5th Annual Gotta Go Ultimate Gift Guide 2012: Now Accepting Submissions

5th Annual Gotta Go Ultimate Gift Guide 2012

The 5th annual “Gotta Go Ultimate Gift Guide” is quickly coming upon us, sharing holiday and Christmas gift ideas. Nov. 6  is this year's deadline for entries. The list will be published online at GottaGo.us during the week of Nov. 19-23, 2012.

Entries will be selected by a three-judge panel.

Those submitting winning entries will be notified by the email address sent with the entry. Purchasing and contact information should be included with entry, along with bio of product and company. Images should be submitted via email.

Categories

• Wine/spirits/beer

• Food

• Nonfood 

Rules and tips: 

• Entries must be EXACTLY as the consumer would purchase. Ex. gift packs, gift baskets, monthly club items, etc. 

• Submissions must include enough for 3 judges.

• Information for purchasing must be included (website, retail locations, etc.).

• Include social media information (Twitter, Facebook) in email.

• No pornographic, sexual, illegal or hate items will be accepted.

• Entries must be received by 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012.

• Ship entries to: “Gotta Go” 2960 S. Keystone Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46203
Attn.: Ultimate Gift Guide 2012-Elizabeth J. Musgrave.

• Send all questions to elizabethjmusgrave@yahoo.com.

• Items cannot be returned.

• No monies, by way of donation, fee or otherwise, will be required or accepted by any judge.

Thank you for your interest. We look forward to a variety of gift ideas again this year.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read her new column, Infused, at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on Gottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in magazines and several Indianapolis area newspapers. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Top 6 Midwest Places You've Gotta Go This Summer 2012

Lantern Festival                                                                                          Image/IzzyEvans

I have compiled a list of the Top 6 events and great places you've Gotta Go this summer. Within a day's drive, these should definitely be checked out whether as a full-blown vacation, a weekend getaway or day trip. There are long- and short-running exhibits, performances, etc., so take special note of the dates.

Lantern Festival: Art by Day, Magic by Night

Where: Missouri Botanical Garden (St. Louis)

When: Through Aug. 19, 2012

What: Created by Chinese artists on site, 26 silk and light sculptures that are larger-than-life (literally, they are huge-up to 3-stories tall).

My thoughts: By day, fun and pretty; by night, breathtaking and surreal. There are some things that must be seen to be believed and this one is right at the top for that sentiment. This is one of those "You won't see anywhere else" kind of things. My recommendation is to go about an hour before nightfall, see the sculptures by sunlight, then catch the wonder of them by moonlight. Never before seen in the United States, I was fortunate to be invited to St. Louis for the event's grand opening and I absolutely plan to drive the 4 hours to catch it one more time before it disappears.

Website: Mobot.org

World Choir Games 2012

Image/CincinnatiUSARgionalTourismNetwork

Where: Cincinnati
When: July 4-14, 2012
What: "The Olympics of Choral Music" competition
My thoughts: The honor of being selected from a list of 20 cities from around the globe striving to be chosen to host the phenomenal international event is not lost on me. Held every two years in committee-judged locations, Cincinnati is the FIRST ever selected from the United States to host 362 choirs in this international competition. More than 200,00 participants from 48 countries will arrive to compete in front of tens of thousands of attendees. Opening ceremonies, participant village, and special events throughout the host city bring together international and domestic performers all trying for the gold, silver and bronze medals and honor of distinction. More than 300,000 performances and public appearances, 10 venues and a rare chance to be a part of this high-energy event make it a Do-not-miss event.
Website: 2012WorldChoirGames.com

Symphony on the Prairie

                                                     Image/IndianapolisSymphonyOrchestra

Where: Conner Prairie (Indianapolis)
When: Through Sept. 2, 2012
What: Annual summer outdoor concerts, performed by Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
My thoughts: This annual tradition encourages picnics, family time and great music in a casual, scenic location. Jazz, classical, rock and even disco are all performed with, and without, the symphony depending on the show. This year's selection includes Don McClean (American Pie), The Contours (Motown) and firework displays. For a complete schedule, click here Complete schedule
Website: IndianapolisSymphony.org

German Fest

                                                                               Image/GermanFest

Where: Summerfest Grounds (Milwaukee)
When: July 26-29, 2012
What: United States' largest German festival
My thoughts: It only makes sense that the city with the largest German settlement in the United States would hold the largest German festival in the nation. Nearly 100,000 people will frolic for three days along the banks of Lake Michigan, enjoy biergartens and dance in liederhosen.
Website: GermanFest.com

Mackinac Island Fudge Festival

       Image/MackinacIslandTourismBureau

Where: Mackinac Island (Michigan)

When: Aug. 24-25, 2012

What: United State's largest German festival

My thoughts: Fudge. A festival devoted to fudge...kinda proves there is a heaven, doesn't it? Known for the Grand Hotel, horse-drawn carriages and fudge, the island has been a vacation destination since the 19th century. This annual event has activities and demonstrations galore for fudge fanatics known affectionately as "fudgies."

