From nuts and bolts case studies to great recreational trips, there's plenty to see and do
Walkers and bikers of all ages enjoy the Monon Parkway, extending through Carmel on the way from Indianapolis to the north.
CARMEL, INDIANA, MAY 10: The lineup of tours has been announced for the 57th International Making Cities Livable (IMCL) conference, and true to the conference theme, it's a showcase of livability.
Tours are FREE to all attendees, but will require sign-up in advance. To make a reservation, email to leslie@imcl.online. We will finalize your tour details one week before the conference. All tours depart from the Hotel Carmichael lobby.
The tours will include:
Bus Tour of Carmel: Redevelopment, Roundabouts & Rethinking the Traditional Suburb
Tuesday, June 8th, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 12th, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Limit: 150
Meeting Location: Hotel Carmichael Lobby
Visitors on this tour will get an overview of Carmel’s redevelopment projects during the last 20 years including The Village of West Clay, which was Carmel’s first planned unit development to make a change from the traditional suburban zoning categories and bring together residential, commercial and retail properties in the same area. The tour will study the public private partnerships and tax increment financing used to create Carmel’s new walkable downtown, the Center for the Performing Arts, the Carmel Arts & Design District and Midtown. See the private investment projects that followed these transformative projects. As this is a driving tour, participants will see why Carmel is known as the roundabout capital of the United States and experience how roundabouts have been incorporated along neighborhood streets and high-volume roadways.
Central Core Walking Tour: Main Street, Midtown & Carmel’s New Downtown – A Stroll Along the Monon
Tuesday, June 8th, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 12th, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Limit: No limit, 25 per tour
Meeting Location: Hotel Carmichael Lower Lobby – Trail Level
This walking tour will travel along a section of the Monon Greenway and give an overview of the redevelopment projects in Carmel‘s central core during the last 20 years. Tour guests will see Carmel’s new downtown, City Center, along with the Center for the Performing Arts. Learn about the Arts & Design District, including the Indiana Design Center, and how these public private partnership (PPP) redevelopment projects transformed the rundown and underused old town area into the Midwest’s premier destination for art and design. This tour will also visit Midtown, our newest PPP, which has become one of the city’s most popular public gathering places where mixed use and many outdoor activities ensure a thriving atmosphere day and night. Tours guests will also see the residential housing renaissance that occurred due to the success of these redevelopment projects.
Monon Greenway Bike Tour: Pedaling the Path to Progress – A Bike Tour Through the Heart of Carmel
Tuesday, June 8th
2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Limit: 20
Meeting Location: Hotel Carmichael Lower Lobby – Trail Level
This bike tour will focus on Carmel’s central core and show how the rail-to-trail project, the Monon Greenway, has created some of Central Indiana’s most desirable real estate both for residents and businesses. Our Monon Greenway is akin to beachfront property, which has resulted in increased values for properties near the trail. The Monon Greenway also flows south into downtown Indianapolis and to adjacent cities to the north. In addition to the City Center, Midtown and Arts & Design District, this tour will include a visit to Carmel Central Park and Monon Community Center through the heart of the city highlighting all the amenities that have developed along the trail and include some areas of the trail that also bring you closer to nature.
White River Greenway Bike Tour: A Deeper Dive of Developing Bike Trails
Saturday, June 12th
11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Limit: 20
Location: Hotel Carmichael Lower Lobby – Trail Level
This bike tour will provide an extended view of our connected network of trails and paths. Participants will visit the far east side of Carmel along the White River Trail exploring the woodlands along the river. We will stop there for an explanation of the future plans for river-front expansion and river ecology center - a project in partnership with the 1800s living history museum Conner Prairie and the Carmel Clay Parks Department. The tour will then return to the city’s central core and see how the lifestyle center on the north side of Carmel is connected to all the amenities along the Monon Greenway.
EVENTS ON YOUR OWN
Following are events that attendees can enjoy in the evenings or on Saturday.
Late Night on Main
Friday, June 11th
9 p.m. - Midnight
Location: Main Street & 2nd Ave NW
https://www.carmel.in.gov/living/fun-things-to-do/events-and-festivals/late-night-on-main
This cherished community event allows Main Street shops to stay open late and local vendors to have booths to sell food and beverages. A local band will play on a large stage at the end of Main Street from 9 p.m. to midnight.
Carmel Farmer's Market
Saturday, June 12th
8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Carter Green (next to the Palladium, our venue)
https://www.carmelfarmersmarket.com/
The mission of Carmel Farmers Markets is to organize, produce and manage fun and exciting farmers markets for the residents of Carmel and the surrounding central Indiana area. The market is presented by IU Health North Hospital. Our vendors create some of the most beautiful and delicious treats in Indiana and you can learn how! Stop by any of the booths to chat with our friendly merchants. Visit us for breakfast or lunch, while listening to live music from the Carmel Rotary Amphitheater. Check out our scheduled lineup of talented musicians and entertainers.
Meet Me on Main
Saturday, June 12th
5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: Carmel Arts & Design District
http://www.carmelartsanddesign.com/
Located in the heart of Old Town Carmel, Indiana, the Arts & Design District is the Midwest’s premier arts and design destination. Meet Me on Main includes all of the best components of Carmel’s Main Street – live music, face painting and caricatures and businesses staying open until 9 p.m. This monthly event offers take home “hands-on” art options to the public.
Sophia Square IMCL Closing Party
Saturday, June 12th
7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Location: Outdoor Plaza at 110 W. Main Street
Join us for an exclusive party in the center of the Sophia Square Apartments on Main Street for the last night of the conference. A cash bar and free appetizers will be provided. Pop in for refreshments and networking while browsing the shops on Main Street during Meet Me on Main.