel Utilities |
Duke Energy |
| 1.800.227.1376 |
317.571.2442 |
1.800.521.2232 |
| www.vectren.com |
|
www.duke-energy.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Telephone |
Cable |
Sewage |
| AT&T |
Brighthoutse |
Hamilton County Wastewater |
| 1.800.742.8771 |
317.972.9700 |
317.595.3140 |
| www.att.com |
www.indiana.mybrighthouse.com |
|
Public Services:
| Police |
Fire Protection |
Carmel Public Library |
| 317.571.2500 |
317.571.2600 |
317.814.3900 |
|
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|
|
|
|
| Carmel Chamber |
Post Office
|
City of Carmel |
| 317.846.1049 |
317.846.2489
|
317.571.2400 |
Newspapers:
| Carmel Daily Ledger |
Indianapolis Star |
Indianapolis Business Journal |
| 317.773.1210 |
317.444.4000 |
317.634.6200 |
