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As a suburb of Indianapolis, Anderson, IN has access to all the restaurants, attractions, and recreation available in a major city, but you'll discover that if you live in Anderson, you don't really need to leave town at all. The 55,000 residents of Anderson will gladly tell you all the reasons they love living there, but these top three reasons are just about all you need to know. Top Employers Numerous major private companies call Anderson home, and as a result, employ many of the residents that live there. The largest employer is Ascension St. Vincent Anderson, a hospital that employs more than 2,000 people. Community Hospital Anderson, another healthcare facility in the city, employs another 1,800 people. Hoosier Park Racing and Casino, an entertainment venue, employs over 1,000 people, making these the three top employers in town. Other major employers that have a significant presence in Anderson include Nestle, Carter Express, Continuum Global Solutions, Anderson University, and Greenville Technology, Inc (GTI). There are also many retailers and manufacturers that have jobs available in town as well. With all the options for employment, you won't find yourself looking for a position for long. more Outdoor Recreation Outdoor enthusiasts will love Anderson for all the recreational opportunities in the city. For instance, Mounds State Park is a tree-filled park that features 10 prehistoric Indian-constructed earthworks. The largest of these is the Great Mound, which is believed to have been created around 160 B.C. While these structures were likely once used for religious gatherings, they are now on display for educational purposes. Shadyside Lake, another popular outdoor recreational area, has 2.66 miles of paved paths for hikers and a lake stocked full of bass for local fishermen. Boats are also allowed on the lake for fishing in the deeper parts of the water, which can be up to 35 feet deep. The best part about this lake is that it's free to access and free to use, so you can enjoy the outdoors without breaking the bank. Attractions There are plenty of attractions in Anderson that provide amusement to both residents and visitors. The Paramount Theatre and Ballroom offers private film screenings, live performances, concerts, comedy shows, speaking events, and more. The Gruenewald Historic Home features a museum dedicated to preserving the 19th century home of a local prominent businessman, Martin Gruenewald. The Anderson Speedway is probably the best-known attraction in the city, as it is the closest race track to the famous Indianapolis Speedway, but offers stock car races at a much more affordable price. Locals and visitors who want to cheer on their favorite drivers, but don't want to pay the steep NASCAR entry fees at the larger track in the bigger city, will find a summer full of fun at the Saturday night races and special events in Anderson. You will never find yourself wondering if there is anything to do in Anderson, as there are plenty of options at your disposal. Plus, if you're looking for a change in career, there are numerous companies in the city that often have job openings. Image courtesy of unsplash.com

Anderson, IN is known for its charm and quaint feel, combining big-city comforts with hometown courtesy. At Ed Martin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we help locals and visitors alike embrace all of the hidden gems that Anderson has to offer and have compiled a list of the top places for takeout and delivery. Whatever your taste or budget, Anderson has you covered, from haute cuisine to hometown comfort food. It's an eclectic, fun food scene that you are sure to enjoy. FoxGardin Kitchen & Ale If you are in the mood for bistro-style food with a comfort twist, FoxGardin Kitchen & Ale is right up your alley. This gastropub is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and offers both delivery and take-out options. Cash or credit is fine. The FoxGardin Kitchen & Ale team prides itself on using only the finest ingredients and putting their own spin on classic favorites. Try out their mouthwatering burgers or delicious desserts. This restaurant also offers a whole selection of flatbreads, tacos, and Buffalo Chicken Nachos that are fresh and flavor-forward. more The Toast Cafe Is there any better comfort food than a tasty breakfast? The Toast Cafe is an Anderson institution, open every day at 6 a.m. so you can fuel yourself up with breakfast takeout first thing in the morning. They specialize in breakfast, giving their patrons a big dose of breakfast favorites like eggs, omelets, toast, bacon, and homefries. It's been family-owned for thirty years and is a true local treasure. