Do you have a sweet tooth? Indy is full of amazing, locally owned bakeshops that are brimming with cakes, pastries, donuts, and more! If you can't get enough of sweets and love finding reasons to indulge, we give you permission to check out the best little bakeshop in America - and it's right here in Indianapolis.
The Cake Bake Shop is a gorgeous retreat from everyday life, where the mesmerizing smells of freshly baked cakes, cookies, pies, and other French-inspired desserts.
This Parisian-themed bakeshop is a unique twist on traditional Midwestern bakeries and offers truly mouth watering sweets.
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The inside of the bakeshop is dressed to the nines, with luxe, ethereal decor that lets you know you've just stumbled upon someplace very special.
The decor is frequently refreshed for the holidays, but no matter when you go, you can expect to be impressed.
The gorgeous display case is always stocked with beautiful and tempting treats, ranging from cakes and pies to macarons, brownies, cookies, and more.
Their French silk pie and eclairs are absolutely divine and some of their hottest sellers.
You can also enjoy high tea, hot chocolate with freshly made whipped cream, or a piping hot cup of French pressed coffee while you indulge in a sweet (or two!).
You'll also love trying their superb "Best Quiche You'll Ever Have" for lunch, along with soups, salads, and a variety of sandwiches.
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Whether you're looking to grab a quick snack, purchase a gorgeous dessert, or enjoy a quick bite and a treat, this glorious bakeshop will exceed your wildest dreams.
You'll find the Cake Bake Shop at 6515 Carrollton Ave. in Indianapolis, and they are open Monday - Wednesday from 10am - 8pm, Thursday - Saturday from 10am - 10pm, and Sunday from 10am-6pm.
Will you be visiting this dreamy bakeshop in Indy this year? Have you already visited and do you have a favorite treat? Share your favorites in the comments below!
For more sweets in the Circle City, check out this epic candy store that will have you feeling like a kid again.
We Visited a Historic Mill in Minnesota During Peak Fall Foliage and It Was the Highlight of Our Trip
Many of America's most scenic historic mills are located on the East Coast, but this 19th century flour mill in Minnesota looks like it's straight out of a postcard - complete with a waterfall.
There’s a special kind of magic to fall in Minnesota. The air gets crisp, the trees put on their finest multi-colored hues, and the days beg you to head outside (albeit with plenty of shiver-inducing breezes in the forecast). This October, my best friend and I did exactly that, road tripping to Minnesota's best fall hotspots, hiking through breathtaking oceans of autumn foliage, and getting lost in the spectacular, beauty of at least a dozen of the state's 10,000-plus lakes.
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As our ambitious journey came to an end, we made one last detour, making a beeline for Phelps Mill in Phelps (near Underwood) in search of one last photo op, a little history, and a much-needed escape from the tourist crowds.
As we wound our way down the Otter Tail Scenic Byway and along a few rural roads toward Phelps Mill, the countryside felt like it was showing off. Every curve revealed another kaleidoscope of oranges, reds, and yellows, as if the trees were in competition for the brightest display. Honestly, if you’re a sucker for fall photography (which we absolutely are!), you’ll spend the drive stopping every few miles to snap a picture. By the time we reached the mill, we were already scrolling through dozens of photos we’d taken along the way.
Like so many parts of the country, there aren't too many historic mills in Minnesota still standing. But along the Otter Tail River, Phelps Mill feels like a sweet, picture-perfect postcard brought to life. It’s one of those spots that transports you back in time without any fuss. No frills, no imposing overlook areas, no souvenir stands; just old-fashioned charm in the form of a towering four-story mill, surrounded by trees that seemed to be on fire with the season's finest attire.
Once upon a time, Minneapolis was considered the Flour Milling Capital of the World, but the industry wasn't just concentrated within the city. Built in 1889, Phelps Mill (a little over 2 hours away) was once a bustling hub for local farmers as well, grinding wheat into flour back when the mill was powered by the Otter Tail River. Today, the massive red building stands proudly as a relic of Minnesota’s history, preserved for curious travelers like us. And standing at the base of that mill, looking up at its four stories, you can’t help but feel a bit awestruck.
