Butler-Tarkington Charm

If you ever need proof that Indianapolis knows how to throw a proper block party, just find yourself on Cornelius Avenue in Butler-Tarkington on a beautiful fall evening. Actually, make that two block parties — because apparently one just wasn’t enough for this block.

Tables lined the sidewalks, kids darted between driveways like it was an Olympic sport, and the smell of grilled everything filled the air. Between the potluck dishes, lawn chairs, and laughter, I rolled in and parked among the Tudors, bungalows, and colonials that looked like they’d been plucked right off a postcard.

It didn’t take long before I had a steady stream of readers wandering in — grandparents scouting out baby books, parents snapping pictures for holiday wish lists, and kids loading their arms with more titles than their budgets could handle.

The vibe was easy, the food smelled incredible, and the conversations reminded me that “community” isn’t just a word people toss around — it’s built one shared story, casserole, and driveway chat at a time.

Trying to remember who promised me leftover pie,

XO Sylvia