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so consider getting your fix at The Toast Cafe. Yosaku Yosaku is Anderson's most popular sushi bar. People love the fresh sushi, as well as hibachi-fired meals like steak and chicken. Yosaku is best known for its attention to detail. Each sushi roll is lovingly prepared and made out of only the freshest ingredients. The hibachi-grilled items are flavorful and deliciously prepared. With a varied menu of plenty of different rolls, you won't get bored with the selection. It's a great option for picky eaters or those who don't usually love sushi. Nick's Restaurant Nick's Restaurant is a casual pizza place that also serves incredibly good fried chicken. Their chicken is home-made from a family recipe, and it's both flavorful and light. Nick's Restaurant also offers takeout brunch, including a whole host of new takes on brunch favorites. One exceptional dish is the strawberry french toast with cream cheese. It's decadent but not overly heavy. Nick's Restaurant's menu is varied and offers something for the whole family. Next time that you're in Anderson, Indiana, make sure you swing by one of these amazing restaurants for takeout. If you need a quality vehicle to get you around, we can put you in the car of your dreams. Our dealership has something for everyone and every budget. Visit our friendly staff at Ed Martin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram today, and hit the road in style.   Image courtesy of pexels.com

Mounds State Park is located in Anderson, Indiana just off of highway I-69. This park is unique in that it isn't just a green space: it is filled with natural wonders and deep historical meaning. It showcases the creations made by prehistoric Indians, has several hiking trails where you can learn about nature as you hike, a pool to cool off and play in, and many other features that will delight its visitors. The Earthworks The park features 10 unique earthworks, including the largest one which is known as the Great Mound. These creations were skillfully crafted by the Adena -Hopewell people, who were a group of prehistoric Indians native to the area. You will get to view a unique piece of history, as these earthworks are thought to date back to 160 BC. more The Events This park organizes weekly events that visitors can attend. These events range from organized educational hikes to bird walks to informative and interpretive programs, often accompanied by crafts. For a complete list of events, visit the park's website to find times, dates, and event locations. The Nature Center Another feature that makes this park a unique one is its nature center. A visit to the park is incomplete without first visiting this spot. Open from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M each day, this facility features animal exhibits, hands-on games, and a room where you can view wildlife. Children and adults alike will enjoy roaming through the center and learning more about the nature found in both the park and beyond. The Hiking Trails There are at least six different trails at the park, each of which is designed for hikers with different skills. There are trails for beginners, intermediate hikers, and the highly skilled ones as well. These trails include the "easy" ones, along which hikers will get to learn about the 20 most common varieties of trees in the state of Indiana, which are marked along the trail. You will also find the location of the Great Mound on this trail. Other trails include the "rugged" trail, the "moderate" trail, and the "moderate with hills" trail. For a complete list of trail descriptions and directions, stop by the visitor center before embarking on your hike. The Pool After you hike around the park trails, you can cool off at the nearby pool. The large, newly renovated pool features a tube slide that both children and adults will love, as well as an area for smaller children to splash around in a splash pad-like setting. Be sure to check the website or the visitor center before you go to make sure the pool is open for swimming and to find out the cost of entry. At Ed Martin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we have it all. Whether you're looking for something refined or something more rugged, we have the vehicle that will fit your lifestyle perfectly. Visit us today at Ed Martin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Anderson, Indiana and view our inventory and meet our staff. We will get you in the vehicle that best fits your life. Image courtesy of pexels.com

