’Round the Town
Feel the Warmth – Your Mini-Guide to the Area’s Coziest Spots
While autumn may have been generous with its warmth, winter's whispers are just around the corner. When the chill finally sets in, these local hideaways stand ready with crackling fires, flame-kissed cocktails and snow-globe sanctuaries. Consider this your cozy compass to the area's warmest welcomes.
Vivante Restaurant & Bar
1 Carmichael Square Carmel, Indiana 46032 vivantecarmel.com Nestled in the luxurious Hotel Carmichael, Vivante Restaurant at Hotel Carmichael elevates winter dining with intimate heated Winter Chalets seating overlooking the famed Christkindlmarkt. Warm up by the cozy patio fireplaces while savoring refined American cuisine. The magical setting, complete with twinkling lights along the Monon Trail, creates an unforgettable seasonal dining experience in the heart of Carmel. 
Winterlights at Newfields
4000 Michigan Road Indianapolis, Indiana 46208 discovernewfields.org Warm your hands and heart at Newfields' enchanting Winterlights, where contemporary firepits dot the illuminated landscape. As three million lights dance through century-old trees, pause at the Culinary Campsite to toast s'mores and sip spiked cocoa. This magical winter wonderland pairs cozy comforts with spectacular holiday brilliance. 
3UP
201 W. Main Street Carmel, Indiana 46032 3uprooftop.com Perched atop Anthony's Chophouse, 3UP rooftop bar defies winter with its heated patio and inviting fire. The crown jewel of Carmel's nightlife offers spectacular views and holiday magic, anchored by a towering Christmas tree. It's a festive spot where revelers gather under starlit skies, staying toasty despite the season. 
Adagio Lounge at Hotel Carmichael
1 Carmichael Square Carmel, Indiana 46032 hotelcarmichael.com Step into timeless elegance at Hotel Carmichael's Adagio Lounge, where melodies from the Great American Songbook float from the grand piano and mingle with the crackle of a wood-burning fireplace. This sophisticated lobby bar serves classic cocktails and fine wines in an atmosphere that recalls the golden age of hospitality. 
Spencer Farm Winery
7015 E. 151st Street Noblesville, IN 46062 spencerfarmwinery.com Escape to a private winter wonderland at Spencer Farm Winery, where cozy, weatherproof yurts glow with string lights and electric fireplaces. These intimate hideaways, with comfortable seating for up to six guests, offer a unique twist on wine tasting. Bring a picnic, wrap up in blankets and sip local wines in your personal sanctuary. |
Hotel Tango Distillery
702 Virginia Avenue Indianapolis, Indiana 46203 hoteltangodistillery.com A magnificent hand-built stone fireplace anchors this Fountain Square distillery, drawing visitors like moths to its warming flames. Cozy up in the rustic-chic space with one of their artfully crafted cocktails, where the crackle of the hearth mingles with the gentle buzz of conversation, creating the perfect winter retreat. 
Black Dog Books
115 S. Main Street Zionsville, Indiana 46077 blackdogbooksin.com Housed in an 1850s residence on Zionsville's charming Main Street, Black Dog Books invites bibliophiles to sink into a chair by its grand fireplace. This enchanting shop marries vintage charm with literary treasures, from leather-bound rarities to local authors' works. It's the perfect spot to while away a winter afternoon among well-loved pages. 
Grindstone on the Monon
17470 Wheeler Road Westfield, Indiana 46074 grindstoneonthemonon.com Winter wanderers will find the perfect cold-weather haven trailside at Grindstone on the Monon, where an oversized stone firepit draws frost-nipped guests to toast the season with craft brews under starry skies. Inside, the restaurant's rustic warmth beckons with classic American comfort fare, creating an irresistible stop along the trail. 
Carmel Christkindlmarkt
10 Carter Green Carmel, Indiana 46032 carmelchristkindlmarkt.com Gather around the crackling fires with steaming boot mugs, Bier steins and authentic German treats at this open-air holiday market. Indulge in this year’s newest drink, the Feuerzangenbowle. Made with special kettles from Austria, the sweet, boozy cocktail features a flaming, rum-soaked sugar cone with molten sugar dripping into the warm Glühwein below. 
Midtown Plaza (igloos)
365 Monon Boulevard Carmel, Indiana 46032 midtownplazacarmel.com Carmel's Midtown Plaza transforms into a winter wonderland with its complimentary igloos, offering a magical way to experience the vibrant community space inside your own personal snow globe. These first-come, first-served shelters create cozy havens where friends gather to watch the plaza's winter activities unfold beneath the twinkling lights. |