Website: MackincaIslandFudgeFestival.org

Taste of Chicago

                                                                           Image/TasteofChicago

Where:  Grant Park (Chicago)
When: July 11-15, 2012
What:  34th annual Five-day foodie festival
My thoughts: Free admission. This annual event welcomes one-day (called "Pop ups") and five-day restaurant participants from the Chicago area. The more laid back, dressed down predecessor to Gourmet Chicago feeds approximately 1 million attendees.
Website: TasteofChicago.us

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her newest column, Infused at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com, and as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook. Gotta Go is published on Gottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Indiana Artisan Marketplace 2012 Participating Artisans Announced

Indiana Artisan Marketplace 2012
March 31 & April 1

Participating Artisans Announced

WHAT: Indiana Artisan Marketplace

WHEN/Hours: Saturday, March 31, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday, April 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

WHERE: Indiana State Fairgrounds, Expo Hall, Indianapolis 

COST: $10 admission (free for children 7 and under) 

INFO: IndianaArtisan.com

*** News Release ***

INDIANAPOLIS (Feb. 17, 2012) – From Indiana-made wines and chocolate truffles to sterling silver jewelry and chic handbags made from reclaimed leather, visitors to the Indiana Artisan Marketplace will find a variety of work that celebrates the best of Hoosier talent and creativity.

The March 31-April 1 event features more than 100 artists and food artisans juried into the prestigious Indiana Artisan program. In addition to the featured artisans from 40 Indiana counties, more than 75 artisans from Kentucky will participate, since the Hoosier event is modeled after an event in the Bluegrass state, Kentucky Crafted Market that has a 30-year track record.

Participating Artisans

Allen County

Joe Pelka, Fort Wayne, pottery
Website: http://mysite.verizon.net/jpkpclay/  

Kristy Beber, Lee, stoneware pottery
Website: www.kristyjobeber.com

Jennifer Cameron, Fort Wayne, jewelry
Website: www.glassaddictions.com

Wayne Shive, Fort Wayne, chile and espresso fudge sauces
Website: www.bestboyandco.com

Bartholomew County

Alexa Lemley, Columbus, marshmallows
Website: www.240sweet.com

Boone County

Jennifer Berger, Zionsville, hand-designed and constructed felted creatures, using hand-dyed yarns
Website: http://wovendimensions.blogspot.com/

Janet Boettcher, Thorntown, Norwegian Rosemaling folk art painted in oils on wood
Website: www.turnofthecentury-in.com

Joyce Jensen, Zionsville, watercolors
Website: www.joycekjensen.com

Dusky Loebel, Zionsville, handcrafted sterling silver jewelry, using metal smithing and glass fusing
Website: www.artinhandgallery.com

Brown County

Rosemary Bolte, Nashville, painted gourds

Amy Greely, Nashville, jewelry
Website: www.amygreely.com

Chris Gustin, Columbus, rugs and fiber arts
Website: www.homesteadweaver.com

Anabel Hopkins, Nashville, notecards and original art
Website: www.anabelhopkins.com

Michele Pollock, Columbus, mixed media paper art
Website: www.lostlakestudio.com

Judy Prichard, Nashville, pottery
Website: www.oakgrovepottery.com

Tom Prichard, Nashville, pottery
Website: www.oakgrovepottery.com

Kyle Spears, Nashville, photography
Website: www.kylespears.com

Larry Spears, Nashville, pottery

Website: www.spearspottery.com

Carroll County

Rena Brouwer, Delphi, watercolors
Website: www.renabrouwer.com

Cass County

Mercedes Brugh, Logansport, glass jewelry
Website: www.frozenmusic.net

Toney Robertson, Galveston, wooden bowls, hand-turned wooden pendants, roses made of wood and metals

Clark County

Huber’s Winery and Orchard, Borden, wine and brandy
Website: www.huberwinery.com

Diane and Dan Wibbels, Clarksville, hand-woven fiber used to create garments and household items Website: www.holidayhandwovens.com

Daviess County

Larry Green, Washington, basswood carvings

DeKalb County

Kalista Johnston, Garrett, cheese crisps
Website: www.graceislandfoods.com

Delaware County

David Calvin, Muncie, woodwork
Website: www.whimwood.net

Dubois County

Sisters of St. Benedict, Ferdinand, cookies
Website: www.simplydivine.com

Floyd County

Robert Capshew, Lanesville, black cheery, pear and red wine vinegar

Website: www.capshewcellars.com

Franklin County

Carrie Miller, Batesville, sauces and jams

Hamilton County
Linda Adamson, Arcadia, fiber art

Website: www.tabbytreeweaver.com

Carol Bell, Noblesville, stoneware

Website: www.bluemoonpottery.com

Jennifer Cheezum, Carmel, pierogis

Website: www.pierogiinapinch.com

Christine Davis, Fishers, raku fired ceramics

Website: www.christinedavispottery.com

Geoffrey Davis, Noblesville, Indiana songbirds carved from wood

Website: www.50littlebirds.com

Charles Ferguson, Noblesville, Crazy Charlie’s Gourmet salsas

Website: www.cgsalsa.com

Sylvia Gray, Westfield, surface design, hand painted silk scarves

Website: www.sylviagray.net

Tim Kennedy, Fishers, wood turned bowls, vessels, lidded boxes, spheres

Website: www.timsturnery.com

Pam Newell, Fishers, pastels and oils

Website: www.pnewellart.com

Brian Paffen, Fishers, soaps and bath products

Website: www.herbalartonline.com

Lori Shreve, Westfield, fudge

Website: www.indianafudge.com

Harrison County

Laura Pfeiffer, Corydon, 24 wines from Turtle Run Winery
Website: www.turtlerunwinery.com  