Today, the mill and the surrounding area have been turned into Phelps Mill County Park, a gorgeous spot where visitors can enjoy the beauty of the landscape, the historic building, and the serene river flowing by. It’s a photographer's dream in the fall, with the mill framed by the fiery foliage of the trees and the waterfall tumbling into the Otter Tail River below.
First things first, we wanted to capture those fall colors in all their glory before some looming storm clouds let loose with a downpour. The trees lining the riverbank were in full autumn regalia, reflecting off the water like a painting come to life. We spent an embarrassing amount of time trying to get the perfect shot, but when nature’s showing off like that, who can blame us?
Yet, the beauty outside is just one part of the experience. We absolutely had to see the inside of the mill, and were fortunate enough to be visiting before it closed for the season. We were drawn in immediately, cameras in hand, ready to explore every corner of this historic spot. Fortunately, unlike other historic places around the state, it’s self-guided, meaning you can take your sweet time without the pressure of a formal tour.
And, trust me, you’ll want to linger.
The interior is full of unique details and fun finds — old machinery, the smell of aged wood — that make it feel like the mill’s workers just stepped out for lunch and might be back any minute.
Walking inside, we were greeted by the creak of old wooden floors and the kind of weighty silence that old buildings so often have. The mill’s interior is surprisingly well-preserved, with massive grinding stones, wooden gears, and chutes that once directed grain into various parts of the building. We wandered through the different levels, each with its own collection of equipment and historical tidbits that made us feel like we’d stumbled into a slice of the past.
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At every turn, there was something new to discover - whether it was a vintage photograph of the mill in its heyday or an old ledger documenting the grain that passed through. For history buffs (or anyone who just loves a good old-fashioned story), it’s fascinating.
Phelps Mill’s story is a classic slice of Minnesota history. Built by William E. Thomas, the mill was part of a movement to modernize flour production in the area. At the time, it was one of the most advanced flour mills around, using a water-powered turbine system that was cutting-edge in the late 19th century. The mill operated for several decades before eventually becoming obsolete as larger commercial operations took over. But it's a beautiful reminder of the past, both inside and out.
The park was pretty special too. It’s the kind of place where you can just sit by the river and let time slow down for a while. If you’re up for a picnic, there are plenty of spots around the park to spread out a blanket, let the kids run around, and enjoy the scenery. We didn’t come prepared with lunch, but we definitely made a mental note for next time. It’s the perfect setting, and I can't wait to pay another visit in winter.
After our fill of Phelps Mill, we headed to the nearby town of Fergus Falls for a bite to eat and to explore a bit more of the local sights. Like most small towns in this part of Minnesota, it’s quaint, welcoming, and full of those hidden gems you’d miss if you were just passing through. There’s a certain peacefulness to the whole area - a slower pace that’s hard to come by these days.
In the end, our trip to Phelps Mill was everything we’d hoped for and more, and with our timing lining up so perfectly with peak fall foliage, it was definitely the highlight of our trip. Fall in Minnesota is always something special, but there’s something about combining the season’s beauty with a slice of history that makes it even more memorable. If you’re looking for a beautiful autumn outing that offers more than just pretty leaves (but still plenty of 'em!), Phelps Mill is a must.
Adulting is hard work. It’s often stressful and filled with things that make us long for our childhood, when life was so much simpler. For a great escape from the real world, check out downtown’s Rocket Fizz. You’ll feel like a kid in a candy store... because you are!
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Rocket Fizz is located at 55 Monument Circle Ste. 52, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
Here, you’ll find a wide range of sugary treats, some of which you won’t find anywhere else in the city.
Ranch dressing flavored pop? Sure, why not?
The store’s decorated unlike any candy shop you’ve seen before, complete with prints of vintage concert posters.
There’s a huge selection of sweets, including an entire wall of saltwater taffy in a variety of flavors.
You'll find almost any flavor of taffy you can think of.
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If you’re in the mood for treats from Japan, you’re in luck.
You don't see these Japanese sodas every day!
There are even some... um... "unique" products.
Rocket Fizz is extremely popular - and it's not difficult to see why!
The next time you're sweet tooth calls, you know where to go!
Store hours are from 10:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M., Monday through Thursday, from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. on Friday and Saturday, and from 11:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. Sunday. Do yourself a favor and take a trip here as soon as possible!
What’s your favorite candy? Let us know in the comments below.