Broad Ripple's virtues have often figured into my musings. I sometimes wonder what other people think about our unique Indy community. On a recent summer evening, Angie Mercer, a Gazette advertiser, and I decided to take a stroll, stopping here and there to ask folks a question, "What do you like about Broad Ripple?"

Here's what we heard:

In front of the fire station: Matt and Chris were watching their son try his hand at shooting a fireman's water hose with the help of Fireman Ben. (Where else can a child do this on a summer evening?) Chris went to Butler and had visited the area all her life. The couple loves eating outside at places like Canal Bistro and Brugge Brassiere. They especially like the family-friendly atmosphere and enjoy walking the village.

At Chelsea's: I met a Chelsea (not the namesake of the store, which she said was actually named for a dog). "Working in Broad Ripple is great. Everything is within walking distance or an easy bike ride. I've shopped here since I was fourteen and moved to this area from Delphi. People look out for you. I feel safe working here." Jack, the store cat, purred as he watched the interview. Chelsea also added she loved the Gazette's April Fools edition, which had her boyfriend criticizing and talking about the front page before she delighted in announcing, "April Fools!" Outside the store a senior couple was commenting to each other that they enjoy all the dining experiences the area offers. Coming here weekly, they were heading off to Bazbeaux.

Monon Coffee Company: Evan had lots of good things to say about the Village. He is a DJ (djstylistic.com) and works as a nighttime DJ. A graduate of Broad Ripple High School, he stayed in the area and has developed his business. "The nightlife is great! I like the multi-cultural representation of folks here. And the arts can come alive on the streets."

Monon Trail: John, a cycler, relaxing on the bench nearest the Snow Cone Shack, said, "I stop here when I bike from Carmel to downtown. This is the perfect half-way rest stop, and these snow cones are awesome!"

Outside Kroger: Ariel had only been in the area four months. Talking to someone who has fresh impressions was perfect. She said, "I moved here from Lawrence, Kansas. I am an urban planner and work downtown. This area is really vibrant. I have never seen such a vital trail. The Monon Trail is really something to be emulated by other communities. My mom was a small business owner and had to fold when WalMart came to town. I have a great appreciation for local business people and non-chain restaurants."

On a sidewalk: We met teenagers Melinda, Briana, and Madeline, accompanied by their mother, Naomi, who looked like a sister. They were out for a night on the town. They loved that everything is in walking distance. They really like "the artsy feel of the area". . . so different than other places in Indy. Naomi said Broad Ripple reminds her of Greenwich Village. The girls gave their thumbs up to the trendy clothes, vintage shops, and salons. Madeline recalled, "Our first time coming here was when I was eleven. My mom rented a limo, and we came to the ceramic shop and painted plates for my birthday party." This time around it was Briana's birthday and an early celebration in the village.

Petite Chou: Matt, the manager, gets pleasure from serving the customers in Broad Ripple. "They are the best. They come here to enjoy, dine, and soak up the feel of our community. They seem to shed who they are and become citizens of the neighborhood."

While it was fascinating to hear all these opinions, it was irksome to spot a parking ticket on my car. Angie and I are such Broad Ripple stalwarts that we forgot the new meters need to be fed after 6 p.m. Matt chimed in that he had received a ticket the day before, and two servers had been cited that same week. Let our experience be a warning to all. Even still, consensus holds that Broad Ripple is a primo place for people to meet, dine, relax, and celebrate. Aren't we lucky to be part of an energizing, artistic, eclectic, diverse, friendly community in Indy?!