Nicole-Hernandez-Headshot-INDY

Nicole Hernandez

Senior City Editor, INDYtoday

Nicole is based in Indianapolis, IN and graduated from Franklin College with a degree in multimedia journalism. She previously worked as a digital editor for the local NBC News affiliate WTHR. In her free time, she loves checking out new restaurants + businesses around downtown and attending local events.

View of the Indiana Statehouse from Monument Circle with a colorful sky.
Government
Bills that survived the 2024 legislative session
Here are some of the major bills from the 2024 session that are moving forward.
March 11, 2024
 · 
Nicole Hernandez
Outdoor patio with trellis covered with vines
Play
Dine outdoors in Indy
Make the most of good weather by taking your meals al fresco on one of Indy’s many beautiful patios.
March 11, 2024
 · 
Nicole Hernandez
2024trialslucasoilexterior885x544
Sports
Less than 100 days out from the US Olympic Swimming Trials in Indy
The city is getting ready to host a historic Olympic Swimming-qualifying event, right here at Lucas Oil Stadium in less than 100 days.
March 7, 2024
 · 
Nicole Hernandez
INDYtoday: INDY_Irving Theater open mic night_MAR24
Arts
Musicians, comedians, and poets unite: Open mic nights around Indy
Whether you’re looking to test out some new music or start working toward your Netflix standup special, here are a few spots around town where you can take the stage.
March 6, 2024
 · 
Shea Stapley
Children play cornhole on a green lawn in downtown Indianapolis, IN.
Tourism and Hospitality
Indy ranked among best family staycation cities for spring break
If you’re planning to stay in the Hoosier state for spring break, you’re in luck. Indy was ranked one of the best spots for a staycation.
March 5, 2024
 · 
Nicole Hernandez
Construction work on a bridge over Interstate 465
Airports and Transportation
Biggest road projects in Indianapolis this year
We’re sharing some of the biggest road projects to pay attention to while you’re commuting around the Circle City.
March 5, 2024
 · 
Nicole Hernandez
A food truck parked with tables set up outside.
Food
Food trucks in and around Indy
Indy’s food truck scene has been on a roll, so we’re helping you keep up with these wheel-y good local eateries.
March 4, 2024
 · 
Nicole Hernandez
The Cavity Factory storefront
Small Business
All the new things coming to the Fountain Fletcher District
To help you stay in the know, and create your future Fountain Fletcher bucket list, we’re rounding up all of the new things coming to the neighborhood.
February 27, 2024
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Nicole Hernandez
INDY_indianapolis skyline_golden hour_Nov2022
Culture
Leap Day: How to spend an extra day in Indy
With this additional day of the year, it might have you wondering what to do with this extra time, so here are some fun — and maybe some outlandish — things to do around the Circle City.
February 27, 2024
 · 
Nicole Hernandez
View of private dining room in Cafe Patachou restaurant with dark green and blue-toned design
Small Business
Local businesses that offer small, intimate gathering spaces
Sometimes you just need a small space outside of your home to gather — whether that be for meetings, workshops, private events, etc. We’ve got a list of small venues you may not think of.
February 23, 2024
 · 
Nicole Hernandez
INDYtoday: INDY_Cultural Trail_DEC23
Nonprofits
Indianapolis Cultural Trail asks for community input to shape future of public art
Help shape the future of public art on the Indianapolis Cultural Trail by participating in its public survey and scavenger hunt.
February 22, 2024
 · 
Nicole Hernandez
dog poses with Visit Indy sign on Mass Ave. in downtown Indy
Live
Indy’s dog-friendly guide
Explore these dog-friendly places in Indy that span from places to eat, drink, shop, and stay the night.
February 21, 2024
 · 
Nicole Hernandez
Trainer leads an exercise with participants in their own surrounding pods
Live
Get your sweat on at these gyms around Indy
From lifting weights, indoor rock climbing, personal training, dance fitness, boxing classes, and martial arts programs — we’ve rounded up 20 gyms and fitness offerings around Indy.
February 19, 2024
 · 
Nicole Hernandez
Indianapolis Public Library Glendale Branch with coming soon sign
Play
Coming soon: what not to miss in 2024
As Indy continues to grow, we’re keeping an eye on upcoming developments and recently opened businesses.
February 15, 2024
 · 
Nicole Hernandez
An NBA All-Star promo banner hangs on the side of Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Basketball
Tyrese Haliburton emerges as the Pacers’ most influential player
