Indianapolis, Indiana

The Circle City

I guess the best place to start off our city guides would be the place that I call home, Indianapolis, Indiana. From the home of the greatest spectacle in racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to the house that Peyton built at Lucas Oil Stadium, this city has much more to it than many people think of when this city comes to mind. 

Why travel to Indianapolis?

The state known as the "Crossroads of America" is a perfect stop along your road trip throughout the Midwest. Just a few short hours away from other major cities like Chicago, St. Louis or Cincinnati its not hard to add this stop to your itinerary. From affordable hotels, amazing restaurants, a very walkable downtown, a pile of sporting events and many museums for all ages there's something for everyone. 

Top Things to do in Indianapolis

1. Take in the Indianapolis 500. "The greatest spectacle in racing" is the largest single-day sporting event in the world. Every Memorial Day, for over 100 years, hundreds of thousands of people gather to watch 33 drivers top 220 MPH as they chase their dream of climbing the fence, drinking the milk and have their face carved in to history on the Borg-Warner Trophy.

2. Discover the Children's Museum. Indy is home to the world's largest children's museum. They have interactive exhibits for kids of all ages.

3. Eat your way down Mass Ave. Mass Ave. is home to a variety of incredible food and craft cocktail bars. We will cover some of our favorites in the next section.

4. Explore the canal walk or bike the Indianapolis Cultural Trail

5. Take in the art scene at Newfields or the Indianapolis Museum of Art

6. Go to a sporting event. Home of the Indianpolis Colts, Indiana Pacers, Indianapolis Indians and racing of any kind, there's surely something for everyone. 

Where to Eat

1. St. Elmo's Steak House- Even though its a steak house you can't miss their shrimp cocktail with their famous house cocktail sauce.

2. Eagle's Nest- Sitting a top a hotel, the restaurant spins a full 360 degrees every hour giving you a different view of the city every few minutes. Just remember where your table was if you get up and use the restroom.

3. The Eagle- The best " home cooking" on Mass Ave. Fried Chicken and cornbread are the staple go to here.

4. Bluebeard- A rotating menu of the freshest ingredients according to the time of year and harvest seasons. Get a variety of plates and share with the table because you will want to try it all. 

5. Salt on Mass Ave- The go to seafood restaurant for fresh seafood flown in daily.

Where to stay?

1. JW Marriot- This beautiful all glass skyscraper provides each room with floor to ceiling windows with views of downtown to the East and a view of the canal and the Indianapolis Zoo to the West. 

2. Bottleworks Hotel- An old bottle factory turned boutique hotel right at the end of Mass Ave.

Day trips from Indy

1. Brown County State Park- About an hour south of Indy lies Nashville, Indiana. This state park offers easy trails through the woods, camping throughout the park, horseback riding, and a great little downtown square with mom and pop stores of all sorts. Be sure to visit in October to not miss the amazing colors of fall.

2. Eagle Creek State Park-A little closer to Indy if youre looking to do some hiking, Eagle Creek is a great choice. 

3. Carmel, Indian- Just 20 minutes up the road is home to one of the top 10 neighborhoods in the United States. Home to amazing restaurants, beautiful homes and unlimited shopping. Visit in December to get a chance to see the Christkrindlmarkt, a Christmas market with ice skating, Santa, and Christmas themed shops. 

Final Takeaway

If you're looking for a destination that's budget friendly, easy to explore, and full of activities for everyone then Indianapolis should be on your travel radar. It's an ideal stop for families, couples, road trippers and culture lovers. Indy is on of the most friendly and welcoming cities in America. Whether you're just passing through or planning a trip here as your destination, we can help you plan the perfect Indy adventure.