How an Irvington witch has the best day ever in Indy
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Photo: Courtesy of Lisa Ellingwood
If you ask Lisa Ellingwood, the best day of the year in Indianapolis is the last Saturday in October.
The big picture: Ellingwood is a member of The Black Hats Society of Historic Irvington, a group of theatrical witches who dance and perform at events throughout the year.
- The highlight is, of course, the one that happens on their home turf — the annual Historic Irvington Halloween Festival, where the society hosts a Cackling Contest.
Zoom in: Basking in the glow of last weekend's festival, we asked Ellingwood how she'd spend the most witchin' day ever in Indianapolis.
🥐 Breakfast: Café Babette, the Garfield Park bakery that specializes in French country pastries.
- Pro tip: Ellingwood says it's the best bakery in town, but pre-order is the way to go to avoid lengthy weekend lines.
🌺 Morning activity: The Garfield Park Conservatory, a botanical garden filled with tropical plants, just a short walk from Café Babette.
- "I could just sit on the bench by the waterfall for hours," Ellingwood said. "I also love that I learn something new every time I visit."
🫔 Lunch: "Mexican food has always been one of my favorites, especially tamales," Ellingwood said. "Tlaolli has a fabulous selection of tamales year-round, including vegan options."
- The east side spot was recently named one of the best taco spots in America and is back open after before forced to close temporarily due to vandalism.
🧙♀️ Afternoon activity: The Historic Irvington Halloween Festival, obviously.
- "It's the best day of the year in the city," said Ellingwood, who participated in both the parade with the Black Hats Society and the cackling contest. "It is so inspiring to see everyone's costumes."
🍔 Dinner: Kuma's Corner, the heavy-metal themed diner "that has the best burgers in town."
- "My partner and I try to visit at least once a month to try their monthly burger special," Ellingwood told us.
🫦 Evening activity: The Irving Theater for its monthly midnight showing, complete with a shadow cast performance, of campy cult classic "The Rocky Horror Picture Show."
- "Costumes are always welcome and encouraged," Ellingwood said.
- You can even get a prop kit from the theater, with things like rice to throw during the wedding and a newspaper to keep you dry during the rain scene.