With the NBA All-Star Game coming up, we had to talk about Indy’s own all star starter — Tyrese Haliburton.
February 13, 2024
 · 
Nicole Hernandez
Graphic with background photo of canal in Indianapolis with heart icons
Culture
Our readers’ local love stories
For Valentine’s Day, we made a Proxi map of love stories submitted by our readers, including romantic tales at Square Cat Vinyl and The Children’s Museum.
February 13, 2024
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
Group photo of people at the Indianapolis Artsgarden after a group walk downtown
Culture
Groups to join to make friends in Indy
Want to make new friends in the city? Here are several groups to join to meet like-minded people.
February 9, 2024
 · 
Nicole Hernandez
INDY_Lunar New Year dragon_JAN2022
Culture
Celebrating the Year of the Dragon in Indianapolis, IN
Ring in the Year of the Dragon with several events around Indy.
February 8, 2024
 · 
Nicole Hernandez
A basketball court decal on the floor at the Indianapolis International Airport promoting NBA All-Star Game
Basketball
Schedule of events for 2024 NBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis
The 2024 NBA All-Star Game is set for Feb. 16-18 with a whole lineup of events at Lucas Oil Stadium, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and the Indiana Convention Center.
February 5, 2024
 · 
Nicole Hernandez
Aerial view of downtown Indianapolis with snowfall
History
The history of snow in Indianapolis, IN
You just never know what mother nature is going to give us in Indy — so we’re taking a look at some of the biggest snowfalls in Indy history.
February 1, 2024
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Nicole Hernandez
The Portland Bureau of Transportation's pothole repair crew works on a large patch in the street.
City
Filling in the cracks on how potholes are patched in Portland
Keeping our city’s roads smooth is a monumental task, but you can pitch in.
January 31, 2024
 · 
Ben McBee
A pothole with traffic cones on a rainy day
City
Pothole season in Indianapolis, IN
Feel like you’re driving on an obstacle course around Indy? Pothole season is officially here, so we’re sharing how you can help be part of the solution.
January 30, 2024
 · 
Anna Bowman
Pancakes with strawberries and chicken and waffles
Live
22 great brunch restaurants to try in Indy
Check out these brunch restaurants, cafes, and diners in Indy, serving a variety of egg dishes, mimosas, bloody marys, and more.
January 29, 2024
 · 
Nicole Hernandez
INDY_Sprinkle Joy macarons_Valentines Day_JAN2024
Events
Galentine’s and Valentine’s experiences in Indianapolis
If your sweetheart’s love language is quality time, this one’s for you.
January 26, 2024
 · 
Nicole Hernandez
View of Indianapolis International Airport during sunset
Airports and Transportation
Fly out of Indianapolis on one of these affordable flights
Escape the cold and snow in Indianapolis by taking one of these affordable flights to a new city.
January 26, 2024
 · 
Nicole Hernandez
A rendering of the gateway entrance to The Square redevelopment
Development
Developer unveils updated redevelopment plan to transform Lafayette Square Mall
Initial plans, which included Lafayette Square Mall in the “Window to the World” redevelopment plan, have shifted to transform the former mall into a reimagined multi-million dollar destination called “The Square.”
January 25, 2024
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Nicole Hernandez
Eva Kor
Events
Celebrate Eva Kor Education Day honoring Hoosier Holocaust survivor
January 27 is Eva Kor Education Day and the Indiana Historical Society is honoring her with special exhibits and educational activities.
January 25, 2024
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Nicole Hernandez
INDY_Cityscape canal skyline_JAN2023
Culture
See the winner of our 2023 Picture of the Year contest
Check out the winner and honorable mentions in our 2023 photos submitted by readers.
January 22, 2024
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
A Visit Indy leader stands on stage in front of a packed audience to talk about "the power of a plaza"
City
Visit Indy “State of Tourism” touts an epic 2024
During Visit Indy’s “State of Tourism” event, it celebrated all of the big things happening in Indianapolis in 2024 — and it’s expected to be a transformative year.
January 19, 2024
 · 
Nicole Hernandez
Old City Hall tower development rendering
Development
2024 at a glance: Year of development in Indy
There are a lot of big development project that will either be starting, in progress, or finishing in 2024.
January 16, 2024
 · 
Nicole Hernandez
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