Indianapolis is located just about dead center in the state of Indiana. Tagged as “The Crossroads of America” due to the many highways, interstates and railroads that converge on the city, Indy is the largest U. S. city not on a navigable waterway. Now considered a major sports center, Indianapolis continues to be a vibrant and growing metropolis. Following are eight points of discussion that hopefully help potential visitors learn about this Midwest city.
Must do
When in Indy you must visit an attraction for which the city is known world wide. Yes, you must visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home to the Greatest Spectacle in Racing: The Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum at the track grounds chronicles the history of not only the race but automotive developments throughout the decades. There are too many special events there to list. Check the calendar.
What I like best
This is a tough one to narrow down, but I really enjoy the downtown museums. The Indiana State Museum, Eiteljorg Native American museum and the War Memorial are but a few that are all worthy of several hours of your time and attention.
The best walk
The best walk in Indy depends on how long a walk you are talking about. A short walk along the Canal downtown is relaxing and enjoyable. For a longer exercise rated walk head out to as many of the 10 miles of the White River Trail you care to travel.
The best restaurant
Here is another tough decision. Downtown is literally filled with terrific eateries. I have to, however, call out one of the oldest dining establishments as the best. St. Elmo’s Steak House has been THE place to go for steaks since 1902. Over the years many celebrities, rich and famous (and infamous) folks have enjoyed this iconic restaurant.
Best music/festival
Hands down the Indy Jazz Festival is the best music festival. It began in 1999 and has provided thousands of attendees the chance to listen to hundreds of the best jazz musicians in the country.
Best nightlife
Indy is sports crazy, thus there are sports bars everywhere downtown. But for lots of folks the best nightlife can be found at the Slippery Noodle, the oldest running bar in the state. First opened in 1850 as a tavern/road house, the Noodle has never slowed down. Currently it still has some of the best food and the best live blues in town.
Best day trip
The best day trip out of Indianapolis has to be a short hour plus drive south to Brown County. You’ll find beautiful scenery, a nice state park, and the quaint little village of Nashville. This cute community is chock full of shops offering nearly anything you can imagine.
Something that most tourists won’t know about
One attraction in Indy that is not very well know by tourists is the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre on the northwest side of town. Start with the perfect gourmet buffet dinner followed by an awesome show and you have an event you can’t improve upon. This is one of the few remaining professional dinner theaters in the country. Any visitor to Indy should check it out.
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