Jackson County

Pete Baxter, Seymour, wood, Shaker boxes and carriers

Website: www.petebaxterwoodworks.com

Burton’s Maplewood Farm, Medora, maple syrup

Website: www.burtonsmaplewoodfarm.com

 Jay County

Zach Medler, Portland, ceramics and relief printing

Website: www.zmed-ceramics.com

 Kosciusko County

Terry Armstrong, Warsaw, watercolors
Website: www.terryarmstrong.net 

LaPorte County

Steven Skinner, New Carlisle, pottery

Website: www.blacktreestudio.com 

Lawrence County

Charlotte Waltz, Norman, persimmons

Website: www.seedsandsuch.com

Carousel Winery, Mitchell, wine

Website: www.carouselwinery.com 

Madison County

Greg Adams, Lapel, rustic willow furniture

Marion County

Teri Barnett, Indianapolis, acrylics

Website: www.teribarnett.com

Chuck Bruce, Indianapolis, silver inlay jewelry

Website: www.chuckbrucedesigns.com

James Dupler, Indianapolis, woodworking

Website: www.ccagallery.com/ArtistPages/JamesDupler.html

Allison Ford, Indianapolis, wooden jewelry

Website: www.studioamf.com

Elizabeth Garber, Indianapolis, truffles

Website: www.bestchocolateintown.com

Rick Greiner, Indianapolis, pottery pears

Jayne Hoadley, Indianapolis, sea salt pecan chews

Website: www.jevelynconfections.com 

Anita Hopper, Indianapolis, recycled leather purses and accessories

Website: www.refindoriginals.com 

Erin Jones-Edds, Indianapolis, dressings and drink mixes

Website: www.hoosiermomma.com

Nancy Lee, Indianapolis, jewelry

Website: www.ndesignsmetal.com

Nancy Miller, Indianapolis, gourd art

Peg Neal, Indianapolis, pottery

Website: www.artinhandgallery.com/peg-neal.php

Donna Shortt, Indianapolis, oils and pastels

Website: www.dshortt.com

Carrie Wild, Indianapolis, watercolors

Website: www.carriewild.com

Miami County

Rose Brown, Peru, goat’s milk soap

Susan Kline, Peru, paper collage

Monroe County

Jan Arbogast, Bloomington, pottery

Website: localclay.net/indartistspages/arbogast_jan.htm

John Bower, Bloomington, photography

Website: www.studioindiana.com 

Kris Busch, Heltonville, pottery

Website: www.functionalceramics.com

Jim Butler, Bloomington, wine

Website: www.butlerwinery.com

Marla Dawson, Ellettsville, fiber art

Website: www.weavingbymarla.com

Suzanne Halvorson, Bloomington, fiber art/scarves

Thomas Harris, Bloomington, ceramics/pottery

Website: www.clayoh.com

Carolyn and Don Madvig, Bloomington, paper/found material notecards

Website: www.sleepingdogsstudio.net

Marcy Neiditz, Bloomington, pottery

Website: www.marcyneiditz.com

Cappi Phillips, Bloomington, mixed media mosaic sculpture

Website: www.moesache.com

Sheryl Woodhouse-Keese, Bloomington, handmade papers

Website: www.twistedlimbpaper.com

Morgan County

Donna Jo Copeland, Mooresville, fiber art

Ohio County

Kendal Miller, Dillsboro, fine art photography
Website: www.photographybykendal.com

Orange County

French Lick Winery, French Lick, wine
Website: www.frenchlickwinery.com

Perry County

Winzerwald Winery, Bristow, wine
Website: www.winzerwaldwinery.com

Nita Claise, Tell City, raku pottery

Website: www.nitaclaise.com

Brad Smith, Tell City, hand twisted Tell City Pretzel

Website: www.tellcitypretzel.com

Porter County

Lynn Retson, Porter, graphite drawings

Posey County

Laine Benthall, Mt. Vernon, jewelry

Website: http://www.etsy.com/shop/lainebenthalldesigns 

Tom Wintczak, Wadesville, pottery

Website: www.beetreepottery.com

Randolph County

Judy Coe, Lynn, homemade noodles

Website: www.coesnoodles.com

Wayne Gaydos, Farmland, stringed instruments

Website: www.fromthewoodsinstruments.com

Ripley County

Robin Dyer, Friendship, leather moccasins and textiles

Website: www.carldyers.com

 Shelby County

Julie Bolejack, Shelbyville, chocolates

Website: www.chocolateforthespirit.com

St. Joseph County
Laurel Isle, Winona Lake, soaps and bath products

Tippecanoe County

Mary Firestone, Lafayette, stoneware

Website: www.dirtyhandspottery.com

Lisa Hopkins, West Lafayette, sterling silver jewelry

Website: www.lisahopkinsdesigns.com

Aldis Knight, Lafayette, photography

Website: www.aldisphotographicdesigns.com

Sara Vanderkleed, Lafayette, fine art, including acrylic and watercolor combined with recycled envelopes

Website: www.saravanderkleed.com

Vanderburgh County

Karen Hampton, Evansville, fiber art

Larry Hampton, Evansville, color pencil drawings

Vermillion County

Brooke Schmidt, Dana, toffees

Website: www.brookescandyco.com

Washington

Carrie Strange, Salem, letterpress greeting cards

Website: www.aripress.com 

Wayne County

Nathan and Linda Jones, Richmond, sterling silver jewelry

Website: http://www.etsy.com/people/Persimmonmetals

Daniel Sims, Richmond, stained glass
Website: www.ardencreations.com

About Indiana Artisan

Indiana Artisan was established in 2008 to identify and support the business development of Hoosier entrepreneurs who create high-quality arts, crafts and value-added foods. It was launched as a joint venture of the Indiana Office of Tourism Development, the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, the Indiana Arts Commission, and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. It is a private, not-for-profit organization. 

The work of nearly 200 artisans in nearly 60 Indiana counties has been juried into the organization and is part of the Indiana Artisan brand. More information at IndianaArtisan.com. 

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Ultimate Gift Guide 2010

Annual Ultimate Gift Guide 2010

Gotta Go’s 3^rd annual Ultimate Gift Guide is quickly coming upon us. Below you will find important details, including the deadline. The UGG is published in all newspapers carrying Gotta Go and online at www.gottago.us. The date of publication is dependent on each newspaper’s scheduled holiday shopping issue.

Please note: The quantity of newspapers carrying Gotta Go has increased to 7 with a total circulation of 216,000. All newspapers are located in the Indianapolis metro area.

 

Categories

·         Food: Non-sweet

·         Food: Sweet, not candy and fudge items (ex. cinnamon buns, cakes, etc.)