You don't have to travel far to enjoy a delicious, authentic-tasting pizza when you live in the Anderson, Indiana area. There are a lot of top-rated pizza spots, serving some of the best pizzas in the entire state. Check out a few of the top places worth visiting. Pizza King Pizza King has become a favorite in the Anderson area because of its high-quality ingredients and generously topped pizza dishes. Whether you choose one of the traditional pizzas or build-your-own, you will notice the abundance of toppings that make you want to eat every bite of your slice. They also have popular feast pizzas available like the Veggie Feast and the Meat Feast. With over 60-y ears in the pizza business, you can't go wrong with Pizza King. more Art's Pizza The motto at Art's Pizza is that it is "often imitated, never duplicated." With pizza founders who have been in the pizza business sin ce the 1950s, they know how to make a delicious pizza. In fact, they have become so popular that they now have four locations in the area. Try one of the classic pizzas like the Hayes or the Pooches. If you can't decide, two of Art's Pizza locations have b uffets, where you can try many of the top-rated pies. On the buffet, you will find pizza, spaghetti, garlic bread, and salad. Make sure you leave room for the tasty brown sugar dessert pizza. They also have a drink menu with wine and beer. Mancino's Pizza & Grinders Family-owned-and-operated, you get a sense of old-world pizza dining in a welcoming dining room when you visit Macino's Pizza & Grinders. The menu is made up of a wide variety of pizza dishes, as well as pasta, grinders, and fresh salads. Th e bread and pizza dough are made from scratch daily. Begin your meal with one of the tempters like the boneless wings or the garlic cheese bread. Then, move on to the Mancino's pride pizza or build your own. The portion sizes are large and affordable. What more could you want from a top pizza place? Greek's Pizzeria When you visit Greek's Pizzeria, you will be taken back to a time when dining out was si mple. The dining room is casual with red-checkered tablecloths and stools. The food is filling and affordable. Chances are, you have noticed a few Greek's Pizzeria around the area, as they now have over 30 locations in Indiana, with a few right in the Ande rson area. The daily buffet is a local favorite, serving your favorite pies daily until 2 p.m. In addition to fresh pizza, customers often rave about the wings and subs. They also have gluten-free dishes available. Try the meat pizza or chicken Caesar. Ea ch pizza is topped with tasty garlic butter, giving you a unique flavor. When you're in the mood for a cheesy pizza topped with your favorite ingredients, you have a lot of good options in the Anderson area. Try one of these spots out on y our next pizza night and you just might find your next favorite pizza dish. Image courtesy of pixabay.com

Summer is in full swing, and everyone is looking for fun activities to do and places to visit with family and friends. Here are just a few Anderson, Indiana restaurants, events, and activities we think are pretty awesome. First Annual Creatures of Habit Peach Week The first shipment of Georgia peaches has started brewing the peach-centric beers that will be ready to release during the First Annual Creatures of Habit Peach Week happening July 31, 2020 to August 2, 2020. A second shipment will be arriving the day before the fun starts for the special peach-centric food menu Creatures of Habit Brewing Co has created for this event. Come with the family and enjoy peach BBQ wings, peach bacon, peach pulled pork, peach salsa, peach flatbread, and more. They'll even have fresh peaches available for purchase. more Riviera Maya Mexican Grill With two Anderson, IN, locations offering takeout and relaxing outdoor dining, Riviera Maya Mexican Grill is a local favorite for authentic Mexican art and cuisine.  