One of the things that makes Fishers so great is it’s appeal to all kinds of lifestyles.
It’s true, Fishers is full of young families with kids to entertain and parents looking for a night out. But what about when those kids are all grown and have flown the coop? What about all you empty nesters who have free time and want to get out and have fun? My very cool and very social parents have helped me piece together a ton of their favorite activities to help fill your schedule!
I present to you: Dane and Trish’s Empty Nester’s Guide to Fishers!
My dad wakes up early. Like super early. Every morning he scouts events and activities taking place around town. He uses the Fishers Facebook page, the Fishers Chatter facebook group, and the Think Fishers Magazine to find any fun things to plan their weekend around.
One Saturday a month they attend the Fishers Farmers Market. They love going for breakfast so they can try a few different baked goods or local vendors selling breakfast sandwiches and coffee. The fresh produce from local farms is the highlight for my dad. He especially loves those super plump Indiana tomatoes for making BLTs.
My mom is a yogi, tried and true. She frequents Flourish Yoga and has even gone through teacher training there. Flourish is a woman owned local business with a variety of classes to fit every need- beginner, advance, even prenatal classes! They also host special event nights often for a fun evening out. Check out their virtual classes as well, if you prefer to practice from home.
In the same plaza, you will find Abby Adams, a locally owned boutique that carries super cute and modest clothes and accessories with a boho flair. They also have bath and body products, a little pet section, and some killer clearance deals. It’s a great place to spend some girlfriend time post-yoga or pre-lunch!
Just across the parking lot from there is another great family owned business called Moody’s. Here, you can find high quality meats, seafoods, and deli items. My dad stops in once a week to select a few proteins to plan their meals around. They carry free-range chicken, grass-fed beef, and fresh, never frozen seafood. Locally made pantry items, craft beer, and high quality deli items round out their offerings. My parents never stop raving about their Faroe Island Salmon- it’s a must try!
My parents love getting outdoors. My dad usually hikes a few times a week by himself, while my mom uses hiking as an excuse to catch up with her girlfriends. They use the Trail Map found on the city’s website to check new locations off their list. It’s a great way to get outdoors and experience nature, whether you prefer to go it alone or bring along a friend.
Or maybe you prefer to spend your nature time at the golf course with a drink in your hand. Golf has been a hugely popular pastime this summer, given the way our world has changed. It’s a great way to spend the afternoon, either as a couple or with friends. Fishers has a ton of fantastic golfing options: Hawthorn’s Golf and Country Club, Grey Eagle Golf, and Ironwood Golf Club are a few of my dad’s favorites. If you prefer a “dinner and drinks” or nightlife version of golf, check out Top Golf for a very entertaining evening.
Speaking of dinner and drinks, my parents love eating out with friends. I swear, there isn’t a restaurant they haven’t tried! Louvino is a great option for a romantic date night or anniversary. They offer small plates for dining, but are known for their wine flights, with which you can pair a cheese flight for a little extra panache. Mexican is always a crowd pleaser and Verde is far and away their favorite spot in town. Who can turn down street tacos and house made margaritas?
Having traveled through Italy recently, my parents love authentic Italian food and Sangiovese is the place to find it. The waiters provide incredible service and really know their specialty cocktails. If you’re looking for dinner with a view, they recommend Wolfies at the marina. You can sit out on the patio and watch the boats while you dine. There’s something about eating on the water that makes for an incredible experience! So, call up a few friends and have them meet you at any of these awesome eateries for a great evening.
Last, but not least, comes my parents’ favorite social event: live music. They love the concerts at Nickel Plate District Amphitheater. Whether it’s a music festival or a pop-up concert, they always have a great time. You can sit closer to the stage if you want to dance and watch the band, or you can sit further away to enjoy the music as background ambiance while you sip and chat. Not to mention, you can usually count on there being food trucks and local breweries or wineries on site.
How’s that for a well rounded tour of Fishers? Like most empty nesters, my parents love getting out of the house, spending time with friends, and checking out all the offerings of our city. From nature to social hour, hopefully this compilation of their suggestions helps you fill up your schedule with more than just babysitting the grandkids!
Did this blog help you discover a new local favorite? I’d love to hear how it inspired you! Contact me at instagram.com/crunchykelly to share your stories!
Kelly Yale is a long-time resident of Fishers (she’s lived here since she was 12!) who lives on the east side of the city. She loves hiking in parks, cooking and trying new restaurants, visiting the Fishers Farmers’ Market, and spending time with her family. Wife and daughter of small business owners, she’s passionate about local businesses and loves exploring shops around the City. She is vegetarian and tries to avoid plastic and waste as much as possible, along with buying secondhand instead of new. Her favorite thing about Fishers is experiencing all of new things that it has to offer since she was a child, while still being able to reminisce on her childhood memories here. She has a 9 year old daughter and welcomed a baby boy in October. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram.