I don’t have to go very far to get to my favorite place in Indy: my own backyard. I call it Club Baker, located in sunny, semi-tropical Indianapolis, at the end of a dead-end street.

Baker’s Acre includes lots of shade trees, a large pool, a patio with a swing — and grilling privileges. Even early fall is reminiscent of south France and the Mediterranean Sea, with the fading summer heat and leaves starting to swirl in the air to find their way into the pool. All that is missing is the sand.

There are no dues, only two club members (not counting the dogs) and the pool is open 24/7 for those hot summer nights. Nobody cares if you bring your beer can or glass of wine with you into the pool. No one really cares if you forgot your swimsuit, since those are optional anyway.

Club Baker is getting ready to shut down for the season but there is really no shutdown — the grill is operational even when the snow falls, and the swing will be swinging well into the fall.

Guess John Fogerty was right about backyards. I can go anyplace in Indianapolis and enjoy myself, but looking out my back door will always be the best Indy has to offer — for me, anyway.

Tess Baker

Tess Baker works at IUPUI but plays at writing and is also co-owner of exclusive Club Baker in an undisclosed, secret location in Indianapolis.