Featuring an extensive menu with dishes made to order, they only use the freshest ingredients for their street tacos, corditas, chimichangas, quesadillas, fajitas, and more. Riviera Maya Mexican Grill's two Anderson, IN locations can be found at 1721 East 60th St. and 1320 Meridian St. Both open daily at 11 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. Sunday - Thursday and 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Dapper Cat Cafe With so many delicious and refreshing options to choose from, the Dapper Cat Cafe definitely needs to be on everyone's Summer To-Do list. Its Boba lemonade, all-natural energy drinks, and cold brew creations are a great way cool down and the perfect complement to a fresh sandwich or wrap. In the mood for ice cream? With flavors like Zanzibar Chocolate, Bluemoon, and Banana Cream Pie, you don't want miss the super-premium ice cream options. They even have dairy-free Italian ice options available. A small, yet unique and favorite asset to Anderson's Downtown, Dapper Cat Café is located in the Union Building right next to the historic Paramount Theater. Championship Lanes Ready to hit the lanes? Join owner David Small and his staff at Championship Lanes for hours of bowling fun. Whether you’re looking for an evening with family and friends, or a custom-tailored party that will wow your guests, the staff at Championship Lanes will make it special. Championship Lanes is located at 1920 E 53rd St in Anderson. Blaze Brew Pub Bowling making you hungry? Pop over to Blaze Brew Pub located inside Championship Lanes for an assortment of menu options, including wings, burgers, pizzas, salads, and more. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Blaze Brew Pub is currently at 50% seating and strongly encourages calling ahead for reservations or with a carry-out order. Whether a night out with family or getting together with friends, you can't lose with these Anderson, IN, activities, restaurants, and events. Image courtesy of pexels.com

The right haircut can make us feel more attractive and more confident. The wrong one, on the other hand, can send us spiraling. According to a TYME survey, one in five women has cried over a bad haircut and one in ten women would let a bad hair day keep her from socializing w ith friends. Your hair should never hold you back. Discover the following four Anderson-area salons you can trust. more Note: Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, please verify the current state of operations by contacting the businesses directly. 1. Detour Salon & Style Detour Salon & Style, at 1816 E. 53rd St., is a funky salon with a youthful and enthusiastic team ready and waiting to serve you. Many of the salon's services suit women, but the barber services are right for men and kids. The young team lo ves experimenting with bold colors and cuts. However, they're equally adept at covering grays and delivering conservative styles. Whatever makes you feel your best, the Detour team will make it happen. The special occasion styling and airbrush makeup servi ces are ideal for weddings, milestone celebrations, and times when you want to treat yourself. The salon's “no orange guarantee” lets you spray tan with confidence. Waxing and skin rejuvenation services are also available at Detour Salon & Style. 2. Medusa Hair Design You won't find a snake in sight at Medusa Hair Design, a full-service salon at 802 E. Eighth St. in downtown Anderson. The salon employs an all-female team of professionals who understand women's hair. These passionate stylists regularly atten d hair shows to learn more about their craft. They bring modern coloring and cutting techniques back to their loyal customers. Medusa Hair Design's facial and massage services ensure clients leave feeling pampered. 3. ClipZone Salon, Spa, and Boutique If it's a brand-new look you want, ClipZone Salon, Spa, and Boutique has you covered. This modern salon has services for women, men, and children, which makes this facility an excellent choice for all family members. The worlds of beauty and fashion combine h ere. Browse the clothing racks before slipping into the salon chair for a cut, color, or style. Get a manicure, a pedicure, or both, then treat your skin to a spa treatment. Facials and peels will remove impurities to help your skin glow. ClipZone also off ers cutting-edge treatments including microdermabrasion, microblading, and dermaplaning. Enjoy a coffee or glass of wine while the ClipZone team works its magic. Find ClipZone at 1913 C St. 4. Serendipity Hair Salon Serendipity Hair Salon is a client-focused, family-friendly salon owned by husband and wife team Shawn and Rachele Martin. Friendly stylists will take time to listen to what you need, then set about delivering a cut and style you love. Coloring, foil highlights, perms, and special occasion styling are all available at Serendipity Hair Salon. Serendipity Hair Salon's Ingalls branch, at 180 E. Broadway St., is slightly closer to Anderson, but you'll find another Serendipity salon in Pendle ton. This larger salon offers cosmetic injections and massage, along with hair styling. Whether you want to try a brand-new look, maintain your locks, or correct another salon's mistakes, visit one of the above Anderson-area salon businesses. Image courtesy of pexels.com.