·         Food: Candy/Fudge

·         Food: Wine/Beer, including related items

·         Nonfood: Children (all items)

·         Nonfood: Adult (all items)

·         Monthly Club: example-Flower of the month club

·         DVDs

·         CDs

·         Books

·         Other: If you believe your item does not fit into any category, enter it in this one.

Rules and Tips:

1.      Items are only allowed entered into one category.
2.      Your company is allowed to enter up to three (3) different categories.
3.      Send the necessary amount needed for a panel of three to judge.
4.      Perishables must be shipped to arrive on a weekday and in non-spoiled condition.
5.      No pornography, sexual, illegal, or hate items will be allowed in the competition.
6.      Entries must be received no later than November 5, 2010, 6 p.m. EST. No late entries accepted.
7.      Please ship entries to: Gotta Go, 2960 S. Keystone Ave., Indianapolis, IN, USA, 46203, Attn: Ultimate Gift Guide-Elizabeth J. Musgrave
8.      Please send all questions to Elizabeth@gottago.us or call Elizabeth at 317-457-3221.
9.  Items cannot be returned and will be disposed of as necessary.
10.  No monies, by way of donation, fee, or otherwise, will be required or accepted by any judge.

Thank you for your interest. I look forward to a wide variety of gift ideas again this year.

Happy Holidays,
Elizabeth J. Musgrave



Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer and theater critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC and follow her on Facebook, Twitter @ejmusgrave1, and at gottago.us.

Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, West Side Community News, New Palestine Reporter, West Indianapolis Community News, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Ultimate gift Guide 2009

It’s that time of year again: snow, carols, crowds and serious decisions. Online or in-store shopping, blue or white bow with the gold wrapping paper, gift cards or actual presents, the spirit starts to wane.

Gifts which are unique will be remembered long after the tinsel is gone and the latest gotta-have-it is tossed to the side. The annual round-up of gifts discovered throughout this year, whether by design, referral or accident, is even tastier than last year. The quality, uniqueness and ease to buy are some of the factors which are looked at carefully before the items make it on this list.

Stocking stuffers can be the favorite gifts this year, if you get the perfect little something tucked between the popcorn balls and candy canes. Finding the trinket to please the recipient, without breaking the piggy bank can be easier than imagined, just by shopping in a non-traditional place. For example, rather than merging with the hundreds of others in the mall, stop in at a local winery for your vino-loving friends and family.

“For stockings and inexpensive small gifts,” described Meredith Easley, Easley Winery, Indianapolis, “you can’t go wrong with wine charms, a charm tree for display or wine bottle stoppers.” Other gift ideas for the wine lover are vacuum sealers, customized wine labels and the deluxe wine-making kit, complete with one free wine class.

For the wine drinker who thinks he has everything, try scooping up some tasty treats from the West Coast. Sacramento Cookie Factory has thin wafer cookies to accent red and white wines. Mocha-Chocolate, Raspberry-Almond and Lemon-Vanilla rearrange taste buds for a distinctive approach to wine. These saucer-size wafers also can be used to create unique desserts.

The chocoholic isn’t forgotten if you remember to order some of Trunnel’s Farm Market’s home-made fudge. Located just outside of Owensboro, the KY Bourbon Chocolate flavor ranks No. 1 on this year’s fudge choice.

Have a sweet lover in the family, who isn’t crazy about chocolate? Try out the hand-made gourmet marshmallows in more than 45 flavors, including Chai Spice and Lemonade, from local Indiana Artisan company 240 Sweet. These fluffy creations are delicious by themselves, making hot chocolate optional.

If traditional shopping isn’t possible, but ordinary gift cards seem too impersonal, purchase a more customized card or membership, without leaving home. Available by telephone or online, gift cards are available for a family membership to the local children’s museum, zoo or even the neighborhood YMCA. Most theater and concert venues will accommodate holiday buying needs whether a single performance or a season subscription is in the budget.

With the economy tightening the Christmas-giving budget this year, creative approaches can be the successful key to a gift which will be remembered long after the egg nog and snow have disappeared.

Guide to Ultimate Gifts

240Sweet
240SWEET.com
California Wine Wafers
sacokfac@pacbell.net
Easley Winery
easleywinery.com
Trunnell’s Farm Market
kevintrunnell@bellsouth.net

This post was originally published under "Gotta Go" in the West Side Community News in Indianapolis, and the West Indianapolis Community News.