Indiana Grown's Monumental Marketplace

Just when I think I know of all Indy's local businesses, I headed to Monumental Marketplace and encountered even more. This event was more than your local farmer's market. It included local distilleries, wineries, breweries, bakeries- everything. I got to try BBQ bacon, a Cardinal Spirits cocktail, Guac and More guacamole and pico de Gallo, and much more. PS: I bought that pico de gallo because it was THAT good. It was my first time attending this event and you bet I'll be there next time! I feel like I didn't even get to encounter all the businesses because I kept stopping at so many gems.

This event was an unexpected surprise and very welcome surprise at that! The day before was the popular Strawberry Festival... and I missed that for the first time in ages ... so I was quite happy to be able to do this on my lunch hour.The wide variety of "things" that are made in Indiana was inspiring. There were spices, popcorn, sausages, soaps, lotions, flowers, distilleries and wineries, so it was quite an eye feast and the best part was that several of them had free samples! I didn't have a lot of time to chat with everyone but a few of them mentioned their availability at local farmer's markets during the summer season so I can find many of them in Fishers or Broad Ripple or Binford which is closer to home on the weekend :-)This was a great new event and it was very successful in my mind as I noticed several of my coworkers toting bags of the things they bought on their way home that night. I ended up with charcuterie sausage and a small bottle of the delicious Hotel Tango's Limoncello liqueur. I would welcome this as an annual event... or even more frequent than that.

Monumental Marketplace is like an expanded farmer's market but without the produce. This event occurs during lunchtime on a Friday and it's worth a casual visit. The marketplace took over more than half of the circle, and it was filled with a variety of Indiana-based vendors. The variety of available products was great, ranging from food/drink items to homemade goods. There were lunch options as well so you can grab a bite while taking a stroll around the circle.Monumental Marketplace is a great example of turning the Circle into a pedestrian destination, and Indiana Grown did a great job showcasing in-state producers and their products.

Yet another fun event that happens yearly on the Circle! It's like a farmer's market exploded into a super-sized event! Sometimes I feel like I know most of the vendors that generally come to events like this, but then I'm reminded that I really don't! I love discovering new local purveyors of food, drinks, desserts, and other wares that always blow me away with their creativity and quality. I liked another reviewer's suggestion that it happen once a month during the summer. I get why they don't since it looks like it takes a fair bit of coordination. It's a fun time to relax, get some food, and discover new things all while taking in the cool look of the Soldier and Sailor's Monument. I really appreciate Indiana Grown's efforts to promote all the good things made in our state! Be sure to check them out on social media and get updates on more fun events and where to find this kind of thing during the year. (For example, they have a market at the State Fair every year!)

A giant farmers market and shopping on the Circle? How could this event be anything less than five stars? In all seriousness, my ONLY complaint is that this only takes place once per year. I would love to see this as a monthly summer event.There was a little bit of everything. You could donate blood, create art, buy goat's milk soap, eat lunch, learn about and purchase garlic scapes. There was seriously something for everyone. I can't wait for next year's marketplace!

Thanks YELP for alerting me to this awesome event showcasing businesses around the state. With all the vendors and the fact that this an ANNUAL event there should have been more publicity! I enjoyed the wide variety of samples available as well as discovering the number of INDIANA WINERIES I've included pictures of MOST of the vendors but couldn't get one of the Massive TENDERLOIN! Some vendors are local and some had access to their products and services online. I wish it more than an annual event because it's too much to take in within an hour!

Supporting local businesses in a major city is something that comes very new to me. Having grown up in San Jose, CA and seeing how it has developed over the years, has shown me that there is a great need to keep the small business owner alive and well in the city. That is why coming to the Monumental Marketplace was a breath of fresh air, both figuratively and literally!! The placement of the marketplace in the downtown area gives a great visibility to all the locally owned and operated businesses in the area.While walking out there, my daughter and I were able to purchase organic grown honey, natural maple syrup, and even a great bottle of locally grown wine. To be honest, that has been my biggest surprise since moving to the Midwest. I have tasted some wine that is locally grown that could rival most any California wife.The one thing that I would improve on is the advertising for this event, because if it were not for Yelp I would never have known that it was going on. Overall, it was a great way to spend a couple hours on a beautiful day downtown.

Great little showcase of what Indiana has to offer- lots of corn and other farm products. I learned a lot about the products and I've found a couple new places to frequent this summer. And Nicey was there, which is always great.

Lots of vendors and food options. It was nice to stroll around the circle during lunch hour and take it all in. Got a lovely little bouquet for $5!

The Monumental Marketplace is one of my favorite events on the circle. It's a signal that summer is here and an awesome showcase of Indiana businesses (of which there are many!). There are wineries, distilleries, artisans, food vendors, and food trucks ready and waiting to describe their wares, not to mention all of the samples available. This year I walked away with some Smoking Goose sausage and cappicolo, and a bottle of Cardinal Spirits Flor liqueur. Indiana Grown does a great job coordinating this event.