Forget about fad diets like keto or paleo. In Hoosier cities such as Anderson, carbs rule. Indulge your cravings and experience classic Hoosier fare at these great Anderson restaurants. The Cabbage Rose Eatery & Gift Shop Sugar cream pies are often called Indiana's official pie. However, many people outside the state don't realize Hoosiers create many other pies as well. The Cabbage Rose Eatery & Gift Shop's pies are so famous it earned a spot on the official Hoosier Pie Trail. Guests rave about the butterscotch pie and lemon icebox pie, so don't leave without trying a slice. more Dessert might be the main attraction here, but take time to savor the whole experience. The menu features many Hoosier classics. Start with the chicken velvet soup before trying a breaded pork tenderloin sandwich or turkey burger. This is a humble restaurant with a quaint, home-like charm, but the food speaks for itself. Bobber's Café Breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches are a Hoosier institution. The Cabbage Rose Eatery thinks its tenderloin sandwich is the best in Anderson. However, the cooks at Bobber's Café might have something to say about that. In a state-wide competition, the café's tenderloins were named the most creative. It also narrowly missed out on the people's choice award. Not bad for a café inside a bait and tackle shop! Bobber's Café also serves biscuits and gravy, pasta bakes, and inch-thick French toast for breakfast. The Pittt BBQ & Grill On Point It might not be as famous as the barbecues of Tennessee or South Carolina, but Hoosiers definitely do barbecue right. The Pittt BBQ & Grill On Point do barbecue so well, it's original Anderson location earned a spot on the Hoosier BBQ Trail. The menu features all your barbecue favorites including ribs, pulled pork, and brisket. The signature sauce is what sets this restaurant apart though. It'll have you licking your fingers once your meal ends! Finish your meal with a classic dessert, such as the peach cobbler or pineapple pie. The Pittt also has an Indianapolis location worth visiting if you're in the state's capital. Frazier's Dairy Maid Any good Hoosier's meal should end with a sweet treat. Ice cream is one of the state's most popular desserts, and few restaurants do ice cream better than Frazier's Dairy Maid. Since opening in 1954, it's become a local institution. Residents and neighbors come from miles around to taste the fancy ice cream concoctions. With names like Turtle Sundae, Blue Moon, and Dream Cone, it's easy to see why. With ice cream as the main attraction, this casual eatery only opens between March and mid-September. However, ice cream isn't the only thing on the menu. Frazier's Dairy Maid also serves an array of savory and sweet dishes. Try the barbecue sandwiches, onion rings, and that Hoosier staple, pork tenderloin. Eating at Anderson restaurants is all about indulgence, so bring your appetite. The diet can wait until tomorrow! Forget about the calories. Just enjoy the true taste of Indiana at these excellent eateries. Image courtesy of pixabay.com

If you like to avoid run-of-the-mill attractions and experience something a little different, Anderson, Indiana, offers some unique places to visit. Whether you enjoy a little mystical history, a fright fest, or the downright odd, the area has something to offer you. Indy Screampark If you enjoy being scared out of your wits, the Indy Screampark on South New Columbus Road features five terrifying haunted attractions in one location. At the center of the park is The Monster Midway where you'll find hot food, hot and cold beverages, craft beer and wine, fire pits, scary games like Zombie Paintball, and a gift shop. But don't relax too much — horrific monsters will creep up behind you and catch you by surprise. You can join in with Killgore's 3D Circus with its disfigured clowns or navigate dark, winding trails in an attempt to find your way out of the Backwoods. Find yourself enveloped in the complete darkness of the Nightmare Factory Blackout with the option of “marking” yourself to fully interact with the hideous creatures in Zombieland Unchained and Pandemic Mutation where you might be touched, grabbed, or even removed from your group. You'll be glad to get back to the “safety” of the Monster Midway. The World's Largest Paint Ball One of the area's most unusual attractions has become one of Indiana's most visited roadside features. Located in Alexandria, just 20 minutes north of Anderson, the World's Largest Paint Ball started out as an ordinary baseball. In 1977, Mike and Glenda Carmichael decided to paint it and the first coat of paint was put on it by their three-year-old son. While the ball was small and easy to handle, it was painted many times each day. As it became bigger and heavier, they thought of it as a work of art. Since then, the ball has had more than 23,400 layers of paint and it now weighs in at over 4,000 pounds. Eventually, the ball got so big that they had to build a barn for it and it took a tractor and four people to move it to its new home. Admission is free but you need to call ahead for an appointment. Mounds State Park Located on Mounds Road east of Anderson, Mounds State Park features unique earthworks constructed by prehistoric Indians—the Adena and Hopewell people. The Great Mound is thought to have been built around 160 B.C. The mounds are believed to have astronomical significance and were used for religious ceremonies. The Visitors Center has an interpretive center with a display of the Great Mound, interactive exhibits, and a wildlife viewing room. As well as its history, the park offers a variety of leisure activities. You can enjoy six hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty while the White River gives anglers the chance to catch catfish, bluegill, bass, and more. Picnic areas feature tables, grills, restrooms, and playgrounds. A fully-equipped campground is ideal for family camping. A large swimming pool is open in the summer season. These three unique locations couldn't be more different, but they all offer a memorable experience in Anderson, Indiana. Image from pixabay.com